UNIFI INC - Annual Report: 2021 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

For the fiscal year ended June 27, 2021

OR

For the transition period from _____ to _____

Commission File Number: 1-10542

UNIFI, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

7201 West Friendly Avenue

Greensboro, North Carolina 27410

(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (336) 294-4410

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

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

None

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  ☒

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

As of December 25, 2020, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $233,348,635.  The registrant has no non-voting stock.

As of August 20, 2021, the number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding was 18,517,713.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the registrant’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K to the extent described herein.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that relate to our plans, objectives, estimates and goals.  Statements expressing expectations regarding our future, or projections or estimates relating to products, sales, revenues, expenditures, costs, strategies, initiatives or earnings, are typical of such statements and are made under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions and expectations about our future performance, considering the information currently available to management.  The words “believe,” “may,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “strive” and words of similar import, or the negative of such words, identify or signal the presence of forward-looking statements.  These statements are not statements of historical fact; and they involve risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance or financial condition to differ materially from the expectations of future results, performance or financial condition that we express or imply in any forward-looking statement.  Factors that could contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to:

All such factors are difficult to predict, contain uncertainties that may materially affect actual results and may be beyond our control.  New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors or to assess the impact of each such factor on the Company.  Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made, except as may be required by federal securities laws.

In light of all the above considerations, we reiterate that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and we caution you not to rely on them as such.

UNIFI, INC.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 27, 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Fiscal Year

The fiscal year for Unifi, Inc., its domestic subsidiaries and its subsidiary in El Salvador ends on the Sunday in June or July nearest June 30 of each year. Unifi, Inc.’s fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019 ended on June 27, 2021, June 28, 2020 and June 30, 2019, respectively.

Unifi, Inc.’s remaining material operating subsidiaries’ fiscal years end on June 30. There were no significant transactions or events that occurred between Unifi, Inc.’s fiscal year end and such wholly owned subsidiaries’ fiscal year ends. Unifi, Inc.’s fiscal 2021 and 2020 each consisted of 52 weeks, while fiscal 2019 consisted of 53 weeks.

Presentation

All amounts, except per share amounts, are presented in thousands (000s), unless otherwise noted.

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PART I

Item 1.Business

Unifi, Inc., a New York corporation formed in 1969 (together with its subsidiaries, “UNIFI,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”), is a multinational company that manufactures and sells innovative recycled and synthetic products, made from polyester and nylon, primarily to other yarn manufacturers and knitters and weavers (UNIFI’s direct customers) that produce yarn and/or fabric for the apparel, hosiery, home furnishings, automotive, industrial and other end-use markets (UNIFI’s indirect customers).  We refer to these indirect customers as “brand partners.” Polyester products include partially oriented yarn (“POY”), textured, solution and package dyed, twisted, beamed and draw wound yarns, and each is available in virgin or recycled varieties.  Nylon products include virgin or recycled textured, solution dyed and spandex covered yarns. Recycled solutions, made from both pre-consumer and post-consumer waste, include plastic bottle flake (“Flake”) made from polyester, and polymer beads (“Chip”) and staple fiber made from polyester or nylon.

UNIFI maintains one of the textile industry’s most comprehensive product offerings that includes a range of specialized, value-added and commodity solutions, with principal geographic markets in the Americas, Asia and Europe. UNIFI has direct manufacturing operations in four countries and participates in joint ventures with operations in Israel and the United States (“U.S.”).

UNIFI has four reportable segments:

Other information for UNIFI’s reportable segments is provided in Note 24, “Business Segment Information,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  In addition to UNIFI’s reportable segments, UNIFI conducts certain ancillary operations that primarily include for-hire transportation services, which comprise an All Other category. The ancillary operations classified within All Other are immaterial to UNIFI’s consolidated financial statements.

In discussion of our operating results in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Annual Report”) and the combined impacts of certain concepts to both our Polyester and Nylon Segments, we refer to our operations in the “NACA” region, which is the region comprised of the trade zones covered by the Dominican Republic—Central America Free Trade Agreement (“CAFTA-DR”) and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (“USMCA”). Prior to the establishment of the USMCA, we benefited from a similar, historical agreement known as the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”).

Strategic Overview and Operating Results

We believe UNIFI’s underlying performance during recent fiscal years reflects the strength of our global initiative to deliver differentiated solutions to customers and brand partners throughout the world. Our supply chain has been developed and enhanced in multiple regions around the globe, allowing us to deliver a diverse range of fibers and polymers to key customers in the markets we serve, especially apparel. These polyester and nylon products are supported by quality assurance, product development and other customer service teams across UNIFI’s operating subsidiaries. We have developed this successful operating platform by improving operational and business processes and deriving value from sustainability-based initiatives, including polyester and nylon recycling.

This platform has provided growth in our core operations during recent fiscal years and has been augmented by significant capital investments that support the production and delivery of sustainable and innovative solutions. In order to achieve further growth, UNIFI is committed to investing strategically and synergistically in:

We believe that further commercial expansion will require a continued stream of new technology and innovation that generates products with meaningful consumer benefits. Along with our recycled platform, UNIFI has significant yarn technologies that provide optimal performance characteristics for today’s marketplace, including moisture management, temperature moderation, stretch, ultra-violet protection and fire retardation, among others. To achieve further growth, UNIFI remains focused on innovation, bringing to market the next wave of fibers and polymers for tomorrow’s applications. As we invest and grow, sustainability remains at our

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core. We believe that increasing the awareness for recycled solutions in applications across fibers and polymers and furthering sustainability-based initiatives with like-minded brand partners will be key to our future success. Growth will also require high-quality partnerships. With a changing retail landscape and a dynamic consumer, brands are demanding responsive, localized supply chains. In order to capitalize on these shifts, we expect to identify and enter into partnerships and commercial relationships that expand our global footprint in strategic regions. As the Americas and Asia remain significant components of the global supply chain, UNIFI will be diligent in exploring partnerships that advance our existing growth platform in these regions.

Our recent efforts to alleviate competitive pressures from imported polyester yarn into the U.S. are intended to complement our strategic initiatives and to stabilize the market share decline we have experienced in the U.S., while improving facility utilization and cost absorption. These efforts are further discussed below under the heading “Trade Regulation and Rules of Origin.” Execution on both our strategic and trade initiatives is expected to increase revenue and profitability.

Consistent with our renewed focus on delivering recycled and synthetic fibers around the globe, we executed a strategic divestiture of our 34% minority ownership interest in Parkdale America, LLC (“PAL”) (the “PAL Investment”), a domestic cotton yarn supplier, in fiscal 2020. The PAL Investment was sold for $60,000 in cash to Parkdale, Incorporated (“Parkdale”), the existing majority partner. Cash proceeds from the divestiture provided additional flexibility and liquidity for both long-term opportunities and uncertainty associated with current economic volatility.

Fiscal 2021 Financial Performance

In fiscal 2021, our Polyester and Nylon Segments were adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as manufacturing activity in the NACA region has recovered less rapidly than in Asia and Brazil. Although productivity remains pressured by lower global demand, our Asia Segment continues to perform well with both new and existing customer programs. The Brazil Segment was able to navigate its domestic recovery more favorably than competitive importers, resulting in sales volume, profitability and market share gains compared to recent fiscal years. We believe the outperformance by the Brazil Segment includes the temporary capture of market share from competitive imports and higher conversion margin due to the unfavorable dynamics facing competitors related to higher input and freight costs combined with longer delivery times.

Although sales volumes in the NACA region were pressured in fiscal 2021, our operations benefited from selling price stability and responsiveness and sales mix improvements. Accordingly, we were able to achieve better-than-expected operating results in fiscal 2021.

While sales and gross profit pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic have weighed on certain aspects of our financial results, we have remained diligent in effectively managing our operations while delivering on customer demand. Accordingly, we generated operating cash flows and reduced our debt principal during fiscal 2021. Our performance in fiscal 2021 has further strengthened our balance sheet and solidified a foundation for further growth subsequent to the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We believe that several aspects of our business will remain drivers for growth once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, including: (i) continued sales and portfolio growth for our Asia Segment; (ii) U.S. market share recapture from our recent trade initiatives; (iii) continued commitments in sustainability by corporations, governments and other entities leading to further demand for our REPREVE^® platform; (iv) leading-edge innovation and commercialization efforts that deliver meaningful consumer products; and (v) continued expansion of our portfolio with additional markets, applications, and brand partners.

COVID-19 Pandemic

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the current COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. Efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 intensified during March and April 2020. Several states, including North Carolina, where UNIFI’s primary manufacturing and administrative operations are located, declared states of emergency. A number of foreign and local governments also enacted temporary business closures, issued quarantine orders and took other restrictive measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The local and global measures significantly reduced economic activity and demand, thereby reducing overall demand for UNIFI’s products from March 2020 to December 2020.

In an effort to protect the health and safety of our employees, customers and communities, UNIFI took proactive, aggressive actions from the earliest signs of the outbreak that included social distancing and travel restriction policies for all locations, along with reducing costs in both manufacturing and selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) without impacting our ability to service customers. These measures remain in effect and are evaluated regularly against local, state and federal recommendations.

Global measures taken to combat the COVID-19 pandemic generated a significant decline in global business activity that may have a lasting impact on the global economy and consumer demand. The duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its related impact on our business is currently unknown. Throughout calendar 2020, the Asia Segment’s overall performance and profitability was moderately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, while our U.S., Brazil and El Salvador operations were more adversely impacted, most notably in the June 2020 and September 2020 quarters during the most intense declines in global demand. The global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted, and will continue to negatively impact, overall global demand and business activity, including textiles in both the Americas and Asia for a currently unknown duration.

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Our operating results for fiscal 2021 indicate a robust recovery of the textile supply chain and increased activity from the considerably low levels of demand experienced in the June 2020 quarter. However, the anticipated economic recovery could be jeopardized by a significant hampering of local and global healthcare systems’ ability to treat infections, mutations of the virus (such as the Delta variant) that cause further difficulty in containment efforts or shelter-in-place orders in UNIFI’s primary geographic markets.

Specifically, the local government in Sao Paolo, Brazil issued lockdown orders during late March 2021 that continued into April 2021 in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 among its citizens. Additionally, store closings and manufacturing shutdowns occurred around that same time. The restrictions caused an immediate disruption of our Brazil Segment’s revenue during the quarantine period, although demand levels appear to have been restored at the end of fiscal 2021.

Despite economic pressures amid the COVID-19 pandemic, textile demand and business activity levels in fiscal 2021 exceeded our expectations when we began the fiscal year. However, there is no certainty that such levels will continue or increase during the remainder of calendar 2021. Additionally, there is no clear indication that the recent demand and activity levels were the result of economic restoration, as those levels could have been favorably impacted by pent up demand. UNIFI will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing the health and safety of our employees, while delivering on customer demand.

REPREVE^®

In the early 2000s, by recycling our own production waste into useful polyester fibers, we took the first steps toward building an important supply chain with a focus on sustainability and responsibility. After more than a decade, our REPREVE^® brand has become the quintessential recycled fiber of choice for brand, retail and textile partners around the globe. REPREVE^® is most commonly offered in the following fiber forms: polyester staple fiber, polyester filament, nylon staple fiber and nylon filament, comprising our REPREVE^® Fiber platform; as well as in polyester resin form as REPREVE^® Chip. Beyond the high quality, versatility and breadth of application that REPREVE^® offers, UNIFI combines transparency, traceability and certification for REPREVE^® products to support our customers’ own sustainability narratives.

REPREVE^® is our flagship brand and our fastest growing brand. As part of our efforts to expand consumer brand recognition of REPREVE^®, UNIFI has developed recycling-focused sponsorships with various brand partners and other entities that span across sporting, music and outdoor events. The increasing success and awareness of the REPREVE^® brand continues to provide new opportunities for growth, allowing for expansion into new end uses and markets for REPREVE^®, as well as continued growth of the brand with current customers.  This has driven traction with global brands and retailers who obtain value and lasting consumer interest from the innovation and sustainability aspects that REPREVE^® provides.

We remain committed to sustainability. During fiscal 2021, we achieved two significant milestones by: (i) surpassing more than 25 billion recycled plastic bottles transformed since the inception of REPREVE^® and (ii) receiving comparably favorable Higg Materials Sustainability Index scores for REPREVE^® produced in the U.S., demonstrating that the brand’s global warming potential is meaningfully better than conventional alternatives such as generic recycled yarn and virgin yarn. Our dedication continues with our next goal of reaching the 30 billion recycled plastic bottles mark in calendar 2022. We will continue growing the business for our REPREVE^® products and believe our engagement and research and development work with brands and retailers continues to create new, worldwide sales opportunities.

The primary metric for tracking growth of the REPREVE^® brand is REPREVE^® Fiber sales. Of our consolidated sales in fiscal 2019, 2020 and 2021, REPREVE^® Fiber comprised 25%, 31% and 37%, respectively.

Capital Investments

In fiscal 2015, we began a significant, three-year capital investment plan to increase our manufacturing capabilities and capacity, expand our technological foundation and customize our asset base to improve our ability to deliver small-lot and high-value solutions. These investments were made primarily for the Polyester Segment.

Most notably, we made significant investments in the production and supply chain for REPREVE^®, including backward integration by building a bottle processing plant and additional production lines in the REPREVE^® Recycling Center. Furthermore, UNIFI (i) installed bi-component spinning machinery to produce specialized, high-value yarns and (ii) made machinery modifications to meet the ever-changing demands of the market, all while (iii) investing in routine capital maintenance to ensure high-quality manufacturing.

Subsequent to the multi-year capital investment plan, our capital investments have ranged from approximately $15,000 to $25,000 each fiscal year, and most recently include (i) making further improvements in production capabilities and technology enhancements in the Americas, (ii) beginning the purchase and installation of new eAFK Evo texturing machines, and (iii) annual maintenance capital expenditures.

In fiscal 2022, we expect to invest between $40,000 and $45,000 in capital projects, including (i) the purchase and installation of additional eAFK Evo texturing machines, (ii) making further improvements in production capabilities and technology enhancements in the Americas and (iii) approximately $10,000 to $12,000 of annual maintenance capital expenditures. We are encouraged by the initial metrics surrounding the eAFK Evo texturing machines currently operating in our facilities, and we expect these upgrades to generate meaningful investment returns in the future.

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Nonetheless, the severity and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with any other economic disruptions, could adversely impact the speed at which we invest in capital projects, as we continue to prioritize liquidity, safety and maintenance.

Share Repurchases

In addition to capital investments and debt retirement, UNIFI may utilize excess cash for strategic share repurchases. On October 31, 2018, UNIFI announced that the Board of Directors (“Board”) approved a share repurchase program (the “2018 SRP”) under which UNIFI is authorized to acquire up to $50,000 of its common stock. Under the 2018 SRP, purchases may be made from time to time in the open market at prevailing market prices, through private transactions or block trades. The timing and amount of repurchases will depend on market conditions, share price, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The share repurchase authorization is discretionary and has no expiration date.

As of June 27, 2021, UNIFI had repurchased a total of 84 shares at an average price of $23.72, leaving $48,008 available for repurchase under the 2018 SRP. UNIFI will continue to evaluate opportunities to use excess cash flows from operations or existing borrowings to repurchase additional stock, while maintaining sufficient liquidity to support its operational needs and to fund future strategic growth opportunities.

Developments in Principal Markets

Since 2017, apparel production experienced multi-year growth in the NACA region, which comprises the principal markets for UNIFI’s Polyester and Nylon Segments. The share of synthetic apparel production for these regions as a percentage of U.S. retail stabilized at approximately 18%, while retail consumption grew. The CAFTA-DR region, which continues to be a competitive alternative to Asian supply chains for textile products, maintained its share of synthetic apparel supply to U.S. retailers. The relative share of synthetic apparel versus cotton apparel as a proportion of the overall apparel market increased and provided growth for the consumption of synthetic yarns within the CAFTA-DR region.

During the last four fiscal years, several key drivers affected our financial results. During fiscal 2018 and 2019, our operations in the U.S. were unfavorably impacted by (i) rising raw material costs and (ii) a surge of imported polyester textured yarn that depressed our pricing, market share, and fixed cost absorption. During fiscal 2020, our financial results began to improve following more stable import and raw material cost environments. However, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant unfavorable impact to product demand and our annual profitability suffered accordingly. Near the end of fiscal 2020, we divested a minority interest investment and significantly improved our liquidity position, supporting business preservation and the ability to better capture long-term growth opportunities. Throughout fiscal 2021, our businesses experienced sequential improvement alongside global demand and economic recovery, and we capitalized on profitable opportunities that fueled strong consolidated results.

UNIFI’s Asian operations remain an important part of our strategy due to the significant capacity and production that exists in Asia, which enhances our ability to service customers with global supply chains.  Competition in the Asia region remains high; however, interest and demand for UNIFI’s products in Asia have helped support strong sales volumes in recent years. We are encouraged by programs undertaken with key brands and retailers that benefit from the diversification and innovation of our global portfolio.

UNIFI’s Brazilian operations also play a key role in our strategy. This segment is primarily impacted by (i) price pressures from imported fiber, fabric and finished goods (similar to our U.S. operations), (ii) the inflation rate in Brazil, and (iii) changes in the value of the Brazilian Real (“BRL”).  Competition and economic and political volatility remain challenging conditions in South America, despite our strong performance in fiscal 2021, thus UNIFI continues to (i) aggressively pursue mix enrichment by working with customers to develop programs using our differentiated products and (ii) implement process improvements and manufacturing efficiency plans to help lower per-unit costs.

UNIFI’s operations in Asia and Brazil have been critical to global growth and expansion. Looking ahead, we expect expansion into additional markets in Europe, Africa and the Middle East utilizing the asset-light supply chain and service model that has been successful for us in Asia.

As we expand our operations outside of the Americas, we will continue to evaluate the level of capital investment required to support the needs of our customers and we intend to allocate our resources accordingly.

Industry Overview

UNIFI operates in the textile industry and, within that broad category, the respective markets for yarns, fabrics, fibers and end-use products, such as apparel and hosiery, automotive, industrial products and home furnishings.  Even though the textile industry is global, there are several distinctive regional or other geographic markets that often shape the business strategies and operations of participants in the industry.  Because of free trade agreements and other trade regulations entered into by the U.S. government, the U.S. textile industry, which is otherwise a distinctive geographic market on its own, is often considered in conjunction with other geographic markets or regions in North, South and Central America, such as the NACA region.  The Company’s principal markets for its domestic operations are in the NACA region.

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According to data compiled by PCI WoodMackenzie, a global leader in research and analysis for the polyester and raw material markets, global demand for polyester yarns has grown steadily since 1980. In calendar 2003, polyester replaced cotton as the fiber with the largest percentage of worldwide sales.  In calendar 2018, global polyester consumption accounted for an estimated 56% of global fiber consumption, and global demand was projected to increase by approximately 3.0% to 3.5% annually through calendar 2025.  In calendar 2018, global nylon consumption accounted for an estimated 5% of global fiber consumption.  However, the continued decline in the U.S. nylon market during fiscal 2021 had an unfavorable impact on UNIFI’s Nylon Segment. Additionally, due to the higher cost of nylon, the industry may transition certain products from nylon to polyester. The polyester and nylon fiber sectors together accounted for approximately 61% of North American textile consumption during calendar 2018. We estimate that these calendar 2018 trends remained similar or identical throughout calendar 2019. COVID-19 adversely impacted the textile industry during calendar 2020, but we believe the share of polyester and nylon consumption remained unchanged.

According to the National Council of Textile Organizations, the U.S. textile and apparel industry’s total shipments were approximately $64.4 billion for calendar 2020 as the U.S. textile and apparel industry exported nearly $25.4 billion of textile and apparel products.  The U.S. textile industry remains a large manufacturing employer.

Trade Regulation and Rules of Origin

The duty rate on imports into the U.S. of finished apparel categories that utilize polyester and nylon yarns generally range from 16% to 32%. For many years, imports of fabric and finished goods into the U.S. have increased significantly from countries that do not participate in free trade agreements or trade preference programs, despite duties charged on those imports. The primary drivers for that growth were lower overseas operating costs, foreign government subsidization of textile industries, increased overseas sourcing by U.S. retailers, the entry of China into the World Trade Organization, and the staged elimination of all textile and apparel quotas. Although global apparel imports represent a significant percentage of the U.S. market, Regional FTAs (as defined below), which follow general “yarn forward” rules of origin, provide duty free advantages for apparel made from regional fibers, yarns and fabrics, allowing UNIFI opportunities to participate in this growing market.

A significant number of UNIFI’s customers in the apparel market produce finished goods that meet the eligibility requirements for duty-free treatment in the regions covered by NACA and the Colombia and Peru free trade agreements (collectively, the “Regional FTAs”). These Regional FTAs contain rules of origin requirements in order for covered products to be eligible for duty-free treatment. In the case of textiles such as fabric, yarn (such as POY), fibers (filament and staple) and certain garments made from them, the products are generally required to be fully formed within the respective regions. UNIFI is the largest filament yarn manufacturer, and one of the few producers of qualifying synthetic yarns, in the regions covered by these Regional FTAs.

The U.S. has maintained a positive trade balance in the textile and apparel sector under the NAFTA, and UNIFI anticipates the modifications made in the USMCA in this sector will not significantly impact textile and apparel trade in the region. The USMCA includes strong rules of origin and closes several loopholes in the NAFTA that allowed non-originating inputs, such as sewing thread, pocketing and narrow elastic fabrics.  

U.S. legislation commonly referred to as the “Berry Amendment” stipulates that certain textile and apparel articles purchased by the U.S. Department of Defense must be manufactured in the U.S. and must consist of yarns and fibers produced in the U.S. UNIFI is the largest producer of polyester and nylon yarns for Berry Amendment compliant purchasing programs.

UNIFI refers to fibers sold with specific rules of origin requirements under the Regional FTAs and the Berry Amendment, as “Compliant Yarns.”  Approximately two-thirds of UNIFI’s sales within the Polyester and Nylon Segments are sold as Compliant Yarns under the terms of the Regional FTAs or the Berry Amendment.

UNIFI believes the requirements of the rules of origin and the associated duty-free cost advantages in the Regional FTAs, together with the Berry Amendment and the growing demand for supplier responsiveness and improved inventory turns, will ensure that a portion of the existing textile industry will remain based in the Americas. UNIFI expects that the NACA region will continue to maintain its share of apparel production as a percentage of U.S. retail. UNIFI believes the remaining synthetic apparel production within these NACA region markets is more specialized and defensible, and, in some cases, apparel producers are bringing programs back to the NACA region as part of a balanced sourcing strategy for some brands and retailers.  Because UNIFI is the largest of only a few significant producers of Compliant Yarns under these Regional FTAs, one of UNIFI’s business strategies is to continue to leverage its eligibility status for duty-free processing to increase its share of business with regional and domestic fabric producers who ship their products into this region.

Over the longer term, the textile industry in the NACA region is expected to continue to be impacted by Asian supply chains where costs are much lower and regulation is limited.

Imports of polyester textured yarn from China and India, which increased approximately 79% from calendar 2013 to 2017 and which continued to grow during calendar 2018, remained elevated during fiscal 2019 and created considerable pressure on our margins and competitiveness in the U.S.  Accordingly, in October 2018, UNIFI filed antidumping and countervailing duty cases with the U.S. Department of Commerce (the “Commerce Department”) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (the “ITC”) alleging that dumped and subsidized imports of polyester textured yarn from China and India are causing material injury to the domestic polyester textured yarn industry.

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In response to antidumping and countervailing duty cases filed with the Commerce Department and the ITC in October 2018, the Commerce Department announced on April 29, 2019 affirmative preliminary countervailing duty determinations on unfairly subsidized imports of polyester textured yarn from (i) China at rates of 32% or more and (ii) India at rates of 7% or more. Subsequently, the Commerce Department and the ITC completed their investigations and began imposing associated final duties on imports. Pursuant to the conclusion of these investigations, subject imports from China and India are being assessed combined antidumping and countervailing duty rates of 97% and higher and 18% and higher, respectively, in addition to normal course duties in effect. The positive developments in our pursuit of relief from low-cost and subsidized imports are critical steps in our efforts to compete against imported yarns that have flooded the U.S. market in recent years.

Subsequent to the completion of the trade initiatives against China and India, imports from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam (the “Subject Countries”) seemingly replaced the imports from China and India and surged into the U.S. market. Subject import volume from the Subject Countries increased from calendar 2017 to calendar 2019 by over 80%. Similar to the adverse impacts of imports from China and India in previous years, the subject imports from the Subject Countries undersold the domestic industry, taking sales from and exerting considerable downward pricing pressure on yarns produced by UNIFI. Accordingly, UNIFI is again a petitioner to the Commerce Department and the ITC alleging dumping of polyester textured yarn in the U.S. market from the Subject Countries.

In December 2020, the ITC made affirmative determinations in its preliminary phase of antidumping duty investigations concerning polyester textured yarn from the Subject Countries. In May 2021, the Commerce Department announced preliminary antidumping duty rates on imports from the Subject Countries. The entire investigative process will take approximately one year, with final determinations of dumping and injury likely occurring by the end of calendar 2021.

While the ultimate short-term and long-term impacts of these duties are not yet known, UNIFI expects these countervailing and antidumping duty rates to play a significant role in helping to normalize the competitive position of UNIFI’s yarns in the U.S. market against the respective imported yarns.

Competition

The industry in which UNIFI operates is global and highly competitive.  UNIFI competes not only as a global yarn producer, but also as part of a regional supply chain for certain textile products.  For sales of Compliant Yarns, UNIFI competes with a limited number of foreign and domestic producers of polyester and nylon yarns.  For sales of non-Compliant Yarns, UNIFI competes with a larger number of foreign and domestic producers of polyester and nylon yarns that can meet the required customer specifications of quality, reliability and timeliness. UNIFI is affected by imported textile, apparel and hosiery products, which adversely impact demand for UNIFI’s polyester and nylon products in certain of its markets.  Several foreign competitors have significant advantages, including lower wages, raw material costs and capital costs and favorable foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. Dollar (“USD”), any of which could make UNIFI’s products, or the related supply chains, less competitive. While competitors have traditionally focused on high-volume commodity products, they are now increasingly focused on specialty products that UNIFI historically has been able to leverage to generate higher margins.

UNIFI’s major competitors in the NACA region for polyester yarns are Aquafil O'Mara; United Textiles of America S.de R.L. de C.V.; NanYa Plastics Corp. of America (“NanYa”); AKRA, S.A. de C.V.; and C S Central America S.A. de C.V.

UNIFI’s major competitor in Brazil is Avanti Industria Comercio Importacao e Exportacao Ltda., among other traders of imported yarns and fibers.  

UNIFI’s operations in Asia face competition from multiple yarn manufacturers in that region and identification of them is not feasible. However, much of our portfolio in the Asia region is advantaged by specialty and recycled products and a global sourcing and support model that assists in differentiation.

UNIFI’s major competitors for nylon yarn sales in the U.S. are Sapona Manufacturing Company, Inc. and McMichael Mills, Inc.

Raw Materials, Suppliers and Sourcing

The primary raw material supplier for the Polyester Segment of virgin Chip and POY is NanYa.  For the Brazil Segment, Reliance Industries, Ltd. is the primary supplier of POY.  The primary suppliers of raw materials for the Nylon Segment are U.N.F. Industries Ltd. (“UNF”); UNF America, LLC (“UNFA”); The LYCRA Company and Nilit America, Inc. (“Nilit”).  Each of UNF and UNFA is a 50/50 joint venture between UNIFI and Nilit.  Currently, there are multiple domestic and foreign suppliers available to fulfill UNIFI’s sourcing requirements for its recycled products. The majority of plastic bottles we utilize in the U.S. are obtained in open-market transactions from various entities throughout the U.S., while our Asian subsidiaries source recycled materials from various countries and entities throughout Asia.

For its operations in the U.S., UNIFI produces and buys certain of its raw material fibers for Compliant Yarns from a variety of sources in both the U.S. and Israel, and UNIFI produces a portion of its Chip requirements in its REPREVE^® Recycling Center and purchases the remainder of such requirements from external suppliers for use in its domestic spinning facility to produce POY.  In addition, UNIFI purchases nylon and polyester products for resale from various suppliers.  Although UNIFI does not generally have difficulty obtaining its raw material requirements, UNIFI has, in the past, experienced interruptions or limitations in the supply of certain raw materials.

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UNIFI’s bottle processing facility in Reidsville, North Carolina provides a high-quality source of Flake for the REPREVE^® Recycling Center as well as for sale to external parties. Combined with recent technology advancements in recycling, we believe the Flake produced at the bottle processing facility will enhance our ability to grow REPREVE^® into other markets, such as nonwovens, carpet fiber and packaging.  

The prices of the principal raw materials used by UNIFI continuously fluctuate, and it is difficult or impossible to predict trends or upcoming developments.  During fiscal 2017 and 2018, UNIFI operated in a predominantly increasing virgin polyester raw material cost environment, which continued into fiscal 2019 and included a temporary but significant spike in polyester raw material costs in September and October of 2018.  During fiscal 2020 and 2021, UNIFI operated in a predominantly decreasing virgin polyester raw material cost environment.

UNIFI believes that polyester raw material cost fluctuations during most of 2018 were a result of volatility in the crude oil markets, while the cost spike experienced in fiscal 2019 was primarily driven by supply and demand dynamics for certain polyester feedstock. Further, we consider the raw material price decreases during most of fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2021 to be the result of a decline in global demand, while increasing raw material prices during the second half of fiscal 2021 appeared to reflect global demand rebounds. The continuing volatility in global crude oil prices is likely to impact UNIFI’s polyester and nylon raw material costs, but it is not possible to predict the timing or amount of the impact or whether the movement in crude oil prices will stabilize, increase or decrease. In any event, UNIFI monitors these dynamic factors closely and does not currently engage in hedges of polyester or nylon raw materials.  

Products, Technologies and Related Markets

UNIFI manufactures and sells polyester products in the U.S., El Salvador and Brazil, and nylon products in the U.S. and Colombia, for a wide range of end uses.  In Asia, UNIFI manages a network of vendors and suppliers to contract manufacture products to direct and indirect customers around the globe.

Our virgin and recycled products sold across all geographies range from specialty, value-added to commodity. We provide products to a variety of end-use markets, principally apparel, industrial, furnishings and automotive. We report our recycled portion of consolidated sales via our REPREVE^® Fiber metric, which comprised 25%, 31% and 37% of consolidated sales for fiscal 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.

We estimate consolidated net sales for fiscal 2021 were distributed across our primary end markets as follows:

UNIFI also adds value to the overall supply chain for textile products and increases consumer demand for UNIFI’s own products through the development and introduction of branded yarns and technologies that provide unique sustainability, performance, comfort and aesthetic advantages.  UNIFI’s branded portion of its yarn portfolio continues to provide product differentiation to brand partners, mills and consumers, and is based on two core platforms, REPREVE^® (recycled) and PROFIBER™ (virgin):

REPREVE^® is a family of sustainable products made from recycled materials, including plastic bottles.  REPREVE^® recycled fibers may also be customized to provide leading performance and/or aesthetic properties, enabling a differentiated consumer experience.  Additionally, we support the REPREVE^® brand via industry leading transparency, traceability and certification programs.

PROFIBER™ is a family of virgin material-based performance yarn products that are customizable with a broad selection of industry-leading technologies designed to deliver an array of consumer benefits.

UNIFI’s branded yarns can be found in a variety of products of well-known international brands, retailers and department stores, including, Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostale, Belk, Bermuda Sands, Bestseller, BUFF, Costco Wholesale, Dillard’s, Express, Georgio Armani, Guess, H&M, Haggar, Hard Rock International, Hollister, Hugo Boss, Kate Spade New York, Kohl’s, L2 Brands, Lane Bryant, Levi Strauss & Co., Loft, Lovesac, Macy’s, MJ Soffe, New Era, Nike, Odlo, PVH, PACSUN, Patagonia, Penti, Pottery Barn, Primark, Quiksilver, REI, Roxy, Sainsbury’s, Sealy, Serta, S. Oliver, Sunbrella, TARGET, The North Face, Tommy Hilfiger, Toms, Volcom, Walmart, Williams Sonoma and Zara.

In addition to the above brands and products, UNIFI combines its research and development efforts with the demands of customers and markets to develop innovative technologies that enhance yarn characteristics. Application of these technologies allows for various, separate benefits, including, among other things, water repellency, flame retardation, soil release, enhanced color-fastness achieved with less water use and protection from ultra-violet rays.

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Customers

UNIFI’s Polyester Segment, Asia Segment, Brazil Segment and Nylon Segment have approximately 400, 800, 400 and 150 customers, respectively, all in a variety of geographic markets. UNIFI’s products are manufactured according to customer specifications and are shipped based upon customer order requirements.  Customer payment terms are generally consistent with prevailing industry practices for the geographies in which we participate.

UNIFI’s consolidated net sales are not materially dependent on a single direct customer and no single direct customer accounts for 10% or more of UNIFI’s consolidated net sales. UNIFI’s top 10 direct customers accounted for approximately 24% of consolidated net sales for fiscal 2021 and approximately 26% of receivables as of June 27, 2021.  However, UNIFI’s consolidated net sales are dependent on demand from a relatively small number of brand partners.  UNIFI’s net sales within its Nylon Segment are materially dependent upon a domestic customer that accounted for approximately 20% of the Nylon Segment’s net sales for fiscal 2021.

Sales and Marketing

UNIFI employs an internal sales force of approximately 50 persons operating out of sales offices primarily in the U.S., Brazil, China, El Salvador, Colombia and Turkey.  UNIFI also relies on independent sales agents for sales in several other countries.  UNIFI seeks to create strong customer relationships and to build and strengthen those relationships throughout the supply chain.  Through frequent communications with customers, partnering in product development and engaging key downstream brands and retailers, UNIFI has created significant pull-through sales and brand recognition for its products.  For example, UNIFI works with brands and retailers to educate and create demand for its products, such as recent engagements involving REPREVE^® at multiple events and venues in the U.S.  UNIFI then works with key fabric mill partners to develop specific fabrics for those brands and retailers utilizing UNIFI products.  In many of these regards, UNIFI draws upon and integrates the resources of its research and development personnel.  In addition, UNIFI is enhancing co-branding activations with integrated point-of-sale and online marketing with popular brands and retailers to further enable consumers to find REPREVE^® and PROFIBER™ products in multiple retail channels.  Based on the establishment of many commercial and branded programs, this strategy has been successful for UNIFI.

Product Customization and Manufacturing Processes

UNIFI uses advanced production processes to manufacture its high-quality products cost-effectively in North America, Central America and South America.  UNIFI believes that its flexibility and know-how in producing specialty polyester and nylon products provide important development and commercialization advantages, in addition to the recent ability to vertically integrate with post-industrial and post-consumer materials.

UNIFI produces Flake, Chip and POY using recycled materials. In addition to its yarns manufactured from virgin polyester and nylon, UNIFI sells its recycled products externally or further processes them internally to add value for customers seeking recycled components. The REPREVE^® Bottle Processing Center in Reidsville, North Carolina produces Flake that can be sold externally or further processed internally at our REPREVE^® Recycling Center in Yadkinville, North Carolina. Recycled polyester Chip output from the REPREVE^® Recycling Center can be sold externally or further processed internally into polyester POY.

Additional processing of UNIFI’s polyester POY includes texturing, dyeing, twisting, beaming and draw winding.  The texturing process, which is common to both polyester and nylon, involves the use of high-speed machines to draw, heat and false-twist POY to produce yarn with different physical characteristics, depending on its ultimate end use.  Texturing gives the yarn greater bulk, strength, stretch, consistent dye-ability and a softer feel, thereby making it suitable for use in the knitting and weaving of fabric.  Solution dyeing and package dyeing allow for matching of customer-specific color requirements for yarns sold into various markets.  Twisting incorporates real twist into filament yarns, which can be sold for a variety of uses, such as sewing thread, home furnishings and apparel.  Beaming places both textured and covered yarns onto beams to be used by customers in warp knitting and weaving applications.  The draw winding process utilizes heat and draws POY to produce mid-tenacity, flat yarns.

Additional processing of UNIFI’s nylon yarn products primarily includes covering and texturing. Covering involves the wrapping or air entangling of filament or spun yarn around a core yarn, primarily spandex.  This process enhances a fabric’s ability to stretch, recover its original shape and resist wrinkles, while maintaining a softer feel.

UNIFI’s subsidiaries in Asia offer the same high-quality and innovative products and technologies through contract manufacturing arrangements with local manufacturers. This asset-light model allows for seamless integration of our products into the global supply chain of our customers. As we expand our Asian operations to meet the needs of our global customers, we will continue to leverage the asset-light model where the existing infrastructure can accommodate our highly technical processes, while continually evaluating the need for additional UNIFI assets in response to ever-changing market dynamics.

Research and Development

UNIFI employs approximately 140 persons, primarily in the U.S., who work closely with UNIFI’s customers, brand partners and others to develop a variety of new yarns as well as improvements to the performance properties of existing yarns and fabrics. Among other things, UNIFI evaluates trends and uses the latest technology to create innovative yarns that meet the needs of evolving consumer preferences.  Most of UNIFI’s branded yarns, including its flagship REPREVE^® brand, were derived from its research and development initiatives.

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UNIFI also includes, as part of its research and development initiatives, the use of continuous improvement methodologies to increase its manufacturing and other operational efficiencies, both to enhance product quality and to derive cost savings.  

For fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, UNIFI incurred $11,483, $11,257 and $12,359, respectively, in costs for research and development (including salaries and benefits of the personnel involved in those efforts).

Intellectual Property

UNIFI has numerous trademarks registered in the U.S. and in other countries and jurisdictions around the world.  Due to its current brand recognition and potential growth opportunities, UNIFI believes that its portfolio of registered REPREVE^® trademarks is its most significant trademark asset.  Ownership rights in registered trademarks typically do not expire if the trademarks are continued in use and properly protected under applicable law.

UNIFI licenses certain trademarks, including Dacron^® and Softec™, from Invista S.a.r.l. (“INVISTA”).

UNIFI also employs its innovative manufacturing know-how, methods and processes to produce and deliver proprietary solutions to customers and brand partners.  UNIFI relies on the copyright and trade secret laws of the U.S. and other countries, as well as nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements, to protect these rights.

Human Capital (not presented in thousands)

As of June 27, 2021, UNIFI had approximately 2,880 employees, along with approximately 230 individuals working under temporary labor contracts.  The number of employees in the Polyester Segment, the Asia Segment, the Brazil Segment, the Nylon Segment and the corporate office were approximately 1,610, 80, 570, 510, and 110, respectively, at June 27, 2021.  While employees of our Brazil Segment are unionized, none of the labor forces employed by UNIFI’s domestic or other foreign subsidiaries are currently covered by a collective bargaining agreement.  UNIFI believes the Company has a good relationship with its employees.

We believe in the importance of the retention, growth and development of our employees. UNIFI endeavors to offer competitive compensation and benefits packages to our employees, as well as professional development opportunities to cultivate talent throughout the organization. We are focused on employee health and safety initiatives and have implemented protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance workplace safety. We also value people and ideas from varying backgrounds and are constantly striving to create a more diverse workforce and inclusive organization.

Geographic Data

Geographic information reported in conformance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) is included in Note 24, “Business Segment Information,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  Information regarding risks attendant to UNIFI’s foreign operations is included in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Annual Report.

Seasonality

UNIFI is not significantly impacted by seasonality; however, UNIFI typically experiences its highest sales volumes in the fourth quarter of its fiscal years.  Excluding the effects of fiscal years with 53 weeks rather than 52 weeks, the most significant effects on UNIFI’s results of operations for particular periods during a year are due to planned manufacturing shutdowns by either UNIFI or its customers for certain holiday or traditional shutdown periods.

Backlog

UNIFI’s level of unfilled orders is affected by many factors, including the timing of specific orders and the delivery time for specific products, as well as a customer’s ability or inability to cancel the related order.  As such, UNIFI does not consider the amount of unfilled orders, or backlog, to be a meaningful indicator of expected levels of future sales or to be material to an understanding of UNIFI’s business as a whole.

Working Capital

UNIFI funds its working capital requirements through cash flows generated from operations, along with short-term borrowings, as needed.  For more detailed information, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Annual Report.

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Inflation

Prior to fiscal 2021, UNIFI’s input costs had experienced steady and predictable increases. However, in calendar 2021, UNIFI, along with many other textile manufacturers and a range of other industries, began to experience above-average inflationary pressures on a range of input costs, including but not limited to labor, freight, energy, and raw materials. Accordingly, we began implementing responsive selling price adjustments during fiscal 2021 to protect gross margins. While our selling price adjustments have thus far been successful at mitigating much of the inflationary pressure that has occurred, further significant fluctuations in input costs may not be immediately recoverable via selling price adjustments and our gross margins could suffer. However, we monitor our input costs closely, and we expect to maintain our ability to respond quickly to cost fluctuations to minimize any potential adverse impacts to earnings.

Beyond the current inflationary environment, UNIFI expects costs to continue to rise for certain consumables used to produce and ship its products, as well as for its utilities and labor. UNIFI expects to mitigate the impacts of such rising costs through increased operational efficiencies and increased selling prices, but inflation could become a factor that negatively impacts UNIFI’s profitability.

Environmental Matters

UNIFI is subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations limiting the use, storage, handling, release, discharge and disposal of a variety of hazardous substances and wastes used in or resulting from its operations (and to potential remediation obligations thereunder).  These laws include the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Clean Air Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (including provisions relating to underground storage tanks), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, commonly referred to as “Superfund” or “CERCLA” and various state counterparts to such laws.  UNIFI’s operations are also governed by laws and regulations relating to workplace safety and worker health, principally the Occupational Safety and Health Act and regulations issued thereunder, which, among other things, establish exposure standards regarding hazardous materials and noise standards, and regulate the use of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

UNIFI believes that it has obtained, and is in compliance in all material respects with, all significant permits required to be issued by federal, state or local law in connection with the operation of its business.  UNIFI also believes that the operation of its production facilities and its disposal of waste materials are substantially in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, and that there are no material ongoing or anticipated capital expenditures associated with environmental control facilities necessary to remain in compliance with such provisions.  UNIFI incurs normal operating costs associated with the discharge of materials into the environment, but does not believe that these costs are material or inconsistent with those of its domestic competitors.

On September 30, 2004, Unifi Kinston, LLC (“UK”), a subsidiary of Unifi, Inc., completed its acquisition of polyester filament manufacturing assets located in Kinston, North Carolina from INVISTA.  The land for the Kinston site was leased pursuant to a 99-year ground lease (the “Ground Lease”) with E.I. DuPont de Nemours (“DuPont”).  Since 1993, DuPont has been investigating and cleaning up the Kinston site under the supervision of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”) pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Corrective Action program.  The program requires DuPont to identify all potential areas of environmental concern (“AOCs”), assess the extent of containment at the identified AOCs and remediate the AOCs to comply with applicable regulatory standards.  Effective March 20, 2008, UK entered into a lease termination agreement associated with conveyance of certain assets at the Kinston site to DuPont.  This agreement terminated the Ground Lease and relieved UK of any future responsibility for environmental remediation, other than participation with DuPont, if so called upon, with regard to UK’s period of operation of the Kinston site, which was from 2004 to 2008.  At this time, UNIFI has no basis to determine if or when it will have any responsibility or obligation with respect to the AOCs or the extent of any potential liability for the same. UK continues to own property (the “Kentec site”) acquired in the 2004 transaction with INVISTA that has contamination from DuPont’s prior operations and is monitored by DEQ.  The Kentec site has been remediated by DuPont, and DuPont has received authority from DEQ to discontinue further remediation, other than natural attenuation.  Prior to transfer of responsibility to UK, DuPont and UK had a duty to monitor and report the environmental status of the Kentec site to DEQ. Effective April 10, 2019, UK assumed sole remediator responsibility of the Kentec site pursuant to its contractual obligations with INVISTA and received $180 of net monitoring and reporting costs due from DuPont.  In connection with monitoring, UK expects to sample and report to DEQ annually. At this time, UNIFI does not expect any active site remediation will be required but expects that any costs associated with active site remediation, if ever required, would likely be immaterial.

Joint Ventures and Unconsolidated Affiliates

UNIFI participates in two joint ventures that supply raw materials to the Nylon Segment, one located in the U.S. and one in Israel.  As of June 27, 2021, UNIFI had $2,159 recorded for these investments in unconsolidated affiliates. Other information regarding UNIFI’s unconsolidated affiliates is provided in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in Note 10, “Other Non-Current Assets” under the subheading “Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates and Variable Interest Entities,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

During fiscal 2020, UNIFI and Parkdale finalized negotiations to sell UNIFI’s PAL Investment to Parkdale for $60,000. The transaction closed on April 29, 2020 and UNIFI received $60,000 in cash.

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Available Information

UNIFI’s website is www.unifi.com.  Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as well as proxy statements and other information we file with, or furnish to, the SEC are available free of charge on our website. We make these documents available as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically transmit them to the SEC. Except as otherwise stated in these documents, the information on our website is not a part of this Annual Report and is not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report or any of our other filings with the SEC. In addition, many of our corporate governance documents are available on our website, including our Audit Committee Charter, Compensation Committee Charter, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Charter, Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Ethical Business Conduct Policy Statement and Code of Ethics for Senior Financial and Executive Officers.  Copies of such materials, as well as any of our SEC reports and all amendments thereto, may also be obtained without charge by writing to Unifi, Inc., 7201 West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, North Carolina 27410, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Many of the factors that affect UNIFI’s business and operations involve risk and uncertainty. The factors described below are some of the risks that could materially negatively affect UNIFI’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. You should consider all such risks in evaluating UNIFI or making any investment decision involving UNIFI.

Strategic Risks

UNIFI faces intense competition from a number of domestic and foreign yarn producers and importers of foreign-sourced fabric, apparel and other textile products. Because UNIFI and the supply chains in which UNIFI conducts its business do not typically operate on the basis of long-term contracts with textile customers or brand partners, these competitive factors could cause UNIFI’s customers or brand partners to shift rapidly to other producers.

UNIFI competes not only against domestic and foreign yarn producers, but also against importers of foreign-sourced fabric, apparel and other textile products into the U.S. and other countries in which UNIFI does business, particularly in Brazil with respect to commodity yarn products. The primary competitive factors in the textile industry include price, quality, product styling, performance attributes and differentiation, brand reputation, flexibility and location of production and finishing, delivery time and customer service. The needs of certain customers and brand partners and the characteristics of particular products determine the relative importance of these various factors. A large number of UNIFI’s foreign competitors have significant competitive advantages that may include lower labor and raw material costs, production facilities in locations outside UNIFI’s existing supply chain, government subsidies and favorable foreign currency exchange rates against the USD. If any of these advantages increase, if new and/or larger competitors emerge in the future or if UNIFI’s brand reputation is detrimentally impacted, UNIFI’s products could become less competitive, and its sales and profits may decrease as a result. In particular, devaluation of the Chinese currency against the USD could result in UNIFI’s products becoming less competitive from a pricing standpoint and/or could result in the NACA region losing market share to Chinese imports, thereby adversely impacting UNIFI’s sales and profits.  While these foreign competitors have traditionally focused on commodity production, they are now increasingly focused on value-added products. UNIFI may not be able to continue to compete effectively with foreign-made textile and apparel products, which would materially adversely affect its business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  Similarly, to maximize their own supply chain efficiency, customers and brand partners sometimes request that UNIFI’s products be produced and sourced from specific geographic locations that are in close proximity to the customer’s fabric mills or that have other desirable attributes from the customer’s perspective.  These locations are sometimes situated outside the footprint of UNIFI’s existing global supply chain. If UNIFI is unable to move production based on customer requests or other shifts in regional demand, we may lose sales and experience an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

A significant portion of our sales is dependent upon demand from a few large brand partners.

UNIFI’s strategy involves the sale of products and solutions to other yarn manufacturers and knitters and weavers (UNIFI’s direct customers) that produce yarn and/or fabric for brands and retailers in the apparel, hosiery, home furnishings, automotive, industrial and other end-use markets (UNIFI’s indirect customers).  We refer to these indirect customers as “brand partners.”  Although we generally do not derive revenue directly from our brand partners, sales volumes to our direct customers are linked with demand from our brand partners because our direct sales generally form a part of our brand partners’ supply chains.  A significant portion of our overall sales is tied to ongoing programs for a small number of brand partners.  Our future operating results depend on both the success of our largest brand partners and on our success in diversifying our products and our indirect customer base.  Because we typically do not operate on the basis of long-term contracts, our customers and brand partners can cease incorporating our products into their own with little notice to us and with little or no penalty.  The loss of a large brand partner, and the failure to add new customers to replace the corresponding lost sales, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.  

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Significant price volatility of UNIFI’s raw materials and rising energy costs may result in increased production costs.  UNIFI attempts to pass such increases in production costs on to its customers through responsive price increases.  However, any such price increases are effective only after a time lag that may span one or more quarters, during which UNIFI and its margins are negatively affected.

Petroleum-based chemicals and recycled plastic bottles comprise a significant portion of UNIFI’s raw materials. The prices for these products and related energy costs are volatile and dependent on global supply and demand dynamics, including geo-political risks.  While UNIFI enters into raw material supply agreements from time to time, these agreements typically provide index pricing based on quoted market prices. Therefore, supply agreements provide only limited protection against price volatility. UNIFI attempts to pass on to its customers increases in raw material costs, but at times it cannot. When it can, there is typically a time lag that adversely affects UNIFI and its margins during one or more quarters.  Certain customers are subject to an index-based pricing model in which UNIFI’s prices are adjusted based on the change in the cost of certain raw materials in the prior quarter.  Pricing adjustments for other customers must be negotiated independently.  In ordinary market conditions in which raw material price increases have stabilized and sales volumes are consistent with traditional levels, UNIFI has historically been successful in implementing price adjustments within one to two fiscal quarters of the raw material price increase for its index priced customers and within two fiscal quarters of the raw material price increase for its non-index priced customers.  UNIFI has lost in the past (and expects that it may lose in the future) customers to its competitors as a result of price increases. In addition, competitors may be able to obtain raw materials at a lower cost due to market regulations that favor local producers in certain foreign locations where UNIFI operates, and certain other market regulations that favor UNIFI over other producers may be amended or repealed. Additionally, inflation can have a long-term impact by increasing the costs of materials, labor and/or energy, any of which costs may adversely impact UNIFI’s ability to maintain satisfactory margins. If UNIFI is not able to pass on such cost increases to customers in a timely manner (or if it loses a large number of customers to competitors as a result of price increases), the result could be material and adverse to its business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Depending on the price volatility of petroleum-based inputs, recycled bottles and other raw materials, the price gap between virgin chip and recycled chip could make virgin raw materials more cost-effective than recycled raw materials, which could result in an adverse effect on UNIFI’s ability to sell its REPREVE^® brand recycled products profitably.

The success of UNIFI’s business is tied to the strength and reputation of its brands. If the reputation of one or more of our brands erodes significantly, it could have a material impact on our financial results.

UNIFI has invested heavily in branding and marketing initiatives, and certain of our brands, particularly our REPREVE^® brand, have widespread recognition.  Our financial success is directly dependent on the success of our brands.  The success of a brand can suffer if our marketing plans or product initiatives do not have the desired impact on a brand’s image or its ability to attract consumers.  Our financial results could also be negatively impacted if one of our brands suffers substantial harm to its reputation due to a product recall, product-related litigation, the sale of counterfeit products or other circumstances that tarnish the qualities and values represented by our brands.  Part of our strategy also includes the license of our trademarks to brand partners, customers, independent contractors and other third parties.  For example, we license our REPREVE^® trademarks to brand partners that feature this trademark on their marketing materials as part of a co-branded environmental sustainability product narrative.  Although we make concerted efforts to protect our brands through quality control mechanisms and contractual obligations imposed on our licensees, there is a risk that some licensees might not be in full compliance with those mechanisms and obligations.  If the reputation of one or more of our brands is significantly eroded, it could adversely affect our sales, results of operations, cash flows and/or financial condition.

UNIFI’s future success will depend in part on its ability to protect and preserve its intellectual property rights, and UNIFI’s inability to enforce these rights could cause it to lose sales, reduce any competitive advantage it has developed or otherwise harm its business.

UNIFI’s future success depends in part on its ability to protect and preserve its rights in the trademarks and other intellectual property it owns or licenses, including its proprietary know-how, methods and processes. UNIFI relies on the trademark, copyright and trade secret laws of the U.S. and other countries, as well as nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements, to protect its intellectual property rights. However, UNIFI may be unable to prevent third parties, employees or contractors from using its intellectual property without authorization, breaching nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements, or independently developing technology that is similar to UNIFI’s. The use of UNIFI’s intellectual property by others without authorization may cause it to lose sales, reduce any competitive advantage UNIFI has developed or otherwise harm its business.

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Financial Risks

UNIFI has significant foreign operations, and its consolidated results of operations and business may be adversely affected by the risks associated with doing business in foreign locations, including the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

UNIFI has operations in Brazil, China, Colombia, El Salvador and Turkey and participates in joint ventures located in Israel.  In addition, to help service its customers, UNIFI from time to time engages with third-party independent contractors to provide sales and distribution, manufacturing and other operational and administrative support services in locations around the world. UNIFI serves customers throughout the Americas and Asia, as well as various countries in Europe. UNIFI’s foreign operations are subject to certain political, tax, economic and other uncertainties not encountered by its domestic operations that can materially impact UNIFI’s supply chains or other aspects of its foreign operations. The risks of international operations include trade barriers, duties, exchange controls, national and regional labor strikes, social and political unrest, general economic risks, compliance with a variety of foreign laws (including tax laws), the difficulty of enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through foreign legal systems, taxes on distributions or deemed distributions to UNIFI or any of its U.S. subsidiaries, maintenance of minimum capital requirements and import and export controls. UNIFI’s consolidated results of operations and business could be adversely affected as a result of a significant adverse development with respect to any of these risks.

Through its foreign operations, UNIFI is also exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates will impact period-to-period comparisons of UNIFI’s reported results. Additionally, UNIFI operates in countries with foreign exchange controls. These controls may limit UNIFI’s ability to transfer funds from its international operations and joint ventures or otherwise to convert local currencies into USDs. These limitations could adversely affect UNIFI’s ability to access cash from its foreign operations.

In addition, due to its foreign operations, a risk exists that UNIFI’s employees, contractors or agents could engage in business practices prohibited by U.S. laws and regulations applicable to the Company, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or the anti-bribery and corruption laws and regulations of other countries in which we do business.  UNIFI maintains policies prohibiting these practices, but it remains subject to the risk that one or more of its employees, contractors or agents, specifically ones based in or from countries where such practices are customary, will engage in business practices in violation of these laws and regulations.  Any such violations, even if in breach of UNIFI’s policies, could adversely affect its business or financial performance.

UNIFI may be subject to greater tax liabilities.

UNIFI is subject to income tax and other taxes in the U.S. and in numerous foreign jurisdictions. UNIFI’s domestic and foreign income tax liabilities are dependent on the jurisdictions in which profits are determined to be earned and taxed. Additionally, the amount of taxes paid is subject to UNIFI’s interpretation of applicable tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Changes in tax laws including further regulatory developments arising from U.S. tax reform legislation as well as multi-jurisdictional changes enacted in response to the action items provided by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development could have an adverse effect on UNIFI’s business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows. Significant judgment, knowledge and experience are required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes.

UNIFI requires cash to service its indebtedness and to fund capital expenditures and strategic initiatives, and its ability to generate sufficient cash for those purposes depends on many factors beyond its control.

UNIFI’s principal sources of liquidity are cash flows generated from operations and borrowings under its credit facility. UNIFI’s ability to make payments on its indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures and strategic initiatives will depend on its ability to generate future cash flows from operations. This ability, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond UNIFI’s control. The business may not generate sufficient cash flows from operations, and future borrowings may not be available to UNIFI in amounts sufficient, to enable UNIFI to pay its indebtedness and to fund its other liquidity needs. Any such development would have a material adverse effect on UNIFI.

Operational Risks

UNIFI depends on limited sources for certain of its raw materials, and interruptions in supply could increase its costs of production, cause production inefficiencies or lead to a halt in production.

UNIFI depends on a limited number of third parties for certain raw material supplies, such as POY and Chip. Although alternative sources of raw materials exist, UNIFI may not be able to obtain adequate supplies of such materials on acceptable terms, or at all, from other sources. UNIFI is dependent on USMCA/NAFTA, CAFTA-DR and Berry Amendment qualified suppliers of raw materials for the production of Compliant Yarns. These suppliers are also at risk with their raw material supply chains. Any significant disruption or curtailment in the supply of any of its raw materials could cause UNIFI to reduce or cease its production for an extended period, or require UNIFI to increase its pricing, any of which could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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A disruption at one of our facilities could harm our business and result in significant losses, lead to a decline in sales and increase our costs and expenses.

Our operations and business could be disrupted by natural disasters, industrial accidents, power or water shortages, extreme weather conditions, pandemics and other man-made disasters or catastrophic events.  We carry commercial property damage and business interruption insurance against various risks, with limits we deem adequate for reimbursement for damage to our fixed assets and resulting disruption of our operations.  However, the occurrence of any of these business disruptions could harm our business and result in significant losses, lead to a decline in sales and increase our costs and expenses.  Any disruptions from these events could require substantial expenditures and recovery time in order to resume operations and could also have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial results to the extent losses are uninsured or exceed insurance recoveries and to the extent that such disruptions adversely impact our relationships with our customers.

Our business and operations could suffer in the event of cybersecurity breaches.

Attempts to gain unauthorized access to our information technology systems have become increasingly more sophisticated over time. These attempts, which might be related to industrial or other espionage, include covertly introducing malware to our computers and networks and impersonating authorized users, among others. We seek to detect and investigate all security incidents and to prevent their recurrence, but in some cases we might be unaware of an incident or its magnitude and effects. We carry data protection liability insurance against cyber attacks, with limits we deem adequate for the reimbursement for damage to our computers, equipment and networks and resulting disruption of our operations. Any disruption from a cyber attack could require substantial expenditures and recovery time in order to fully resume operations and could also have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial results to the extent losses are uninsured or exceed insurance recoveries and to the extent that such disruptions adversely impact our relationships with our customers. We have been a target of cybersecurity attacks in the past and, while such attacks have not resulted in a material impact on our operations, business or customer relationships, such attacks could in the future.

The theft, unauthorized use or publication of our intellectual property and/or confidential business information could harm our competitive position, reduce the value of our investment in research and development and other strategic initiatives or otherwise adversely affect our business. To the extent that any cybersecurity breach results in inappropriate disclosure of our customers’ or brand partners’ confidential information, we may incur a liability as a result. In addition, the devotion of additional resources to the security of our information technology systems in the future could significantly increase the cost of doing business or otherwise adversely impact our financial results.

A decline or change in general economic conditions, political conditions, and/or levels of consumer spending, could cause a decline in demand for textile products, including UNIFI’s products.

UNIFI’s products are used in the production of fabric primarily for the apparel, hosiery, home furnishings, automotive, industrial and other end-use markets. Demand for furniture and other durable goods is often affected significantly by economic conditions that have global or regional industry-wide consequences. Demand for a number of categories of apparel also tends to be tied to economic cycles and customer preferences that affect the textile industry in general. Demand for textile products, therefore, tends to vary with the business cycles of the U.S. and other economies, as well as changes in global trade flows, and economic and political conditions.  Additionally, prolonged economic downturns that negatively impact UNIFI’s results of operations and cash flows could result in future material impairment charges to write-down the carrying value of certain assets, including facilities and equipment, amortizable intangible assets and equity affiliates.

Changes in consumer spending, customer preferences, fashion trends and end uses for UNIFI’s products could weaken UNIFI’s competitive position and cause UNIFI’s products to become less competitive, and its sales and profits may decrease as a result.  Additionally, the end-consumer retail and apparel markets may continue to experience difficult conditions characterized by reduced retail traffic and growth in online sales channels, which may cause bankruptcies, store closures and other transformations for traditional retail enterprises, which could have an adverse effect on UNIFI’s business and financial condition.

Historic trends indicate weakening performance in the nylon sector on a global basis. If further declines are significant in any one year or the cumulative decline over a number of years is significant, the impact could have a material adverse effect on UNIFI’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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General Risks

Unfavorable changes in trade policies and/or violations of existing trade policies could weaken UNIFI’s competitive position significantly and have a material adverse effect on its business.

A number of markets within the textile industry in which UNIFI sells its products, particularly the apparel, hosiery and home furnishings markets, are subject to intense foreign competition. Other markets within the textile industry in which UNIFI sells its products may in the future become subject to more intense foreign competition. There are currently a number of trade regulations and duties in place to protect the U.S. textile industry against competition from low-priced foreign producers, such as those in China, India and Vietnam.  Political and policy-driven influences are subjecting international trade regulations to significant volatility. Future changes in such trade regulations or duties may make the price of UNIFI’s products less attractive than the goods of its competitors or the finished products of a competitor in the supply chain, which could have a material adverse effect on UNIFI’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  Such changes in U.S. import duties might also result in increased indirect costs on items imported to support UNIFI’s domestic operations and/or countervailing or responsive changes applicable to exports of our products outside the U.S.

According to industry experts and trade associations, there has been a significant amount of illegal transshipments of apparel products into the U.S. and into certain other countries in the NACA region in which UNIFI competes. Illegal transshipment involves circumventing duties by falsely claiming that textiles and apparel are products of a particular country of origin (or include yarn of a particular country of origin) to avoid paying higher duties or to receive benefits from regional free trade agreements, such as USMCA/NAFTA and CAFTA-DR. If illegal transshipments are not monitored, and if enforcement is not effective to limit them, these shipments could have a material adverse effect on UNIFI’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In order to compete effectively, we must attract, retain and motivate key employees, and our failure to do so could harm our business and our results of operations.

In order to compete effectively, we must attract and retain qualified employees.  Our future operating results and success depend on keeping key personnel and management and also expanding our technical, sales and marketing, innovation and administrative support.  The competition for qualified personnel is intense, particularly as it relates to hourly personnel in the domestic communities in which our manufacturing facilities are located.  We cannot be sure that we will be able to attract and retain qualified personnel in the future, which could harm our business and results of operations.

Catastrophic or extraordinary events, including epidemics or pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, could disrupt global economic activity and/or demand and negatively impact our financial performance and results of operations.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the current COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic.

Global measures taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19 resulted in a significant decline in global business activity that may have a lasting impact on the global economy and consumer demand. While our operating results for fiscal 2021 show a recovery of the textile supply chain, the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its long-term impact on our businesses is currently unknown.  

Significant restoration of consumer spending and retail activity will be critical to both our end-markets and an overall economic rebound. UNIFI anticipates a sustainable recovery in global economic activity when COVID-19 and its variants are sufficiently contained.  The economic rebound will depend on the pace and effectiveness of the containment efforts deployed by various national, state, and local governments, along with the speed and effectiveness with which testing, treatment and vaccine methods are deployed.

UNIFI will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic by prioritizing health and safety while delivering on customer demand.

During fiscal 2021, our businesses navigated the COVID-19 pandemic well and we generated operating cash flows, reduced our debt principal, gained temporary market share in Brazil, and created momentum for fiscal 2022. However, the COVID-19 pandemic could resurge or another epidemic or pandemic could arise, and we will accordingly remain diligent and responsive to ensure the vitality of the organization.

None.

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The following table contains information about the principal properties owned or leased by UNIFI as of June 27, 2021:

Management believes all of UNIFI’s operating properties are well-maintained and in good condition.  In fiscal 2021, UNIFI’s manufacturing facilities in the Polyester Segment, Brazil Segment and Nylon Segment operated below capacity for certain portions of the year, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic impact on product demand.  Management does not perceive any capacity constraints in the foreseeable future.

We are from time to time a party to various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. With respect to all such lawsuits, claims and proceedings, we record reserves when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We do not believe that any of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, would be expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows. We maintain liability insurance for certain risks that is subject to certain self-insurance limits.

Not applicable.

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INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following is a description of the names and ages of the executive officers of the Company, indicating all positions and offices with the Company held by each such person and each person’s principal occupation or employment during the past five years.  Each executive officer of UNIFI is elected by the Board and holds office from the date of election until thereafter removed by the Board.

Edmund M. Ingle – Age: 56 – Mr. Ingle has served as Chief Executive Officer of UNIFI and a member of UNIFI’s Board since June 2020.  From May 2019 to June 2020, he served as Chief Executive Officer of the Recycling group of Indorama Ventures, a world-class chemicals company and a global integrated leader in PET and fibers serving major customers in diversified end-use markets.  From May 2018 to May 2019, he was Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Indorama’s Wellman International division.  Prior to that, Mr. Ingle was with UNIFI for approximately 30 years, during which time he held various key leadership positions, including Vice President of Global Corporate Sustainability, Vice President of Supply Chain, General Manager of the Company’s Flake and Chip business, Vice President and General Manager of REPREVE^® Polymers, General Manager of the Company’s Nylon business, and Director of Global Procurement.  

Thomas H. Caudle, Jr. – Age: 69 – Mr. Caudle served as President & Chief Operating Officer of UNIFI from August 2017 until his retirement on June 27, 2021.  Previously, he was President of the Company from April 2016 to August 2017, Vice President of Manufacturing of the Company from October 2006 to April 2016, and Vice President of Global Operations of the Company from April 2003 to October 2006.

Albert P. Carey – Age: 69 – Mr. Carey has served as Executive Chairman of the Board of UNIFI since April 2019.  Mr. Carey previously served as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of the Company from January 2019 to March 2019.  In March 2019, Mr. Carey retired from PepsiCo, Inc., a consumer products company, after a 38-year career with the company in which he held a number of senior leadership roles, including Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo North America from March 2016 to January 2019, Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo North America Beverages from July 2015 to March 2016, Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo Americas Beverages from September 2011 to July 2015, and President and Chief Executive Officer of Frito-Lay North America from June 2006 to September 2011.

Craig A. Creaturo – Age: 51 – Mr. Creaturo has served as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of UNIFI since September 2019.  Mr. Creaturo served as Chief Financial Officer & Vice President-Administration of Chromalox, Inc., an advanced thermal technologies manufacturing company, from February 2015 to March 2019.  Prior to that, he served as Chief Financial Officer of II-VI Incorporated (“II-VI”), a publicly traded global leader in engineered materials and optoelectronic components, from 2004 to 2014, Treasurer of II-VI from 2000 to 2014, and Corporate Controller of II-VI from 1998 to 2000.  From 1992 to 1998, he held a variety of audit roles at Arthur Andersen LLP.  Mr. Creaturo is a Certified Public Accountant in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Hongjun Ning – Age: 54 – Mr. Ning has served as an Executive Vice President of UNIFI since July 2020, President of Unifi Textiles (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. (“UTSC”) (UNIFI’s subsidiary in China) since March 2020 and President of Unifi Asia Pacific since June 2017.  Previously, he served as Vice President of UTSC from September 2013 to June 2017, Director of Sales & Marketing of UTSC from August 2008 to September 2013, and General Manager, Sales & Marketing of a former UNIFI joint venture in China from January 2006 to August 2008.

Lucas de Carvalho Rocha – Age: 64 – Mr. Rocha has served as an Executive Vice President of UNIFI since July 2020 and Vice President of Unifi Latin America and President of Unifi do Brasil, Ltda. (”UdB”) (UNIFI’s subsidiary in Brazil) since January 2018. Previously, he served as Director of Operations of UdB from April 1999 to January 2018. Prior to his career with UNIFI, Mr. Rocha also spent time at the following textile entities in Brazil: Fairway Filamentos SA (Rhodia & Hoechst J.V.), Textuval Indústria Têxtil Ltda., Rhodia SA (Rhone Poulenc Group), and Polyenka SA (ex-AKZOGroup).

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PART II

UNIFI’s common stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “UFI.”  

As of August 20, 2021, there were 121 record holders of UNIFI’s common stock.  A significant number of the outstanding shares of common stock that are beneficially owned by individuals and entities are registered in the name of Cede & Co.  Cede & Co. is a nominee of The Depository Trust Company, a securities depository for banks and brokerage firms.  UNIFI estimates that there are approximately 4,800 beneficial owners of its common stock.

No dividends were paid in the past two fiscal years, and UNIFI does not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.  UNIFI’s current debt obligations contain certain restricted payment and restricted investment provisions, including a restriction on the payment of dividends and share repurchases under certain circumstances.  Information regarding UNIFI’s debt obligations is provided in Note 12, “Long-Term Debt,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Purchases of Equity Securities

On October 31, 2018, UNIFI announced that the Board approved the 2018 SRP under which UNIFI is authorized to acquire up to $50,000 of its common stock. Under the 2018 SRP, purchases may be made from time to time in the open market at prevailing market prices, through private transactions or block trades. The timing and amount of repurchases will depend on market conditions, share price, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The share repurchase authorization is discretionary and has no expiration date.

As of June 27, 2021, UNIFI has repurchased a total of 84 shares at an average price of $23.72, leaving $48,008 available for repurchase under the 2018 SRP. UNIFI will continue to evaluate opportunities to use excess cash flows from operations or existing borrowings to repurchase additional stock, while maintaining sufficient liquidity to support its operational needs and to fund future strategic growth opportunities.

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PERFORMANCE GRAPH - SHAREHOLDER RETURN ON COMMON STOCK

The below graphic comparison assumes the investment of $100 in each of UNIFI common stock, the S&P SmallCap 600 Index (a benchmark index containing inclusion characteristics closely associated with UNIFI) and the NYSE Composite Index (a broad equity market index), all at June 24, 2016.  The resulting cumulative total return assumes that dividends, if any, were reinvested. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

UNIFI has elected to early adopt the amendment to Item 301 of Regulation S-K and is no longer required to provide the information required by Item 6 of Form 10-K.

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The following is management’s discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected UNIFI’s operations, along with material changes in financial condition, during the periods included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the remainder of this Annual Report, with the understanding that forward-looking statements may be present. A reference to a “note” refers to the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Strategic Priorities

In order to achieve further growth and continue as an industry leader when the COVID-19 pandemic pressures subside, UNIFI is committed to investing strategically and synergistically in technology, innovation and sustainability; high-quality brand and supplier relationships; and supply chain expansion and optimization. These initiatives complement UNIFI’s core competencies and are expected to strengthen our relationships with like-minded customers who value a premier supply chain and state-of-the-art equipment that offers technology-driven solutions backed by innovation and sustainability. As a result, these initiatives are expected to increase net sales, gross profit and operating income.

Significant Developments and Trends

During the last four fiscal years, several key drivers affected our financial results. During fiscal 2018 and 2019, our operations in the U.S. were unfavorably impacted by (i) rising raw material costs and (ii) a surge of imported polyester textured yarn that depressed our pricing, market share, and fixed cost absorption. During fiscal 2020, our financial results began to improve following more stable import and raw material cost environments. However, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant unfavorable impact to product demand and our annual profitability suffered accordingly. Near the end of fiscal 2020, we divested a minority interest investment and significantly improved our liquidity position, supporting business preservation and the ability to better capture long-term growth opportunities. Throughout fiscal 2021, our businesses experienced sequential improvement alongside global demand and economic recovery, and we capitalized on profitable opportunities that fueled strong consolidated results.

Once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, we believe incremental revenue for the Polyester Segment will be generated from both the polyester textured yarn trade petition completed in early calendar 2020 and the actions currently pending with the ITC and Commerce Department, along with continued demand for innovative and sustainable products in the NACA region. The Asia Segment continues to capture demand for recycled products and serves as a significant component of future growth. The Brazil Segment performed extraordinarily well in fiscal 2021 and, while we expect pricing and margins to normalize near historical levels, the momentum captured in fiscal 2021 may provide a new, elevated level of long-term performance for the segment. The Nylon Segment performance continues to reflect the adverse impacts of (i) customers shifting certain programs to overseas garment production and (ii) the current global trend of declining demand for nylon socks, ladies’ hosiery and intimate apparel.

The following positive developments and trends had occurred or were occurring in fiscal 2021:

Raw Material and Foreign Currency

Raw material costs represent a significant portion of UNIFI’s manufactured product costs. The prices for the principal raw materials used by UNIFI continually fluctuate, and it is difficult or impossible to predict trends or upcoming developments.  During fiscal 2019 and 2018, UNIFI operated in a predominantly increasing raw material cost environment. UNIFI believes those higher costs were primarily a result of volatility in the crude oil markets, along with periods of supply and demand constraints for certain polyester feedstock.  During much of fiscal 2020, the raw material cost environment shifted to be more favorable and reached significantly lower levels during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first half of fiscal 2021 showed stable, low levels of raw material costs, while economic recovery, weather events, and supply constraints generated raw material cost increases during the second half of fiscal 2021. For the majority of our portfolio, we were able to implement selling price adjustments to protect gross margins throughout fiscal 2021. However, recycled inputs in the U.S. experienced continued cost increases during the June 2021 quarter and associated selling price adjustments will be implemented during the September 2021 quarter. Accordingly, we did not experience meaningful gross profit pressure during fiscal 2021.

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The continuing volatility in global crude oil prices is likely to impact UNIFI’s polyester and nylon raw material costs.  While it is not possible to predict the timing or amount of the impact or whether the recent fluctuations in crude oil prices will stabilize, increase or decrease, UNIFI monitors these dynamic factors closely. In addition, UNIFI attempts to pass on to its customers increases in raw material costs but due to market pressures, this is not always possible.  When price increases can be implemented, there is typically a time lag that adversely affects UNIFI and its margins during one or more quarters. Certain customers are subject to an index-based pricing model in which UNIFI’s prices are adjusted based on the change in the cost of certain raw materials in the prior quarter.  Pricing adjustments for other customers must be negotiated independently.  In ordinary market conditions in which raw material price increases have stabilized and sales volumes are consistent with traditional levels, UNIFI has historically been successful in implementing price adjustments within one or two fiscal quarters of the raw material price increase for its index priced customers and within two fiscal quarters of the raw material price increase for its non-index priced customers.

UNIFI is also impacted by significant fluctuations in the value of the BRL and the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”), the local currencies for our operations in Brazil and China, respectively. Appreciation of the BRL and the RMB improves our net sales and gross profit metrics when the results of our subsidiaries are translated into USDs at comparatively favorable rates. However, such strengthening may cause adverse impacts to the value of USDs held in these foreign jurisdictions. UNIFI expects continued volatility in the value of the BRL and the RMB to impact our key performance metrics and actual financial results, although the magnitude of the impact is dependent upon the significance of the volatility, and it is not possible to predict the timing or amount of the impact.

In fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, the BRL generally weakened versus the USD. In fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, the value of the RMB fluctuated in certain fiscal quarters, but the fluctuations were not significant to any fiscal year as a whole.

Key Performance Indicators and Non-GAAP Financial Measures

UNIFI continuously reviews performance indicators to measure its success.  These performance indicators form the basis of management’s discussion and analysis included below:

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income (Loss), Adjusted EPS, Adjusted Working Capital and Net Debt (collectively, the “non-GAAP financial measures”) are not determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered a substitute for performance measures determined in accordance with GAAP. The calculations of the non-GAAP financial measures are subjective, based on management’s belief as to which items should be included or excluded in order to provide the most reasonable and comparable view of the underlying operating performance of the business. We may, from time to time, modify the amounts used to determine our non-GAAP financial measures. When applicable, management’s discussion and analysis includes specific consideration for items that comprise the reconciliations of its non-GAAP financial measures.

We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures better reflect UNIFI’s underlying operations and performance and that their use, as operating performance measures, provides investors and analysts with a measure of operating results unaffected by differences in capital structures, capital investment cycles and ages of related assets, among otherwise comparable companies.

Management uses Adjusted EBITDA (i) as a measurement of operating performance because it assists us in comparing our operating performance on a consistent basis, as it removes the impact of (a) items directly related to our asset base (primarily depreciation and amortization) and (b) items that we would not expect to occur as a part of our normal business on a regular basis; (ii) for planning purposes, including the preparation of our annual operating budget; (iii) as a valuation measure for evaluating our

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operating performance and our capacity to incur and service debt, fund capital expenditures and expand our business; and (iv) as one measure in determining the value of other acquisitions and dispositions. Adjusted EBITDA is a key performance metric utilized in the determination of variable compensation. We also believe Adjusted EBITDA is an appropriate supplemental measure of debt service capacity because it serves as a high-level proxy for cash generated from operations and is relevant to our fixed charge coverage ratio. Equity in loss (earnings) of PAL is excluded from Adjusted EBITDA because such results do not reflect our operating performance.

Management uses Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted EPS (i) as measurements of net operating performance because they assist us in comparing such performance on a consistent basis, as they remove the impact of (a) items that we would not expect to occur as a part of our normal business on a regular basis and (b) components of the provision for income taxes that we would not expect to occur as a part of our underlying taxable operations; (ii) for planning purposes, including the preparation of our annual operating budget; and (iii) as measures in determining the value of other acquisitions and dispositions.

Management uses Adjusted Working Capital as an indicator of UNIFI’s production efficiency and ability to manage inventories and receivables.

Management uses Net Debt as a liquidity and leverage metric to determine how much debt would remain if all cash and cash equivalents were used to pay down debt principal.

See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” below for reconciliations of non-GAAP metrics to the most directly comparable GAAP metric.

Review of Results of Operations for Fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019

Fiscal 2021 and 2020 were each comprised of 52 weeks, while fiscal 2019 was comprised of 53 weeks.

Consolidated Overview

The below tables provide:

Following the tables is a discussion and analysis of the significant components of net income (loss).  

Net income (loss)

nm – not meaningful

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EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP Measures)

The reconciliations of the amounts reported under GAAP for Net Income (Loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are as follows: 

Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted EPS (Non-GAAP Measures)

The tables below set forth reconciliations of (i) Income (Loss) before income taxes (“Pre-tax Income (Loss)”), Provision for income taxes (“Tax Impact”) and Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and (ii) Diluted EPS to Adjusted EPS.

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Net Sales

Fiscal 2021 vs. Fiscal 2020

Consolidated net sales for fiscal 2021 increased by $61,083, or 10.1%, and consolidated sales volumes increased 13.5%, compared to fiscal 2020. The increases occurred primarily due to (i) a fiscal 2021 rebound in product demand following the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sales volumes in late fiscal 2020, (ii) incremental sales growth for the Asia Segment led by REPREVE^® branded products, and (iii) opportunistically improved market share and pricing levels in Brazil during demand restoration in that region.

Consolidated average sales prices decreased 3.4%, primarily attributable to (i) a decline in higher-priced nylon product sales and (ii) unfavorable foreign currency translation.

REPREVE^® Fiber products for fiscal 2021 comprised 37% of consolidated net sales, up from 31% for fiscal 2020.

Fiscal 2020 vs. Fiscal 2019

Consolidated net sales for fiscal 2020 decreased by $102,295, or 14.4%, compared to fiscal 2019. The decrease occurred primarily as the adverse impacts of (i) the global pandemic caused by COVID-19, (ii) one fewer week of sales in fiscal 2020 for our NACA operations, (iii) lower nylon sales volumes, (iv) lower average selling prices, and (v) unfavorable foreign currency translation were partially offset by the sales growth of REPREVE^® products, especially for the Asia Segment.

Consolidated sales volumes for fiscal 2020 decreased 2.0%, primarily attributable to (i) the adverse impact of COVID-19, (ii) one fewer week of sales in fiscal 2020 for our NACA operations, and (iii) lower sales in the Nylon Segment, partially offset by continued sales growth of REPREVE^®-branded products, primarily Chip and staple fiber in the Asia Segment. Annual sales growth over fiscal 2019 was achieved by the Asia Segment, despite the adverse impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, as our REPREVE^® portfolio continues to resonate with our brand partners that are focused on sustainable solutions.

Consolidated average sales prices decreased 12.4%, primarily attributable to (i) growth of Chip and staple fiber in the Asia Segment, which have lower average sales prices, (ii) a decline in higher-priced nylon product sales, and (iii) sales price declines associated with polyester raw material cost changes.

Gross Profit

Fiscal 2021 vs. Fiscal 2020

Gross profit for fiscal 2021 increased by $54,454, or 139.5%, compared to fiscal 2020. Despite the global demand disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic during fiscal 2021, each of our segments performed better than anticipated.

Fiscal 2020 vs. Fiscal 2019

Gross profit for fiscal 2020 decreased by $27,268, or 41.1%, compared to fiscal 2019. The global pandemic adversely impacted gross profit for all of UNIFI’s segments during fiscal 2020 due to the lower sales and production volumes in the fourth quarter.

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SG&A

The changes in SG&A were as follows:

Fiscal 2021 vs. Fiscal 2020

SG&A increased from fiscal 2020, primarily due to higher incentive compensation in fiscal 2021 in connection with consolidated out-performance. The increase was partially offset by lower discretionary expenses in fiscal 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic related restrictions and cost control.

Fiscal 2020 vs. Fiscal 2019

SG&A decreased from fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2020 primarily as a result of (i) lower professional fees and marketing expenses primarily due to cost reduction efforts undertaken during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 and (ii) lower compensation expenses in connection with (a) fewer executive officers throughout fiscal 2020 compared to fiscal 2019 and (b) a reduction in annual incentive compensation earned due to the adverse profitability impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Benefit) Provision for Bad Debts

Fiscal 2021 vs. Fiscal 2020

Bad debt decreased from a provision of $1,739 in fiscal 2020 to a benefit of $1,316 in fiscal 2021.  The decrease primarily reflects general improvement in customer payment frequency following the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on customer health.

Fiscal 2020 vs. Fiscal 2019

Provision for bad debt increased from $308 in fiscal 2019 to $1,739 in fiscal 2020.  The increase primarily reflects weaker economic conditions and customer payment delays during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other Operating Expense, Net

Fiscal 2021 vs. Fiscal 2020

Other operating expense, net was $2,308 in fiscal 2020 and $4,865 in fiscal 2021, which primarily reflects severance expenses and foreign currency transaction losses in both fiscal years, plus, in fiscal 2021, a predominantly non-cash loss on disposal of assets of $2,809 was recorded, primarily relating to the removal of existing texturing machinery to allow for the future installation of new eAFK Evo texturing machinery.

Fiscal 2020 vs. Fiscal 2019

Other operating expense, net was $2,350 in fiscal 2019 and $2,308 in fiscal 2020, which primarily reflects severance expenses recorded in both fiscal years, along with foreign currency transaction gains in fiscal 2019 and foreign currency transaction losses in fiscal 2020.

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Interest Expense, Net

Fiscal 2021 vs. Fiscal 2020

Interest expense, net decreased from fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2021 primarily as a result of a lower average debt principal during fiscal 2021.

Fiscal 2020 vs. Fiscal 2019

Interest expense, net decreased from fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2020 primarily as a result of (i) lower market interest rates on our variable-rate debt, (ii) a more favorable pricing structure on the ABL Facility in connection with a December 2018 amendment, and (iii) an overall reduction in debt principal during fiscal 2020.

(Earnings) Loss from Unconsolidated Affiliates

The components of (earnings) loss from unconsolidated affiliates are as follows:

Fiscal 2021 vs. Fiscal 2020

On April 29, 2020, UNIFI sold its 34% non-controlling interest in PAL and, accordingly, no earnings from PAL were recorded in fiscal 2021. The earnings from the nylon joint ventures increased from fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2021, primarily due to higher sales and capacity utilization.

Fiscal 2020 vs. Fiscal 2019

UNIFI’s 34% share of PAL’s earnings decreased from earnings of $2,561 in fiscal 2019 to a loss of $960 in fiscal 2020. The decrease in earnings from PAL was primarily attributable to lower operating leverage and comparably higher costs, in addition to the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on PAL’s results in UNIFI’s final month of ownership, April 2020.  The earnings from the nylon joint ventures experienced a decrease from fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2020, primarily due to lower sales volumes.

Recovery of Non-Income Taxes

Brazilian companies are subject to various taxes on business operations, including turnover taxes used to fund social security and unemployment programs, commonly referred to as PIS/COFINS taxes.  UNIFI, along with numerous other companies in Brazil, challenged the constitutionality of certain state taxes historically included in the PIS/COFINS tax base, resulting in over-taxation.

On May 13, 2021, Brazil’s supreme court ruled in favor of taxpayers and on July 7, 2021, the Brazilian Internal Revenue Service withdrew its appeal. Following the supreme court decision, the federal government will not issue refunds for these taxes and instead will allow for the overpayments and associated interest to be applied as credits against future PIS/COFINS tax obligations.

There are no limitations or restrictions on UNIFI’s ability to recover the associated overpayment claims as future income is generated. Thus, during fiscal 2021, UNIFI recorded a $9,717 recovery of non-income taxes comprised of an estimate of prior fiscal year PIS/COFINS overpayments of $6,167 and associated interest of $3,550. We expect to recover the taxes and interest over the 40-month period following June 2021 and have recorded current and non-current assets accordingly.

Impairment of Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate and Gain on Divestiture

As of March 29, 2020, UNIFI owned a 34% interest in the PAL Investment and Parkdale owned the majority 66% interest. In April 2020, UNIFI and Parkdale finalized negotiations to sell the PAL Investment to Parkdale for $60,000 and UNIFI recorded an impairment charge of $45,194 to adjust the PAL Investment to fair value. The transaction closed on April 29, 2020 and UNIFI received $60,000 in cash.

UNIFI’s 34% share of PAL’s loss subsequent to the date of the impairment charge (March 29, 2020) and through the date of transaction closing (April 29, 2020) was $2,284 and generated a gain on divestiture.

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Provision for Income Taxes

The change in consolidated income taxes is as follows:

The effective tax rate is subject to variation due to several factors, including variability in pre-tax and taxable income, the mix of income by jurisdiction, changes in deferred tax valuation allowances, and changes in statutes, regulations and case law.  Additionally, the impacts of discrete and other rate impacting items are greater when income before income taxes is lower.

Fiscal 2021 vs. Fiscal 2020

The increase in the effective tax rate from fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2021 is primarily attributable to (i) an impairment charge in fiscal 2020 for which UNIFI does not expect to realize a future benefit, (ii) an increase in foreign earnings taxed at higher rates in fiscal 2021, (iii) a higher rate impact of U.S. tax on GILTI in fiscal 2021, and (iv) the reversal of UNIFI’s permanent reinvestment assertion in fiscal 2021 with regards to certain unrepatriated foreign earnings. This increase is partially offset by a benefit in fiscal 2021 for the retroactive GILTI high-tax exclusion for prior periods.

Fiscal 2020 vs. Fiscal 2019

The decrease in the fiscal 2020 effective tax rate was primarily attributable to (i) lower U.S. tax on GILTI in fiscal 2020, (ii) lower foreign withholding taxes in fiscal 2020, and (iii) lower impact of foreign earnings taxed at higher rates. These benefits were partially offset by an increase in the valuation allowance on a capital loss generated upon the PAL Investment sale.

Net Income (Loss)

Fiscal 2021 vs. Fiscal 2020

Net income for fiscal 2021 was $29,073, or $1.54 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $(57,237), or $(3.10) per diluted share, for fiscal 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to the impairment charge for the PAL Investment sale recorded in fiscal 2020.  Excluding the impairment charge, the increase was attributable to higher gross profit and a recovery of non-income taxes in Brazil in fiscal 2021, partially offset by the fiscal 2021 impacts of (i) higher SG&A, (ii) a higher effective tax rate, and (iii) the loss on the disposal of assets.

Fiscal 2020 vs. Fiscal 2019

Net loss for fiscal 2020 was $(57,237), or $(3.10) per share, compared to $2,456, or $0.13 per share, for fiscal 2019.  The decrease was primarily attributable to the impairment charge for the PAL Investment sale.  Excluding the impairment charge, the decrease was attributable to (i) lower gross profit primarily stemming from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and (ii) lower earnings from unconsolidated affiliates, partially offset by lower SG&A expenses and a lower effective tax rate.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA increased from $16,553 for fiscal 2020 to $64,643 for fiscal 2021. The increase was primarily attributable to higher gross profit due to the recovery from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by the fiscal 2021 impacts of higher SG&A and the loss on the disposal of assets of $2,809.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased from $36,300 for fiscal 2019 to $16,553 for fiscal 2020. The decrease was primarily attributable to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by lower SG&A.

Adjusted Net Income (Loss)

Adjusted Net Income (Loss) increased from $(10,870) for fiscal 2020 to $22,660 for fiscal 2021, following the improvement in Adjusted EBITDA.

Adjusted Net (Loss) Income decreased from $3,523 for fiscal 2019 to $(10,870) for fiscal 2020, following the decrease in Adjusted EBITDA.

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Segment Overview

Following is a discussion and analysis of the revenue and profitability performance of UNIFI’s reportable segments for fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Polyester Segment

The components of Segment Profit, each component as a percentage of net sales and the percentage increase or decrease over the prior period amounts for the Polyester Segment are as follows:

The changes in net sales for the Polyester Segment are as follows:

The increase in net sales for the Polyester Segment from fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2021 was primarily attributable to a better sales mix in fiscal 2021. Because both fiscal years included significant demand pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic during calendar 2020, there was no meaningful change in sales volumes.

The decrease in net sales for the Polyester Segment from fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2020 was primarily attributable to (i) the adverse impact of COVID-19 on market demand, (ii) lower average selling prices associated with lower polyester raw material costs, and (iii) one fewer week of sales in fiscal 2020.

The changes in Segment Profit for the Polyester Segment are as follows:

The increase in Segment Profit for the Polyester Segment from fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2021 was primarily attributable to (i) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cost absorption and facility utilization following significantly lower sales volumes during the fourth quarter of 2020, (ii) a better sales and production mix in fiscal 2021 and (iii) improved unit conversion margin.

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The decrease in Segment Profit for the Polyester Segment from fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2020 was attributable to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cost absorption and facility utilization following significantly lower sales volumes. However, prior to the pandemic, the Polyester Segment benefited from an improved conversion margin in connection with the comparative impact of (i) a declining raw material cost environment during fiscal 2020 and (ii) an unfavorable raw material cost environment in fiscal 2019.

Asia Segment

The components of Segment Profit, each component as a percentage of net sales and the percentage increase or decrease over the prior period amounts for the Asia Segment are as follows:

The changes in net sales for the Asia Segment are as follows:

The increase in net sales for the Asia Segment from fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2021 was primarily attributable to the continued momentum of REPREVE^®-branded products contributing to underlying sales growth, partially offset by (i) overall lower sales volumes during the first half of fiscal 2021, driven by the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on global demand and (ii) a lower-priced sales mix.

The increase in net sales for the Asia Segment from fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2020 was primarily attributable to higher sales volumes of REPREVE^®-branded products, primarily Chip and staple fiber, partially offset by (i) the impact of lower-priced Chip and staple fiber sales on average selling price and sales mix and (ii) unfavorable foreign currency translation effects due to the comparable weakening of the RMB, along with a reduction in the overall sales growth rate caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global demand.

The RMB weighted average exchange rate was 6.60 RMB/USD, 7.03 RMB/USD and 6.82 RMB/USD for fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

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The changes in Segment Profit for the Asia Segment are as follows:

The increase in Segment Profit for the Asia Segment from fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2021 was primarily attributable to raw material cost benefits achieved on certain product lines, an improved sales mix, and higher sales volumes.

The increase in Segment Profit for the Asia Segment from fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2020 was primarily attributable to the increase in sales volumes and related sales mix change described in the net sales analysis above. The sales growth rate and, accordingly, the growth rate of Segment Profit for the Asia Segment, was partially offset by (i) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global demand and (ii) unfavorable foreign currency translation effects as the RMB weakened against the USD during fiscal 2020.

Brazil Segment

The components of Segment Profit, each component as a percentage of net sales and the percentage increase or decrease over the prior period amounts for the Brazil Segment are as follows:

The changes in net sales for the Brazil Segment are as follows: