NATURAL ALTERNATIVES INTERNATIONAL INC - Quarter Report: 2022 December (Form 10-Q)

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this report, including information incorporated by reference, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect current views about future events and financial performance based on certain assumptions. They include opinions, forecasts, intentions, plans, goals, projections, guidance, expectations, beliefs, or other statements that are not statements of historical fact. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “approximate,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,”, “future”, or “likely”, or the negative or other variation of such words, and similar expressions may identify a statement as a forward-looking statement. Any statements that refer to projections of our future financial performance, our anticipated growth and trends in our business, our goals, strategies, focus and plans, and other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including statements expressing general optimism or pessimism about future operating results, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this report may include statements about:

Forward-looking statements in this Report speak only as of the date of this Report based on information available to us at that time and caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain future events, risks, and uncertainties that are or may be outside of our control. When considering forward-looking statements, you should carefully review the risks, uncertainties and other cautionary statements in this Report as they identify certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the risks described under Item 1A of Part I of our fiscal 2022 Annual Report, as well as in other reports and documents we have filed and will file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Natural Alternatives International, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Natural Alternatives International, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Natural Alternatives International, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders’ Equity

Three-Month Period Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Natural Alternatives International, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders’ Equity

Six-Month Period Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Natural Alternatives International, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

A. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and with applicable rules and regulations. Pursuant to such rules and regulations, certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) have been condensed or omitted. In management’s opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows have been included and are of a normal, recurring nature. The results of operations for the three and six months ended December 31, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or for any future periods.

You should read the financial statements and these notes, which notes are an integral part of the financial statements, together with our audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022 (“2022 Annual Report”). The accounting policies used to prepare the financial statements included in this Report are the same policies described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements in our 2022 Annual Report unless otherwise noted below.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

We did not adopt any accounting pronouncements during the three and six months ended December 31, 2022.

Recently Issued Accounting and Regulatory Pronouncements

Other recently issued accounting pronouncements are not discussed in this Report as such pronouncements did not have, and are not believed by management to have, a material impact on our present or future financial statements.

Net Income per Common Share

We compute net income per common share using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, and diluted net income per common share using the additional dilutive effect of all dilutive securities. The dilutive impact of stock options and unvested restricted shares account for the additional weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for our diluted net income per common share computation. We calculated basic and diluted net income per common share as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

We excluded 50,377 shares of restricted stock and no shares related to stock options for the three and six months ended December 31, 2022, as their impact would have been anti-dilutive. We did not exclude any stock options or restrictive stock shares for the three and six months ended December 31, 2021, as none would have had an anti-dilutive impact.

Revenue Recognition

We record revenue based on a five-step model which includes: (1) identifying a contract with a customer; (2) identifying the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determining the transaction price; (4) allocating the transaction price among the performance obligations; and (5) recognizing revenue as each of the various performance obligations are satisfied.

Revenue is measured as the net amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for fulfilling one or more performance obligations. We identify purchase orders from customers as contracts. The amount of consideration expected to be received and revenue recognized includes estimates of variable consideration, including estimates for early payment discounts and volume rebates. Such estimates are calculated using historical averages adjusted for any expected changes due to current business conditions and experience. We review and update these estimates at the end of each reporting period and the impact of any adjustments is recognized in the period the adjustments are identified. In assessing whether collection of consideration from a customer is probable, we consider both the customer's ability and intent to pay that amount of consideration when it is due. Payment of invoices is due as specified in the underlying customer agreement, which is typically 30 days from the invoice date. Invoices are generally issued on the date of transfer of control of the products ordered to the customer.

Revenue is recognized at the point in time that each of our performance obligations is fulfilled, and control of the ordered products is transferred to the customer. This transfer occurs when the product is shipped, or in some cases, when the product is delivered to the customer.

We recognize revenue in certain circumstances before delivery to the customer has occurred (commonly referred to as bill-and-hold transactions). Products sold under bill-and-hold arrangements are recorded as revenue when risk of ownership has been transferred to the customer, but the product has not shipped due to a substantive reason, typically at the customer’s request. The product must be separately identified as belonging to the customer, ready for physical transfer to the customer, and we cannot have the ability to redirect the product to another customer.

We provide early payment discounts to certain customers. Based on historical payment trends, we expect that these customers will take advantage of these early payment discounts. The cost of these discounts is reported as a reduction to the transaction price. If the actual discounts differ from those estimated, the difference is also reported as a change in the transaction price. We require prepayment from certain customers. We record any payments received in advance of contract fulfillment as a contract liability and they are classified as customer deposits on the consolidated balance sheet.

Contract liabilities and revenue recognized were as follows (in thousands):

Except for product defects, no right of return exists on the sale of our products. We estimate returns based on historical experience and recognize a returns liability for any estimated returns. As of December 31, 2022, we have no estimated returns liability.

We currently own certain U.S. patents, and each patent’s corresponding foreign patent applications. All of these patents and patent rights relate to the ingredient known as beta-alanine marketed and sold under our CarnoSyn® and SR CarnoSyn® trade names. We recorded beta-alanine raw material sales and royalty and licensing income as a component of revenue in the amount of $1.5 million during the three months ended December 31, 2022, and $2.8 million during the six months ended December 31, 2022. We similarly recorded $4.1 million during the three months ended December 31, 2021, and $8.8 million during the six months ended December 31, 2021. These royalty income and raw material sale amounts resulted in royalty expense paid to the original patent holders from whom NAI acquired its patents and patent rights. We recognized royalty expense as a component of cost of goods sold in the amount of $78,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2022, and $105,000 during the six months ended December 31, 2022. We recorded $163,000 of royalty expense during the three months ended December 31, 2021, and $399,000 during the six months ended December 31, 2021.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Board of Directors approved our current omnibus equity incentive plan that became effective January 1, 2021 (the “2020 Plan”), which was approved by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on December 4, 2020. Under the 2020 Plan, we may grant nonqualified and incentive stock options, restricted stock grants, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, and other stock-based awards to employees, non-employee directors and consultants.

We did not have any option activity or options outstanding during the three and six month periods ended  December 31, 2022 or December 31, 2021.

We did not grant any restricted stock shares during the three or six months ending December 31, 2022 or December 31, 2021. No restricted stock shares were forfeited during the three or six months ended December 31, 2022. During the three months ended December 31, 2021, 2,100 restricted stock shares were forfeited. During the six months ended December 31, 2021, 18,432 restricted stock shares were forfeited. Our net income included stock-based compensation expense in connection with prior restricted stock grants of approximately $0.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and $0.5 million for the six month ended December 31, 2022. Our net income included stock based compensation expense in connection with the vesting of prior restricted stock grants of approximately $0.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021 and $0.5 million for the six months ended December 31, 2021.

Deferred Compensation Plan

Effective July 16, 2020, the Board of Directors approved and adopted a Non-Qualified Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”). Pursuant to the Incentive Plan, the Human Resources Committee and the Board of Directors may make deferred cash payments or other cash awards (“Awards”) to directors, officers, employees and eligible consultants of NAI, (“Participants”). These Awards are made subject to conditions precedent that must be met before NAI is obligated to make the payment. The purpose of the Incentive Plan is to enhance the long-term stockholder value of NAI by providing the Human Resources Committee and the Board of Directors the ability to make deferred cash payments or other cash awards to encourage Participants to serve NAI or to remain in the service of NAI, or to assist NAI to achieve results determined by the Human Resources Committee or the Board of Directors to be in NAI's best interest.

The Incentive Plan authorizes the Human Resources Committee or the Board of Directors to grant to, and administer, unsecured and deferred cash Awards to Participants and to subject each Award to whatever conditions are determined appropriate by the Human Resources Committee or the Board of Directors. The terms of each Award, including the amount and any conditions that must be met to be entitled to payment of the Award are set forth in an Award Agreement between each Participant and NAI. The Incentive Plan provides the Board of Directors with the discretion to set aside assets to fund the Incentive Plan although that has not been done to date.

No deferred cash awards were granted during the three and six months ended December 31, 2022 and the three and six months ended December 31, 2021. No deferred cash awards were forfeited during the three and six month periods ended  December 31, 2022. No deferred cash awards were forfeited during the three months ended December 31, 2021. Awards totaling $191,000 were forfeited during the six months ended December 31, 2021.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Except for cash and cash equivalents, as of December 31, 2022, and June 30, 2022, we did not have any financial assets or liabilities classified as Level 1. We classify derivative forward exchange and interest rate swap contracts as Level 2 assets and liabilities. The fair values were determined by obtaining pricing from our bank and corroborating those values with a third party bank or pricing service.

Fair value of derivative instruments classified as Level 2 assets and liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):

We also classify any outstanding line of credit and term loan balance as a Level 2 liability. As of December 31, 2022, and June 30, 2022, we did not have any financial assets or liabilities classified as Level 3. We did not transfer any assets or liabilities between these levels during fiscal 2022 or the three and six months ended December 31, 2022.

B. Inventories, net

Inventories, net consisted of the following (in thousands):

C. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

Depreciation expense was approximately $1.1 million and $2.0 million for the three and six month periods ended  December 31, 2022, respectively. Depreciation expense was approximately $1.1 million and $2.2 million for the three and six month periods ended  December 31, 2021, respectively. Construction in progress is included in the building and building improvements line.

D. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other comprehensive (loss) income (“OCL” and “OCI”) consisted of the following during the three and six months ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (in thousands):

E. Leases

We currently lease our Vista, CA and Lugano, Switzerland product manufacturing and support facilities.

Leases are classified as operating leases. Substantially all our operating leases are comprised of payments for the use of manufacturing and office space. We have no leases classified as finance leases. As of December 31, 2022, the weighted average remaining lease term for our operating leases was 5.9 years and the weighted average discount rate for our operating leases was 4.14%. As of June 30, 2022, the weighted average remaining lease term for our operating leases was 6.3 years and the weighted average discount rate was 4.12%.

Other information related to leases as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was as follows (in thousands):

F. Debt

On May 24, 2021, we entered into a new credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A (“Wells Fargo”) to extend the maturity for our working line of credit from November 1, 2022 to May 24, 2024. This new credit facility provides total lending capacity of up to $20.0 million and allows us to use the credit facility for working capital as well as potential acquisitions. On August 18, 2021, we entered into an amendment of our credit facility with Wells Fargo. The amended credit facility added a $10.0 million term loan to the existing $20.0 million credit facility, and permitted us to use the $10.0 million term loan as part of the $17.5 million purchase consideration for the acquisition of our new manufacturing and warehouse property in Carlsbad, California. The amended credit agreement also increased the allowed capital expenditures from $10.0 million to $15.0 million for fiscal 2022 (exclusive of the amount paid for the acquisition of the new Carlsbad property noted above). In addition, the new credit notes now reflect a change in the interest rate reference from LIBOR to Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). The Credit Agreement was amended and a new Revolving Line of Credit Note, and Security Agreement were entered into. A Term Note and real property security documents were added to secure the Term Note by the new Carlsbad property. Additionally, we entered into a second amendment to our credit facility with Wells Fargo on February 8, 2022 that was effective January 31, 2022 and modified the annual limit imposed upon our ability to repurchase stock and issue dividends. This amendment increased this limit from $5.0 million annually to $7.0 million annually. Effective September 19, 2022, we entered into a third amendment to our credit facility with Wells Fargo. The third amendment extends the maturity date from May 24, 2024 to May 23, 2025 and also increased the allowed capital expenditures from $7.5 million to $25.0 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.

Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, borrowings are subject to eligibility requirements including maintaining (i) a ratio of total liabilities to tangible net worth of not greater than 1.50 to 1.0 at any time; (ii) a ratio of total current assets to total current liabilities of not less than 1.75 to 1.0 at each fiscal quarter end (iii) net income after taxes not less than $1.00, determined on a trailing four quarter basis with no two consecutive quarterly losses, determined as of each quarter end and (iv) a rolling 4-quarter fixed charge coverage ratio not less than 1.25 to 1.0 as of each fiscal quarter end. The credit agreement also includes a limitation on the amount of capital expenditures that can be made in a given fiscal year, with such limitation set at $25.0 million for our fiscal year ending June 30, 2023 and $7.5 million for all fiscal years thereafter. Any amounts outstanding under the line of credit will bear interest at a fixed or fluctuating interest rate as elected by us from time to time; provided, however, that if the outstanding principal amount is less than $100,000 such amount shall bear interest at the then applicable fluctuating rate of interest. If elected, the fluctuating rate per annum would be equal to 1.29% above the daily simple SOFR rate as in effect from time to time. If a fixed rate is elected, it would equal a per annum rate of 1.29% above the SOFR rolling 30-day average rate in effect on the first day of the applicable fixed rate term. Any amounts outstanding under the line of credit must be paid in full on or before the maturity date. Amounts outstanding that are subject to a fluctuating interest rate may be prepaid at any time without penalty. Amounts outstanding that are subject to a fixed interest rate may be prepaid at any time in minimum amounts of $100,000, subject to a prepayment fee equal to the sum of the discounted monthly differences between payment under a fixed rate versus payment under the variable rate for each month from the month of prepayment through the month in which the then applicable fixed rate term matures. There is an unused commitment fee of 0.125% required as part of the line of credit.

The Term Note used as part of the purchase consideration of our new manufacturing and warehouse property in Carlsbad, California referenced above, is for the original principal amount of $10.0 million, and is a seven year term note with payments fully amortized based on a twenty five year assumed term. Installment payments under this loan commenced October 1, 2021 and continue through August 1, 2028 with a final installment consisting of all remaining amounts due to be paid in full on September 1, 2028. Amounts outstanding on this note during the term of the agreement will bear interest equal to 1.8% above the SOFR rolling 30-day average. In connection with our term loan, we entered into an interest rate swap with Wells Fargo that effectively fixes our interest rate on our term loan at 2.4% for the first three years of the term of the note.

Our obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by our accounts receivable and other rights to payment, general intangibles, inventory, equipment and fixtures. We also have credit approval with Wells Fargo Bank, which allows us to hedge foreign currency exposures up to 30 months in the future. We also have credit approval with Bank of America which allows us to hedge foreign currency exposures up to 24 months in the future.

On December 31, 2022, we were in compliance with all of the financial and other covenants required under the Amended Credit Agreement.

As of December 31, 2022, we paid off the outstanding balance on our credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank. As of December 31, 2022, that credit facility had $20 million available for borrowing.

As of December 31, 2022, we had $9.7 million outstanding under the Term Note used in the purchase of the Carlsbad, California warehouse in August 2021.

G. Economic Dependency

We had substantial net sales to certain customers during the periods shown in the following table. The loss of any of these customers, or a significant decline in (i) sales to these customers, (ii) the growth rate of sales to these customers, or (iii) these customers’ ability to make payments when due, each individually could have a material adverse impact on our net sales and net income. Net sales to any one customer representing 10% or more of the respective period's consolidated net sales were as follows (in thousands):

Accounts receivable from these customers totaled $7.0 million at December 31, 2022 and $10.7 million at June 30, 2022.

We buy certain products, including beta-alanine, from a limited number of raw material suppliers who meet our quality standards. The loss of any of these suppliers could have a material adverse impact on our net sales and net income. Raw material purchases from any one supplier representing 10% or more of the respective period’s total raw material purchases were as follows (dollars in thousands):

H. Segment Information

Our business consists of two segments for financial reporting purposes. The two segments are identified as (i) private-label contract manufacturing, which primarily relates to the provision of private-label contract manufacturing services to companies that market and distribute nutritional supplements and other health care products, and (ii) patent and trademark licensing, which primarily includes direct raw material sales and royalty income from our license and supply agreements associated with the sale and use of beta-alanine under our CarnoSyn® and SR CarnoSyn® trade names.

We evaluate performance of these segments based on a number of factors. The primary performance measures for each segment are net sales and income or loss from operations before the allocation of certain corporate level expenses. Operating income or loss for each segment does not include corporate general and administrative expenses, interest expense and other miscellaneous income and expense items. Corporate general and administrative expenses include, but are not limited to human resources, corporate legal, finance, information technology, and other corporate level related expenses, which are not allocated to any segment. Transfers of raw materials between segments are recorded at cost. The accounting policies of our segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note A above and in the consolidated financial statements included in our 2022 Annual Report.

Our operating results by business segment were as follows (in thousands):

Our private-label contract manufacturing products are sold both in the U.S. and in markets outside the U.S., including Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and Asia. Our primary markets outside the U.S. are Europe and Asia. Our patent and trademark licensing activities are primarily based in the U.S.

Net sales by geographic region, based on the customers’ location, were as follows (in thousands):

Products manufactured by our Swiss subsidiary ("NAIE") accounted for 73% of net sales in markets outside the U.S. for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 75% for the six months ended December 31, 2022. Products manufactured by our Swiss subsidiary ("NAIE") accounted for 89% of net sales in markets outside the U.S. for the three months ended December 31, 2021 and 84% for the six months ended December 31, 2021.

Long-lived assets by geographic region, based on the location of the company or subsidiary at which they were located or made, were as follows (in thousands):

Total assets by geographic region, based on the location of the company or subsidiary at which they were located or made, were as follows (in thousands):

Capital expenditures by geographic region, based on the location of the company or subsidiary at which they were located or made, were as follows (in thousands):

I. Income Taxes

To determine our quarterly provision for income taxes, we use an estimated annual effective tax rate, which is based on expected annual income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions to which we are subject. Certain significant or unusual items are separately recognized in the quarter in which they occur and can be a source of variability in the effective tax rate from quarter to quarter. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, as an income tax expense.

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2022 was 20.7% and our effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2021 was 22.8%. Our effective tax rate for the six months ended December 31, 2022 was 20.5% and our effective tax rate for the six months ended December 31, 2021 was 22.6%. Our effective tax rates for the three and six months ended December 31, 2021 differ from the fiscal 2022 U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to foreign income tax rate differential and other tax credits.

We record valuation allowances to reduce our deferred tax assets to an amount we believe is more likely than not to be realized. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. During the three and six months ended December 31, 2022, there was no change to our valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets.

J. Treasury Stock

We purchase shares under a stock repurchase plan (“Repurchase Plan”) authorized by the Board of Directors. On December 2, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized a $1.0 million increase to the Repurchase Plan, thus bringing the total authorized repurchase to $19.0 million. Under the Repurchase Plan, we may, from time to time, purchase shares of our common stock, depending upon market conditions, in open market or privately negotiated transactions.

Stock repurchases for the three months ended December 31, 2022 were as follows:

Stock repurchases for the six months ended December 31, 2022 were as follows:

Stock repurchases for the three months ended December 31, 2021 were as follows:

Stock repurchases for the six months ended December 31, 2021 were as follows:

Stock repurchase costs include commissions and fees.

Shares acquired from employees for restricted stock vesting were returned to us by the related employees and in return we paid each employee’s required tax withholding resulting from the vesting of restricted shares. The valuation of the shares acquired and thereby the number of shares returned to us was calculated based on the closing share price on the date the shares vested.

K. Derivatives and Hedging

We are exposed to gains and losses resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates relating to forecasted product sales denominated in foreign currencies and to other transactions of NAIE, our foreign subsidiary. As part of our overall strategy to manage the level of exposure to the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, we may use foreign exchange contracts in the form of forward contracts. To the extent we enter into such contracts, there can be no guarantee any such contracts will be effective hedges against our foreign currency exchange risk.

As of December 31, 2022, we had forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges primarily to protect against the foreign exchange risks inherent in our forecasted sales of products at prices denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. These contracts are expected to be settled through September 2023. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, we record the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative in accumulated other comprehensive income (“OCI”) as a separate component of stockholders’ equity and subsequently reclassify these amounts into earnings in the period during which the hedged transaction is recognized in earnings.

For foreign currency contracts designated as cash flow hedges, hedge effectiveness is measured using the spot rate. Changes in the spot-forward differential are excluded from the test of hedge effectiveness and are recorded currently in earnings as revenue. We measure effectiveness by comparing the cumulative change in the hedge contract with the cumulative change in the hedged item. No hedging relationships were terminated as a result of ineffective hedging for the three and six months ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

We monitor the probability of forecasted transactions as part of the hedge effectiveness testing on a quarterly basis. During the three and six months ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we did not have any losses or gains related to the ineffective portion of our hedging instruments.

As of December 31, 2022, the notional amounts of our foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges were approximately $23.3 million (EUR 20.2 million). As of December 31, 2022, a net gain of approximately $0.5 million, offset by $0.1 million of deferred taxes, related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges was recorded in OCI. It is expected that the entire amount will be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months along with the earnings effects of the related forecasted transactions.

For foreign currency contracts not designated as cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of the hedge are recorded directly to foreign exchange gain or loss in other income in an effort to offset the change in valuation of the underlying hedged item. During the three and six months ended December 31, 2022 we entered into forward contracts in order to hedge foreign exchange risk associated with our lease liability at NAIE, which is denominated in Swiss Francs (CHF). As of December 31, 2022, the notional amounts of our foreign exchange contracts not designated as cash flow hedges were approximately $12.5 million (CHF 11.7 million).

We are exposed to interest rate fluctuations related to our $10.0 million Term Note with Wells Fargo, which carries a variable interest rate of 1.80% above the SOFR rolling 30-day average. To manage our exposure to this variable rate, on August 23, 2021, we entered into a floored interest rate swap that fixes our all-in rate on this loan to 2.4% for the first three years of the term loan. Fluctuations in the relation of our contractual swap rate to current market rates are recorded as an asset or liability with an offset to OCI at the end of each reporting period. Interest expense is adjusted for the difference between the actual SOFR spread and the swap contractual rate such that our effective interest expense for each period is equal to our hedged rate of 2.4%.

L. Contingencies

From time to time, we become involved in various investigations, claims and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business. These matters may relate to product liability, employment, intellectual property, regulatory, contract or other matters. The resolution of these matters as they arise may be subject to various uncertainties and, even if such claims are without merit, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources. While unfavorable outcomes are possible, based on available information, we currently do not believe the resolution of these matters will result in a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition, or results of operations. However, a settlement payment or unfavorable outcome could be greater than we currently anticipate and if so, could adversely impact our results of operations. Our evaluation of the likely impact of these actions could change in the future and we could have unfavorable outcomes we do not expect.

COVID-19 Pandemic

We continue to monitor and evaluate the risks to public health and the impact on overall global business activity related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including its potential impacts on our employees, customers, suppliers and financial results. As the situation remains fluid, it is difficult to predict the duration and scope of the pandemic and its impact on our business. However, it may result in a material adverse impact to our financial position, operations and cash flows if conditions persist or worsen.

M. Subsequent Event

On January 12, 2023, we purchased four forward contracts designated and effective as cash flow hedges to protect against the foreign currency exchange risk inherent in a portion of our forecasted sales transactions denominated in Euros. The four contracts expire quarterly beginning December 2023 and ending September 2024. The forward contracts have a notional amount of €6.9 million and a weighted average forward rate of 1.10.

ITEM 2.     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis is intended to help you understand our financial condition and results of operations for the three and six months ended December 31, 2022. You should read the following discussion and analysis together with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included under Item 1 in this Report, as well as the risk factors and other information included in our 2022 Annual Report and other reports and documents we file with the SEC. Our future financial condition and results of operations will vary from our historical financial condition and results of operations described below based on a variety of factors.

Executive Overview

The following overview does not address all of the matters covered in the other sections of this Item 2 or other items in this Report nor does it contain all of the information that may be important to our stockholders or the investing public. You should read this overview in conjunction with the other sections of this Item 2 and this Report.

Our primary business activity is providing private-label contract manufacturing services to companies that market and distribute vitamins, minerals, herbal and other nutritional supplements, as well as other health care products, to consumers both within and outside the U.S. Historically, our revenue has been largely dependent on sales to two or three private-label contract manufacturing customers and subject to variations in the timing of such customers’ orders, which in turn is impacted by such customers’ internal marketing programs, supply chain management, entry into new markets, new product introductions, the demand for such customers’ products, and general industry and economic conditions. Our revenue also includes raw material sales and royalty and licensing revenue generated from license and supply agreements with third parties, granting them the right to use our patents, trademarks and other intellectual property in connection with the distribution and use of the ingredient known as beta-alanine sold under our CarnoSyn® and SR CarnoSyn® trademarks.

A cornerstone of our business strategy is to achieve long-term growth and profitability and to diversify our sales base. We have sought and expect to continue to seek to diversify our sales by developing relationships with additional, quality-oriented, private-label contract manufacturing customers, and commercializing our patent estate through sales of beta-alanine under our CarnoSyn® and SR CarnoSyn® trade names, royalties from license agreements, and potentially additional contract manufacturing opportunities with licensees.

During the six months ended December 31, 2022, our net sales were 12% higher than in the first six months ended December 31, 2021. Private-label contract manufacturing sales increased 23% primarily due to higher sales to our two largest customers, partially offset by decreased sales to other customers and lower average exchange rates applied to sales denominated in Euro as compared to the prior year period. Our foreign exchange rates as applied to sales denominated in Euro decreased to a weighted average of 1.13 EUR/USD in the six months ended December 31, 2022 compared to a weighted average of 1.18 EUR/USD during the six months ended December 31, 2021. Revenue concentration risk for our largest private-label contract manufacturing customer as a percentage of our total net sales increased from 35% for the six months ended December 31, 2021 to 36% for the six months ended December 31, 2022. We expect our annualized fiscal year 2023 revenue concentration for our largest customer to increase compared to fiscal 2022 revenue. 

During the six months ended December 31, 2022, patent and trademark licensing revenue decreased 68% to $2.8 million, compared to revenue of $8.8 million for the six months ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in patent and trademark licensing revenue during six months ended December 31, 2022 was primarily due to a decrease in orders from existing customers as a result of market and inflationary factors along with a general slowdown in the Sports Nutrition sales channel. Included in the market factors is the fact that the six months ended December 31, 2021 benefited from a ramp up of Sports Nutrition sales activity due to easing COVID restrictions on athletic activities with no corresponding activity in the six months ended December 31, 2022.

We continue to invest in research and development for our SR CarnoSyn® sustained release delivery system. We believe SR CarnoSyn® may provide a unique opportunity within the growing Wellness and Healthy Aging markets. We believe our recent efforts to refine our formulations and product offerings will be positively received and result in significant opportunity for increased SR CarnoSyn® sales.

To protect our CarnoSyn® business and our patents, trademarks and other intellectual property, we incurred litigation and patent compliance expenses of approximately $0.1 million during the first six months of fiscal 2023 as compared to $0.2 million during the comparable period in fiscal 2022. Our legal expense associated with our CarnoSyn® business has remained low as we have no active litigation and the current run-rate of expenses is primarily related to maintenance of our patent and trademark estate. Our ability to maintain or further increase our beta-alanine royalty and licensing revenue will depend in large part on our ability to develop a market for our sustained release form of beta-alanine marketed under our SR CarnoSyn® trademark, maintain our patent rights, obtain the raw material beta-alanine when and in the amounts needed, expand distribution of beta-alanine to new and existing customers, and continued compliance by third parties with our license agreements and our patent, trademark and other intellectual property rights. During the remainder of fiscal 2023, we will continue our sales and marketing activities to consumers, customers, potential customers, and brand owners on multiple platforms to promote and reinforce the features and benefits of utilizing CarnoSyn® and SR CarnoSyn® beta-alanine.

Based on our current sales order volumes and forecasts we have received from our customers, we now anticipate our fiscal 2023 consolidated net sales will decrease slightly compared to fiscal 2022. We anticipate operating income will be negatively impacted by changes in sales mix, unfavorable foreign exchange rates, and inflationary factors including increased operational costs, increased labor, raw material, freight and supply chain costs. We anticipate the negative effects of these factors will have a more significant impact to our operating income in the second half of fiscal 2023. We are actively evaluating cost reduction opportunities, including working with both suppliers and customers, to mitigate the impact of these higher operational costs on our financial results. There can be no assurance our expectations will result in the currently anticipated net sales or financial results.

During the remainder of fiscal year 2023, we also plan to continue our focus on:

Impact of COVID-19 on Our Business

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted, and is likely to continue to result, in significant economic disruption and has and will likely continue to affect our business. Significant uncertainty exists concerning the magnitude of the impact and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our facilities, located both in the United States and Europe, have maintained operations throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there can be no assurance our facilities will continue to operate without interruption. Factors that derive from COVID-19 and the accompanying response, and that have or may negatively impact sales and gross margin in the future include, but are not limited to the following:

We will continue to monitor the situation and may take further actions to alter our business operations as may be required by federal, state or local authorities or that we determine are in the best interests of our employees, customers, suppliers and shareholders. While we are unable to determine or predict the nature, duration, or scope of the overall impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on our business, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources, we believe we will be able to remain operational and our working capital will be sufficient for us to remain operational even as the longer-term consequences of this pandemic become known.

Discussion of Critical Accounting Estimates

We have identified the following as our most critical accounting estimates, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results, and that require management’s most subjective and complex judgments. Information regarding our other significant accounting estimates and policies are disclosed in Note 1 of Item 1 of this report and as disclosed in the 2022 Annual Report.

Revenue Recognition — Revenue is measured as the net amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for fulfilling one or more performance obligations. For certain contracts with volume rebates and discounts, our estimates of future sales used to assess the volume rebate and discount estimates are subject to a high degree of judgement and may differ from actual sales due to, among other things, changes in customer orders and raw material availability. 

Results of Operations

The results of our operations for the three and six months ended December 31 were as follows (dollars in thousands):