JEWETT CAMERON TRADING CO LTD - Quarter Report: 2023 February (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(MARK ONE)

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-19954

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

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. x Yes ¨ No ¨

Yes

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer

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. 0

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). 

Yes ¨ No x

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. Common Stock, no par value – 3,498,899 common shares as of April 13, 2023.

Jewett-Cameron Trading Company Ltd.

Index to Form 10-Q

PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

JEWETT-CAMERON TRADING COMPANY LTD.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

(Unaudited – Prepared by Management)

FEBRUARY 28, 2023

JEWETT-CAMERON TRADING COMPANY LTD.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

(Prepared by Management)

(Unaudited)

Subsequent Events (Note 15)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

JEWETT-CAMERON TRADING COMPANY LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

(Prepared by Management)

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

JEWETT-CAMERON TRADING COMPANY LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

(Prepared by Management)

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

JEWETT-CAMERON TRADING COMPANY LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

(Prepared by Management)

(Unaudited)

Supplemental disclosure with respect to cash flows (Note 13)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

JEWETT-CAMERON TRADING COMPANY LTD.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

FEBRUARY 28, 2023

(Unaudited)

Jewett-Cameron Trading Company Ltd. (the “Company”) was incorporated in British Columbia on July 8, 1987 as a holding company for Jewett-Cameron Lumber Corporation (“JCLC”), incorporated September 1953. Jewett-Cameron Trading Company, Ltd. acquired all the shares of JCLC through a stock-for-stock exchange on July 13, 1987, and at that time JCLC became a wholly owned subsidiary. Effective September 1, 2013, the Company reorganized certain of its subsidiaries. JCLC’s name was changed to JC USA Inc. (“JC USA”), and a new subsidiary, Jewett-Cameron Company (“JCC”), was incorporated.

JC USA has the following wholly owned subsidiaries incorporated under the laws of the State of Oregon: Jewett-Cameron Seed Company, (“JCSC”), incorporated October 2000, Greenwood Products, Inc. (“Greenwood”), incorporated February 2002, and Jewett-Cameron Company, incorporated September 2013. Jewett-Cameron Trading Company Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) have no significant assets in Canada.

The Company, through its subsidiaries, operates out of facilities located in North Plains, Oregon. JCC’s business consists of the manufacturing and distribution of pet, fencing and other products, wholesale distribution to home centers, other retailers, on-line as well as direct to end consumers located primarily in the United States. Greenwood is a processor and distributor of industrial wood and other specialty building products principally to customers in the marine and transportation industries in the United States. JCSC is a processor and distributor of agricultural seeds in the United States. JC USA provides professional and administrative services, including accounting and credit services, to its subsidiary companies.

A number of external factors can adversely affect general workforces, economies and financial markets globally. Examples include, but are not limited to, the COVID-19 global pandemic and political conflict in other regions. It is not possible for the Company to predict the duration or magnitude of adverse results of such external factors and their effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, or ability to raise funds.

Basis of presentation

These unaudited consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles of the United States of America (“US GAAP”) for interim financial information and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC").

Principles of consolidation

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its current wholly owned subsidiaries, JC USA, JCC, JCSC, and Greenwood, all of which are incorporated under the laws of Oregon, U.S.A.

All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.

Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with US 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 period. Significant estimates incorporated into the Company’s consolidated financial statements include the estimated useful lives for depreciable and amortizable assets, the estimated allowances for doubtful accounts receivable and inventory obsolescence, possible product liability and possible product returns, and litigation contingencies and claims. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of issuance to be cash equivalents. At February 28, 2023, cash and cash equivalents were $268,389 compared to $484,463 at August 31, 2022.

Accounts receivable

Trade and other accounts receivable are reported at face value less any provisions for uncollectible accounts considered necessary. Accounts receivable primarily includes trade receivables from customers. The Company estimates doubtful accounts on an item-by-item basis and includes over aged accounts as part of allowance for doubtful accounts, which are generally ones that are ninety days or greater overdue.

The Company extends credit to domestic customers and offers discounts for early payment. When extension of credit is not advisable, the Company relies on either prepayment or a letter of credit.

Inventory

Inventory, which consists primarily of finished goods, is recorded at the lower of cost, based on the average cost method, and market. Market is defined as net realizable value. An allowance for potential non-saleable inventory due to excess stock or obsolescence is based upon a review of inventory components.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. The Company provides for depreciation over the estimated life of each asset on a straight-line basis over the following periods:

Intangibles

The Company’s intangible assets have a finite life and are recorded at cost. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method over the remaining life of the asset. The intangible assets are reviewed annually for impairment.

Asset retirement obligations

The Company records the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period in which it incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development, and normal use of the long-lived assets. The Company also records a corresponding asset which is amortized over the life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the obligation is adjusted at the end of each period to reflect the passage of time (accretion expense) and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation (asset retirement cost). The Company does not have any significant asset retirement obligations.

Impairment of long-lived assets and long-lived assets to be disposed of

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount and the fair value less costs to sell.

Currency and foreign exchange

These financial statements are expressed in U.S. dollars as the Company's operations are primarily based in the United States.

The Company does not have non-monetary or monetary assets and liabilities that are in a currency other than the U.S. dollar. Any statement of operations transactions in a foreign currency are translated at rates that approximate those in effect at the time of translation. Gains and losses from translation of foreign currency transactions into U.S. dollars are included in current results of operations.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period. Diluted earnings per common share takes into consideration common shares outstanding (computed under basic earnings per share) and potentially dilutive common shares.

The earnings per share data for the three and six month periods ended February 28, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

The Company has no items of other comprehensive income in any year presented. Therefore, net income presented in the consolidated statements of operations equals comprehensive income.

Stock-based compensation

All stock-based compensation is recognized as an expense in the financial statements and such costs are measured at the fair value of the award.

Financial instruments

The Company uses the following methods and assumptions to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate such values:

Cash - the carrying amount approximates fair value because the amounts consist of cash held at a bank and cash held in short term investment accounts.

Accounts receivable - the carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the short-term nature and historical collectability.

Bank Indebtedness - the carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the obligations.

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities - the carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the obligations.

The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments as of February 28, 2023 and August 31, 2022 is as follows:

The following table presents information about the assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of February 28, 2023 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques the Company utilized to determine such fair value. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable such as quoted prices, interest rates and yield curves. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability, and included situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset:

The fair values of cash are determined through market, observable and corroborated sources.

Income taxes

A deferred tax asset or liability is recorded for all temporary differences between financial and tax reporting and net operating loss carryforwards. Deferred tax expense (benefit) results from the net change during the year of deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

Shipping and handling costs

The Company incurs certain expenses related to preparing, packaging and shipping its products to its customers, mainly third-party transportation fees. All costs related to these activities are included as a component of cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations. All costs billed to the customer are included as sales in the consolidated statements of operations.

Revenue recognition

The Company recognizes revenue from the sales of lumber, building supply products, industrial wood products, specialty metal products, and other specialty products, when the products are shipped, title passes, and the ultimate collection is reasonably assured. Revenue from the Company's seed operations is generated from seed processing, handling and storage services provided to seed growers, and by the sales of seed products. Revenue from the provision of these services and products is recognized when the services have been performed, products sold and collection of the amounts is reasonably assured.

A summary of inventory is as follows:

A summary of property, plant, and equipment is as follows:

In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable and an estimate of future discounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss will be recognized. Management's estimates of revenues, operating expenses, and operating capital are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which may affect the recoverability of the Company's investments in its assets. Although management has made its best estimate of these factors based on current conditions, it is possible that changes could occur which could adversely affect management's estimate of the net cash flow expected to be generated from its operations.

A summary of intangible assets is as follows:

Deferred income tax asset as of February 28, 2023 of $397,990 (August 31, 2022 - $24,998) 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.

Bank indebtedness under the Company’s $10,000,000 line of credit as of February 28, 2023 was $8,500,000 (August 31, 2022 - $7,000,000).

Bank indebtedness, when it exists, is secured by an assignment of accounts receivable and inventory. Interest was previously calculated solely on the one-month LIBOR rate plus 175 basis points. Beginning with the monthly interest payment due March 31, 2022, the Company’s Bank Line of Credit agreement was revised to change the calculation of the interest rate from the one-month LIBOR rate to the one-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). Interest is now calculated based on the one-month SOFR plus 157 basis points, which as of February 28, 2023 was 6.12% (4.55% + 1.57%).

Common Stock

Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held. There are no restrictions that limit the Company's ability to pay dividends on its common stock. The Company has not declared any dividends since incorporation.

The Company has a Restricted Share Plan (the “Plan”) as approved by shareholders on February 8, 2019. The Plan allows the Company to grant, from time to time, restricted shares as compensation to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company. The Restricted Shares are subject to restrictions, including the period under which the shares will be restricted (the “Restricted Period”) and subject to forfeiture which is determined by the Board at the time of the grant. The recipient of Restricted Shares is entitled to all of the rights of a shareholder, including the right to vote such shares and the right to receive any dividends, except that the shares granted under the Plan are nontransferable during the Restricted Period.

The maximum number of Common Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan will not exceed 1% of the then issued and outstanding number of Common Shares at the time of the grant. As of February 28, 2023, the maximum number of shares available to be issued under the Plan was 17,074.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2021 ended February 28, 2021, the Board of Directors set the compensation for members of the Board under the Plan. Non-executive directors will be granted 25 common shares for each quarter of service, with the cumulative amount of shares earned each fiscal year to be granted shortly after the close of that fiscal year. Non-executive Directors also received a one-time initial grant of 225 common shares which were issued in December 2020.

During the six-month period ended February 28, 2023, the Company issued 3,557 common shares (six months ended February 28, 2022 – 3,681 common shares) to officers, directors and employees under the RSA. The value of these shares was $23,303 (2022 - $39,386).

The Company has a deferred compensation 401(k) plan for all employees with at least 6 months of service pending a monthly enrollment time. The plan allows for a non-elective discretionary contribution plus matching employee contributions up to a specific limit. The percentages of contribution remain the discretion of the Board and are reviewed with management annually. For the six-month periods ended February 28, 2023 and 2022 the 401(k) compensation expense were $276,780 and $288,216, respectively.

The Company has three principal reportable segments. These reportable segments were determined based on the nature of the products offered. Reportable segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.

The Company evaluates performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is business segment income before taxes. The following tables show the operations of the Company's reportable segments.

Following is a summary of segmented information for the six-month periods ended February 28, 2023 and 2022.

The following table lists sales made by the Company to customers which were in excess of 10% of total sales for the six months ended February 28, 2023 and 2022:

The Company conducts business primarily in the United States, but also has limited amounts of sales in foreign countries. The following table lists sales by country for the six months ended February 28, 2023 and 2022:

All of the Company’s significant identifiable assets were located in the United States as of February 28, 2023 and 2022.

Credit risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and accounts receivable. The Company places its cash with a high quality financial institution. The Company has concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable as large amounts of its accounts receivable are concentrated geographically in the United States amongst a small number of customers.

At February 28, 2023, two customers accounted for accounts receivable greater than 10% of total accounts receivable at 67%. At February 28, 2022, three customers accounted for accounts receivable greater than 10% of total accounts receivable at 69%. The Company controls credit risk through credit approvals, credit limits, credit insurance and monitoring procedures. The Company performs credit evaluations of its commercial customers but generally does not require collateral to support accounts receivable.

Volume of business

The Company has concentrations in the volume of purchases it conducts with its suppliers. For the six months ended February 28, 2023, there were two suppliers that each accounted for 10% or greater of total purchases, and the aggregate purchases amounted to $9,895,011. For the six months ended February 28, 2022, there were two suppliers that each accounted for 10% or greater of total purchases, and the aggregate purchases amounted to $14,000,039.

Certain cash payments for the six months ended February 28, 2023 and 2022 are summarized as follows:

There were no non-cash investing or financing activities during the periods presented.

The Company has drawn an additional $1,000,000 against its bank line of credit which leaves $500,000 available.

These unaudited financial statements are those of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Jewett-Cameron Trading Company Ltd., contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly state its financial position as of February 28, 2023 and August 31, 2022 and its results of operations and cash flows for the three and six month periods ended February 28, 2023 and 2022 in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Operating results for the three and six month periods ended February 28, 2023 is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be experienced for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2023. Overall, the operating results of JCC are seasonal with the first two quarters of the fiscal year historically being slower than the final two quarters of the fiscal year.

The Company’s operations are classified into three reportable operating segments and the parent corporate and administrative segment, which were determined based on the nature of the products offered along with the markets being served. The segments are as follows:

The industrial wood products segment reflects the business conducted by Greenwood Products, Inc. (Greenwood). Greenwood is a processor and distributor of industrial wood products. A major product category is treated plywood that is sold primarily to the transportation industry, including the municipal and mass transit transportation sectors.

The lawn, garden, pet and other segment reflects the business of Jewett-Cameron Company (JCC), which is a wholesaler of wood products and a manufacturer and distributor of specialty metal products. JCC operates out of a 5.6 acre owned facility located in North Plains, Oregon that includes offices, a warehouse, and a paved yard. This business is a wholesaler, and a manufacturer and distributor of products that include an array of pet enclosures, kennels, and pet welfare and comfort products, proprietary gate support systems, perimeter fencing, greenhouses, and fencing in-fill products made of wood, metal and composites. Examples of the Company’s brands include Lucky Dog®, for pet products; Adjust-A-Gate™, Fit-Right®, Perimeter Patrol®, and Lifetime Post™ for gates and fencing; Early Start, Spring Gardner™, Greenline®, and Weatherguard for greenhouses. JCC uses contract manufacturers to manufacture these products. Some of the products that JCC distributes flow through the Company’s facility in North Plains, Oregon, and some are shipped direct to the customer from the manufacturer. Primary customers are home centers, eCommerce partners, on-line direct consumers as well as other retailers.

The seed processing and sales segment reflects the business of Jewett-Cameron Seed Company (JCSC). JCSC processes and distributes agricultural seed. Most of this segment’s sales come from selling seed to distributors with a lesser amount of sales derived from cleaning seed.

JC USA Inc. (“JC USA”) is the parent company for the wholly-owned subsidiaries as described above. JC USA provides professional and administrative services, including warehousing, accounting and credit services, to its subsidiary companies.

Tariffs

The Company’s metal products and some of its sustainable bag products are manufactured in China and are imported into the United States. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) instituted new tariffs on the importation of a number of products into the United States from China effective September 24, 2018. These new tariffs are a response to what the USTR considers to be certain unfair trade practices by China. The tariffs began at 10%, and subsequently were increased to 25% as of May 10, 2019. A number of the Company’s products manufactured in China have been subject to duties of 25% when imported into the United States.

These new tariffs were temporarily reduced on many of the Company’s imported products in September 2019 under a deemed one-year exemption. The 25% tariff rate was restored on the Company’s products in September 2020 when the exemption expired.

Results of Operations

Our results in the second quarter of fiscal 2023 were disappointing as we have encountered multiple complications from the broader economic climate. Sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2023 were 42% lower than the sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2022, and sales for the current six-month period were down 23% from the prior year’s period. However, an important factor in the dip was due to the continuing winter weather across much of the United States that caused many of our usual customers to delay their initial Spring merchandise purchases.

The historically bad and unseasonal weather that much of the United States experienced in January and February and extended into the first part of Spring has compelled many of our customers, particularly retail hardware and Big Box stores, to continue devoting inventory and floor space to cold weather products. This pushed back their initial Spring and Summer ordering until the weather improves. This has negatively affected our second quarter revenues and many of the orders from these customers we historically have received and shipped at the end of the period did not occur this year. Although these orders have now begun to arrive and product is being shipped in the third quarter, our past experience with other years where extended winter weather delayed initial seasonal orders is that this is likely to result in a decline in overall sales due to the shortened Spring and Summer sales season.

We recently signed a new sales agreement with one of our major lumber customers that has been progressing well. The nature of this new agreement means we have also changed how we recognize these sales which has caused a large amount of sales that would have previously been recorded in the second fiscal quarter to instead be pushed into the third quarter. Over the entire year, this new arrangement should be positive for the Company as it provides us with more regular and predictable fencing sales with this customer than we had previously. We are also beginning to have discussions with the customer about extending the agreement to more of their distribution centers that we are continuing to serve under our prior sales agreements.

Sales of some of our pet products, particularly larger kennels and crates, were down in the current six months. This was largely due to an issue with one existing customer which restricted our sales to them in the period. The issue has since been resolved and we are getting back on track to ramp up our sales to this customer in the 3^rd quarter of this fiscal year. We have also relaunched our well-reviewed STAY™ Series kennels, which we anticipate will accelerate sales in the second half. During the period a supplier experienced a manufacturing issue with a different one of our pet products. They are correcting this issue which will allow us to resume sales of this product.

We are continuing our efforts to improve operations at both Greenwood and JC Seed. At Greenwood, our primary customers are in the transit sector which is an area that continues to suffer post-COVID 19. We are actively seeking new traders to both bring on new customers in other sectors, such as construction, as well as take advantage of appealing new opportunities for our existing products, such as fabricated panels. At JCSC, the poor weather has had an effect on both pricing and demand for grass seed, which is one of their two largest products.

Our new MyEcoWorld® sustainable bag products will officially launch in the 3^rd quarter. Under our distribution agreement with SECOS Group of Australia, Jewett-Cameron is the exclusive distributor of their MyEcoWorld® sustainable bag products in the US and Canada. We have already begun to fulfill orders from major distributors for grocery store placements for our first set of products to launch. This new sustainable product line fits very well into our goal of bringing premium and innovative products to the market. We are optimistic of the potential of this new product line to grow into a significant segment of our business over time as consumers are increasingly seeking more environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional hydrocarbon derived plastic products. Our success with our compostable poop bag since its launch several years ago indicates these products are less seasonal and can provide positive contributions to our historically lower revenue quarters.

In fiscal 2021, we filed for arbitration against one of our former distributors asserting a breach of the distribution agreement. The arbitration hearing was held in December 2022. In February 2023, the arbitrator issued its decision in favor of the Company on all of our claims. We are seeking damages and our costs. The monetary award is pending, and the amount of any recovery is currently uncertain. Our costs to pursue this action have been sizeable, particularly during the current six-month period. Regardless of the ultimate recovery in this case, Jewett-Cameron will continue to vigorously defend its patents, trademarks and contractual agreements.

Our inventory position at the end of the second quarter remains higher than our historical position. During the period, our new fencing sales agreement with a major customer required us to build up our initial cedar fencing position, but this extra inventory is now being drawn down as our customer begins shipping product to their stores for the Spring season. The company is well positioned to fulfill both its current and its anticipated orders during the Spring and Summer seasons. Our cash flow and working capital should improve in the second half of the fiscal year as seasonal sales pick up while our inventory levels are expected to be reduced by our year-end of August 31^st.

Gross margin for the current six-month period was 23.1%. This is an improvement over the 21.8% margin recorded in comparable prior year’s period, and the 21.9% margin we had for all of fiscal 2022. Both transportation and raw material costs have been declining from the highs experienced in fiscal 2022. We are continuing to work off our higher priced inventory acquired when freight costs were at their highest. As this inventory is replaced, our costs of goods will decline. Inflation is also beginning to moderate, which should further allow our selling prices to catch up to our costs. This was a definite problem in 2022 as we were unable to fully pass through our rapidly rising costs to our customers.

The COVID-19 pandemic massively altered markets worldwide and caused significant distortions at every level, including significant shifts in buying patterns of suppliers, retailers and customers. As a result, the buying patterns of our customers have suddenly become very difficult to predict as they themselves are struggling with the significantly changed buying practices of their consumer customers. This has disrupted our forecasting and traditional year-over-year comparisons and caused us to significantly revise our planning and sales models. Our integrated ERP software which became operational in February 2021 is providing us with a better understanding of these newly altered patterns which we are using to better predict our optimal ordering and inventory requirements in future periods.

Our management is continuing its focus on growing our core products and strengthening our relationships with our customers and suppliers. The end of the pandemic emergency has allowed us to resume our regular practice of meeting in person with our customers and suppliers to jointly develop strategies to navigate the difficult market conditions. We also continue to discuss significant opportunities for both new and existing products. The significant investments we made in our facilities, technologies, and specialty personnel were essential in order to modernize Jewett-Cameron. They have significantly improved our ability to manage our business and confront the rapidly changing economic climate. This will ultimately result in a more focused and optimized product line, more efficient shipping and receiving, and reducing our costs.

Post-pandemic economic conditions in the US have been challenging and are expected to continue to be difficult during the second half of fiscal 2023. Although the rate of inflationary growth has begun to slow, costs of food, energy and housing currently remain much higher than the rates of recent years. This is restricting consumers’ discretionary income and willingness to spend on consumer goods which is echoed by many national retailers in their own statements and forecasts. This may restrain our ability to grow sales in the near-term. Our management is actively addressing these issues, and we remain optimistic about the Company’s ability to successfully implement its strategy going forward.

Three Months Ended February 28, 2023 and 2022

For the three months ended February 28, 2023, sales were $8,143,421, which was a decrease of $5,917,330, or 42%, from sales of $14,060,751 for the three months ended February 28, 2022.

Sales at JCC were $7,252,299 for the three months ended February 28, 2023 compared to sales of $12,357,478 for the three months ended February 28, 2022. This represents a decrease of $5,105,179, or 41%. A primary reason for the decline was the extremely cold and wet weather that persisted across all of the United States during the quarter. This caused many of our customers, including the big box retailers, to significantly delay their initial Spring orders as they continued to focus on sales of winter related products to meet consumer demand. Quarter-over-quarter comparisons were also negatively affected by our recent switch to a new sales agreement for fencing for one of our major customers. This changeover includes a change in the timing of when we recognize revenue to this customer and was responsible for a major portion of the overall decline in sales during the quarter. However, it is likely that many of those sales which previously would have occurred in the second quarter will now be recorded in third and fourth quarters as those stores receive the product in their seasonal rotation of their in-store inventory to Spring and Summer products, including fencing and related hardware. Operating loss for the current quarter was ($1,415,462) compared to an operating profit of $129,841 for the quarter ended February 28, 2022. The operating results of JCC are historically seasonal with the first two quarters of the fiscal year being slower than the final two quarters of the fiscal year.

Sales at Greenwood fell to $332,691 from sales of $585,559 for the three months ended February 28, 2022, which is a decrease of $252,868, or 43%. Greenwood’s sales continue to be impacted by impacts of the COVID-19 shutdowns, as many of their products are sold to municipalities and larger transit operators who are experiencing lower ridership and demand for their services. Sales in the current quarter were also negatively affected by weather related transportation issues, as some shipments were delayed and will instead be recorded in the third fiscal quarter. For the three months ended February 28, 2023, Greenwood had an operating loss of ($61,221) compared to an operating loss of ($26,003) for the three months ended February 28, 2022.

Sales at JCSC were $558,923 compared to sales of $1,117,714 for the three months ended February 28, 2022, which was a decrease of $558,791, or 50%. The prolonged winter weather in the second quarter suppressed demand and pricing for grass seed, one of JCSC’s largest products. Seed is a commodity, and there is little to differentiate the Company’s product from others in the marketplace. This places the Company more at the mercy of outside factors, such as weather, grower decisions, and economic cycles. Increased competition and pricing restraints are currently limiting our ability to grow our sales. Operating profit at JCSC for the quarter ended February 28, 2023 was $16,490 compared to an operating loss of ($20,398) for the quarter ended February 28, 2022.

JC USA is a holding company for the wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, and thus the overall results of JC USA are eliminated on consolidation. For the quarter ended February 28, 2023, JC USA had an operating profit of $135,578 compared to a profit of $284,681 for the quarter ended February 28, 2022. The results of JC USA are eliminated on consolidation.

Gross margin for the three months ended February 28, 2023 was 23.6% compared to 24.4% for the three months ended February 28, 2022. The decline was primarily due to higher raw material and shipping costs in the current quarter compared to those prevailing in the prior-year’s period.

Operating expenses increased by $403,140 to $3,130,627 compared to expenses of $2,727,487 for the three months ended February 28, 2022. An important factor in the increase was greater spending on Professional Fees, including attorney’s fees, related to the Company’s ongoing arbitration action against a former distributor which resulted in a decision in the Company’s favor in February 2023. The higher Professional Fees are included in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, which increased to $1,096,090 from $684,116. Wages and Employee Benefits declined slightly to $1,946,458 from $1,959,300. Depreciation and Amortization increased to $88,079 from $84,071. There was no other income in the current quarter. Interest expense related to the Company’s Bank Line of Credit was ($114,530) compared to ($30,620) as the increase in interest rates has negatively affected the rate the Company pays on its borrowing.

Income tax recovery for the three-month period ended February 28, 2023 was $352,577 compared to income tax expense of ($98,300). The Company estimates income tax expense for the quarter based on combined federal and state rates that are currently in effect.

Net loss for the quarter ended February 28, 2023 was ($972,038), or ($0.28) per basic and diluted share, compared to a net profit of $269,820, or $0.08 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended February 28, 2022.

Six Months Ended February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022

For the six months ended February 28, 2023 sales decreased by $6,257,554, or 23%, to $20,720,921 from sales of $26,978,475 recorded in the six month period ended February 28, 2022.

Sales at JCC were $18,871,381 for the six months ended February 28, 2023 compared to sales of $24,203,362 for the six months ended February 28, 2022, which was a decrease of $5,331,981, or 22%. The prolonged cold and wet weather which prevailed across the United States during the second quarter delayed many customers from their usual pattern of ordering their warmer weather products for the start of the Spring season. The switch to a new sales program for a large fencing customer has also shifted the recognition of much of the sales to this customer that historically occurred in the second quarter into the upcoming third quarter. Sales during the current six months were also negatively affected by our decision to liquidate certain inventory located in Europe, and some outside issues with certain of our other products at both the supplier and customer level which we believe will be fully resolved shortly. Operating loss at JCC for the current six month period was ($1,572,114) compared to an operating loss of ($569,856) for the six months ended February 28, 2022. Overall, the operating results of JCC are seasonal with the first two quarters of the fiscal year being much slower than the final two quarters of the fiscal year.

Sales at Greenwood were $939,600 for the current six-month period compared to sales of $1,119,670 for the six months ended February 28, 2022. This represents a decrease of $180,070, or 16%. Many of Greenwood’s largest customers are transit operators who continue to be negatively affected by the COVID related reduction in transit demand. In response, management is working to grow Greenwood by recruiting new brokers to add new customers not only within the transportation industry, but also those in other industries that Greenwood has traditionally not targeted, such as the housing and construction sectors. For the six months ended February 28, 2023, Greenwood had an operating loss of ($105,466) compared to an operating profit of $43,956 for the six months ended February 28, 2022.

Sales at JCSC for the six months ended February 28, 2023 were $909,940 compared to sales of $1,655,443 for the six months ended February 28, 2022. This represents a decrease of $745,503, or 45%. Lower market prices for grass seed and red clover, which are JCSC’s two most prominent products, directly affected revenue. Demand was also lower than usual during the second half of the period due to the wet and cold weather which prevailed across the United States and served to push back the traditional planting season for residential and landscaping grass. For the six months ended February 28, 2023, JCSC had an operating loss of ($11,329) compared to an operating loss of ($121,748) for the six months ended February 28, 2022. The results in the prior period were negatively affected by higher equipment and property maintenance expenses which did not occur in the current period.

JC USA, the holding company that provides professional and administrative services for the wholly-owned operating subsidiaries had operating income of $270,944 for the six months ended February 28, 2023 compared to operating income of $531,321 for the six months ended February 28, 2022. The results of JC USA are eliminated on consolidation.

Gross margin for the six-month period ended February 28, 2023 was 23.1% compared to 21.8%. The improved margin in the current period was largely due to moderating raw material and transportation costs. The lower margin in the prior period was primarily due to a less favorable sales mix of lower margin wood products in conjunction with the higher raw material and shipping costs, both of which rose rapidly in fiscal 2022.

Operating expenses for the six months ended February 28, 2023 rose to $5,997,125 from $5,659,530. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses increased to $1,922,897 from $1,672,403. Higher spending on Professional Fees, including attorney’s fees related to the Company’s recent arbitration victory against a former distributor, was an important contributor to the increase. Wages and Employee Benefits increased slightly to $3,874,613 from $3,833,418. Depreciation and Amortization increased to $199,615 from $153,709 for the six months ended February 28, 2022. Interest expense on the Bank Line of Credit was ($201,082) compared to ($50,896) due to an increase in the amounts borrowed and higher interest rates. The results in the prior year’s six-month period was negatively affected by the Company’s accrual of $300,000 for the settlement of claims brought by the Association of California District Attorneys regarding the labeling and marketing of the Company’s dog waste bags.

Income tax recovery for the six months ended February 28, 2023 was $372,167 compared to an expense of $4,985 for the six months ended February 28, 2022. The Company estimates income tax expense for the period based on combined federal and state rates that are currently in effect.

Net loss for the six months ended February 28, 2023 was ($1,045,798), or ($0.30) per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of ($121,322), or ($0.03) per basic and diluted share, for the six months ended February 28, 2022.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of February 28, 2023, the Company had working capital of $17,710,321 compared to working capital of $19,207,874 as of August 31, 2022, a decrease of $1,497,553.

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $268,389, a decrease of $216,074 from cash of $484,463. The decrease was due to the timing of expenditures and collection of accounts receivable, which fell to $4,261,256 from $7,191,646. Inventory increased by $2,447,334 to $23,079,647 from $20,632,313. Prepaid expenses, which is largely related to down payments for future inventory purchases, decreased by $318,009 to $794,566. Prepaid income taxes declined to $208,138 from $208,963.

Current liabilities increased slightly to $10,901,675 from $10,422,086. The Company drew an additional $1,500,000 against its line of credit during the period which increased the amount borrowed to $8,500,000 from $7,000,000 as of August 31, 2022. Accounts payable declined to $710,174 from $1,566,047 which is directly related to the Company ordering less inventory during the current period. Accrued liabilities declined to $1,691,501 from $1,856,039.

As of February 28, 2023, accounts receivable and inventory represented 96% of current assets and 80% of total assets compared to 88% of current assets and 77% of total assets as of February 28, 2022. For the three months ended February 28, 2023, the accounts receivable collection period, or DSO, was 47 compared to 58 for the three months ended February 28, 2022. For the six-month period ended February 28, 2023, the DSO was 37 compared to 61 for the six months ended February 28, 2022. Although the Company’s level of non-current and past-due invoices is not a significant percentage of its overall accounts receivable, management made a concerted effort to collect on these invoices during the current quarter which is primarily responsible for the decline in the DSO. Inventory turnover for the three months ended February 28, 2023 was 326 days compared to 154 days for the three months ended February 28, 2022. For the six months ended February 28, 2022, inventory turnover was 248 days compared to 143 days for the six months ended February 28, 2022. The higher inventory turn in the current periods reflects the higher levels of inventory currently on hand.

External sources of liquidity include a line of credit from U.S. Bank of $10,000,000. As of February 28, 2023, the Company had a borrowing balance of $8,500,000, leaving $1,500,000 available. Subsequent to the end of the period. The Company drew an additional $1,000,000 under the line, leaving $500,000 available. Borrowing under the line of credit is secured by an assignment of accounts receivable and inventory. Interest was previously calculated solely on the one-month LIBOR rate plus 175 basis points. Beginning with the monthly interest payment due March 31, 2022, the Company’s Bank Line of Credit agreement was revised to change the calculation of the interest rate from the one-month LIBOR rate to the one-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). Interest is now calculated based on the one-month SOFR plus 157 basis points, which as of February 28, 2023 was 6.12% (4.55% + 1.57%). The line of credit has certain financial covenants. The Company is in compliance with these covenants.

The Company is currently in discussions with its lender U.S. Bank regarding the possibility of either increasing its existing line of credit, or restructuring the existing line into an asset based lending agreement. These changes would potentially provide the Company with additional borrowing power and greater financial flexibility, but would include new financial covenants which the Company would be required to maintain. No agreement has been reached, and there is no guarantee that there will be any change to the Company’s borrowing arrangements.

During the period, the Company issued 3,557 common shares to officers, directors and employees as compensation under the Company’s Restricted Share Plan at a deemed average price of $6.55 per share for a total cost of $23,303.

Current Working Capital Requirements

Based on the Company’s current working capital position, combined with the expected timing of accounts receivable and the Bank Line of Credit, the Company is expected to have sufficient liquidity available to meet the Company’s working capital requirements for the remainder of fiscal 2023.

OTHER MATTERS

Historically, inflation has not been a significant issue for the Company. However, beginning in fiscal 2021, a number of product costs increased substantially, including raw materials, energy, and transportation/logistical related costs.

These higher costs have negatively affected the Company’s gross margins. Typically, the Company passes cost increases on to the customer, and is currently raising its product prices as much as the market will bear. Retailers are currently more receptive to such increases than in the past due to a mutual understanding of the current inflationary environment and the objective reasons for such. Since the ability of the Company to pass through all of the current increase in its product costs to its customers are somewhat limited and occur after such costs are first incurred, management expects that its gross margins will remain under pressure in fiscal 2023.

The increases in interest rates as a result of the higher level of inflation in the US economy experienced beginning in calendar 2021 and throughout 2022 has also had a negative effect on the Company’s interest expense paid for its borrowing under its Bank Line of Credit. The interest rate paid by the Company has increased from 1.83% as of November 30, 2021 to 6.12% as of February 28, 2023.

Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG)

Jewett-Cameron endeavors to be a good steward and provide sustainable products with a positive impact. We strive to operate and grow in a way that honors our environment and relationships for the long term. This also aligns with one of our three value pillars: stewardship.

Environmental

For our metal products, the goal is that 90% of materials can be recycled. Our suppliers are audited to strict commercial and fair practice standards, including our own supplier qualifications regarding facilities, capacity, labor practices, and environmental awareness. Packaging is designed to maximize recyclability and re-use and minimize non-recycled materials, and all waste materials in our own facilities are segregated to maximize recycling. Our facilities have replaced high energy consumption infrastructure with energy efficient HVAC and lighting during our recent remodel.

Active products and designs utilize either recycled or non-petroleum-based plastics to enhance recycling and composting. This includes the recently introduced compostable dog waste bag made from corn starch and other natural, renewable resources, that is less reliant on fossil fuels used in traditional plastic bags. We also dedicate a percentage of sales to support environmental cleanup efforts.

Social

Our social responsibilities include cultural standards of operations and values which we establish in conjunction with our employees. We regularly provide employees with a corporate engagement survey to benchmark their engagement, satisfaction, and ideas for change. We support educational programs that build the future workforce through active participation in regional and statewide organizations, including the CTE/STEM Employer Coalition and assisting teachers to connect traditional school subjects to practical job site applications. The Company also actively participates in the local community, supported by a Corporate Charitable Giving Charter.

Governance

As a public company, our processes are outlined and governed by multiple regulations, including Sarbanes-Oxley. Our financial controls are mapped, executed, self-audited as well as regularly audited by outside experts as part of our annual process. We have established risk mitigations that allows for condensed reviews of risks and impacts with our systems in place. An IT Governance Committee aligns execution and security both for ourselves and also for parties with whom we communicate and do business.

Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (“UFLPA”) is a US Federal Law signed by President Biden in December 2021 which became effective on June 21, 2022. As enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the UFLPA prohibits any products that are made, mined, or manufactured, in part or in full, in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region to be imported into the United States, as they are presumed to have been made with forced labor. Any imports of such goods will be detained and seized by U.S. Customs unless the importer is able to prove that these goods have not been made with forced labor. The Company has ensured that each of its suppliers is in full compliance with the law and none of its products fall under the prohibited goods clause.

Business Risks

This quarterly report includes “forward–looking statements” as that term is defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” or “hopeful,” or the negative of those terms or other comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. For example, this section contains numerous forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this report are made based on management’s current expectations and estimates, which involve risks and uncertainties, including those described in the following paragraphs.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

We may decide to acquire assets or enter into business combinations, which could be paid for, either wholly or partially with our common stock and if we decide to do this our current shareholders would experience dilution in their percentage of ownership.

Our Articles of Incorporation give our Board of Directors the right to enter into any contract without the approval of our shareholders. Therefore, our management could decide to make an investment (buy shares, loan money, etc.) without shareholder approval. If we acquire an asset or enter into a business combination, this could include exchanging a large amount of our common stock, which could dilute the ownership interest of present stockholders.

Future stock distributions could be structured in such a way as to be 1) diluting to our current shareholders or 2) could cause a change in control to new investors.

If we raise additional funds by selling more of our stock, the new stock may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of the rights of our existing stock. If common stock is issued in return for additional funds, the price per share could be lower than that paid by our current stockholders. The result of this would be a lessening of each present stockholder’s relative percentage interest in our company.

Our shareholders could experience significant dilution if we issue our authorized 10,000,000 preferred shares.

The Company’s common shares currently trade within the NASDAQ Capital Market in the United States. The average daily trading volume of our common stock on NASDAQ was 4,650 shares for the six months ended February 28, 2023. With this limited trading volume, investors could find it difficult to purchase or sell our common stock.

Risks Related to Our Business

A contagious disease outbreak, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic emergency, could have an adverse effect on our operations and financial condition

Our business could be negatively affected by an outbreak of an infectious disease due to the consequences of the actions taken by companies and governments to contain and control the virus. These consequences include:

The financial impact of such an outbreak are outside our control and are not reasonable to estimate, but may be significant. The costs associated with any outbreak may have an adverse impact on our operations and financial condition and not be fully recoverable or adequately covered by insurance.

We could experience a decrease in the demand for our products resulting in lower sales volumes.

In the past, we have at times experienced decreasing products sales with certain customers. The reasons for this can be generally attributed to: increased competition; general economic conditions; demand for products; and consumer interest rates. If economic conditions deteriorate or if consumer preferences change, we could experience a significant decrease in profitability.

If our top customers were lost, we could experience lower sales volumes.

For the six months ended February 28, 2023, our top ten customers represented 86% of our total sales. We would experience a significant decrease in sales and profitability and would have to cut back our operations, if these customers were lost and could not be replaced. Our top ten customers are located in North America and are primarily in the retail home improvement and pet industries.

We could experience delays in the delivery of our products to our customers causing us to lose business.

We purchase our products from other vendors and a delay in shipment from these vendors to us could cause significant delays in our delivery to our customers. This could result in a decrease in sales orders to us and we would experience a loss in profitability.

Governmental actions, such as tariffs, and/or foreign policy actions could adversely and unexpectedly impact our business.

Since the bulk of our products are supplied from other countries, political actions by either our trading country or our own domestic policy could impact both availability and cost of our products. Currently, we see this in regard to tariffs being levied on foreign sourced products entering into the United States, including from China. The continuing tariffs by the United States on certain Chinese goods include some of our products which we purchase from suppliers in China. The company has multiple options to assist in mitigating the cost impacts of these government actions. However, we cannot control the duration or depth of such actions which may increase our product costs which would reduce our margins and potentially decrease the competitiveness of our products. These actions could have a negative effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

We could lose our credit agreement and could result in our not being able to pay our creditors.

We have a line of credit with U.S. Bank in the amount of $10,000,000, of which $500,000 is currently available. We are currently in compliance with the requirements of our existing line of credit. If we lost access to this credit it could become impossible to pay some of our creditors on a timely basis.

Our information technology systems are susceptible to certain risks, including cyber security breaches, which could adversely impact our operations and financial condition.

Our operations involve information technology systems that process, transmit and store information about our suppliers, customers, employees, and financial information. These systems face threats including telecommunication failures, natural disasters, and cyber security threats, including computer viruses, unauthorized access to our systems, and other security issues. While we have taken aggressive steps to implement security measures to protect our systems and initiated an ongoing training program to address many of the primary causes of cyber threat with all our employees, such threats change and morph almost daily. There is no guarantee our actions will secure our information systems against all threats and vulnerabilities. The compromise or failure of our information systems could have a negative effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to detect fraud or report our financial results accurately, which could harm our business and we could be subject to regulatory scrutiny.

We have completed a management assessment of internal controls as prescribed by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which we were required to do in connection with our year ended August 31, 2022. Based on this process we did not identify any material weaknesses. Although we believe our internal controls are operating effectively, we cannot guarantee that in the future we will not identify any material weaknesses in connection with this ongoing process.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company does not have any derivative financial instruments as of February 28, 2023. However, the Company is exposed to interest rate risk.

The Company’s interest income and expense are most sensitive to changes in the general level of U.S. interest rates. In this regard, changes in U.S. interest rates affect the interest earned on the Company’s cash.

The Company has a line of credit whose interest rate may fluctuate over time based on economic changes in the environment. The Company is subject to interest rate risk and could be subject to increased interest payments if market interest rates fluctuate. The interest rate paid by the Company on its Bank Line of Credit has increased from 1.83% as of November 30, 2021 to 6.12% as of February 28, 2023.

Foreign Currency Risk

The Company operates primarily in the United States. However, a relatively small amount of business is currently conducted in currencies other than U.S. dollars, and the Company may experience an increase in foreign exchange risk as they expand their international sales. Also, to the extent that the Company uses contract manufacturers in China, currency exchange rates can influence the Company’s purchasing costs. 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Management of the Company, including the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based on that evaluation, our Principal Executive and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Part II – OTHER INFORMATION

A consortium of California District Attorneys contacted the Company in regard to possible liabilities related to environmental labeling of its plant-based Lucky Dog Poop Bags previously sold in the State of California. The Company has since modified its product marketing statements in response to their concerns, and during the period ended May 31, 2022, accrued $300,000 in anticipation of a settlement. In June 2022, a settlement was finalized which required the Company to pay the previously accrued $300,000 as a cash fine over a four-month period with no admission of guilt by the Company.

The Company was one of three named defendants in a Civil Action in Pennsylvania. The matter arises out of a dog allegedly escaping from a Jewett-Cameron kennel product and causing personal injuries to three individuals. The Company’s applicable liability insurer provided the defense covering the Company’s legal fees and costs. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, the case was settled within the Company’s insurance policy limits with no admission of guilt by the Company, and there were no additional costs incurred.

The Company initiated arbitration against a former distributor asserting a breach of the distribution agreement and seeking damages. The arbitration hearing was held in December 2022. In February 2023, the arbitrator issued its decision and ruled in favor of the Company on all of its claims, and the monetary award is pending. The Company has requested damages and costs including attorneys’ fees, but the ultimate amount of the award is currently uncertain.

The Company does not know of any other material, active or pending legal proceedings against them; nor is the Company involved as a plaintiff in any other material proceeding or pending litigation. The Company knows of no other active or pending proceedings against anyone that might materially adversely affect an interest of the Company.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

Jewett-Cameron Trading Company Ltd.

(Registrant)