EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 723603
Filing Year: 2023
Filename: 723603_10-K_2023_0000950170-23-032929.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
As used in this document, the terms “Culp,” the “company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Culp, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (unless the context indicates another meaning). The term “common stock” means the common stock of Culp, Inc., par value $.05 per share. The terms “Read Window Products” and “Read” refer to our wholly-owned subsidiary, Read Window Products, LLC.
Overview
Culp manufactures, sources, and markets mattress fabrics and sewn covers used for covering mattresses and foundations and other bedding products; and upholstery fabrics, including cut and sewn kits, primarily used in the production of upholstered furniture. The company competes in a business driven by fashion and product performance, and we strive to differentiate ourselves by placing a sustained focus on creativity and product innovation. In addition, we place great emphasis on providing excellent and dependable service to our customers. Our focused efforts to protect our financial strength have allowed us to maintain our position as a financially stable and trusted supplier of innovative fabrics to bedding and furniture manufacturers.
We believe Culp is one of the largest producers of mattress fabrics in North America and one of the largest marketers of upholstery fabrics for furniture in North America, measured by total sales. Our operations are classified into two operating segments - mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics. The mattress fabrics business markets primarily knitted and woven fabrics, as well as sewn covers made from those fabrics, which are used in the production of bedding products, including mattresses, foundations, and mattress sets. The upholstery fabrics business markets a variety of fabric products that are used principally in the production of residential and commercial upholstered furniture, including sofas, recliners, chairs, loveseats, sectionals, sofa-beds, and office seating, as well as window treatment products and installation services for customers in the hospitality and commercial industries.
Culp markets a variety of fabrics and other products in different categories to a global customer base, including fabrics produced at our manufacturing facilities and fabrics produced by other suppliers. As of the end of fiscal 2023, we had active production facilities located in North Carolina; Tennessee; Quebec, Canada; Shanghai, China; and Ouanaminthe, Haiti. We also source fabrics and cut and sewn kits from other manufacturers, located primarily in China, Vietnam, and Turkey, with substantially all of these products made specifically for Culp and created by Culp designers. In addition, we operate distribution centers in North Carolina, Canada, China, and Haiti to facilitate distribution of our fabric products, with additional distribution capabilities through strategic relationships in China, Turkey, and Vietnam.
Over the past decade, the portion of total company sales represented by fabrics produced outside of the U.S. and Canada has increased, while sales of goods produced in the U.S. have decreased. This trend is related primarily to the upholstery fabrics segment, where substantially all of our sales now consist of fabrics produced in Asia. The mattress fabrics business remains primarily based in North America.
Total net sales in fiscal 2023 were $234.9 million. The mattress fabrics segment had net sales of $111.0 million (47% of total net sales), and the upholstery fabrics segment had net sales of $123.9 million (53% of total net sales).
Our overall sales declined 20.3% during fiscal 2023, as compared to the prior year, with mattress fabric sales decreasing 27.1% and upholstery fabric sales decreasing 13.1%. This decline was driven primarily by a slowdown in consumer demand in the domestic mattress industry throughout year, as well as a slowdown in new retail business in the residential home furnishings industry. The impact of this industry softness was exacerbated by high inventory levels at manufacturers and retailers during most of the year, which delayed the timing of shipments and new product roll outs.
Fiscal 2023 was a difficult year, but Culp navigated the challenges and maintained a solid financial position. Our associates around the world worked diligently to execute our product-driven strategy, with a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and exceptional service across our global platform. Throughout our 50 years in business, we have faced economic downturns and the various cyclical market challenges of competing in a dynamic global marketplace. One of our enduring strengths has been our ability to navigate these challenges and pursue a strategic direction that supports our business and meets the evolving needs of our valued customers.
Additional information about trends and developments in each of our business segments is provided in the “Segments” discussion below, as well as in our “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” in Part II, Section 7 of this report.
General Information
Culp, Inc. was organized as a North Carolina corporation in 1972 and made its initial public offering in 1983. Since 1997, our stock has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange and traded under the symbol “CFI” until July 13, 2017, at which time the Company’s ticker symbol changed to “CULP.” Our fiscal year is the 52- or 53-week period ending on the Sunday closest to April 30. Our executive offices are located in High Point, North Carolina.
Culp maintains a corporate website at www.culp.com. We will make this annual report and our other annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports available free of charge on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Copies of any materials we file or furnish with the SEC can also be obtained free of charge through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The information included on our website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report or any other reports we file with, or furnish to, the SEC.
Segments
Our operations are classified into two business segments: mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics. The following table sets forth certain information for each of our segments.
Sales by Fiscal Year ($ in Millions) and Percentage of Total
Company Sales
Segment
Fiscal
Fiscal
Fiscal
Mattress Fabrics
$
111.0
%
$
152.2
%
$
157.7
%
Upholstery Fabrics
Non-U.S.-Produced
114.5
%
133.2
%
133.0
%
U.S.-Produced
9.4
%
9.4
%
9.0
%
Total Upholstery
123.9
%
142.6
%
142.0
%
Total company
$
234.9
%
$
294.8
%
$
299.7
%
Additional financial information about our operating segments can be found in Note 17 of the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report.
Mattress Fabrics. The mattress fabrics segment, also known as Culp Home Fashions, manufactures and markets mattress fabrics and sewn mattress covers to bedding manufacturers. These products include woven jacquard fabrics, knitted fabrics, and some converted fabrics. Culp Home Fashions has fabric manufacturing facilities located in Stokesdale, North Carolina, and St. Jerome, Quebec, Canada. Knitted fabrics are produced at both the Stokesdale and St. Jerome facilities, while jacquard (damask) fabric is produced solely at the St. Jerome facility. The majority of our finishing and inspection processes for mattress fabrics are conducted at the Stokesdale plant, while the St. Jerome plant provides additional capacity and a second location for these processes. Both of these facilities offer finished goods distribution capabilities, and the Stokesdale plant houses the division offices. The segment also sources mattress fabric products internally from Culp China, which is operated by our upholstery fabrics division, as well as from a supplier in Turkey, based on our own designs and production schedule.
Our mattress cover operation currently has a wholly-owned manufacturing platform in Haiti for production of cut and sewn mattress covers. This platform includes two leased facilities. We also utilize our Culp China platform, operated by our upholstery fabrics division, to source sewn mattress covers from third-party suppliers in Asia. During fiscal 2023, we completed a restructuring and rationalization of our U.S.-based cut and sewn cover platform, moving our research and development ("R&D") and prototyping capabilities from our location in High Point, North Carolina, to our owned facility in Stokesdale, North Carolina. The result of this move was the discontinuation of our higher-cost on shore production capabilities, with the closure of two leased facilities in High Point during the third quarter. We believe this platform restructuring will allow us to generate cost savings by utilizing our lower-cost mattress cover production and sourcing capabilities in Haiti and Asia, where we can scale operations to align with demand and continue to support the needs of our customers.
During the past few years, we completed several multi-year capital projects for the mattress fabrics business, including consolidating certain operations, expanding capacity, improving efficiency and customer service, and maintaining our flexible approach to fabric sourcing. In fiscal 2019, we consolidated our weaving operations to one facility in Quebec, Canada, and expanded production of our sewn mattress covers in Haiti and China to meet customer demand in the growing boxed bedding market. Additionally, we continued to expand our design capabilities in fiscal 2019, launching new software and a library system for cataloging our products to drive marketing and enhance innovation. In fiscal 2020, we further enhanced our design and innovation platform by establishing a dedicated innovation team to develop and offer the latest technologies and forward-looking products, expanding our creative team to complement our innovation strategy, and releasing a new digital library, design simulations, and 3D image rendering capabilities to showcase our designs and marketing tools. We were able to leverage these new technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the face of travel restrictions and canceled tradeshows, to continue showcasing our products and support our customers through virtual design collaboration. In fiscal 2021, we invested in additional knit machines and other equipment to expand fabric capacity in North America. We also enhanced our digital project management platform, which allows us to work with customers from concept ideation and 3D
mapping to product life cycle management and final merchandising. In fiscal 2022, we expanded our leading-edge technology at our Canadian manufacturing facility with the addition of a sectional warper and lamination line.
After eight consecutive years of growth, sales for the mattress fabrics segment declined in fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2020. The decline in fiscal 2019 was mainly attributable to the acceleration of low-priced mattress imports from China towards the end of fiscal 2018 and through the first three quarters of fiscal 2019, together with the increased acceptance by consumers of roll-packed/boxed bedding delivered through major online e-commerce channels. The decline in fiscal 2020 was primarily due to the significant disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic during the fourth quarter, as well as continued disruption in the domestic mattress industry relating to low-priced mattress imports that moved from China to other countries. Sales increased significantly in fiscal 2021, as compared to fiscal 2020, driven by the consumer focus on the home environment and overall comfort during the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with our ability to service this demand through our global platform. For fiscal 2022, sales declined slightly compared to the prior year primarily due to industry weakness in domestic mattress industry sales, especially during the fourth quarter, along with some disruption from COVID-related shutdowns. We believe this industry softness was mostly caused by inflationary pressures affecting consumer spending and a shift in demand from home goods to travel, leisure, and entertainment following a pulling forward of demand for home goods during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decline in sales continued during fiscal 2023, driven by an ongoing slowdown in consumer demand, with mattress industry reports reflecting significant unit contraction during this period. The impact of this industry softness was exacerbated, especially during the first nine months of the year, by mattress manufacturers and retailers working through an excess of inventory, delaying the timing of shipments and new product roll outs. As a result, sales declined significantly in fiscal 2023 compared to the prior year. However, we were encouraged to see strong sequential and year-over-year improvement beginning in the fourth quarter, primarily driven by the roll out of new customer programs.
Despite the challenging macro-economic conditions during fiscal 2023, we diligently worked to manage the aspects of our business that we can control, taking necessary steps to withstand current market challenges and position our business for renewed growth. During the second half of fiscal 2023, we began executing on a comprehensive business transformation plan, laying the foundation for operational improvement with new leadership and a restructured management team. Throughout the year, we focused on our product-driven strategy, with an emphasis on innovation, design creativity, and strengthening customer relationships. The strength and flexibility of our global manufacturing and sourcing operations in the U.S., Canada, Haiti, Asia, and Turkey allowed us to support the evolving needs of our mattress fabric and cover customers throughout the year. We believe the success of our mattress fabrics segment over the long term is due to our focus on these foundational values and strategic initiatives that allow us to meet changing customer demands.
Upholstery Fabrics. The upholstery fabrics segment markets fabrics for residential and commercial furniture, including jacquard woven fabrics, velvets, micro denier suedes, woven dobbies, knitted fabrics, piece-dyed woven products, and polyurethane “leather look” fabrics. With the acquisition of Read Window Products at the end of fiscal 2018, this segment also markets window treatment products and installation services, including roller shades, drapery, hardware, and top-of-mattress soft goods, for customers in the hospitality and commercial industries.
The upholstery fabrics segment currently operates two manufacturing facilities in Shanghai, China. From these locations, we market a variety of upholstery fabrics and cut and sewn kits sourced from third-party producers, mostly in China and Vietnam. We utilize these facilities for design, finishing, warehousing, quality control, and inspection operations related to these products. We previously produced cut and sewn fabric kits in Shanghai, China. However, during fiscal 2023, based on market dynamics for cut and sewn products and the strength of our Asian supply chain, we rationalized and adjusted our model for this platform with the closure of our cut and sew facility. Additionally, during the third quarter of fiscal 2022, we commenced operation of a new leased facility in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, dedicated to the production of cut and sewn fabric kits. However, due to a decline in demand for these cut and sewn kits, we terminated the agreement to lease this new facility during the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and relocated a scaled-down upholstery cut and sew operation into our existing mattress cover facility also located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti. We believe these adjustments to our cut and sew platform will generate cost savings without sacrificing our ability to support our customers, grow our cut and sew business, and maintain our competitive advantages through our lower-cost manufacturing and sourcing operations in Asia and Haiti.
We continue to expand our marketing efforts to sell our upholstery fabrics products in countries other than the U.S., including the Chinese local market. Additionally, we fabricate a variety of window treatments, using mostly customer-supplied fabrics and materials, at our facility in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Our upholstery fabrics business has moved from one that relied on a large fixed capital base that is difficult to adjust to a more flexible and scalable marketer of upholstery fabrics that meets changing levels of customer demand and tastes. At the same time, we have maintained control of the most important “value added” aspects of our business, such as design, finishing, quality control, and logistics. This strategic approach has allowed us to limit our investment of capital in fixed assets and control the costs of our products, while continuing to leverage our design and finishing expertise, industry knowledge, and important relationships.
After increasing in the two prior years, sales declined in fiscal 2020 due to the severe disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic during the fourth quarter. In fiscal 2021, our sales recovered with strong growth, driven by increased industry demand in our residential business, as well as the benefits of product innovation and opportunities with new and existing customers. This growth was partially offset by lower sales for our hospitality business, which remained under pressure due to pandemic-related disruptions affecting the travel and leisure industries. During fiscal 2022, sales increased slightly, reflecting generally solid demand for residential upholstery products for the first nine months of the year, as well as the impact of certain pricing and surcharge actions in effect during the year. This increase was offset by a significant drop in residential sales during the fourth quarter due to COVID-related shutdowns of our facilities in China throughout the month of April and, to a lesser extent, a slowdown in new business for the residential home furnishings industry during the fourth quarter. During fiscal 2023, our sales declined moderately as a result of reduced demand for residential upholstery products, driven by an ongoing slowdown in the residential home furnishings industry, as well as high inventory levels at manufacturers and retailers during the first nine months of the year. This decline was partially offset by higher sales in our hospitality/contract business.
Despite the industry softness in fiscal 2023, we maintained our sustained focus on product innovation, and our highly durable, stain resistant LiveSmart® performance fabrics, as well as our LiveSmart Evolve® performance plus sustainability fabrics, remained popular with both existing and new residential furniture customers. Demand for our hospitality/contract fabric business also remained solid for the year.
We believe the success of our upholstery fabrics segment over the longer term is due largely to a business strategy that has included: 1) innovation in a low-cost environment, 2) speed-to-market execution, 3) consistent quality, 4) reliable service and lead times, and 5) increased recognition of and reliance on the Culp brand. Our progress has been achieved through a unique business model that has enabled the upholstery fabrics segment to execute a strategy that we believe is clearly differentiated from our competitors. In this way, we have maintained our ability to provide furniture manufacturers with products from nearly every category of fabric for upholstered furniture and meet continually changing demand levels and consumer preferences. We have also implemented additional steps to grow net sales, including an emphasis on markets beyond residential furniture, such as the hospitality market. One result of these efforts was the acquisition of Read Window Products at the end of fiscal 2018, representing a significant expansion of our production capabilities in the hospitality market, along with the addition of window treatment installation services.
Overview of Industry and Markets
Culp markets products primarily to manufacturers and hospitality customers in three principal markets. The mattress fabrics segment supplies the bedding industry, which produces mattress sets (mattresses, box springs, foundations and top of bed components) and bedding accessory products. The upholstery fabrics segment primarily supplies the residential furniture industry and, to a lesser extent, the commercial furniture industry. The residential furniture market includes upholstered furniture sold to consumers for household use, including sofas, sofa-beds, chairs, recliners, and sectionals. The commercial furniture, fabrics, and window treatments market includes fabrics and window treatment products used in the hospitality industry (primarily hotels and motels); fabrics used for upholstered office seating and modular office systems sold primarily for use in offices and other institutional settings, as well as commercial textile wall coverings; and window treatments for commercial application. The principal industries into which the company sells products - the bedding industry and residential and commercial furniture industry - are described in more detail below. Currently, a great majority of our products are sold to manufacturers for end use in the U.S., and thus the discussions below are focused on that market.
Overview of Bedding Industry
The bedding industry has contracted and expanded in recent years in accordance with the general economy, and, most recently in connection with impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, although traditionally the industry has been relatively mature and stable. This is due in part to the fact that a majority of bedding industry sales are replacement purchases, which are less volatile than sales based on economic growth and new household formations. During the second half of fiscal 2022 and throughout fiscal 2023, the bedding industry experienced weakness in domestic mattress sales, with industry reports reflecting significant unit contraction. We believe this industry softness was mostly driven by inflationary pressures affecting consumer spending, especially for mattress products in the low to mid-range price points, and a shift in demand from home goods to travel, leisure, and entertainment following a pulling forward of demand for home goods during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors are expected to continue affecting the bedding industry during fiscal 2024.
Until recently, the U.S. bedding industry has largely remained a North American-based business, with limited competition from imports. This dynamic has mainly been due to short lead times demanded by mattress manufacturers and retailers, the customized nature of product lines, the relatively low direct labor content in mattresses, and strong brand recognition. Imports of bedding into the U.S. had been increasing gradually, but this trend significantly accelerated in fiscal 2018 and 2019, especially for lower-priced bedding. China accounted for the largest share of the imported units during these years, but the level of mattress imports entering the U.S. from China began to substantially decline beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 in connection with punitive anti-dumping duties imposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce. However, the level of mattress imports from other countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Turkey, among others, significantly increased during fiscal 2020 as imports from China declined. The result
of the increase in imports during this period, and continuing into fiscal 2021, was a decline in sales for the major U.S. bedding manufacturers, which affected major suppliers to those manufacturers, including Culp.
As a result of the continued significant influx of low-priced imports that moved from China to other countries, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed anti-dumping duties against seven countries, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam, during fiscal 2021. We believe the domestic mattress industry and, in turn, our business, began to realize some benefits from these duties during the second half of fiscal 2021 and continuing into fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023.
A key trend driving the bedding industry is the increased demand for roll-packed/compressed mattresses through both online and traditional sales channels. Consumer acceptance of boxed beds as a delivery mechanism continues to drive growth and increase market share for this product, increasing potential demand for sewn mattress covers. Another important trend is the increased awareness among consumers about the health benefits of better sleep, with an increased focus on the quality of bedding products and an apparent willingness on the part of consumers to upgrade their bedding. A further trend is the strong and growing emphasis on the design knitted or woven into mattress fabrics to appeal to the customer’s visual attraction and perceived value of the mattress on the retail floor, as well as in online sales channels and advertisements. Mattress fabric design efforts are based on current trends in home decor and fashion. Additionally, the growth in non-traditional sources for retail mattress sales, such as online e-commerce channels and wholesale warehouse clubs, has the potential to increase overall consumption of goods due to convenience and high traffic volume, which in turn results in higher turnover of product. Among fabric types, knitted fabrics have continued to increase in popularity. Knitted fabric was initially used primarily on premium mattresses, but these products are now being placed increasingly on mattresses at mid-range to lower retail price points.
Overview of Residential and Commercial Furniture Industry
Overall demand for our products depends upon consumer demand for furniture and bedding products, which is subject to variations in the general economy, including current inflationary pressures affecting consumer spending; declines in consumer confidence; the negative economic impact of potential additional surges of the coronavirus; and other geopolitical events, such as the ongoing Russia/Ukraine war. Because purchases of furniture products are discretionary purchases for most individuals and businesses, demand for these products may be more easily influenced by economic trends than demand for other products. Economic downturns, higher unemployment rates, and uncertainty about future health and economic prospects can affect consumer spending habits and demand for home furnishings, which reduces the demand for our products and therefore can cause a decline in our sales and earnings. Sales of commercial furniture to businesses are also affected by these same factors. These market conditions, as well as the pace of recovery from these conditions, have been uneven in recent years. In general, sales of residential furniture are influenced significantly by the housing industry and by trends in home sales and household formations, while demand for commercial furniture generally reflects economic trends affecting businesses and office occupancy. During fiscal 2021, disruption relating to the COVID-19 pandemic positively affected sales trends, with the increased consumer focus on the home and travel restrictions shifting discretionary spending away from travel and leisure activities towards home furnishings and enhancing comfort within the home environment. This sales trend began to reverse during fiscal 2022, particularly during the second half of the year, as COVID-related travel and mask restrictions were lifted and consumers began to resume travel and leisure activities, and this reversal continued throughout fiscal 2023. Inflationary pressures also began to affect consumer spending during the second half of fiscal 2022 and continuing throughout fiscal 2023. Together, these trends have caused a slowdown in new business for the residential home furnishings industry that is expected to continue during fiscal 2024.
The sourcing of components and fully assembled furniture from overseas continues to play a major role in the furniture industry. By far, the largest source for these imports continues to be China. Imports of upholstery fabric, both in roll and in “kit” form, have also had a significant impact on the market for upholstery fabrics in recent years. Fabrics entering the U.S. from China and other low labor cost countries have resulted in increased price competition in the upholstery fabric and upholstered furniture markets.
In general, the residential furniture industry has been consolidating for several years. The result of this trend is fewer, but larger, customers for marketers of upholstery fabrics. Intense price competition continues to be an important consideration for both residential and commercial furniture.
Additionally, with the ongoing global trade dispute and other tensions between the U.S. and China, including the imposition of tariffs during fiscal 2019 and the possibility for additional tariffs on China imports, some of our customers began altering their supply chains away from China in late fiscal 2019. This trend has continued in recent years, including in fiscal 2023, as relations between the U.S. and China have further deteriorated. While we believe Asia remains a preferred location for sourcing of components, including fabric, we continue to diversify our sourcing strategies to develop additional geographic options to service our customers.
Products
As described above, our products include mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics, which are our two identified operating segments. These fabrics are sold in roll form and as sewn mattress covers by the mattress fabrics segment, and in roll form and as cut and sewn kits by the upholstery fabrics segment. Our upholstery segment products also include window treatments and related products.
Mattress Fabrics Segment
Mattress fabrics segment sales constituted 47% of our total net sales for fiscal 2023, compared with 52% for fiscal 2022. The company has emphasized fabrics that have broad appeal at prices generally ranging from $1.50 to more than $10.00 per yard.
Upholstery Fabrics Segment
Upholstery fabrics segment sales totaled 53% of our sales for fiscal 2023, compared with 48% of for fiscal 2022. The company has emphasized fabrics that have broad appeal at “good” and “better” prices, generally ranging from $3.00 to $16.00 per yard.
Culp Product Categories by Segment
We market products in most categories of fabric that manufacturers currently use for bedding and furniture. We also market window treatment products to customers in the hospitality and commercial industries. The following table indicates the product lines within each segment, and, with respect to the fabric products, a brief description of their characteristics.
Mattress Fabrics
Woven jacquards
Various patterns and intricate designs. Woven on complex looms using a variety of synthetic and natural yarns.
Converted
Suedes, pile and embroidered fabrics, and other specialty type products are sourced to offer diversity for higher end mattresses.
Knitted fabric
Various patterns and intricate designs produced on special-width circular knit machines utilizing a variety of synthetic and natural yarns. Knitted mattress fabrics have inherent stretching properties and spongy softness, which conforms well with layered foam packages.
Sewn mattress covers
Covers for bedding (primarily specialty beds), sewn from mattress fabrics produced by our facilities or sourced from others.
Upholstery Fabrics
Woven jacquards
Elaborate, complex designs such as florals and tapestries in traditional, transitional, and contemporary styles. Woven on intricate looms using a wide variety of synthetic and natural yarns.
Woven dobbies
Fabrics that use straight lines to produce geometric designs such as plaids, stripes, and solids in traditional and country styles. Woven on less complicated looms using a variety of weaving constructions and primarily synthetic yarns.
Velvets
Soft fabrics with a plush feel. Woven or knitted in basic designs, using synthetic yarns that are yarn dyed or piece dyed.
Suedes
Fabrics woven or knitted using microdenier polyester yarns, which are piece dyed and finished, usually by sanding. The fabrics are typically plain or small jacquard designs, with some being printed. These are sometimes referred to as microdenier suedes.
Faux leathers
Sueded or knitted base cloths which are overprinted with polyurethane, and composite products consisting of a base fabric that is coated with a top layer of polyurethane, which simulates the look and feel of leather.
Cut and sewn kits
Covers made from various types of upholstery fabrics and cut and sewn to specifications of furniture manufacturing customers for use on specific furniture frames.
Through our Read Window Products business, the upholstery fabrics segment also markets a variety of window treatment products and installation services for customers in the hospitality and commercial industries. These products include roller & solar shades, drapery, roman shades and top treatments, hardware products, and soft goods such as duvet covers, bed skirts, bolsters and pillows.
Manufacturing and Sourcing
Mattress Fabrics Segment
Our mattress fabrics segment operates three manufacturing plants, with one located in North Carolina (Stokesdale), one in St. Jerome, Quebec, Canada, and one in Ouanaminthe, Haiti. Over the past ten fiscal years, we made capital expenditures of approximately $67 million to consolidate our production facilities and to modernize both knit and weaving equipment, enhance and provide knit and woven finishing capabilities, and expand capacity. The result has been an increase in manufacturing efficiency and reductions in operating costs, as well as expanded product offerings and capacity.
Knitted fabrics are produced at both our Stokesdale facility and our St. Jerome plant, while production of jacquard mattress fabrics was consolidated into the St. Jerome facility during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. The majority of our finishing and inspection processes for mattress fabrics are conducted at the Stokesdale plant, with the St. Jerome plant providing additional capacity and a second location for these processes, along with distribution capabilities. We produce sewn mattress covers at our manufacturing facility in Haiti. In fiscal 2017, we entered into a 50/50 joint venture with a third party mattress cover provider to construct a leased location for our mattress cover operations in Haiti, and this joint venture facility began production of mattress covers for our business during the second quarter of fiscal 2018. We completed a 40,000-square foot expansion of this Haiti facility during the second quarter of fiscal 2021 to increase capacity, and during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, we acquired the remaining fifty percent ownership interest in this Haiti mattress cover business from our previous joint venture partner, giving us full control of the operation and expanded capacity to meet customer demand from this lower-cost, near-shore operation. We also have R&D and prototyping capabilities for sewn mattress covers at our Stokesdale facility.
In addition to the mattress fabrics and sewn covers manufactured by Culp, we have important supply arrangements in place that allow us to source mattress fabrics and sewn covers from strategic suppliers. We source some Culp-designed knitted fabrics, certain converted fabric products, and sewn mattress covers using our Culp China platform. We also source Culp-designed sewn mattress covers from a strategic supply relationship in Vietnam. Additionally, we source a portion of our woven jacquard fabric and knitted fabric from a supplier located in Turkey, based on designs and a production schedule created by Culp.
Upholstery Fabrics Segment
The upholstery fabrics segment currently operates two manufacturing facilities in China. We also operated a facility in Haiti dedicated to the production of cut and sewn upholstery kits during the first half of fiscal 2023, but following the rationalization and restructuring of this operation during the second half of the fiscal year, we now operate a scaled down cut and sew operation within the company's existing mattress cover facility in Haiti. Additionally, we fabricate a variety of window treatments, using mostly customer-supplied fabrics and materials, at our Read Window Products facility in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Our upholstery fabrics facilities in China are located within the same industrial area in Shanghai. At these facilities, we apply value-added finishing processes to fabrics sourced from a limited number of strategic suppliers in China, and we inspect sourced fabric there as well.
Our upholstery fabrics cut and sew operation in Haiti uses sourced fabrics to produce cut and sewn kits designed to be placed on specific furniture frames designated by customers.
A large portion of our upholstery fabric products, as well as certain elements of our production processes, are being sourced from outside suppliers. Our facilities in China provide a base from which to access a variety of products, including certain fabrics (such as micro denier suedes and polyurethane fabrics) that are not produced anywhere within the U.S. We have found opportunities to develop significant relationships with key overseas suppliers in China that allow us to source products on a cost-effective basis, while limiting our investment of capital in manufacturing assets. We source unfinished and finished fabrics, as well as cut and sewn kits, from a limited number of strategic suppliers in China who are willing to commit significant capacity to meet our needs while working with our product development team located in China to meet the demands of our customers. Beginning in late fiscal 2019, we also developed strategic supplier relationships in Vietnam for additional sourcing of our cut and sewn kits, which has allowed us to begin adjusting our supply chains to meet customer demands in conjunction with ongoing trade disputes between the U.S. and China. Additionally, beginning in fiscal 2022, we developed strategic supplier relationships in Turkey for additional sourcing of fabric products, providing further diversification in our supply chain. The majority of upholstery fabrics and materials used by our Read Window Products business to fabricate window treatments are customer-supplied. These materials are generally sourced by customers, and we also source a portion of other window treatment products such as hardware and roller shades, from outside suppliers in the U.S., Turkey, and China.
Product Design and Innovation
Consumer tastes and preferences related to bedding, upholstered furniture, and window treatment products change over time. The use of new fabrics, creative designs, and special production finishes and technologies remains an important consideration for manufacturers
and marketers to distinguish their products at retail and to capitalize on changes in preferred colors, patterns, textures, and performance properties. Culp’s success is largely dependent on our ability to market fabrics and products with appealing designs and patterns, as well as performance properties such as cleanability, stain-resistance, cooling, sustainability, and health-related benefits. The process of developing new designs and innovative finishes involves maintaining an awareness of broad fashion and color trends, as well as wellness and other consumer trends, both in the United States and internationally.
In order to enhance our design and innovation creativity and advance the synergies between our mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics segments, we launched a new innovation campus in downtown High Point, North Carolina, during fiscal 2022. This space combines our design, innovation, and sales teams for both businesses into a shared location to support collaboration across divisions and pull our top creative talent together to develop new products and technologies based on the latest consumer trends.
Mattress Fabrics Segment
Design innovation is a very important element of producing mattress fabrics. We invest significant resources to stay ahead of current design trends, including maintaining a trained and active design and innovation staff, investing in research and development activities such as participation in international design shows, and implementing systems for creating, cataloging, and simulating new designs. Price point delineation for our fabrics and our customers’ finished mattress products is accomplished through fabric quality as well as variation in design. Consumers are drawn to the mattress that is the most visually appealing when walking into a retail showroom or viewing mattress products online, so this design variation, together with price point delineation, helps our customers merchandise different looks at various price points. Fiber differentiation also plays an important part in design. For example, rayon, organic cotton, and other special fibers, including recycled fibers promoting sustainability and fibers with cooling properties, are incorporated into the design process to allow the retailer to offer consumers additional benefits related to their sleeping experience. Similarly, many fabrics contain special production finishes that enhance fabric performance.
Mattress fabric designs are not routinely introduced on a scheduled season. Designs are typically introduced upon the request of the customer as they plan introductions of new products. Additionally, we work closely with our customers on new design offerings around the major furniture markets such as Las Vegas, Nevada, and High Point, North Carolina.
Upholstery Fabrics Segment
The company has developed an upholstery fabrics design and product development team (with staff located in the U.S. and in China) with a primary focus on value in designing body cloths, while promoting style leadership with pillow fabrics and color. Our design staff travels regularly to international trade and design shows to maintain familiarity with current design and fashion trends. The team searches continually for new ideas and for the best sources of raw materials, yarns, and fabrics, utilizing a supply network located mostly in China. Using these design elements, they develop product offerings using ideas and materials that take both fashion trends and cost considerations into account to offer products designed to meet the needs of furniture manufacturers and ultimately the desires of consumers.
Upholstery fabric designs are introduced at major fabric trade conferences that occur twice a year in the United States (June and December). In recent years we have become more aggressive in registering copyrights for popular fabric patterns and taking steps to discourage the illegal copying of our proprietary designs.
Distribution
Mattress Fabrics Segment
Most of our mattress fabrics shipments originate from our facilities in Stokesdale, North Carolina, and we have additional distribution capabilities in Canada, China, and Haiti. Through arrangements with major customers and in accordance with industry practice, we maintain a significant inventory of mattress fabrics at our distribution facility in Stokesdale (“make to stock”), so that products may be shipped to customers with short lead times and on a “just in time” basis.
Upholstery Fabrics Segment
A majority of our upholstery fabrics are marketed on a “make to order” basis and are shipped directly from our distribution facilities in Burlington, North Carolina, and Shanghai, China. We also have distribution capabilities in Vietnam and Turkey. In addition to “make to order” distribution, an inventory of select fabric patterns is held at our distribution facilities in Burlington and Shanghai from which our customers can obtain quick delivery of sourced fabrics through a program known as “Culp Express.” We also have distribution capabilities for our “Culp Express” program to local customers in Canada through our mattress fabrics distribution facility in Quebec, Canada. Window treatment products sold through our Read Window Products business are done on a “job order” basis, with manufactured products shipped directly from Read's manufacturing facility in Knoxville, Tennessee to the job installation site.
Sources and Availability of Raw Materials
Mattress Fabrics Segment
Raw materials account for approximately 60%-70% of mattress fabric production costs. The mattress fabrics segment purchases primarily synthetic yarns (polyester, polypropylene, and rayon), certain greige (unfinished) goods, glue adhesives, laminates, dyes, and other chemicals. Most of these materials are available from several suppliers, and prices fluctuate based on supply and demand, the general rate of inflation, and particularly on the price of petrochemical products.
The mattress fabrics segment has generally not had significant difficulty in obtaining raw materials. During fiscal 2022, some of our outside suppliers faced extended delays and increased costs for raw materials, as well as COVID-19-related disruption that affected production. During fiscal 2023, we experienced better stability with suppliers relative to service and cost for most commodities. Our use of outside suppliers to source materials to produce mattress fabric and sewn covers makes the mattress fabrics segment vulnerable to price increases, delays, or production interruptions caused by problems within businesses that we do not control.
Upholstery Fabrics Segment
The upholstery fabrics segment generally does not purchase raw materials directly, but raw materials, particularly synthetic yarns (polyester, acrylic, rayon, and polypropylene) and dyes, are important to our suppliers of finished and unfinished fabrics. Raw materials account for approximately 60%-70% of upholstery fabric manufacturing costs for products the company manufactures.
Increased reliance by both our U.S. and China upholstery operations on outside suppliers for basic production needs such as base fabrics, yarns, and finishing services has caused the upholstery fabrics segment to become more vulnerable to price increases, delays, or production interruptions caused by problems within businesses that we do not control.
Both Segments
Many of our basic raw materials are petrochemical products or are produced from such products. For this reason, our raw material costs can be sensitive to changes in prices for petrochemicals and the underlying price of oil. Near the end of fiscal 2021, our raw material costs began to escalate primarily due to rising oil prices, a higher demand environment, and labor shortages. These pressures continued during fiscal 2022, with further increases in raw material costs, particularly during the second half of the year, due to the continued rise in oil prices and a higher demand environment. During fiscal 2023, the cost of raw materials began to decline during the first half of the year due to lower oil prices and slowing global demand, but the higher costs and lower availability of labor remained challenging throughout the year. Raw material costs were relatively stable during the second half of the year.
Seasonality
Overall, demand for our products generally depends upon consumer demand for furniture and bedding products, which reflects sensitivity to overall economic conditions, including consumer confidence, unemployment rates, and housing market conditions. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 and continuing into the first quarter of fiscal 2021, the bedding and furniture industries, including manufacturers and retail stores, were adversely affected by closures/restricted operations, supply chain disruption, and economic uncertainty due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. For the remainder of fiscal 2021, disruption relating to the COVID-19 pandemic positively affected sales trends, with the increased consumer focus on the home and travel restrictions shifting discretionary spending away from travel and leisure activities towards home furnishings and enhancing overall comfort within the home environment. However, this sales trend began to reverse during fiscal 2022, particularly during the second half of fiscal 2022 and continuing throughout fiscal 2023, as COVID-related travel and mask restrictions were lifted and consumers began to resume travel and leisure activities. Inflationary pressures also affected consumer spending on home goods during the second half of fiscal 2022 and continuing throughout fiscal 2023. Additionally, we believe consumer spending was further pressured in fiscal 2023 by other economic conditions, such as rising interest rates, the ongoing Russia/Ukraine conflict, and other economic indicators that affected consumer confidence. These impacts are not reflective of any seasonal trends in the bedding or furniture industries and are not an indicator that seasonal trends are changing for our business segments.
Mattress Fabrics Segment
The mattress fabrics business and the bedding industry in general are slightly seasonal, with sales being the highest in early spring and late summer, with another peak in mid-winter. However, these seasonality trends relate more to in-store retail sales and promotional events, whereas the growth in online sales, which began prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased during the pandemic, are less affected by in-store seasonality trends. It appears that during fiscal 2023, U.S. consumers began to return to pre-pandemic mattress buying habits, where mattresses are often purchased during major U.S. holidays.
Upholstery Fabrics Segment
The upholstery fabrics business today is less seasonal than it once was. In the past, seasonality resulted from one-week closings of our manufacturing facilities and the facilities of most of our customers in the U.S. during our first and third fiscal quarters for the holiday weeks of July 4th and Christmas. This effect has become much less pronounced as the majority of our fabrics are produced or sold in locations outside of the U.S. The timing of the Chinese National Holiday in October and, to a larger extent, the Chinese New Year (which occurs in January or February each year), now have a more significant impact on upholstery sales than the U.S. holiday periods, often causing sales to be higher in advance of these Chinese holiday periods and sometimes lower during or immediately following the same periods (although notably this trend for the Chinese New Year holiday did not occur during fiscal 2023, with sales lower in advance of the holiday due to high customer inventory and reduced consumer demand, followed by an uptick in sales after the holiday as customer inventory levels began to normalize).
Competition
Competition for our products is high and is based primarily on price, design, quality, product performance, timing of delivery, and service.
Mattress Fabrics Segment
The mattress fabrics market is concentrated in a few relatively large suppliers, as well as some niche producers focusing mainly on knitted products. We believe our principal mattress fabric and mattress cover competitors are BekaertDeslee Textiles (fabric and mattress cover producer), Global Textile Alliance (fabric and mattress cover producer), and several smaller companies producing knitted fabrics, sewn covers, and other fabric, including companies in China supplying fabric and cover products to sub-contract manufacturers in the U.S. In addition, our bedding customers continue to face increasing competition from imports of finished beds, which indirectly compete with our mattress fabrics by replacing potential sales of our products to those customers.
Upholstery Fabrics Segment
In the upholstery fabrics market, we compete against a large number of companies, ranging from a few large manufacturers comparable in size to the company to small producers and converters (companies who buy and re-sell fabrics, but have no manufacturing). We believe our principal upholstery fabric competitors are Dorell Fabrics Co., Morgan Fabrics, Richloom Fabrics, Specialty Textile, Inc. (or STI), and ZhongWang Fabrics, plus a large number of smaller competitors (both manufacturers and converters).
The trend in the upholstery fabrics industry to greater overseas competition and the entry of more converters has caused the upholstery fabrics industry to become substantially more fragmented in recent years, with lower barriers to entry. This has resulted in a larger number of competitors selling upholstery fabrics, with an increase in competition based on price.
Environmental and Other Regulations
We are subject to various federal and state laws and regulations, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act (“OSHA”) and federal and state environmental laws, as well as similar laws governing our manufacturing facilities in China, Canada, and Haiti. We periodically review our compliance with these laws and regulations in an attempt to minimize the risk of violations.
Our operations involve a variety of materials and processes that are subject to environmental regulation. Under current law, environmental liability can arise from previously owned properties, leased properties, and properties owned by third parties, as well as from properties currently owned and leased by the company. Environmental liabilities can also be asserted by adjacent landowners or other third parties in toxic tort litigation.
In addition, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (“CERCLA”), and analogous state statutes, liability can be imposed for the disposal of waste at sites targeted for cleanup by federal and state regulatory authorities. Liability under CERCLA is strict as well as joint and several.
The U.S. Congress is considering legislation to address climate change that is intended to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has made a determination that greenhouse gas emissions may be a threat to human health and the environment. International agreements may also result in new regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. It is uncertain if, when, and in what form, a mandatory carbon dioxide emissions reduction program may be enacted either through legislation or regulation. However, if enacted, this type of program could materially increase our operating costs, including costs of raw materials, transportation, and electricity. It is difficult to predict the extent to which any new rules or regulations would affect our business, but we would expect the effect on our operations to be similar to that for other manufacturers, particularly those in our industry.
We are periodically involved in environmental claims or litigation and requests for information from environmental regulators. Each of these matters is carefully evaluated, and the company provides for environmental matters based on information presently available. Based on this information, we do not currently believe that environmental matters will have a material adverse effect on either the company’s financial condition or results of operations. However, there can be no assurance that the costs associated with environmental matters will not increase in the future.
Human Capital
Our Employees
As of the end of fiscal 2023, we employed 1,333 people, a decrease of 249 employees as compared to the end of the prior fiscal year. The mattress fabrics segments employed 759 people at fiscal year-end, a decrease of 186 employees, while the upholstery segment employed 543 people, a decrease of 60 employees from the prior year. The remaining employees comprise the company’s shared services functions.
The decrease in the number of employees in the mattress fabrics segment in fiscal 2023, as compared to the prior year, was associated with the rationalization of our U.S.-based mattress fabrics cut and sew platform, which included the closure of two U.S. facilities associated with this business. The decrease in the number of employees in the upholstery fabrics segment in fiscal 2023, as compared to the prior year, was associated with the rationalization and restructuring of our upholstery cut and sew platform during the year, which included the closure of our Shanghai cut and sew facility, as well as the rationalization and relocation of our Haiti cut and sew operation into an existing mattress cover facility also located in Haiti.
Approximately 478 employees work in the United States, and 855 are employed in international locations. We employ the vast majority of our employees on a full-time basis.
The hourly employees at our manufacturing facility in Canada (approximately 11% of our workforce) are represented by a local, unaffiliated union. The collective bargaining agreement for these employees expires on February 1, 2026. We are not aware of any efforts to organize any more of our employees, and we believe our employee relations are very good with both our unionized and non-unionized workforce. Our company-wide annual employee turnover rate was approximately 42% during the past fiscal year, compared to approximately 25% in the prior year. The increase in our annual employee turnover compared to the prior fiscal year was driven mostly by the rationalization and restructuring our upholstery fabrics cut and sew operations in China and Haiti and our mattress fabrics cut and sew operation in the U.S.
Mission Statement and Values
Our human resources department has adopted a mission statement that embodies our values and goals in the company’s relationships with our employees. The mission statement is as follows:
Culp HR Services is committed to providing outstanding employee support in a mutually respectful, safe, diverse, and collaborative environment through innovative programming that engages our associates and promotes the success of Culp, Inc.
We strive to maintain a welcoming and inclusive workplace. Discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other status protected by law, as well as sexual harassment or harassment of any kind, are not tolerated in our workplaces. Employees have multiple avenues available to report inappropriate behavior, including a dedicated “HR Connection” phone line. All reports of inappropriate behavior are promptly investigated and appropriate action is taken to prevent their recurrence. We also prohibit retaliation against individuals who, in good faith, report any violation of company policies, including unlawful discrimination or harassment.
Along with our mission statement and values, we act in accordance with our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (“Code of Conduct”), which sets forth expectations and guidance for employees to make appropriate decisions. Our Code of Conduct covers topics such as conflicts of interest, fair dealing, protecting confidential information, appropriate use of company assets, compliance with laws (including, without limitation, anti-corruption and antitrust laws), workplace safety and environmental stewardship, and reporting Code of Conduct violations. The Code of Conduct reflects our commitment to operating in a fair, honest, ethical, and responsible manner, and also provides direction for reporting complaints in the event of alleged violations of our policies. Our executive officers and supervisors maintain “open door” policies, and any form of retaliation is strictly prohibited.
We also conduct regular training programs with our management and employee leaders to inform and refresh their knowledge about company policies and procedures pertaining to employment and human capital.
Employee Recruitment, Development, Engagement, and Wellness
We strive to attract, recruit, and retain employees through competitive compensation and benefit programs that are aligned with those of comparable industries and in the geographic areas where our facilities are located, and in compliance with local regulatory requirements. We also provide development opportunities that support career growth and maintain a wide variety of programs to engage with our employees and promote overall wellness. We believe these efforts support all of our personnel in the workplace and elsewhere in their lives, which in turn promotes employee satisfaction and retention.
For example, the “CULPgrow” program was launched in 2021 to provide employees with skills assessment and education assistance, such as GED, ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages), and computer literacy programs. The purpose of CULPgrow is to provide a workplace where every employee has the key resources they need to grow, develop, and reach their career goals. The program focuses on identifying the skills and goals of each employee, as well as ways the company can invest in their future and provide tools and resources that support their career advancement. It also provides resources such as financial educational assistance, as well as mentorship opportunities where employees can be matched with a company mentor and guided through pathways for success within the company.
Additionally, in fiscal 2022, the company held its first company-wide global giving initiative, with a program called “Share the Love.” The program involved employees in each of our geographic locations choosing a charitable endeavor to support, based on their knowledge of local cultural considerations and areas of need. For example, our U.S. and Canadian locations held food drives for donations to local food banks, while Culp China’s facilities contributed to help cancer patients. Employees in Haiti made blankets in-house using Culp fabric and then donated them to a local orphanage and the local fire department. This program was continued in fiscal 2023, with additional support to local charitable endeavors from each of our geographic locations.
Other examples of employee engagement initiatives include:
•Wellness sessions on various health-related topics
•Meetings and video chats with senior management
•The CulpVets program, which provides special recognition to military veterans
•Employee awards and recognition programs
These engagement efforts and programs are continually refined and updated to meet the evolving needs of our workforce.
Safety and Health
The safety and health of our employees is a fundamental priority at Culp. We maintain comprehensive safety monitoring and training programs, with regular reports to senior management on these topics. Our Behavior Based Safety initiative combines awareness programs, observation, and training to enhance continued compliance with safe and healthy practices in our facilities.
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, comprehensive protocols were developed and followed to allow our manufacturing plants to reopen safely after mandatory shutdowns. When COVID-19 vaccines became available, we hosted vaccination clinics at several of our manufacturing facilities, providing access to vaccines not only for our employees, but also for their families and members of the local communities. Additional safety and health programs are planned for the future.
Customers and Sales
Mattress Fabrics Segment
Major customers for our mattress fabrics include leading bedding manufacturers such as Serta-Simmons Bedding (SSB), Tempur + Sealy International (TSI), Casper, Corsicana, Sleep Number, and Ashley Furniture. Our mattress fabrics customers also include many small and medium-size bedding manufacturers. No customers within the mattress fabrics segment accounted for more than 10% of the company's consolidated sales in fiscal 2023.
Upholstery Fabrics Segment
Our major customers for upholstery fabrics are leading manufacturers of upholstered furniture, including Ashley, Flexsteel, Kuka, La-Z-Boy (La-Z-Boy Residential and England), Southern Furniture Industries (Fusion and Southern Motion), Sudair, and Violino. Major customers for the company’s fabrics for commercial furniture include Exemplis, HNI Corporation, and Travel + Leisure Co. (f/k/a
Wyndham Destinations). Our largest customer in the upholstery fabrics segment is La-Z-Boy Incorporated, which accounted for approximately 15% of the company’s consolidated sales in fiscal 2023.
The following table sets forth our net sales by geographic area by amount and percentage of total net sales for the three most recent fiscal years.
Net Sales by Geographic Area
(dollars in thousands)
Fiscal 2023
Fiscal 2022
Fiscal 2021
United States
$
165,807
70.6%
$
204,454
69.3%
$
217,473
72.6%
North America (Excluding USA) (1)
29,756
12.7%
39,256
13.3%
32,925
11.0%
Far East and Asia(2)
31,339
13.3%
43,015
14.6%
43,764
14.6%
All other areas
8,032
3.4%
8,114
2.8%
5,558
1.9%
Subtotal (International)
$
69,127
29.4%
$
90,385
30.7%
$
82,247
27.4%
Total
$
234,934
100.0%
$
294,839
100.0%
$
299,720
100.0%
(1)Of this amount, $24.9 million, $33.5 million, and $27.2 million are attributable to shipments to Mexico in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
(2)Of this amount $20.0 million, $26.9 million, and $28.1 million are attributable to shipments to China in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Sales attributed to individual countries are based upon the location that the company ships its products to for delivery to customers.
For additional segment information, including the geographic location of long-lived assets, see Note 18 in the consolidated financial statements.
Backlog
Mattress Fabrics Segment
The backlog for the mattress fabric segment is not a reliable predictor of future shipments because the majority of sales for the mattress fabrics segment are on a just-in-time basis.
Upholstery Fabrics Segment
Although it is difficult to predict the amount of backlog that is “firm,” we have reported the portion of the upholstery fabric backlog from customers with confirmed shipping dates within five weeks of the end of the fiscal year. On April 30, 2023, the portion of the upholstery fabric backlog with confirmed shipping dates prior to June 5, 2023, was $10.6 million, compared with $15.7 million as of the end of fiscal 2022 (for confirmed shipping dates prior to June 6, 2022).
Intellectual Property
We currently hold, or have registration applications pending for, numerous trademarks and copyrights for various product and trade names, logos, and fabric designs in the United States and certain foreign countries. We view such intellectual property, along with any unregistered copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, trade dress, trade secrets, and proprietary technologies, as an important part of our business, and we seek to diligently protect, monitor, and defend, through appropriate action, against their unauthorized use.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our business is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties. In addition to the matters described above under “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Information,” set forth below are some of the risks and uncertainties that could cause a material adverse change in our results of operations, financial condition, or future prospects. The risks described below should be carefully considered, together with other information provided in this report, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our financial statements, including the related notes. The risks discussed below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or not presently deemed material by us also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations in future periods.
Macroeconomic, Market, and Strategic Risks
Continued economic and industry uncertainty could negatively affect our sales and earnings.
Overall demand for our products depends upon consumer demand for furniture and bedding products, which is subject to cyclical variations in the general economy, including current inflationary pressures affecting consumer spending, declines in overall consumer confidence, recession and fears of recession, the negative economic impact of potential additional surges of the coronavirus, and other geopolitical events, such as the ongoing Russia/Ukraine war. Because purchases of furniture and bedding products may be considered discretionary purchases for most individuals and businesses, demand for these products may be more easily influenced by economic trends than demand for other products. Economic downturns, increases in unemployment rates, and uncertainty about future health and economic prospects can affect consumer spending habits and demand for discretionary items, including home furnishings, which reduces the demand for our products and therefore can cause a decline in our sales and earnings. In addition, the level of housing starts, sales of existing homes, trends in disposable income, changes in interest rates (particularly home mortgage rates), and availability of consumer credit, can also affect our business. While we saw an adverse impact from some of these measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic at the end of fiscal 2020 and the beginning of fiscal 2021, we experienced increased demand in our mattress fabrics segment and in the residential side of our upholstery fabrics segment for most of fiscal 2021, driven by greater consumer focus on the home environment and more discretionary spending being allocated to home furnishings in the face of travel restrictions and other pandemic-related factors. However, this trend began to reverse during fiscal 2022, particularly during the second half of the year, as COVID-related travel and mask restrictions were lifted and consumers began to resume travel and leisure activities. We believe the trend of increased consumer discretionary spending on travel, leisure, and entertainment, and away from home goods, continued throughout fiscal 2023. Inflationary pressures also began to affect consumer spending during the second half of fiscal 2022 and continuing throughout fiscal 2023. We are unable to predict how long these trends will last, or to what extent additional surges of the coronavirus or other geopolitical events may affect the economic and purchasing cycle for home furnishing products (and therefore affect demand for our products) over the short and long term.
Loss of market share due to competition would result in declines in sales and could result in losses or decreases in earnings.
Our business is highly competitive and fragmented, and we face significant competition from many competitors, both foreign and domestic. We compete with many other manufacturers of fabric, as well as converters who source fabrics from various producers and market them to manufacturers of furniture and bedding. In many cases, these fabrics are sourced from foreign suppliers who have a lower cost structure than the company. The highly competitive nature of our business in each of our segments means we are constantly subject to the risk of losing market share, which would likely result in a loss or decrease our future sales and earnings. As a result of increased competition, there have been deflationary pressures on the prices for many of our products, which make it more difficult to pass along increased operating costs such as raw materials, shipping, energy, foreign currency fluctuations, or labor in the form of price increases, which puts downward pressure on our profit margins. Also, the wide range of product offerings in our business can make it more difficult to differentiate our products through design, styling, finish, and other techniques.
The global COVID-19 pandemic significantly and adversely affected, and may again adversely affect, our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the global and U.S. economy, severely disrupted global supply chains, and created significant volatility and disruption in financial markets, all of which negatively affected the bedding and home furnishings industries, our customers and suppliers, and our business. Many countries, including the countries in which we operate, as well as state and local governmental authorities, took various actions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including mandated closures of businesses, stay-at-home orders, quarantine and isolation requirements, travel restrictions, border closings, restrictions on public gatherings, social distancing measures, occupancy limits, and other safety measures. While these restrictions have now been lifted as conditions have improved, the restrictions adversely affected our business, results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.
Due to government-mandated closure requirements near the end of March 2020, we shut down our facilities in Canada and Haiti for several weeks. At the same time, we experienced a rapid decline in demand as customers and retail stores began closing or substantially
limiting their operations. We took a number of measures in response to the increasingly challenging market conditions, including, among other things, repurposing a portion of our available operations to produce face masks, bedding covers, and fabrics for healthcare operations and consumer health; reducing operating costs by implementing temporary salary reductions, making workforce adjustments to align with demand, suspending merit pay increases, and eliminating the cash compensation paid to our board of directors; aggressively reducing expenses, capital expenditures, and discretionary spending, and working with our vendors and landlords to negotiate temporary terms. We also took steps to safeguard the health of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve, including implementing detailed cleaning and disinfecting processes at our facilities, instituting temperature checks, adhering to social distancing and mask protocols, suspending non-essential travel, restricting visitors, providing remote work opportunities where possible, and offering on-site vaccination clinics to our employees, their families, and the general public. We have continued to monitor and update these procedures, in accordance with CDC recommendations and other local laws and regulatory authorities, throughout the pandemic.
While the COVID-19 pandemic continued to spread throughout the world during fiscal 2021, we did not experience additional closures of any of our operations, or any material closures of the operations of our suppliers, during the remainder of the fiscal year, following the initial shutdowns from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. However, during fiscal 2022, our upholstery fabrics business was materially affected by COVID-19 related shutdowns of our sourcing partners and customers in Vietnam throughout most of the second quarter, and our operations in China were shut down during the last month of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 and continuing to some extent during the first month of fiscal 2023, which prevented us from shipping goods in both our residential upholstery fabrics business and our sewn mattress cover business. In addition to these shutdowns, COVID-19 disruption affected our business during fiscal 2022, as well as the business of our customers and suppliers, due to employee absenteeism and labor shortages, pandemic-related effects on the availability and pricing of freight and raw material costs, and pandemic-related constraints on our customers’ capacity due to supply chain disruption for non-fabric components. We did not experience additional closures of any of our operations, or any material closures of the operations of our suppliers, during the remainder of fiscal 2023.
While the World Health Organization has now declared an official end to the COVID-19 global health emergency, future surges in the number of COVID-19 cases and preventative or protective actions that governmental authorities or we may take in response to such surges may have an adverse effect on our business or the business of our customers, suppliers, or distribution channels, including additional business shutdowns, reduced operations, restrictions on shipping or installing products, reduced consumer demand, reduced availability and/or higher pricing of materials, or the ability of our customers to make payments. In addition, responding to future case surges or restrictions could divert management’s attention from our key strategic priorities, increase costs as we prioritize the health and safety of our employees and customers, cause us to reduce, delay, alter, or abandon strategic initiatives that may otherwise increase our long-term value, and otherwise disrupt our business operations.
The potential for future surges in the number of COVID-19 cases and the impact of such surges on our business depends on factors beyond our knowledge or control, including the duration and severity of such surges; actions taken to contain spread of the virus and mitigate the public health and economic effects; vaccine availability and effectiveness within the markets in which we operate; the impact on global supply chain conditions; employee absenteeism and labor shortages; and the short- and long-term disruption to the global economy, consumer confidence, demand for home furnishings products, unemployment, and the financial health of our customers, suppliers, and distribution channels. At this time, we cannot reasonably estimate the impact of such potential future COVID-19 surges on our business or on our future financial or operational results; however, the disruption could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows over time. Furthermore, the impact of additional surges in COVID-19 may also exacerbate other risks discussed in this Item 1A - Risk Factors, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
In addition, if in the future there is an outbreak of another highly infectious disease or other health concern or epidemic, we may be subject to similar risks as those faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our operations are subject to risks of unsettled political conditions, civil unrest or instability, public health concerns or pandemics, natural or man-made disasters, acts of war, terrorism, and the effects of climate change, any one of which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our domestic and foreign operations are subject to risks of unsettled political conditions, civil unrest or instability, public health concerns or pandemics, natural or man-made disasters, acts of war, and terrorism. In addition, the effects of climate change and actions taken to combat climate change could exacerbate these risks, including by increasing the likelihood and severity of extreme weather events. Any of these risks, including without limitation civil unrest or instability in Haiti, China, or other countries where we operate, could cause disruption at our manufacturing or distribution facilities, or at the facilities of our suppliers and distribution channels, which could make servicing our customers more difficult and could reduce our sales, earnings, or both in the future.
Operational Risks
Our business may be adversely affected by increased tariffs or other changes in U.S. trade policy related to imported products, as well as violations of existing trade policies.
Many of our products are manufactured or sourced outside of the United States. The U.S. government has imposed certain tariffs on imports from various countries, including China, where a significant amount of our products is produced. In the future, the U.S. Government may consider imposing additional tariffs or extending the timeline for continuation of existing tariffs. Any tariffs that result in increased costs of imported products and materials could require us to increase prices to our domestic customers or, if we are unable to do so, result in lowering our gross margins on products sold. As a result, the tariffs could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
In addition to tariffs, the U.S. government considers other proposals for substantial changes to its trade and tax policies, which could include import restrictions, increased import tariffs, changes to or withdrawal from existing trade agreements, and border-adjustment taxes, among other possible measures. Material changes in these policies could increase our tax obligations, require us to source materials from different regions, or increase prices to customers, which could adversely affect sales. Any significant change in U.S. trade or tax policy related to imported products could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.
There are also a number of trade regulations and duties currently in place to protect the U.S. textile industry against competition from low-priced foreign producers, such as those in China and Vietnam, but violations of these trade regulations and duties has had, and may in the future have, a material adverse effect on our operations. In May of 2019, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed punitive anti-dumping measures against China mattress imports to address violations of trade regulations. Despite the imposition of these duties, if China producers move their production out of China, which we believe has already occurred, they may continue to engage in unfair competition in violation of trade regulations between the U.S. and other countries, or there may be a potential risk of illegal transshipments of mattress products into the United States, which involves circumventing the imposed duties by falsely claiming that mattresses are products of a particular country of origin to avoid paying higher duties. Also, if supply chains are moved out of China to countries without anti-dumping duties and producers continue to supply low-priced imports in violation of U.S. trade laws, and if illegal transshipments are not monitored and enforcement is not effective to limit them, these shipments could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. During fiscal 2020, the U.S. mattress industry was affected by continued disruption relating to low-priced mattress imports that moved from China to other countries, which affected demand for our products. As a result, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed anti-dumping duties on mattress imports from seven of these countries during fiscal 2021. We believe the domestic mattress industry and, in turn, our business, began to realize some benefits from these duties during the second half of fiscal 2021 and continuing into fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023. However, despite the imposition of these duties, supply chains could move out of the affected countries to other countries without anti-dumping duties and continue supplying low-priced imports in violation of U.S. trade laws, or there may be a potential risk of illegal transshipments of mattress products from these countries to avoid paying the higher duties, which could negatively affect our business.
Greater reliance on offshore operations and foreign sources of products or raw materials increases the likelihood of disruptions to our supply chain or our ability to deliver products to our customers on a timely basis.
We rely significantly on operations in distant locations, especially China. In addition, we have been purchasing a significant share of our products and raw materials from offshore sources, particularly Asia and Turkey. At the same time, our domestic manufacturing capacity for the upholstery fabrics segment continues to decline. These changes have caused us to rely on an extended supply chain and on a larger number of suppliers that we do not control, both of which are inherently subject to greater risks of delay or disruption. In addition, operations and sourcing in foreign areas are subject to the risk of changing local governmental rules, taxes, changes in import rules or customs, import restrictions, tariffs, shipping rates, potential political unrest and instability, coronavirus or other pandemic-related closure rules, or other threats that could disrupt or increase the costs of operating in foreign areas or sourcing products overseas. Additionally, changes in the value of the U.S. dollar versus other currencies can affect our financial results because a significant portion of our operations are located outside the United States. Strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other currencies could make our products less competitive on the basis of price in markets outside the United States, and strengthening of currencies in Canada and China could have a negative impact on our sales of products produced in those places. Any of the risks associated with foreign operations and sources could cause unanticipated increases in operating costs or disruptions in business, which could have a negative impact on our ultimate financial results.
Specifically with respect to sourcing products and raw materials from third-party suppliers in China, our ability to timely or successfully import such products or products made with such raw materials may be adversely affected by changes in U.S. laws. For example, the U.S. Government has taken several steps to address forced labor concerns in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China ("XUAR"), including sanctions on specific entities and individuals; withhold release orders ("WROs") issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection ("CBP") that prohibit the entry of imports of certain items from XUAR; and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act ("UFLPA"), which went into effect in June 2022 and imposes a presumptive ban on the import of goods to the U.S. that are made, wholly or in part, in the XUAR or by persons that participate in certain programs in the XUAR that entail the use of forced labor. CBP
has published both a list of entities that are known to utilize forced labor and a list of commodities that are most at risk, such as cotton, tomatoes and silica-based products. The UFLPA specifically targets cotton and the apparel and textile industries as high-priority sectors for enforcement. None of our Chinese suppliers are located in the XUAR, and we prohibit our suppliers from doing business with or sourcing inputs from any company or entity that is restricted under U.S. or other applicable law. However, as a result of the UFLPA and WROs, products we import into the U.S. could be held for inspection by CBP based on a suspicion that such products or inputs used in such products originated from the XUAR or that they may have been produced by Chinese suppliers accused of participating in forced labor, pending our providing satisfactory evidence to the contrary. During fiscal 2023, we were subjected to a limited number of such CBP detentions and were successful in submitting satisfactory supply chain evidence to result in the release of all such detained good by CBP. These detentions have not resulted in any material impact on our business, supply chain, customer relationships, or reputation. However, future detentions could result in unexpected (i) delays or rejections of products scheduled for delivery to us, which could in turn affect the timing or our ability to delivery products to our customers; (ii) supply chain disruptions and increased operating costs; (iii) damage to our customer relationships; and/or (iv) negative publicity that harms our reputation, any of which could have a material impact on our business and negatively affect our ultimate financial results.
Our business faces several risks associated with doing business in China
We source a variety of fabrics, as well as cut and sewn upholstery kits and sewn mattress covers, from a limited number of strategic suppliers in China. We also operate two upholstery manufacturing facilities and two warehouse facilities in Shanghai, China. The Chinese economy is characterized by extensive state ownership, control, and regulation, and the political, legal, and economic climate in China is fluid and unpredictable. Therefore, our business is continually subject to the risk of changes in Chinese laws and regulations that could have an adverse effect on our suppliers and manufacturing operations. Any changes in policies governing tariffs, imports and exports, taxation, inflation, economic sanctions and export controls, environmental regulations, foreign currency exchange rates, the labor market, property, network security, intellectual property, and financial regulations could have an adverse effect on our business. Further, the Chinese legal system is continuing to develop and evolve, and the enforcement of rules and regulations is not always consistent or uniform. Moreover, any potential civil unrest, natural disasters, or other threats could disrupt or increase the costs of operating in China. The Chinese economy poses additional risks to our business, including fluctuating rates of inflation and currency exchange rates, a declining labor force participation rate, and rising employee wages. In addition, changes in the political climate or trade policy of the United States, such as increased duties, tariffs, or U.S. restrictions on Chinese imports, such as the UFLPA, may adversely affect our business. Our ability to operate in China has also been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and may in the future be negatively affected by additional surges in the coronavirus or other diseases. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, China from time to time enforced broad lockdowns, which affected our ability to timely produce and ship products and affected the ability of our third-party suppliers and their supply chain to timely deliver products and materials. Any of the risks associated with our Chinese operations and sources could cause unanticipated increases in operating costs or disruptions in business, which could negatively affect our ultimate financial results.
We may have difficulty managing the outsourcing arrangements being used for products and services.
We rely on outside sources for various products and services, including yarn and other raw materials, greige (unfinished) fabrics, finished fabrics, cut and sewn upholstery kits, sewn mattress covers, and services such as weaving and finishing. Increased reliance on outsourcing lowers our capital investment and fixed costs, but it decreases the amount of control that we have over certain elements of our production capacity. Interruptions in our ability to obtain raw materials or other required products or services from our outside suppliers on a timely and cost-effective basis, especially if alternative suppliers cannot be immediately obtained, could disrupt our production and damage our financial results.
Write-offs or write-downs of assets would result in a decrease in our earnings and shareholders’ equity.
The company has assets, primarily consisting of property, plant and equipment, right of use assets, inventory, and intangible assets, that may be subject to write-offs or write-downs. ASC Topic 360 establishes an impairment accounting model for long-lived assets, including property, plant, and equipment, right of use assets, and finite-lived intangible assets such as customer relationships and our non-compete agreement. It requires the company to assess these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recovered. In accordance with ASC Topic 330, management continuously examines inventory to determine if there are indicators that the carrying value exceeds its net realizable value. Experience has shown that the most significant of such indicators are the age of the inventory and planned discontinuances of certain patterns. ASC Topic 350 establishes an impairment model for indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as our tradename, which must be tested at least annually for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recovered.
Identifying and assessing whether impairment indicators exist, or if events or changes in circumstances have occurred, including market conditions, operating results, competition, and general economic conditions, requires significant judgment. Any of such future actions could result in charges that could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, and there is no assurance that future write-downs of fixed assets or other intangible assets will not occur if business conditions were to deteriorate.
As a result of inventory impairment assessments conducted during fiscal 2023, we incurred non-cash inventory charges totaling $5.8 million, which represents a $2.9 million impairment charge associated with our mattress fabrics segment; a total of $2.8 million related to markdowns of inventory in both segments that were estimated based on our policy for aged inventory; and $98,000 for the loss on disposal and markdowns of inventory related to the exit of our cut and sewn upholstery fabrics operation located in Shanghai, China. We incurred non-cash inventory charges of $1.9 million and $882,000 during fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively, which represent markdowns of inventory in both segments that were based on our policy of aged inventory. See Notes 5, 7, and 9 of the consolidated financial statements for further details of our assessments of impairment, conclusions reached, and the performance of our quantitative tests.
Write-offs and write-downs of our assets, including inventory, result in an immediate charge to our earnings, and can have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.
Changes in the price, availability, and quality of raw materials could increase our costs or cause production delays and sales interruptions, which would result in decreased earnings.
We depend upon outside suppliers for most of our raw material needs, and we rely upon outside suppliers for component materials such as yarn, unfinished fabrics, and cut and sewn upholstery kits and mattress covers, as well as for certain services such as finishing and weaving. Fluctuations in the price, availability, and quality of these goods and services have had, and could continue to have, a negative effect on our production costs and ability to meet the demands of our customers, which can affect our ability to generate sales and earnings. In many cases, we are not able to pass through increased costs of raw materials or increased production costs to our customers through price increases. In particular, many of our basic raw materials are petrochemical products or are produced from such products. For this reason, our material costs are especially sensitive to changes in prices for petrochemicals and the underlying price of oil. Increases in prices for oil, petrochemical products or other raw materials and services provided by outside suppliers can significantly increase our costs and negatively affect our profit margins and earnings. During fiscal 2021, our raw material costs were mostly flat or slightly lower during the first three quarters of the year, but prices began to escalate during the fourth quarter primarily due to rising oil prices, a higher demand environment, and labor shortages. These pressures continued during fiscal 2022, with further increases in raw material costs, particularly during the second half of the year, due to the continued rise in oil prices and a higher demand environment. During fiscal 2023, the cost of raw materials began to decline during the first half of the year due to lower oil prices and slowing global demand, but the higher costs and lower availability of labor remained challenging throughout the year. Raw material costs were relatively stable during the second half of fiscal 2023. However, the pressures that affect raw material costs may drive additional increases in raw material prices in the future.
Increases in energy costs increase our operating costs and could adversely affect earnings.
Higher prices for electricity, natural gas, and fuel increase our production and shipping costs. A significant shortage, increased prices, or interruptions in the availability of these energy sources would increase the costs of producing and delivering products to our customers and would be likely to adversely affect our earnings. In many cases, we are not able to pass along the full extent of increases in our production costs to customers through price increases. Energy costs have varied significantly during recent fiscal years and remain a volatile element of our costs. Increases in energy costs could have a negative effect on our earnings.
Business difficulties or failures of large customers could result in a decrease in our sales and earnings.
We currently have several customers that account for a substantial portion of our sales. In the mattress fabrics segment, several large bedding manufacturers have large market shares and comprise a significant portion of our mattress fabric sales. Although no mattress fabrics customers accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated net sales in fiscal 2023, in many recent years we have had one or more customers who did. In the upholstery fabrics segment, La-Z-Boy Incorporated accounted for approximately 15% of consolidated net sales during fiscal 2023, and several other large furniture manufacturers comprised a significant portion of sales. A business failure or other significant financial difficulty by one or more of our major customers, or the loss of one or more of these customers, could cause a significant loss in sales, an adverse effect on our earnings, and difficulty in collection of our trade accounts receivable. For example, on June 25, 2022, a major customer and its affiliates associated with our mattress fabrics segment announced that they filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and on January 23, 2023, another major customer and its affiliates associated with our mattress fabrics segment filed pre-planned voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Although we did not record any credit losses and have received payment in full regarding all outstanding accounts receivable with respect to each of these customers, a business failure or loss of either such customer and its affiliates, or a business failure or loss of one or more other major customers, could cause a decrease in our sales and an adverse effect on our earnings.
Additionally, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, some customers experienced cash flow challenges and requested extended payment terms. During fiscal 2021, our customers returned to making payments based on normal credit terms, as opposed to the extended terms granted during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. However, if the negative economic impact of COVID-19 reemerges, or if another pandemic, recession or other major unexpected economic event occurs, we may not be able to collect amounts owed to us or such payment may only occur after significant delay. While we perform credit evaluations of our customers, those evaluations may not prevent uncollectible trade accounts receivable. Credit evaluations involve significant management diligence and judgment, especially in the current environment. If more customers than we anticipate experience liquidity issues, if payments are not received on a timely basis, or if a customer declares bankruptcy, we may have difficulty collecting amounts owed to us by these customers, which could adversely affect our sales, earnings, financial condition, and liquidity.
If we fail to anticipate and respond to changes in consumer tastes and fashion trends, our sales and earnings may decline.
Demand for various types of upholstery fabrics and mattress coverings changes over time due to fashion trends and changing consumer tastes for furniture and bedding. Our success in marketing our fabrics depends upon our ability to anticipate and respond in a timely manner to fashion trends in home furnishings. If we fail to identify and respond to these changes, our sales of these products may decline. In addition, incorrect projections about the demand for certain products could cause the accumulation of excess raw material or finished goods inventory, which could lead to inventory mark-downs and decreases in earnings.
Increasing dependence on information technology systems comes with specific risks, including cybersecurity breaches and data leaks, which could have an adverse effect on our business.
We increasingly rely on technology systems and infrastructure. Additionally, we rely on third-party service providers in connection with the maintenance thereof and the execution of certain business processes. Greater dependence on technology systems heightens the risk of potential vulnerabilities from system failure and malfunction, breakdowns due to natural disasters, human error, unauthorized access, power loss, and other unforeseen events. Data privacy breaches by employees and others with or without authorized access to our systems poses risks that sensitive data may be permanently lost or leaked to the public or other unauthorized persons. With the growing use and rapid evolution of technology, including internet selling, cloud-based computing and mobile devices, there are additional risks of unintentional data leaks. There is also the risk of our exposure to theft of confidential information, intentional vandalism, industrial espionage, and a variety of cyber-attacks, including phishing attempts, covertly introducing malware to our computers and networks (or the computers and networks of our third-party providers), and impersonating authorized users, among other types of cyber-attacks, that could compromise our internal technology system, infrastructure, or result in data leakage in-house or at our third-party providers and business partners. Attempts to gain unauthorized access to our information technology systems have become increasingly more sophisticated over time, and while we seek to detect and investigate all security incidents and to prevent their recurrence, in some cases we might be unaware of an incident or its magnitude and effect. Failures of technology or related systems, cybersecurity incidents, or improper release of confidential information, could damage our business or subject us to unexpected liabilities, expenditures, and recovery time. Additionally, the devotion of additional resources to the security of our information technology systems in the future could significantly increase our operating costs or otherwise adversely affect our financial results. We continue to balance the risk of an electronic security breach resulting in the unauthorized release of confidential information with the cost to protect us against such a breach, and we have taken steps to ensure that losses arising from a breach would be covered in part by insurance that we carry, although the costs, potential monetary damages, and operational consequences of responding to cyber incidents and implementing remediation measures may be in excess of our insurance coverage or not covered at all by our insurance, and could 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 or our business reputation. 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, customer relationships, or reputation, such attacks could in the future.
In addition, we permit certain employees to work from home from time to time. Although we continue to implement strong physical and cybersecurity measures to ensure that our business operations remain functional and to ensure uninterrupted service to our customers, our systems and our operations remain vulnerable to cyberattacks and other disruptions due to the fact that employees may be working remotely, and we cannot be certain that our mitigation efforts will be effective.
We may not be able to recruit and retain key employees and skilled workers in a competitive labor market.
If we cannot successfully recruit and retain key employees and skilled workers or if we experience the unexpected loss of those employees, our operations may be negatively affected. A shortage of qualified personnel, along with cost inflation, may require us to enhance our compensation in order to compete effectively in the hiring and retention of qualified employees.
In addition, we are and will continue to be dependent upon our senior management team and other key personnel. Losing the services of one or more key members of our management team or other key personnel could adversely affect our operations. COVID-19 may also increase the risk that certain senior management executives or a member of the board of directors could become ill, causing them to be incapacitated or otherwise unable to perform their duties for an extended absence. Furthermore, because of the nature of the disease, multiple people working in proximity could also become ill simultaneously, which could result in the same department having extended absences. This could negatively affect the efficiency and effectiveness of processes and internal controls throughout the company.
Our intellectual property rights may not prevent others from using our copyrights or trademarks in connection with the sale of competitive products. We may be subject to claims that our products or trademarks infringe intellectual property rights of others.
We currently hold, or have registration applications pending for, numerous trademarks and copyrights for various product and trade names, logos, and fabric designs in the United States and certain foreign countries. We view such intellectual property, along with any unregistered copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, trade dress, trade secrets, and proprietary technologies, as an important part of our business. These intellectual property rights may not provide adequate protection against infringement or piracy, may not prevent competitors from developing and marketing products that are similar or competitive with our fabric designs or other products, and may be costly and time-consuming to protect and enforce. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights and confidential information to the same extent as the laws of the United States. If we are unable to protect and enforce our intellectual property, we may be unable to prevent other companies from using our fabric designs or trademarks in connection with competitive products, which could adversely affect our sales, profitability, cash flows and financial condition.
We may be subject to claims that our products, advertising, or trademarks infringe the intellectual property rights of others. The defense of these claims, even if we are ultimately successful, may result in costly litigation, and if we are not successful in our defense, we could be subject to injunctions and liability for damages or royalty obligations, and our sales, profitability, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We have made and expect to continue to make acquisitions, which could involve certain risks and uncertainties.
Acquisitions have been and may continue to be an important element of our business strategy. Acquisitions involve numerous inherent challenges, such as properly evaluating acquisition opportunities, properly evaluating risks and other diligence matters, ensuring adequate capital availability, and balancing other resource constraints. There are risks and uncertainties related to acquisitions, including difficulties integrating acquired operations, technology, personnel, and financial and other systems; unrealized sales expectations from the acquired business; unrealized synergies and cost-savings; unknown or underestimated liabilities; diversion of management attention from running our existing businesses; and potential loss of key management employees of the acquired business. In addition, internal control over financial reporting of acquired companies may not be up to required standards. Our integration activities may place substantial demand on our management, operational resources, and financial and internal control systems. Customer dissatisfaction or performance problems with an acquired business, technology, service, or product could also have a material adverse effect on our reputation and business.
Risks Related to Financing Our Operations
We may require funding from external sources, which may not be available at the levels we require or may cost more than we expect. As a result, our expenses and operating results could be negatively affected.
We regularly review and evaluate our liquidity and capital needs. Our available cash, cash equivalents, and cash flow from operations have been adequate to finance our operations and capital requirements in recent years. However, if we experience a sustained decline in
revenue, there may be periods in which we may require additional external funding to support our operations. Also, market interest rates have increased significantly since the beginning of fiscal 2023. If we have a need to incur debt under our credit facilities, the cost of borrowing could increase substantially over debt costs that we have previously incurred.
As of April 30, 2023, we had approximately $32.6 million in combined total borrowing availability under our domestic credit facility and our China credit facility. In January of 2023, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with respect to our domestic credit facility, which provides for a revolving credit facility up to a maximum principal amount of $35.0 million, secured by a lien on the company's assets. The amount available under this facility is limited by a borrowing base consisting of certain eligible accounts receivable and inventory of the company. In the event we require additional liquidity from our lenders that exceeds the availability under our credit facilities at such time, such funds may not be available to us. In addition, in the event we draw on any of our credit facilities, outstanding amounts may become immediately due and payable upon certain events of default, including a failure to comply with the financial covenants or certain other affirmative and negative covenants in the credit agreements. If we are unable to access additional credit at the levels we require, or the cost of credit is greater than expected, it could adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.
Legal and Regulatory Risks
We are subject to litigation and environmental regulations that could adversely affect our sales and earnings.
We have been, and in the future may be, a party to legal proceedings and claims, including environmental matters, product liability, and employment disputes, some of which claim significant damages. We face the continual business risk of exposure to claims that our operations have caused personal injury or property damage, including the related risk of damage to our brand and reputation in conjunction with such claims. We maintain insurance against product liability claims and, in some cases, have indemnification agreements with regard to environmental claims, but there can be no assurance that these arrangements will continue to be available on acceptable terms or that such arrangements will be adequate for liabilities actually incurred. Given the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there can be no assurance that claims against the company will not have a material adverse impact on our earnings or financial condition. We are also subject to various laws and regulations in our business, including those relating to environmental protection and the discharge of materials into the environment. We could incur substantial costs as a result of noncompliance with or liability for cleanup or other costs or damages under environmental laws or other regulations.
We must comply with many governmental regulations applicable to our business, and changes in those regulations could adversely affect our business.
Our products and raw materials are and will continue to be subject to regulation in the United States by various federal, state, and local regulatory authorities. In addition, other governments and agencies in other jurisdictions regulate the manufacture, sale, and distribution of our products and raw materials. Also, rules and restrictions regarding the importation of fabrics and other materials, including custom duties, tariffs, import restrictions (including, without limitation, the recent enactment of the UFLPA), quotas, banned substances, and other regulations, are continually changing. Environmental laws, labor laws, tax laws and regulations (including, without limitation, the Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (“GILTI”) tax provisions), data privacy laws, and other regulations continually affect our business. These rules and regulations can and do change from time to time, which can increase our costs and our taxes, or can require us to make changes in our manufacturing processes, product mix, sources of products and raw materials, or distribution. Changes in the rules and regulations applicable to our business may negatively affect our sales and earnings.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
As of the end of fiscal 2023 (April 30, 2023), we leased our corporate headquarters and a design and innovation campus located in High Point, North Carolina. In addition, we owned or leased thirteen facilities associated with our mattress and upholstery fabrics operations. The following is a list of our administrative and production facilities. Our facilities listed below are organized by business segment.
Location
Principal Use
Approx.
Total Area
(Sq. Ft.)
Expiration
of Lease (1)
● Administrative:
High Point, North Carolina
Upholstery fabric division offices and corporate headquarters
36,643
High Point, North Carolina
Design and innovation campus, showrooms, and office space
21,261
● Mattress Fabrics:
Stokesdale, North Carolina
Manufacturing and headquarters office
299,163
Owned
Stokesdale, North Carolina
Distribution center
220,222
Owned
St. Jerome, Quebec, Canada
Manufacturing
202,500
Owned
St. Jerome, Quebec, Canada
Warehouse
46,113
Ouanaminthe, Haiti
Manufacturing
80,000
2025 (2)(3)
Ouanaminthe, Haiti
Manufacturing
40,000
2028 (2)(4)
● Upholstery Fabrics:
Burlington, North Carolina
Finished goods distribution
132,000
Burlington, North Carolina
Design center
13,750
Knoxville, Tennessee
Manufacturing and offices
37,700
Shanghai, China
Manufacturing, warehouse, offices
68,677
Shanghai, China
Manufacturing, warehouse, offices
89,857
Shanghai, China
Warehouse and offices
89,861
Shanghai, China
Warehouse
64,583
(1)Includes all options to renew, except as noted in footnote 2 below.
(2)These lease agreements have an unspecified number of renewal options available, and the year listed above is the expiration of the current lease term.
(3)Of this 80,000 square feet, approximately 40,000 square feet of this facility is currently being utilized by our upholstery fabrics segment to produce cut and sewn kits as part of our Haiti rationalization strategy that included the relocation our upholstery fabrics operation to our mattress fabrics facilities and the termination of a separately leased upholstery fabrics facility in Ouanaminthe, Haiti.
(4)Of this 40,000 square feet, approximately 15,000 square feet of this facility is currently being utilized by our upholstery fabrics segment to produce cut and sewn kits as part of our Haiti rationalization strategy that included the relocation of our upholstery fabrics operation to our mattress fabrics facilities and the termination of a separately leased upholstery fabrics facility in Ouanaminthe, Haiti.
We believe that our facilities are in good condition, well-maintained, suitable, and adequate for present utilization. In the upholstery fabrics segment, we have the ability to source upholstery fabric from outside suppliers to meet current and expected demand trends and further increase our output of finished goods. This ability to source upholstery fabric is part of our long-term strategy to have a low-cost platform that is scalable, but not capital intensive. In the mattress fabrics segment, we believe we have sufficient capacity to meet current and expected demand trends. We also have the ability to source additional mattress fabrics from outside suppliers to further increase our ultimate output of finished goods.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no legal proceedings to which the company, or its subsidiaries, is a party to or of which any of their property is the subject that are required to be disclosed under this item.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Registrar and Transfer Agent
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
Correspondence should be mailed to:
Computershare
P.O. Box 43006
Providence, RI 02940-3078
Overnight correspondence should be sent to:
Computershare
150 Royall St.
Canton, MA 02021
(800) 254-5196
(781) 575-2879 (Foreign shareholders)
www.computershare.com/investor
Stock Listing
Culp, Inc. common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol CULP. As of April 30, 2023, Culp, Inc. had approximately 3,239 shareholders based on the number of holders of record and an estimate of individual participants represented by security position listings.
Analyst Coverage
These analysts cover Culp, Inc.:
Sidoti & Company, LLC - Anthony Lebiedzinski
Water Tower Research - Budd Bugatch, CFA
Dividends and Share Repurchases; Sales of Unregistered Securities
Share Repurchases
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period
(a)
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
(b)
Average
Price
Paid per
Share
(c)
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
(d)
Approximate
Dollar Value
of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under
the Plans or
Programs (1)
January 30, 2023 to March 5, 2023
-
$
-
-
$
3,248,094
March 6, 2023 to April 2, 2023
-
$
-
-
$
3,248,094
April 3, 2023 to April 30, 2023
-
$
-
-
$
3,248,094
Total
-
$
-
-
$
3,248,094
(1)In March 2020, our board of directors approved an authorization for us to acquire up to $5.0 million of our common stock.
Dividends
On June 29, 2022, our board of directors announced the decision to suspend the company’s quarterly cash dividend. We believed that preserving capital and managing our liquidity during fiscal 2023 was in the company’s best interest to support future growth and the long-term interests of our shareholders. Accordingly, we did not make any dividend payments during fiscal 2023.
During fiscal 2022, dividend payments totaled $5.5 million, which represented quarterly dividend payments ranging from $0.11 per share to $0.115 per share. During fiscal 2021, dividend payments totaled $5.3 million, which represented quarterly dividend payments ranging from $0.105 per share to $0.11 per share.
Our board of directors has sole authority to determine if and when we will declare future dividends, and on what terms. We will continue to reassess our dividend policy each quarter. Future dividend payments will depend on earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, excess availability under our lines of credit, market and economic conditions, and other factors, including alternative investment opportunities.
Sales of Unregistered Securities
There were no sales of unregistered securities during fiscal 2023, 2022, or 2021.
Performance Comparison
The following graph shows changes over the five fiscal years ending April 30, 2023, in the value of $100 invested in (1) the common stock of the company, (2) the Hemscott Textile Manufacturing Group Index reported by Standard and Poor’s, consisting of three companies in the textile industry, and (3) the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.
The graph assumes an initial investment of $100 at the end of fiscal 2018 and the reinvestment of all dividends during the periods identified.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
We have prepared this Management’s Discussion and Analysis as an aid to understanding our financial results. It should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes and other exhibits included elsewhere in this report. It also includes management’s analysis of past financial results and certain potential risk factors that may affect future results, as well as approaches that may be used to manage those risks. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this report, together with the section of this report titled “Item 1A. RISK FACTORS,” for a discussion of factors that may cause results to differ materially.
General
Our fiscal year is the 52 or 53-week period ending on the Sunday closest to April 30. Fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021 each included 52- weeks periods.
Our operations are classified into two business segments: mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics.
Mattress Fabrics
The mattress fabrics segment manufactures, sources, and sells fabrics and mattress covers primarily to bedding manufacturers. Currently, we have mattress fabric operations located in Stokesdale, North Carolina, and Quebec, Canada. During the last half of fiscal 2023, we rationalized our domestic cut and sewn cover platform, which included the termination of agreements to lease two facilities located in High Point, North Carolina, and moving our R&D and prototyping capabilities from these facilities to our facility located in Stokesdale, North Carolina.
Additionally, we acquired the remaining fifty percent ownership interest in our former unconsolidated joint venture located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. As a result, we are now the sole owner with full control of this cut and sewn mattress cover operation (see Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements for further details regarding this business combination).
Upholstery Fabrics
The upholstery fabrics segment develops, sources, manufactures, and sells fabrics primarily to residential and commercial furniture manufacturers. We have upholstery fabric operations located in Shanghai, China, and Burlington, North Carolina. During the third quarter of fiscal 2022, we also commenced operation of a new leased facility in Ouanaminthe, Haiti dedicated to the production of cut and sewn upholstery kits. However, due to a decline in demand for upholstery cut and sewn kits, we terminated the agreement to lease this new facility during the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and relocated a scaled-down upholstery cut and sew operation into our existing mattress cover facility also located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.
Additionally, Read Window Products, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary with operations located in Knoxville, Tennessee, provides window treatments and sourcing of upholstery fabrics and other products, as well as measuring and installation services for Read’s products, to customers in the hospitality and commercial industries. Read also supplies soft goods such as decorative top sheets, coverlets, duvet covers, bed skirts, bolsters, and pillows.
Impact of COVID-19
Beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we experienced a significant change in our business resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to government mandated closure requirements, we shut down our facilities in Canada and Haiti for several weeks, and most of our customers, as well as retail stores in the United States and around the globe, were similarly shut down or operating at significantly reduced capacity. Then in early fiscal 2021, as customer and retail stores began to re-open, we experienced a surge in demand, driven by accelerated demand in the bedding and residential home furnishings industries as consumers shifted their discretionary spending towards home products. Based on this surge, we saw strong growth in our mattress fabrics business and in our residential upholstery fabrics business for the remainder of fiscal 2021 and through much of fiscal 2022. We made several investments during this period that provided expanded capacity to support customers in our mattress fabrics and residential upholstery fabrics businesses. However, beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 and continuing throughout fiscal 2023, we experienced a slowdown in demand, driven primarily by weakness in the domestic mattress industry and the residential home furnishings industry as consumer spending trends shifted to travel, leisure, and entertainment, and as inflation pressured consumer spending. This slowdown was exacerbated during much of fiscal 2023 as manufacturers and retailers worked through an excess of inventory, delaying the timing of shipments and new product roll outs. While we believe that our customers' inventory levels began to normalize during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, demand in both the mattress industry and the residential home furnishings industry remains soft, and this softness is
expected to continue affecting our business for some period. For further information on how COVID-19 has affected and may continue to affect our business and financial condition, see the Risk Factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of this report.
Executive Summary
We evaluate the operating performance of our business segments based upon (loss) income from operations before certain unallocated corporate expenses and other items that are not expected to occur on a regular basis, such as restructuring expense and restructuring related charges. Cost of sales in each business segment includes costs to develop, manufacture, or source our products, including costs such as raw material and finished good purchases, direct and indirect labor, overhead, and incoming freight charges. Unallocated corporate expenses primarily represent compensation and benefits for certain executive officers and their support staff, all costs associated with being a public company, amortization of intangible assets, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Results of Operations
Twelve Months Ended
(dollars in thousands)
April 30,
May 1,
Change
Net sales
$
234,934
$
294,839
(20.3
)%
Gross profit
10,896
36,093
(69.8
)%
Gross profit margin
4.6
%
12.2
%
(760) bp
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
37,978
35,415
7.2
%
Restructuring expense
1,396
-
100.0
%
(Loss) income from operations
(28,478
)
N.M
Operating margin
(12.1
)%
0.2
%
(1230) bp
Loss before income taxes
(28,390
)
(325
)
N.M
Income tax expense
3,130
2,886
8.5
%
Net loss
(31,520
)
(3,211
)
N.M
Net Sales
Our consolidated net sales decreased 20.3% in fiscal 2023 compared with a year ago, with mattress fabric net sales decreasing 27.1% and upholstery fabric net sales decreasing 13.1%.
The decrease in net sales for our mattress fabrics segment during fiscal 2023 primarily reflects a slowdown in consumer demand in the domestic mattress industry. The impact of this industry softness was exacerbated, especially during the first nine months of the fiscal year, by mattress manufacturers and retailers continuing to work through an excess of inventory, delaying the timing of shipments and new product roll outs.
The decrease in upholstery fabrics net sales during fiscal 2023 primarily reflects reduced demand for our residential upholstery fabrics products, driven by a slowdown in new retail business in the residential home furnishings industry, as well as high inventory levels at manufacturers and retailers during the first nine months of the fiscal year. The decrease in net sales was partially offset by higher sales in our hospitality/contract fabric business, as well as receipt of a non-recurring payment relating to newly negotiated terms with a customer of the upholstery segment's Haiti cut and sew platform.
See the Segment Analysis located in the Results of Operations section below for further details.
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes
Overall, our consolidated loss before income taxes was $(28.4) million for fiscal 2023, compared with loss before income taxes of $(325,000) for the prior year.
Operating performance for fiscal 2023, as compared to the prior year, was primarily pressured by lower sales and operating inefficiencies due to these lower sales; labor challenges within our mattress fabrics business that resulted in increased employee training costs and operating inefficiencies, including quality issues; continued inflationary pressures; operating inefficiencies within the upholstery fabrics segment's cut and sew facility in Haiti due to lower demand; labor challenges and inflationary pressures affecting our Read business; and higher SG&A expense for the year due primarily to higher incentive compensation accrual. It was also affected by (i) $2.9 million in impairment charges during the second quarter due to the write down of inventory to its net realizable value for our mattress fabrics segment; (ii) $2.6 million in losses from closeout sales of raw material and finished goods inventory during the second and third quarter
for our mattress fabrics segment; (iii) $2.8 million in markdowns of inventory due to our aged inventory policy for both our mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics segment; (iv) $713,000 in restructuring and related charges associated with the closure of our upholstery fabric segment's cut and sew facility located in Shanghai, China, during the second quarter; and (v) $781,000 in restructuring charges associated with the rationalization of our upholstery fabrics cut and sew platform located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, during the third and fourth quarters. Performance for fiscal 2023 was favorably affected by the foreign exchange rate associated with our upholstery fabrics operation in China, as well as receipt of a $1.0 million non-recurring payment during the fourth quarter relating to newly negotiated terms with a customer of the upholstery segment's cut and sew platform in Haiti.
See the Segment Analysis located in the Results of Operations section below for further details.
Income Taxes
We recorded income tax expense of $3.1 million, or (11.0)% of loss before income taxes, for fiscal 2023, compared with income tax expense of $2.9 million, or (888.0)% of loss before income taxes, for fiscal 2022.
Our consolidated effective income tax rate during fiscal 2023 was much more negatively affected by the mix of earnings between our U.S. operations and foreign subsidiaries, as compared with fiscal 2022. During fiscal 2023, we incurred a significantly higher pre-tax loss from our U.S. operations totaling $(33.5) million, compared with $(7.6) million for fiscal 2022. As a result, a significantly higher income tax benefit was not recognized due to a full valuation allowance being applied against our U.S. net deferred income tax assets during fiscal 2023, as compared with fiscal 2022. In addition, almost all of our taxable income during fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 was earned by our foreign operations located in China and Canada, which have higher income rates than the U.S.
We also incurred a significantly higher consolidated pre-tax loss totaling $(28.4) million during fiscal 2023, as compared with a much lower consolidated pre-tax loss totaling $(325,000) during fiscal 2022. As a result, the principal differences between income tax expense at the U.S. federal income tax rate compared with the effective income tax rate reflected in the consolidated financial statements were more pronounced in fiscal 2022.
During fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, we had income tax payments totaling $2.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively, which mostly represented income tax payments associated with our foreign operations located in China and Canada.
Refer to Note 11 of the consolidated financial statements for further details regarding our provision for income taxes from operations.
Liquidity
As of April 30, 2023, our cash and cash equivalents (“cash") totaled $21.0 million, an increase of $5.4 million, compared with $14.6 million as of May 1, 2022. This increase in cash was mostly due to (i) net cash provided by operating activities totaling $7.8 million and (ii) proceeds totaling $2.1 million from the sale of investments associated with our rabbi trust that sets aside funds for our deferred compensation plan, partially offset by (iii) capital expenditures of $2.1 million and (ii) contributions totaling $1.2 million to our rabbi trust.
Our net cash provided by operating activities was $7.8 million during fiscal 2023, an increase of $25.2 million compared with net cash used in operating activities of $(17.4) million during fiscal 2022. This trend mostly reflects (i) a reduction of inventory related to the significant decline in net sales, improved alignment of inventory purchases with current customer demand trends, and promotional programs to reduce aged raw materials and finished goods inventory; (ii) an abnormally high decrease in accounts payable due to the COVID-19 related shutdowns that affected our operations located in China during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, which decrease did not recur in fiscal 2023; (iii) annual incentive payments made during the first quarter of fiscal 2022 that did not recur during fiscal 2023, partially offset by (iv) an abnormally high decrease in accounts receivable due to COVID-19 related shutdowns that affected our operations located in China during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, which such decrease did not recur in fiscal 2023, and (v) a decrease in net cash earnings during fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022.
As of April 30, 2023, there were no outstanding borrowings under our lines of credit.
Dividend Program
On June 29, 2022, our board of directors announced the decision to suspend the company's quarterly cash dividend. We believed that preserving capital and managing our liquidity during fiscal 2023 was in the company’s best interest to support future growth and the long-term interests of our shareholders. Accordingly, we did not make any dividend payments during fiscal 2023.
During fiscal 2022, dividend payments totaled $5.5 million, which represented quarterly dividend payments ranging from $0.11 share to $0.115.
Our board of directors has sole authority to determine if and when we will declare future dividends, and on what terms. We will continue to reassess our dividend policy each quarter. Future dividend payments will depend on earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, excess availability under our lines of credit, market and economic conditions, and other factors, including alternative investment opportunities.
Common Stock Repurchases
In March 2020, our board of directors approved an authorization for us to acquire up to $5.0 million of our common stock. Under the common stock repurchase program, shares may be purchased from time to time in open market transactions, block trades, through plans established under the Securities Exchange Act Rule 10b5-1, or otherwise. The number of shares purchased and the timing of share purchases are based on working capital requirements, market and general business conditions, and other factors, including alternative investment opportunities.
During fiscal 2023, we did not purchase any shares of common stock. As a result, as of April 30, 2023, $3.2 million is available for additional repurchases of our common stock. Despite the current share repurchase authorizations, the company does not expect to repurchase any shares through at least the first quarter of fiscal 2024.
During fiscal 2022, we repurchased 121,688 shares of our common stock at a cost of $1.8 million.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth certain items in our consolidated statements of net loss as a percentage of net sales.
Fiscal
Fiscal
Net sales
100.0
%
100.0
%
Cost of sales
(95.4
)
(87.8
)
Gross profit
4.6
12.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(16.2
)
(12.0
)
Restructuring expense
(0.6
)
-
(Loss) income from operations
(12.1
)
0.2
Interest income
0.2
0.1
Other expense
(0.2
)
(0.5
)
Loss before income taxes
(12.1
)
(0.1
)
Income tax expense *
(11.0
)
(888.0
)
Net loss
(13.4
)
(1.1
)
*	Calculated as a percentage of loss before income taxes.
2023 compared with 2022
Segment Analysis
Mattress Fabrics Segment
Twelve Months Ended
(dollars in thousands)
April 30,
May 1,
Change
Net sales
$
110,995
$
152,159
(27.1)%
Gross (loss) profit
(6,739
)
16,458
(140.9)%
Gross margin
(6.1
)%
10.8
%
(1690) bp
Selling, general and administrative expenses
11,942
12,246
(2.5)%
(Loss) income from operations
(18,681
)
4,212
N.M.
Operating margin
(16.8
)%
2.8
%
(1960) bp
Net Sales
Mattress fabrics sales decreased 27.1% in fiscal 2023 compared to the prior year. This decrease reflects a material slowdown in consumer demand in the domestic mattress industry throughout the year. We believe this slowdown was primarily due to inflationary pressures affecting consumer spending, as well as a shift in demand from home goods to travel, leisure, and entertainment following a pulling forward of demand for home goods during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of this industry softness was exacerbated, especially during the first nine months of the fiscal year, by mattress manufacturers and retailers working through an excess of inventory, delaying the timing of shipments and new product roll outs. However, we began the roll out of some new customer programs near the end of the third quarter and these roll outs continued during the fourth quarter, driving both year-over-year and sequential improvement for the fourth quarter.
During fiscal 2023, we maintained a continued focus on inventory reductions and cash generation, while executing our product-driven strategy with an ongoing emphasis on innovation, design creativity, and customer relationships. The strength and flexibility of our global manufacturing and sourcing operations in the U.S., Canada, Haiti, Asia, and Turkey also enabled us to support the evolving needs of our mattress fabrics and cover customers throughout the year.
During the second half of the year, we initiated a comprehensive business transformation plan focused on long-term improvement in areas that include quality, sales, marketing, and operational processes; supply chain optimization; employee engagement; and organizational structure. With execution being led by new leadership and a restructured management team, we believe this plan will lay the foundation for steady, sequential improvement in this business. Although the pace of this improvement will be affected by recovery in the overall macroeconomic environment, we believe our market position is growing, and we are optimistic about additional program launches expected during the calendar 2023 year.
Looking ahead, we expect the current macro environment will continue to affect consumer spending trends for some time, resulting in ongoing industry softness that may reduce demand for our mattress fabrics and cover products. We expect these conditions are likely to pressure results through at least the first quarter of fiscal 2024. Additionally, the potential ongoing impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as impacts from possible additional surges in the coronavirus, remain unknown and depend on factors beyond our knowledge or control. Either of these situations could cause disruption that could adversely affect our operations and financial performance.
Gross Profit and Operating Income
The decrease in mattress fabrics profitability during fiscal 2023, as compared to fiscal 2022, was primarily due to lower sales; operating inefficiencies arising from these lower sales; labor challenges resulting in increased employee training costs and operating inefficiencies, including quality issues; and higher raw material costs. Other factors pressuring the year included $2.9 million in impairment charges during the second quarter due to the write down of inventory to its net realizable value; $2.6 million in losses from closeout sales of raw material and finished goods inventory, and $386,000 in markdowns of inventory based on our policy for aged inventory.
We completed a restructuring and rationalization of our U.S.-based cut and sewn cover platform during the third quarter of fiscal 2023, moving our R&D and prototyping capabilities from our High Point, North Carolina, location to our facility in Stokesdale, North Carolina. The result of this move was the discontinuation of our higher-cost on-shore production capabilities, with closures of our two leased facilities in High Point, North Carolina, during the third quarter. We believe this platform restructuring will allow us to generate cost savings by utilizing our lower-cost mattress cover production and sourcing capabilities in Haiti and Asia, where we can scale operations to align with demand and continue to support the needs of our customers.
We expect the ongoing industry softness affecting sales volumes will affect profitability through at least the first quarter of fiscal 2024, although we believe these headwinds will be mitigated to some extent by our ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiencies and control internal costs, as well as our continued roll out of new products priced in line with current costs. We will consider further adjustments to right-size and restructure our operations as necessary to align with current demand levels, as well as additional reasonable pricing actions as competitive conditions permit to further mitigate and manage inflation.
Segment Assets
Segment assets consist of accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant, and equipment, and right of use assets.
(dollars in thousands)
April 30,
May 1,
% Change
Accounts receivable
$
12,396
$
9,865
25.7
%
Inventory
25,674
39,028
(34.2
)%
Property, plant & equipment
33,749
38,731
(12.9
)%
Right of use assets
2,308
3,469
(33.5
)%
Total mattress fabrics segment assets
$
74,127
$
91,093
(18.6
)%
Refer to Note 17 of the consolidated financial statements for disclosures regarding determination of our segment assets.
Accounts Receivable
As of April 30, 2023, accounts receivable increased by $2.5 million, or 25.7%, compared with May 1, 2022. This increase primarily reflects slower cash collections, as we had an unfavorable mix of higher sales volume with customers with longer credit terms during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 as compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. As a result, days' sales outstanding for this segment increased to 37 days for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, up from 30 days for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. In addition, this increase reflects an increase in net sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. Net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 were $30.7 million, an increase of 3.1%, compared with th net sales of $29.8 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.
Inventory
As of April 30, 2023, inventory decreased by $13.4 million, or 34.2%, compared with May 1, 2022. This trend reflects (i) a decline in inventory purchases reflecting the 27.1% decrease in net sales during fiscal 2023 as compared with fiscal 2022, (ii) $3.2 million in non-cash charges recorded during fiscal 2023, which includes $2.9 million related to a write-down of inventory to its net realizable value and $386,000 related to markdowns of inventory estimated based on our policy for aged inventory, (iii) improved alignment of inventory purchases with current customer demand trends, and (iv) promotional programs to reduce aged raw materials and finished goods inventory; partially offset by (v) higher raw material, labor, and overhead costs stemming from inflationary pressures.
Inventory turns were 4.4 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, compared with 2.9 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.
Property, Plant, & Equipment
As of April 30, 2023, property, plant, and equipment decreased by $5.0 million, or 12.9%, compared with May 1, 2022. This decrease represents our concerted effort to reduce capital spending due to current and expected macroeconomic conditions. As a result, depreciation expense totaling $6.1 million exceeded our capital expenditures of $1.1 million during fiscal 2023.
The $33.7 million as of April 30, 2023, represents property, plant, and equipment of $22.7 million, $10.4 million, and $608,000 located in the U.S., Canada, and Haiti, respectively. The $38.7 million as of May 1, 2022, represents property, plant, and equipment of $25.6 million, $12.4 million, and $757,000 located in the U.S., Canada, and Haiti, respectively.
Right of Use Assets
As of April 30, 2023, right of use assets decreased by $1.2 million, or 33.5%, compared with May 1, 2022. Right of use assets have steadily decreased due to rent expense incurred over the terms of the respective lease agreements, as well as the termination of two lease agreements related to the closure of our mattress cover operation located in High Point, North Carolina, during fiscal 2023.
The $2.3 million as of April 30, 2023, represents right of use assets of $1.5 million and $766,000 located in Haiti and Canada, respectively. The $3.5 million as of May 1, 2022, represents right of use assets of $2.0 million, $1.2 million, and $291,000 located in Haiti, the U.S., and Canada, respectively.
Upholstery Fabrics Segment
Net Sales
Twelve Months Ended
(dollars in thousands)
April 30,
May 1,
% Change
Non-U.S. Produced
$
114,589
%
$
133,271
%
(14.0
)%
U.S. Produced
9,350
%
9,409
%
(0.6
)%
Total
$
123,939
%
$
142,680
%
(13.1
)%
Upholstery fabrics sales decreased 13.1% in fiscal 2023 compared to the prior year. This decrease reflects reduced demand for our residential upholstery fabric products, driven by a slowdown in new retail business in the residential home furnishings industry, as well as high inventory levels at manufacturers and retailers during the first nine months of the year.
The decrease in net sales for fiscal 2023 was partially offset by higher sales in our hospitality/contract business compared to the prior year, as well as receipt of a $1.0 million non-recurring payment during the fourth quarter relating to newly negotiated terms with a Haiti cut and sew customer.
Looking ahead, we expect the slowdown in new retail business for the residential home furnishings industry may affect demand for our residential business for some period of time. Despite this challenge, we believe our business is well positioned for the long term with our product-driven strategy and innovative product offerings, including our popular portfolio of LiveSmart® performance products, as well as our flexible Asian platform and our long-term supplier relationships.
Notably, the potential ongoing impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as the economic and health effects from possible additional surges in the coronavirus, remain unknown and depend on factors beyond our control. At this time, we cannot reasonably estimate the impact on our upholstery fabrics segment, but we note that if conditions worsen in either of these situations, including additional COVID-related shutdowns of our China operations, the impact on our operations, and/or on our suppliers, customers, consumers, and the global economy, could adversely affect our financial performance.
Gross Profit and Operating Income
Twelve Months Ended
(dollars in thousands)
April 30,
May 1,
Change
Gross profit
$
17,733
$
19,635
(9.7
)%
Gross profit margin
14.3
%
13.8
%
bp
Selling, general and administrative expenses
15,739
14,009
12.3
%
Restructuring expense
1,396
-
100.0
%
Income from operations
1,994
5,626
(64.6
)%
Operating margin
1.6
%
3.9
%
(230) bp
The decrease in upholstery fabrics profitability for fiscal 2023, as compared to the prior year, primarily reflects lower residential sales; $2.5 million in markdowns of inventory based on our policy for aged inventory; operating inefficiencies in our cut and sew operation in Haiti due to reduced demand; and labor challenges and inflationary pressures affecting our Read business during the year. These pressures were partially offset by a significantly more favorable foreign exchange rate associated with our operations in China; receipt of a $1.0 million non-recurring payment during the fourth quarter relating to newly negotiated terms with a customer of our Haiti cut
and sew platform; and lower overhead costs resulting from the restructuring of our cut and sew platforms in China and Haiti during fiscal 2023, as described in more detail below.
Based on market dynamics for cut and sewn products and the strength of our Asian supply chain, we took action during the second quarter of fiscal 2023 to restructure and adjust our model for this platform with the closure of our cut and sew facility located in Shanghai, China. We believe this move will allow us to reduce our operating costs while maintaining our ability to support our customers, grow our cut and sew business, and maintain our competitive advantages through our lower-cost manufacturing and sourcing operations in Asia and Haiti.
We also took action during the third quarter of fiscal 2023 to rationalize and consolidate our cut and sew upholstery kit platform in Haiti, based on ongoing demand weakness for cut and sewn products. This restructuring better aligns our capacity and costs with current demand levels for upholstery kits. We believe this move, which included terminating a lease and relocating a scaled-down operation into an existing facility for our mattress cover business, will allow us to reduce our operating costs without sacrificing our ability to support our customers.
Looking ahead, the residential home furnishings industry remains under pressure due to shifting consumer spending trends and inflation affecting overall consumer spending. As a result, we expect lower sales volumes in our residential business will continue to affect our profitability. However, for fiscal 2024, we expect to benefit from a rationalized Haiti operation, improved inventory management, a solid hospitality/contract fabric business, and improvement in our Read business. We will also continue our ongoing cost reduction efforts and will consider further adjustments to right-size and restructure our operations as necessary to align with current demand levels, while maintaining our ability to service our customers.
Restructuring Activities
Second Quarter of Fiscal 2023 - China
During the second quarter of fiscal 2023, we closed our cut and sew upholstery fabrics operation located in Shanghai, China, which included the termination of an agreement to lease a building. This strategic action, along with the further use of our Asian supply chain, was our response to declining consumer demand for cut and sewn products, by adjusting our operating costs to better align with the lower demand. As a result of this strategic action, we recorded restructuring expense and restructuring related charges totaling $713,000. These charges represent employee termination benefits of $468,000, loss from the disposal and markdowns of inventory of $98,000, impairment loss associated with equipment of $80,000, lease termination costs of $47,000, and other associated costs of $20,000. Of the total $713,000, $615,000 and $98,000 were recorded to restructuring expense and cost of sales, respectively, in the fiscal 2023 Consolidated Statement of Net Loss.
Third and Fourth Quarters of Fiscal 2023 - Haiti
Effective January 24, 2023, we entered into an agreement to terminate a lease ("the Termination Agreement") of a facility (the "Terminated Facility") located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, that was used solely for the production of cut and sewn kits associated with our upholstery fabrics segment. As a result, we relocated production of cut and sewn upholstery kits into another existing facility that is also located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, and leased by an affiliate that produces mattress covers at this facility. As a result, we will produce both upholstery cut and sewn kits and mattress covers in this location. We believe this strategic action will realign our capacity and costs with current demand levels, while still allowing us to support our customers and scale for additional capacity if conditions improve.
Based on the terms of the Termination Agreement, we vacated and returned possession of the Terminated Facility to the lessor, and a third party lessee took possession of the Terminated Facility and agreed to pay us $2.4 million over a period commencing April 1, 2023, through December 31, 2029, for the right to use the Terminated Facility. The terms of the Termination Agreement fully and unconditionally released and discharged us from all of our remaining obligations under the original lease for the Terminated Facility.
As a result of this strategic action, we recorded restructuring expense of $781,000 during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2023, which represents lease termination costs of $434,000, an impairment loss regarding leasehold improvements totaling $277,000, employee termination benefits of $39,000, and other associated costs of $31,000.
The following summarizes our restructuring expense and restructuring related charges that were associated with both of our restructuring activities noted above for fiscal 2023:
(dollars in thousands)
Employee termination benefits
$
Lease termination costs
Impairment loss - leasehold improvements and equipment
Loss on disposal and markdowns of inventory
Other associated costs
Restructuring expense and restructuring related charges (1)
$
1,494
(1) Of the total $1.5 million, $1.4 million and $98,000 were recorded to restructuring expense and cost of sales, respectively, in the fiscal 2023 Consolidated Statement of Net Loss.
Segment Assets
Segment assets consist of accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant, and equipment, and right of use assets.
(dollars in thousands)
April 30,
May 1,
% Change
Accounts receivable
$
12,382
$
12,361
0.2
%
Inventory
19,406
27,529
(29.5
)%
Property, plant & equipment
1,671
2,030
(17.7
)%
Right of use assets
2,618
8,124
(67.8
)%
Total upholstery fabrics segment assets
$
36,077
$
50,044
(27.9
)%
Accounts Receivable
As of April 30, 2023, accounts receivable remained flat compared with May 1, 2022. This trend reflects faster cash collections as we had a favorable mix of higher sales volume with customers with shorter credit terms during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. As a result, days' sales outstanding for this segment decreased to 33 days for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, down from 40 days for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. The faster cash collections that occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 were partially offset by an increase in net sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, as compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. Net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 were $30.7 million, an increase of of $3.6 million, or 13.1%, compared with net sales of $27.2 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.
Inventory
As of April 30, 2023, inventory decreased by $8.1 million, or 29.5%, compared with May 1, 2022. This trend reflects (i) a decline in inventory purchases reflecting the 13.1% decrease in net sales during fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022, (ii) a $2.6 million non-cash charge recorded during fiscal 2023, which includes $2.5 million of markdowns of inventory estimated based on our policy for aged inventory and $98,000 that was associated with the loss on disposal and markdowns of inventory related to the exit from our cut and sew upholstery fabrics operation located in Shanghai, China, (iii) improved alignment of inventory purchases with current customer demand trends, and (iv) promotional programs to reduce aged raw materials and finished goods inventory; partially offset by (v) higher raw material, labor, and overhead costs stemming from inflationary pressures.
Inventory turns were 4.8 during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, compared with 3.0 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.
Property, Plant, & Equipment
As of April 30, 2023, property, plant, and equipment decreased by $359,000, or 17.7%, compared with May 1, 2022. This decrease represents our concerted effort to reduce capital spending due to current and expected macroeconomic conditions. As a result, depreciation expense totaling $795,000 exceeded our capital expenditures of $467,000 during fiscal 2023.
The $1.7 million as of April 30, 2023, represents property, plant, and equipment of $974,000, $592,000, and $105,000 located in the U.S., Haiti, and China, respectively. The $2.0 million as of May 1, 2022, represents property, plant, and equipment of $1.0 million, $756,000, and $255,000 located in the U.S., Haiti, and China, respectively.
Right of Use Assets
As of April 30, 2023, our right of use assets decreased by $5.5 million, or 67.8%, compared with May 1, 2022. This decrease mostly resulted from (i) six-month forgiveness of rent payments associated with COVID-19 relief permitted by the Chinese government for all building lease agreements located in Shanghai, China, (ii) the termination of a building lease agreement in connection with the exit from
our cut and sew operation located in Shanghai, China, and (iii) the termination of a building lease agreement in connection with the rationalization of our cut and sew upholstery fabrics operation located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti.
The $2.6 million as of April 30, 2023, represents right of use assets of $1.5 million and $1.1 million located in China and the U.S., respectively. The $8.1 million as of May 1, 2022, represents right of use assets of $3.7 million, $2.6 million, and $1.8 million located in China, Haiti, and the U.S., respectively.
Other Income Statement Categories
Twelve Months Ended
(dollars in thousands)
April 30,
May 1,
% Change
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
$
37,978
$
35,415
7.2
%
Interest expense
-
(100.0
)%
Interest income
42.4
%
Other expense
1,359
(67.4
)%
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses
The increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses during fiscal 2023, as compared with fiscal 2022, is mostly due to higher incentive compensation expense that relates to our annual bonuses, reflecting the achievement of favorable financial results in relation to pre-established free cash flow performance targets pertaining solely to the upholstery fabrics segment and the executive shared services reporting unit.
Interest Expense
Interest expense reflects our historically low level and short duration of borrowings outstanding.
Interest Income
The increase in interest income is due primarily to higher market interest rates earned during fiscal 2023, compared with fiscal 2022.
Other Expense
Management is required to assess certain economic factors to determine the currency of the primary economic environment in which our foreign subsidiaries operate. Based on our assessments, the U.S. dollar was determined to be the functional currency of our operations located in China and Canada.
Other expense during fiscal 2023 decreased $916,000, or 67.4%, compared with fiscal 2022. This decrease primarily relates to more favorable foreign currency exchange rates applied against our balance sheet accounts denominated in Chinese Renminbi to determine the corresponding U.S. dollar financial reporting amounts. During fiscal 2023, we reported a foreign exchange rate gain of $588,000 associated with our operations located in China, compared with a foreign exchange rate loss of $(104,000) incurred during fiscal 2022. In addition, we incurred a realized loss totaling $450,000 on the sale of our remaining short-term available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investments that mostly occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, which realized loss did not recur during fiscal 2023.
The $588,000 foreign exchange rate gain related to our operations located in China was mostly non-cash, and was mostly offset by $355,000 of income tax expense, which will increase our income tax payments and withholding tax payments associated with future earnings and profits repatriated from our operations located in China to the company's U.S. parent. This income tax expense of $355,000 was associated with taxable foreign exchange rate gains based on less favorable foreign currency exchange rates applied against balance sheet accounts denominated in U.S. dollars to determine the corresponding Chinese Renminbi local currency amounts. The foreign exchange rate gains incurred on our U.S. dollar denominated balance sheet accounts associated with our operations located in China are considered taxable income, as we incur income tax expense and pay income taxes in China’s local currency.
Income Taxes
Effective Income Tax Rate & Income Tax Expense
We recorded income tax expense of $3.1 million, or (11.0)% of loss before income taxes, during fiscal 2023, compared with income tax expense of $2.9 million, or (888.0)% of loss before income taxes, during fiscal 2022.
The following schedule summarizes the principal differences between income tax expense at the federal income tax rate and the effective income tax rate reflected in the consolidated financial statements:
U.S. federal income tax rate
21.0
%
21.0
%
valuation allowance
(24.0
)
(56.3
)
global intangible low taxed income tax (GILTI)
-
(540.9
)
foreign tax rate differential
(4.0
)
(206.2
)
income tax effects of Chinese foreign exchange gains and losses
(0.9
)
(20.6
)
withholding taxes associated with foreign tax jurisdictions
(2.4
)
(172.8
)
uncertain income tax positions
(0.3
)
105.4
U.S. state income taxes
0.6
21.5
stock-based compensation
(0.3
)
(3.3
)
other (3)
(0.7
)
(35.8
)
consolidated effective income tax rate (1) (2)
(11.0
)%
(888.0
)%
(1)Our consolidated effective income tax rate during fiscal 2023 was much more negatively affected by the mix of earnings and losses between our U.S. operations and foreign subsidiaries, as compared with fiscal 2022. During fiscal 2023, we incurred a significantly higher pre-tax loss from our U.S. operations totaling $(33.5) million, compared with $(7.6) million for fiscal 2022. As a result, a significantly higher income tax benefit was not recognized due to a full valuation allowance being applied against our U.S. net deferred income tax assets during fiscal 2023, as compared with fiscal 2022. In addition, almost all of our taxable income for each of fiscal 2023 and 2022 was earned by our foreign operations located in China and Canada, which have higher income tax rates than the U.S.
(2)During fiscal 2023, we incurred a significantly higher consolidated pre-tax loss totaling $(28.4) million, compared with a much lower consolidated pre-tax loss totaling $(325,000) during fiscal 2022. As a result, the principal differences between income tax expense at the U.S. federal income tax rate and the effective income tax rate reflected in the consolidated financial statements were more pronounced for fiscal 2022, as compared with fiscal 2023.
(3)“Other” for all periods presented represents miscellaneous adjustments that pertain to U.S. permanent differences such as meals and entertainment and income tax provision to return adjustments.
GILTI
Fiscal 2022
Effective July 20, 2020, the U.S. Treasury Department finalized and enacted previously proposed regulations regarding the GILTI tax provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”). With the enactment of these final regulations, we became eligible for an exclusion from GILTI if we meet the provisions of the GILTI High-Tax exception included in these final regulations on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis. To meet the provisions of the GILTI High-Tax exception, the tested foreign entity’s effective income tax rate related to current year’s earnings must be higher than 90% of the U.S. Federal income tax rate of 21% (i.e.,18.9%).
We did not meet the GILTI High-Tax exception for the 2021 tax year regarding our operations located in China. This was due primarily to significant income tax deductible foreign exchange losses that significantly lowered income tax expense associated with current year’s earnings. As a result, the current effective income tax rate was lower than the required 18.9% current effective income tax rate to meet the GILTI High-Tax exception. Consequently, we incurred a non-cash income tax charge of $1.8 million, which charge was fully offset by a $1.8 million non-cash income tax benefit due to a corresponding reversal of our full valuation allowance associated with our U.S. net deferred income tax assets.
We did not meet the GILTI High-Tax exception for the 2022 tax year regarding our foreign operations located in Canada and Haiti. With regard to Canada, we placed several significant capital projects into service during fiscal 2022, and therefore, were eligible for a significant amount of income tax deductible accelerated depreciation. As a result, our current year’s income tax expense was much lower than prior years, and therefore, our current effective income tax rate was lower than the required 18.9% current effective income tax rate to meet the GILTI High-Tax exception. For our operations in Haiti, taxable income or losses are not subject to income tax, as we are located in an economic zone that permits a 0% income tax rate for the first fifteen years of operations, for which we have nine years remaining. Since our operations located in Haiti are not subject to income tax, our current effective income tax rate was 0%, which is lower than the required 18.9% current effective income tax rate to meet the GILTI High-Tax exception. Although our operations located in Canada and Haiti did not meet the GILTI High-Tax exception, we incurred a nominal amount of GILTI tax for the 2022 tax
year, as the losses subject to GILTI tax from our Haitian operations mostly offset the income subject to GILTI tax from our Canadian operation.
Fiscal 2023
We do not expect to pay GILTI tax for the 2023 tax year, as we expect to meet the GILTI High-Tax exception regarding our operations located in China and Canada, and we incurred taxable losses associated with our operations located in Haiti.
Deferred Income Taxes - Valuation Allowance
We evaluate the realizability of our deferred income taxes to determine if a valuation allowance is required. We assess whether a valuation allowance should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more-likely-than-not” standard, with significant weight being given to evidence that can be objectively verified. Since the company operates in multiple jurisdictions, we assess the need for a valuation allowance on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis, considering the effects of local tax law.
As of April 30, 2023, we evaluated the realizability of our U.S. net deferred income tax assets to determine if a full valuation allowance was still required. Based on our assessment, we determined we still have a recent history of significant cumulative U.S. pre-tax losses, in that we experienced U.S. pre-tax losses during each of the last three fiscal years. In addition, we are currently expecting U.S. pre-tax losses to continue into fiscal 2024. As a result of the significant weight of this negative evidence, we believe it is more-likely-than-not that our U.S. net deferred income tax assets will not be fully realizable, and therefore we provided for a full valuation allowance against our U.S. net deferred income tax assets totaling $18.7 million as of April 30, 2023.
Refer to Note 11 of the consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures regarding the valuation allowance against our U.S. net deferred income taxes.
Deferred Income Taxes - Undistributed Earnings from Foreign Subsidiaries
We assess whether the undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries will be reinvested indefinitely or eventually distributed to our U.S. parent company, and whether we are required to a record a deferred income tax liability for those undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries that will not be reinvested indefinitely. As of April 30, 2023, we assessed the liquidity requirements of our U.S. parent company and determined that our undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries would not be reinvested indefinitely and therefore, would be eventually distributed to our U.S. parent company. The conclusion reached from our assessment is consistent with prior years. Accordingly, as of April 30, 2023, we recorded a deferred income tax liability associated with our undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries of $4.2 million.
Refer to Note 11 of the consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures regarding our deferred income tax liability associated with the undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries.
Uncertainty in Income Taxes
An unrecognized income tax benefit for an uncertain income tax position can be recognized in the first interim period if the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is met by the end of the reporting period, or if the position is effectively settled through examination, negotiation, or litigation, or if the statute of limitations for the relevant taxing authority to examine and challenge the tax position has expired. If it is determined that any of the above conditions occur regarding our uncertain income tax positions, an adjustment to our unrecognized income tax benefit will be recorded at that time.
As of April 30, 2023, we had a $1.2 million total gross unrecognized income tax benefit that primarily relates to double taxation under applicable income tax treaties with foreign tax jurisdictions. At this time, significant change associated with this income tax benefit is not expected within the next fiscal year.
U.S. federal and state income tax returns filed by us remain subject to examination for income tax years 2019 and subsequent. Canadian federal income tax returns filed by us remain subject to examination for income tax years 2019 and subsequent. Canadian provincial (Quebec) income tax returns filed by us remain subject to examination for income tax years 2019 and subsequent. Income tax returns associated with our operations located in China are subject to examination for income tax year 2018 and subsequent.
Refer to Note 11 of the consolidated financial statements for disclosures and additional information regarding our uncertain income tax positions.
Income Taxes Paid
The following table sets forth income taxes paid by jurisdiction:
(dollars in thousands)
United States Federal - Transition Tax
China - Income Taxes
1,831
2,036
China - Withholding Taxes Associated with Earnings
and Profits Distribution to U.S. Parent
-
Canada - Income Taxes
$
2,324
$
3,100
Future Liquidity
We are currently projecting annual cash income tax payments of approximately $2.5 million for fiscal 2024, compared with $2.3 million and $3.1 million for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively. Our estimated cash income tax payments for fiscal 2024 are management’s current projections only and can be affected by actual earnings from our foreign subsidiaries located in China and Canada versus annual projections; changes in the foreign exchange rates associated with our operations located in China in relation to the U.S. dollar; the timing of when we will repatriate earnings and profits from China; and the timing of when significant capital projects will be placed into service, which determines the deductibility of accelerated depreciation.
Additionally, we currently do not expect to incur any income taxes in the U.S. on a cash basis during fiscal 2024 due to (i) the immediate expensing of U.S. capital expenditures, and (ii) our existing U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards. In accordance with the TCJA, we will be required to pay annual U.S. federal transition tax payments as follows: FY 2024 - $499,000; FY 2025- $665,000; and FY 2026 - $831,000.
2022 compared with 2021
For a comparison of our results of operations for the fiscal years ended May 1, 2022, and May 2, 2021, see “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 1, 2022, filed with the SEC on July 15, 2022.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overall
Currently, our sources of liquidity include cash and cash equivalents ("cash"), cash flow from operations, and amounts available under our revolving credit lines. As of April 30, 2023, we believe our cash of $21.0 million, cash flow from operations, and the current availability under our revolving credit lines totaling $32.6 million (Refer to Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements for further details) will be sufficient to fund our foreseeable business needs, capital expenditures, commitments, and contractual obligations.
As of April 30, 2023, our cash totaled $21.0 million, an increase of $5.4 million compared with $14.6 million as of May 1, 2022. The increase in cash was mostly due to (i) net cash provided by operating activities totaling $7.8 million and (ii) proceeds totaling $2.1 million from the sale of investments associated with our rabbi trust that sets aside funds for our deferred compensation plan, partially offset by (iii) capital expenditures of $2.1 million and (iv) contributions totaling $1.2 million to our rabbi trust.
Our net cash provided by operating activities was $7.8 million during fiscal 2023, an increase of $25.2 million compared with net cash used in operating activities of $(17.4) million during fiscal 2022. This trend mostly reflects (i) a reduction of inventory related to the significant decline in net sales, improved alignment of inventory purchases with current customer demand trends, and promotional programs to reduce aged raw materials and finished goods inventory; (ii) an abnormally high decrease in accounts payable due to the COVID-19 related shutdowns that affected our operations located in China during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, which decrease did not recur during fiscal 2023; (iii) annual incentive payments made during the first quarter of fiscal 2022 that did not recur during fiscal 2023, partially offset by (iv) an abnormally high decrease in accounts receivable due to COVID-19 related shutdowns that affected our operations located in China during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, which decrease did not recur during fiscal 2023, and (v) a decrease in net cash earnings during fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022.
As of April 30, 2023, there were no outstanding borrowings under our lines of credit.
The income taxes we pay also affect our liquidity. See the above section titled “Income Taxes Paid” of this Item 7 - MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION for further details.
Our cash may be adversely affected by factors beyond our control, such as (i) customer demand trends, (ii) supply chain disruptions, (iii) rising interest rates and inflation, (iv) world events (including the Russian-Ukraine war), and (v) the continuing uncertainty associated with COVID-19. These factors could cause delays in receipt of payment on accounts receivable and could increase cash disbursements due to rising prices.
By Geographic Area
A summary of our cash by geographic area follows:
April 30,
May 1,
(dollars in thousands)
United States
$
9,769
$
4,430
China
10,669
9,502
Canada
Haiti
Cayman Islands
$
20,964
$
14,550
Dividend Program
On June 29, 2022, our board of directors announced the decision to suspend the company's quarterly cash dividend. We believed that preserving capital and managing our liquidity during fiscal 2023 was in the company’s best interest to support future growth and the long-term interests of our shareholders. Accordingly, we did not make any dividend payments during fiscal 2023.
During fiscal 2022, dividend payments totaled $5.5 million, which represented quarterly dividend payments ranging from $0.11 share to $0.115.
Our board of directors has sole authority to determine if and when we will declare future dividends, and on what terms. We will continue to reassess our dividend policy each quarter. Future dividend payments will depend on earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, excess availability under our lines of credit, market and economic conditions, and other factors, including alternative investment opportunities.
Common Stock Repurchases
In March 2020, our board of directors approved an authorization for us to acquire up to $5.0 million of our common stock. Under the common stock repurchase program, shares may be purchased from time to time in open market transactions, block trades, through plans established under the Securities Exchange Act Rule 10b5-1, or otherwise. The number of shares purchased and the timing of share purchases are based on working capital requirements, market and general business conditions, and other factors, including alternative investment opportunities.
During fiscal 2023, we did not purchase any shares of common stock. As a result, as of April 30, 2023, $3.2 million is available for additional repurchases of our common stock. Despite the current share repurchase authorizations, the company does not expect to repurchase any shares through at least the first quarter of fiscal 2024.
During fiscal 2022, we repurchased 121,688 shares of our common stock at a cost of $1.8 million.
Working Capital
Operating Working Capital
Operating working capital (accounts receivable and inventories, less deferred revenue, accounts payable-trade, and accounts payable-capital expenditures) was $39.2 million as of April 30, 2023, compared with $67.7 million as of May 1, 2022. Operating working capital turnover was 4.6 during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared with 5.2 during the fourth quarter fiscal 2022. The decrease in working capital was mostly due to the significant decrease in inventory during fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022, as described in the Inventory section below.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable as of April 30, 2023, were $24.8 million, an increase of $2.6 million, or 11.5%, compared with $22.2 million as of May 1, 2022. This trend reflects an increase in net sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. Net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 were $61.4 million, an increase of $4.5 million, or 7.9%, compared with net sales of $56.9 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. The increase in net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022 is primarily due to the COVID-19 related shutdowns that affected our operations located in China during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, which shutdowns did not recur during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.
Days’ sales outstanding were 35 days for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Inventory
Inventories as of April 30, 2023, were $45.1 million, a decrease of $21.5 million, or 32.3%, compared with $66.6 million as of May 1, 2022. This trend reflects (i) a decline in inventory purchases reflecting a 20.3% decrease in net sales during fiscal 2023 compared with fiscal 2022; (ii) a $5.8 million non-cash inventory charge recorded during fiscal 2023, which includes a $2.9 million impairment charge associated with our mattress fabrics segment, $2.8 million of markdowns of inventory estimated based on our policy for aged inventory, and $98,000 that was associated with the loss on disposal and markdowns of inventory related to the exit from our cut and sew upholstery fabrics operation located in Shanghai, China; (iii) improved alignment of inventory purchases with current customer demand trends; and (iv) promotional programs to reduce aged raw materials and finished goods inventory, partially offset by (v) higher raw material, labor, and overhead costs stemming from inflationary pressures.
Inventory turns were 4.7 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, compared with 3.1 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.
Accounts Payable
Accounts payable - trade were $29.4 million as of April 30, 2023, an increase of $9.3 million, or 46.5%, compared with $20.1 million as of May 1, 2022. This increase in accounts payable - trade is primarily due to the COVID-19 related shutdowns that affected our operations located in China during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, which shutdowns did not recur during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.
Financing Arrangements, Commitments and Contingencies, and Contractual Obligations
Revolving Credit Agreements
Currently, we have revolving credit agreements with banks for our U.S. parent company and our operations located in China.
As of April 30, 2023, we did not have any outstanding borrowings associated with our revolving credit agreements.
Our loan agreements require, among other things, that we maintain compliance with certain financial covenants. As of April 30, 2023, we were in compliance with these financial covenants.
Refer to Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements for further disclosure regarding our revolving credit agreements.
Leases
Refer to Note 12 of the consolidated financial statements for disclosure of our lease obligations, which includes a five-year maturity schedule.
Capital Expenditures
As of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022, we had total amounts due regarding capital expenditures totaling $56,000 and $473,000, respectively, which pertained to outstanding vendor invoices, none of which were financed.
Uncertain Income Tax Positions
As of April 30, 2023, we had $1.2 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits, which primarily relate to double taxation under applicable income tax treaties with foreign tax jurisdictions. The outcome of these income tax uncertainties is dependent upon various matters including tax examinations, legal proceedings, competent authority proceedings, changes in regulatory tax laws, or interpretations of those tax laws, or expiration of statutes of limitation. As a result of these inherent uncertainties, we cannot reasonably estimate the timing of payment on this amount, if any.
Capital Expenditures and Depreciation Expense
Capital expenditures on a cash basis were $2.1 million during fiscal 2023, compared with $5.7 million during fiscal 2022. Capital spending during fiscal 2023 primarily related to our mattress fabrics segment, and decreased compared with fiscal 2022 as a result of our concerted effort to conserve cash and reduce capital spending due to current and expected macroeconomic conditions.
Depreciation expense was $6.8 million during fiscal 2023, compared with $7.0 million during fiscal 2022. Depreciation expense for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 mostly related to our mattress fabrics segment.
For fiscal 2024, cash capital expenditures are still expected to focus primarily on maintenance level capital spending centered on our mattress fabrics segment, but are expected to increase modestly as compared to fiscal 2023. Funding for capital expenditures is expected to be primarily from cash provided by operating activities.
Handling Costs
We record warehousing costs in SG&A expenses. These costs were $4.2 million during fiscal 2023 and $4.3 million during fiscal 2022. Warehousing costs include the operating expenses of our various finished goods distribution centers, such as personnel costs, utilities, building rent and material handling equipment, and lease expense. Had these costs been included in cost of sales, gross profit would have been $6.7 million, or 2.8% of net sales, during fiscal 2023, and $31.8 million, or 10.8% of net sales, during fiscal 2022.
Inflation
Any significant increase in our raw material costs, utility/energy costs, and general economic inflation could have a material adverse impact on the company, because competitive conditions have limited our ability to pass significant operating increases on to customers.
Near the end of fiscal 2021, our raw material costs began to escalate primarily due to rising oil prices, a higher demand environment, and labor shortages. These pressures continued during fiscal 2022, with further increases in raw material costs, particularly during the second half of the year. While the cost of raw materials began to decline during the first half of fiscal 2023 year due to lower oil prices and slowing global demand, the higher costs and lower availability of labor remained challenging throughout the year.
Inflationary pressures also affected consumer spending during the second half of fiscal 2022 and continuing throughout fiscal 2023, causing a slowdown in business in the mattress industry and residential home furnishings industry. This slowdown caused reduced demand for our mattress and residential upholstery fabrics products during this period.
Critical Accounting Estimates
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Our estimates are based on (i) currently known facts and circumstances, (ii) prior experience, (iii) assessments of probability, (iv) forecasted financial information, and (v) assumptions that management believes to be reasonable but that are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. We use our best judgment when measuring these estimates, and if warranted, use external advice. Due to the uncertain and unpredictable nature of our estimates, actual results could differ from the estimates that were previously reported in our consolidated financial statements.
As of April 30, 2023, we believe the following list represents our critical accounting estimates that have or are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations. For a discussion of all our significant accounting policies, including our critical accounting policies, refer to Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements.
Inventory Valuation
We operate as a “make-to-order” and “make-to-stock” business. Although management closely monitors demand for each product category to decide which patterns and styles to hold in inventory, the availability of low-cost imported products and shifts in consumer preferences and styles subject the company to markdowns of inventory.
Management continually examines inventory to determine if there are indicators that the carrying value exceeds its net realizable value. Historical experience has shown that the most significant indicator that would require inventory markdowns is the age of the inventory and the planned discontinuance of certain fabric patterns. As a result, we provide inventory valuation markdowns based upon set percentages for inventory aging categories of six, nine, twelve, and fifteen-months that are determined based on historical experience and judgment. Also, we provide inventory valuation write-downs based on the planned discontinuation of certain products based on current market values at the time of assessment compared with their current carrying values. While management believes that adequate markdowns for inventory have been made in the consolidated financial statements, significant unanticipated changes in demand or changes in consumer tastes and preferences could result in additional inventory markdowns in the future.
As of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022, the reserve for inventory markdowns was $11.8 million and $7.3 million, respectively.
Refer to Note 5 of the consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures regarding our assessments and conclusions reached regarding substantial losses resulting from the subsequent measurement of inventory.
Income Taxes - Valuation Allowance
We evaluate the realizability of our deferred income taxes to determine if a valuation allowance is required. We are required to assess whether a valuation allowance should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more-likely-than-not” standard, with significant weight being given to evidence that can be objectively verified. Since the company operates in multiple jurisdictions, we assess the need for a valuation allowance on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis, considering the effects of local tax law.
To determine if a valuation allowance is required or needs to be subsequently reversed, we use significant judgment when considering the effect of all positive and negative evidence identified and giving weight to that evidence. The weight given to the potential effect of positive and negative evidence is based on the extent to which it can be objectively verified. Our judgments are often based on estimates that are derived from (i) forecasted financial information, (ii) assumptions on when certain taxable or deductible events will occur, and (iii) interpretation of complex income tax laws and regulations.
As of April 30, 2023, we recorded a full valuation allowance against all our U.S. net deferred income tax assets totaling $18.7 million.
Refer to Note 11 of the consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures regarding our assessments and conclusions reached regarding our valuation allowance as of April 30, 2023.
Stock-Based Compensation
We are required to recognize compensation expense for all stock-based compensation awards in the financial statements, with the cost measured at the grant date fair value.
Compensation expense for performance-based restricted stock units is recognized based on an assessment each reporting period of the probability of whether or not certain performance targets will be met and how many shares are expected to be earned as of the end of the vesting period. If certain targets are not expected to be achieved, compensation expense will not be recorded, and any previously recognized compensation expense will be reversed. Determining the probability of the vesting of our performance-based restricted stock units requires judgment, including assumptions used to forecast future financial results. While our forecasts of future financial results represent management’s best estimates, these involve inherent uncertainties. As a result, if we revised our assumptions and estimates during the vesting period, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different than previously expected.
We estimate the fair value of our performance-based restricted stock units that have a market condition using a Monte Carlo valuation model. The Monte Carlo valuation model incorporates inputs and complex assumptions that include (i) the closing price of our common stock at the respective grant date, (ii) expected volatility of our common stock, (iii) expected volatility and correlation coefficient of our peer companies that are approved by the Compensation Committee of our board of directors, (iv) risk-free interest rate, and (v) dividend yield. The determination of the inputs and complex assumptions used, and the application of the Monte Carlo valuation model, requires significant judgment by management and advice from an external advisor.
We recorded $1.1 million, $1.1 million, and $1.3 million of compensation expense within selling, general, and administrative expense for our equity-based awards in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements for recently adopted accounting pronouncements for fiscal 2023.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Refer to Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements for recently issued accounting pronouncements for fiscal 2024 and beyond.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest Rates
We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on our revolving credit agreements.
Effective January 19, 2023, we entered into a second amended and restated U.S. revolving credit agreement (the "Amended Agreement") to establish an asset-based revolving credit facility that required interest to be charged at a rate (applicable interest rate of 6.3% as of April 30, 2023) calculated using an applicable margin over Federal Reserve Bank of New York's secured overnight fund rate (SOFR), as defined in the Amended Agreement. As of April 30, 2023, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Amended Agreement.
Our revolving credit line associated with our operations located in China bears interest at a rate determined by the Chinese government at the time of borrowing. As of April 30, 2023, there were no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit agreement associated with our operations located in China.
Foreign Currency
We are exposed to market risk from changes in the value of foreign currencies for our subsidiaries domiciled in Canada and China. We try to maintain a natural hedge by keeping a balance of our assets and liabilities denominated in the local currency of our subsidiaries domiciled in Canada and China. However, there is no assurance that we will be able to continually maintain this natural hedge. Our foreign subsidiaries use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. A substantial portion of the company’s imports purchased outside the U.S. are denominated in U.S. dollars. A 10% change in the above exchange rates as of April 30, 2023, would not have materially affected our results of operations or financial position.

---

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Culp, Inc.
Opinion on the financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Culp, Inc. (a North Carolina corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of April 30, 2023 and May 1, 2022, the related consolidated statements of net (loss) income, comprehensive (loss) income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of April 30, 2023 and May 1, 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2023, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated July 14, 2023, expressed an unqualified opinion.
Basis for opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical audit matters
Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2007.
Charlotte, North Carolina
July 14, 2023
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data and preferred and common stock shares)
April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022
ASSETS
current assets:
cash and cash equivalents
$
20,964
$
14,550
short-term investments - rabbi trust
1,404
-
accounts receivable, net
24,778
22,226
inventories
45,080
66,557
short-term note receivable
-
current income taxes receivable
-
other current assets
3,071
2,986
total current assets
95,516
107,176
property, plant and equipment, net
36,111
41,702
right of use assets
8,191
15,577
long-term investments - rabbi trust
7,067
9,357
intangible assets
2,252
2,628
long-term note receivable
1,726
-
deferred income taxes
other assets
total assets
$
152,183
$
177,563
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
current liabilities:
accounts payable - trade
$
29,442
$
20,099
accounts payable - capital expenditures
operating lease liability - current
2,640
3,219
deferred compensation
1,404
-
deferred revenue
1,192
accrued expenses
8,533
7,832
income taxes payable - current
total current liabilities
44,020
32,556
operating lease liability - long-term
3,612
7,062
income taxes payable - long-term
2,675
3,097
deferred income taxes
5,954
6,004
deferred compensation
6,842
9,343
total liabilities
63,103
58,062
commitments and contingencies (notes 10 and 12)
shareholders' equity:
preferred stock, $.05 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares
-
-
common stock, $.05 par value, authorized 40,000,000
shares, issued and outstanding 12,327,414 at April 30, 2023
and 12,228,629 at May 1, 2022
capital contributed in excess of par value
44,250
43,143
accumulated earnings
44,195
75,715
accumulated other comprehensive income
total equity
89,080
119,501
total liabilities and equity
$
152,183
$
177,563
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET (LOSS) INCOME
For the years ended April 30, 2023, May 1, 2022, and May 2, 2021
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
net sales
$
234,934
$
294,839
$
299,720
cost of sales
(224,038
)
(258,746
)
(249,888
)
gross profit
10,896
36,093
49,832
selling, general and administrative expenses
(37,978
)
(35,415
)
(37,756
)
restructuring expense
(1,396
)
-
-
(loss) income from operations
(28,478
)
12,076
interest expense
-
(17
)
(51
)
interest income
gain on bargain purchase
-
-
other expense
(443
)
(1,359
)
(2,208
)
(loss) income before income taxes
(28,390
)
(325
)
10,880
income tax expense
(3,130
)
(2,886
)
(7,693
)
income from investment in unconsolidated joint venture
-
-
net (loss) income
$
(31,520
)
$
(3,211
)
$
3,218
net (loss) income per share-basic
$
(2.57
)
$
(0.26
)
$
0.26
net (loss) income per share-diluted
$
(2.57
)
$
(0.26
)
$
0.26
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
For the years ended April 30, 2023, May 1, 2022, and May 2, 2021
net (loss) income
$
(31,520
)
$
(3,211
)
$
3,218
other comprehensive (loss) income
unrealized holding (loss) gain on investments
(13
)
(144
)
reclassification adjustment for realized loss (gain) included in
net (loss) income
-
(6
)
total unrealized (loss) gain on investments
(13
)
(114
)
comprehensive (loss) income
(31,533
)
(3,325
)
3,374
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(dollars in thousands, except common stock shares)
Capital
Accumulated
Contributed
Other
For the years ended April 30, 2023, May 1, 2022,
Common Stock
in Excess
Accumulated
Comprehensive
Total
and May 2, 2021
Shares
Amount
of Par Value
Earnings
(Loss) Income
Equity
Balance, May 3, 2020
12,284,946
$
$
42,582
$
86,511
$
(10
)
$
129,698
net income
-
-
-
3,218
-
3,218
stock-based compensation
-
-
1,251
-
-
1,251
unrealized gain on investments
-
-
-
-
common stock issued in connection with
vesting of performance-based restricted
stock units
8,843
-
-
-
-
-
immediately vested common stock awards
21,220
(1
)
-
-
-
common stock surrendered in connection
with payroll withholding taxes
(2,187
)
-
(25
)
-
-
(25
)
dividends paid
-
-
-
(5,292
)
-
(5,292
)
Balance, May 2 , 2021
12,312,822
43,807
84,437
129,006
net loss
-
-
-
(3,211
)
-
(3,211
)
stock-based compensation
-
-
1,133
-
-
1,133
unrealized loss on investments
-
-
-
-
(114
)
(114
)
common stock issued in connection with
vesting of performance-based restricted
stock units
10,863
-
-
-
-
-
immediately vested common stock awards
29,657
(1
)
-
-
-
common stock surrendered in connection
with payroll withholding taxes
(3,025
)
-
(50
)
-
-
(50
)
common stock repurchased
(121,688
)
(6
)
(1,746
)
-
-
(1,752
)
dividends paid
-
-
-
(5,511
)
-
(5,511
)
Balance, May 1, 2022
12,228,629
43,143
75,715
119,501
net loss
-
-
-
(31,520
)
-
(31,520
)
stock-based compensation
-
-
1,145
-
-
1,145
unrealized loss on investments
-
-
-
-
(13
)
(13
)
common stock issued in connection with
vesting of performance-based restricted
stock units
-
-
-
-
-
common stock issued in connection with
vesting of time-based restricted
stock units
32,799
(2
)
-
-
-
immediately vested common stock awards
71,732
(3
)
-
-
-
common stock surrendered in connection
with payroll withholding taxes
(6,728
)
-
(33
)
-
-
(33
)
Balance, April 30, 2023
12,327,414
$
$
44,250
$
44,195
$
$
89,080
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the years ended April 30, 2023, May 1, 2022, and May 2, 2021
(dollars in thousands)
cash flows from operating activities:
net (loss) income
$
(31,520
)
$
(3,211
)
$
3,218
adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities:
depreciation
6,845
6,994
6,846
non-cash inventory charges
5,819
1,927
amortization
stock-based compensation
1,145
1,133
1,251
deferred income taxes
(2
)
3,760
gain on bargain purchase
-
-
(819
)
gain on sale of property, plant, and equipment
(314
)
-
(57
)
non-cash restructuring expense
-
-
income from investment in unconsolidated joint venture
-
-
(31
)
realized loss (gain) from the sale of investments
-
(6
)
foreign currency exchange (gain) loss
(537
)
1,520
changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of
acquisition and disposal of businesses:
accounts receivable
(2,642
)
15,416
(12,117
)
inventories
15,370
(12,714
)
(8,107
)
other current assets
(297
)
(1,442
)
other assets
(1,386
)
(1,452
)
accounts payable-trade
10,274
(22,131
)
17,228
accrued expenses and deferred compensation
(5,204
)
9,457
deferred revenue
(20
)
income taxes
(907
)
net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
7,804
(17,441
)
21,478
cash flows from investing activities:
cash paid for acquisition of assets, net of cash acquired
-
-
(892
)
capital expenditures
(2,108
)
(5,695
)
(6,664
)
proceeds from the sale of property, plant, and equipment
-
proceeds from note receivable
-
-
investment in unconsolidated joint venture
-
-
(90
)
proceeds from the sale of short-term investments (available for sale)
-
9,879
proceeds from the sale and maturity of investments (held to maturity)
-
13,486
10,165
purchase of short-term investments (available for sale)
-
(4,391
)
(5,044
)
purchase of investments (held-to-maturity)
-
(9,751
)
(8,173
)
proceeds from the sale of investments (rabbi trust)
2,058
purchase of long-term investments (rabbi trust)
(1,185
)
(1,088
)
(619
)
net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(752
)
2,496
(10,680
)
cash flows from financing activities:
proceeds from lines of credit
-
9,000
-
payments associated with lines of credit
-
(9,000
)
(30,772
)
payments associated with Paycheck Protection Program loan
-
-
(7,606
)
dividends paid
-
(5,511
)
(5,292
)
repurchases of common stock
-
(1,752
)
-
common stock surrendered for payroll withholding taxes
(33
)
(50
)
(25
)
payments for debt issuance costs
(403
)
(110
)
(15
)
net cash used in financing activities
(436
)
(7,423
)
(43,710
)
effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(202
)
(91
)
increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
6,414
(22,459
)
(32,781
)
cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
14,550
37,009
69,790
cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
20,964
$
14,550
$
37,009
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Description of Business
Our operations are classified into two business segments: mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics.
Mattress Fabrics
The mattress fabrics segment manufactures, sources, and sells fabrics and mattress covers primarily to bedding manufacturers. Currently, we have mattress fabric operations located in Stokesdale, NC and Quebec, Canada. During the last half of fiscal 2023, we rationalized our domestic cut and sewn cover platform, which included the termination of agreements to lease two facilities located in High Point, NC and moving our R&D and prototyping capabilities from these facilities to our facility located in Stokesdale, North Carolina.
Additionally, we acquired the remaining fifty percent ownership interest in our former unconsolidated joint venture located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. As a result, we are now the sole owner with full control of this cut and sew mattress cover operation (see Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements for further details regarding this business combination).
Upholstery Fabrics
The upholstery fabrics segment develops, sources, manufactures, and sells fabrics primarily to residential and commercial furniture manufacturers. We have upholstery fabric operations located in Shanghai, China and Burlington, NC. During the third quarter of fiscal 2022, we also commenced operation of a new facility in Ouanaminthe, Haiti dedicated to the production of cut and sewn upholstery kits. However, due to the decline in demand for cut and sewn upholstery kits, we terminated the agreement to lease this new facility during the third quarter of fiscal 2023, and we relocated a scaled down upholstery cut and sewn operation into our existing mattress cover facility also located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.
Additionally, Read Window Products, LLC (“Read”), a wholly-owned subsidiary with operations located in Knoxville, TN, provides window treatments and sourcing of upholstery fabrics and other products, as well as measuring and installation for Read’s products, to customers in the hospitality and commercial industries. Read also supplies soft goods such as decorative top sheets, coverlets, duvet covers, bed skirts, bolsters, and pillows.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements of the company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Certain amounts presented in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period financial statement presentation. Non-cash charges totaling $1.9 million and $882,000 for markdowns of inventory estimated based on our policy for aged inventory were reclassified from the line item "inventories" to the line item "non-cash inventory charges" in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended May 1, 2022, and May 2, 2021, respectively. These reclassifications did not have an on effect on previously reported net cash (used in) provided by operating activities and increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.
Principles of Consolidation
Overall
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accounts of our subsidiary located in Shanghai, China, are consolidated as of April 30, a calendar month end, which is required by the Chinese government. No events occurred related to the difference between our fiscal year end on the Sunday closest to April 30 and our Chinese subsidiary's year end of April 30 that materially affected the company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Class International Holdings, Ltd. (CIH)
Equity Method of Accounting and Consolidation
Effective January 1, 2017, Culp International Holdings, Ltd. (Culp International), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Culp, Inc. (“Culp”), entered into a joint venture agreement pursuant to which Culp International owned 50% of CIH.
As a result of our initial 50% ownership interest, Culp’s investment in CIH was accounted for under the equity method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 823 - Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures. The equity method of accounting is required for an investee entity (i.e., CIH) that is not consolidated but over which the reporting entity (i.e., Culp.) exercises significant influence. Whether or not a reporting entity exercises significant influence with respect to an investee depends on an evaluation of several factors, including representation on the investee’s board of directors, voting rights, and ownership level. In accordance with the equity method of accounting, our 50% proportionate share of earnings from CIH were reflected in the caption “income from investment in unconsolidated joint venture” in the Consolidated Statement of Net Income for the first nine months of fiscal 2021.
Effective February 1, 2021, Culp International entered into a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire the remaining 50% ownership interest in CIH. Pursuant to this transaction, Culp International is now the sole owner with full control over CIH. As a result, effective February 1, 2021, our consolidated financial statements now include all of the accounts of CIH, and any significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Furthermore, the equity method of accounting will no longer be used and the former investment in unconsolidated joint venture is now included in the net assets of our now 100% interest in CIH. (see Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements for further details regarding this business combination).
Fiscal Year
Our fiscal year is the 52 or 53-week period ending on the Sunday closest to April 30. Fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021 each included 52-week periods.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposit and money market accounts. We consider all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
A summary of our cash and cash equivalents by geographic area follows:
April 30,
May 1,
(dollars in thousands)
United States
$
9,769
$
4,430
China
10,669
9,502
Canada
Haiti
Cayman Islands
$
20,964
$
14,550
Throughout the year, we have cash balances regarding our U.S. operations of more than the federally insured amounts on deposit with a financial institution. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts. Management believes we are not exposed to any significant credit risk related to cash and cash equivalents.
Rabbi Trust Investments
We have a rabbi trust to set aside funds for participants of our deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) that enables our participants to credit their contributions to various investment options of the Plan. The investments associated with the rabbi trust consist of investments in a money market fund and various mutual funds that are classified as available-for-sale.
Our rabbi trust investments classified as available-for-sale were recorded at their fair value of $8.5 million and $9.4 million as of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022, respectively. These investments had accumulated unrealized gains totaling $19,000 and $32,000 as of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022, respectively. The fair value of our investments associated with our rabbi trust approximates their cost basis and reside with our U.S. operations.
Accounts Receivable and Current Expected Credit Losses
Substantially all our accounts receivable were due from manufacturers in the bedding and furniture industries. We grant credit to customers and generally do not require collateral. We record an allowance for doubtful accounts that reflects estimates of probable credit losses. As of the end of each reporting period, we assess the credit risk of our customers within our accounts receivable portfolio. Our risk assessment includes the respective customer’s (i) financial position; (ii) past payment history; (iii) management’s general ability; and (iv) historical loss experience; as well as (v) any other ongoing economic conditions. After our risk assessment is completed, we assign credit grades to our customers, which in turn, are used to determine our allowance for doubtful accounts. We do not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to our customers.
Inventories
We account for inventories at the lower of first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost or net realizable value. Management continuously examines inventory to determine if there are indicators that the carrying value exceeds its net realizable value. Experience has shown that the most significant indicators of the need for inventory markdowns are the age of the inventory and the planned discontinuance of certain patterns. As a result, we provide inventory valuation write-downs based upon established percentages based on the age of the inventory that are continually evaluated as events and market conditions require. Our inventory aging categories are six, nine, twelve, and fifteen months. We also provide inventory valuation write-downs based on the planned discontinuance of certain patterns based on the current market values at that time as compared to their current carrying values.
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Major renewals and betterments are capitalized. Maintenance, repairs, and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. When properties or equipment are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts. Amounts received on disposal greater than or less than the book value of assets sold are credited or charged to (loss) income from operations.
Management reviews long-lived assets, which consist principally of property, plant, and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recovered. Recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the asset. After the impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying amount is the new accounting basis. Assets to be disposed of by sale are reported at the lower of the carrying value or fair value less cost to sell when the company has committed to a disposal plan and would be reported separately as assets held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Interest Costs
No interest costs were incurred during fiscal 2023. Total interest costs incurred were $17,000 and $51,000 during fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively.
We capitalize interest costs incurred on funds used to construct property, plant, and equipment. The capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset to which it relates and is depreciated over the asset’s estimated useful life. No interest costs for the construction of qualifying fixed assets were capitalized during fiscal 2023, 2022, or 2021.
Foreign Currency Adjustments
The United States dollar is the functional currency for the company’s Canadian and Chinese subsidiaries. All monetary foreign currency asset and liability accounts are remeasured into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. Non-monetary assets and liabilities such as property, plant, and equipment and right of use assets are recorded at historical exchange rates. Foreign currency revenues and expenses are remeasured at average exchange rates in effect during the year, except for certain expenses related to balance sheet amounts remeasured at historical exchange rates, such as depreciation expense. Exchange gains and losses from remeasurement of foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities are recorded in the other expense line item in the Consolidated Statements of Net (Loss) Income in the period in which they occur.
A summary of our foreign currency exchange gains (losses) by geographic area follows:
(dollars in thousands)
China
$
$
(104
)
$
(1,389
)
Canada
(88
)
(28
)
(22
)
$
$
(132
)
$
(1,411
)
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
In accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, our business was classified into three reporting units during fiscal 2023: mattress fabrics, upholstery fabrics, and Read.
ASC Topic 350 requires us to assess indefinite-lived intangible assets such as our tradename for impairment annually (the last day of our fiscal year) or between annual tests if we believe certain indicators of impairment exist. Such indicators could include but are not limited to (1) deterioration in the environment of the industry and markets in which we operate, (2) unanticipated competition, (3) a deterioration in general economic conditions, (4) an overall decline in financial performance, such as negative and declining cash flows, or a decline in actual or planned revenue or earnings compared with actual and projected results or relevant prior periods, and (5) a decrease in the price per share of our common stock. As a result, we first assess qualitative factors, such as the indicators outlined above, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of our tradename is less than its carrying amount. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our tradename is less than its carrying amount, we would conduct a quantitative impairment test. The quantitative impairment test would involve comparing the fair value of our tradename with its carrying value. We would estimate the fair value of our tradename using an income, discounted cash flows, or market approach, as appropriate, that would require management assumptions (i.e., unobservable inputs). If the carrying amount of our tradename exceeds the tradename's fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
No asset impairment charges were recorded during fiscal 2023, 2022, or 2021, as it relates to indefinite-lived intangible assets. See Note 7 of the consolidated financial statements for further details of our assessments of impairment, conclusions reached, and the performance of our quantitative test relating to our indefinite-live intangible asset (i.e. tradename).
Income Taxes
Deferred Income Taxes - Overall
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of our assets, liabilities, U.S. loss carryforwards, and foreign income tax credits at income tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized or settled. The effect on deferred income taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax (expense) benefit in the period that includes the enactment date.
Deferred Income Taxes - Valuation Allowance
We evaluate our deferred income taxes to determine if a valuation allowance is required. We assess whether a valuation allowance should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more-likely-than-not” standard, with significant weight being given to evidence that can be objectively verified. Since we operate in multiple jurisdictions, we assess the need for a valuation allowance on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis, considering the effects of local tax law.
Deferred Income Taxes - Undistributed Earnings from Foreign Subsidiaries
We assess whether the undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries will be reinvested indefinitely or eventually distributed to our U.S. parent company. We are required to record a deferred tax liability for undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries that will not be reinvested indefinitely. As a result of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a U.S. corporation is allowed a 100% dividend received deduction for earnings and profits received from a 10% owned foreign corporation. Therefore, a deferred tax liability will only be required for unremitted withholding taxes associated with earnings and profits generated by our foreign subsidiaries that will ultimately be repatriated to the U.S. parent company.
Uncertain Income Tax Positions
We recognize an income tax benefit for a tax position taken or expected to be taken on an income tax return if the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is met by the end of the reporting period, or is effectively settled through examination, litigation, or negotiation, or if the statute of limitations for the relevant taxing authority to examine and challenge the tax position has expired. The income tax
effect recognized in the financial statements from such a position is measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. Penalties and interest related to uncertain income tax positions are recorded as income tax expense. Significant judgment is required in the identification of uncertain income tax positions and in the estimation of penalties and interest on uncertain income tax positions.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized upon the transfer of control of promised products or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services.We determined that our customer purchase orders represent contracts. In addition to customer purchase orders, we also have supply contracts with certain customers that define standard terms and conditions. Our contracts generally include promises to sell upholstery fabrics, mattress fabrics, or home goods products. In addition, we provide fabrication and installation services for our own products associated with customized window treatments.
Revenue associated with sales of our products is recognized at the point in time when control of the promised goods has been transferred to the customer. The point in time when control transfers to the customer depends on the contractually agreed upon shipping terms, but typically occurs once the product has been shipped or once it has been delivered to a location specified by the customer. For certain warehousing arrangements, transfer of control to the customer is deemed to have occurred when the customer pulls the inventory for use in their production.
Revenue associated with our customized fabrication services, which are performed on various types of window treatments, is recognized over time once the customized products are deemed to have no alternative use and for which we have an enforceable right to payment for the services performed. Revenue for our customized fabrication services is recognized over time using the output method based on units produced. Revenue associated with our installation services for our own products is also recognized over time as the customer receives and consumes the benefits of the promised installation services. Revenue associated with our installation services is recognized over time using the output method based on units installed.
Transaction Price
The transaction price is typically allocated to performance obligations based upon stand-alone selling prices. We did not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations as substantially all of any unsatisfied performance obligations as of April 30, 2023, will be satisfied within one year or less.
Revenue Measurement
Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for the transfer of the promised products and services. The amount of consideration we expect to receive changes due to variable consideration associated with allowances for sales returns, early payment discounts, and volume rebates that we offer to customers. The amount of variable consideration included in the transaction price is only included in net sales to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period.
Our mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics segments only allow product returns to the extent that the products or services did not meet the contractually agreed upon specifications at the time of sale. Customers must receive authorization prior to returning products. Estimates of allowances for sales returns are based on historical data, current potential product return issues, and known sales returns for which customers have been granted authorization. Known sales returns for which customers have been granted permission to return products for a refund or credit continue to be recorded as a contra account receivable. Estimates for potential future sales returns and related customer accommodations are recorded within accrued expenses. We record estimates for sales returns on a gross basis rather than a net basis, and an estimate for a right of return asset is recorded in other current assets and cost of goods sold. Variable consideration associated with early payment cash discounts are estimated using current payment trends and historical data on a customer-by-customer basis. The variable consideration associated with volume rebates is based on the portion of the rebate earned relative to the total amount of rebates the customer is expected to earn over the rebate period, as determined using historical data and projections.
We evaluated the nature of our warranties related to our contracts with customers and determined that any such warranties are assurance-type warranties that cover only compliance with agreed upon specifications, and therefore are not considered separate performance obligations.
Shipping and Handling Costs
Revenue received for shipping and handling costs, which is immaterial for all periods presented, is included in net sales. Shipping costs, principally freight, that comprise payments to third-party shippers are classified as cost of sales. Handling costs represent finished goods
warehousing costs incurred to store, move, and prepare products for shipment in the company’s various distribution facilities. Handling costs were $4.2 million, $4.3 million, and $3.9 million during fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Sales and Other Taxes
Sales and other taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis and, as such, are excluded from revenues.
Leases
We lease manufacturing facilities, office space, distribution centers, and equipment under operating lease arrangements. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at its inception if it conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Operating leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We account for lease components separately from non-lease components. We recognize a right of use asset and lease liability on the commencement date of a lease arrangement based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term.
A lease term may include renewal options if it is reasonably certain that the option to renew a lease period will be exercised. A renewal option is considered reasonably certain to be exercised if there is a significant economic incentive to exercise the renewal option on the date a lease arrangement is commenced.
For our leases, an estimated incremental borrowing rate (“IBR”) is utilized, based on information available at the inception of the lease. The IBR represents an estimate of the interest rate we would use at lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of the lease.
Stock-Based Compensation
Our equity incentive plans are described more fully in Note 13 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements. ASC Topic 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation”, requires that all stock-based compensation be recognized as compensation expense in the financial statements and that such cost be measured at the grant date for awards issued to employees and the company’s board of directors. Compensation expense for time-vested restricted stock unit awards is amortized on a straight-line basis over the respective vesting period. Compensation expense for performance-based restricted stock unit awards is recorded based on an assessment each reporting period to determine the probability of whether or not certain performance targets will be met and how many common stock shares are expected to be earned as of the end of the vesting period. If certain performance targets are not expected to be achieved, compensation expense will not be recorded, and any previously recognized compensation expense will be reversed.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include certain financial instruments, and the fair market value of such instruments may differ from amounts reflected on a historical basis. These financial instruments include our short-term and long-term investments related to a rabbi trust that sets aside funds for participants in our deferred compensation plan and are classified as available-for-sale. The fair value measurements of our financial instruments are described more fully in Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements.
The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate their fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
There were not any recently adopted accounting pronouncements affecting our consolidated financial statements during fiscal 2023.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Currently, there are no new accounting pronouncements that are expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
2.BUSINESS COMBINATION ACHIEVED IN STAGES
Overview
Effective January 1, 2017, Culp International Holdings, Ltd. (“Culp International”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, entered into a joint venture agreement pursuant to which Culp International owned 50% of CLASS International Holdings, Ltd. (“CIH). CIH produces cut and sewn mattress covers housed in two facilities totaling 120,000 square feet, located in a modern industrial park on the northeastern border of Haiti. Effective February 1, 2021 (sometimes referred to as the “acquisition date”), Culp International entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with its former joint venture partner pursuant to which Culp International acquired the remaining 50% ownership interest in CIH.
Prior to the acquisition of the remaining 50% ownership interest in CIH, we accounted for our initial 50% ownership interest in CIH as an unconsolidated joint venture under the equity method of accounting. In connection with the acquisition of the remaining 50% ownership interest in CIH, our consolidated financial statements now include all of the accounts of CIH, and any significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The consideration transferred for our now-100% ownership interest in connection with this acquisition totaled $2.7 million, of which $1.7 million represented the fair value of our previously held 50% ownership interest in CIH, and $954,000 represented the purchase price that was mostly paid at closing on February 1, 2021, for the remaining 50% ownership interest in CIH. We remeasured our previously held 50% ownership interest in CIH at its acquisition date fair value. As of the acquisition date, the fair value of our previously held 50% ownership interest totaling $1.7 million represented its carrying amount, and therefore, no gain or loss was recognized in earnings for the remeasurement of our previously held 50% ownership interest.
Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
The following table presents the final allocation of the consideration transferred to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values.
(dollars in thousands)
Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents
$
Accounts receivable
Inventory
Right of use assets
2,544
Equipment and leasehold improvements
Accounts payable
(155
)
Fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed
3,497
Gain on bargain purchase
(819
)
$
2,678
Equipment and leasehold improvements are being depreciated on a straight-line basis over their remaining useful lives ranging from 1 to 10 years.
Gain on Bargain Purchase
Concurrent with our acquisition of the remaining 50% ownership interest in CIH, our former joint venture partner sold its mattress related business to a third party. Our acquisition of the remaining 50% ownership interest in CIH was undertaken due to this sale and the terms negotiated in connection therewith. As a result, the $3.5 million fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed exceeded the consideration transferred of $2.7 million. Consequently, we (i) reassessed the recognition and measurement of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and our previously held ownership interest; (ii) gained an understanding of why there was a bargain purchase; and (iii) reviewed the rebate and supply agreements that were executed concurrent with the Share Purchase Agreement described below. As part of our review of the rebate and supply agreements, we verified that the terms of these agreements were consistent with fair market value terms and are considered separate transactions and not considered part of the business combination. Accordingly, this acquisition has been accounted for as a bargain purchase and, as a result, we recognized a gain of $819,000, which was reported in the line-item “gain on bargain purchase” in the fiscal 2021 Consolidated Statement of Net Income.
Separate Transactions
Supply and Rebate Agreements
In connection with the Share Purchase Agreement, we entered into supply and rebate agreements with an affiliated company of our former joint venture partner to secure plant capacity utilization and preserve sales channels of certain mattress fabric products. The supply and rebate agreements were effective as of the acquisition date and based on future sales orders consistent with current market conditions.
The transactions associated with the supply and rebate agreements were accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 606 Revenue from Contract with Customers. During fiscal 2023, 2022 and the period from February 1, 2021, through May 2, 2021, shipments pursuant to the supply agreement were $198,000, $1.6 million and $379,000, respectively. During fiscal 2023, there was no charge pursuant to the rebate agreement as the terms of the rebate agreement were not met. During fiscal 2022 and the period from February 1, 2021, through May 2, 2021, charges of $73,000 and $25,000 pursuant to the rebate agreement were included in net sales in the Consolidated Statement of Net (Loss) Income for the respective periods.
Acquisition-Related Costs
Acquisition-related costs totaling $30,000 were included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the fiscal 2021 Consolidated Statement of Net Income.
Other
Actual revenue and net loss from the acquisition date of February 1, 2021, through May 2, 2021, included in our fiscal 2021 Consolidated Statement of Net Income totaled $379,000 and $(2,000), respectively.
(Unaudited) Pro Forma Financial Information
The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for the fiscal year ending May 2, 2021, has been prepared as if this acquisition had occurred on April 29, 2019.
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
May 2,
Net Sales
$
300,995
Income from operations
$
12,138
Net income
$
2,430
Net income per share - basic
$
0.20
Net income per share - diluted
$
0.20
The unaudited pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved had the acquisition been consummated as of that time, nor is it intended to be a projection of future results.
Equity Method of Accounting
In accordance with the equity method of accounting, we reported our previous 50% proportionate share of net income of CIH as a separate line titled “income from investment in consolidated joint venture” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Net (Loss) Income. Our 50% proportionate share of the net income of the unconsolidated joint venture was $31,000 during fiscal 2021.
3.ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
A summary of accounts receivable follows:
April 30,
May 1,
(dollars in thousands)
customers
$
25,244
$
22,613
allowance for doubtful accounts
(342
)
(292
)
allowance for cash discounts
(96
)
(74
)
reserve for returns and allowances and discounts
(28
)
(21
)
$
24,778
$
22,226
A summary of the activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts follows:
(dollars in thousands)
beginning balance
$
(292
)
$
(591
)
$
(472
)
provision for bad debts
(121
)
(119
)
write-offs, net of recoveries
-
ending balance
$
(342
)
$
(292
)
$
(591
)
As of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022, we assessed the credit risk of our customers within our accounts receivable portfolio. Our risk assessment includes the respective customer’s (i) financial position; (ii) past payment history; (iii) management’s general ability; and (iv) historical loss experience; as well as (v) any other ongoing economic conditions. After our risk assessment was completed, we assigned credit grades to our customers, which in turn were used to determine our allowance for doubtful accounts totaling $342,000 and $292,000 as of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022, respectively.
A summary of the activity in the allowance for returns and allowances and discounts follows:
(dollars in thousands)
beginning balance
$
(95
)
$
(138
)
$
(84
)
provision for returns and allowances and discounts
(1,212
)
(1,386
)
(1,665
)
credits issued and discounts taken
1,183
1,429
1,611
ending balance
$
(124
)
$
(95
)
$
(138
)
Bankruptcy Proceedings
On June 25, 2022, a significant customer and its affiliates associated with our mattress fabrics segment announced that they filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Our customer and its affiliates entered into an asset purchase agreement for the sale of substantially all of their assets, and the new owner is now conducting normal operations. We did not record a credit loss associated with outstanding accounts receivable dated on or prior to May 1, 2022, for this customer and its affiliates, as we received payment in full regarding these invoices. We did not record a credit loss associated with outstanding accounts receivable dated after May 1, 2022, relating to products sold prior to the bankruptcy filing, as we received payment in full regarding these invoices.
On January 23, 2023, a significant customer and its affiliates associated with our mattress fabrics segment filed pre-planned voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Our customer and its affiliates are operating as a debtors-in-possession and subject to and within the provisions of the petitions as approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. We did not record a credit loss associated with outstanding accounts receivable for this customer and its affiliates, in connection with products sold prior to the bankruptcy filing, as we received payment in full regarding these invoices during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. As of April 30, 2023, based on information available at this time, we do not believe there is a risk of material credit loss associated with outstanding accounts receivable with this customer, as we are selling products based on credit terms, and we are being paid in the normal course of business.
4.REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
Nature of Performance Obligations
Our operations are classified into two business segments: mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics. The mattress fabrics segment manufactures, sources, and sells fabrics and mattress covers primarily to bedding manufacturers. The upholstery fabrics segment develops, manufactures, sources, and sells fabrics primarily to residential and commercial furniture manufacturers. In addition, the upholstery fabrics segment includes Read, which provides window treatments and sourcing of upholstery fabrics and other products, as well as measuring and installation services for Read’s products, to customers in the hospitality and commercial industries. Read also supplies soft goods such as decorative top sheets, coverlets, duvet covers, bed skirts, bolsters, and pillows.
Our primary performance obligations include the sale of mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics, as well as the performance of customized fabrication and installation services for Read’s products associated with window treatments.
Significant Judgments
See Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements for disclosure of our accounting policies regarding our significant judgments associated with revenue recognition, determining our transaction prices, and revenue measurement.
Contract Assets & Liabilities
Certain contracts relating to customized fabrication and installation services associated with Read require upfront customer deposits that result in a contract liability which is recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as deferred revenue. If upfront deposits or prepayments are not required, customers may be granted terms which generally range from 15-60 days. Our terms are customary within the industries in which we operate and are not considered financing arrangements.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, we entered into a contract with an upholstery fabrics customer that required the customer to pay us an upfront license fee payment totaling $250,000 to use a certain trademark for a period of three years commencing in fiscal 2024 and extending through fiscal 2026.
There were no contract assets recognized as of April 30, 2023, or May 1, 2022.
A summary of the activity of deferred revenue follows:
(dollars in thousands)
Fiscal 2023
Fiscal 2022
Fiscal 2021
Beginning Balance
$
$
$
Revenue recognized on contract liabilities
(4,885
)
(3,434
)
(2,459
)
Payments received for services not yet rendered
5,557
3,414
2,497
Ending Balance
$
1,192
$
$
As of April 30, 2023, total deferred revenue of $1.2 million pertained to (i) upfront customer deposits associated with customized fabrication and installation services related to Read totaling $942,000 and (ii) an upfront license fee paid to us for the licensing of a certain trademark to be used by an upholstery fabrics customer totaling $250,000. As of May 1, 2022, the entire deferred revenue amount of $520,000 represented upfront customer deposits associated with customized fabrication and installation services related to Read.
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table presents our disaggregated revenue related to operations by segment, timing of revenue recognition, and product sales versus services rendered for fiscal 2023:
(dollars in thousands)
Mattress
Fabrics
Upholstery
Fabrics
Total
Products transferred at a point in time
$
110,995
$
114,996
$
225,991
Services transferred over time
-
8,943
8,943
Total Net Sales
$
110,995
$
123,939
$
234,934
The following table presents our disaggregated revenue related to operations by segment, timing of revenue recognition, and product sales versus services rendered for fiscal 2022:
(dollars in thousands)
Mattress
Fabrics
Upholstery
Fabrics
Total
Products transferred at a point in time
$
152,159
$
133,622
$
285,781
Services transferred over time
-
9,058
9,058
Total Net Sales
$
152,159
$
142,680
$
294,839
The following table presents our disaggregated revenue related to operations by segment, timing of revenue recognition, and product sales versus services rendered for fiscal 2021:
(dollars in thousands)
Mattress
Fabrics
Upholstery
Fabrics
Total
Products transferred at a point in time
$
157,671
$
133,501
$
291,172
Services transferred over time
-
8,548
8,548
Total Net Sales
$
157,671
$
142,049
$
299,720
5.INVENTORIES
A summary of inventories follows:
(dollars in thousands)
April 30,
May 1,
raw materials
$
7,908
$
13,477
work-in-process
2,602
4,237
finished goods
34,570
48,843
$
45,080
$
66,557
Substantial and Unusual Losses Resulting from Subsequent Measurement of Inventory
We incurred non-cash inventory charges totaling $5.8 million during fiscal 2023, which represents a $2.9 million impairment charge associated with our mattress fabrics segment; a total of $2.8 million related to markdowns of inventory in both segments that were estimated based on our policy for aged inventory; and $98,000 for the loss on disposal and markdowns of inventory related to the exit of our cut and sewn upholstery fabrics operation located in Shanghai, China (see Note 9 of the consolidated financial statements for further details).
We incurred non-cash inventory charges of $1.9 million and $882,000 during fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively, which represent markdowns of inventory in both segments that were based on our policy of aged inventory.
Mattress Fabrics Segment - Net Realizable Value
During the second quarter of fiscal 2023, our mattress fabrics segment experienced a 35.8% decline in net sales compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2022. This decline in net sales led to a significant decrease in gross margin to (8.7%), excluding non-cash inventory charges of $3.8 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2023, as compared with a gross margin of 15% during the second quarter of fiscal 2022. The significant decline in net sales and profitability during the second quarter of fiscal 2023 stemmed from a greater than anticipated decline in consumer discretionary spending on mattress products, which we believed was due to the following factors: (i) inflationary effects of commodities such as gas, food, and other necessities; (ii) a significant increase in interest rates; (iii) the pulling forward of demand for home goods products during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic, which demand subsequently shifted to travel, leisure, and other services; and (iv) excess inventory held by customers due to a decline in consumer demand. Based on this evidence, as of October 30, 2022 (the end of our second quarter of fiscal 2023), management conducted a thorough review of our mattress fabrics inventory, and as a result, recorded a charge of $2.9 million within cost of sales to write down inventory to its net realizable value. This $2.9 million charge was based on management's estimates of product sales prices, customer demand trends, and its plans to transition to new products.
As of January 29, 2023 (the end of our third quarter of fiscal 2023), and April 30, 2023 (the end of fiscal 2023), we reviewed our mattress fabrics inventory to determine if additional write-downs of inventory that were not recorded based on our policy for aged inventory were necessary. Based on this assessment, no additional write-downs of inventory to their net realizable value were recorded during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2023.
Based on current unfavorable macroeconomic conditions, it is possible that estimates used by management to determine the write down of inventory to its net realizable value could be materially different from its actual value or our ultimate results. These differences could result in higher than expected inventory provisions, which could adversely affect the company's results of operations and financial condition in the near term.
6.PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT
A summary of property, plant, and equipment follows:
(dollars in thousands)
depreciable lives
(in years)
April 30,
May 1,
land and improvements
0-10
$
$
buildings and improvements
7-40
30,411
31,628
leasehold improvements
**
2,368
3,474
machinery and equipment
3-15
68,070
67,827
data processing equipment and software
3-7
8,241
8,706
office furniture and equipment
3-10
1,443
1,643
capital projects in progress
111,935
114,838
accumulated depreciation
(75,824
)
(73,136
)
$
36,111
$
41,702
** Shorter of life of lease or useful life.
7.INTANGIBLE ASSETS
A summary of intangible assets follows:
(dollars in thousands)
April 30,
May 1,
Tradename
$
$
Customer relationships, net
1,335
1,636
Non-compete agreement, net
$
2,252
$
2,628
Tradename
Our tradename pertains to Read, a separate reporting unit within our upholstery fabrics segment. This tradename was determined to have an indefinite useful life at the time of its acquisition, and therefore is not being amortized. However, we are required to assess this tradename annually or between annual tests if we believe indicators of impairment exist. Accordingly, we performed an annual assessment of Read's tradename as of April 30, 2023. First, we performed a qualitative assessment to determine if any impairment indicators existed. Based on this assessment we concluded that indicators of impairment did exist, such as unfavorable financial performance in that we have incurred net operating losses during the last two fiscal years, which stem from (i) tight labor supply and wage inflation; (ii) processing and pricing inefficiencies associated with customization and installation services; (iii) an unfavorable mix of small scale and larger scale projects; and (iv) changes in management and key personnel. Consequently, we conducted a quantitative impairment test to determine the fair value of Read's tradename by calculating Read's future discounted cash flows based on management's assumptions that involve unobservable inputs such as (i) discount rate, (ii) future growth rates, (iii) changes in working capital, and (iv) effect of strategic actions to be performed by management to address recent operating inefficiencies. Based on the
results of our quantitative impairment test, the fair value of Read's tradename exceeded its carrying amount, and therfore, no impairment was noted as of April 30, 2023.
Customer Relationships
A summary of the change in the carrying amount of our customer relationships follows:
(dollars in thousands)
beginning balance
$
1,636
$
1,937
$
2,238
amortization expense
(301
)
(301
)
(301
)
ending balance
1,335
1,636
1,937
Our customer relationships are amortized on a straight-line basis over useful lives ranging from nine to seventeen years.
The gross carrying amount of our customer relationships was $3.1 million as of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022. Accumulated amortization for these customer relationships was $1.8 million and $1.5 million as of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022, respectively.
The remaining amortization expense for the next five fiscal years and thereafter follows: FY 2024 - $301,000; FY 2025 - $301,000; FY 2026 - $301,000; FY 2027 - $278,000; FY 2028 - $52,000; and thereafter - $102,000.
The weighted average amortization period for our customer relationships is 4.8 years as of April 30, 2023.
Non-Compete Agreement
A summary of the change in the carrying amount of our non-compete agreement follows:
(dollars in thousands)
beginning balance
$
$
$
amortization expense
(75
)
(75
)
(75
)
ending balance
$
$
Our non-compete agreement is associated with a prior acquisition by our mattress fabrics segment and is amortized on a straight-line basis over the fifteen-year life of the agreement.
The gross carrying amount of this non-compete agreement was $2.0 million as of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022. Accumulated amortization for this non-compete agreement was $1.6 million as of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022.
The remaining amortization expense for the next five years and thereafter follows: FY 2024 - $76,000; FY 2025 - $76,000; FY 2026 - $76,000; FY 2027 - $76,000; and FY 2028 - $73,000.
The weighted average amortization period for the non-compete agreement is 5.0 years as of April 30, 2023.
Impairment - Mattress Fabrics Segment
As of October 30, 2022 (the end of our second quarter of fiscal 2023), management reviewed the long-lived assets associated with our mattress fabrics segment, which consisted of property, plant, and equipment, right of use assets, and finite-lived intangible assets (collectively known as the "Mattress Asset Group"), for impairment, as events and changes in circumstances occurred that indicated the carrying amount of the Mattress Asset Group may not be recoverable. During the second quarter of fiscal 2023, our mattress fabrics segment experienced a 35.8% decline in net sales compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2022. This decline in net sales led to a significant decrease in gross margin to (23.1%) during the second quarter of 2023, compared with gross margin of 15.0% during second quarter of fiscal 2022. The significant decline in net sales and profitability during the second quarter of fiscal 2023 stemmed from a greater than anticipated decline in consumer discretionary spending on mattress products, which we believed was due to the following factors: (i) inflationary effects of commodities such as gas, food, and other necessities; (ii) a significant increase in interest rates; (iii) the pulling forward of demand for home goods products during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic, which demand subsequently shifted to travel, leisure, and other services; and (iv) excess inventory held by customers due to a decline in consumer demand.
Based on the above evidence, we were required to determine the recoverability of the Mattress Asset Group, which was classified as held and used, by comparing the carrying amount of the Mattress Asset Group to the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows expected
to result from its use and eventual disposition. If the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds its estimated future undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the excess of the carrying amount over the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows of the asset group. As of October 30, 2022, the carrying amount of the Mattress Asset Group totaled $38.8 million, which related to property, plant, and equipment of $35.9 million, right of use assets of $2.1 million, a non-compete agreement of $414,000, and customer relationships of $383,000. The total carrying amount of the Mattress Asset Group did not exceed the sum of its future undiscounted cash flows from its use and eventual disposition. As a result, we determined no impairment associated with the Mattress Asset Group existed as of October 30, 2022.
Since the end of the second quarter on October 30, 2022, and through the end of fiscal 2023, our mattress fabrics segment remained unprofitable, as it incurred operating losses totaling $(4.2) million and $(2.5) million during the third quarter and fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, respectively. As of April 30, 2023, the carrying amount of the Mattress Asset Group totaled $36.8 million, which represents property, plant, and equipment of $33.7 million, right use assets of $2.3 million, a non-compete agreement of $377,000, and customer relationships of $358,000. The total carrying amount of the Mattress Asset Group did not exceed the sum of its future undiscounted cash flows from its use and eventual disposition. As result, we maintain our position that no impairment associated with the Mattress Asset Group existed as of April 30, 2023.
Impairment - Read
As of April 30, 2023, management reviewed the long-lived assets associated with Read, a separate reporting unit within our upholstery fabrics segment. Read's long-lived assets consist of property, plant, and equipment, a right of use asset, and finite-lived intangible assets (collectively known as "Read's Asset Group"). Read's Asset Group was reviewed for impairment because events and changes in circumstances occurred that indicated the carrying amount of the Read's Asset Group may not be recoverable. As a result, we performed a qualitative assessment to determine if any impairment indicators existed. Based on this assessment we concluded that indicators of impairment did exist, such as unfavorable financial performance in that we have incurred net operating losses during the last two fiscal years, which stem from (i) tight labor supply and wage inflation, (ii) processing and pricing inefficiencies associated with customization and installation services, (iii) an unfavorable mix of small scale and larger scale projects; and (iv) changes in management and key personnel.
Based on the above evidence, we were required to determine the recoverability of Read's Asset Group, which was classified as held and used, by comparing the carrying amount of Read's Asset Group to the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. If the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds its estimated future undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the excess of the carrying amount over the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows of the asset group. As of April 30, 2023, the carrying amount of Read's Asset Group totaled $1.5 million, which represents customer relationships of $978,000, property, plant, and equipment of $329,000, and a right of use asset of $215,000. The total carrying amount of Read's Asset Group did not exceed the sum of its future undiscounted cash flows from its use and eventual disposition. As a result, we determined no impairment associated with Read's Asset Group existed as of April 30, 2023.
8.ACCRUED EXPENSES
(dollars in thousands)
April 30,
May 1,
compensation and related benefits
$
5,800
$
4,248
other
2,733
3,584
$
8,533
$
7,832
9.UPHOLSTERY FABRICS SEGMENT RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES
Second Quarter of Fiscal 2023 - China
During the second quarter of fiscal 2023, we closed our cut and sew upholstery fabrics operation located in Shanghai, China, which included the termination of an agreement to lease a building. This strategic action, along with the further use of our Asian supply chain, was our response to declining consumer demand for cut and sew products, by adjusting our operating costs to better align with the lower demand.
As a result of this strategic action, we recorded restructuring expense and restructuring related charges during fiscal 2023 totaling $713,000, which represent represent (i) employee termination benefits of $468,000, (ii) loss from the disposal and markdowns of inventory of $98,000, (iii) an impairment loss associated with equipment of $80,000, (iv) lease termination costs of $47,000, (v) and
other associated costs of $20,000. Of the total $713,000, $615,000 and $98,000, were recorded to restructuring expense and cost of sales, respectively, in the fiscal 2023 Consolidated Statement of Net Loss.
Third and Fourth Quarters of Fiscal 2023 - Haiti
Effective January 24, 2023, Culp Upholstery Fabrics Haiti, Ltd. ("CUF Haiti") entered into an agreement to terminate a lease associated with a facility located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti ("Haiti"), that was used solely for the production of cut and sewn kits associated with our upholstery fabrics segment. As a result, CUF Haiti's production of cut and sewn upholstery kits has been moved to an existing facility leased by Culp Home Fashions Haiti, Ltd. ("CHF Haiti"). Both CUF Haiti and CHF Haiti are indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Culp, Inc. CHF Haiti's facility, which is also located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, will not only produce cut and sewn kits associated with our upholstery fabrics segment, but will also continue to produce cut and sewn mattress covers associated with our mattress fabrics segment. We believe this restructuring action will reduce the costs of our operations located in Haiti to better align with the declining consumer demand for cut and sewn products by consolidating existing facilities and reducing headcount.
As mentioned above, CUF Haiti entered into an agreement to terminate the lease (the "Termination Agreement") of a facility ("right of use asset"). Pursuant to the terms of the original lease agreement (the "Original Lease"), CUF Haiti was required to pay in advance $2.8 million for the full amount of rent due prior to the commencement of the Original Lease, and the initial lease term was set to expire on December 31, 2029. Pursuant to the terms of the Termination Agreement, the Original Lease was formally terminated when CUF Haiti vacated and returned possession of their right of use asset associated with the Original Lease to the lessor. After CUF Haiti vacated and returned possession of their right of use asset to the lessor, a third party (the "Lessee") took possession of CUF Haiti's right of use asset, and the Lessee agreed to pay CUF Haiti $2.4 million over a period commencing on April 1, 2023 and ending on December 31, 2029, based on monthly installments as stated in the Termination Agreement. In connection with the Termination Agreement, an affiliate of the Lessee has guaranteed payment in full of all amounts due and payable to CUF Haiti by the Lessee, and CUF Haiti has been fully and unconditionally released and discharged from all of its remaining obligations under the Original Lease.
In connection with the Termination Agreement, CUF Haiti's right of use asset was classified as held for sale and was presented separately as assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 29, 2023 (i.e., the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023). As a result, CUF Haiti's right of use asset was recorded at its fair value of $2.0 million, which was lower than its carrying value as of January 29, 2023 (see Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for further details regarding fair value measurement). Consequently, since the fair value of CUF Haiti's right of use asset was lower than its carrying amount, we recorded a restructuring charge of $434,000 during the third quarter of fiscal 2023 to reduce the carrying amount of CUF Haiti's right of use asset to its reported fair value. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, CUF Haiti recognized the sale of its right of use asset, as it vacated and returned possession of their right of use asset to the Lessor, and the Lessee has taken possession of CUF Haiti's right of use asset. As a result, CUF Haiti's right of use asset classified as held for sale was derecognized and a short-term and long-term note receivable was recognized based on the payments and timing of such payments due from the Lessee as stated in the Termination Agreement. As of April 30, 2023, CUF Haiti's note receivable totaled $1.9 million, of which $219,000 and $1.7 million were classified as short-term and long-term, respectively.
As a result of this strategic action, we recorded restructuring expense during fiscal 2023 totaling $781,000. which represents (i) lease termination costs of $434,000, (ii) an impairment loss related to leasehold improvements of $277,000, (iii) employee termination benefits of $39,000, and (iv) other associated costs of $31,000.
Overall
The following summarizes our restructuring expense and related charges from both our restructuring activities noted above for fiscal 2023:
(dollars in thousands)
Employee termination benefits
$
Lease termination costs
Impairment loss - leasehold improvements and equipment
Loss on disposal and markdowns of inventory
Other associated costs
Restructuring expense and restructuring related charges (1)
$
1,494
(1) Of the total $1.5 million, $1.4 million and $98,000 were recorded to restructuring expense and cost of sales, respectively, in the fiscal 2023 Consolidated Statement of Net Loss.
The following summarizes the activity in accrued restructuring for fiscal 2023:
Employee
Lease
Other
Termination
Termination
Associated
(dollars in thousands)
Benefits
Costs
Costs
Total
Beginning of year balance
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
Accrual established in fiscal 2023
-
Expenses incurred
-
-
Payments
(507
)
(47
)
(51
)
(605
)
End of year balance
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
10.LINES OF CREDIT
Revolving Credit Agreement - United States
Existing Credit Agreement
As of May 1, 2022, we had a Credit Agreement (the “Existing Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“Wells Fargo”) that provided a revolving loan commitment of $30 million, was set to expire on August 15, 2022, and allowed us to issue letters of credit not to exceed $1 million.
Amended Agreement
Effective June 24, 2022, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended Agreement”) with Wells Fargo. The Amended Agreement amended, restated, superseded, and served as a replacement for the Existing Credit Agreement. The Amended Agreement provided a revolving credit facility of up to $40 million, was secured by a lien on the company’s assets, and was set to expire in June 2025.
The company’s available borrowings under the Amended Agreement were based on a borrowing base calculation using certain accounts receivable and inventory of the company, subject to certain sub-limits as defined in the Amended Agreement, to be calculated on a monthly basis. Similar to the Existing Credit Agreement, the Amended Agreement contained a sub-facility that allows the company to issue letters of credit in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1 million.
Borrowings under the Amended Agreement incurred interest at a rate calculated using a margin (the “Applicable Margin”) over the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s secured overnight funding rate (SOFR). The Applicable Margin was set initially at 1.35% and varied under the terms of the Amended Agreement from 1.35% to 2.50%, depending on the ratio of the company’s consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the Amended Agreement, determined on a quarterly basis. The Amended Agreement contained customary affirmative and negative covenants and required compliance by the company with certain financial covenants, including minimum tangible net worth of $100 million plus 50% of annual net income, and a minimum ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated net interest expense of 3.0 to 1.0 as defined in the Amended Agreement. The EBITDA to interest expense covenant did not apply during the first three quarters of the company’s fiscal 2023, but during that period, the company was required to maintain minimum “access to liquidity” of $15 million, which is defined as unencumbered liquid assets plus available and unused credit under the revolving credit facility as calculated using the borrowing base, all as defined in the Amended Agreement.
First Amendment
On August 19, 2022, we entered into a First Amendment to the Amended Agreement ("the First Amendment") with Wells Fargo. The terms of the First Amendment amended the time period in which the financial covenant for the minimum ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated net interest expense applied, such that this EBITDA to interest expense covenant did not apply during any of the four quarters of the Company's fiscal 2023. During that time period, we were still required to maintain minimum "access to liquidity" of $15 million as mentioned in the above Amended Agreement section.
Second Amended and Restated Agreement
On January 19, 2023, Culp Inc., as borrower (the "company"), and Read as guarantor (the "Guarantor"), entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "ABL Credit Agreement"), by and among the company, the Guarantor, and Wells Fargo, as lender (the "Lender"), to establish an asset-based revolving credit facility (the "ABL Facility"), the proceeds of which may be used to pay fees
and expenses related to the ABL Facility and to provide funding for ongoing working capital and general corporate purposes. The ABL Credit Agreement amends, restates, and supersedes, and serves as a replacement for, the Amended Agreement.
The ABL Facility may be used for revolving credit loans and letters of credit from time to time up to a maximum principal amount of $35.0 million, subject to the limitations described below. Like the Amended Agreement, the ABL Facility contains a sub-facility that allows the company to issue letters of credit in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1 million. The amount available under the ABL Facility is limited by a borrowing base consisting of certain eligible accounts receivable and inventory, reduced by specified reserves as follows:
•85% of eligible accounts receivable, plus
•the least of:
the sum of:
•lesser of (i) 65% of eligible inventory valued at cost based on a first-in first-out basis (net of intercompany profits) and (ii) 85% of the net-orderly-liquidation value percentage of eligible inventory, plus
•the least of (i) 65% of eligible in-transit inventory valued at cost based on a first-in first-out basis (net of intercompany profits), (ii) 85% of the net-orderly-liquidation value percentage of eligible in-transit inventory, and (iii) $5.0 million, plus
•the lesser of (i) 65% of eligible raw material inventory valued at cost based on a first-in first-out basis (net of intercompany profits) and (ii) 85% of the net-orderly-liquidation value percentage of eligible raw material inventory
In each case, the net-orderly-liquidation value is calculated based on the lower of (i) a first-in first-out basis and (ii) market value, and is (A) net of intercompany profits, (B) net of write-ups and write-downs in value with respect to currency exchange rates and (C) consistent with most recent appraisals received and acceptable to Lender.
•$22.5 million; and
•An amount equal to 200% of eligible accounts receivable.
minus
•applicable reserves.
The ABL Facility permits both base rate borrowings and borrowings based upon daily simple SOFR (the secured overnight financing rate administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or its successor)). Borrowings under the ABL Facility bear interest at an annual rate equal to daily simple SOFR plus 150 basis points (if the average monthly excess availability under the ABL Facility is greater than 50%) or 175 basis points (if the average monthly excess availability under the ABL Facility is less than or equal to 50%) or 50 basis points above base rate (if the average monthly excess availability under the ABL Facility is greater than 50%) or 75 basis points above base rate (if the average monthly excess availability under the ABL Facility is less than or equal to 50%), as applicable, with a fee on unutilized commitments at an annual rate of 37.5 basis points and an annual servicing fee of $12,000.
The ABL Facility matures on January 19, 2026. The ABL Facility may be prepaid from time to time, in whole or in part, without prepayment or premium. In addition, customary mandatory prepayments of the loans under the ABL Facility are required upon the occurrence of certain events including, without limitation, outstanding borrowing exposures exceeding the borrowing base and certain dispositions of assets outside of the ordinary course of business. Accrued interest is payable monthly in arrears.
The company's obligations under the ABL Facility (and certain related obligations) are (a) guaranteed by the Guarantor and each of the company's future domestic subsidiaries is required to guarantee the ABL Facility on a senior secured basis (such guarantors and the company, the "Loan Parties") and (b) secured by all assets of the Loan Parties, subject to certain exceptions. The liens and other security interests granted by the Loan Parties on the collateral for the benefit of the Lender under the ABL Facility are, subject to certain permitted liens, first priority.
Cash Dominion. Under the terms of the ABL Facility, if (i) an event of default has occurred or (ii) excess borrowing availability under the ABL Facility (based on the lesser of $35.0 million and the borrowing base) (the "Excess Availability") falls below $7.0 million at
such time, the Loan Parties will become subject to cash dominion, which will require prepayment of loans under the ABL Facility with the cash deposited in certain deposit accounts of the Loan Parties, including a concentration account, and will restrict the Loan Parties' ability to transfer cash from their concentration account. Such cash dominion period (a "Dominion Period') shall end when Excess Availability shall be equal to or greater than $7.0 million for a period of 60 consecutive days and no event of default is continuing.
Financial Covenants. The ABL Facility contains a springing covenant requiring that the company's fixed charge coverage ratio be no less than 1.10 to 1.00 during any period that (i) an event of default has occurred or (ii) Excess Availability under the ABL Facility falls below $5.25 million at such time. Such compliance period shall end when Excess Availability shall be equal to or greater than $5.25 million for a period of 60 consecutive days and no event of default is continuing.
Affirmative and Restrictive Covenants. The ABL Credit Agreement governing the ABL Facility contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants (subject, in each case, to exceptions and qualifications) and events of defaults, including covenants that limit the company's ability to, among other things:
•incur additional indebtedness;
•make investments;
•pay dividends and make other restricted payments;
•sell certain assets;
•create liens;
•consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the company's assets; and
•enter into transactions with affiliates
Overall
Effective January 19, 2023, interest was charged under the ABL Agreement at a rate (applicable interest rate of 6.3% as of April 30, 2023) calculated using the Applicable Margin over SOFR based on the company's excess availability under the ABL Facility, as defined
in the ABL Agreement. Under the Existing Credit Agreement, interest was charged at a rate (applicable interest rate of 2.40% as of May 1, 2022) as a variable spread over LIBOR based on a ratio of debt to EBITDA, as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement.
There were $275,000 of outstanding letters of credit provided by the ABL Agreement and the Existing Agreement, as applicable, as of April 30, 2023 and May 1, 2022. As of April 30, 2023, we had $725,000 remaining for the issuance of additional letters of credit under the ABL Agreement.
There were no borrowings outstanding under either the ABL Agreement or the Existing Credit Agreement, as applicable, as of April 30, 2023 and May 1, 2022, respectively.
As of April 30, 2023, our available borrowings calculated under the provisions of the ABL Agreement totaled $26.8 million.
Revolving Credit Agreements - China Operations
Denominated in Chinese Yuan Renminbi ("RMB")
We have an unsecured credit agreement denominated in RMB with a bank located in China that provides for a line of credit of up to 40 million RMB ($5.8 million USD as of April 30, 2023). Interest charged under this agreement is based on an interest rate determined by the Chinese government at the time of borrowing. This agreement is set to expire on November 24, 2023.
There were no borrowings outstanding under this agreement as of April 30, 2023 and May 1, 2022, respectively.
Denominated in United States Dollar ("USD")
We had an unsecured credit agreement denominated in USD with another bank located in China that provided for a line of credit of up to $2 million USD, which expired on August 30, 2022. Currently, the company does not plan to renew or replace this agreement.
Overall
Our loan agreements require, among other things, that we maintain compliance with certain financial covenants. As of April 30, 2023, we were in compliance with our financial covenants.
Interest paid during fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $8,000, $10,000, and $60,000, respectively.
11.INCOME TAXES
Income Tax Expense and Effective Income Tax Rate
The entire amount of income tax expense of $3.1 million, $2.9 million, and $7.7 million during fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, was allocated to (loss) income from continuing operations.
Income tax expense consists of:
(dollars in thousands)
current
federal
$
-
-
(17
)
state
foreign
3,053
2,156
4,151
uncertain income tax positions
(204
)
3,132
2,195
3,933
deferred
federal
(1,591
)
1,121
(1,933
)
state
(66
)
(80
)
2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
-
-
(3,674
)
undistributed earnings - foreign subsidiaries
U.S. federal & state carryforwards and credits
(5,162
)
(971
)
uncertain income tax positions
-
(380
)
foreign
(629
)
(22
)
valuation allowance
6,818
8,526
(2
)
3,760
$
3,130
2,886
7,693
(Loss) income before income taxes related to our foreign and U.S. operations consists of:
(dollars in thousands)
Foreign
China
$
7,062
6,998
10,007
Canada
1,516
1,302
4,764
Haiti
(3,483
)
(980
)
Cayman Islands
-
-
(5
)
Total Foreign
5,095
7,320
15,583
United States
(33,485
)
(7,645
)
(4,703
)
$
(28,390
)
(325
)
10,880
The following schedule summarizes the principal differences between the income tax expense at the federal income tax rate and the effective income tax rate reflected in the consolidated financial statements:
U.S. federal income tax rate
21.0
%
21.0
%
21.0
%
valuation allowance
(24.0
)
(56.3
)
78.4
income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
-
-
(33.8
)
global intangible low taxed income tax (GILTI)
-
(540.9
)
-
foreign tax rate differential
(4.0
)
(206.2
)
10.9
income tax effects of Chinese foreign exchange gains and losses
(0.9
)
(20.6
)
(8.4
)
withholding taxes associated with foreign tax jurisdictions
(2.4
)
(172.8
)
7.7
uncertain income tax positions
(0.3
)
105.4
1.6
U.S. state income taxes
0.6
21.5
0.3
stock-based compensation
(0.3
)
(3.3
)
0.3
gain on bargain purchase
-
-
(1.6
)
other (3)
(0.7
)
(35.8
)
(5.7
)
consolidated effective income tax rate (1) (2)
(11.0
)%
(888.0
)%
70.7
%
(1)Our consolidated effective income tax rate during fiscal 2023 was much more negatively affected by the mix of earnings and losses between our U.S. operations and foreign subsidiaries, as compared with fiscal 2022 and 2021. During fiscal 2023, we incurred a significantly higher pre-tax loss from our U.S. operations totaling $(33.5) million, compared with $(7.6) million and $(4.7) million for fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively. As a result, a significantly higher income tax benefit was not recognized due to a full valuation allowance being applied against our U.S. net deferred income tax assets during fiscal 2023, as compared with
fiscal 2022 and 2021. In addition, almost all of our taxable income for each of fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021 was earned by our foreign operations located in China and Canada, which have higher income tax rates than the U.S.
(2)During fiscal 2023, we incurred a significantly higher consolidated pre-tax loss totaling $(28.4) million, compared with a much lower consolidated pre-tax loss totaling $(325,000) during fiscal 2022 and pre-tax income totaling $10.9 million during fiscal 2021. As a result, the principal differences between income tax expense at the U.S. federal income tax rate and the effective income tax rate reflected in the consolidated financial statements were more pronounced for fiscal 2022 and 2021, compared with fiscal 2023.
(3)“Other” for all periods presented represents miscellaneous adjustments that pertain to U.S. permanent differences such as meals and entertainment and income tax provision to return adjustments.
Deferred Income Taxes - Overall
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following:
(dollars in thousands)
deferred tax assets:
accounts receivable
$
inventories
3,277
2,020
compensation
2,676
2,437
liabilities and other
intangible assets and goodwill
property, plant, and equipment (1)
operating lease liability
1,297
foreign income tax credits - U.S.
loss carryforwards - U.S.
13,564
8,373
valuation allowance - U.S.
(18,675
)
(11,857
)
total deferred tax assets
3,282
4,043
deferred tax liabilities:
undistributed earnings on foreign subsidiaries
(4,213
)
(3,586
)
property, plant and equipment (2)
(3,450
)
(4,292
)
right of use assets
(964
)
(1,520
)
other
(129
)
(121
)
total deferred tax liabilities
(8,756
)
(9,519
)
Net deferred liabilities
$
(5,474
)
(5,476
)
(1)Pertains to the company’s operations located in China.
(2)Pertains to the company’s operations located in the U.S. and Canada.
As of April 30, 2023, our U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards totaled $48.2 million, with related future income tax benefits of $10.1 million. In accordance with the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”), U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards generated in fiscal 2019 and after do not expire. As of April 30, 2023, all our unused U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards were generated during fiscal 2019 and after, and therefore, do not expire in accordance with the TCJA. As of April 30, 2023, our U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards totaled $27.2 million, with related future income tax benefits of $1.0 million. Our U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards totaling $27.2 million have expiration dates ranging from fiscal years 2024 through 2044. Our U.S. foreign income tax credits of $783,000 have expiration dates ranging from fiscal years 2026 through 2028, which represent 10 years from when the associated earnings and profits from our foreign subsidiaries were repatriated to the U.S.
GILTI
Fiscal 2021
Effective July 20, 2020, the U.S. Treasury Department finalized and enacted previously proposed regulations regarding the GILTI tax provisions of the TCJA. With the enactment of these final regulations, we became eligible for an exclusion from GILTI if we meet the provisions for the GILTI High-Tax exception included in these final regulations on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis. To meet the provisions of the GILTI High-Tax exception, the tested foreign entity’s effective income tax rate related to current year’s earnings must
be higher than 90% of the U.S. federal income tax rate of 21% (i.e.,18.9%). In addition, the enactment of the new regulations and the provisions for the GILTI High-Tax exception were retroactive to the original enactment of the GILTI tax provision, which included our 2019 and 2020 fiscal years.
Since we met the requirements for the GILTI High-Tax exception for our 2019 and 2020 fiscal years, we recorded a non-cash income tax benefit of $3.6 million resulting from the re-establishment of certain U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards. The $3.6 million income tax benefit was recorded as a discrete event in which its full income tax effects were recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2021.
Fiscal 2022
We did not meet the GILTI High-Tax exception for the 2021 tax year regarding our foreign operations located in China. This was due primarily to significant income tax deductible foreign exchange losses that significantly lowered income tax expense associated with the current year’s earnings. As a result, the current effective income tax rate was lower than the required 18.9% current effective income tax rate to meet the GILTI High-Tax exception. Consequently, we incurred a non-cash income tax charge of $1.8 million, which charge was fully offset by a $1.8 million non-cash income tax benefit due to a corresponding reversal of our full valuation allowance associated with our U.S. net deferred income tax assets.
We did not meet the GILTI High-Tax exception for the 2022 tax year regarding our operations located in Canada and Haiti. With regards to Canada, we placed several significant capital projects into service during fiscal 2022, and therefore, were eligible for a significant amount of deductible accelerated depreciation. As a result, our current year's income tax expense was much lower than prior fiscal years, and therefore, our current effective income tax rate was lower than the required 18.9% current effective income tax rate to meet the GILTI High-Tax exception. For our operations located in Haiti, taxable income or losses are not subject to income tax, as we are located in an economic zone that permits a 0% income tax rate for the first fifteen years of operations, for which we have nine years remaining. Since our operations located in Haiti are not subject to income tax, our current effective tax rate was 0%, which is lower than the required 18.9% current effective income tax rate to meet the GILTI High-Tax exception. Although our operations located in Canada and Haiti did not meet the GILTI High-Tax exception, we incurred a nominal amount of GILTI tax for the 2022 tax year, as the losses subject to GILTI tax from our Haitian operations mostly offset the income subject to GILTI tax from our Canadian operation.
Fiscal 2023
We do not expect to pay GILTI tax for the 2023 tax year, as we expect to meet the GILTI High-Tax exception regarding our operations located in China and Canada, and we incurred taxable losses associated with our operations located in Haiti.
Deferred Income Taxes - Valuation Allowance
Assessment
We evaluate the realizability of our deferred income taxes to determine if a valuation allowance is required. We assess whether a valuation allowance should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more-likely-than-not” standard, with significant weight being given to evidence that can be objectively verified. Since the company operates in multiple jurisdictions, we assess the need for a valuation allowance on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis, considering the effects of local tax law.
As a result of the U.S. tax law change relating to the GILTI tax provisions of the TCJA, we assessed the need for an additional valuation allowance against our U.S. net deferred income assets as of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2021. GILTI represented a significant source of our U.S. taxable income during fiscal 2019 and 2020 that offset our U.S. pre-tax losses during such years, and which offset was reversed because of the retroactivity of the new GILTI regulations. Consequently, due to the retroactivity of the new regulations, we experienced a recent history of cumulative U.S. pre-tax losses during the last two fiscal years, and we expected at the time of this assessment that our history of U.S. pre-tax losses would continue into fiscal 2021. As a result of the significant weight of this negative evidence, we believed it was more-likely-than-not that our U.S. deferred income tax assets would not be fully realizable. Accordingly, we recorded a non-cash income tax charge of $7.0 million to provide for a full valuation allowance against our U.S. net deferred income tax assets. This $7.0 million income tax charge was recorded as a discrete event in which its full income tax effects were recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2021.
As of April 30, 2023, we evaluated the realizability of our U.S. net deferred income tax assets to determine if a full valuation allowance was still required. Based on our assessment, we determined we still have a recent history of significant cumulative U.S. pre-tax losses, in that we experienced U.S. pre-tax losses during each of the last three fiscal years. In addition, we are currently expecting U.S. pre-tax losses to continue into fiscal 2024. As a result of the significant weight of this negative evidence, we believe it is more-likely-than-not that our U.S net deferred income tax assets will not be fully realizable, and therefore we provided for a full valuation allowance against our U.S. net deferred income tax assets.
Based on our assessments as of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022, valuation allowances against our U.S. net deferred income tax assets pertain to the following:
(dollars in thousands)
April 30,
May 1,
U.S. federal and state net deferred income tax assets
$
16,345
$
9,527
U.S. capital loss carryforward
2,330
2,330
$
18,675
$
11,857
A summary of the change in the valuation allowances against our U.S. net deferred income tax assets follows:
(dollars in thousands)
beginning balance
$
11,857
11,674
3,148
change in judgement of beginning of year U.S. valuation allowance (1)
-
-
6,964
change in valuation allowance associated with current year earnings
7,252
1,640
1,004
change in estimate during current year (2)
(434
)
(1,457
)
ending balance
$
18,675
11,857
11,674
(1)Refer to the above "Assessment" subsection within the section titled Deferred Income Taxes - Valuation Allowance for further details regarding our assessment and conclusions reached for providing a full valuation allowance against our U.S net deferred income tax assets during the first quarter of fiscal 2021.
(2)Amounts represent changes in our U.S. net deferred income tax asset balances during the current year that pertain to (i) income tax provision to return adjustments, (ii) changes in estimates of our U.S. effective income tax rate that pertain to U.S. state income tax rates and apportionment percentages, (iii) recognition of an uncertain income tax position due to the expiration of statute of limitations, (iv) expiration of certain U.S. state loss carryforwards, and (v) other immaterial items.
Deferred Income Taxes - Undistributed Earnings from Foreign Subsidiaries
We assess whether the undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries will be reinvested indefinitely or eventually distributed to our U.S. parent company and whether we are required to record a deferred income tax liability for those undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries that will not be reinvested indefinitely. As of April 30, 2023, we assessed the liquidity requirements of our U.S. parent company and determined that our undistributed earnings and profits from our foreign subsidiaries would not be reinvested indefinitely and would be eventually distributed to our U.S. parent company. The conclusion reached from this assessment has been consistent with prior years.
As a result of the TCJA, a U.S. corporation is allowed a 100% dividend received deduction for earnings and profits received from a 10% owned foreign corporation.Therefore, a deferred income tax liability will be required only for unremitted withholding taxes associated with earnings and profits generated by our foreign subsidiaries that will ultimately be repatriated to the U.S. parent company. As a result, we recorded a deferred income tax liability of $4.2 million and $3.6 million as of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022, respectively.
Uncertainty in Income Taxes
An unrecognized income tax benefit for an uncertain income tax position can be recognized in the first interim period if the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is met by the end of the reporting period, or is effectively settled through examination, negotiation, or litigation, or if the statute of limitations for the relevant taxing authority to examine and challenge the tax position has expired. If it is determined that any of the above conditions occur regarding our uncertain income tax positions, an adjustment to our unrecognized income tax benefit will be recorded at that time.
The following table sets forth the change in the company’s unrecognized income tax benefit:
(dollars in thousands)
beginning balance
$
1,101
1,444
1,269
increases from prior period tax positions
decreases from prior period tax positions
(97
)
(77
)
(74
)
lapse of applicable statute of limitations
-
(380
)
-
ending balance
$
1,179
1,101
1,444
As of April 30, 2023, we had $1.2 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which the entire amount was classified as income taxes payable - long-term in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of May 1, 2022, we had $1.1 million of total gross
unrecognized tax benefits, of which the entire amount was classified as income taxes payable - long-term in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. These unrecognized income tax benefits would favorably affect income tax expense in future periods by $1.2 million and $1.1 million as of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022, respectively.
We elected to classify interest and penalties as part of income tax expense. As of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022, the gross amount of interest and penalties due to unrecognized tax benefits was $239,000 and $185,000, respectively.
Our gross unrecognized income tax benefit of $1.2 million as of April 30, 2023, relates to income tax positions for which significant change is currently not expected within the next year. This amount primarily relates to double taxation under applicable income tax treaties with foreign tax jurisdictions. United States federal and state income tax returns filed by us remain subject to examination for income tax years 2019 and subsequent. Canadian federal income tax returns filed by us remain subject to examination for income tax years 2019 and subsequent. Canadian provincial (Quebec) income tax returns filed by us remain subject to examination for income tax years 2019 and subsequent. Income tax returns associated with our operations located in China are subject to examination for income tax year 2018 and subsequent.
Income Taxes Paid
The following table sets forth income taxes paid (refunded) by jurisdiction:
(dollars in thousands)
United States federal - Alternative Minimum Tax
(AMT) credit refunds (1)
$
-
$
-
$
(1,510
)
United States federal - Transition Tax
China - Income Taxes
1,831
2,036
2,076
China - Withholding Taxes Associated with Earnings
and Profits Distribution to U.S. Parent
-
Canada - Income Taxes
1,408
$
2,324
$
3,100
$
2,998
(1)In accordance with the provisions of the TCJA, we elected to treat our prior AMT credit carryforward balance of $1.5 million as refundable. We received refunds totaling $1.5 million in two separate installments totaling $746,000 and $764,000 during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2021, respectively.
12.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Leases
Balance Sheet
The right of use assets and lease liabilities associated with our operating leases as of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022, are as follows:
(dollars in thousands)
April 30,
May 1,
Right of use assets
$
8,191
$
15,577
Operating lease liability - current
2,640
3,219
Operating lease liability - noncurrent
3,612
7,062
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
(dollars in thousands)
Operating lease liability payments
$
2,497
$
2,954
$
2,634
Right of use assets exchanged for lease liabilities
3,762
8,014
Operating lease costs were $3.6 million, $3.9 million, and $2.9 million during fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Short-term lease costs were $44,000, $68,000, and $55,000 during fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Variable lease expense was immaterial for each of fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021.
As of April 30, 2023, the weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate for our operating leases follows:
Weighted average lease term
3.87 years
Weighted average discount rate
3.58
%
As of May 1, 2022, the weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate for our operating leases follows:
Weighted average lease term
3.29 years
Weighted average discount rate
1.77
%
Other Information
Maturity of our operating lease liabilities for the next five fiscal years and thereafter follows:
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
$
2,698
1,890
Thereafter
6,563
Less: interest
(311
)
Present value of lease liabilities
$
6,252
Related Party Lease - Mattress Fabrics Segment
On March 23, 2023, we terminated an agreement with a partnership owned by an immediate family member of an officer of the company, pursuant to which we leased a 63,522 square foot facility for our domestic mattress cover operation. Prior to the termination of the lease agreement, rent payments totaled $123,000, $148,000, and $151,000 in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. In accordance with the termination of the lease agreement, we were reimbursed $67,000 for leasehold improvements we made to the leased property.
Litigation
The company is involved in legal proceedings and claims which have arisen in the ordinary course of business. Management has determined that these actions, when ultimately concluded and settled, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Accounts Payable - Capital Expenditures
As of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022, we had total amounts due regarding capital expenditures totaling $56,000 and $473,000, respectively, which pertained to outstanding vendor invoices, none of which were financed.
Purchase Commitments - Capital Expenditures
As of April 30, 2023, we had open purchase commitments to acquire equipment for our U.S. and Canadian mattress fabrics operations totaling $629,000.
13.STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Equity Incentive Plan Description
On September 16, 2015, our shareholders approved an equity incentive plan titled the Culp, Inc. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”). The 2015 Plan authorizes the grant of stock options intended to qualify as incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance-based units, and other equity and cash related awards as determined by the Compensation Committee of our board of directors. An aggregate of 1,200,000 shares of common stock were
authorized for issuance under the 2015 Plan, with certain sub-limits that would apply with respect to specific types of awards that may be issued as defined in the 2015 Plan.
As of April 30, 2023, there were 224,266 shares available for future equity-based grants under the company’s 2015 Plan.
Time-Based Restricted Stock Awards
The following table summarizes the time-based restricted stock unit activity during fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021:
Shares
Shares
Shares
outstanding at beginning of year
210,284
174,295
44,399
granted
119,687
37,991
129,896
vested (1)
(32,799
)
-
-
forfeited
(11,346
)
(2,002
)
-
outstanding at end of year
285,826
210,284
174,295
(1) During fiscal 2023, time-based restricted stock units totaling 32,799 vested at a fair value of $167,000, or $5.10 per share.
The following table summarizes information related to our grants of time-based restricted stock unit awards associated with certain senior executives and key members of management during fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021:
(1)
Restricted
Price
Vesting
Date of Grant
Stock Awarded
Per Share
Period
September 6, 2022
37,671
$
4.58
1 to 3 years
August 10, 2022
82,016
$
5.06
3 years
July 22, 2021
37,991
$
14.75
3 years
August 6, 2020
129,896
$
11.01
3 years
(1)Price per share represents closing price of our common stock on the date the respective award was granted.
Overall
We recorded compensation expense of $808,000, $893,000, and $614,000 within selling, general, and administrative expense for time-based restricted stock units in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
As of April 30, 2023, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to our time-based restricted stock units was $759,000, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average vesting period of 1.5 years. As of April 30, 2023, our time-based restricted stock unit awards that were expected to vest had a fair value totaling $1.6 million.
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
Senior Executives
We grant performance-based restricted stock units to senior executives which could earn up to a certain number of shares of common stock if certain performance targets are met over a three-fiscal year performance period, as defined in the related restricted stock unit award agreements. The number of shares of common stock that are earned based on the performance targets that have been achieved may be adjusted based on a market-based total shareholder return component, as defined in the related restricted stock unit award agreements.
Our performance-based restricted stock units granted to senior executives were measured based on their fair market value on the date of grant. The fair market value per share was determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model for the market-based total shareholder return component and the closing price of our common stock for the performance-based component.
The following table provides assumptions used to determine the fair market value of the market-based total shareholder return component using the Monte Carlo simulation model on our outstanding performance-based restricted stock units granted to senior executives on August 10, 2022, and July 22, 2021:
August 10,
July 22,
Closing price of our common stock
$
5.06
$
14.75
Expected volatility of our common stock
48.2
%
54.2
%
Expected volatility of peer companies (1)
41.6% - 105.1%
45.7% - 101.5%
Risk-free interest rate
3.13
%
0.33
%
Dividend yield
0.00
%
3.00
%
Correlation coefficient of peer companies (1)
0.05 - 0.23
0.03 - 0.35
(1)The expected volatility and correlation coefficient of our peer companies for the August 10, 2022, and July 22, 2021, grant dates were based on peer companies that were approved by the Compensation Committee of our board of directors as an aggregate benchmark for determining the market-based total shareholder return component. Therefore, we disclosed ranges of the expected volatility and correlation coefficient for the companies that represented this peer group.
Key Employees
We grant performance-based restricted stock units to key employees which could earn up to a certain number of shares of common stock if certain performance targets are met over a three-fiscal year performance period, as defined in the related restricted stock unit award agreements. Our performance-based restricted stock units granted to key employees were measured based on the fair market value (the closing price of our common stock) on the date of grant. No market-based total shareholder return component was included in these awards.
Overall
The following table summarizes information related to our grants of performance-based restricted stock units associated with certain senior executives and key employees that were unvested as of April 30, 2023:
(4)
(3)
Restricted
Restricted Stock
Stock Units
Stock Units
Expected to
Price Per
Vesting
Date of Grant
Awarded
Vest
Share
Period
August 10, 2022 (1)
178,714
-
$
5.77
(5)
3 years
July 22, 2021 (1)
122,476
-
$
15.93
(6)
3 years
July 22, 2021 (2)
20,500
-
$
14.75
(7)
3 years
(1)Performance-based restricted stock units awarded to certain senior executives.
(2)Performance-based restricted stock units awarded to key employees.
(3)Amounts represent the maximum number of common stock shares that could be earned if certain performance targets are met, as defined in the related restricted stock unit award agreements.
(4)Compensation cost is based on an assessment each reporting period to determine the probability of whether or not certain performance targets will be met and how many shares are expected to be earned as of the end of the vesting period. These amounts represent the number of shares that are expected to vest as of April 30, 2023.
(5)Price per share represents the fair market value per share ($1.14 per $1, or an increase of $0.71 to the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant) determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model for the market-based total shareholder return component and the closing price of our common stock ($5.06) for the performance-based component of the performance-based restricted stock units granted to senior executives on August 10, 2022.
(6)Price per share represents the fair market value per share ($1.08 per $1, or an increase of $1.18 to the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant) determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model for the market-based total shareholder return
component and the closing price of our common stock ($14.75) for the performance-based component of the performance-based restricted stock units granted to certain senior executives on July 22, 2021.
(7)Price per share represents the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.
The following table summarizes information related to our performance-based restricted stock units that vested during fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021:
(3)
(4)
Common
Weighted
Weighted
Stock Shares
Average
Average Price
Fiscal Year
Vested
Fair Value
Per Share
Fiscal 2023 (1)
$
$
5.10
Fiscal 2023 (2)
$
$
5.10
Fiscal 2022 (1)
5,051
$
$
17.14
Fiscal 2022 (2)
5,812
$
$
17.14
Fiscal 2021 (1)
3,277
$
$
9.96
Fiscal 2021 (2)
3,710
$
$
9.96
(1)Performance-based restricted stock units vested for senior executives.
(2)Performance-based restricted stock units vested for key employees.
(3)Dollar amounts are in thousands.
(4)Price per share is derived from the closing prices of our common stock on the dates the respective performance-based restricted stock units vested.
We recorded a charge (credit) to compensation expense totaling $2,000, $(81,000), and $357,000 within selling, general, and administrative expense associated with our performance-based restricted stock units for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Common Stock Awards
The following table summarizes information related to our grants of common stock to our outside directors during fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021:
Common
(1)
Stock
Price Per
Vesting
Date of Grant
Awarded
Share
Period
April 3, 2023 - Fiscal 2023
15,832
$
5.29
Immediate
January 3, 2023 - Fiscal 2023
17,819
$
4.70
Immediate
October 3, 2022 - Fiscal 2023
18,326
$
4.57
Immediate
July 1, 2022 - Fiscal 2023
19,753
$
4.24
Immediate
April 1, 2022 - Fiscal 2022
10,562
$
7.93
Immediate
January 3, 2022 - Fiscal 2022
8,357
$
10.02
Immediate
October 1, 2021 - Fiscal 2022
6,426
$
13.03
Immediate
July 1, 2021 - Fiscal 2022
4,312
$
16.24
Immediate
April 1, 2021 - Fiscal 2021
4,467
$
15.67
Immediate
January 4, 2021 - Fiscal 2021
4,563
$
15.34
Immediate
October 1, 2020 - Fiscal 2021
5,193
$
13.48
Immediate
July 1, 2020 - Fiscal 2021
7,000
$
10.00
Immediate
(1)Price per share represents closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.
We recorded $335,000, $321,000, and $280,000 of compensation expense within selling, general, and administrative expense for these common stock awards for fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
14.FAIR VALUE
ASC Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the company’s assumptions (unobservable inputs). Determining where an asset or liability falls within that hierarchy depends on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole. An adjustment to the pricing method used within either level 1 or level 2 inputs could generate a fair value measurement that effectively falls in a lower level in the hierarchy.
The hierarchy consists of three broad levels, as follows:
Level 1 - Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities,
Level 2 - Inputs other than level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable, and
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs developed using the company’s estimates and assumptions, which reflect those that market participants would use.
The determination of where an asset or liability falls in the hierarchy requires significant judgment. We evaluate our hierarchy disclosures each quarter based on a range of various factors, and it is possible that an asset or liability may be classified differently from quarter to quarter. However, we expect that changes in classifications between different levels will be rare.
Recurring Basis
The following tables present information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
Fair value measurements as of April 30, 2023, using:
Quoted
prices in
active markets
for identical
assets
Significant
other
observable
inputs
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(amounts in thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
U.S. Government Money Market Fund
$
7,649
N/A
N/A
$
7,649
Growth Allocation Mutual Funds
N/A
N/A
Moderate Allocation Mutual Fund
N/A
N/A
Other
N/A
N/A
Fair value measurements as of May 1, 2022, using:
Quoted
prices in
active markets
for identical
assets
Significant
other
observable
inputs
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(amounts in thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
U.S. Government Money Market Fund
$
8,683
N/A
N/A
$
8,683
Growth Allocation Mutual Funds
N/A
N/A
Moderate Allocation Mutual Fund
N/A
N/A
Other
N/A
N/A
Nonrecurring Basis
Third and Fourth Quarters of Fiscal 2023
We classified a right of use asset associated with a leased facility as held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 29, 2023 (i.e., the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023), in connection with the restructuring activity associated with our upholstery fabrics cut and sew operation located in Haiti (which is described more fully in Note 9 of the consolidated financial statements). This right of use asset classified as held for sale was recorded at its fair value of $2.0 million, which represented the present value of future discounted cash flows based on the payments and timing of such payments due from the Lessee as stated in the Termination Agreement (which is
described more fully in Note 9 of the consolidated financial statements). The interest rate used to determine the present value of the future discounted cash flows was based on significant unobservable inputs based on assumptions determined by management such as (i) the credit characteristics of the Lessee and guarantor of the Termination Agreement; (ii) the length of the payment terms as defined in the Termination Agreement; (iii) the payment terms as defined in the Termination Agreement being denominated in USD, and (iv) the fact that the right of use asset was located in, and the Lessee and guarantor conduct business in Haiti, a foreign country. As a result, since management used significant unobservable inputs and assumptions to determine the fair value of this right of use asset, this right of use asset was classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy defined above.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the right of use asset mentioned above was vacated and possession was returned to the Lessor, and the Lessee took possession of this right of use asset as described more fully in Note 9 of the consolidated financial statements. As a result, the right of use asset classified as held for sale as of January 29, 2023, was derecognized and a short-term and long-term note receivable was recognized based on the payments and timing of such payments due from the Lessee as stated in the Termination Agreement. As of April 30, 2023, this note receivable totaled $1.9 million, of which $219,000 and $1.7 million were classified as short-term and long-term, respectively.
Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2021
We had assets and liabilities that were required to be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis that pertained to assets acquired and certain liabilities that were assumed in connection with the CIH business combination effective February 1, 2021. See Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements for further details regarding this business combination.
Fair value measurements on February 1, 2021, using:
Quoted Prices
in active
markets for
identical assets
Significant
other
observable
inputs
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(amounts in thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
Right of use assets
N/A
$
2,544
N/A
$
2,544
Equipment and leasehold improvements
N/A
N/A
$
$
Inventory
N/A
N/A
$
$
The fair values of the right of use assets were based on our analysis of a recent appraisal of the annual lease rates per square foot for industrial buildings that are similar in nature and within the same locale. We believe the annual lease rates per square foot presented in our recent appraisal represent significant observable inputs, and therefore these right of use assets were classified as level 2.
Additionally, in connection with the CIH business combination effective February 1, 2021, we acquired cash, accounts receivable, and certain other current assets, and we assumed accounts payable. Based on the nature of these items and their short-term maturity, the carrying amounts of these items approximated their fair values. See Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements for the final allocation of the acquisition cost to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values.
15.NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE
Basic net (loss) income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net (loss) income per share uses the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period plus the dilutive effect of stock-based compensation calculated using the treasury stock method.
Weighted average shares used in the computation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per share are as follows:
(in thousands)
weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic
12,283
12,242
12,300
dilutive effect of stock-based compensation
-
-
weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted
12,283
12,242
12,322
Shares of unvested common stock that were not included in the computation of diluted net (loss) income per share consist of the following:
(in thousands)
antidilutive effect from decrease in the price per share of our common stock
antidilutive effect from net loss incurred during the fiscal year
-
total unvested shares of common stock not included in
computation of diluted net (loss) income per share
16.BENEFIT PLANS
Defined Contribution Plans
We have defined contribution plans that cover substantially all employees and allow participants to contribute on a pre-tax basis, along with matching contributions by the company for its U.S. and Canadian operations. Our contributions to these plans were $1.2 million, $1.3 million, and $1.2 million during fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Deferred Compensation Plan
We have a nonqualified deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) covering senior executives and certain key members of management. The Plan provides for participant deferrals on a pre-tax basis that are subject to annual deferral limits by the IRS and non-elective contributions made by the company. Participant deferrals and non-elective contributions made by the company are immediately vested.
Our contributions to the Plan were $215,000, $212,000, and $143,000 in fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Our nonqualified deferred compensation plan liability was $8.2 million and $9.3 million as of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022, respectively.
We have a rabbi trust (the “Trust”) to set aside funds for the participants of the Plan that allows the participants to direct their contributions to various investment options in the Plan. The investment options in the Plan consist of a money market fund and various mutual funds. The funds set aside in the Trust are subject to the claims of our general creditors in the event of the company’s insolvency, as defined in the Plan.
The investment assets of the Trust are recorded at their fair value of $8.5 million and $9.4 million as of April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022, respectively. The investment assets of the Trust are classified as available for sale and accordingly, changes in their fair values are recorded in other comprehensive (loss) income.
17.SEGMENT INFORMATION
Overall
Our operations are classified into two business segments: mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics.
Mattress Fabrics
The mattress fabrics segment manufactures, sources, and sells fabrics and mattress covers primarily to bedding manufacturers.
Upholstery Fabrics
The upholstery fabrics segment develops, manufactures, sources, and sells fabrics primarily to residential and commercial furniture manufacturers. In addition, this segment includes Read, which provides window treatments and sourcing of upholstery fabrics and other products, as well as measuring and installation services for Read’s products, to customers in the hospitality and commercial industries. Read also supplies soft goods such as decorative top sheets, coverlets, duvet covers, bed skirts, bolsters, and pillows.
Net Sales Geographic Concentration
Net sales denominated in U.S. dollars accounted for 91%, 90%, and 91% of total consolidated net sales in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. International sales accounted for 29%, 31%, and 27% of net sales during fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, and are summarized by geographic area as follows:
(dollars in thousands)
north america (excluding USA) (1)
$
29,756
$
39,256
$
32,925
far east and asia (2)
31,339
43,015
43,764
all other areas
8,032
8,114
5,558
$
69,127
$
90,385
$
82,247
(1)Of this amount, $24.9 million, $33.5 million, and $27.2 million are attributable to shipments to Mexico in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
(2)Of this amount $20.0 million, $26.9 million, and $28.1 million are attributable to shipments to China in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Sales attributed to individual countries are based upon the location that the company ships its products to for delivery to customers.
Customer Concentration
One customer within the upholstery fabrics segment represented 15%, 13%, and 13% of consolidated net sales during fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. No customers within the upholstery fabrics segment accounted for greater than 10% of the consolidated net accounts receivable balance as of April 30, 2023, or May 1, 2022.
No customers within the mattress fabrics segment represented greater than 10% of consolidated net sales during fiscal 2023, 2022, or fiscal 2021. No customers within the mattress fabrics segment accounted for greater than 10% of the consolidated net accounts receivable balance as of April 30, 2023, or May 1, 2022.
Employee Workforce Concentration
The hourly employees associated with our manufacturing facility located in Canada (approximately 11% of our workforce) are represented by a local, unaffiliated union. The collective bargaining agreement for these employees expires on February 1, 2026. We are not aware of any efforts to organize any more of our employees, and we believe our relations with our employees are good.
Financial Information
We evaluate the operating performance of our business segments based upon (loss) income from operations before certain unallocated corporate expenses and other items that are not expected to occur on a regular basis, such as restructuring expense and restructuring related charges. Cost of sales in each of our business segments include costs to develop, manufacture, or source our products, including costs such as raw material and finished goods purchases, direct and indirect labor, overhead and incoming freight charges. Unallocated corporate expenses primarily represent compensation and benefits for certain senior executives and their support staff, all costs associated with being a public company, amortization of intangible assets, and other miscellaneous expenses. Segment assets include assets used in the operations of each segment and consist of accounts receivable, inventories, property, plant, and equipment, and right of use assets.
Statements of operations for our business segments are as follows:
(dollars in thousands)
net sales by segment:
mattress fabrics
$
110,995
$
152,159
$
157,671
upholstery fabrics
123,939
142,680
142,049
net sales
$
234,934
$
294,839
$
299,720
gross (loss) profit:
mattress fabrics
$
(6,739
)
$
16,458
$
23,864
upholstery fabrics
17,733
19,635
25,968
total segment gross profit
10,994
36,093
49,832
restructuring related charge (2)
(98
)
-
-
gross profit
$
10,896
$
36,093
$
49,832
selling, general, and administrative expenses by segment:
mattress fabrics
$
11,942
$
12,246
$
12,066
upholstery fabrics
15,739
14,009
14,092
unallocated corporate
10,297
9,160
11,598
selling, general, and administrative expenses
$
37,978
$
35,415
$
37,756
(loss) income from operations by segment:
mattress fabrics
$
(18,681
)
$
4,212
$
11,798
upholstery fabrics
1,994
5,626
11,876
unallocated corporate expenses
(10,297
)
(9,160
)
(11,598
)
total segment (loss) income from operations
(26,984
)
12,076
restructuring expense (1)
(1,396
)
-
-
restructuring related charge (2)
(98
)
-
-
(loss) income from operations
$
(28,478
)
$
$
12,076
interest expense
-
(17
)
(51
)
interest income
other expense
(443
)
(1,359
)
(2,208
)
gain on bargain purchase (3)
-
-
(loss) income before income taxes
$
(28,390
)
$
(325
)
$
10,880
(1)Restructuring expense totaling $1.4 million for fiscal 2023 relates to both our restructuring activities for our cut and sew upholstery fabrics operations (i) located in Shanghai, China, which occurred during the second quarter of fiscal 2023, and (ii) located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, which occurred during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2023. Restructuring expense represents employee termination benefits of $507,000, lease termination costs of $481,000, impairment losses totaling $357,000 that relate to leasehold improvements and equipment, and $51,000 for other associated costs.
(2)Cost of sales for fiscal 2023 includes a restructuring related charge totaling $98,000, which pertained to a loss on disposal and markdowns of inventory related to the exit of our cut and sew upholstery fabrics operation located in Shanghai, China.
(3)Effective February 1, 2021, we acquired the remaining fifty percent ownership interest in our former unconsolidated joint venture located in Haiti. Pursuant to this transaction, we are now the sole owner with full control over this operation. The gain on bargain purchase represents the net assets acquired from this transaction that exceeded the fair value of our previously held 50% ownership interest of $1.7 million and the $954,000 total purchase price for the remaining 50% ownership interest.
Balance sheet information for our business segments follow:
(dollars in thousands)
April 30,
May 1,
segment assets
mattress fabrics
accounts receivable
$
12,396
$
9,865
inventory
25,674
39,028
property, plant, and equipment
33,749
(1)
38,731
(2)
right of use assets
2,308
(3)
3,469
(4)
total mattress fabrics assets
74,127
91,093
upholstery fabrics
accounts receivable
12,382
12,361
inventory
19,406
27,529
property, plant, and equipment
1,671
(5)
2,030
(6)
right of use assets
2,618
(7)
8,124
(8)
total upholstery fabrics assets
36,077
50,044
total segment assets
110,204
141,137
non-segment assets
cash and cash equivalents
20,964
14,550
short-term investments - rabbi trust
1,404
-
short-term note receivable
-
current income taxes receivable
-
other current assets
3,071
2,986
long-term note receivable
1,726
-
deferred income taxes
property, plant, and equipment (9)
right of use assets (10)
3,265
3,984
intangible assets
2,252
2,628
long-term investments - rabbi trust
7,067
9,357
other assets
total assets
$
152,183
$
177,563
Capital expenditures and depreciation expense information for our business segments follow:
(dollars in thousands)
capital expenditures (11):
mattress fabrics
$
1,125
$
3,383
$
6,226
upholstery fabrics
1,032
unallocated corporate
1,406
total capital expenditures
$
1,689
$
5,821
$
6,905
depreciation expense
mattress fabrics
$
6,050
$
6,200
$
6,014
upholstery fabrics
total depreciation expense
$
6,845
$
6,994
$
6,846
(1)The $33.7 million as of April 30, 2023, represents property, plant, and equipment of $22.7 million, $10.4 million, and $608,000 located in the U.S., Canada, and Haiti, respectively.
(2)The $38.7 million as of May 1, 2022, represents property, plant, and equipment of $25.6 million, $12.4 million, and $757,000 located in the U.S., Canada, and Haiti, respectively.
(3)The $2.3 million as of April 30, 2023, represents right of use assets of $1.5 million and $776,000 located in Haiti and Canada, respectively.
(4)The $3.5 million as of May 1, 2022, represents right of use assets of $2.0 million, $1.2 million, and $291,000 located in Haiti, the U.S., and Canada, respectively.
(5)The $1.7 million as of April 30, 2023, represents property, plant, and equipment of $974,000, $592,000, and $105,000 located in the U.S., Haiti, and China, respectively
(6)The $2.0 million as of May 1, 2022, represents property, plant, and equipment of $1.0 million, $756,000, and $255,000 located in the U.S., Haiti, and China, respectively.
(7)The $2.6 million as of April 30, 2023, represents right of use assets of $1.5 million and $1.1 million located in China and the U.S., respectively.
(8)The $8.1 million as of May 1, 2022, represents right of use assets of $3.7 million, $2.6 million, and $1.8 million located in China, Haiti, and the U.S., respectively.
(9)The $691,000 as of April 30, 2023, and $941,000 as of May 1, 2022, represent property, plant, and equipment associated with unallocated corporate departments and corporate departments shared by both the mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics segments located in the U.S.
(10)The $3.3 million as of April 30, 2023, and $4.0 million as of May 1, 2022, represent right of use assets located in the U.S. associated with unallocated corporate departments and corporate departments shared by both the mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics segments located in the U.S.
(11)Capital expenditure amounts are stated on an accrual basis. See the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for capital expenditure amounts on a cash basis.
18.STATUTORY RESERVES
Our subsidiary located in China was required to transfer 10% of its net income, as determined in accordance with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) accounting rules and regulations, to a statutory surplus reserve fund until such reserve balance reached 50% of the company’s registered capital. As of April 30, 2023, the statutory surplus reserve fund represents the 50% registered capital requirement, and therefore, our subsidiary located in China is no longer required to transfer 10% of its net income in accordance with PRC accounting rules and regulations.
The transfer to this reserve must be made before distributions of any dividend to shareholders. As of April 30, 2023, the company’s statutory surplus reserve was $4.2 million. The statutory surplus reserve fund is non-distributable other than during liquidation and can be used to fund previous years’ losses, if any. The statutory surplus reserve fund may be utilized for business expansion or converted into share capital by issuing new shares to existing shareholders in proportion to their shareholding or by increasing the par value of the shares currently held by them provided that the remaining reserve balance after such issue is not less than 25% of the registered capital.
The company’s subsidiary located in China can transfer funds to the parent company, except for the statutory surplus reserve of $4.2 million, to assist with debt repayment, capital expenditures, and other expenses of the company’s business.
19.COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM
In March 2020, our board of directors approved an authorization for us to acquire up to $5.0 million of our common stock. Under the common stock repurchase program, shares may be purchased from time to time in open market transactions, block trades, through plans established under the Securities Exchange Act Rule 10b5-1, or otherwise. The number of shares purchased and the timing of such purchases are based on working capital requirements, market and general business conditions, and other factors, including alternative investment opportunities.
During fiscal 2023 and 2021, we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock. During fiscal 2022, we repurchased 121,688 shares of our common stock at a cost of $1.8 million.
As of April 30, 2023, $3.2 million was available for additional repurchases of our common stock.
20.DIVIDEND PROGRAM
On June 29, 2022, our board of directors announced the decision to suspend the company’s quarterly cash dividend. Accordingly, we did not make any dividend payments during fiscal 2023.
During fiscal 2022, dividend payments totaled $5.5 million, which represented quarterly dividend payments ranging from $0.11 per share to $0.115 per share.
During fiscal 2021, dividend payments totaled $5.3 million, which represented quarterly dividend payments ranging from $0.105 per share to $0.11 per share.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
During the three years ended April 30, 2023, there were no disagreements on any matters of accounting principles or practices or financial statement disclosures.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of April 30, 2023. This evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, we have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective, in all material respects, to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed by us and submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported as and when required. Further, we concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed by us under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes: (1) maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and disposition of assets; (2) providing reasonable assurance that the transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of financial statements, and that receipts and expenditures are made in accordance with authorizations of management and directors; and (3) providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use, disposition of assets that could have a material effect on financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of financial statements would be prevented or detected. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in the 2013 Internal Control - Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of April 30, 2023.
Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended April 30, 2023, May 1, 2022, and May 2, 2021, and has audited the company’s effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting as of April 30, 2023, as stated in their reports, which are included in Item 8 and Item 9A hereof.
During the quarter ended April 30, 2023, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Culp, Inc.
Opinion on internal control over financial reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Culp, Inc. (a North Carolina corporation) and subsidiaries (“the Company”) as of April 30, 2023, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2023, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended April 30, 2023, and our report dated July 14, 2023, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and limitations of internal control over financial reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Charlotte, North Carolina
July 14, 2023

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
On July 12, 2013, the board of directors of the company designated Kenneth R. Bowling, the company's existing chief financial officer and treasurer, as the company’s principal accounting officer as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This appointment is effective July 21, 2023, following the last day of employment for Thomas B. Gallagher, Jr., who served as the company’s principal accounting officer prior to Mr. Bowling's designation.
Mr. Bowling joined the company in 1997 as controller for the Culp Velvets/Prints division. He was promoted to corporate controller in 2001 and was named corporate controller and assistant treasurer in 2002. In 2004, he was promoted to vice president, finance and treasurer. Mr. Bowling became the company’s chief financial officer in 2007 and corporate secretary in 2008, and he was named senior vice president in 2016. In 2019, Mr. Bowling was named executive vice president.
On July 12, 2023, the compensation committee of the company's board of directors (the “Committee”) reviewed achievement of the applicable performance measures established under the company’s annual incentive program for the fiscal 2023 year, as previously described in the section titled “Consideration of Shareholder Advisory Vote and Changes for Fiscal 2023” of the Company’s Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 24, 2022, in order to determine the bonus payments, if any, payable to the company's named executive officers under such program. The committee determined that bonuses would be due to executive officers in each of the executive shared services reporting unit and the upholstery fabrics reporting unit, based on the attainment of free cash flow-based targets, but no bonus had been achieved by the mattress fabrics reporting unit.
With respect to the bonus payable to executive officers in the upholstery fabrics reporting unit, the Committee also reviewed other factors it deemed relevant to the bonus determination, including the company's significant consolidated operating loss for fiscal 2023. Specifically, the Committee noted that the annual incentive bonus program for the upholstery fabrics reporting unit was tied to measures of adjusted operating income and adjusted free cash flow, with an allocation between the two performance measures of 20% operating income and 80% free cash flow, but for the executive shared services reporting unit, the fiscal 2023 annual incentive bonus program was tied solely to the measure of adjusted free cash flow, with a negative moderator of 20% applied against any bonus earned as a result of the company's consolidated operating loss for fiscal 2023. Based on the company's significant consolidated operating loss for fiscal 2023, the Committee determined that a negative moderator of 20% should also be applied against any bonus earned by the upholstery fabrics reporting unit.
As a result, the Committee determined that the upholstery fabrics reporting unit had achieved a level of adjusted free cash flow for fiscal 2023 that, absent the 20% negative moderator, would have resulted in the payment of a bonus to Mr. Boyd Chumbley, president of the upholstery fabrics division, in the amount of $318,474.24, but with the application of the 20% negative moderator, the amount of Mr. Chumbley's bonus would now be $254,779.92, a reduction of $63,694.32 from what would have otherwise been payable to Mr. Chumbley without the addition of the 20% negative moderator.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information with respect to executive officers and directors of the company is included in the company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days after the end of the company’s fiscal year pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the captions “Nominees, Directors, and Executive Officers,” “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports,” “Corporate Governance - Code of Business Conduct and Ethics,” and “Board Committees and Attendance - Audit Committee,” which information is herein incorporated by reference.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information with respect to executive compensation is included in the company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days after the end of the company’s fiscal year pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the captions “Executive Compensation” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” which information is herein incorporated by reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information with respect to the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is included in the company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days after the end of the company’s fiscal year pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the captions “Executive Compensation Plan Information,” “Beneficial Owners of 5% or More of Our Common Stock,” and “Nominees, Directors, and Executive Officers,” which information is herein incorporated by reference.
The following table sets forth information as of the end of fiscal 2023 regarding shares of our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of equity awards previously granted and currently outstanding equity awards under the company’s equity incentive and stock option plans, as well as the number of shares available for the grant of equity awards that had not been granted as of that date.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
Number of
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights (2)
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plan
(excluding securities
reflected in
column (a))
Plan Category
(a)
(b)
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security
holders
607,516 (1)
$
-
224,266
Equity compensation plans not approved by
security holders
-
-
-
Total
607,516 (1)
$
-
224,266
(1) For performance-based restricted stock unit awards, the number of shares shown represents the maximum number of shares that could be issued if certain performance targets are met. None of these performance-based restricted stock unit shares (i.e., 321,690 shares) are currently expected to vest and be issued due to challenging financial performance measures that are unlikely to be met. For time-based restricted stock unit awards, the number of shares shown represents the number of shares to be issued upon completion of the time-based vesting period for such restricted stock units.
(2) All of the shares shown in column (a) are issueable under restricted stock units that do not require the payment of consideration by the recipient upon vesting of the award and issuance of the shares, and therefore there is no exercise price information shown in column (b).

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information with respect to certain relationships and related transactions is included in the company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days after the end of the company’s fiscal year pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the captions “Corporate Governance - Director Independence” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” which information is herein incorporated by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information with respect to accountants fees and services is included in the company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days after the end of the company’s fiscal year pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the caption “Fees Paid to Independent Auditors,” which information is herein incorporated by reference.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
a)DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THIS REPORT:
1.Consolidated Financial Statements
The following consolidated financial statements of Culp, Inc. and its subsidiaries are filed as part of this report.
Item
Page of Annual
Report on
Form 10-K
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID Number 248)
Consolidated Balance Sheets - April 30, 2023, and May 1, 2022
Consolidated Statements of Net (Loss) Income - for the years ended April 30, 2023, May 1, 2022, and May 2, 2021
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - for the years ended April 30, 2023, May 1, 2022, and May 2, 2021
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity - for the years ended April 30, 2023, May 1, 2022, and May 2, 2021
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - for the years ended April 30, 2023, May 1, 2022, and May 2, 2021
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2.Financial Statement Schedules
All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or not required, or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
3.Exhibits
The following exhibits are attached at the end of this report or incorporated by reference herein. Management contracts, compensatory plans, and arrangements are marked with an asterisk (*).
3(i)
Articles of Incorporation of the company, as amended, were filed as Exhibit 3(i) to the company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 28, 2002, filed September 11, 2002 (Commission File No. 001-12597), and are incorporated herein by reference.
3(ii)
Restated and Amended Bylaws of the company, as amended July 10, 2019, were filed as Exhibit 3(ii) to the company’s Form 10-K for the year ended April 28, 2019, filed July 12, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-12597), and are incorporated herein by reference.
4.1
Description of Capital Stock of the company was filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the company’s Form 10-K for the year ended May 3, 2020, filed July 17, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-12597), and is incorporated herein by reference.
10.1
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 19, 2023, by and among Culp, Inc., as Borrower, Read Window Products, LLC, as Guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Lender, was filed as exhibit 10.1 to the company’s Form 8-K filed January 23, 2023 (Commission File No. 001-12597), and is incorporated herein by reference.
10.2
First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 21, 2023, by and among Culp, Inc., as Borrower, Read Window Products, LLC, as Guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Lender, was filed as exhibit 10.1 to the company's Form 10-Q filed March 9, 2023 (Commission File No. 001-12597), and is incorporated herein by reference.
10.3
Form of Annual Incentive Award Agreement was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the company’s Form 10-Q dated December 9, 2022 (Commission File No. 001-12597), and is incorporated herein by reference. (*)
10.4
Form of restricted stock unit agreement for restricted stock units granted to executive officers pursuant to the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan was filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the company’s Form 10-Q dated September 9, 2021 (Commission File No. 001-12597), and is incorporated herein by reference. (*)
10.5
Form of restricted stock unit agreement for restricted stock units granted to executive officers pursuant to the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan was filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the company’s Form 10-Q dated December 11, 2020 (Commission File No. 001-12597), and is incorporated herein by reference. (*)
10.6
Written description of Non-Employee Director Compensation was filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the company’s Form 10-Q dated March 8, 2019 (Commission File No. 001-12597), and incorporated herein by reference.
10.7
2015 Equity Incentive Plan, filed as Annex A to the company’s 2015 Proxy Statement, filed on August 12, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-12597), and incorporated herein by reference. (*)
10.8
Culp, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan For Certain Key Employees Amendment No. 1, was filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the company’s Form 10-K for the year ended May 3, 2015, dated July 17, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference. (*)
10.9
Form of change in control and noncompetition agreement. This agreement was filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 28, 2007, filed on December 12, 2007 (Commission File No. 001-12597) and incorporated herein by reference. (*)
10.10
Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Certain Key Employees was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 26, 2014, filed on March 7, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference. (*)
List of subsidiaries of the company
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in connection with the registration statements of Culp, Inc. on Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-207195 and 33-13310).
24(a)
Power of Attorney of John A. Baugh, dated July 14, 2023
24(b)
Power of Attorney of Perry E. Davis, dated July 14, 2023
24(c)
Power of Attorney of Sharon A. Decker, dated July 14, 2023
24(d)
Power of Attorney of Kimberly B. Gatling, dated July 14, 2023
24(e)
Power of Attorney of Fred A. Jackson, dated July 14, 2023
24(f)
Power of Attorney of Jonathan L. Kelly, dated July 14, 2023
31(a)
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31(b)
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32(a)
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32(b)
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibits 101).
b)Exhibits:
The exhibits to this Form 10-K are filed at the end of this Form 10-K immediately preceded by an index. A list of the exhibits begins on page 99 under the subheading “Exhibit Index.”
c)Financial Statement Schedules:
None