ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC - Quarter Report: 2022 September (Form 10-Q)

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

☒	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2022

 

or

 

☐	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from __________ to __________

 

Commission File Number: 1-11692

 

 

Ethan Allen Interiors Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware		06-1275288
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

25 Lake Avenue Ext., Danbury, Connecticut		06811-5286
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

 

(203) 743-8000

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

Common Stock, $0.01 par value		ETD		New York Stock Exchange
(Title of each class)		(Trading symbol)		(Name of each exchange on which registered)

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒ Yes          ☐ No

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer	☐	Accelerated filer	☒
Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐
Emerging growth company	☐

 

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

 

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

 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value, as of October 19, 2022, was 25,347,420.

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except par value)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Organization

Founded in 1932 and incorporated in Delaware in 1989, Ethan Allen Interiors Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ethan Allen Global, Inc., and Ethan Allen Global, Inc.’s subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “us,” “our,” “Ethan Allen” or the “Company”), is a leading interior design company, manufacturer and retailer in the home furnishings marketplace.

Nature of Business

We are a global luxury home fashion brand that is vertically integrated from product design through home delivery, which offers our customers stylish product offerings, artisanal quality, and personalized service. We are known for the quality and craftsmanship of our products as well as for the exceptional personal service from design to delivery. We provide complimentary interior design service to our clients and sell a full range of home furnishings through a retail network of design centers located throughout the United States and abroad as well as online at ethanallen.com.

Ethan Allen design centers represent a mix of locations operated by independent licensees and Company-operated locations. As of  September 30, 2022, the Company operates 139 retail design centers with 135 located in the United States and four in Canada. Our independently operated design centers are located in the United States, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. We also own and operate ten manufacturing facilities, including four manufacturing plants, one sawmill, one rough mill and one kiln dry lumberyard in the United States, two manufacturing plants in Mexico and one manufacturing plant in Honduras. Approximately 75% of our products are manufactured or assembled in the North American plants. We also contract with various suppliers located in Europe, Asia, and other countries that produce products that support our business.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Our consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of an entity in which we are a majority shareholder with the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s performance. Noncontrolling interest amounts in the entity are immaterial and included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income within Interest and other income, net.

All intercompany activity and balances, including any related profit on intercompany sales, have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary for fair presentation, have been included in the consolidated financial statements. The results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of results that  may be expected for the entire fiscal year. The interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022 (the “2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K”).

Use of Estimates

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), which 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making those estimates, actual results could differ from those estimates. Areas in which significant estimates have been made include, but are not limited to, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment analyses, recoverability and useful lives for property, plant and equipment, inventory obsolescence, tax valuation allowances and the evaluation of uncertain tax positions and business insurance reserves.

Restricted Cash

We present restricted cash as a component of total cash and cash equivalents on our consolidated statement of cash flows and within Other Assets on our consolidated balance sheet. As of September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, we held $0.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of restricted cash related to our Ethan Allen insurance captive.

We have evaluated subsequent events through the date of issuance of the financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

New Accounting Standards or Updates Adopted in Fiscal 2023

The Company evaluates all Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) for consideration of their applicability to our consolidated financial statements. We have not adopted any ASUs in fiscal 2023.

Recent Accounting Standards or Updates Not Yet Effective

Business Combinations. In  October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, which requires an acquirer to recognize and measure contract assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) rather than adjust them to fair value at the acquisition date. This accounting standards update will be effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2024. We are currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard, but do not expect it to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives and Hedging. In  March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-01, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 801): Fair Value Hedging – Portfolio Layer Method, which expands the current single-layer hedging model to allow multiple-layer hedges of a single closed portfolio of prepayable financial assets or one or more beneficial interests secured by a portfolio of prepayable financial instruments under the method. This accounting standards update will be effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2024. We are currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard, but do not expect it to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective as of September 30, 2022 have had or are expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Our reported revenue (net sales) consists substantially of product sales. We report product sales net of discounts and recognize them at the point in time when control transfers to the customer. For sales to our customers in our wholesale segment, control typically transfers when the product is shipped. The majority of our shipping agreements are freight-on-board shipping point and risk of loss transfers to our wholesale customer once the product is out of our control. Accordingly, revenue is recognized for product shipments on third-party carriers at the point in time that our product is loaded onto the third-party container or truck. For sales in our retail segment, control generally transfers upon delivery to the customer.

Shipping and Handling. Our practice has been to sell our products at the same delivered cost to all retailers and customers nationwide, regardless of shipping point. Costs incurred by the Company to deliver finished goods are expensed and recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. We recognize shipping and handling expense as fulfillment activities (rather than as a promised good or service) when the activities are performed even if those activities are performed after the control of the good has been transferred. Accordingly, we record the expenses for shipping and handling activities at the same time we recognize net sales.

Sales Taxes. We exclude from the measurement of the transaction price all taxes imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction and collected by the entity from a customer, including sales, use, excise, value-added, and franchise taxes (collectively referred to as sales taxes). Sales tax collected is not recognized as revenue but is included in Accounts payable and accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets as it is ultimately remitted to governmental authorities.

Returns and Allowances. Estimated refunds for returns and allowances are based on our historical return patterns. We record these estimated sales refunds on a gross basis rather than on a net basis and have recorded an asset for product we expect to receive back from customers in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and a corresponding refund liability in Other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, these amounts were immaterial.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. Accounts receivable arise from the sale of products on trade credit terms and is presented net of allowance for doubtful accounts. We maintain an allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a review of specifically identified accounts in addition to an overall aging analysis. At September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, the allowance for doubtful accounts was immaterial.

Commissions. We capitalize commission fees paid to our associates as contract assets within Prepaid expenses and other current assets on our consolidated balance sheets. These prepaid commissions are subsequently recognized as a selling expense upon delivery (when we have transferred control of our product to our customer). At September 30, 2022, we had prepaid commissions of $17.8 million, which we expect to recognize to selling expense during the remainder of fiscal 2023 as Selling, general and administrative expenses within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Customer Deposits. In most cases we collect deposits from customers on a portion of the total purchase price at the time a written order is placed, but before we have transferred control of our product to our customers, resulting in contract liabilities. These customer deposits are reported as a current liability in Customer deposits on our consolidated balance sheets. As of  September 30, 2022, we had customer deposits of $108.9 million compared with $121.1 million at June 30, 2022. During the first quarter of fiscal 2023, we recognized $78.1 million of revenue related to our contract liabilities as of  June 30, 2022. We expect that substantially all of the customer deposits received as of  September 30, 2022 will be recognized as revenue within the next twelve months as the performance obligations are satisfied.

We recognize the promised amount of consideration without adjusting for the effects of a significant financing component if the contract has a duration of one year or less. As our contracts typically are less than one year in length and do not have significant financing components, we have not adjusted consideration.

The following table disaggregates our net sales by product category by segment for the three months ended September 30, 2022 (in thousands):

The following table disaggregates our net sales by product category by segment for the three months ended September 30, 2021 (in thousands):

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the use of various valuation methodologies, including market, income and cost approaches is permissible. We consider the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.

Fair Value Hierarchy. The accounting guidance for fair value measurements establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value based on the reliability of inputs. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

We have categorized our cash equivalents and investments within the fair value hierarchy as follows: 

Level 1 – applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. These Level 1 assets include our corporate money market funds that are classified as cash equivalents. We have categorized our cash equivalents as Level 1 assets as there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 – applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. At September 30, 2022, we have categorized our investments as Level 2 assets. 

Level 3 – applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. We held no Level 3 assets or liabilities as of September 30, 2022 or June 30, 2022.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis. The following tables show, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022. We did not have any transfers between levels of fair value measurements during the periods presented.

As of September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, we did not have any outstanding bank borrowings, which we historically have categorized as a Level 2 liability. There were no investments that have been in a continuous loss position for more than one year, and there have been no other-than-temporary impairments recognized.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis. We did not record any other-than-temporary impairments on assets required to be measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during fiscal 2023 or 2022.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for Disclosure Purposes Only. We had no outstanding bank borrowings as of September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022.

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

We recognize substantially all leases on their balance sheet as a ROU asset and a lease liability. We have operating leases for many of our design centers that expire at various dates through fiscal 2040. We also lease certain tangible assets, including computer equipment and vehicles with initial lease terms ranging from three to five years.

We determine if a contract contains a lease at inception based on our right to control the use of an identified asset and our right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of that identified asset. Certain operating leases have renewal options and rent escalation clauses as well as various purchase options. We assess these options to determine if we are reasonably certain of exercising these options based on all relevant economic and financial factors. Any options that meet these criteria are included in the lease term at lease commencement. Most of our leases do not have an interest rate implicit in the lease. As a result, for purposes of measuring our ROU asset and lease liability, we determine our incremental borrowing rate by computing the rate of interest that we would have to pay to (i) borrow on a collateralized basis (ii) over a similar term (iii) at an amount equal to the total lease payments and (iv) in a similar economic environment. As we do not have any outstanding public debt, we estimated the incremental borrowing rate based on our estimated credit rating and available market information. The incremental borrowing rate is subsequently reassessed upon a modification to the lease agreement. Some of our leases contain variable lease payments based on a consumer price index or percentage of sales, which are excluded from the measurement of the lease liability.

The Company's lease terms and discount rates are as follows:

The following table discloses the location and amount of our operating and financing lease costs within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (in thousands):

ETHAN ALLEN INT

ERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

The table below reconciles the undiscounted future minimum lease payments (displayed by year and in the aggregate) under noncancelable leases with terms of more than one year to the total lease liabilities recognized on the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2022 (in thousands):

As of September 30, 2022, we have two operating leases for retail design centers, which have not yet commenced. These two operating leases are not part of the tables above nor in the lease right-of-use assets and liabilities. These leases will commence when we obtain possession of the underlying leased asset, which is expected to occur during the second quarter of fiscal 2023. The two operating leases are for a period of five and seven years, respectively, and have aggregate undiscounted future lease payments of $7.8 million. As of September 30, 2022, we did not have any financing leases that had not commenced.

Other supplemental information for our leases is as follows (in thousands):

There were no non-cash financing lease obligations obtained in exchange for new financing lease assets during the three months ended September 30, 2022 or 2021.

Sale-leaseback transaction. On August 1, 2022, we completed a sale-leaseback transaction with an independent third party for the land, building and related fixed assets of a retail design center. The design center was leased back to Ethan Allen via a multi-year operating lease agreement. As part of the transaction, we received net proceeds of $8.1 million, which resulted in a pre-tax gain of $1.8 million recorded within Restructuring and other impairment charges, net of gains and $5.2 million deferred as a liability to be amortized to Restructuring and other impairment charges, net of gains over the term of the related lease. During the first quarter of fiscal 2023 we recorded two months of amortization of this deferred liability, which increased our restructuring gain to $2.3 million. As of September 30, 2022, the deferred liability balance was $4.8 million, with $2.6 million in Other current liabilities and $2.2 million in Other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet.

Inventories are summarized as follows (in thousands):

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Property, plant and equipment are summarized as follows (in thousands):

We recorded depreciation expense of $3.9 million and $4.3 million for the three months ending September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Our goodwill and intangible assets are comprised of goodwill, which represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired, and our Ethan Allen trade name and related trademarks. At September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, we had $25.4 million of goodwill and $19.7 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets, all of which are recorded in our wholesale segment.

Both goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized as they are estimated to have an indefinite life. We test our wholesale goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired. We performed our annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, consistent with the timing of prior years. We concluded it was more likely than not that the fair value was greater than the respective carrying value and no impairment charge was required.

The following table summarizes the nature of the amounts within Other current liabilities (in thousands):

We recorded income tax expense of $10.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared with $7.2 million in the prior year comparable period. Our consolidated effective tax rate was 25.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared with 26.3% in the prior year period. Our effective tax rate varies from the 21% federal statutory rate primarily due to state taxes.

We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense. As of September 30, 2022, we had $2.8 million of unrecognized tax benefits compared with $2.5 million as of June 30, 2022. It is reasonably possible that various issues relating to approximately $0.5 million of the total gross unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2022 will be resolved within the next 12 months as exams are completed or statutes expire. If recognized, approximately $0.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits would reduce our income tax expense in the period realized.

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

On  January 26, 2022, the Company and most of its domestic subsidiaries (the “Loan Parties”) entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and syndication agent and Capital One, National Association, as documentation agent. The Credit Agreement amends and restates the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2018, as amended. The Credit Agreement provides for a $125 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”), subject to borrowing base availability, with a maturity date of January 26, 2027. The Credit Agreement also provides the Company with an option to increase the size of the facility up to an additional amount of $60 million. We incurred financing costs of $0.5 million during fiscal 2022, which are being amortized as interest expense within Interest expense and other financing costs in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income over the remaining life of the Credit Agreement using the effective interest method.

Availability. The availability of credit at any given time under the Facility will be constrained by the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, including the amount of collateral available, a borrowing base formula based upon numerous factors including the value of eligible inventory and eligible accounts receivable, and other restrictions contained in the Facility. All obligations under the Facility are secured by assets of the Loan Parties including inventory, receivables and certain types of intellectual property. Total borrowing base availability under the Facility was $121.0 million at both September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022.

Borrowings. At the Company’s option, borrowings under the Facility bear interest, based on the average quarterly availability, at an annual rate of either (a) Adjusted Term SOFR Rate (defined as the Term SOFR Rate for such interest period plus 0.10%) plus 1.25% to 2.0%, or (b) Alternate Base Rate (defined as the greatest of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (NYRFB) rate plus 0.5%, or (iii) the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate for a one-month interest period plus 1.0%) plus 0.25% to 1.0%. We had no outstanding borrowings under the Facility as of September 30, 2022, June 30, 2022, or at any time during fiscal 2023 and 2022. Since we had no outstanding borrowings during fiscal 2023 and 2022, there was no interest expense during fiscal 2023 and 2022.

Covenants and Other Ratios. The Facility contains various restrictive and affirmative covenants, including required financial reporting, limitations on the ability to grant liens, make loans or other investments, incur additional debt, issue additional equity, merge or consolidate with or into another person, sell assets, pay dividends or make other distributions or enter into transactions with affiliates, along with other restrictions and limitations similar to those frequently found in credit agreements of this type and size. Loans under the Facility may become immediately due and payable upon certain events of default (including failure to comply with covenants, change of control or cross-defaults) as set forth in the Facility.

The Facility does not contain any significant financial ratio covenants or coverage ratio covenants other than a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant based on the ratio of (a) EBITDA, plus cash Rentals, minus Unfinanced Capital Expenditures to (b) Fixed Charges, as such terms are defined in the Facility. The fixed charge coverage ratio covenant, set at 1.0 to 1.0 and measured on a trailing period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, only applies in certain limited circumstances, including when the unused availability under the Facility drops below $14.0 million. At no point during fiscal years 2023 or 2022, did the unused availability under the Facility fall below $14.0 million, thus the Fixed-Charge Coverage Ratio (FCCR) Covenant did not apply. At both September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, we were in compliance with all the covenants under the Facility.

Letters of Credit. At both September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, there was $4.0 million of standby letters of credit outstanding under the Facility.

Restructuring and other impairment charges, net of gains, were as follows (in thousands):

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Restructuring payments made by the Company during the first three months of fiscal 2023 were $0.2 million, which were primarily for lease payments due under a retail design center that was previously exited and employee severance. Excluding the deferred liability of $4.8 million related to the sale-leaseback transaction, the remaining restructuring balance as of September 30, 2022 was less than $0.5 million, which is anticipated to be paid during the remainder of fiscal 2023.

Basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) are calculated using the following weighted average share data (in thousands):

Dilutive potential common shares consist of stock options, restricted stock units and performance units. 

As of September 30, 2022 and 2021, total share-based awards of 94,379 and 142,083, respectively, were excluded from the diluted EPS calculations because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

As of September 30, 2022 and 2021, the number of performance units excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS were 181,096 and 293,752, respectively. Contingently issuable shares with performance conditions are evaluated for inclusion in diluted EPS if, at the end of the current period, conditions would be satisfied as if it were the end of the contingency period.

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consists of foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains or losses on investments. Foreign currency translation adjustments are the result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our operations in Canada, Honduras and Mexico. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the current period-end exchange rate and income and expense amounts are translated using the average exchange rate for the period in which the transaction occurred. Our investments consist of U.S. Treasury Bills, municipal bonds, commercial paper and certificates of deposit with maturities of one year or less. All unrealized gains and losses are included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) within the consolidated balance sheets.

The components of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) are as follows (in thousands):

The following table sets forth the activity in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) (in thousands).

We recognized total share-based compensation expense of $0.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. These amounts have been included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income within SG&A expenses. As of September 30, 2022, $3.6 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested equity awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.5 years. There was no share-based compensation capitalized for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

At September 30, 2022, there were 1,246,280 shares of common stock available for future issuance pursuant to the Ethan Allen Interiors Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), which provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, and stock units. 

Stock Option Activity

Employee Stock Option Grants. There were no stock option awards granted to employees during the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021.

Non-Employee Stock Option Grants. The Plan also provides for the grant of share-based awards, including stock options, to non-employee directors of the Company. During the first quarter of fiscal 2023, we granted 23,970 stock options at an exercise price of $25.03 to our existing non-employee directors. In the prior year first quarter, we granted 25,410 stock options at an exercise price of $23.61. These stock options vest in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant so long as the director continues to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). All options granted to directors have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant and remain exercisable for a period of up to ten years, subject to continuous service on our Board. There were no other non-employee stock option grants during fiscal 2023 or 2022.

As of September 30, 2022, $0.2 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining period of 2.6 years. A total of 122,497 stock options were outstanding as of September 30, 2022, at a weighted average exercise price of $24.07 and a weighted average grant date fair value of $7.59.

Restricted Stock Unit Activity

During the first three months of fiscal 2023, we granted 21,257 non-performance based restricted stock units (“RSUs”), with a weighted average grant date fair value of $19.48. The RSUs granted to employees entitle the holder to receive the underlying shares of common stock as the unit vests over the relevant vesting period. The RSUs do not entitle the holder to receive dividends declared on the underlying shares while the RSUs remain unvested and vest in four equal annual installments on the anniversary of the date of grant. In the year ago first quarter, we granted 51,100 RSUs with a weighted average grant date fair value of $20.71 and vest in four equal annual installments on the anniversary date of the grant.

During the first three months of fiscal 2023, 24,025 RSUs vested and 750 RSUs were forfeited leaving 72,582 RSUs outstanding as of September 30, 2022, with a weighted average grant date fair value of $17.69.

As of September 30, 2022, $1.2 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock units is expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining period of 2.7 years.

Performance Stock Unit Activity

Payout of performance stock unit (“PSU”) grants depend on the attainment of certain financial and shareholder-return goals over a specific performance period, which is generally three fiscal years. The number of awards that will vest, as well as unearned and canceled awards, depend on the achievement of certain financial and shareholder-return goals over the three-year performance periods, and will be settled in shares if service conditions are met, requiring employees to remain employed with us through the end of the three-year performance periods.

During the first three months of fiscal 2023 we granted 103,096 PSUs with a weighted average grant date fair value of $18.75 compared with 90,367 RSUs at a weighted average grant date fair value of $17.15 in the prior year first quarter. We estimate, as of the date of grant, the fair value of PSUs with a discounted cash flow model, using as model inputs the risk-free rate of return as the discount rate, dividend yield for dividends not paid during the restriction period, and a discount for lack of marketability for a one-year post-vest holding period. The lack of marketability discount used is the present value of a future put option using the Chaffe model.

During the first three months of fiscal 2023, 31,635 PSUs, that were previously granted in August 2019, vested. As of September 30, 2022, a total of 391,596 PSUs were outstanding at a weighted average grant date fair value of $18.25.

Unrecognized compensation expense as of September 30, 2022, related to PSUs, was $2.2 million based on the current estimates of the number of awards that will vest, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining period of 2.3 years.

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Ethan Allen conducts business globally and has strategically aligned its business into two reportable segments: Wholesale and Retail. These two segments represent strategic business areas of our vertically integrated enterprise that operate separately and provide their own distinctive services. Our operating segments are aligned with how the Company, including our chief operating decision maker, manages the business. This vertical structure enables us to offer our complete line of home furnishings and accents more effectively while controlling quality and cost. We evaluate performance of the respective segments based upon sales and operating income.

Wholesale Segment. The wholesale segment is principally involved in the development of the Ethan Allen brand and encompasses all aspects of design, manufacturing, sourcing, marketing, sale and distribution of our broad range of home furnishings and accents. Our wholesale segment net sales include sales to our retail segment, which are eliminated in consolidation, and sales to our independent retailers and other third parties. Wholesale revenue is generated upon the sale and shipment of our products to our retail network of independently operated design centers, Company-operated design centers and other contract customers.

Retail Segment. The retail segment sells home furnishings and accents to clients through a network of Company-operated design centers. Retail revenue is generated upon the retail sale and delivery of our products to our retail customers through our network of retail home delivery centers. Retail profitability reflects (i) the retail gross margin, which represents the difference between the retail net sales price and the cost of goods, purchased from the wholesale segment, and (ii) other operating costs associated with retail segment activities. As of September 30, 2022, the Company operated 139 design centers within our retail segment.

Intersegment. We account for intersegment sales transactions between our segments consistent with independent third-party transactions, that is, at current market prices. As a result, the manufacturing profit related to sales to our retail segment is included within our wholesale segment. Operating income realized on intersegment revenue transactions is therefore generally consistent with the operating income realized on our revenue from independent third-party transactions. Segment operating income is based on profit or loss from operations before interest and other financing costs, other income (expense), net and income taxes. Sales are attributed to countries on the basis of the customer's location.

Segment information is provided below (in thousands):

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Commitments represent obligations, such as those for future purchases of goods or services that are not yet recorded on the balance sheet as liabilities. We record liabilities for commitments when incurred (specifically when the goods or services are received). 

Material Cash Requirements from Contractual Obligations. As disclosed in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as of June 30, 2022, we had total contractual obligations of $193.2 million, including $131.6 million related to our operating lease commitments and $40.8 million of open purchase orders. Except for operating lease payments made to our landlords totaling $8.2 million during the first three months of fiscal 2023, there were no other material changes, outside of the ordinary course of business, in our contractual obligations as previously disclosed in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Legal Matters. On a quarterly basis, we review our litigation activities and determine if an unfavorable outcome to us is considered “remote,” “reasonably possible” or “probable” as defined by ASC 450, Contingencies. Where we determine an unfavorable outcome is probable and is reasonably estimable, we accrue for potential litigation losses. Although the outcome of the various claims and proceedings against us cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that, based on information available at September 30, 2022, the likelihood is remote that any existing claims or proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (the “MD&A”) is designed to provide a reader of our consolidated 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. The MD&A should be read in conjunction with our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

The MD&A is presented in the following sections:

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the MD&A, contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Generally, forward-looking statements represent management’s beliefs and assumptions concerning current expectations, projections or trends relating to results of operations, financial results, financial condition, strategic objectives and plans, expenses, dividends, share repurchases, liquidity, use of cash and cash requirements, investments, future economic performance, business and industry and the effect of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic on the business operations and financial results. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These forward-looking statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “continue,” “may,” “will,” “short-term,” “target,” “outlook,” “forecast,” “future,” “strategy,” “opportunity,” “would,” “guidance,” “non-recurring,” “one-time,” “unusual,” “should,” “likely,” “COVID-19 impact,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. We derive many of our forward-looking statements from operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While the Company believes that its assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors and it is impossible for the Company to anticipate all factors that could affect actual results and matters that are identified as “short term,” “non-recurring,” “unusual,” “one-time,” or other words and terms of similar meaning may in fact recur in one or more future financial reporting periods. 

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that are expected. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements due to a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to the following: a resurgence of COVID-19 and resulting containment measures could negatively impact our ability to fulfill existing order backlog or cause changes in consumer demand; a resurgence of COVID-19 could lead to temporary closures, including our distribution centers; the Company may require additional funding from external sources, which may not be available at the levels required, or may cost more than expected; declines in certain economic conditions, which impact consumer confidence and spending; financial or operational difficulties due to competition in the residential home furnishings industry; a significant shift in consumer preference toward purchasing products online; an overall decline in the health of the economy and consumer spending has in the past and may in the future reduce consumer purchases of discretionary items; inability to maintain and enhance the Ethan Allen brand; failure to successfully anticipate or respond to changes in consumer tastes and trends in a timely manner; inability to maintain current design center locations at current costs; failure to select and secure appropriate retail locations; disruptions in the supply chain and supply chain management; fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of raw materials and imported finished goods resulting in increased costs and production delays, and which could result in a decline in sales; competition from overseas manufacturers and domestic retailers; the number of manufacturing and distribution sites may increase exposure to business disruptions and could result in higher transportation costs; current and former manufacturing and retail operations and products are subject to increasingly stringent environmental, health and safety requirements; product recalls or product safety concerns; significant increased costs or potential liabilities as a result of environmental laws and regulations aimed at combating climate change; risk to reputation and stock price related to future disclosures on Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) matters; extensive reliance on information technology systems to process transactions, summarize results, and manage the business and that of certain independent retailers; disruptions in both primary and back-up systems; cyber-attacks and the ability to maintain adequate cyber-security systems and procedures; loss, corruption and misappropriation of data and information relating to customers; global and local economic uncertainty may materially adversely affect manufacturing operations or sources of merchandise and international operations; changes in United States trade and tax policies; reliance on certain key personnel, loss of key personnel or inability to hire additional qualified personnel; a shortage of qualified labor within our operations and our supply chain; potential future asset impairment charges resulting from changes to estimates or projections used to assess assets’ fair value, financial results that are lower than current estimates or determinations to close underperforming locations; access to consumer credit could be interrupted as a result of external conditions; failure to protect the Company’s intellectual property; hazards and risks which may not be fully covered by insurance; and other factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors, in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and elsewhere here in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company, or persons acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements, as well as other cautionary statements. A reader should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q in the context of these risks and uncertainties. Given the risks and uncertainties surrounding forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on these statements. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. The forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Executive Overview

Who We Are. Founded in 1932 and incorporated in Delaware in 1989, Ethan Allen is a leading interior design company, manufacturer and retailer in the home furnishings marketplace. We are a global luxury home fashion brand that is vertically integrated from product design through home delivery, which offers our customers stylish product offerings, artisanal quality and personalized service. We provide complimentary interior design service to our clients and sell a full range of home furnishing products through a retail network of design centers located throughout the United States and abroad as well as online at ethanallen.com. Ethan Allen design centers represent a mix of locations operated by independent licensees and Company-operated locations. As of September 30, 2022, the Company operates 139 retail design centers; 135 located in the United States and four in Canada. Our independently operated design centers are located in the United States, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. We also own and operate ten manufacturing facilities, including four manufacturing plants, one sawmill, one rough mill and a kiln dry lumberyard in the United States, two upholstery manufacturing plants in Mexico and one case goods manufacturing plant in Honduras. Approximately 75% of our products are manufactured or assembled in the North American plants. We also contract with various suppliers located in Europe, Asia and other various countries to produce products that support our business.

Business Model. Ethan Allen has a distinct vision of American style, rooted in the kind of substance that we believe differentiates us from our competitors. Our business model is to maintain continued focus on (i) providing relevant product offerings, (ii) capitalizing on the professional and personal service offered to our customers by our interior design professionals, (iii) leveraging the benefits of our vertical integration including a strong manufacturing presence in North America, (iv) regularly investing in new technologies across key aspects of our vertically integrated business, (v) maintaining a strong logistics network, (vi) communicating our messages with strong advertising and marketing campaigns, and (vii) utilizing our website, ethanallen.com, as a key marketing tool to drive traffic to our retail design centers.

Strategy. Our strategy emphasizes the aim to position Ethan Allen as a preferred brand offering complimentary design service together with products of superior style, quality, and value to provide customers with a comprehensive, one-stop shopping solution for their home furnishing and interior design needs. In carrying out our strategy, we continue to expand our reach to a broader consumer base through a diverse selection of attractively priced products, designed to complement one another, reflecting current fashion trends in home decorating. We continuously monitor changes in home fashion trends through industry events and fashion shows, internal market research, and regular communication with our retailers and design center design professionals who provide valuable input on consumer trends.

Talent. Our employees, which we refer to as associates, are dedicated to helping each customer create a place that they will love to come home to everyday. We operate our business with an entrepreneurial attitude, staying focused on long-term growth, and treating our associates, vendors, and customers with dignity and justice, which we believe is critical to remaining both profitable and relevant amidst the constant changes taking place in the world.

Competitive Advantages. Our competitive advantages arise from:

As we celebrate our ninth decade as innovative interior designers, manufacturers and retailers, we must remain focused on our next decade of business as we continue the journey from the sale of furniture to a premier provider of interior design and purveyor of quality custom-made home furnishings, combining personal service with technology.

Fiscal 2023 First Quarter in Review ⁽¹⁾. We are pleased with our first quarter performance, as we seek to continue delivering value to our shareholders through executing our strategic initiatives. Our vertically integrated enterprise remains key to our success and is a competitive advantage for us as approximately 75% of our products are made in our North American manufacturing workshops. Constant reinvention through ongoing reviews of our merchandising, marketing, technology, logistics and our retail operations, positions us to deliver value to our shareholders. Our manufacturing and logistics operations are key to our overall strategy to generate production efficiencies and drive profitability. We believe our commitment to constant reinvention while maintaining an entrepreneurial attitude under a single enterprise model will continue to position us for future growth.

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

We had a strong performance during the first quarter of fiscal 2023 as we delivered net sales growth of 17.7%, a gross margin of 60.4%, an adjusted operating margin of 17.6% and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.11. Cash generated from operations totaled $38.4 million and we returned $20.9 million to shareholders through cash dividends. We ended the first quarter with a strong balance sheet, including cash on hand of $92.9 million and short-term investments of $49.6 million, while expanding our operating margins through disciplined cost and expense controls. Reflecting the strength of our balance sheet and strong history of returning capital to shareholders, our Board declared and paid both a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.32 per share as well as a special dividend of $0.50 per share in August 2022.

Key Operating Metrics

A summary of our key operating metrics is presented in the following table (in millions, except per share data).

The following table shows our design center information.

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Results of Operations

For an understanding of the significant factors that influenced our financial performance during the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, the following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Fiscal 2023 First Quarter compared with Fiscal 2022 First Quarter

Consolidated net sales were $214.5 million, an increase of 17.7% compared to the prior year period primarily due to 18.5% growth in retail sales through our Company-operated design centers combined with a 4.8% increase in wholesale net shipments. We continue to experience elevated demand for our products, which has led to written orders being above pre-pandemic levels, despite a decrease in design center traffic. Our strategies to expand manufacturing production, increase available inventory and work through our significant backlog led to strong sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2023. Previous constraints, including COVID-related shutdowns, labor disruptions, supply chain challenges, shipping delays and raw material availability, have eased in recent quarters, which reduced the time to convert written orders to delivered shipments. Beginning approximately six months ago, we experienced an increase in our manufacturing productivity as well as an increase in receipt of imports and raw materials from a higher volume of shipping container receipts, which led to strong sales growth during the first quarter. The increased net sales have helped us to reduce existing wholesale order backlog by 24.4% from a year ago. As we continue to work through our high backlog, we believe that there is an opportunity for future positive growth in delivered net sales based on the size of our order backlog and written order growth.

Wholesale net sales increased 4.8% to $114.7 million primarily due to higher contract sales as well as an increase in intersegment sales to our Company-operated design centers partially offset by a reduction in sales to domestic dealers and international sales. Excluding intersegment sales to our retail segment, wholesale net sales increased 12.9% from higher contract sales, including improved shipments to the United States government General Services Administration (“GSA”). During the first quarter of fiscal 2023, we reported written order growth from the GSA and when combined with high backlog and increased production, led to an increase in net sales during the period. Our international net sales were down 39.7% due to a reduction in net sales to China, which continues to decline primarily from prolonged COVID-19 related lockdowns. Our sales to international independent retailers represented 1.9% of total wholesale net sales compared to 3.2% in the prior year period.

Wholesale written orders, which represent orders booked through all of our channels, were down 7.2% in the first quarter of fiscal 2023 compared with the first quarter of fiscal 2022. After the reopening of all our retail design centers in early fiscal 2021, we experienced a significant surge in demand leading to a strong, but difficult prior year comparison. As a result of the strong prior year first quarter, our independent North American retail network orders were down 10.0%, international orders, including orders from China, declined 48.2% and orders from our Company-operated design centers were down 9.3%. Partially offsetting these decreases was a 5.1% increase in contract orders, including orders from the GSA. When compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2020 (pre-pandemic levels), written orders from our Company-operated design centers were up 10.6% while our independent North American retail network rose 1.0%. We ended the fiscal 2023 first quarter with wholesale backlog of $105.6 million, down 24.4% from a year ago but still up $3.3 million or 3.2% from June 30, 2022. The number of weeks of wholesale backlog as of September 30, 2022 was down 23.8% compared to last year, with notable improvements seen within upholstery and case goods as production improved and exceeded pre-COVID-19 levels. In the near-term, our teams are effectively managing the business to work through the higher order backlog and to service our customers. We remain focused on wholesale production and shipping to the levels that are necessary to service our customers on a timely basis and reduce our backlog. 

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Retail net sales from Company-operated design centers increased 18.5% to $183.7 million. There was a 19.8% increase in net sales in the United States, while net sales from our Canadian design centers decreased 25.8%. Retail net sales grew year over year primarily from high backlog that led to higher deliveries, price increases enacted in the past 12 months, increased premier home delivery revenue and steady production levels within manufacturing. Canadian retail net sales were lower in the quarter as a result one less design center in Canada combined with temporary disruptions within the local service center that impacted delivery timing. While retail written orders decreased 8.6% year over year, they were 7.4% above the first quarter of fiscal 2020 (pre-pandemic levels). Despite ongoing demand for our relevant products and strong execution at the design center level, the impact of ongoing high inflation, concerns regarding a recession, uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment and higher interest rates, have contributed to the softening of consumer interest in home furnishings and is reflected in a decrease in quarterly traffic compared to prior year. We remain focused on providing exceptional personal service from design to delivery, investing in digital design capabilities and interactive communication technologies, refining and repositioning our product offerings to reach a larger client base, and leveraging our vertically integrated structure. During fiscal 2023, we plan to open or relocate several design centers within the United States. As of September 30, 2022, there were 139 Company-operated design centers compared with 141 in the prior year period.

Consolidated gross profit increased 18.7% to $129.6 million compared with the prior year first quarter due to sales growth within both the wholesale and retail segments, a change in the sales mix, product pricing actions taken, benefits from expanded manufacturing operations, disciplined promotional activity, and a favorable product mix partially offset by higher input costs. Retail gross profit increased by 18.9% due to a 18.5% increase in net shipments combined with a 20-basis point improvement in gross margin from a favorable change in product mix, higher premier home delivery revenue, an increase in average ticket sale and higher clearance sale margins. Wholesale gross profit increased 12.2% in the current year first quarter due to a 4.8% increase in wholesale net shipments and a 220-basis point improvement in gross margin from efficiencies gained with higher manufacturing production levels and product pricing actions taken in the past 12 months. Higher year over year manufacturing production within case goods and improved imported receipts of home accents helped drive sales growth within each of these categories. Product pricing actions taken in the past 12 months have helped to partially offset the higher raw material and freight costs. Our ability to keep pace with inflationary pressures that we are experiencing helped improve our wholesale gross profit during the first quarter. Each product category within our wholesale segment expanded its gross margin, which led to higher gross profit.

Consolidated gross margin was 60.4% compared with 59.9% a year ago due to a change in the sales mix, a favorable product mix, product pricing actions taken and higher manufacturing productivity and efficiency partially offset by higher input costs. Retail sales, as a percentage of total consolidated sales, were 85.6% in the current year first quarter, up from 85.0% in the prior year period. We expect this higher percentage of retail sales to consolidated sales to moderate towards normalized levels as we increase delivery of the high wholesale order backlog, including a high contract business backlog. While we were pleased with a strong consolidated gross margin of 60.4%, we expect our consolidated gross margin to moderate and range between 56.0% to 58.0% due to rising inflation and a return of our sales mix to more historical norms.

SG&A expenses increased to $92.0 million, or 42.9% of net sales, compared with $81.6 million, or 44.7% of net sales in the prior year period. SG&A expenses, when expressed as a percentage of sales, decreased 180 basis points in the first quarter of fiscal 2023, compared with the same period in the prior year, primarily due to higher sales volume relative to fixed costs. SG&A expenses were up 12.7% while consolidated net sales grew at a much faster rate of 17.7%, which led to improved operating leverage. The 12.7% increase in SG&A expenses was primarily driven by higher selling costs of 17.8% combined with a 5.0% increase in general and administrative expenses. Wholesale selling costs grew 7.4% as fuel and freight costs increased from higher sales volumes and rising commodity prices. Retail selling expenses were up 21.6% due to the 18.5% increase in net sales, which drove higher delivery costs and variable compensation, higher labor rates and fuel charges and increased marketing spend. For the first quarter of fiscal 2023, we increased our advertising in various mediums including national television and direct mail, thereby increasing our overall advertising spend to 2.5% of net sales compared to 2.0% in the prior year first quarter. Through our recent digital campaigns, we have substantially increased our digital marketing outreach, which helped us reach more households through the publication of our digital magazine. General and administrative expenses increased 5.0% during the just completed first quarter primarily due to higher compensation, increased occupancy and maintenance costs from new and existing locations, incremental insurance costs and additional technology and software maintenance to support our infrastructure.

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Restructuring and other impairment charges, net of gains was a reported $2.0 million gain compared to a loss of $0.3 million in the prior year period. On August 1, 2022, we completed a sale-leaseback transaction with an independent third party for the land, building and related fixed assets of a retail design center. The design center was leased back to Ethan Allen via a multi-year operating lease agreement. As part of the transaction, we received gross proceeds of $8.4 million, less closing costs of $0.3 million, and recognized a gain of $2.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2023. As of September 30, 2022, the deferred liability balance, which will be recognized over the remaining term of the related leaseback, was $4.8 million, with $2.6 million in Other current liabilities and $2.2 million in Other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. In the year ago first quarter, we recorded pre-tax charges of $0.3 million related to the closing of our Atoka, Oklahoma distribution center and other lease exit costs. 

Consolidated operating income was $39.7 million compared with $27.4 million in the prior year period. Adjusted operating income, which excludes restructuring and other charges, was $37.7 million, or 17.6% of net sales compared with $27.7 million, or 15.2% of net sales in the prior year period. The increase in operating income was driven by the $32.2 million increase in consolidated net sales, retail and wholesale gross margin expansion, and strong cost containment measures partially offset by higher selling expenses including increased delivery and freight costs combined with higher marketing spend. Our ability to maintain disciplined cost and expense controls, including strong cost containment measures, and tight expense management within our general and administrative expenses, continues to help drive operating income growth. Compared to the end of the first quarter of the prior year period, our headcount is down 44 associates or 1.0%. However, compared to September 2019, our global headcount is down 472 associates. Our ability to operate the business with global headcount down 10.2% from 2019 has contributed to consolidated operating income and margin expansion. The majority of the headcount reductions since 2019 were within our retail segment, which is down 35.2% from 2019 while wholesale is up 6.4% from 2019 due to our ramping up of manufacturing capacity.

Wholesale operating income was $15.4 million or 13.4% of net sales, an increase compared with $12.8 million or 11.7% of net sales in the prior year period due to wholesale net sales growth of 4.8%, a 220-basis point improvement in wholesale gross margin, cost containment measures within SG&A, prudent hiring in the past 12 months and manufacturing production levels that have now exceeded pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. These benefits were partially offset by increased distribution costs from incremental volume and price, increased marketing spend, additional technology and software maintenance costs and incremental compensation from higher headcount.

Retail operating income was $22.0 million, or 12.0% of sales, compared with $14.3 million, or 9.3% of sales in the prior year period. The current year retail operating income included the gain on the sale-leaseback transaction. Adjusted retail operating income was $20.0 million, up 37.8% over the prior year first quarter. Adjusted retail operating margin improved to 10.9% primarily due to the 18.5% increase in net sales, a 20-basis point expansion in retail gross margin and our management of operating expenses, which grew at a lower rate than net sales. While selling, delivery, advertising and variable compensation expenses were up, retail SG&A expenses, when expressed as a percentage of net sales, decreased 140 basis points. This decrease was due to the ability to leverage fixed costs and the adherence to strong cost control measures while having strong net delivered sales from a high order backlog and prudent hiring, with most being added as designers and operational support staff.

Income tax expense was $10.1 million compared with $7.2 million in the prior year first quarter primarily due to the $12.7 million increase in income before income taxes. Our consolidated effective tax rate was 25.3% compared with 26.3% in the prior year comparable period. Our effective tax rate of 25.3% varies from the 21% federal statutory rate primarily due to state taxes.

Net income was $29.9 million compared with $20.2 million in the prior year period. Adjusted net income, which removes the after-tax impact of restructuring and other charges, was $28.4 million, up 39.1% from the prior year period due to stronger net sales, improved retail, wholesale and consolidated gross margins, cost containment measures and more efficient manufacturing productivity.

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Diluted EPS was $1.17 compared with $0.79 per diluted share in the prior year comparable period. Adjusted diluted EPS was $1.11, up 38.8% compared with the prior year period driven by higher net sales, gross margin, and cost containment measures.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, we use non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted operating income and margin, adjusted wholesale operating income and margin, adjusted retail operating income and margin, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share. The reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are shown in tables below.

These non-GAAP measures are derived from the consolidated financial statements but are not presented in accordance with GAAP. We believe these non-GAAP measures provide a meaningful comparison of our results to others in our industry and our prior year results. Investors should consider these non-GAAP financial measures in addition to, and not as a substitute for, our financial performance measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, these non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all the items associated with the operations of the business as determined in accordance with GAAP. Other companies may calculate similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures differently than we do, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes.

Despite the limitations of these non-GAAP financial measures, we believe these adjusted financial measures and the information they provide are useful in viewing our performance using the same tools that management uses to assess progress in achieving our goals. Adjusted measures may also facilitate comparisons to our historical performance.

The following tables below show a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures used in this filing to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

* Adjustments to reported GAAP financial measures including operating income and margin, net income and diluted EPS have been adjusted by the following:

Liquidity

We are committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet and continue to monitor our liquidity closely during this continued period of uncertainty and volatility globally, as well as within our industry. Our sources of liquidity include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments 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, invest in capital expenditures, and fulfill cash requirements for day-to-day operations and contractual obligations. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had a strong balance sheet, including available liquidity of $263.4 million as summarized below.

As of September 30, 2022, we had working capital of $143.4 million compared to $131.1 million at June 30, 2022 and a current ratio of 1.69 at September 30, 2022, comparable to 1.61 at June 30, 2022 and 1.29 at September 30, 2021. Included in our cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2022, is $7.3 million held by foreign subsidiaries, of which $7.2 million we have determined to be indefinitely reinvested.

Summary of Cash Flows

At September 30, 2022, we held cash and cash equivalents of $92.9 million compared with $109.9 million at June 30, 2022. Cash and cash equivalents aggregated to 12.9% of our total assets at September 30, 2022, compared with 13.8% of our total assets a year prior and 15.3% at June 30, 2022. In addition, we had short-term investments of $49.6 million at September 30, 2022, which we expect will further enhance our returns on cash, compared with $11.2 million at June 30, 2022. Our short-term investments at September 30, 2022 are within U.S. Treasury Bills with maturities of less than one year.

Our cash and cash equivalents decreased $17.0 million or 15.5% during the first three months of fiscal 2023 due to $38.4 million in net purchases of investments, $20.9 million in cash dividends paid and capital expenditures of $3.2 million partially offset by net cash provided by operating activities of $38.4 million and $8.1 million in proceeds received from the sale-leaseback transaction completed in August 2022.

ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following table illustrates the main components of our cash flows for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (in millions):