EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 931584
Filing Year: 2024
Filename: 931584_10-K_2024_0001437749-24-010032.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc., which was incorporated in 1994, and its wholly owned subsidiaries, manufacture and market semi-finished and finished specialty steel products, including stainless steel, nickel alloys, tool steel and certain other premium alloyed steels. Our manufacturing process involves melting, remelting, heat treating, hot and cold rolling, forging, machining and cold drawing of semi-finished and finished specialty steels. Our products are sold to service centers, forgers, rerollers and original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”). Our customers further process our products for use in a variety of industries, including the aerospace, power generation, oil and gas, heavy equipment and general industrial markets. We also perform conversion services on materials supplied by customers.
We operate in four locations: Bridgeville and Titusville, Pennsylvania; Dunkirk, New York; and North Jackson, Ohio. Our corporate headquarters is located at our Bridgeville location. We operate these four manufacturing locations as one business segment.
We produce a wide variety of specialty steel grades using several manufacturing processes including vacuum induction melting (“VIM”), vacuum-arc remelting (“VAR”), electro-slag remelting (“ESR”) and argon oxygen decarburization (“AOD”). At our Bridgeville and North Jackson facilities, we produce specialty steel products in the form of semi-finished and finished long products (ingots, billets and bars). In addition, the Bridgeville facility produces flat rolled products (slabs and plates). Semi-finished long products are primarily used by our Dunkirk facility and certain customers to produce finished bar and rod. Finished bar products that we manufacture are primarily used by OEMs and by service center customers for distribution to a variety of end users. We also produce customized shapes primarily for OEMs that are cold rolled from purchased coiled strip, flat bar or extruded bar at our precision rolled products department, located at our Titusville facility.
We make strategic investments in our business and capabilities over time to support our growth initiatives and improve the efficiency of our operations. This includes the installation of a new vacuum arc remelt furnace and an 18-ton crucible for our vacuum induction melting operation at our North Jackson facility in 2021, and our further remelt facility expansion at the same facility completed in 2023. These investments expand our premium alloy production capacity, enhance our capabilities and reduce our costs.
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
The specialty steel industry is a distinct segment of the overall steel industry. Specialty steels include stainless steels, nickel alloys, tool steels, electrical steels, high-temperature alloys, magnetic alloys and electronic alloys. Specialty steels are made with a high alloy content, suitable for use in environments that demand exceptional hardness, toughness, strength and resistance to heat, corrosion or abrasion, or combinations thereof. Specialty steels generally must conform to more demanding customer specifications for consistency, straightness and surface finish than carbon steels. For each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, approximately 60-80% of our net sales were derived from stainless steel products.
We primarily manufacture our products in response to customer orders and within the following product lines:
Stainless Steel. Stainless steel, which represents the largest part of the specialty steel market, contains elements such as nickel, chromium and molybdenum that give it the unique qualities of high strength, good wear characteristics, natural attractiveness, ease of maintenance and resistance to corrosion and heat. Stainless steel is used, among other applications, in the aerospace, oil and gas, power generation and automotive industries, as well as in the manufacturing of equipment for food handling, health and medical, chemical processing and pollution control.
High-Strength Low Alloy Steel. High-strength low alloy steel is a relative term that refers to those steels that maintain alloying elements that range in versatility. The alloy elements of nickel, chromium and molybdenum in such steels typically exceeds the alloy element of carbon steels but not that of high-temperature alloy steel. High-strength low alloy steels are manufactured for use generally in the aerospace industry.
Tool Steel. Tool steels contain elements of chromium, vanadium and molybdenum to produce specific hardness characteristics that enable tool steels to form, cut, shape and shear other materials in the manufacturing process. Heating and cooling at precise rates in the heat-treating process bring out these hardness characteristics. Tool steels are utilized in the manufacturing of metals, plastics, paper and aluminum extrusions, pharmaceuticals, electronics and optics.
High-Temperature Alloy Steel. These steels are designed to meet critical requirements of heat resistance and structural integrity. They generally have very high nickel content relative to other types of specialty steels. High-temperature alloy steels are manufactured for use generally in the aerospace industry.
RAW MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES
We depend on the delivery of key raw materials for our day-to-day melting operations. These key raw materials are carbon and stainless scrap metal and alloys, primarily consisting of nickel, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium and copper. Scrap metal is primarily generated by industrial sources and is purchased through several scrap brokers and processors. We also recycle scrap metal generated from our own production operations as a source of metal for our melt shops. Alloys are generally purchased from domestic agents and primarily originate in North America, Australia, South America and South Africa.
Our Bridgeville and North Jackson facilities also supply semi-finished specialty steel products as starting materials to our other operating facilities. Semi-finished specialty steel starting materials, which we cannot produce at a competitive cost, are purchased from other suppliers. We generally purchase these starting materials from steel strip coil suppliers, extruders, flat rolled producers and service centers. We believe that adequate supplies of starting material will continue to be available.
The cost of raw materials represents approximately 35%-42% of the cost of products sold in each of 2023, 2022 and 2021. Raw material costs can be impacted by significant price changes. Raw material prices vary based on numerous factors, including quality, and are subject to frequent market fluctuations. The average price of substantially all our major raw materials decreased throughout 2023 following significant increases in 2022. Future raw material prices cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty. We do not maintain any fixed-price long-term agreements with any of our raw material suppliers.
We apply a raw material surcharge in our pricing to align our pricing with fluctuations in commodity costs. Most orders apply the raw material surcharge in effect at the time of shipment to align the selling price with commodity costs. Some shorter lead time orders embed the surcharge into the price at the time of order entry. Surcharges are published on our website and can fluctuate by month in line with commodity cost changes. Over time, our surcharge will effectively offset changes in raw material costs; however, during a period of rising or falling prices the timing will cause variation between reporting periods.
CUSTOMERS
Our largest customer accounted for approximately 31%, 21% and 19% of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. One additional customer accounted for approximately 14% and 18% of our sales during 2023 and 2022, respectively, and a third customer accounted for approximately 10% of our sales during 2021.
International sales approximated 5% of annual sales in 2023 and 2022 and 7% of our annual net sales in 2021.
BACKLOG
Our backlog of orders (excluding surcharges) on hand as of December 31, 2023 was approximately $318.2 million compared to approximately $287.9 million at December 31, 2022. Our backlog may not be indicative of actual sales because most surcharges are not known until the order is shipped to the customer and, therefore, are not included in the backlog amount.
COMPETITION
Competition in our markets is based upon product quality, delivery capability, customer service, customer approval and price. Maintaining high standards of product quality, while responding quickly to customer needs and keeping production costs at competitive levels, is essential to our ability to compete in these markets.
We believe that there are several companies that manufacture one or more similar specialty steel products that are significant competitors. There are a few smaller producing companies and material converters that are also considered to be competitors.
High import penetration of specialty steel products, especially stainless and tool steels, also impacts the competitive nature within the United States. Unfair pricing practices by foreign producers have resulted in high import penetration into the U.S. markets in which we participate.
HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
Employee Relations
We consider the maintenance of good relations with our employees to be important to the successful conduct of our business. We have profit-sharing plans for certain salaried and hourly employees and for all our employees represented by United Steelworkers (the “USW”), and have equity ownership programs for all our eligible employees in an effort to forge an alliance between our employees’ interests and those of our stockholders. At December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we had 678, 622 and 558 employees, respectively, of which 520, 475 and 421, respectively, were USW members.
Collective Bargaining Agreements
Our Bridgeville, Titusville, Dunkirk and North Jackson facilities recognize the USW as the exclusive representative for their hourly employees with respect to the terms and conditions of their employment. The following collective bargaining agreements are currently in place:
Facility
Commencement Date
Expiration Date
Bridgeville
September 2023
August 2028
North Jackson
July 2018
June 2024
Dunkirk
November 2022
October 2025
Titusville
October 2020
September 2025
We believe a critical component of our collective bargaining agreements is the inclusion of a profit sharing plan.
Employee Benefit Plans
We maintain a 401(k) retirement plan for our hourly and salaried employees. Pursuant to the 401(k) plan, participants may elect to make pre-tax and after-tax contributions, subject to certain limitations imposed under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. In addition, we make periodic contributions to the 401(k) plan for the hourly employees employed at the North Jackson, Dunkirk and Titusville facilities, based on service. In addition, we make periodic contributions for the salaried employees at all locations based upon their service and their individual contribution to the 401(k) retirement plan.
We participate in the Steelworkers Pension Trust (the “Trust”), a multi-employer defined-benefit pension plan that is open to all hourly and salaried employees associated with the Bridgeville facility. We make periodic contributions to the Trust based on hours worked at a fixed rate for each hourly employee and a fixed monthly contribution on behalf of each salaried employee.
We also provide group life and health insurance plans for our hourly and salary employees.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Under the Amended and Restated 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (the “Plan”), the Company is authorized to issue up to 400,000 shares of common stock to its full-time employees, nearly all of whom are eligible to participate. Under the terms of the Plan, employees can choose as of January 1 and July 1 of each year to have up to 10% of their total earnings withheld to purchase up to 100 shares of our common stock each six-month period. The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the lower of its beginning-of-the-period or end-of-the-period market prices. At December 31, 2023, we have issued 341,469 shares of common stock since the Plan’s inception.
Employee Safety
The safety of our employees is a paramount concern in managing our operations. We strive to minimize workplace injuries as much as possible and to provide a safe, open and accountable work environment for our employees. We encourage employees to provide feedback, ask questions and report concerns related to ethics or safety violations. We take employee concerns seriously and evaluate appropriate actions in response.
Employee Inclusion
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants for positions with the Company receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We strive to provide an equitable and inclusive environment for all our employees. We are committed to achieving representation across all levels of our workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live and work.
GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
We are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations (collectively, “Environmental Laws”), including those governing discharges of pollutants into the air and water, and the generation, handling and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous substances. We monitor our compliance with applicable Environmental Laws and, accordingly, believe that we are currently in compliance with all laws and regulations in all material respects. We are subject periodically to environmental compliance reviews by various regulatory offices. We may be liable for the remediation of contamination associated with generation, handling and disposal activities. Environmental costs could be incurred, which may be significant, related to environmental compliance, at any time or from time to time in the future. In the ordinary course of business, we are also subject to government regulations including those enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth, as of March 15, 2024, certain information with respect to the executive officers of the Company:
Name (Age)
Executive Officer Since
Position
Christopher M. Zimmer (50)
President and Chief Executive Officer
Graham McIntosh, Ph.D. (61)
Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
John J. Arminas (52)
Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Wendel L. Crosby (53)
Vice President of Manufacturing
Steven V. DiTommaso (38)
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Christopher M. Zimmer became President & Chief Executive Officer in November 2023. Mr. Zimmer previously served as Chief Operating Officer from April 2023 to October 2023, and was responsible for manufacturing, technology, and quality organizations as well as sales, marketing and supply chain management and development, and served as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer from 2014 until April 2023. Mr. Zimmer was Vice President of Sales and Marketing from 2008 to 2014. Mr. Zimmer previously served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Schmoltz+Bickenbach USA from 1995 to 2008. He previously held positions of increasing responsibility including inside sales, Commercial Manager-stainless bar, General Manager-nickel alloy products, and National Sales Manager.
Graham McIntosh, Ph.D. has been Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer since 2018. Dr. McIntosh also served as the Company’s Vice President and Chief Technology Officer from 2013 until 2018. Dr. McIntosh previously served as Director of Global Technology Initiatives for Carpenter Technology Corporation where he joined in 2008. Dr. McIntosh also served as Vice President of Technology and Director of Quality for Firth Rixson Viking from 2001 to 2008, and held several management and technical positions at Wyman-Gordon Livingston from 1987 to 2001, where he began his career.
John J. Arminas has been Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for the Company since April 2020. Mr. Arminas also served as the Company’s Corporate Counsel from 2013 until April 2020. Prior to his tenure at the Company, Mr. Arminas served as an attorney for the Law Firm of Goldberg, Kamin & Garvin from 2004 to 2013.
Wendel L. Crosby has been Vice President of Manufacturing of the Company since April 2019. Mr. Crosby also served as General Manager for the Company’s Dunkirk and Titusville facilities from 2014 until April 2019. Prior to his tenure at the Company, Mr. Crosby served as Area Operations Manager for Precision Castparts Corp. from 2012 to 2014. Prior to that, Mr. Crosby served as the Director of Finishing for Columbus Steel Castings from 2010 to 2012. Mr. Crosby also served as Finishing Value Stream Manager from 2004 to 2011 and Program Manager from 2007 to 2010 for Columbus Steel Castings. Mr. Crosby is a former member of the United States Army and is a combat war veteran.
Steven V. DiTommaso has been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since April 2022. Previously, Mr. DiTommaso served as Corporate Controller of the Company since 2018. Prior to his tenure at the Company, Mr. DiTommaso served as Director of Accounting at Thorley Industries, LLC from 2016 to 2018, and in roles of increasing responsibility in the audit and assurance practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers from 2008 to 2016. He is a Certified Public Accountant.
PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
We do not consider our business to be materially dependent on patent or trademark protection, and believe we own or maintain effective licenses covering all the intellectual property used in our business. We benefit from our proprietary rights relating to designs, engineering and manufacturing processes and procedures. We seek to protect our proprietary information by use of confidentiality and non-competition agreements with certain employees.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the “USAP” ticker symbol. Copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, as well as proxy and information statements that we file with the SEC, are available on our website at www.univstainless.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with the SEC. The contents of our website are not part of this Form 10-K. Copies of these documents will be available to any shareholder upon request. Requests should be directed in writing to Investor Relations at 600 Mayer Street, Bridgeville, PA 15017. The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers, like us, that file electronically with the SEC.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
We wish to caution each reader of this Form 10-K to consider the following factors and other factors discussed herein and in other past reports, including but not limited to prior year Form 10-K and Form 10-Q reports filed with the SEC. Our business and results of operations could be materially affected by any of the following risks. The factors discussed herein are not exhaustive. Therefore, the factors contained herein should be read together with other reports that we file with the SEC from time to time, which may supplement, modify, supersede, or update the factors listed in this document.
Macroeconomic Risks
Our business and operations, and the operations of our customers and suppliers, could be adversely impacted by a global or regional health pandemic.
The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 was declared a "pandemic" by the World Health Organization and spread across the world, including the United States and many countries where the Company sells its products or sources raw materials. Our operations and financial performance were negatively impacted by the pandemic. While our business has recovered from COVID-19 impacts, we are continuously subject to the risks related to other pandemics. Any future pandemics or other health events could cause similar disruptions in global supply chains, volatility and disruption of financial markets, and other adverse consequences to our business and the markets in which we participate, and could cause direct negative impacts on our operations and financial position.
We are a smaller reporting company, and the reduced reporting requirements applicable to smaller reporting companies may make our Common Stock less attractive to investors.
We are a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Section 12 of the Exchange Act. For as long as we continue to be a smaller reporting company, we may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to public companies that are not smaller reporting companies, such as reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our annual and periodic reports and proxy statements. We will remain a smaller reporting company as long as (i) our public float remains less than $250 million or (ii) our annual revenues are less than $100 million and we either have no public float, or our public float is less than $700 million. Public float is measured for this purpose as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, and annual revenues are measured as of the most recently completed fiscal year for which audited financial statements are available. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock, and our stock price may be more volatile.
We are subject to risks associated with global economic and market factors.
Our results of operations are affected directly by the level of business activity of our customers and our suppliers, which in turn is affected by global economic and market factors, including health epidemics, impacting the industries and markets that we participate in. We are susceptible to macroeconomic downturns in the United States and abroad that may affect the general economic climate, our performance and the demand of our customers. We may face significant challenges if conditions in the financial markets deteriorate. There can be no assurance that global economic and market conditions will not adversely impact our results of operations, cash flow or financial position in the future.
Existing free trade laws and regulations, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, provide certain beneficial duties and tariffs for qualifying imports and exports, subject to compliance with the applicable classification and other requirements. Changes in laws or policies governing the terms of foreign trade, and in particularly increased trade restrictions, tariffs or taxes on imports from countries where we sell products or purchase materials could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. Given the uncertainty regarding the scope and duration of current, proposed, or future imposed tariffs, we can provide no assurance that any strategies we implement to mitigate the impact of such tariffs on the Company will be successful.
Commercial Risks
A substantial amount of our sales is derived from a limited number of customers.
Our five largest customers in the aggregate accounted for approximately 61%, 58% and 47% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. An adverse change in, or termination of, the relationship with one or more of our customers or market channels could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our business is very competitive, and increased competition could reduce our sales.
We compete with domestic and foreign producers of specialty steel products. In addition, many of the finished products sold by our customers are in direct competition with finished products manufactured by foreign sources, which may affect the demand for those customers’ products. Any competitive factors that adversely affect the market for finished products manufactured by us or our customers could indirectly adversely affect the demand for our semi-finished products. Additionally, our products compete with products fashioned from alternative materials such as aluminum, composites and plastics, the production of which includes domestic and foreign enterprises. Competition in our field is intense and is expected to continue to be so in the foreseeable future. Most of our business is not covered under long term supply contracts. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully in the future.
The demand for our products may be cyclical.
Demand for our products from our customers can be cyclical in nature and sensitive to various factors, including demand, production schedules and other conditions in each of our end markets, fluctuations in inventory levels throughout the supply chain, and general macroeconomic conditions. A significant adverse change in demand for any reason could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
A substantial amount of our sales is derived from the aerospace industry.
Approximately 76% of our sales represented products sold to customers in the aerospace market in 2023. The aerospace market is historically cyclical due to both external and internal market factors. These factors include general economic conditions, supply chain fluctuations, diminished credit availability, airline profitability, demand for air travel, age of fleets, varying fuel and labor costs, price competition, new technology development and international and domestic political conditions such as military conflict and the threat of terrorism. The length and degree of cyclical fluctuation can be influenced by any one or a combination of these factors and therefore are difficult to predict with certainty. A prolonged downturn in the aerospace industry would adversely affect the demand for our products and/or the prices at which we are able to sell our products, and our results of operations, business and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Our business may be harmed by failure to develop, commercialize, market and sell new applications and new products.
We believe that our alloys and metallurgical manufacturing expertise provide us with a competitive advantage over other high-performance alloy producers. Our ability to maintain this competitive advantage depends on our ability to continue to offer products that have equal or better performance characteristics than competing products at competitive prices. Our future growth will depend, in part, on our ability to develop, commercialize and sell new products. If we are not successful in these efforts, or if our new products and product enhancements do not adequately meet the requirements of the marketplace and achieve market acceptance, our business could be adversely affected.
Our business requires continuing efforts to obtain new customer approvals on existing products and applications, which is a stringent, difficult process subject to each customer’s varying approval methodology and preferences. If we are not successful in these efforts, our business could be adversely affected.
We believe that our international sales and purchases are associated with various risks.
We conduct business with suppliers and customers in foreign countries which exposes us to risks associated with international business activities, including effects of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from membership in the European Union (referred to as “Brexit”). We could be significantly impacted by these risks, which include the potential for volatile economic and labor conditions, political instability, collecting accounts receivable and exchange rate fluctuations (which may affect sales revenue to international customers and the margins on international sales when converted into U.S. dollars).
International sales approximated 5% of our annual sales in 2023 and 2022 and 7% of our annual net sales in 2021. An immaterial portion of the international sales are denominated in foreign currencies.
Financial Risks
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting which has caused us to conclude our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2023 and could, if not remediated, adversely affect our ability to report our financial condition and results of operations in a timely and accurate manner, investor confidence in our company and, as a result, the value of our common stock.
We are required to evaluate the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting on a periodic basis and publicly disclose the results of these evaluations and related matters in accordance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We have identified certain material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting as described in “Item 9A. Controls and Procedures” of this Form 10-K. As a result of such material weaknesses, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2023.
A “material weakness” is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. We are actively developing and implementing a remediation plan, as described in “Item 9A. Controls and Procedures” of this Form 10-K, designed to address these material weaknesses, but our remediation efforts are not complete and are ongoing. Any difficulty or failure to implement or maintain required control enhancements or new controls, could result in additional material weaknesses or a future material misstatement in our consolidated financial statements. Any future misstatement could result in a restatement of our consolidated financial statements, cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, reduce our ability to obtain financing or cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, leading to a decline in our stock price.
Our business may be harmed if we are unable to meet our debt service requirements or the covenants in our Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement ("Credit Agreement”), or if interest rates increase.
We have debt upon which we are required to make scheduled interest and principal payments, and we may incur additional debt in the future. A significant portion of our debt bears interest at variable rates that may increase in the future. A significant increase in interest rates or disruption in the global financial markets may affect our ability to obtain financing or to refinance existing debt on acceptable terms, if at all, and could increase the cost of our borrowings.
Our ability to satisfy our debt obligations will depend upon our future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions in the markets that we serve and financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash to service our debt or if interest rates increase, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. Our Credit Agreement, which provides for a $105.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility and a $15.0 million senior secured term loan facility, also requires us to comply with certain covenants. Failure to comply with the covenants contained in the Credit Agreement could result in a default, which, if not waived by our lenders, could substantially increase our borrowing costs and result in acceleration of our debt. As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with the applicable covenants in our Credit Agreement.
Changes in tax rules and regulations, or interpretations thereof, may adversely affect our effective tax rates.
We are a U.S. based company with customers and suppliers in foreign countries. We import various raw materials used in our production processes and we export goods to our foreign customers. The United States, the European Commission, countries in the European Union and other countries where we do business have implemented and may consider further changes in relevant tax, border tax, accounting and other laws, regulations and interpretations, that may unfavorably impact our effective tax rate or result in other costs to us.
Our ability to recognize tax benefits on our existing net operating loss positions may be limited.
We have meaningful net operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards and other tax attributes (collectively, the “Tax Benefits”), which potentially can be utilized in certain circumstances to reduce our future income tax obligations. As of December 31, 2023, we had estimated U.S. federal net operating losses of approximately $7.1 million, state net operating losses of approximately $10.5 million, U.S. federal tax credit carryforwards of approximately $7.3 million and state tax credit carryforwards of approximately $0.3 million. Our ability to use our Tax Benefits would be substantially limited if we were to experience an “ownership change,” as defined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Tax Code”). In general, a corporation would experience an ownership change if the percentage of the corporation’s stock owned by one or more “5% shareholders,” as defined under Section 382 of the Tax Code, increases by more than 50 percentage points over their lowest ownership percentage within a rolling three-year period.
Human Capital Risks
Our business depends largely on our ability to attract and retain key personnel.
We depend on the continued service, availability and ability to attract skilled personnel, including members of our executive management team, other management positions, and metallurgists, along with maintenance and production positions at various levels. Our inability to attract and retain such people may adversely impact our ability to fill existing roles and support growth. Attraction and retention of qualified personnel remains challenging as the labor market remains tight.
Further, the loss of key personnel could adversely affect our ability to perform until suitable replacements can be found.
Our business may be harmed by strikes or work stoppages.
At December 31, 2023, we had 520 employees, out of a total of 678, who were covered under collective bargaining agreements with the USW expiring at various dates in 2024 to 2028. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in timely concluding collective bargaining agreements with the USW to succeed the agreements that expire, in which case we may experience strikes or work stoppages that may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.
Costs related to our participation in a multi-employer pension plan could increase significantly.
We participate in the Trust, a multi-employer defined-benefit pension plan. We make contributions to the Trust with respect to all hourly and salaried employees associated with our Bridgeville facility. The trustees of the Trust have provided us with the latest data available for the year ended December 31, 2022. As of that date, the Trust is not fully funded. Our contribution rates could increase if the Trust is required to adopt a funding improvement plan or a rehabilitation plan as a result of funding deficiencies in excess of specified levels, which may be due to poor performance of Trust investments or other factors, or as a result of future wage and benefit agreements. In addition, if we choose to stop participating in the Trust, our contributions to the Trust decline or the Trust is terminated, we may be required to pay the Trust an amount based on the underfunded status of the Trust, referred to as a withdrawal liability. Changes to any of these factors could negatively impact our future results of operations and cash flows to a material extent.
Operational Risks
Our business is subject to stringent environmental, health and safety regulations which may result in significant liabilities and/or costs to maintain compliance.
Our operations and properties are subject to extensive and varied federal, state, local and international laws and regulations relating to public health, the environment, pollution, and occupational safety and health. We have used, and currently use and manufacture, substances that are considered hazardous or toxic under worker safety and health laws and regulations. We take measures to control or eliminate the continuing risk associated with the environmental, health and safety issues, however we could incur substantial fines and civil or criminal sanctions, cleanup costs, compliance investments and third-party property or injury claims as a result of violations, or non-compliance related to these regulations affecting our facilities and operations.
We are dependent on the availability and price of raw materials and operating supplies.
We purchase carbon and stainless scrap metal and alloy additives, principally nickel, chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, manganese and copper, for our melting operation. A portion of the alloy additives is available only from foreign sources, some of which are located in countries that may be subject to unstable political and economic conditions. Those conditions, or other conditions that impact the availability of our key raw materials and operating supplies, might disrupt supplies or affect the prices of the raw materials. We maintain sales price surcharges on our products to help offset the impact of raw material price fluctuations. We do not maintain long-term fixed-price supply agreements with any of our raw material suppliers. If our supply of raw materials were interrupted, we might not be able to obtain sufficient quantities of raw materials or obtain sufficient quantities of such materials at satisfactory prices, which, in either case, could adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, significant volatility in the price of our principal raw materials could adversely affect our financial results and there can be no assurance that the raw material surcharge mechanism employed by us will completely offset immediate changes in our raw material costs in a given period.
Our production processes also require consumable operating supplies. Significant volatility in the price of our consumable operating supplies could adversely affect our financial results.
Our business requires substantial amounts of energy.
The manufacturing of specialty steel is an energy-intensive process and requires the ready availability of substantial amounts of electricity and natural gas, for which we negotiate competitive supply agreements. While we believe that our energy agreements allow us to compete effectively within the specialty steel industry, the potential for increased costs exists during periods of high demand or supply disruptions. We have a sales price surcharge to help offset the cost fluctuations.
Our business may be harmed by failures on critical manufacturing equipment.
Our manufacturing processes are dependent upon certain critical pieces of specialty steel making equipment, including but not limited to our 50-ton electric-arc furnace and AOD vessel, our VIM, VAR and ESR furnaces, our radial hydraulic forge and our universal rolling mill. In the event any critical piece of equipment should become inoperative as a result of unexpected equipment failure, there can be no assurance that our operations would not be substantially curtailed, which may have a negative effect on our financial results.
Our business subjects us to risk of litigation claims, as a routine matter, and this risk increases the potential for a loss that might not be covered by insurance.
Litigation claims may relate to the conduct of our business, including claims relating to product liability, commercial disputes, employment actions, employee benefits, compliance with domestic and federal laws and personal injury. Due to the uncertainties of litigation, we might not prevail on claims made against us in the lawsuits that we currently face, and additional claims may be made against us in the future. The outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, and some of these lawsuits, claims or proceedings may be determined adversely to us. The resolution in any reporting period of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our business.
If we are unable to protect our information technology infrastructure against service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks or network security breaches, our operations could be disrupted.
We rely on information technology networks and systems to manage and support a variety of business activities, including procurement and supply chain, engineering support, and manufacturing. Our information technology systems, some of which are managed by third-parties, may be susceptible to the inability to continue to receive software updates and contractual vendor support, damage, disruptions or shutdown due to failures during the process of upgrading or replacing software, databases or components thereof, power outages, hardware failures, computer viruses, attacks by computer hackers, telecommunications failures, user errors or catastrophic events. In addition, security breaches could result in unauthorized disclosures of confidential information. If our information technology systems suffer severe damage, disruption or shutdown and our business continuity plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, our manufacturing process could be disrupted resulting in late deliveries or even no deliveries if there is a total shutdown.

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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
We own our Bridgeville, Pennsylvania facility, which consists of approximately 800,000 square feet of floor space and our executive offices on approximately 77 acres. The Bridgeville facility contains melting, remelting, conditioning, rolling, annealing, testing and various other processing equipment. Substantially all products shipped from the Bridgeville facility are processed through its melt shop and universal rolling mill operations.
We own our North Jackson, Ohio facility, which consists of approximately 257,000 square feet of floor space on approximately 110 acres. The North Jackson facility contains melting, remelting, forging, annealing and various other processing operations. Our obligations under our Credit Agreement, which is more fully described under Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources,” are collateralized by a first lien on our real property in North Jackson, Ohio.
We own our Dunkirk, New York facility, which consists of approximately 680,000 square feet of floor space on approximately 81 acres. The Dunkirk facility processes semi-finished billet and bar stock through one or more of its five rolling mills, a high temperature annealing facility and/or its round and shape bar finishing and testing equipment.
We own our Titusville, Pennsylvania facility, which consists of seven buildings on approximately 10 acres, including two principal buildings of approximately 265,000 square feet in total area. The Titusville facility contains five VAR furnaces and various rolling and finishing equipment.
Specialty steel production is a capital-intensive industry. We believe that our facilities and equipment are suitable for our present manufacturing needs. We believe, however, that we will continue to require capital from time to time to add new equipment and to repair or replace our existing equipment to remain competitive and to enable us to manufacture quality products and provide delivery and other support service assurances to our customers.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Information regarding the Company’s legal proceedings and other commitments and contingencies is set forth in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 14, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
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
At December 31, 2023, a total of 9,185,307 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, were issued and held by 87 holders of record. There were no shares of the issued common stock held in treasury at December 31, 2023. Our common stock trades under the symbol “USAP” on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
DIVIDENDS
We have never paid a cash dividend on our common stock. Our Credit Agreement does not permit the payment of cash dividends on our common stock. Accordingly, we do not expect to pay a cash dividend on our common stock in the near future.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6.
RESERVED
Not applicable

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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
The following Management Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the consolidated results of operations and financial condition of Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”). This MD&A should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in this Form 10-K. When reviewing the discussion, you should keep in mind the substantial risks and uncertainties that characterize our business. In particular, we encourage you to review the risk and uncertainties described under Item 1A “Risk Factors,” of this Form 10-K. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those forecasted in forward-looking statements or implied by past results and trends. Forward-looking statements are statements that attempt to project or anticipate future developments in our business; we encourage you to review the discussion of forward-looking statements under “Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995,” at the beginning of this report. These statements, like all statements in this report, speak only as of the date of this report (unless another date is indicated), and we undertake no obligation to update or revise the statements in light of future developments. Unless otherwise specified, any reference to a “year” is to the year ended December 31.
Overview
We manufacture and market semi-finished and finished specialty steel products, including stainless steel, nickel alloys, tool steel and certain other alloyed steels. Our manufacturing process involves melting, remelting, heat treating, hot and cold rolling, forging, machining and cold drawing of semi-finished and finished specialty steels. Our products are sold to service centers, forgers, rerollers and original equipment manufacturers. Our customers further process our products for use in a variety of industries, including the aerospace, power generation, oil and gas, heavy equipment and general industrial markets. We also perform conversion services on materials supplied by customers.
Our aerospace end market accounted for approximately 76% of our total net sales in 2023 and is expected to continue as a major driver of our future results. Sales to our aerospace end market increased 57% compared to 2022 after increasing 50% in 2022 compared to 2021. Sales to our heavy equipment and general industrial end markets also increased compared to 2022, while sales to our power generation and oil & gas end markets decreased as we focused more of our shipment capacity on serving the aerospace end market. In total our sales increased more than 41% compared to the prior year due to increases shipment volume and base selling prices and a higher mix of premium products and finished bar products, despite a decrease in raw material surcharges.
Sales of our premium products increased by 74% in 2023 as well, totaling a record $68.1 million versus $39.2 million last year. Total Company backlog at the end of 2023 was $318.2 million and premium products represented 36% of the backlog at the end of the year. Our premium products have a higher selling price and higher margins than our other products and are a key component of our growth strategy.
Our 2023 gross margin was 14.5% of net sales, improved from 7.0% in 2022, reflecting more shipments, higher production, higher selling prices, and cost improvements. Additionally, the liquid metal spill that occurred in our Bridgeville, PA melt shop in April 2022 was a significant headwind to our results in the second quarter 2022 and throughout the second half of 2022. The spill caused seven weeks of down time at the melt shop, which is the primary melt operation in our product process, and disrupted production throughput for the remainder of the year.
During 2023, we completed our strategic capital investment in North Jackson, OH to expand our remelt facility used for production of premium products, and grew our working capital modestly despite the significant increase in sales, as we reduced our inventory. Our inventory level and order backlog as we enter 2024 position us well to take advantage of strong specialty metals demand in our largest end markets.
Our operating facilities are integrated, and therefore our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) views the Company as one business unit. Our CODM sets performance goals, assesses performance and makes decisions about resource allocations on a consolidated basis. As a result of these factors, as well as the nature of the financial information available which is reviewed by our CODM, we maintain one reportable segment.
Results of Operations
A comparison of 2023 results to 2022 is included below. For a comparison of 2022 results to 2021, refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
2023 Results Compared to 2022
For the years ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except per shipped ton information)
Amount
% of net sales
Amount
% of net sales
Dollar Variance
% variance
Total net sales
$ 285,943
100.0 %
$ 202,114
100.0 %
$ 83,829
41.5 %
Cost of products sold
244,404
85.5
187,927
93.0
56,477
30.1
Gross margin
41,539
14.5
14,187
7.0
27,352
192.8
Selling, general and administrative expenses
27,783
9.7
21,180
10.5
6,603
31.2
Operating income (loss)
13,756
4.8
(6,993 )
(3.5 )
20,749
296.7
Interest expense
8,414
2.9
4,388
2.2
4,026
91.8
Other expense (income), net
-
(684 )
(0.3 )
105.0
Income (loss) before income taxes
5,308
1.9
(10,697 )
(5.3 )
16,005
149.6
Expense (benefit) from income taxes
0.1
(2,624 )
(1.3 )
3,022
115.2
Net income (loss)
$ 4,910
1.7 %
$ (8,073 )
(4.0 )%
$ 12,983
160.8 %
Market Channel Information:
For the years ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
% of net sales
Amount
% of net sales
Dollar variance
% variance
Net sales:
Service centers
$ 221,691
77.5 %
$ 144,955
71.7 %
$ 76,736
52.9 %
Original equipment manufacturers
19,113
6.6
17,230
8.5
1,883
10.9
Rerollers
15,635
5.5
19,824
9.8
(4,189 )
(21.1 )
Forgers
24,742
8.7
17,568
8.7
7,174
40.8
Conversion services and other
4,762
1.7
2,537
1.3
2,225
87.7
Total net sales
$ 285,943
100.0 %
$ 202,114
100.0 %
$ 83,829
41.5 %
Melt Type Information:
For the years ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
% of net sales
Amount
% of net sales
Dollar variance
% variance
Net sales:
Specialty alloys
$ 213,077
74.5 %
$ 160,352
79.3 %
$ 52,725
32.9 %
Premium alloys
68,104
23.8
39,225
19.4
28,879
73.6
Conversion services and other
4,762
1.7
2,537
1.3
2,225
87.7
Total net sales
$ 285,943
100.0 %
$ 202,114
100.0 %
$ 83,829
41.5 %
The majority of our products are sold to service centers rather than the ultimate end market customers. The end market information in this Annual Report is our estimate based upon our knowledge of our customers and the grade of material sold to them, which they will in-turn sell to the ultimate end market customer.
End Market Information:
For the years ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
% of net sales
Amount
% of net sales
Dollar variance
% variance
Net sales:
Aerospace
$ 216,093
75.6 %
$ 137,489
68.0 %
$ 78,604
57.2 %
Power generation
4,208
1.5
6,117
3.0
(1,909 )
(31.2 )
Oil and gas
13,978
4.9
17,981
9.0
(4,003 )
(22.3 )
Heavy equipment
31,212
10.9
27,138
13.4
4,074
15.0
General industrial, conversion services and other
20,452
7.1
13,389
6.6
7,063
52.8
Total net sales
$ 285,943
100.0 %
$ 202,114
100.0 %
$ 83,829
41.5 %
Net sales:
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased $83.8 million, or 41.5%, compared to 2022. The increase in our sales is due to an increase in volume shipped and our average selling prices. Our average selling prices increased due to our base price increases and higher mix of premium products and finished bar products in the current year, despite a decrease in raw material surcharges.
Gross margin:
Our 2023 gross margin was 14.5% of net sales, improved from 7.0% in 2022, reflecting more shipments, higher production, higher selling prices, and cost improvements. Additionally, the liquid metal spill that occurred in our Bridgeville, PA melt shop in April 2022 was a significant headwind to our results in the second quarter 2022 and throughout the second half of 2022. The spill caused seven weeks of down time at the melt shop, which is the primary melt operation in our product process, and disrupted production throughput for the remainder of the year.
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
Our selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses consist primarily of employee costs including salaries, incentive compensation, payroll taxes and benefit related costs, legal and accounting services, share compensation and insurance costs. Our SG&A expenses increased by $6.6 million in 2023 due primarily to increases in incentive compensation and the cost of business insurance.
Interest expense and deferred financing amortization:
Our interest expense, including amortization of deferred financing costs, was $8.4 million in 2023 compared to $4.4 million in 2022 due to higher interest rates, as most of our debt is variable and fluctuates with market rates.
Other expense (income):
Other expense was insignificant in 2023 compared to $0.7 million of other income in 2022. The prior year included a gain on insurance recoveries related to the liquid metal spill that occurred in our Bridgeville, PA melt shop in April 2022.
Expense (benefit) from income taxes:
Our 2023 income tax expense is $0.4 million compared to a benefit of $2.6 million in 2022 as we were in an income position in 2023 compared to a loss position in 2022.
Net income (loss):
We earned net income of $4.9 million in 2023 compared to a net loss of $8.1 million in 2022. Our profitability improved in 2023 along with higher production, cost improvements, and rising demand for our products driving more shipments and higher selling prices. Additionally, the liquid metal spill that occurred in our Bridgeville, PA melt shop in April 2022 was a significant headwind to our results in 2022.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically, we have financed our operations through cash provided by operating activities and borrowings on our credit facilities. At December 31, 2023, we maintained approximately $36 million of remaining availability under our revolving credit facility. We believe that our cash flows from continuing operations, as well as available borrowings under our credit facility, are adequate to satisfy our working capital, capital expenditure requirements, and other contractual obligations for the foreseeable future, including at least the next 12 months.
Net cash provided by operating activities
During 2023, we generated $25.2 million of cash from our operating activities. Net income adjusted for non-cash expenses generated $25.8 million. We used $3.5 million in our managed working capital, primarily driven by an $8.1 million increase in accounts receivable from higher sales, partly offset by cash generated from reducing inventory. We define managed working capital as net accounts receivable plus net inventory, minus accounts payable, minus other current liabilities. We generated $2.8 million from all other assets and liabilities.
During 2022, we used $8.9 million of cash in our operating activities. Net loss adjusted for non-cash expenses generated $9.9 million. We used $14.2 million in growth of our managed working capital, primarily driven by $15.1 million used to grow our inventory in support of our record backlog. The inventory growth was a result of an increase in value, due to the rising price of raw materials and other production costs, and due to a higher mix of premium product inventory at December 31, 2022. The increase in value is consistent with our increase in average selling price and higher premium product mix in our order backlog. Total volume of inventory on hand decreased at December 31, 2022 compared with the prior year. We define managed working capital as net accounts receivable plus net inventory, minus accounts payable and other current liabilities.
Net cash used in investing activity
Our capital spending was $13.0 million in 2023 compared to $12.1 million in 2022. The increase of $0.9 million in the current year was driven by completion of our strategic project to expand our premium product remelt capability and capacity.
Net cash provided by financing activities
During 2023, we used $13.8 million of cash in our financing activities, primarily making net payments on our revolving credit facility, term loan and finance leases. During 2022, our financing activities provided $22.9 million of cash, primarily through net borrowings on our revolving credit facility. We also executed a financing lease transaction in the fourth quarter to help fund our strategic capital expenditures which included a $1.8 million sales and leaseback component, accounted for as a loan, and made payments on existing financing leases and on our term loan within our Credit Agreement.
Raw materials and supplies
The cost of raw materials represents approximately 42% of the cost of products sold in 2023. The major raw materials used in our operations include nickel, molybdenum, vanadium, chromium, iron and carbon scrap. The average price of substantially all our major raw materials decreased throughout 2023 following significant inflationary increases in . Future raw material prices cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty. We do not maintain any fixed-price long-term agreements with any of our raw material suppliers.
We maintain sales price surcharge to mitigate the risk of substantial raw material cost fluctuations. The market values for these raw materials and others continue to fluctuate based on supply and demand, market disruptions and other factors. Over time, our surcharge will effectively offset changes in raw material costs; however, during a period of rising or falling prices the timing will cause variation between reporting periods.
Credit Facility
On March 17, 2021, we entered into the Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), with PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC Bank”), as administrative agent and co-collateral agent, Bank of America, N.A., as co-collateral agent, the Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement) party thereto from time to time and PNC Capital Markets LLC, as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner. The Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $105.0 million (“Revolving Credit Facility”) and a senior secured term loan facility (“Term Loan”) in the amount of $15.0 million (together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the “Facilities”).
The Company maintained compliance with all applicable covenants at December 31, 2023 and 2022.
The Facilities, which expire on March 17, 2026 (the “Expiration Date”), are collateralized by a first lien on substantially all the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, except that no real property is collateral under the Facilities other than Company’s real property in North Jackson, Ohio.
Availability under the Credit Agreement is based on eligible accounts receivable and inventory. The Company must maintain undrawn availability under the Credit Agreement of at least $11.0 million. That requirement can be overcome if the Company maintains a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.10 to 1.0 measured on a rolling two-quarter basis and calculated in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement.
The Company is required to pay a commitment fee of 0.25% based on the daily unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility.
With respect to the Term Loan, the Company must pay quarterly installments of the principal of approximately $0.5 million, plus accrued and unpaid interest, on the first day of each fiscal quarter beginning on June 30, 2021. To the extent not previously paid, the Term Loan will become due and payable in full on the Expiration Date.
Amounts outstanding under the Facilities, at the Company’s option, will bear interest at either a base rate or a SOFR based rate, in either case calculated in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement. Interest under the Credit Agreement is payable monthly. We elected to use the SOFR based rate for most of the debt outstanding under the Facilities during 2023. At December 31, 2023, the SOFR based rate was approximately 8.0% on our Revolving Credit Facility and 8.5% for the Term Loan.
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had net deferred financing costs related to the Credit Agreement of approximately $0.5 million and $0.7 million recorded to the consolidated balance sheet, respectively. We amortized $0.2 million of those costs during each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Leases
The Company periodically enters into leases in its normal course of business. Operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets are recorded to the consolidated balance sheet at the present value of minimum lease payments. The assets are included in Other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized over the respective terms, which are five years or less. The long-term component of the lease liability is recorded in Other long-term liabilities, net and the current component is included in Other current liabilities.
The right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for finance leases are recorded at the present value of minimum lease payments. The assets are included in Property, plant and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets and are depreciated over the respective lease terms. The long-term component of the lease liability is included in Long-term debt and the current component is included in Current portion of long-term debt.
The Company entered into four new finance lease agreements during 2023. Refer to Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for further information.
Share-Based Activity
We granted stock options or restricted stock units, and issued shares of our common stock to officers, employees, and non-employee directors during 2023, 2022 and 2021 through our incentive compensation plans. Refer to Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for further information.
Contingent Items
Product Claims. We are subject to various claims and legal actions that arise in the normal course of conducting business. There were no material product claims outstanding at December 31, 2023.
Environmental Matters. We, as well as other specialty metal manufacturers, are subject to demanding environmental standards imposed by federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. We are not aware of any environmental condition that currently exists at any of our facilities that are probable or reasonably possible of having a material impact on our results of operations or liquidity. We are aware of energy usage concerns relating to climate change; however, we are not aware of any pending regulations that are expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or liquidity.
Legal Matters. From time to time, various lawsuits and claims have been or may be asserted against us relating to the conduct of our business, including routine litigation relating to commercial and employment matters. The ultimate cost and outcome of any litigation or claim cannot be predicted with certainty. Management believes, based on information presently available, that the likelihood that the ultimate outcome of any such pending matter will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, or liquidity or a material impact to its results of operations is remote, although the resolution of one or more of these matters may have a material adverse effect on its results of operations for the period in which the resolution occurs.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The Company’s revenues are primarily composed of sales of products. Revenue from the sale of products is recognized when the Company satisfies its performance obligation under a contract by transferring control of the promised product to its customer, which in most cases coincides with shipment of the related product. Certain sales qualify for over-time revenue recognition. Sales of certain specified product grades and shapes, and sales from conversion services, are recognized over-time. The Company’s identification of and accounting for these sales is discussed further in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
Management regularly monitors the ability to collect its unpaid sales invoices. The allowance for doubtful accounts includes specific reserves for the value of outstanding invoices issued to customers that are deemed potentially not collectible.
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of inventory is principally determined by the weighted average cost method for material and operation costs. An inventory reserve is provided for material on hand for which management believes cost exceeds net realizable value. We reserve for slow-moving inventory and inventory that is being evaluated under our quality control process. The reserves are based upon management’s expected method of disposition.
Property, Plant and Equipment (“PP&E”) is stated at historical cost or fair value at acquisition less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets for book purposes. Depreciation for income tax purposes is computed using accelerated methods. Upon disposal, assets and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the financial statements and differences between the net book value and proceeds from disposal are generally included in cost of goods sold in the consolidated statement of operations. PP&E is evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable in relation to the operating performance and future undiscounted cash flows of the underlying assets. Adjustments are made if the sum of expected future cash flows is less than book value. No impairment was recorded as of December 31, 2023, 2022 or 2021.
Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the basis of such assets and liabilities as measured by tax laws and regulations. Our deferred tax assets include net operating loss carry forwards that can be used to offset taxable income in future periods and reduce income taxes payable in those future periods. These deferred tax assets will expire, if unused, at various times beginning in 2027. Deferred tax liabilities primarily relate to book / tax depreciation differences. Management assesses the need to record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.
The calculation for our share-based compensation expense involves several assumptions. Management believes each assumption used in the valuation is reasonable because it considers the experience of the plan and reasonable expectations. Management estimates volatility based on historical data, future expectations and the expected term of the share-based compensation awards. The assumptions, however, involve inherent uncertainties. As a result, if other assumptions had been used, share-based compensation expense could have varied.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Prices for our raw materials and natural gas requirements are subject to frequent market fluctuations, and profit margins may decline in the event market prices increase. Selling price increases and surcharges are utilized to offset raw material, electricity and natural gas market price increases.
Raw material prices vary based on numerous factors, including quality, and are subject to frequent market fluctuations. Future raw material prices cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty. We do not maintain any fixed-price long-term agreements with any of our raw material suppliers.
We maintain a sales price surcharge on certain of our products to help offset the impact of raw material price fluctuations. For certain products, the surcharge is calculated at the time of order entry, based on current raw material prices or prices at the time of shipment. For certain finished products, the surcharge is calculated based on the monthly average raw material prices two months prior to the promised ship date. While the material surcharge is designed to offset modest fluctuations in raw material prices, it cannot immediately absorb significant spikes in raw material prices. A material change in raw material prices within a short period of time could have a material effect on our financial results and there can be no assurance that the raw material surcharge will completely offset immediate changes in our raw material costs.
At December 31, 2023, we had $78.6 million of floating rate debt outstanding with interest rates between 8.0% and 10.0%. Since the interest rate on floating rate debt changes with the short-term market rate of interest, we are exposed to the risk that these interest rates may increase, raising our interest expense. Exclusive of any interest rate hedges, a hypothetical 1.0% increase or decrease in our floating rate debt interest rates would unfavorably or favorably impact our annual pre-tax results by approximately $0.9 million.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 274) 23
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 274) 25
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 358) 28
Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2023 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the then ended, 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 December 31, 2023 based on criteria established in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated March 29, 2024 expressed an adverse 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 Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Recoverability of long-lived assets
As discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 2023 was $160.0 million. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company reviews the recoverability of property, plant and equipment, net (long-lived assets) whenever significant events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets (asset groups).
We identified the assessment of the recoverability of long-lived assets as a critical audit matter due to the significant judgment by management involved with developing the estimates to determine the recoverability of the long-lived assets, specifically those relating to the projected cash flows and growth rates. Evaluating the Company’s identification of significant events or changes in circumstances, which indicate these assets may not be recoverable, involved subjective auditor judgment. The judgments included consideration of factors that are external and internal to the Company, such as declines in the market of the Company’s products or plans to close a physical location.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included, among others, evaluating the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the identification of significant events or changes in circumstances indicating the long-lived assets may not be recoverable. We evaluated the Company’s identification of significant events or changes in circumstances that have occurred indicating the underlying long-lived assets may not be recoverable by performing an independent assessment. We also obtained the Company’s undiscounted cash flow analysis to assess whether the underlying long-lived assets may not be recoverable. The independent assessment included testing the significant assumptions in the undiscounted cash flow analysis, performing a sensitivity analysis on the undiscounted cash flow analysis, analyzing the historical operating performance of the asset groups and evaluating other events or changes in circumstances based on our knowledge of the Company and experience of the industry in which it operates. This included reading and evaluating industry articles, public information related to competitor activity, Company press releases and board of director minutes.
/s/ EisnerAmper LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2023.
EISNERAMPER LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 29, 2024
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc.
Opinion on the Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc.’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, because of the effect of the material weaknesses described in the following paragraph on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
A material weakness is a control deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weakness has been identified and included in management’s assessment.
●
Management did not design and maintain effective internal controls over certain business process cycles, including revenue and receivables, purchasing and payables, inventory, payroll, income taxes and financial reporting.
●
Management did not maintain adequate documentation of its review of management review controls and certain activity level controls across the Company's financial statement areas.
●
Management did not maintain adequate monitoring controls over certain components of internal control on a timely basis.
●
Management did not maintain effective information technology general controls over logical access and program change management for certain key information systems used in the financial reporting process.
These material weaknesses were considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of the audit tests applied in our audit of the December 31, 2023 financial statements, and this report does not affect our report dated March 29, 2024 on those financial statements.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheet of Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. as of December 31, 2023, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes and our report dated March 29, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion.
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, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included 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
An entity’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. An entity’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the entity; (ii) 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 entity are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the entity; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the entity’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/ EisnerAmper LLP
EISNERAMPER LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 29, 2024
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc.
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, cash flows, and shareholders’ equity for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes and schedules (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flow for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (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 consolidated 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 consolidated 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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Schneider Downs & Co., Inc.
Schneider Downs & Co., Inc.
We served as the Company’s auditor from 2003 to 2023.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
February 24, 2023
UNIVERSAL STAINLESS & ALLOY PRODUCTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the years ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except per share information)
Net sales
$ 285,943
$ 202,114
$ 155,934
Cost of products sold
244,404
187,927
147,963
Gross margin
41,539
14,187
7,971
Selling, general and administrative expenses
27,783
21,180
20,243
Operating income (loss)
13,756
(6,993 )
(12,272 )
Interest expense
8,414
4,388
2,214
Gain on extinguishment of debt
-
-
(10,000 )
Other expense (income), net
(684 )
(445 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
5,308
(10,697 )
(4,041 )
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
(2,624 )
(3,283 )
Net income (loss)
$ 4,910
$ (8,073 )
$ (758 )
Basic income (loss) per share
$ 0.54
$ (0.90 )
$ (0.09 )
Diluted income (loss) per share
$ 0.53
$ (0.90 )
$ (0.09 )
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding:
Basic
9,086,004
8,972,468
8,907,908
Diluted
9,278,569
8,972,468
8,907,908
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
UNIVERSAL STAINLESS & ALLOY PRODUCTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the years ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
Net income (loss)
$ 4,910 $ (8,073 ) $ (758 )
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives, net of tax
(256 ) 93 85
Comprehensive income (loss)
$ 4,654 $ (7,980 ) $ (673 )
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
UNIVERSAL STAINLESS & ALLOY PRODUCTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash
$ 394 $ 2,019
Accounts receivable (less expected credit losses of $34 and $201, respectively)
39,034 30,960
Inventory
144,700 154,193
Other current assets
11,693 10,392
Total current assets
195,821 197,564
Property, plant and equipment, net
159,636 163,490
Deferred income tax assets
- 143
Other long-term assets
1,233 2,137
Total assets
$ 356,690 $ 363,334
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$ 34,855 $ 38,179
Accrued employment costs
6,492 2,790
Current portion of long-term debt
3,733 3,419
Other current liabilities
829 1,112
Total current liabilities
45,909 45,500
Long-term debt
81,846 95,015
Deferred income tax liabilities
2 -
Other long-term liabilities
2,891 3,066
Total liabilities
130,648 143,581
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Stockholders’ equity:
Senior preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share; 1,980,000 shares authorized; zero shares issued and outstanding
- -
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 9,185,307 and 9,049,748 shares issued, respectively
9 9
Additional paid-in capital
98,637 97,002
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(123 ) 133
Retained earnings
127,519 122,609
Total stockholders’ equity
226,042 219,753
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$ 356,690 $ 363,334
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
UNIVERSAL STAINLESS & ALLOY PRODUCTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the years ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)
$ 4,910 $ (8,073 ) $ (758 )
Adjustments for non-cash items:
Depreciation and amortization
19,433 19,378 19,300
Deferred income tax
215 (2,695 ) (3,288 )
Gain on extinguishment of debt
- - (10,000 )
Share-based compensation expense
1,336 1,289 1,121
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net
(8,074 ) (9,768 ) (3,091 )
Inventory, net
7,785 (15,078 ) (30,986 )
Accounts payable
(2,900 ) 10,507 10,986
Accrued employment costs
3,702 (1,513 ) 2,477
Other, net
(1,176 ) (2,983 ) (3,730 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
25,231 (8,936 ) (17,969 )
Investing Activity:
Capital expenditures
(13,026 ) (12,096 ) (11,105 )
Net cash used in investing activity
(13,026 ) (12,096 ) (11,105 )
Financing Activities:
Net (payments on) borrowings under revolving credit facility
(10,561 ) 23,548 37,518
Proceeds from term loan facility
- - 8,571
Proceeds from other financing transactions, net
- 1,804 -
Payments on term loan facility, finance leases, and notes
(3,568 ) (2,412 ) (16,715 )
Payments of financing costs
- (130 ) (539 )
Issuance of common stock under share-based plans
299 123 193
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(13,830 ) 22,933 29,028
Net (decrease) increase in cash
(1,625 ) 1,901 (46 )
Cash at beginning of period
2,019 118 164
Cash at end of period
$ 394 $ 2,019 $ 118
Supplemental Non-Cash Financing Activity:
New financing lease liability during period (Note 6)
$ 1,005 $ 5,196 $ -
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Interest paid
$ 8,223 $ 3,985 $ 1,980
Income taxes paid
$ 5 $ 2 $ 7
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
UNIVERSAL STAINLESS & ALLOY PRODUCTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accumulated
Common
Additional
other
Total
shares
Common
paid-in
Retained
comprehensi
shareholders'
(dollars in thousands)
outstanding
stock
capital
earnings
income (loss)
equity
Balance at December 31, 2020
8,883,788 $ 9 $ 94,276 $ 131,440 $ (45 ) $ 225,680
Common stock issuance under
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
22,382 - 146 - - 146
Share-based compensation
5,272 - 47 - - 47
Net loss on derivative instruments
26,649 - 1,121 - - 1,121
Treasury Stock retirement
- - - - 85 85
Net loss
- - - (758 ) - (758 )
Balance at December 31, 2021
8,938,091 9 95,590 130,682 40 226,321
Common stock issuance under
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
19,915 - 123 - - 123
Other Share-based plans
11,452 - 101 - - 101
Share-based compensation
80,290 - 1,188 - - 1,188
Net gain on derivative instruments
- - - - 93 93
Net loss
- - - (8,073 ) - (8,073 )
Balance at December 31, 2022
9,049,748 9 97,002 122,609 133 219,753
Common stock issuance under
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
25,845 - 266 - - 266
Other Share-based plans
3,250 - 33 - - 33
Share-based compensation
106,464 - 1,336 - - 1,336
Net loss on derivative instruments
- - - - (256 ) (256 )
Net income
- - - 4,910 - 4,910
Balance at December 31, 2023
9,185,307 $ 9 $ 98,637 $ 127,519 $ (123 ) $ 226,042
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
UNIVERSAL STAINLESS & ALLOY PRODUCTS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1: Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (collectively, “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. We have no interests in any unconsolidated entity.
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 amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. The estimates and assumptions used in these consolidated financial statements are based on known information available as of the balance sheet date. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Concentration of Credit Risk. We limit our credit risk on accounts receivable by performing ongoing credit evaluations and, when necessary, require letters of credit, guarantees or cash collateral. Our largest customer accounted for approximately 31%, 21% and 19% of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and 21%, 12% and 7% of our total accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Our second largest customer in each year accounted for approximately 14%, 18% and 10% of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and 18%, 25% and 6% of our total accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Accounts Receivable and Provision for Expected Credit Losses. Accounts receivable are presented net of the provision for expected credit losses on our consolidated balance sheets. We market our products to a diverse customer base, primarily throughout the United States. International sales approximated 5% of total net sales in 2023 and 2022 and 7% in 2021. The provision for expected credit losses includes specific reserves for the value of outstanding invoices issued to customers that are deemed potentially not collectible. Receivables are written-off when they are deemed uncollectible. There was no bad debt expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Accounts receivable as of January 1, 2022 was approximately $21.2 million.
Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost principally determined by the weighted average cost method. Such costs include the acquisition cost for raw materials and operating supplies, direct labor and applied manufacturing overhead within the guidelines of normal plant capacity. We reserve for slow-moving inventory and inventory that is being evaluated under our quality control process. The reserves are based upon management’s expected method of disposition. The net change in inventory reserves for the year ended December 31, 2023 was a decrease of less than $0.1 million. The net change for the year ended December 31, 2022 was a decrease of $1.1 million, and the net change for the year ended December 31, 2021 was an increase of $0.3 million.
Included in inventory are operating materials consisting of forge dies and production molds and rolls that are consumed over their useful lives. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we amortized these operating materials in the amount of $1.7 million, $1.6 million, and $1.7 million, respectively. This expense is recorded as a component of cost of products sold on the consolidated statements of operations and included as a part of our total depreciation and amortization on the consolidated statements of cash flows.
We experienced low activity levels at our production facilities during 2021 primarily by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, $6.1 million of fixed overhead costs were not absorbed into inventory and charged directly to expense during 2021.
Government Assistance. We received an award under the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Program during 2022 totaling approximately $3.6 million. The entire amount of the award was earned during 2022 and recorded as a reduction to costs of goods sold in the consolidated statement of operations. Approximately $1.8 million of cash was received during 2022 and the remaining cash was received in 2023. Accordingly, a receivable of $1.8 million was recorded within Other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2022.
Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost or its fair value at acquisition date. No depreciation is recognized on assets until they are placed in service. Assets which have been retired or disposed of are removed from cost and accumulated depreciation accounts, with the gain or loss generally reflected in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statements of operations.
Major equipment maintenance costs are capitalized as incurred and included in other current assets and other long-term assets, as appropriate. These costs are amortized to cost of products sold within a 12 to 36 month period. Other maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Costs of improvements and renewals are capitalized. Our maintenance expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $23.5 million, 21.6 million and $16.7 million, respectively, which is included as a component of cost of products sold.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the related assets. The estimated useful lives of buildings and land improvements are between 10 and 40 years, and the estimated useful lives of machinery and equipment are between five and 39 years. Our total depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $17.3 million, $17.4 million and $17.3 million, respectively, of which $16.6 million, $16.8 million and $16.8 million, respectively, was included as a component of cost of products sold while the remainder was included in selling, general and administrative expense.
Long-Lived Asset Impairment. Long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable in relation to the operating performance and future undiscounted cash flows of the underlying assets. Adjustments are made if the sum of expected future cash flows is less than the book value. Based on management’s assessment of the carrying values of long-lived assets, no impairment was recorded as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Deferred Financing Costs. Deferred financing costs are amortized up to the maturity date of the related financial instrument using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. Deferred financing cost amortization for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $0.2 million and is included as a component of interest expense and other financing costs on the consolidated statements of operations and included as part of total depreciation and amortization on the consolidated statements of cash flows. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had $1.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively, of unamortized deferred financing costs included on our consolidated balance sheets as a reduction of debt.
Revenue Recognition. The Company’s revenues are primarily composed of sales of products. Revenue from the sale of products is recognized when the Company satisfies its performance obligations under a contract by transferring control of the promised product to its customer (“point-in-time”). Sales of certain specified product grades and shapes, and sales from conversion services, are recognized over-time. These sales qualify for over-time revenue recognition as the Company does not produce an asset with alternative use when completing its performance obligations regarding these items and maintains an enforceable right to payment in the event of contract termination.
Invoiced shipping and handling costs are also accounted for as revenue. Customer claims, which are not material, are accounted for primarily as a reduction to gross sales after the matter has been researched and an acceptable resolution has been reached.
Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes are provided for net operating losses, unused tax credits earned and the tax effect of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. We use the liability method to account for income taxes, which requires deferred taxes to be recorded at the statutory rate expected to be in effect when the taxes are paid. Valuation allowances are provided for a deferred tax asset when it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized. Income tax penalties and interest are included in the provision for income tax expense.
We evaluate the tax positions taken or expected to be taken in our tax returns. A tax position should only be recognized in the financial statements if we determine that it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities, based upon the technical merits of the position. For those tax positions that should be recognized, the measurement of a tax position is determined as being the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We believe there are no material uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
We recognize excess tax impacts upon the exercise of employee stock options within the consolidated statements of operations.
Share-based Compensation Plans. We recognize compensation expense based on the grant-date fair value of the awards. The fair value of the stock option grants is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, and is recognized ratably over the service/vesting period of the award. The fair value of time-based restricted stock grants and restricted stock units is calculated using the market value of the stock on the date of issuance, and is recognized ratably over the service/vesting period of the award.
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share. Net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period.
Financial Instruments. Financial instruments held by us include cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and current and long-term debt. The carrying value of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable is representative of fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. Refer to Note 8 for fair value disclosures of our financial instruments.
Segment Reporting. Our operating facilities are integrated, and therefore our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) views the Company as one business unit. Our CODM sets performance goals, assesses performance and makes decisions about resource allocations on a consolidated basis. As a result of these factors, as well as the nature of the financial information available which is reviewed by our CODM, we maintain one reportable segment.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board added a new impairment model that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses, known as the current expected credit loss model. Under the new guidance, an entity recognizes its estimate of expected credit losses applicable to trade receivables, other receivables, contract assets and most debt instruments. The model does not have a minimum threshold for recognition of impairment losses. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2023. The adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
The Company considers the applicability and impact of all Accounting Standards Updates ("ASUs"). Recently issued ASUs not listed were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Note 2: Revenue Recognition
The Company’s revenues primarily include sales of products. Revenue is recognized when the Company satisfies its performance obligation under the contract by transferring the promised product to its customer that obtains control of the product. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct product to a customer. Most of the Company’s contracts have a single performance obligation, as the promise to transfer products or services is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contract and, therefore, not distinct.
Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring products. As such, revenue is recorded net of returns, allowances, customer discounts, and incentives. Sales and other taxes are excluded from revenues. Invoiced shipping and handling costs are included in revenue.
The Company’s revenue is primarily from products transferred to customers at a point in time. The Company recognizes revenue at the point in time in which the customer obtains control of the product, which is generally when product title passes to the customer upon shipment.
We have determined that there are certain customer agreements involving production of specified product grades and shapes that require revenue to be recognized over time, in advance of shipment, due to there being no alternative use for these grades and shapes without significant economic loss, and the Company maintains an enforceable right to payment including a normal profit margin from the customer in the event of contract termination. The revenue is measured based on inputs expended in proportion to the total inputs the entity expects to expend to completely satisfy the performance obligation. The Company had revenue subject to over-time recognition of approximately $8.7 million and $5.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The timing of revenue recognition, customer billings, and cash collections resulted in contract assets related to services performed, not yet billed of $2.0 million and $1.6 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company recorded these contract assets within Accounts receivable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at each date. We expect to satisfy all performance obligations related to revenue recognized in advance of shipment at December 31, 2023 within the next 12 months.
The Company has elected the following practical expedients allowed under ASC Topic 606:
• Shipping activities are not considered to be separate performance obligations.
• Performance obligations are satisfied within one year from a given reporting date, and consequently we omit disclosure of the transaction price apportioned to remaining performance obligations on open orders.
The following summarizes our revenue by melt type:
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
Net sales:
Specialty alloys
$ 213,077 160,352
Premium alloys (A)
68,104 39,225
Conversion services and other sales
4,762 2,537
Total net sales
$ 285,943 $ 202,114
(A) Premium alloys represent all vacuum induction melted (VIM) products.
Note 3: Inventory
The major classes of inventory are as follows:
December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
Raw materials and starting stock
$ 15,124 $ 14,890
Semi-finished and finished steel products
117,039 129,534
Operating materials
15,967 13,220
Gross inventory
148,130 157,644
Inventory reserves
(3,430 ) (3,451 )
Total inventory
$ 144,700 $ 154,193
Note 4: Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:
December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
Land and land improvements
$ 8,130 $ 8,090
Buildings
53,807 53,334
Machinery and equipment
325,023 315,165
Construction in progress
15,649 12,602
Gross property, plant and equipment
402,609 389,191
Accumulated depreciation
(242,973 ) (225,701 )
Property, plant and equipment, net
$ 159,636 $ 163,490
Note 5: Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following:
December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
Term loan
$ 9,643 $ 11,786
Revolving credit facility
68,984 79,545
Sale and leaseback financing liability
1,539 1,804
Finance leases
6,508 6,663
86,674 99,798
Less: current portion of long-term debt
(3,733 ) (3,419 )
Less: deferred financing costs
(1,095 ) (1,364 )
Long-term debt
$ 81,846 $ 95,015
Credit Facility
On March 17, 2021, we entered into the Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), with PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC Bank”), as administrative agent and co-collateral agent, Bank of America, N.A., as co-collateral agent, the Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement) party thereto from time to time and PNC Capital Markets LLC, as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner. The Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $105.0 million (“Revolving Credit Facility”) and a senior secured term loan facility (“Term Loan”) in the amount of $15.0 million (together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the “Facilities”).
The Company maintained compliance with all applicable covenants at December 31, 2023 and 2022.
The Facilities, which expire on March 17, 2026 (the “Expiration Date”), are collateralized by a first lien on substantially all the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, except that no real property is collateral under the Facilities other than Company’s real property in North Jackson, Ohio.
Availability under the Credit Agreement is based on eligible accounts receivable and inventory. The Company must maintain undrawn availability under the Credit Agreement of at least $11.0 million. That requirement can be overcome if the Company maintains a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.10 to 1.0 measured on a rolling two-quarter basis and calculated in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement.
The Company is required to pay a commitment fee of 0.25% based on the daily unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility.
With respect to the Term Loan, the Company must pay quarterly installments of the principal of approximately $0.5 million, plus accrued and unpaid interest, on the first day of each fiscal quarter beginning on June 30, 2021. To the extent not previously paid, the Term Loan will become due and payable in full on the Expiration Date.
Amounts outstanding under the Facilities, at the Company’s option, will bear interest at either a base rate or a SOFR based rate, in either case calculated in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement. Interest under the Credit Agreement is payable monthly. We elected to use the SOFR based rate for most of the debt outstanding under the Facilities during 2023. At December 31, 2023, the SOFR based rate was approximately 8.0% on our Revolving Credit Facility and 8.5% for the Term Loan.
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had net deferred financing costs related to the Credit Agreement of approximately $0.5 million and $0.7 million recorded to the consolidated balance sheet, respectively. We amortized $0.2 million of those costs during each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
The aggregate annual principal payments due under our Credit Agreement at December 31, 2023, are as follows:
(dollars in thousands)
$ 2,144
2,144
74,339
$ 78,627
Paycheck Protection Program Term Note
On April 16, 2020, the Company entered into a promissory note, dated April 15, 2020, with PNC Bank, National Association, evidencing an unsecured loan with a principal amount of $10.0 million made to the Company pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP Term Note”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The PPP Term Note was guaranteed by the United States Small Business Administration.
Under the terms of the CARES Act, the Company was eligible for forgiveness for all or a portion of the PPP Term Note, with such forgiveness to be determined, subject to limitations, based on the use of the loan proceeds for payment of payroll costs and any payments of certain covered interest, lease and utility payments.
The Company applied for forgiveness of the PPP Term Note during the third quarter of 2020. In July 2021, PNC Bank notified the Company that forgiveness of the note was granted by the United States Small Business Administration. Accordingly, the PPP Term Note was forgiven in its entirety, including all related accrued interest. In the third quarter of 2021, we recognized forgiveness of the PPP Term Note and recorded a corresponding gain on extinguishment of debt in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the period.
The PPP Term Note incurred interest at a fixed annual rate of 1.00%, with the first six months of interest deferred. The Company did not make any principal or interest payments related to the PPP Term Note.
Notes
In connection with the acquisition of the North Jackson facility in 2011, we issued $20.0 million in Notes to the sellers of the facility as partial consideration in the transaction.
On January 21, 2016, the Company entered into Amended and Restated Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $20.0 million (the “Notes”), each in favor of Gorbert Inc. (“Holder”). The Company’s obligations under the Notes were collateralized by a second lien on the same assets of the Company that collateralize the obligations of the Company under the Facilities. The Holder had the right to elect at any time on or prior to August 17, 2017 to convert all or any portion of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes.
The Notes were originally scheduled to mature on March 17, 2019. In 2019, the Company extended the maturity date to March 17, 2020 in accordance with the terms of the Notes. In 2020, the Company extended the maturity date to March 17, 2021 in accordance with the terms of the Notes. The Company made partial principal payments on the notes upon extension, and an aggregate principal amount of $15.0 million remained outstanding at the 2021 maturity date. On March 17, 2021, the Company paid the remaining principal balance and all applicable interest to settle the notes obligation.
The Notes had an applicable interest at a rate of 6.0% per year from August 17, 2017 until the time they were paid off. All accrued and unpaid interest was payable quarterly in arrears on September 18, December 18, March 18 and June 18 of each year.
Note 6: Leases
The Company periodically enters into leases in its normal course of business. At December 31, 2023, the leases in effect were primarily related to mobile equipment and other production equipment. The term of our leases is generally 72 months or less, and the leases do not have significant restrictions, covenants, or other nonstandard terms.
The Company entered into four new finance lease agreements during 2023.
The Company entered into three new operating lease agreements and four new finance lease agreements during 2022. This includes the $5.2 million lease component of our new vacuum arc remelt ("VAR") expansion financing arrangement, but excludes the $1.8 million sale and leaseback component of that agreement. The $1.8 million is accounted for as a loan secured by the related equipment, as it did not meet the criteria for sale accounting under Accounting Standards Codification section 842. The $1.8 million is excluded from the tables below, the current portion of which is approximately $0.2 million. The total $7.0 million principal amount of that financing arrangement has a term of 72 months and an implicit interest rate of approximately 11.2%.
The weighted average interest rate on all our financing leases is approximately 10.0%.
Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recorded at the present value of minimum lease payments. For our operating leases, the assets are included in Other long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized within operating income over the respective lease terms. The long-term component of the lease liability is included in Other long-term liabilities, net, and the current component is included in Other current liabilities. For our finance leases, the assets are included in Property, plant and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets and are depreciated over the respective lease terms which range from three to six years. The long-term component of the lease liability is included in Long-term debt and the current component is included in Current portion of long-term debt.
As of December 31, 2023, future minimum lease payments applicable to operating and finance leases were as follows:
Operating
Financing
$ 170 $ 1,953
36 1,841
21 1,714
2 1,570
- 1,115
Total minimum lease payments
$ 229 $ 8,193
Less amounts representing interest
(5 ) (1,685 )
Present value of minimum lease payments
$ 224 $ 6,508
Less current obligations
(168 ) (1,347 )
Total long-term lease obligations, net
$ 56 $ 5,161
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)
1.6 4.5
Right-of-use assets recorded to the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023 were $0.2 million for operating leases and $6.5 million for finance leases. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, the amortization of finance lease assets was $0.5 million and was included in cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Right-of-use assets recorded to the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2022 were $0.5 million for operating leases and $9.2 million for finance leases. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the amortization of finance lease assets was $0.2 million and was included in cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company elected the practical expedient allowed under Leases (Topic 842) to exclude leases with a term of 12 months or less from the calculation of our lease liabilities and right-of-use assets.
In determining the lease liability and corresponding right-of-use asset for each lease, the Company calculated the present value of future lease payments using the interest rate implicit in the lease, when available, or the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rate was determined with reference to the interest rate applicable under our senior secured revolving credit facility discussed in Note 5, as this facility is collateralized by a first lien on substantially all of the assets of the Company and its term is similar to the term of our leases.
Note 7: New Markets Tax Credit Financing Transaction
On March 9, 2018, the Company entered into a New Markets Tax Credit financing program with PNC New Markets Investment Partners, LLC and Boston Community Capital, Inc. related to a new mid-size bar cell capital project at the Company’s Dunkirk, NY facility. PNC New Markets Investment Partners, LLC made a capital contribution and the Company made a loan to Dunkirk Investment Fund, LLC (“Investment Fund”) under the qualified NMTC financing program. Through this financing transaction, the Company secured low interest financing and the potential for other future benefits related to its mid-size bar cell capital project.
In connection with the financing transaction, the Company loaned $6.7 million aggregate principal amount (“Leverage Loan”) due in March 2048 to the Investment Fund. Additionally, PNC New Markets Investment Partners, LLC contributed $3.5 million to the Investment Fund, and as such, PNC New Markets Investment Partners, LLC is entitled to substantially all tax and other benefits derived from the NMTC. The Investment Fund then contributed the proceeds to a community development entity (“CDE”). The CDE then loaned the funds, on similar terms, as the Leverage Loan to Dunkirk Specialty Steel, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The CDE loan proceeds are restricted for use on the mid-size bar cell capital project.
The NMTC is subject to 100 percent recapture for a period of seven years as provided in the Internal Revenue Code. The Company is required to comply with various regulations and contractual provisions that apply to the NMTC arrangement. Non-compliance with applicable requirements could result in projected tax benefits not being realized and, therefore, require the Company to indemnify PNC New Markets Investment Partners, LLC for any loss or recapture of NMTCs related to the financing until the Company’s obligation to deliver tax benefits is relieved. The Company does not anticipate any credit recaptures will be required in connection with this arrangement.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded $2.8 million within Other long-term liabilities related to this transaction, which represents the funds contributed to the Investment Fund by PNC New Markets Investment Partners, LLC.
This transaction also includes a put/call provision whereby the Company may be obligated or entitled to repurchase PNC New Markets Investment Partners, LLC’s interest in the Investment Fund. The Company believes that PNC New Markets Investment Partners, LLC will exercise the put option in March 2025, at the end of the recapture period, resulting in a gain of $2.8 million at that time. The value attributed to the put/call is negligible.
Direct costs incurred in structuring this financing transaction totaled $0.7 million. These costs were deferred and are amortized over the term of the loans.
The Company has determined that the Investment Fund and CDE are each a variable interest entity ("VIE"), and that it is the primary beneficiary of each VIE. This conclusion was reached based on the following:
• The ongoing activities of the VIE, collecting and remitting interest and fees, and NMTC compliance were all considered in the initial design and are not expected to significantly affect economic performance throughout the life of the VIE;
• Contractual arrangements obligate the Company to comply with NMTC rules and regulations and provide various other guarantees to the Investment Fund and CDE;
• PNC New Markets Investment Partners, LLC lacks a material interest in the underlying economics of the project; and
• The Company is obligated to absorb losses of the VIE.
Because the Company is the primary beneficiary of each VIE, these entities have been consolidated in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Note 8: Fair Value Measurements
The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the inputs used to determine fair value, which are as follows:
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices available in active markets for the identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.
Level 2 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data and reflect the use of significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management’s estimates of market participant assumptions.
The fair value hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. In instances where the inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the fair value measurement has been determined based on the lowest level input significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular item to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, including the consideration of inputs specific to the asset or liability.
The fair values of foreign currency forward contracts and our interest rate swap discussed in Note 9, Derivatives and Hedging, at December 31, 2023 and 2022 were determined using observable market swap rates (Level 2).
Note 9: Derivatives and Hedging
The Company invoices certain customers in foreign currencies. In order to mitigate the risks associated with fluctuations in exchange rates with the US Dollar, the Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts for a portion of these sales and has designated these contracts as cash flow hedges.
The notional value of these contracts was $4.8 million at December 31, 2023 and $4.3 million at December 31, 2022. The Company recorded an unrealized loss in accumulated other comprehensive income of $0.3 million at December 31, 2023 and an unrealized gain in accumulated other comprehensive income of less than $0.1 million at December 31, 2022 related to the contracts.
Additionally, the Company entered into a forward interest rate swap contract during 2020 to fix the interest rate on a portion of its variable-rate debt from January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2023. The interest rate swap was designated as a cash flow hedge. The notional amount of the contract was $16 million at its inception and reduces throughout the term. The notional amount was $10 million at December 31, 2022 and zero at December 31, 2023. The Company recorded a related unrealized gain in accumulated other comprehensive income of $0.1 million at December 31, 2022.
Note 10: Income Taxes
The income tax benefit attributable to continuing operations during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:
Components of the benefit from income taxes are as follows:
For the years ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
Current provision (benefit)
Federal
$ 177 $ (1 ) $ -
State
8 5 5
Deferred provision (benefit)
Federal
309 (2,566 ) (3,376 )
State
(96 ) (62 ) 88
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
$ 398 $ (2,624 ) $ (3,283 )
The income tax benefit reconciled to taxes computed at the statutory federal rate is as follows:
For the years ended December 31,
Tax at statutory tax rate
$ 1,113 $ (2,246 ) $ (848 )
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit
(90 ) (53 ) (153 )
Research and development tax credit
(869 ) (557 ) (814 )
Valuation allowance
- (19 ) -
PPP loan forgiveness
- - (2,100 )
Deferred tax adjustment for stock option forfeitures
- - 371
Other adjustments to deferred taxes
315 213 230
Other
(71 ) 38 31
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
$ 398 $ (2,624 ) $ (3,283 )
We continue to record a full valuation allowance against our New York deferred tax assets due to the zero percent state income tax rate for qualified manufacturers. We continue to record a partial valuation allowance against our Pennsylvania net operating loss deferred tax asset due to annual usage limitations. We have determined that federal and other state deferred tax assets are expected to be realized and have not recorded any additional valuation allowances.
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of our net deferred taxes related to continuing operations are as follows:
December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Federal and state tax carryforwards
$ 9,257 $ 12,863
Inventory
1,611 960
Share-based compensation
1,720 1,592
Receivables
14 43
Accrued liabilities
762 147
Other
3,744 1,930
Total deferred tax assets
$ 17,108 $ 17,535
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment
$ 15,834 $ 16,852
Other
1,276 540
Total deferred tax liabilities
$ 17,110 $ 17,392
Total deferred tax (liabilities) assets
$ (2 ) $ 143
We file a U.S. federal income tax return and various state income tax returns. For federal income tax purposes, we had $7.1 million and $25.8 million of net operating loss carryforwards at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2041. In addition, we have credit carryforwards associated with our research and development activities of $7.3 million and $7.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The research and development credit carryforwards begin to expire in 2030.
We have state net operating loss carryforwards of $10.5 million at December 31, 2023 and $11.0 million at December 31, 2022, and the related valuation allowances were approximately $0.2 million at each date. We also have state credit carryforwards of $0.3 million at December 31, 2023 and $0.4 million at December 31, 2022. The state net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2031. The state credit carryforwards begin to expire in 2027.
We may be subject to routine audit by federal or state authorities. Our federal tax returns remain subject to examination by the IRS for tax years after 2019. We are subject to examination by most state tax jurisdictions for tax years after 2019.
Note 11: Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share
The computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:
For the years ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Numerator:
Net income (loss)
$ 4,910 $ (8,073 ) $ (758 )
Denominator:
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding
9,086,004 8,972,468 8,907,908
Weighted average effect of dilutive share-based compensation
192,565 - -
Diluted weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding
9,278,569 8,972,468 8,907,908
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic earnings per share
$ 0.54 $ (0.90 ) $ (0.09 )
Diluted earnings per share
$ 0.53 $ (0.90 ) $ (0.09 )
There were 399,050, 711,375 and 645,050 options to purchase shares of common stock, at an average price of $19.91, $18.25 and $21.00 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per common share because their respective exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common stock.
In addition, the calculation of diluted net loss per common share for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, excluded 17,143 and 39,036 shares for the assumed exercise of stock options as a result of being in a net loss position.
Note 12: Share-Based Plans
At December 31, 2023, we had the following share-based compensation plans:
Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. Amended and Restated 2017 Equity Incentive Plan
We maintain the Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. amended and restated 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”), which was approved by our stockholders in May 2017 and subsequently amended and restated and approved by our stockholders in May 2021 (the “Amended and Restated 2017 Plan”). The Amended and Restated 2017 Plan permits the issuance of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, other share-based awards and performance awards to officers, employees, non-employee directors, and consultants and advisors to the Company. At its May 2017 inception, there were 568,357 shares authorized for issuance under the 2017 Plan.
When initially adopted in May 2017, the 2017 Plan replaced the Omnibus Incentive Plan (“OIP”) which in turn replaced the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan (“SIP”). Any awards outstanding under the SIP and OIP will remain subject to and be paid under the SIP and OIP, respectively. No new awards will be granted under either the SIP or OIP. Any shares subject to outstanding awards under the OIP that cease to be subject to such issuance of stock after the adoption of the Amended and Restated 2017 Plan will increase the shares authorized under the Amended and Restated 2017 Plan. As of the adoption of the Amended and Restated 2017 Plan, any shares subject to outstanding award under the SIP that cease to be subject to such issuance of stock will increase the shares authorized under the Amended and Restated 2017 Plan.
As of May 5, 2021, 400,000 additional shares were approved and authorized for issuance under the Amended and Restated 2017 Plan. As of May 4, 2022, 500,000 additional shares were approved and authorized for issuance under the Amended and Restated 2017 Plan. At December 31, 2023, there were 629,796 shares available for grant under the Amended and Restated 2017 Plan.
Omnibus Incentive Plan
We maintain the OIP which was approved by our stockholders in May 2012. The OIP permitted the issuance of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other share-based awards to non-employee directors, other than those directors owning more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, consultants, officers and other key employees who were expected to contribute to our future growth and success. With the adoption of the 2017 Plan, no shares of common stock were available for grant at December 31, 2023 under the OIP.
Stock Options
The price for options granted under the both the 2017 Plan and OIP is equal to the fair market value of the common stock at the date of grant. Options granted to non-employee directors vest over a three-year period, and options granted to employees' vest over a four-year period. All options under both the 2017 Plan and OIP will expire no later than ten years after the grant date. Forfeited options may be reissued and are included in the amount available for grants.
A summary of stock option activity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023 is presented below:
Non-vested stock
Stock options
options outstanding
outstanding
Weighted-
Weighted-
Weighted-
average
average
average
Number
grant-date
Number
exercise
contractual
of shares
fair value
of shares
price
term (years)
Outstanding at December 31, 2022
141,209 $ 4.17 815,725 $ 16.78
Stock options exercised
- - (3,250 ) 8.48
Stock options vested
(73,021 ) 4.37 - -
Stock options forfeited
- - (82,000 ) 32.87
Outstanding at December 31, 2023
68,188 $ 4.05 730,475 $ 16.78 4.3
Exercisable at December 31, 2023
659,112 $ 15.69 3.9
Shares issued in connection with stock option exercises are issued from available authorized shares. There were no stock option exercises during 2022 or 2021.
Based upon the closing stock price of $20.08 at December 31, 2023, the aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding stock options was $4.5 million, of which $3.7 million was related to options that were exercisable. Intrinsic value of stock options is calculated as the amount by which the market price of our common stock exceeds the exercise price of the options.
The total fair value of stock options awards vested during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, was approximately $0.3 million, $0.2 million and $0.7 million. There were no stock options awarded during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Share-based compensation to employees and directors is recognized as compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations based on the stock options fair value on the measurement date, which is the date of the grant. The fair value of the award is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods. The compensation expense recognized, and its related tax effects, are included in additional paid-in capital.
Share-based compensation expense related to stock options totaled $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Share-based compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for all stock option awards. Unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock option awards totaled $0.2 million at December 31, 2023, and the weighted-average period over which this unrecognized expense was expected to be recognized was 1.4 years.
The fair value of our stock options granted is estimated on the measurement date, which is the date of grant. We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Our determination of fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding our expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected stock option exercise behaviors. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $4.60 and $4.27, respectively.
The assumptions used to determine the fair value of stock options granted in 2021 and 2022 are detailed in the table below. There were no stock options granted in 2023.
Risk-free interest rate
1.75 % 0.89% to 1.40 %
Dividend yield
0.0 % 0.0 %
Expected market price volatility
46.8 % 47% to 52 %
Weighted-average expected market price volatility
46.8 % 49.0 %
Expected term (years)
5.8 4.6 to 6.5
The risk-free interest rate was developed using the U.S. Treasury yield curve for periods equal to the expected life of the stock options at the grant date. No dividend yield was assumed because we do not pay cash dividends on common stock and currently have no plans to pay a dividend. Expected volatility is based on the long-term historical volatility (estimated over a period equal to the expected term of the stock options) of our common stock. In estimating the fair value of stock options under the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately. The expected term of options granted represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding.
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
A summary of restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is presented below:
Weighted-average
Number
grant-date
of shares
fair value
Balance, December 31, 2021
332,211 $ 9.06
Restricted stock granted
37,720 8.12
Restricted stock vested
(80,290 ) 10.12
Restricted stock forfeited
(10,500 ) 9.35
Balance, December 31, 2022
279,141 $ 8.50
Restricted stock granted
117,680 9.57
Restricted stock vested
(95,544 ) 9.84
Restricted stock forfeited
(1,455 ) 8.09
Balance, December 31, 2023
299,822 $ 8.55
Share-based compensation expense related to restricted stock totaled $0.9 million, $0.7 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we granted 117,680 and 37,720 time-based restricted stock units, respectively, to certain employees and directors. The restricted stock units typically vest over four years for employees and three years for directors. The fair value of the non-vested time-based restricted common stock awards was calculated using the market value of the stock on the date of issuance.
As of December 31, 2023, total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested time-based restricted stock units was $1.9 million. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years.
Employee Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Plan
Under the Amended and Restated 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (the “Plan”), the Company is authorized to issue up to 400,000 shares of common stock to its full-time employees, nearly all of whom are eligible to participate. Under the terms of the Plan, employees can choose as of January 1 and July 1 of each year to have up to 10% of their total earnings withheld to purchase up to 100 shares of our common stock each six-month period. The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the lower of its beginning-of-the-period or end-of-the-period market prices. At December 31, 2023, we have issued 341,469 shares of common stock since the Plan’s inception.
Note 13: Retirement Plans
We have a defined contribution retirement plan (“401(k) plan”) that covers substantially all employees. Pursuant to the 401(k) plan, participants may elect to make pre-tax and after-tax contributions, subject to certain limitations imposed under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. In addition, we make periodic contributions to the 401(k) plan based on service for the North Jackson, Titusville and Dunkirk hourly employees. We make periodic contributions for the salaried employees at all locations based upon their service and their individual contribution to the 401(k) plan.
We also participate in the Steelworkers Pension Trust (the “Trust”), a multi-employer defined-benefit pension plan that is open to all hourly and salary employees associated with the Bridgeville facility. We make periodic contributions to the Trust based on hours worked at a fixed rate for each hourly employee, as determined by the collective bargaining agreement, and a fixed monthly contribution on behalf of each salary employee. The trustees of the Trust have provided us with the latest data available for the Trust year ended December 31, 2023. As of that date, the Trust is not fully funded. We could be held liable to the Trust for our own obligations, as well as those of other employers, due to our participation in the Trust. Contribution rates could increase if the Trust is required to adopt a funding improvement plan or a rehabilitation plan, if the performance of the Trust assets do not meet expectations, or as a result of future collectively-bargained wage and benefit agreements. If we choose to stop participating in the Trust, we may be required to pay the Trust an amount based on the underfunded status of the Trust, referred to as a withdrawal liability.
The Pension Protection Act (PPA) defines a zone status for each trust. Trusts in the green zone are at least 80% funded, trusts in the yellow zone are at least 65% funded, and trusts in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded. The Trust recertified its zone status after using the extended amortization provisions as allowed by law. The Trust has not implemented a funding improvement or rehabilitation plan, nor are such plans pending. Our contributions to the Trust have not exceeded more than 5% of the total contributions to the Trust.
Trusts employer
identification
Funding plan
Company contributions to the Trust
Pension
number /
PPA zone status
pending /
(dollars in thousands)
Surcharge
fund
plan number
implemented
imposed
Trust
23-6648508 / 499
Green
Green
No
$ 876 $ 691 $ 647 No
The total expense of all retirement plans for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $1.9 million, $1.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The Company does not sponsor or participate in any other post-retirement benefit plans.
Note 14: Commitments and Contingencies
From time to time, various lawsuits and claims have been or may be asserted against us relating to the conduct of our business, including routine litigation relating to commercial and employment matters. The ultimate cost and outcome of any litigation or claim cannot be predicted with certainty. Management believes, based on information presently available, that the likelihood that the ultimate outcome of any such pending matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, or liquidity or a material impact to our results of operations is remote, although the resolution of one or more of these matters may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for the period in which the resolution occurs.
We, as well as other specialty metal manufacturers, are subject to demanding environmental standards imposed by federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. We are not aware of any environmental condition that currently exists at any of our facilities that would cause a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity in a particular future quarter or year.
Our purchase obligations include the value of all open purchase orders with established quantities and purchase prices, as well as minimum purchase commitments, all made in the normal course of business. At December 31, 2023, our total purchase obligations were approximately $35.5 million, of which approximately $33.7 million will be due in 2024.

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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
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and the board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
We evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework). Based on our evaluation, we concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2023, due to the material weaknesses discussed below.
We also maintain disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosures. We conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report and concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2023, due to the material weaknesses discussed below.
Notwithstanding the identified material weaknesses, management believes the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K present fairly, in all material respects, the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the periods presented, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
The Company identified material weaknesses related to the following:
●
Management did not design and maintain effective internal controls over certain business process cycles, including revenue and receivables, purchasing and payables, inventory, payroll, income taxes and financial reporting.
●
Management did not maintain adequate documentation of its review of management review controls and certain activity level controls across the Company's financial statement areas.
●
Management did not maintain adequate monitoring controls over certain components of internal control on a timely basis.
●
Management did not maintain effective information technology general controls over logical access and program change management for certain key information systems used in the financial reporting process.
EisnerAmper LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, audited the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 and issued an adverse opinion. EisnerAmper LLP’s report is included herein.
Remediation Plan for Existing Material Weaknesses in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
In order to address and resolve the identified deficiencies that aggregated to material weaknesses, management, with oversight from the Company’s Audit Committee, has begun to develop and implement a detailed plan for remediation, which will include:
●
Ensuring controls operate consistent with the design throughout all business cycles, and materiality thresholds are consistently documented and followed;
●
Enhancing the documentation of management’s review controls, monitoring controls, and applicable activity level controls relevant to all of the Company’s financial reporting processes;
●
Providing ongoing training for key personnel responsible for internal control over financial reporting while evaluating skill set gaps and hiring additional accounting and financial reporting personnel with relevant financial reporting and public company accounting experience to develop and implement additional procedures and controls; and
●
Enhancing and improving information technology general controls over logical access and program change management for the Company’s information systems used in the financial reporting process.
The Company is committed to remediating the material weaknesses and is making progress in that effort. The actions the Company is taking are subject to ongoing senior management review, as well as oversight from the Company’s Audit Committee. When fully implemented and operational, the Company believes the measures described above will remediate the underlying causes of the control deficiencies that gave rise to the material weaknesses and strengthen the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company has begun to implement processes and procedures to address the material weakness noted above. However, none of these efforts have resulted in the remediation of any of the material weaknesses noted above as of December 31, 2023. There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2023 other than the identification of material weaknesses and the remediation plan disclosed above that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
None.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information concerning the directors of the Company is set forth in the Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”) to be sent to stockholders in connection with our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, under the heading “Proposal No. 1-Election of Directors,” which information is incorporated by reference. With the exception of the information specifically incorporated herein by reference, our Proxy Statement is not to be deemed filed as part of this report for the purposes of this Item.
In addition to the information set forth under the caption “Executive Officers” in Part I of this report, the information concerning our directors required by this item is incorporated and made part hereof by reference to the material appearing under the heading “Nominees for Election as Directors” in our Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC, pursuant to Regulation 14A, not later than 120 days after the end of the 2023 fiscal year. Information concerning the Audit Committee and its “audit committee financial expert” required by this item is incorporated and made part hereof by reference to the material appearing under the heading “Committees of the Board of Directors” in the Proxy Statement. Information required by this item regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to the extent required to be included therein, is incorporated and made a part hereof by reference to the material appearing under the heading “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” in the Proxy Statement. Information concerning the executive officers of the Company is contained in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Executive Officers.”
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all directors and employees, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer. A copy is available through our website at http://www.univstainless.com. Information on our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We intend to timely disclose any amendment of or waiver under the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics on our website and will retain such information on our website as required by applicable SEC rules.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information concerning executive compensation is set forth in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Executive Compensation,” which information is incorporated by reference. With the exception of the information specifically incorporated herein by reference, the Proxy Statement is not to be deemed filed as part of this report for the purposes of this Item.

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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
The information concerning security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is set forth in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management,” which information is incorporated by reference. With the exception of the information specifically incorporated herein by reference, the Proxy Statement is not to be deemed filed as part of this report for the purposes of this Item.
Equity Compensation Plan Information:
Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans at December 31, 2023 were as follows:
Plan Category
Number of shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options
Number of shares remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (A)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
730,475
$ 16.78
688,327
Total
730,475
$ 16.78
688,327
(A) Includes 629,796 shares of common stock not issued under the Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan and 58,531 available under the 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information concerning certain relationships and related transactions, and director independence is set forth in the Proxy Statement under the heading “The Board of Directors,” which information is incorporated by reference. With the exception of the information specifically incorporated herein by reference, the Proxy Statement is not to be deemed filed as part of this report for the purposes of this Item.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information concerning principal accountant fees and services is set forth in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Principal Accountant Fees and Services,” which information is incorporated by reference. With the exception of the information specifically incorporated herein by reference, the Proxy Statement is not to be deemed filed as part of this report for the purposes of this Item.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The following documents are filed as part of this Form 10-K:
1) Financial Statements
The list of financial statements required by this item is set forth in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” and is incorporated herein by reference.
2) Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules
Disclosures required by this item are included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” and are incorporated herein by reference.
3) Exhibits
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
3.2
Third Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 16, 2022.
3.3
Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 24, 2020.
4.1
Specimen Copy of Stock Certificate for shares of Common Stock
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.
4.2
Description of Registrant’s Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
4.3
Tax Benefits Preservation Plan, date as of August 24, 2020, by and between Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 24, 2020.
10.1
Stockholders Agreement dated as of August 1, 1994, by and among the Company and its existing stockholders
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
10.2
Omnibus Incentive Plan
Incorporated herein by reference to Appendix B of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement dated April 25, 2012.*
10.3
Employment Agreement dated April 21, 2008 between the Company and Christopher M. Zimmer
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.*
10.4
Employment Agreement dated August 5, 2015 between the Company and Graham McIntosh
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015.*
10.6
Employment Agreement dated April 1, 2020, between the Company and John J. Arminas
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.*
10.7
Form of notice of grant of restricted stock award.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012.*
10.8
Form of non-statutory stock option agreement.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.*
10.9
Form of incentive stock option agreement.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.*
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
10.10
Form of non-statutory stock option agreement for eligible directors.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.*
10.11
Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 17, 2021, by and among Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc., the other borrowers party thereto, the guarantors party thereto from time to time, PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and co-collateral agent, Bank of America, N.A., as co-collateral agent, the lenders party thereto from time to time and PNC Capital Markets LLC, as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2021.
10.12
Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. Amended and Restated 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2021.*
10.13
Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. Amended and Restated 2017 Equity Incentive Plan.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2021.*
10.14
Form of Non-Employee Director Stock Option Award Agreement (Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan)
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.
10.15
Form of Non-Employee Director RSU Award Agreement (Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan)
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.
10.16
Form of Employee Stock Option Award Agreement (Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan)
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.
10.17
Form of Employee RSU Award Agreement (Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan)
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
10.18
Form of Retention Stock Option Award Agreement (Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan)
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.
10.19
Form of Retention RSU Award Agreement (Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan)
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.
10.20
Amendment to the Employment Agreement dated April 21, 2008 between the Company and Christopher M. Zimmer
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.*
10.21
Employment Agreement dated April 15, 2019, between the Company and Wendel L. Crosby
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.*
10.22
Employment Agreement dated April 1, 2022, between the Company and Steven V. DiTommaso
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022.*
10.23
Amendment to the Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. Amended and Restated 2017 Equity Incentive Plan
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 6, 2022.*
10.24
Offer Letter, dated October 24, 2023, between Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. and Christopher M. Zimmer
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 25, 2023.*
10.25
First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2022, by and among Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc., the other borrowers party thereto, the guarantors party thereto from time to time, PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and co-collateral agent, Bank of America, N.A., as co-collateral agent, the lenders party thereto from time to time and PNC Capital Markets LLC, as sol lead arranger and sole bookrunner
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 24, 2022.
21.1
Subsidiaries of Registrant
Filed herewith.
23.1
Consent of EisnerAmper LLP
Filed herewith.
23.2
Consent of Schneider Downs & Co., Inc.
Filed herewith.
24.1
Powers of Attorney
Included on the signature page herein.
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Filed herewith.
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Filed herewith.
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Filed herewith.
97.1
Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. Incentive-Based Compensation Recover Policy
Filed herewith.
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
The following financial information from this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, formatted in inline iXBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language) and furnished electronically herewith: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021; (v) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021; and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Filed herewith.
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL).
Contained in Exhibit 101.
* - Reflects management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 15(b) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.