Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
As used in this report, the terms “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to WD-40 Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, unless the context suggests otherwise. Amounts and percentages in tables and discussions may not total due to rounding.
The following information is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Part I — Item 1 of this Quarterly Report and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on October 24, 2022.
Use of Non-GAAP Constant Currency
In order to show the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on our results of operations, we have included constant currency disclosures, where necessary, in the Overview and Results of Operations sections which follow. Constant currency disclosures represent the translation of our current fiscal year revenues, expenses and net income from the functional currencies of our subsidiaries to U.S. Dollars using the exchange rates in effect for the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. Results on a constant currency basis are not in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“non-GAAP”) and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We use results on a constant currency basis as one of the measures to understand our operating results and evaluate our performance in comparison to prior periods in order to enhance the visibility of the underlying business trends, excluding the impact of translation arising from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Management believes this non-GAAP financial measure provides investors with additional financial information that should be considered when assessing our underlying business performance and trends. However, reference to constant currency basis should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Forward-Looking Statements
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for certain forward-looking statements. This report contains forward-looking statements, which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. These forward-looking statements are generally identified with words such as “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “could,” “may,” “aim,” “anticipate,” “target,” “estimate” and similar expressions.
These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, discussions about future financial and operating results, including: growth expectations for maintenance products; expected levels of promotional and advertising spending; anticipated input costs for manufacturing and the costs associated with distribution of our products; plans for and success of product innovation, the impact of new product introductions on the growth of sales; anticipated results from product line extension sales; expected tax rates and the impact of tax legislation and regulatory action; changes in the political conditions or relations between the United States and other nations; the impacts from inflationary trends and supply chain constraints; changes in interest rates; and forecasted foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements.
Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements due to various factors, including, but not limited to, those identified in Part I — Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, and in Part II—Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Overview
The Company
WD-40 Company (the “Company”), based in San Diego, California, is a global marketing organization dedicated to creating positive lasting memories by developing and selling products that solve problems in workshops, factories and homes around the world. We own a wide range of well-known brands that include maintenance products and homecare and cleaning products: WD-40® Multi-Use Product, WD-40 Specialist®, 3-IN-ONE®, GT85®, X-14®, 2000 Flushes®, Carpet Fresh®, no vac®, Spot Shot®, 1001®, Lava® and Solvol®.
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Our products are sold in various locations around the world. Maintenance products are sold worldwide in markets throughout North, Central and South America, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Homecare and cleaning products are sold primarily in North America, the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) and Australia. We sell our products primarily through warehouse club stores, hardware stores, automotive parts outlets, industrial distributors and suppliers, mass retail and home center stores, value retailers, grocery stores, online retailers, farm supply, sport retailers, and independent bike dealers.
Highlights
The following summarizes the financial and operational highlights for our business during the nine months ended May 31, 2023:
• Consolidated net sales increased $8.4 million, or 2%, compared to the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. Increases in the average selling price of our products positively impacted net sales by approximately $71.5 million from period to period, primarily due to sales price increases implemented across all segments over the last twelve months. These favorable impacts were partially offset by decreases in sales volume, which unfavorably impacted net sales by approximately $44.2 million from period to period. Changes to net sales attributable to volumes and average selling price of our products are impacted by differences in sales mix related to products, markets and distribution channels from period to period. In addition, changes in foreign currency exchange rates from period to period had an unfavorable impact of $18.9 million on consolidated net sales for the first nine months of fiscal year 2023. On a constant currency basis, net sales would have increased by $27.3 million, or 7%, from period to period. This unfavorable impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates mainly came from our EMEA segment, which accounted for 36% of our consolidated sales for the nine months ended May 31, 2023.
• Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 50.9% compared to 49.7% for the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year primarily due to the positive impacts of price increases implemented over the last twelve months, offset by ongoing global supply chain challenges, including the increased cost of raw materials, and changes in consumer behavior as a result of inflation. These ongoing challenges have resulted in increased inflation rates globally. See the Impact of Global Supply Chain Constraints and Inflation on Our Business section which follows for details, including actions the Company continues to take in response to these challenges.
• Consolidated net income decreased $3.1 million, or 6%, compared to the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates from period to period had an unfavorable impact of $2.8 million on consolidated net income for the first half of fiscal year 2023. Thus, on a constant currency basis, net income would have decreased $0.3 million, or 1%, from period to period.
• Diluted earnings per common share were $3.62 versus $3.82 in the prior fiscal year period.
Our strategic initiatives and the areas where we will continue to focus our time, talent and resources in future periods include: (i) building a business for the future; (ii) attracting, developing and engaging outstanding tribe members; (iii) striving for operational excellence; (iv) growing WD-40 Multi-Use Product; (v) growing WD-40 Specialist product line; and (vi) expanding and supporting portfolio opportunities that help us grow.
Significant Developments
Impact of Global Supply Chain Constraints and Inflation on Our Business
Our financial results and operations continue to be impacted by certain ongoing macroeconomic factors that have been affecting global economies, the rate of inflation, supply chains, distribution networks and consumer behavior around the world.
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For example, global supply chain issues have resulted in increased raw material costs and other input costs, higher competition for freight resources, and labor constraints within manufacturing and distribution networks. This inflationary environment started to negatively impact our gross margin and financial results in fiscal year 2021 and these trends have continued to increase our cost of goods sold since that time. In response to these global supply chain issues, we implemented various initiatives. These initiatives included improvements within our existing third-party manufacturer network, as well as identifying and onboarding new third-party manufacturers, particularly in the Americas and EMEA segments. As a result of these initiatives, we experienced increases in the capacity and flexibility of our supply chain and have also been able to reduce our inventory levels since they peaked during the first quarter of fiscal year 2023. Although it is not possible to estimate the costs or impacts associated with potential future supply chain disruptions or the inflationary environment that continues to impact our raw material costs, we believe that the changes we continue to implement will have a positive impact on our ability to better manage any future disruptions.
To offset the unfavorable impact of increased costs to our gross margin, price increases have been implemented across all of our markets and geographies in fiscal year 2022 and in the first nine months of fiscal year 2023. Although we are seeing the favorable impacts of these price increases, sales volumes are often impacted unfavorably in the short term as customers and end users adjust to increased sales prices. The severity and duration of these conditions and their effects on our supply chain, changes in end-user demand and the current inflationary environment remain uncertain and it is not possible to estimate the extent to which these conditions will impact our financial results and operations in future periods.
See our risk factors disclosed in Part I—Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on October 24, 2022 for further information on these risks.
The Impact of Russian Military Action in Ukraine
On February 24, 2022, Russian forces launched significant military action against Ukraine, which has resulted in conflict and disruption in the region. In response to this action taken by Russia, the U.S. and other countries imposed various economic sanctions against Russia and this event has continued to impact global economies, particularly in Europe. It is uncertain when conditions will improve or whether additional governmental sanctions will be enacted in future periods. It is not possible to predict the direct and indirect impacts of this evolving situation and its effect on global economies in future periods. We suspended selling our products to markets in Russia and Belarus beginning in March 2022, which had and continues to have an unfavorable impact on our business. In addition, we were temporarily unable to sell our products in Ukraine due to the disruption in the country, but sales to Ukraine resumed in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023. Prior to the suspension of sales in Russia and Belarus, our net sales to these two regions were approximately 3% to 4% of consolidated net sales, the majority of which is related to Russia. We do not have facilities, third-party manufacturing partners, employees or inventory located in these affected regions. Additionally, the only activities we conducted in these regions prior to the suspension of sales were through local marketing distributors. Write-offs of previously existing accounts receivable from those marketing distributors affected by the crisis have not been significant to date and are not expected to become significant in future periods.
As a result of this conflict, commodity markets remain subject to heightened levels of uncertainty, especially as they relate to the price of crude oil, which increased significantly in the immediate aftermath of the sanctions against Russia. Increases in crude oil prices unfavorably impact the cost of our products, as well as the cost of the transportation and distribution of our products. The length and severity of the recent volatility in the price of crude oil are highly unpredictable and may impact our cost of goods sold for as long as these conditions exist.
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Results of Operations
Three and Nine Months Ended May 31, 2023 Compared to Three and Nine Months Ended May 31, 2022
Operating Items
The following table summarizes operating data for our consolidated operations (in thousands, except percentages and per share amounts):
Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31,
2023 2022 Change from
Prior Year 2023 2022 Change from
Prior Year
Dollars Percent Dollars Percent
Net sales:
Maintenance products $ 133,325 $ 115,494 $ 17,831 15 % $ 371,741 $ 363,425 $ 8,316 2 %
HCCP (1)
8,392 8,173 219 3 % 25,062 24,974 88 — %
Total net sales 141,717 123,667 18,050 15 % 396,803 388,399 8,404 2 %
Cost of products sold 69,955 64,682 5,273 8 % 194,708 195,426 (718) — %
Gross profit 71,762 58,985 12,777 22 % 202,095 192,973 9,122 5 %
Operating expenses 46,105 40,001 6,104 15 % 135,606 125,186 10,420 8 %
Income from operations $ 25,657 $ 18,984 $ 6,673 35 % $ 66,489 $ 67,787 $ (1,298) (2) %
Net income $ 18,895 $ 14,480 $ 4,415 30 % $ 49,418 $ 52,543 $ (3,125) (6) %
EPS – diluted $ 1.38 $ 1.07 $ 0.31 29 % $ 3.62 $ 3.82 $ (0.20) (5) %
Shares used in diluted EPS 13,600 13,680 (80) (1) % 13,606 13,712 (106) (1) %
(1) Homecare and cleaning products (“HCCP”)
Net Sales by Segment
The following table summarizes net sales by segment (in thousands, except percentages):
Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31,
2023 2022 Change from
Prior Year 2023 2022 Change from
Prior Year
Dollars Percent Dollars Percent
Americas $ 71,130 $ 61,453 $ 9,677 16 % $ 192,034 $ 172,238 $ 19,796 11 %
EMEA 52,524 49,450 3,074 6 % 140,105 161,068 (20,963) (13) %
Asia-Pacific 18,063 12,764 5,299 42 % 64,664 55,093 9,571 17 %
Total $ 141,717 $ 123,667 $ 18,050 15 % $ 396,803 $ 388,399 $ 8,404 2 %
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Americas Sales
The following table summarizes net sales by product line for the Americas segment, which includes the U.S., Canada and Latin America (in thousands, except percentages):
Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31,
2023 2022 Change from
Prior Year 2023 2022 Change from
Prior Year
Dollars Percent Dollars Percent
Maintenance products $ 67,435 $ 57,778 $ 9,657 17 % $ 180,132 $ 160,171 $ 19,961 12 %
HCCP 3,695 3,675 20 1 % 11,902 12,067 (165) (1) %
Total $ 71,130 $ 61,453 $ 9,677 16 % $ 192,034 $ 172,238 $ 19,796 11 %
% of consolidated net sales 50 % 50 % 48 % 44 %
CC Net sales – non-GAAP (1)
$ 70,956 $ 61,453 $ 9,503 15 % $ 191,842 $ 172,238 $ 19,604 11 %
Currency impact on current period – non-GAAP $ 174 $ 192
(1) Current fiscal year constant currency (“CC”) net sales translated at the foreign currency exchange rates in effect for the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year, compared to prior period actual net sales.
The following table summarizes management’s estimates of effects on net sales of changes in price, volume and foreign currency exchange rate impacts for the Americas segment (in millions):
Change from Prior Year
First
Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Year to Date
Increase in average selling price (1)
$ 13.6 $ 12.0 $ 11.0 $ 36.6
Decrease in sales volume (1)
(11.7) (3.8) (1.5) (17.0)
Currency impact on current period – non-GAAP (0.2) 0.2 0.2 0.2
Increase in net sales $ 1.7 $ 8.4 $ 9.7 $ 19.8
(1) Management’s estimates of changes in net sales attributable to volumes and the average selling price of our products are impacted by differences in sales mix related to products, markets and distribution channels from period to period.
Americas Sales – Three Months Ended – May 31, 2023 Compared to May 31, 2022
Net sales of maintenance products in the Americas segment increased due to the following (by region):
• United States (“U.S.”) sales increased $9.0 million, or 21%. WD-40 Multi-Use Product sales increased by $6.8 million, or 20%, primarily due to price increases, which was partially offset by slightly lower demand which resulted in decreased sales volume. 3-IN-ONE products are sourced at certain third-party manufacturers that were impacted significantly by global supply chain constraints in the prior period. However, adjustments we have made in our supply chain to increase the production capacity of our maintenance products, including 3-IN-ONE, improved the availability of these products from period to period. 3-IN-ONE product sales increased by $1.4 million, or 77%, primarily due to these improvements that resulted in increased sales volume, as well as price increases from period to period. WD-40 Specialist sales increased by $0.8 million, or 13%, primarily due to price increases implemented during the last twelve months. Sales volumes for WD-40 Specialist were relatively constant from period to period.
• Latin America sales increased $1.7 million, or 18%, primarily due to marketing distributors purchasing a higher level of our product in advance of a price increase that went into effect in June 2023, which increased purchases from these customers from period to period. Sales in our direct market in Mexico also increased as a result of price increases, as well as the favorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These favorable impacts in our direct market in Mexico were partially offset by decreased sales volumes due to significant
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purchase activity by customers in February 2023 in anticipation of the price increases implemented in March 2023, which lowered sales volumes in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023.
• Canada sales decreased $1.1 million, or 23%, primarily due to lower sales volume. In the third quarter of the prior fiscal year, we experienced a higher level of demand in the industrial channel of Western Canada as a result of increased activity levels of end-users in the oil industry due to market conditions within the industry at that time. Demand in the industrial channel of Western Canada was significantly lower in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by price increases implemented during the last twelve months.
Net sales of homecare and cleaning products in the Americas remained relatively constant primarily due to the following:
• The unfavorable impact of lower demand for certain brands was more than offset by price increases and the improvement in the capacity and flexibility of our supply chain from period to period.
• While each of our homecare and cleaning products have continued to generate positive cash flows, we have generally experienced flat or slightly decreased sales for many of these products in recent periods.
For the three months ended May 31, 2023, 77% of sales came from the U.S., and 23% of sales came from Canada and Latin America combined compared to the distribution for the three months ended May 31, 2022 when 75% of sales came from the U.S., and 25% of sales came from Canada and Latin America.
Americas Sales – Nine Months Ended – May 31, 2023 Compared to May 31, 2022
Net sales of maintenance products in the Americas segment increased due to the following (by region):
• U.S. sales increased $22.6 million, or 20%. WD-40 Multi-Use Product sales increased by $14.7 million, or 15%, primarily due to price increases, as well as our improved supply chain capacity. WD-40 Specialist and 3-IN-ONE products are sourced at certain third-party manufacturers that were impacted significantly by global supply chain constraints in the prior period, particularly in the first half of fiscal year 2022. However, adjustments we have made in our supply chain to increase the production capacity of our most significant products, including WD-40 Specialist and 3-IN-ONE, improved the availability of these products from period to period. WD-40 Specialist and 3-IN-ONE sales increased by $4.4 million, or 28%, and $3.5 million, or 73%, respectively, primarily due to these improvements that resulted in increased sales volume, as well as price increases implemented during the last twelve months.
• Latin America sales decreased $2.1 million, or 6%, primarily due to weaker economic conditions in many countries within this region, as well as the timing of marketing distributor orders from period to period. Sales were unfavorably impacted due to marketing distributors purchasing a higher level of our product in advance of a price increase that went into effect in late fiscal year 2022 for some regions in Latin America. Conversely, marketing distributor sales in the first half of the prior fiscal year 2022 were favorably impacted due to significant purchase activity in advance of an earlier price increase that went into effect in November 2021. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by higher sales in our direct market in Mexico, primarily due to favorable impacts of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and price increases from period to period, partially offset by lower sales volumes as a result of lower demand.
• Canada sales decreased $0.5 million, or 4%, due to unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates and weaker economic conditions that resulted in lower levels of demand and decreased sales volume, particularly during the third quarter of fiscal year 2023, as a result of factors discussed above in the section for the three months ended May 31, 2023. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by price increases from period to period.
Net sales of homecare and cleaning products in the Americas remained relatively constant as a result of lower demand that resulted in decreased sales volumes, which was almost entirely offset by price increases implemented over the last twelve months.
For the nine months ended May 31, 2023, 77% of sales came from the U.S., and 23% of sales came from Canada and Latin America combined compared to the distribution for the nine months ended May 31, 2022 when 73% of sales came from the U.S., and 27% of sales came from Canada and Latin America.
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EMEA Sales
The following table summarizes net sales by product line for the EMEA segment, which includes Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India (in thousands, except percentages):
Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31,
2023 2022 Change from
Prior Year 2023 2022 Change from
Prior Year
Dollars Percent Dollars Percent
Maintenance products $ 49,721 $ 47,289 $ 2,432 5 % $ 132,801 $ 154,825 $ (22,024) (14) %
HCCP 2,803 2,161 642 30 % 7,304 6,243 1,061 17 %
Total $ 52,524 $ 49,450 $ 3,074 6 % $ 140,105 $ 161,068 $ (20,963) (13) %
% of consolidated net sales 37 % 40 % 36 % 42 %
CC Net sales – non-GAAP (1)
$ 55,794 $ 49,450 $ 6,344 13 % $ 156,244 $ 161,068 $ (4,824) (3) %
Currency impact on current period – non-GAAP $ (3,270) $ (16,139)
(1) Current fiscal year constant currency net sales translated at the foreign currency exchange rates in effect for the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year, compared to prior period actual net sales.
The following table summarizes management’s estimates of effects on net sales of changes in price, volume and foreign currency exchange rate impacts for the EMEA segment (in millions):
Change from Prior Year
First
Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Year to Date
Increase in average selling price (1)
$ 9.5 $ 11.1 $ 9.7 $ 30.3
Decrease in sales volume (1) – Russian markets
(5.0) (3.3) - (8.3)
Decrease in sales volume (1) – All other markets
(13.2) (10.2) (3.5) (26.9)
Currency impact on current period – non-GAAP (8.0) (4.9) (3.2) (16.1)
(Decrease) increase in net sales $ (16.7) $ (7.3) $ 3.0 $ (21.0)
(1) Management’s estimates of changes in net sales attributable to volumes and the average selling price of our products are impacted by differences in sales mix related to products, markets and distribution channels from period to period.
The countries and regions in Europe where we sell through a direct sales force include the U.K., Italy, France, Iberia (which includes Spain and Portugal) and the Germanics sales region (which includes Austria, Denmark, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands). The regions in the EMEA segment where we sell through local distributors include the Middle East, Africa, India, Eastern and Northern Europe.
EMEA Sales – Three Months Ended – May 31, 2023 Compared to May 31, 2022
Net sales increased in the EMEA segment primarily due to the following (by market and region):
Direct Markets – EMEA (68% of net sales QTD FY2023 vs 71% QTD FY2022)
• Sales in our direct markets increased $0.8 million, or 2%, primarily due to price increases across all direct markets implemented over the last twelve months. The favorable impacts were significantly offset by unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates of $2.3 million as a result of the weakening of the Pound Sterling, the functional currency of our U.K. subsidiary, against the U.S. Dollar.
• In addition, most direct markets experienced sales volume decreases due to reduced demand compared to the prior period, driven by weaker market and economic conditions as well as a lower level of customer orders and
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promotional programs as customers adjust to the price increases implemented in late fiscal year 2022 and the first half of fiscal year 2023.
Marketing Distributors – EMEA (32% of net sales QTD FY2023 vs 29% QTD FY2022)
• Sales increased $2.3 million, or 16%, in EMEA markets wherein we utilize a marketing distributor model (“distributor markets”), in which products are sold to marketing distributors who in turn sell to wholesalers and retailers.
• Sales in distributor markets increased primarily due to the timing of customer orders as well as price increases implemented over the last twelve months, particularly in India and Turkey, which were up $1.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
• Sales in our distributor markets were unfavorably impacted by $1.0 million due to the weakening of the Pound Sterling, the functional currency of our U.K. subsidiary, against the U.S. Dollar. However, this unfavorable impact to sales in distributor markets was partially offset by the favorable impact of certain sales denominated other than in Pound Sterling, which strengthened against the Pound Sterling from period to period.
• The increases in distributor market sales were partially offset by lower sales volumes of maintenance products in most distributor markets and unfavorable changes in sales mix.
EMEA Sales – Nine Months Ended – May 31, 2023 Compared to May 31, 2022
Net sales decreased in the EMEA segment primarily due to the following (by market and region):
Direct Markets – EMEA (71% of net sales YTD FY2023 vs 66% YTD FY2022)
• Sales in our direct markets decreased $7.6 million, or 7%. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates unfavorably impacted net sales by $11.5 million as a result of the weakening of the Pound Sterling, the functional currency of our U.K. subsidiary, against the U.S. Dollar.
• In addition, decreases in sales volume in most direct markets and unfavorable changes in sales mix in the U.K. unfavorably impacted sales period to period. In most direct markets, these volume decreases were due to reduced demand compared to the prior period, due to the same factors discussed above in the section for the three months ended May 31, 2023.
• The unfavorable impacts were partially offset by price increases across all direct markets.
Marketing Distributors – EMEA (29% of net sales YTD FY2023 vs 34% YTD FY2022)
• Distributor market sales decreased $13.4 million, or 25%, in EMEA.
• Sales in Russia decreased $8.3 million from period to period due to the ongoing effects of the Russian military action in Ukraine. See The Impact of Russian Military Action in Ukraine described in the “Significant Developments” section above for further information regarding the suspension of our sales to Russian markets.
• In addition, sales in our distributor markets were unfavorably impacted by $4.6 million due to the weakening of the Pound Sterling, the functional currency of our U.K. subsidiary, against the U.S. Dollar. However, this unfavorable impact to sales in distributor markets was partially offset by the favorable impact of certain sales denominated other than in Pound Sterling, which strengthened against the Pound Sterling from period to period.
• Sales in distributor markets also decreased due to lower sales volumes of maintenance products in most distributor markets, particularly Poland, Kuwait and India, which were down $1.4 million, $0.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
• The decreases in distributor market sales were partially offset by price increases implemented over the last twelve months and favorable changes in sales mix.
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Asia-Pacific Sales
The following table summarizes net sales by product line for the Asia-Pacific segment, which includes Australia, China and other countries in the Asia region (in thousands, except percentages):
Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31,
Change from
Prior Year Change from
Prior Year
2023 2022 Dollars Percent 2023 2022 Dollars Percent
Maintenance products $ 16,169 $ 10,427 $ 5,742 55 % $ 58,808 $ 48,429 $ 10,379 21 %
HCCP 1,894 2,337 (443) (19) % 5,856 6,664 (808) (12) %
Total $ 18,063 $ 12,764 $ 5,299 42 % $ 64,664 $ 55,093 $ 9,571 17 %
% of consolidated net sales 13 % 10 % 16 % 14 %
CC Net sales – non-GAAP (1)
$ 18,880 $ 12,764 $ 6,116 48 % $ 67,630 $ 55,093 $ 12,537 23 %
Currency impact on current period – non-GAAP $ (817) $ (2,966)
(1) Current fiscal year constant currency (“CC”) net sales translated at the foreign currency exchange rates in effect for the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year, compared to prior period actual net sales.
The following table summarizes management’s estimates of effects on net sales of changes in price, volume and foreign currency exchange rate impacts for the Asia-Pacific segment (in millions):
Change from Prior Year
First
Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Year to Date
Increase in average selling price (1)
$ 3.1 $ 0.9 $ 0.6 $ 4.6
Increase (decrease) in sales volume (1)
3.5 (1.0) 5.5 8.0
Currency impact on current period – non-GAAP (1.4) (0.8) (0.8) (3.0)
Increase (decrease) in net sales $ 5.2 $ (0.9) $ 5.3 $ 9.6
(1) Management’s estimates of changes in net sales attributable to volumes and the average selling price of our products are impacted by differences in sales mix related to products, markets and distribution channels from period to period.
Asia-Pacific Sales – Three Months Ended – May 31, 2023 Compared to May 31, 2022
Net sales in the Asia-Pacific segment increased primarily due to the following (by market and region):
• Asia distributor markets sales increased $4.8 million, or 151%, as a result of supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic during the third quarter of the prior fiscal year. Products for our Asia distributor markets are sourced from a third-party manufacturer located in Shanghai, China. In late March 2022, Shanghai instituted severe lockdown measures as a result of a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country. This lockdown remained in effect for the remainder of the third quarter and resulted in our third-party packager and logistics partners in Shanghai being severely restricted from manufacturing or distributing products for our Asia distributor market in April and May of 2022. All regions in these markets registered higher net sales from period to period, as no such disruptions were in place during the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. In addition, sales were positively impacted by sales price increases from period to period.
• China sales increased $1.3 million, or 39%, also due to the lockdown in Shanghai during the comparative period that severely limited the production of our products by our third-party manufacturer located in the region from late March 2022 through the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2022. In addition, sales were favorably impacted by sales price increases from period to period. These favorable impacts were partially offset by unfavorable changes
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in foreign currency exchange rates. On a constant currency basis, sales in China would have increased $1.7 million, or 50%.
• Australia sales decreased $0.9 million, or 14%, primarily due to a decrease in sales volume of homecare and cleaning products and WD-40 Multi-Use Product driven by weaker market and economic conditions, as well as unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates. On a constant currency basis, sales in Australia would have decreased $0.4 million, or 6%. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by the favorable impact of price increases implemented over the last twelve months.
Asia-Pacific Sales – Nine Months Ended – May 31, 2023 Compared to May 31, 2022
Net sales in the Asia-Pacific segment increased primarily due to the following (by market and region):
• Asia distributor markets sales increased $7.6 million, or 34%, primarily due to higher sales in the third quarter of 2023 due to the absence of COVID-19 lockdown measures as discussed above in the section for the three months ended May 31, 2023. In addition, sales increased as a result of successful promotional programs and customers that purchased product in advance of price increases implemented in the first half of fiscal year 2023, all of which resulted in increased demand and higher sales volumes in most countries in the region early in fiscal year 2023. Sales were also favorably impacted by price increases implemented over the last twelve months.
• China sales increased $2.5 million, or 16%, due to the success of promotional programs in the first half of fiscal year 2023 and price increases over the last twelve months. Sales were also favorably impacted by the timing of shipments related to customer orders placed in late fiscal year 2022 resulting from a successful promotional program in that fiscal year; certain products related to these orders were not shipped until early fiscal year 2023. In addition, sales were favorably impacted by the easing of COVID-19 lockdown measures as discussed above in the section for the three months ended May 31, 2023. These favorable impacts were partially offset by unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates. On a constant currency basis, sales in China would have increased $4.2 million, or 26%.
• Australia sales decreased $0.5 million, or 3% primarily due to the unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and lower sales volumes, primarily due to lower demand of homecare and cleaning products in the region. On a constant currency basis, sales in Australia would have increased $0.8 million, or 5% due to the favorable impact of price increases.
Gross Profit
The following general information regarding the timing and nature of our product costs is important when assessing fluctuations in our gross margin from period to period:
• There is often a delay before changes in costs of raw materials, such as specialty chemicals used in the formulation of our products, impact cost of products sold due to production and inventory life cycles. Such delays increase with higher production and inventory levels;
• In general, the timing of advertising, promotional and other discounts may cause fluctuations in gross margin from period to period. Advertising, promotional and other discounts that are given to our customers are recorded as a reduction to sales, whereas advertising and sales promotional costs associated with promotional activities that we pay to third parties are recorded as advertising and sales promotion expenses;
• In the EMEA segment, the majority of our cost of goods sold is denominated in Pound Sterling whereas sales are generated in Pound Sterling, Euro and the U.S. Dollar. The strengthening or weakening of the Euro and U.S. Dollar against the Pound Sterling may result in foreign currency related changes to the gross margin percentage in the EMEA segment from period to period; and
• Our gross profit and gross margin may not be comparable to those of other consumer product companies, since some of these companies include all costs related to distribution of their products in cost of products sold, whereas we exclude the portion associated with amounts paid to third parties for shipment to our customers from our distribution centers and contract manufacturers and include these costs in selling, general and administrative expenses. These costs totaled $4.7 million for each of the three months ended May 31, 2023 and 2022, and $13.1 million and $14.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
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• For further information pertaining to recent trends and economic conditions affecting gross margin, please see the section titled “Significant Developments”.
The following table summarizes gross margin and gross profit (in thousands, except percentages):
Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31,
2023 2022 Change from
Prior Year 2023 2022 Change from
Prior Year
Gross profit $ 71,762 $ 58,985 $ 12,777 $ 202,095 $ 192,973 $ 9,122
Gross margin 50.6 % 47.7 % 290 bps (1)
50.9 % 49.7 % 120 bps (1)
(1) Basis points (“bps”) change in gross margin.
Gross Margin – Three Months Ended – May 31, 2023 Compared to May 31, 2022
Gross margin increased 290 bps primarily due to the following favorable impacts, significantly offset by unfavorable impacts:
Favorable/(Unfavorable) Explanations
740 bps Sales price increases implemented in all three segments at varying times during the last twelve months.
210 bps Decreases in miscellaneous other input costs.
60 bps Changes in foreign currency exchange rates in the EMEA segment.
(300) bps Higher costs of aerosol cans.
(300) bps Higher costs of specialty chemicals used in the formulation of our products.
(100) bps Higher filling fees paid to our third-party contract manufacturers, primarily in the Americas segment.
Gross Margin – Nine Months Ended – May 31, 2023 Compared to May 31, 2022
Gross margin increased 120 bps primarily due to the following favorable impacts, significantly offset by unfavorable impacts:
Favorable/(Unfavorable) Explanations
830 bps Sales price increases implemented in all three segments at varying times during the last twelve months.
80 bps Changes in foreign currency exchange rates in the EMEA segment.
(360) bps Higher costs of aerosol cans.
(360) bps Higher costs of specialty chemicals used in the formulation of our products.
(100) bps Higher filling fees paid to our third-party contract manufacturers, primarily in the Americas segment.
Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses
Three Months Ended February 28, Nine Months Ended May 31,
2023 2022 Change from
Prior Year 2023 2022 Change from
Prior Year
(in thousands) Dollars Percent Dollars Percent
SG&A expenses $ 38,195 $ 33,621 $ 4,574 14 % $ 115,869 $ 106,863 $ 9,006 8 %
% of net sales 27.0 % 27.2 % 29.2 % 27.5 %
SG&A Expenses – Three Months Ended – May 31, 2023 Compared to May 31, 2022
The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily due to increases in employee-related costs of $3.4 million due to higher incentive compensation accruals, increased headcount and annual compensation increases. In addition, professional
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services fees increased $1.4 million in support of our strategic initiatives in the Americas and EMEA segments, including the ongoing implementation of our new information system and increased cloud-based software usage and license fees. In addition, travel and meeting expense increased SG&A expense by $0.7 million due to the reduction in travel restrictions related to COVID-19 from period to period, resulting in a higher level of travel and meetings by employees. These increases to SG&A expenses were partially offset by changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which reduced SG&A expenses by $1.0 million from period to period.
SG&A Expenses – Nine Months Ended – May 31, 2023 Compared to May 31, 2022
The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily due to increases in employee-related costs of $6.9 million due to increased headcount and annual compensation increases, as well as higher incentive compensation accruals. Travel and meeting expense also increased SG&A by $3.7 million due to the reduction in travel restrictions, as discussed above in the section for the three months ended May 31, 2023. In addition, professional services fees increased $3.1 million in support of our strategic initiatives in the Americas and EMEA segments, also discussed above in the section for the three months ended May 31, 2023. Other miscellaneous expenses increased $0.6 million. In addition, sales commissions increased $0.4 million primarily due to higher sales in the Americas segment. These increases to SG&A expenses were partially offset by changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which reduced SG&A expenses by $5.2 million from period to period. In addition, freight expense decreased $0.5 million from period to period.
We continued our research and development investment, the majority of which is associated with our maintenance products, in support of our focus on innovation and renovation of our products. Research and development costs were $1.6 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended May 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $4.1 million and $4.0 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our research and development team engages in consumer research, product development, current product improvements and testing activities. This team leverages its development capabilities by collaborating with a network of outside resources including our current and prospective third-party contract manufacturers. The level and types of expenses incurred within research and development can vary from period to period depending upon the types of activities being performed.
Advertising and Sales Promotion (“A&P”) Expenses
Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31,
Change from
Prior Year Change from
Prior Year
(in thousands) 2023 2022 Dollars Percent 2023 2022 Dollars Percent
A&P expenses $ 7,660 $ 6,022 $ 1,638 27 % $ 18,984 $ 17,242 $ 1,742 10 %
% of net sales 5.4 % 4.9 % 4.8 % 4.4 %
A&P Expenses – Three M onths Ended – May 31, 2023 Compared to May 31, 2022
The increase in A&P expenses was primarily due to a higher level of promotional programs and marketing support in the Americas and Asia-Pacific segments. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates did not have a significant impact on A&P expenses from period to period.
As a percentage of net sales, A&P expenses may fluctuate period to period based upon the type of marketing activities we employ and the period in which the costs are incurred. Total promotional costs recorded as a reduction to sales were $7.9 million and $7.5 million for the three months ended May 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Therefore, our total investment in A&P activities was $15.6 million and $13.5 million for the three months ended May 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
A&P Expenses – Nine Months Ended – May 31, 2023 Compared to May 31, 2022
The increase in A&P expenses was primarily due to a higher level of promotional programs and marketing support in the Americas segment. This increase was partially offset by favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates of $1.0 million, primarily in the EMEA segment.
Total promotional costs recorded as a reduction to sales were $21.5 million and $20.8 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Therefore, our total investment in A&P activities was $40.5 million and $38.0 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
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Income from Operations by Segment
The following table summarizes income from operations by segment (in thousands, except percentages):
Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31,
2023 2022 Change from
Prior Year 2023 2022 Change from
Prior Year
Dollars Percent Dollars Percent
Americas $ 16,906 $ 13,360 $ 3,546 27 % $ 43,390 $ 36,594 $ 6,796 19 %
EMEA 11,966 10,146 1,820 18 % 28,632 38,074 (9,442) (25) %
Asia-Pacific 5,312 3,101 2,211 71 % 21,952 18,328 3,624 20 %
Unallocated corporate (8,527) (7,623) (904) (12) % (27,485) (25,209) (2,276) (9) %
Total $ 25,657 $ 18,984 $ 6,673 35 % $ 66,489 $ 67,787 $ (1,298) (2) %
Americas
Americas Operating Income – Three Months Ended – May 31, 2023 Compared to May 31, 2022
Income from operations for the Americas increased to $16.9 million, up $3.5 million, or 27%, due to a $9.7 million increase in sales and a higher gross margin, partially offset by higher operating expenses. Gross margin for the Americas segment increased from 45.8% to 48.2% primarily due to the favorable impact of price increases over the last twelve months and decreases to miscellaneous other input costs, offset by increases in the costs of petroleum-based specialty chemicals, aerosol cans and filling fees at our third-party manufacturers due to inflationary impacts. Operating expenses increased $2.6 million primarily due to higher accrued incentive compensation and higher A&P expenses, as well as higher employee-related costs primarily due to increased headcount. Operating income as a percentage of net sales increased from 21.7% to 23.8% period over period.
Americas Operating Income – Nine Months Ended – May 31, 2023 Compared to May 31, 2022
Income from operations for the Americas increased to $43.4 million, up $6.8 million, or 19%, due to a $19.8 million increase in sales and a higher gross margin, partially offset by higher operating expenses. Gross margin for the Americas segment increased from 47.0% to 48.9% primarily due to the favorable impact of price increases implemented during the last twelve months, offset by increases in the costs of petroleum-based specialty chemicals, aerosol cans and filling fees at our third-party manufacturers due to inflationary impacts. Operating expenses increased $6.1 million due to higher employee-related costs as a result of increased headcount and higher accrued incentive compensation. In addition, operating expenses increased due to a higher level of travel and meeting expense and A&P expenses. Operating income as a percentage of net sales increased from 21.2% to 22.6% period over period.
EMEA
EMEA Operating Income – Three Months Ended – May 31, 2023 Compared to May 31, 2022
Income from operations for the EMEA segment increased to $12.0 million, up $1.8 million, or 18%, primarily due to a $3.1 million increase in sales and a higher gross margin, partially offset by higher operating expenses. Gross margin for the EMEA segment increased from 49.0% to 52.0% primarily due to the favorable impact of price increases over the last twelve months and decreases to miscellaneous other input costs, partially offset by the increased costs of aerosol cans and petroleum-based specialty chemicals. Operating expenses increased $1.3 million primarily due higher employee-related costs as a result of higher accrued incentive compensation and increased headcount, as well as increased travel and meeting expense. Operating income as a percentage of net sales increased from 20.5% to 22.8% period over period.
EMEA Operating Income – Nine Months Ended – May 31, 2023 Compared to May 31, 2022
Income from operations for the EMEA segment decreased to $28.6 million, down $9.4 million, or 25%, primarily due to a $21.0 million decrease in sales, which was slightly offset by a higher gross margin. Gross margin for the EMEA segment increased from 50.9% to 51.7% primarily due to price increases that were implemented over the last twelve months, significantly offset by the increased costs of aerosol cans and petroleum-based specialty chemicals. In addition, gross margin was also unfavorably impacted by increases in discounts provided to our customers. Operating expenses remained relatively constant as higher travel and meeting expense and higher employee-related costs were almost completely offset
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by lower level of A&P freight expenses. Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased from 23.6% to 20.4% period over period.
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific Operating Income – Three Months Ended – May 31, 2023 Compared to May 31, 2022
Income from operations for the Asia-Pacific segment increased to $5.3 million, up $2.2 million, or 71%, primarily due to a $5.3 million increase in sales and a higher gross margin, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses. Gross margin for the Asia-Pacific segment increased from 51.8% to 56.3% primarily due to the favorable impact of price increases that were implemented during the last twelve months. Operating expenses increased $1.4 million primarily due to higher A&P expenses and higher other miscellaneous expenses. Operating income as a percentage of net sales increased from 24.3% to 29.4% period over period.
Asia-Pacific Operating Income – Nine Months Ended – May 31, 2023 Compared to May 31, 2022
Income from operations for the Asia-Pacific segment increased to $22.0 million, up $3.6 million, or 20%, primarily due to a $9.6 million increase in sales and a higher gross margin, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses. Gross margin for the Asia-Pacific segment increased from 54.4% to 55.2% primarily due to the favorable impact of price increases that were implemented during the last twelve months, partially offset by the increased cost of petroleum-based specialty chemicals. Operating expenses increased $2.1 million from period to period primarily due to higher A&P expenses and higher other miscellaneous expenses, as well as a higher level of travel and meeting expenses. Operating income as a percentage of net sales increased from 33.3% to 33.9% period over period.
Non-Operating Items
The following table summarizes non-operating income and expenses for our consolidated operations (in thousands):
Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31,
2023 2022 Change 2023 2022 Change
Interest income $ 69 $ 27 $ 42 $ 164 $ 73 $ 91
Interest expense $ 1,597 $ 669 $ 928 $ 4,268 $ 1,902 $ 2,366
Other income (expense), net $ 243 $ (42) $ 285 $ 558 $ (119) $ 677
Provision for income taxes $ 5,477 $ 3,820 $ 1,657 $ 13,525 $ 13,296 $ 229
Interest Income
Interest income was not significant during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2023 and 2022.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased $0.9 million and $2.4 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2023, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods of the prior fiscal year primarily due to higher interest rates and higher aggregate outstanding balances on our revolving credit agreement from period over period.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net was not significant for the three months ended May 31, 2023 and 2022. Other income (expense), net changed by $0.7 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2023 compared to the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year primarily due to fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rates for both the U.S. Dollar and the Euro against the Pound Sterling.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes was 22.5% and 20.9% of income before income taxes for the three months ended May 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The rate increase of 1.6% in the effective tax rate was primarily due to higher tax rates in certain foreign jurisdictions.
The provision for income taxes was 21.5% and 20.2% of income before income taxes for the nine months ended May 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The rate increase of 1.3% in the effective income tax rate from period to period was primarily
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due to tax shortfalls from the settlements of stock-based equity awards, resulting in a 1.5% unfavorable impact on our effective tax rate from period to period. In addition, higher tax rates in certain foreign jurisdictions resulted in a 1.3% unfavorable impact on our effective tax rate. These unfavorable impacts to the effective tax rate were partially offset by a one-time tax-deductible charitable donation of our former corporate headquarters building to a local San Diego community foundation that occurred in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023, resulting in a 1.2% favorable impact on our effective tax rate.
Net Income
Net income was $18.9 million, or $1.38 per common share on a fully diluted basis, for the three months ended May 31, 2023 compared to $14.5 million, an increase of 30%, or $1.07 per common share on a fully diluted basis, for the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates from period to period had an unfavorable impact of $0.6 million on consolidated net income for the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. Thus, on a constant currency basis, net income would have increased $5.0 million, or 35%, from period to period.
Net income was $49.4 million, or $3.62 per common share on a fully diluted basis, for the nine months ended May 31, 2023 compared to $52.5 million, a decrease of 6%, or $3.82 per common share on a fully diluted basis, for the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates from period to period had an unfavorable impact of $2.8 million on consolidated net income for the nine months ended May 31, 2023. Thus, on a constant currency basis, net income would have decreased $0.3 million, or 1%, from period to period.
Performance Measures and Non-GAAP Reconciliations
In managing our business operations and assessing our financial performance, we supplement the information provided by our financial statements with certain non-GAAP performance measures. These performance measures are part of our current 55/30/25 business model, which includes gross margin, cost of doing business, and earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), the latter two of which are non-GAAP performance measures. Cost of doing business is defined as total operating expenses less amortization of definite-lived intangible assets, impairment charges related to intangible assets and depreciation in operating departments, and EBITDA is defined as net income before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. We target our gross margin to be at or above 55% of net sales, our cost of doing business to be at 30% of net sales, and our EBITDA to be at or above 25% of net sales. Results for these performance measures may vary from period to period depending on various factors, including economic conditions and our level of investment in activities for the future such as those related to quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property protection in order to safeguard our WD-40 brand. Our financial results and operations continue to be impacted by increased global supply chain constraints and an inflationary environment, both of which have significantly lowered our gross margin percentage over the last twelve months and moved us well below our target of 55%. Although we have been implementing strategic sales price increases across all segments at varying times in response to increased costs, it will take time before the full impact of these sales price increases is reflected in our reported results. In addition, it is not possible to determine how long these supply chain and inflationary conditions will exist and if they will worsen or improve over time. Our targets for gross margin and these other performance measures are long-term in nature and we expect to make progress towards achieving them over time. For more detailed information pertaining to recent trends and economic conditions and the actions we are taking to respond to them, please see the section titled “Significant Developments”.
The following table summarizes the results of these performance measures:
Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31,
2023 2022 2023 2022
Gross margin – GAAP 51 % 48 % 51 % 50 %
Cost of doing business as a percentage of net sales – non-GAAP 32 % 31 % 33 % 31 %
EBITDA as a percentage of net sales – non-GAAP (1)
20 % 17 % 18 % 19 %
(1) Percentages may not aggregate to EBITDA percentage due to rounding and because amounts recorded in other income (expense), net on our consolidated statement of operations are not included as an adjustment to earnings in the EBITDA calculation.
We use the performance measures above to establish financial goals and to gain an understanding of our comparative performance from period to period. We believe that these measures provide our stockholders with additional insights into how we run our business. We believe these measures also provide investors with additional financial information that should be considered when assessing our underlying business performance and trends. These non-GAAP financial
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measures are supplemental in nature and should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to net income, income from operations or other financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP as indicators of our performance or operations. The use of any non-GAAP measure may produce results that vary from the GAAP measure and may not be comparable to a similarly defined non-GAAP measure used by other companies. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to our financial statements as prepared in accordance with GAAP are as follows:
Cost of Doing Business (in thousands, except percentages)
Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31,
2023 2022 2023 2022
Total operating expenses – GAAP $ 46,105 $ 40,001 $ 135,606 $ 125,186
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets (250) (358) (753) (1,081)
Depreciation (in operating departments) (1,052) (1,108) (3,051) (3,318)
Cost of doing business $ 44,803 $ 38,535 $ 131,802 $ 120,787
Net sales $ 141,717 $ 123,667 $ 396,803 $ 388,399
Cost of doing business as a percentage of net sales – non-GAAP 32 % 31 % 33 % 31 %
EBITDA (in thousands, except percentages)
Three Months Ended May 31, Nine Months Ended May 31,
2023 2022 2023 2022
Net income – GAAP $ 18,895 $ 14,480 $ 49,418 $ 52,543
Provision for income taxes 5,477 3,820 13,525 13,296
Interest income (69) (27) (164) (73)
Interest expense 1,597 669 4,268 1,902
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets 250 358 753 1,081
Depreciation 1,825 1,700 5,186 5,059
EBITDA $ 27,975 $ 21,000 $ 72,986 $ 73,808
Net sales $ 141,717 $ 123,667 $ 396,803 $ 388,399
EBITDA as a percentage of net sales – non-GAAP 20 % 17 % 18 % 19 %
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Our financial condition and liquidity remain strong. Although there continues to be uncertainty related to adverse global economic conditions, volatility in financial markets, the current inflationary environment and their impacts on our future results, we believe our efficient business model positions us to manage our business through such situations. We continue to manage all aspects of our business including, but not limited to, monitoring our liquidity, the financial health of our customers, suppliers and other third-party relationships, implementing gross margin enhancement strategies and developing new opportunities for growth.
Our principal sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations and cash currently available from our existing unsecured revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement with Bank of America. We use proceeds of the revolving credit facility primarily for our general working capital needs. We also hold borrowings under the Note Agreement. See Note 7 – Debt for additional information on these agreements.
We have historically held a balance of outstanding draws on our line of credit in either U.S. Dollars in the Americas segment, or in Euros and Pounds Sterling in the EMEA segment. Euro and Pound Sterling denominated draws will fluctuate in U.S. Dollars from period to period due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We regularly convert many of our draws on our line of credit to new draws with new maturity dates and interest rates. We have the ability to refinance any draws under the line of credit with successive short-term borrowings through the September 30, 2025 maturity date of the Credit Agreement. Outstanding draws for which we have both the ability and intent to refinance with successive short-term borrowings for a period of at least twelve months are classified as long-term. As of May 31, 2023,
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$42.1 million of the outstanding balance under our line of credit resides in the EMEA segment and is denominated in Euros and Pounds Sterling and is classified as long-term, whereas $26.4 million is denominated in U.S. Dollars and is classified as short-term. In the United States, we held $67.6 million in fixed rate long-term borrowings as of May 31, 2023, consisting of senior notes under our Note Agreement. We paid $0.8 million in principal payments on our Series A Notes during the first nine months of fiscal year 2023. There were no other letters of credit outstanding or restrictions on the amount available on our line of credit or notes. Per the terms of both the Note Agreement and the Credit Agreement, our consolidated leverage ratio cannot be greater than three and a half to one and our consolidated interest coverage ratio cannot be less than three to one. See Note 7 – Debt for additional information on these financial covenants. At May 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all material debt covenants. We continue to monitor our compliance with all debt covenants and, at the present time, we believe that the likelihood of being unable to satisfy all material covenants is remote. At May 31, 2023, we had a total of $38.4 million in cash and cash equivalents. We do not foresee any ongoing issues with repaying our borrowings and we closely monitor the use of this credit facility.
We believe that our future cash from domestic and international operations, together with our access to funds available under our unsecured revolving credit facility, will provide adequate resources to fund short-term and long-term operating requirements, capital expenditures, dividend payments, acquisitions, new business development activities and share repurchases. On October 12, 2021, our Board of Directors (“Board”) approved a share repurchase plan (the “2021 Repurchase Plan”). Under the 2021 Repurchase Plan, which became effective on November 1, 2021, we are authorized to acquire up to $75.0 million of our outstanding shares through August 31, 2023, of which $38.4 million remains available for the repurchase of shares of common stock as of May 31, 2023. On June 19, 2023, our Board approved a share repurchase plan (the “2023 Repurchase Plan”). Under the 2023 Repurchase Plan, which will become effective on September 1, 2023, we are authorized to acquire up to $50.0 million of our outstanding shares through August 31, 2025.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows by category for the periods presented (in thousands):
Nine Months Ended May 31,
2023 2022 Change
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 55,593 $ 7,656 $ 47,937
Net cash used in investing activities (4,213) (6,738) 2,525
Net cash used in financing activities (54,024) (43,259) (10,765)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 3,204 (2,821) 6,025
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ 560 $ (45,162) $ 45,722
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $47.9 million to $55.6 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2023. Cash flows from operating activities depend heavily on operating performance and changes in working capital. Our primary source of operating cash flows for the nine months ended May 31, 2023 was net income of $49.4 million, which decreased approximately $3.1 million from period to period.
Changes in our working capital, which increased net cash provided by operating activities, were primarily attributable to a decrease in inventory during the first nine months of fiscal year 2023 compared to a significant increase in inventory in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year, which resulted in a $52.6 million favorable impact period over period to our cash provided by operating activities. In the prior fiscal year, we took deliberate actions to increase inventory levels of certain raw materials, components and finished goods due to challenges within supply chain and increased lead times required by suppliers. This building of our inventory continued throughout fiscal year 2022 into the first quarter of fiscal year 2023 and we have experienced increases in the capacity and flexibility of our supply chain as a direct result of these actions. Although our inventory levels remain at balances that are higher than historical levels, inventory has decreased since the first quarter of 2023 through the period ending May 31, 2023. These changes were partially offset by increases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities balances during the first nine months of the fiscal year compared to decreases in these balances in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. In addition, net cash provided by operating activities increased due to lower earned incentive payouts in the first nine months of fiscal year 2023 compared to the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.
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Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities decreased $2.5 million to $4.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2023, primarily due to a lower level of manufacturing-related capital expenditures within the U.S. and the U.K. from period to period.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities increased $10.8 million to $54.0 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2023. This change was primarily due to net repayments on our revolving credit facility of $11.9 million during the first nine months of the fiscal year, compared to net proceeds of $15.6 million in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. Increases in dividends paid to our stockholders also increased cash used in financing activities by $2.0 million. Offsetting these increases in cash outflows from period to period was a decrease in treasury stock purchases of $15.0 million, as well as a decrease of $3.7 million in shares withheld to cover taxes on conversion of equity rewards.
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes
All of our foreign subsidiaries currently operate in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar and a significant portion of our consolidated cash balance is denominated in these foreign functional currencies, particularly at our U.K. subsidiary, which operates in Pound Sterling. As a result, our cash and cash equivalents balances are subject to the effects of the fluctuations in these functional currencies against the U.S. Dollar at the end of each reporting period. The net effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, when expressed in U.S. Dollar terms, was an increase in cash of $3.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2023 as compared to a decrease in cash of $2.8 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2022. These changes were primarily due to fluctuations in various foreign currency exchange rates from period to period, but the majority is related to the fluctuations in the Pound Sterling against the U.S. Dollar.
Commercial Commitments
We have ongoing relationships with various third-party suppliers (contract manufacturers) that manufacture our products and third-party distribution centers which warehouse and ship our products to customers. The contract manufacturers maintain title and control of certain raw materials and components, materials utilized in finished products, and of the finished products themselves until shipment to our customers or third-party distribution centers in accordance with agreed upon shipment terms. Although we have definitive minimum purchase obligations in the contract terms with certain of our contract manufacturers, when such obligations have been included, they have either been immaterial or the minimum amounts have been such that they are well below the volume of goods that we have historically purchased. In addition, in the ordinary course of business, we communicate supply needs to our contract manufacturers based on orders and short-term projections, ranging from two to six months. We are committed to purchase the products produced by the contract manufacturers based on the projections provided.
Upon the termination of contracts with contract manufacturers, we obtain certain inventory control rights and are obligated to work with the contract manufacturer to sell through all product held by or manufactured by the contract manufacturer on our behalf during the termination notification period. If any inventory remains at the contract manufacturer at the termination date, we are obligated to purchase such inventory, which may include raw materials, components and finished goods. The amounts for inventory purchased under termination commitments have been immaterial.
In addition to the commitments to purchase products from contract manufacturers described above, we may also enter into commitments with other manufacturers to purchase finished goods and components to support innovation initiatives and/or supply chain initiatives. As of May 31, 2023, no such commitments were outstanding.
Share Repurchase Plans
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to Part I—Item 1, “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” Note 8 — Share Repurchase Plan and Note 14 — Subsequent Events, included in this report.
Dividends
On June 20, 2023, the Company’s Board declared a cash dividend of $0.83 per share payable on July 31, 2023 to stockholders of record on July 14, 2023.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our operating results and financial condition is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Critical accounting policies are those that involve subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates. The following areas all require the use of judgments and estimates: revenue recognition, accounting for income taxes and impairment of definite-lived intangible assets. Estimates in each of these areas are based on historical experience and various judgments and assumptions that we believe are appropriate. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.
There have been no material changes in our critical accounting policies and estimates from those disclosed in Part II—Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on October 24, 2022.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
There have been no recently issued accounting standards that will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to Part II—Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on October 24, 2022.
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