EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 909724
Filing Year: 2023
Filename: 909724_10-K_2023_0001140361-23-015325.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
The following discussion, as well as other portions of this Form 10-K, contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Any such forward-looking statements (including, but not limited to, statements to the effect that Tandy Leather Factory, Inc. (“TLF”) or its management “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “expects,” “believes,” “intends,” and other similar expressions) that are not statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements and should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this report. These forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s current plans, expectations, estimates, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events impacting us and should be read carefully because they involve risks and uncertainties. We assume no obligation to update or otherwise revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Specific examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our forecasts of financial performance, share repurchases, store openings or store closings, capital expenditures and working capital requirements. Our actual results could materially differ from those discussed in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed below and elsewhere in this Form 10-K and particularly in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Unless the context otherwise indicates, references in this Form 10-K to “TLF,” “we,” “our,” “us,” the “Company,” “Tandy,” or “Tandy Leather” mean Tandy Leather Factory, Inc., together with its subsidiaries.
General
Tandy Leather Factory, Inc. (“TLF,” “we,” “our,” “us,” the” Company,” “Tandy,” or “Tandy Leather” mean Tandy Leather Factory, Inc., together with its subsidiaries) is one of the world’s largest specialty retailers of leather and leathercraft-related items. Founded in 1919 in Fort Worth, Texas, the Company introduced leathercrafting to millions of American and later Canadian and other international customers and has built a track record as the trusted source of quality leather, tools, hardware, supplies, kits and teaching materials for leatherworkers everywhere. Today, our mission remains to build on our legacy of inspiring the timeless art and trade of leatherworking.
What differentiates Tandy from the competition is our high brand awareness and strong brand equity and loyalty, our network of retail stores that provides convenience, a high-touch customer service experience, and a hub for the local leathercrafting community, and our 100-year heritage. We believe that this combination of qualities is unique to Tandy and gives the brand competitive advantages that are difficult for others to replicate.
We sell our products primarily through company-owned stores and through orders generated from our global websites, and through direct account representatives in our commercial division. We also manufacture leather lace, cut leather pieces and most of the do-it-yourself kits that are sold in our stores and on our websites. We also offer production services to our business customers such as cutting (“clicking”), splitting, and some assembly. We maintain our principal offices at 1900 Southeast Loop 820, Fort Worth, Texas 76140.
The Company’s common shares currently trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “TLF.”
Retail Fleet
The Company currently operates a total of 103 retail stores. There are 92 stores in the United States (“U.S.”), ten stores in Canada and one store in Spain.
All Tandy locations, other than our corporate headquarters (which includes our flagship store, corporate offices, distribution center, and manufacturing facility) are leased.
Business Strategy
Tandy Leather has been introducing people to leatherworking for over 100 years. Our stores have been, and continue to be, our competitive advantage: where our consumers learn the craft in classes, open table, and from the expertise of our store staff, where they can touch, feel, and test the product, and where they can connect and commune with others passionate about leather. Our websites provide inspiration, detailed product descriptions and specifications, educational information and videos, and a convenient place to also purchase product - especially for those who are far from our retail stores, including a growing international customer base. For many of our retail and web customers, leatherworking evolves from a passion to a trade. Our commercial division is tailored to the needs of those customers who build businesses around leather. With dedicated direct account representatives, a direct-from-our-warehouse shipping model, bulk and volume-based competitive pricing, customized product development, and production and pre-production services, we are building long-term, strategic relationships with our largest customers.
In 2019, with the arrival of a new management team, we began the process of assessing and reinvigorating the business. We focused in three broad strategic initiative areas: 1) improving our brand proposition, 2) rebuilding our foundation: the talent, processes, tools and systems needed to modernize and efficiently operate the business, and 3) creating a vision and road map for long-term growth. We had significant achievements in all of these areas including significantly improving the product quality, breadth of assortment and value, dramatically improving the website and web operations, rebuilding the team, people policies and culture, and replacing all of the key systems, among many other accomplishments.
We made this steady progress to transform and reinvigorate our business even in the face of two very significant obstacles. In 2019, as part of the assessment of the business, we discovered errors in accounting that required a restatement of our financials. This work was costly and time-consuming, but we successfully completed the restatement in 2021 along with implementation of new accounting systems, redesign of processes and controls, and a significant upgrade in the team. In 2020, while making progress against our transformation and still working through our restatement, we temporarily closed all of our retail stores as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With COVID-19-related impacts and the restatement behind us and with many of our initiatives taking hold, we are now focused on improving our financial sustainability and profitability. In the short term, we are managing operating expenses and gross margin to deliver cash from operations and operating income even in the face of possible continued economic headwinds. We will also continue to selectively invest in profitable sales growth where it makes sense, but rebuilding a durable, profitable business model is the highest priority.
COVID-19 and Economic Conditions
At the time of filing this Form 10-K, the American and world economies continue to be acutely affected by a combination of factors arising from both the COVID-19 pandemic and the war resulting from the invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces. The current impacts of these events include (but are not limited to) levels of inflation that are the highest in the U.S. in more than 40 years, highly volatile fuel prices, an extremely tight labor market with rising wages and competition to attract qualified workers, supply chain disruption, rising rent and other occupancy costs and increases in interest rates. Purchases of non-essential, discretionary products tend to decline in periods of uncertainty regarding future economic prospects, such as the current one, as disposable income declines. The Company believes that these events have continued to dampen its sales through December 2022. The future remains uncertain, and continued increased labor, freight, product, and other costs as well as weakening customer demand could have a negative impact on the Company’s future financial performance.
Customers
Our customers fall into 2 broad categories: those who shop in retail stores and on our website (“Retail Customers”) and those whom we serve through our commercial division (“Commercial Customers”). Retail Customers range from hobbyists to institutions (schools, camps, and other groups) to small businesses. Affinity groups like Military and First Responders and smaller and larger businesses who purchase in our retail stores receive special pricing or general discounts. To be served through our commercial division, customers generally need to spend more than $20,000 per year and receive pricing based on their purchasing levels.
Merchandise
We carry a wide assortment of products organized into a number of categories including leather, hand tools, hardware, kits, liquids, machines, and other supplies. We operate a manufacturing facility in Fort Worth, Texas, where we manufacture kits, thread lace, belt strips and straps, and Craftaid®s, and provide some custom manufacturing processes for commercial and business customers. The factory produces approximately 10% of our products. We distribute product under the Tandy LeatherTM, Eco-FloTM, CraftoolTM, CraftoolProTM and Dr. Jackson’sTM brands, along with our premium TandyPro® line of products. We develop and invest in new products through the ideas and referrals of customers and store personnel as well as the analysis of trends in the market and sales performance at retail. In addition, we have been focused on broadening our assortment through strategic partnerships with key brands to drive category growth and better meet the needs of our customers.
Operations
Information regarding net sales, gross profit, operating income, and total assets is included within Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and within Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Our stores offer a broad selection of products combined with leathercraft expertise in a one-stop shop. Not only can customers purchase leather, related accessories and supplies necessary to complete their projects from a single source, but many of our store associates are also leathercrafters themselves and can provide suggestions and advice on our customers’ projects. Customers value the expertise and high level of customer service from our store associates, the convenience of taking their purchases immediately, as well as the ability to touch, feel and choose their individual pieces of leather, an organic product in which each piece is unique. We also offer open workbenches where customers can work on projects, take classes, commune with the leathercrafting community, and test new tools and techniques.
Most of our stores range in size from 1,300 square feet to 9,000 square feet, with the average at approximately 3,500 square feet. Our Fort Worth flagship store is approximately 22,000 square feet. Stores are located in light industrial warehouse spaces or older strip shopping centers in proximity to major freeways or well-known crossroads. We believe that many of our customers view our stores as a destination: customers interested in leathercrafting seek us out, reducing the value of paying high rents for high foot-traffic locations.
Historically, we generate slightly more sales in the fourth quarter of each year due to the holiday shopping season (approximately 28-30% of annual sales), while the other three quarters average approximately 22-24% of annual sales each quarter.
Distribution
Our stores receive the majority of their inventory from our central distribution center located in Fort Worth, Texas, in weekly or, increasingly, bi-monthly shipments, using third-party transportation providers. Occasionally, merchandise is shipped to stores directly from the vendor. We now fulfill all of our U.S. and many of our international web orders from our Fort Worth distribution center. Canada web orders are fulfilled out of our 10 Canada stores, and European web orders are fulfilled out of our Spain store. We have a global customer service team that handles web order inquiries and phone orders. Our goal is to optimize the tradeoff between the sales and market share we realize from having a broad product line against the safety stock required to support those items. We generally maintain higher inventories of imported or long-lead-time items to ensure a continuous supply. Our inventory levels have grown as we have increased our product assortment to improve conversion and retention of customers and to mitigate out-of-stocks, especially during the supply chain disruptions over the last 2 years. In the face of overall supply chain challenges, we have opportunistically taken advantage of some vendor offers on key items, accounting for some increase in inventory. And we have also been executing a number of strategic initiatives to test smaller quantities of new items online, buying into them only when we are certain of their success, to tailor product assortments to the needs of local customers in each store, and to ship directly from vendors to customers. We carry about 6,500 stock-keeping units (SKUs) in our current product line and continue to refine both the line, the lead times and safety stock levels required to meet customer demand, online vs. in-store assortment, and overall total inventory levels needed to grow sales and market share.
Competition
Our competitors are typically smaller, independently-owned brick-and-mortar retailers, internet-based retailers including those selling on platforms like Amazon and eBay, national craft chains like Michaels Stores, Inc. and Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., and some wholesale-focused distributors. Virtually all of these competitors carry a more limited line of leathercraft products compared to Tandy. We are competitive on convenience, price, availability of merchandise, customer service, depth of our product line, and delivery time. Tandy Leather is the only multi-store chain specializing in leathercraft, which we believe provides a competitive advantage over internet-based retailers and the large general craft retailers. We also believe that our large size relative to most competitors gives us an advantage in sourcing as well as deep product and leathercrafting expertise among our employees.
Suppliers
We purchase merchandise and raw materials from over 130 vendors from the United States and approximately 20 foreign countries. In general, our 10 largest vendors account for approximately 30% of our inventory purchases.
Because leather is sold internationally, market conditions abroad are likely to affect the price of leather in the U.S. Aside from increasing purchases when we anticipate price increases (or possibly delaying purchases if we foresee price declines), we do not attempt to hedge our inventory costs.
Our supply chain and vendor relationships remain strong. We are focused on continuing to align our product and sourcing strategies to elevate the overall quality, consistency, and agility to meet the diverse needs of our existing consumers and attract new ones to the brand. The most acute supply chain shocks resulting from the pandemic have mostly moderated, with increases in lead times, product costs and ocean freight costs flattening and even declining in some areas. However, trucking costs and reliability remain volatile and tight labor markets continue to pressure costs across all areas.
Compliance with Environmental Laws
Our compliance with federal, state and local environmental protection laws has not had, and is not expected to have, a material effect on our capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position.
Employees
As of December 31, 2022, we employed 605 people, 494 of whom were employed on a full-time basis. We are not a party to any collective bargaining agreements. Overall, we believe that relations with employees are good.
Intellectual Property
The Company owns all of the material trademark rights used in connection with the production, marketing, distribution and sale of all Tandy-branded products. In addition, we license a limited number of our trademarks and copyrights used in connection with the production, marketing and distribution of certain categories of goods and limited edition co-branded projects. Major trademarks include federal trade name registrations for “Tandy Leather Factory,” “Tandy Leather Company,” and “Tandy.” The Company is not dependent on any one particular trademark or design patent, although it believes that the “Tandy” and “Tandy Leather” names are important for its business. In addition, Tandy owns several patents for specific belt buckles and leather-working equipment. Tandy polices its trademarks and trade dress and where appropriate pursues infringers. The Company expects that its material trademarks will remain in full force and effect for as long as we continue to use and renew them.
Foreign Sales
Information regarding our sales from the United States and abroad and our long-lived assets is found in Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies: Revenue Recognition and Note 3, Balance Sheet Components, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For a description of some of the risks attendant to our foreign operations, see Item 1A, Risk Factors.
Available Information
We file reports with the SEC. These reports include our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to these filings. These reports are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.
Our corporate website is located at www.tandyleather.com. We make copies of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and any amendments thereto filed with or furnished to the SEC available to investors on or through our website free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file them with or furnish them to the SEC. Our SEC filings can be found on the Investor Relations page of our website through the “SEC Filings” link. In addition, certain other corporate governance documents are available on our website through the “Corporate Governance” link. No information contained on any of our websites is intended to be included as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Form 10-K.
Information about our Executive Officers
The following table sets forth information concerning our executive officers as of December 31, 2022:
Name
Age
Executive Since
Position
Janet Carr
Chief Executive Officer
Janet Carr has served as our Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our Board of Directors since October 2018. Prior to her current role, Ms. Carr served as the Senior Vice-President of Global Business Development for Caleres Inc. (formerly Brown Shoe Company Inc.) from 2016 to 2017. While there, she was responsible for international wholesale and retail for all of their brands. Prior to Caleres, Ms. Carr was the President of the Handbag Division of Nine West Group Inc. from 2013 to 2014, where she was responsible for all aspects of design, development and sales in both wholesale and retail. Ms. Carr has deep experience in strategy and consumer insights in various roles at a number of prominent retailers, including Tapestry, Inc. (formerly Coach, Inc.), Gap Inc. and Safeway.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
Risks Related to our Business and Business Strategy
The successful execution of our multi-year transformation and operational efficiency initiatives is key to the long-term growth of our business.
The Company continues to implement a large number of initiatives to transform the Company’s business, improve sales long term and improve operational efficiency. These include the realignment of the Company’s retail division management structure, the closing of underperforming stores, the formation of a new division focused on serving commercial customers, pricing and marketing initiatives, systems improvements, and other changes. The Company believes that long-term growth will be realized through these transformational efforts over time, however there is no assurance that such efforts will be successful. Actual costs incurred and the timeline of these initiatives may differ from our expectations. If these initiatives are unsuccessful, our business, financial condition and results of operation could be materially adversely affected.
Our business is subject to the risks inherent in global sourcing activities.
As a Company engaged in sourcing on a global scale, we are subject to the risks inherent in such activities, including, but not limited to:
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unavailability of, or significant fluctuations in the cost of, raw materials;
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disruptions or delays in shipments;
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loss or impairment of key manufacturing or distribution sites, which also could result in a former manufacturer beginning to produce similar products that compete with ours;
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inability to engage new independent manufacturers that meet the Company’s cost-effective sourcing model;
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product quality issues;
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compliance by us and our independent manufacturers and suppliers with labor laws and other foreign governmental regulations;
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imposition of additional duties, taxes, and other charges on imports or exports;
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embargoes against products originating in countries from which we source;
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increases in the cost of labor, fuel (including volatility in the price of oil), travel and transportation;
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compliance by our independent manufacturers and suppliers with our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and our Animal Welfare Policy;
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political unrest;
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unforeseen public health crises, such as pandemic (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic) and epidemic diseases;
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natural disasters or other extreme weather events, whether as a result of climate change or otherwise; and
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acts of war or terrorism and other external factors over which we have no control.
Increases in the price of leather and other items we sell or a reduction in availability of those products could increase our cost of goods and decrease our profitability.
The prices we pay our suppliers for our products are dependent in part on the market price for leather, metals, and other products. The cost of these items may fluctuate substantially, depending on a variety of factors, including demand, supply conditions, transportation and fuel costs, government regulation, economic climates, war or other political considerations, and other unpredictable factors. Leather prices worldwide have been relatively stable for the past several years although the outlook for future prices is uncertain. Increases in these costs, together with other factors, would make it difficult for us to sustain the gross margin level we have achieved in recent years and result in a decrease in our profitability unless we are able to pass higher prices on to our customers or reduce costs in other areas. Changes in consumers’ product preferences or lack of acceptance of our products whose costs have increased may prohibit us from passing those increases on to customers, which could cause our gross margin to decline. If our product costs increase and our sale prices do not, our future operating results could be adversely affected unless we are able to offset such gross margin declines with comparable reductions in operating costs. Accordingly, such increases in costs could adversely affect our business and our results of operations.
Further, involvement by the United States in war and other military operations abroad could disrupt international trade and affect our inventory sources. Finally, livestock diseases, such as mad cow, could reduce the availability of hides and leathers or increase their cost. The occurrence of any of these events could adversely affect our business and our results of operations.
We are subject to risks associated with leasing retail space under long-term and non-cancelable leases. We may be unable to renew leases on acceptable terms. If we close a leased retail space, we might remain obligated under the applicable lease.
We lease the majority of our retail store locations under long-term, non-cancelable leases, which have initial or renewed terms typically ranging from three years to ten years and may include lease renewal options. We believe that most of the lease agreements we will enter into in the future will likely be long-term and non-cancelable. Generally, our leases are “net” leases, which require us to pay our proportionate share of the cost of insurance, taxes, maintenance, and utilities. We generally cannot cancel these leases at our option. If we determine that it is no longer economical to operate a retail store subject to a lease and decide to close it, as we have done in the past and will do in the future, we would generally remain obligated under the applicable lease for, among other things, payment of the base rent, common charges, and other net payments for the balance of the lease term. In some instances, we may be unable to close an underperforming retail store without a significant financial penalty due to continuous operation clauses in our lease agreements. In addition, as each of our leases expire, we may be unable to negotiate renewals, either on commercially acceptable terms or at all, which could cause us to close retail stores in desirable locations. Our inability to secure desirable retail space or favorable lease terms could impact our ability to grow. Likewise, our obligation to continue making lease payments in respect of leases for closed retail spaces could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be unable to sustain our financial performance or our past growth, which could have a material adverse effect on our future operating results.
In 2020, we experienced declines in sales and operating income primarily resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, we also experienced declines primarily resulting the longer-term economic effects of COVID-19 and the added economic impact of the war in Ukraine. Many other specialty retailers have experienced declining sales and losses due to the overall challenging retail environment. Our sales and profits may continue to be negatively affected in the future. We anticipate that our financial performance will depend on a number of factors, including consumer preferences, the strength and protection of our brand, the introduction of new products, and the success of our new business strategy.
Competition, including internet-based competition, could negatively impact our business.
The retail industry is competitive, which could result in the reduction of our prices and loss of our market share. We must remain competitive in the areas of quality, price, breadth of selection, customer service, and convenience. We compete with smaller retailers focused on leather and leather crafting, some of whom have been able to offer competitive products at lower prices than ours. We also compete with larger specialty retailers (e.g., Michaels Stores, Inc. and Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.) that dedicate a small portion of their selling space to products that compete with ours but are larger and have greater financial resources than we do. The Company also faces competition from internet-based retailers, in addition to traditional store-based retailers. This could result in increased price competition, since our customers can more readily search and compare products from internet-based retailers who do not need to support a physical store fleet and may be able to undercut our prices for products. The growth of internet retailers has also significantly reduced traffic to many shopping centers and physical stores, which, if not countered by an increase in our own online retailing, could have a material adverse effect on our in-store or overall sales.
Declines in foot traffic in our retail store locations could negatively impact our sales and profits.
The success of our retail stores is affected by (1) the location of the store within its community or shopping center; (2) surrounding tenants or vacancies; (3) increased competition in areas where shopping centers are located; (4) the amount spent on advertising and promotion to attract consumers to the stores; and (5) a shift towards online shopping resulting in a decrease in retail store traffic. Many of our stores are located in light industrial areas, where foot traffic tends to be lower than in traditional retail shopping areas. Furthermore, our initiatives to service our larger customers through a dedicated Commercial Program rather than primarily through local stores may also lead to a decline in the traffic to our store locations. Declines in consumer traffic could have a negative impact on our net sales and could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, declines in traffic could result in store impairment charges if expected future cash flows of the related asset group do not exceed the carrying value.
Our business could be harmed if we are unable to maintain our brand image.
Tandy Leather is one of the most recognized brand names in our industry. Our success to date has been due in large part to the strength of that brand. If we are unable to provide quality products and exceptional customer service to our customers, including education, which Tandy Leather has traditionally been known for, our brand name may be impaired which could adversely affect our operating results.
Changes in customer demand could materially adversely affect our sales, results of operations and cash flow.
Our success depends on our ability to anticipate and respond in a timely manner to changing customer demands and preferences for leather and leathercraft-related items. If we misjudge the market, we might significantly overstock unpopular products and be forced to take significant inventory markdowns, or experience shortages of key items, either of which could have a material adverse impact on our operating results and cash flow. In addition, adverse weather conditions, economic or political instability and consumer confidence volatility could have material adverse impacts on our sales and operating results.
Our success depends, in part, on attracting, developing and retaining qualified employees, including key personnel.
The ability to successfully execute against our goals is heavily dependent on attracting, developing and retaining qualified employees, including our senior management team. Competition in our industry to attract and retain these employees is intense and is influenced by our ability to offer competitive compensation and benefits, employee morale, our reputation, recruitment by other employers, perceived internal opportunities, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements and macro unemployment rates.
We depend on the guidance of our senior management team and other key employees who have significant experience and expertise in our industry and our operations. The unexpected loss of one or more of our key personnel or any negative public perception with respect to these individuals could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We do not maintain key-person or similar life insurance policies on any of senior management team or other key personnel.
Disruptions in the operation of our Fort Worth distribution center or manufacturing facility due to disease, including COVID-19, natural disaster, fire, or other crises, could have an adverse effect on our ability to supply our retail stores, fulfill web orders and/or manufacture product, resulting in possible decreases in sales and margin.
We are dependent on a limited number of distribution and sourcing centers, primarily the center located at our Fort Worth, Texas headquarters. Our ability to meet the needs of our customers and our retail stores and e-commerce sites depends on the proper operation of these centers. If any of these centers were to shut down or otherwise become inoperable or inaccessible for any reason, we could suffer a substantial loss of inventory and/or disruptions of deliveries to our retail and wholesale customers. While we have business continuity and contingency plans for our sourcing and distribution center sites, significant disruption of manufacturing or distribution for any of the above reasons could interrupt product supply, result in a substantial loss of inventory, increase our costs, disrupt deliveries to our customers and our retail stores, and, if not remedied in a timely manner, could have a material adverse impact on our business.
Risks Related to Owning our Common Stock
Material weaknesses in our system of internal controls were identified during our investigation and financial restatement. These material weaknesses are still in the process of remediation. If not remediated, these material weaknesses could result in additional material misstatements in our Consolidated Financial Statements. We may be unable to develop, implement and maintain appropriate controls in future periods.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires that public companies evaluate and report on their systems of internal control over financial reporting. As disclosed in Part II, Item 9A, Controls and Procedures of this Form 10-K, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer, has determined that we continue to have material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022. As a result of the material weaknesses, the Company’s management, under the supervision of the Audit Committee and with participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2022.
Although we are working to remedy the ineffectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, there can be no assurance as to when the remediation plan will be fully implemented. Until our remediation plan is fully implemented, our management will continue to devote significant time, attention and financial resources to these efforts. If we do not complete our remediation in a timely fashion, or at all, or if our remediation plan is inadequate, there will continue to be an increased risk that our future Consolidated Financial Statements could contain undetected errors. Further and continued determinations that there are one or more material weaknesses in the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting could adversely affect our business, reputation, revenues, results of operations, financial condition and stock price and limit our ability to access the capital markets through equity or debt issuances. For more information relating to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, the material weaknesses that existed as of December 31, 2022 and the remediation activities undertaken by us, see Part II, Item 9A, Controls and Procedures of this Form 10-K.
Risks Related to Cash Flow and Capitalization
If our cash from operations falls short and we are unable to raise additional working capital, we might be unable to fully fund our operations or to otherwise execute our business plan.
Historically, the Company has funded its business primarily with cash from operations and has utilized only small lines of working capital for seasonal expenditures. In 2023, we obtained a line of credit facility through JP Morgan Chase Bank to provide working capital as needed; as of the date of this report, we have not borrowed any amounts under this facility. However, should (1) our costs and expenses prove to be greater than we currently anticipate, or (2) seasonal fluctuations in sales or inventory purchases result in needing additional capital, and (3) we are unable to borrow sufficient short- or long-term capital, the depletion of our working capital would be accelerated and could leave us unable to make required payments. We may also seek capital through the private issuance of debt or equity securities. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to secure all of the additional cash or working capital we might require to continue our operations.
Risks Related to Technology, Data Security and Privacy
Failure to protect the integrity and security of personal information of our customers and employees could result in substantial costs, expose us to litigation and damage our reputation.
We receive and maintain certain personal, financial, and other information about our customers, employees, and vendors. In addition, our vendors receive and maintain certain personal, financial, and other information about our employees and customers. The use and transmission of this information is regulated by evolving and increasingly demanding laws and regulations across various jurisdictions. If our security and information systems are compromised as a result of data corruption or loss, cyber-attack or a network security incident or if our employees or vendors fail to comply with these laws and regulations and this information is obtained by unauthorized persons or used inappropriately, it could result in liabilities and penalties and could damage our reputation, cause us to incur substantial costs and result in a loss of customer confidence, which could materially affect our results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, we could be subject to litigation and government enforcement actions because of any such failure.
Further, data privacy is subject to frequently changing rules and regulations, which sometimes conflict among the various jurisdictions and countries where we operate. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which was adopted by the European Union effective May 2018, requires companies to meet new requirements regarding the handling of personal data. In addition, the State of California enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”), which became effective January 2020 and requires companies that process information on California residents to, among other things, provide new disclosures and options to consumers about data collection, use and sharing practices.
Moreover, each of the GDPR and the CCPA confer a private right-of-action on certain individuals and associations. Our failure to adhere to or successfully implement appropriate processes to adhere to the requirements of GDPR, CCPA and other evolving laws and regulations in this area could result in financial penalties, legal liability and could damage our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Unreliable or inefficient information technology or the failure to successfully implement or invest in technology initiatives in the future could adversely impact operating results.
We rely heavily on information technology systems in the conduct of our business, some of which are managed, and/or hosted by third parties, including, for example, point-of-sale processing in our stores, management of our supply chain, and various other processes and procedures. These systems are subject to damage, interruption or failure due to theft, fire, power outages, telecommunications failure, computer viruses, security breaches, malicious cyber-attacks or other catastrophic events. Certain technology systems may also be unreliable or inefficient, and technology vendors may limit or terminate product support and maintenance, which could impact the reliability of critical systems operations. If our information technology systems are damaged or fail to function properly, we may incur substantial costs to repair or replace them and may experience loss of critical data and interruptions or delays in our ability to manage inventories or process transactions, which could result in lost sales, customer or employee dissatisfaction, or negative publicity that could negatively impact our reputation, results of operations and financial condition.
Moreover, our failure to adequately invest in new technology or adapt to technological developments and industry trends, particularly with respect to digital commerce capabilities, could result in a loss of customers and related market share. If our digital commerce platforms do not meet customers’ expectations in terms of security, speed, attractiveness or ease of use, customers may be less inclined to return to such digital commerce platforms, which could negatively impact our business.
Risks Related to the Macroeconomic Environment
Our business may be negatively impacted by general economic conditions in the United States and abroad.
Our performance is subject to global economic conditions and their impact on levels of consumer spending that affect not only the ultimate consumer, but also small businesses and other retailers. Specialty retail, and retail in general, is heavily influenced by general economic cycles. Specifically, at the time of filing this Form 10-K, the American and world economies have been acutely affected by a combination of factors resulting from both the COVID-19 pandemic and the war resulting from the invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces. The current impacts of these events include (but are not limited to) levels of inflation that are the highest in the U.S. in more than 40 years, fuel prices at or near record highs, an extremely tight labor market with rising wages and competition to attract qualified workers, rising real estate prices and increases in interest rates.
Purchases of non-essential, discretionary products tend to decline in periods (such as the current one) of recession or uncertainty regarding future economic prospects, as disposable income declines. During these periods of economic uncertainty, we may not be able to maintain or increase our sales to existing customers, make sales to new customers, open and operate new stores, maintain sales levels at our existing stores, maintain or increase our international operations on a profitable basis, maintain our earnings from operations as a percentage of net sales, or generate sufficient cash flows to fund our operational and liquidity needs. As a result, our operating results may be adversely and materially affected by continued downward trends or uncertainty in the United States or global economies.
Foreign currency fluctuations could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
We generally purchase our products in U.S. dollars. However, we source a large portion of our products from countries other than the United States. The cost of these products may be affected by changes in the value of the applicable currencies. Changes in currency exchange rates may also affect the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency denominated sales that occur in other countries (currently Canada and the European Union). This revenue, when translated into U.S. dollars for consolidated reporting purposes, could be materially affected by fluctuations in the U.S. dollar, negatively impacting our results of operations and our ability to generate revenue growth.
We face risks related to the effect of economic uncertainty.
During events of economic downturn and slow recovery, our growth prospects, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely impacted. Our stores offer leather and leathercraft-related items, which are viewed as discretionary items. Pressure on discretionary income brought on by economic downturns and slow recoveries, including housing market declines, rising energy prices and weak labor markets, may cause consumers to reduce the amount they spend on discretionary items. The inherent uncertainty related to predicting economic conditions makes it difficult for us to accurately forecast future demand trends, which could cause us to purchase excess inventories, resulting in increases in our inventory carrying cost, or limit our ability to satisfy customer demand and potentially lose market share.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and likely may continue to have, a material adverse effect on our business and liquidity.
The COVID-19 pandemic had an unprecedented impact on the U.S. economy as federal, state and local governments react to this public health crisis, which has created significant uncertainties. These uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the material adverse effect of the pandemic on the economy, our supply chain partners, our employees and customers, customer sentiment in general, and our stores. Since 2020, we have continued to manage through the pandemic as we continue to see varying levels of infection rates in various locations and have at times been forced periodically to temporarily close or limit operations in certain stores. We are unable to ensure that our sales will meet or exceed current levels or if additional periods of store closures will be needed or mandated. In addition, our merchandise vendors may have been negatively impacted by the pandemic and the financial difficulties of other retailers, thereby creating concerns about our vendors’ ability to provide us with payment terms or merchandise that is suitable to our brand. The effects of the pandemic have materially adversely impacted our revenues, earnings, liquidity and cash flows.
The continuing impact of the pandemic on our business and financial results will depend largely on future developments, including the duration of the spread of the outbreak (including new variants) and availability and acceptance rates of vaccines within the U.S. and Canada and our key sourcing markets. The pandemic has had, and may continue to have, a material adverse impact on our financial position, cash flows, liquidity and results of operations. This situation continues to change, and additional impacts may arise that we are not aware of currently.
Risks Related to Legal, Regulatory and Compliance
If the United States maintains current tariffs on products manufactured in China, or if additional tariffs or trade restrictions are implemented by other countries or by the U.S., the cost of our products manufactured in China or other countries and imported into the U.S. or other countries could increase. This could in turn adversely affect the profitability for these products and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, the violation of labor, environmental or other laws by an independent manufacturer or supplier, or divergence of an independent manufacturer’s or supplier’s labor practices from those generally accepted as ethical or appropriate in the U.S., could interrupt or otherwise disrupt the shipment of our products, harm our trademarks or damage our reputation. The occurrence of any of these events could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our success depends on the continued protection of our trademarks and other proprietary intellectual property rights.
Our trademarks and other intellectual property rights are important to our success and competitive position, and the loss of or inability to enforce our trademark and other proprietary intellectual property rights could harm our business. We devote substantial resources to the establishment and protection of our trademark and other proprietary intellectual property rights on a worldwide basis. Despite any precautions we may take to protect our intellectual property, policing unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult, expensive, and time consuming, and we may be unable to adequately protect our intellectual property or determine the extent of any unauthorized use. Our efforts to establish and protect our trademark and other proprietary intellectual property rights may not be adequate to prevent imitation or counterfeiting of our products by others, which may not only erode sales of our products but may also cause significant damage to our brand name. Further, we could incur substantial costs in legal actions relating to our use of intellectual property or the use of our intellectual property by others. Even if we are successful in these actions, the costs we incur could have a material adverse effect on us.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
We lease our store locations, with the exception of our flagship store located in Fort Worth, Texas. The majority of our stores have initial lease terms of at least five years. The leases are generally renewable, with increases in lease rental rates in some cases. We believe that all of our properties are adequately covered by insurance. We own the 22,000 square foot building that houses our flagship store. Further, we own our corporate headquarters, which includes our central distribution center and manufacturing facility, sales, marketing, administrative, and executive offices. The facility consists of 191,000 square feet located on approximately 30 acres.
The following table summarizes the locations of our leased premises as of the date of this filing:
U.S. Locations 
Alabama 
 
Missouri 
Alaska 
 
Montana 
Arizona 
 
Nebraska 
Arkansas 
 
Nevada 
California 
 
New Mexico 
Colorado 
 
New York 
Connecticut 
 
New Jersey 
Florida 
 
North Carolina 
Georgia 
 
Ohio 
Idaho 
 
Oklahoma 
Illinois 
 
Oregon 
Indiana 
 
Pennsylvania 
Iowa 
 
South Dakota 
Kansas 
 
Tennessee 
Kentucky 
 
Texas 
Louisiana 
 
Utah 
Maryland 
 
Washington 
Massachusetts 
 
Wisconsin 
Michigan 
 
Wyoming 
Minnesota 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Canadian locations: 
Alberta 
 
Ontario 
British Columbia 
 
Saskatchewan 
Manitoba 
 
 
 
Nova Scotia 
 
International locations: 
 
 
 
Spain 
In 2021, we experienced sporadic and limited temporary store closures as a result of COVID-19 staff illnesses. In 2022, temporary store closures as a direct result of COVID-19 illnesses were even more limited. However, the broader economic impact of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine has put pressure on store profitability with higher wages and staffing challenges, rising retail rents, and increases in other retail store operating costs. We regularly review recent and future projected store 4-wall cash flow taking these forecasted costs as well as projected consumer demand, other nearby stores and a number of other factors into consideration when making decisions to close or open stores in a given location. In 2022, we closed four store locations that met a number of the criteria for closure, three of which were at the end of the lease, and one of which we paid a negotiated early lease termination. We renewed leases for 23 existing locations and opened one new location on the Fort Bragg military base, a new format that we are testing.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In 2019, the Company self-reported to the SEC information concerning the internal investigation of certain accounting matters resulting in the restatement for the full year 2017 and full year 2018, including interim quarters in 2018, and the first quarter of 2019. In response, the Division of Enforcement of the SEC initiated an investigation into the Company’s historical accounting practices. In July 2021, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with the SEC to conclude this investigation. Under the terms of the settlement, in addition to other non-monetary settlement terms, (1) the Company paid a civil monetary penalty of $200,000, and (2) the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer, agreed to pay a civil monetary penalty of $25,000. In accepting the Company’s settlement offer, the SEC took into account remedial actions the Company took promptly after learning of the issues detailed in the SEC’s order.
We are periodically involved in various litigation that arises in the ordinary course of business and operations. There are no such matters pending that we expect to have a material impact on our financial position or operating results. See discussion of Legal Proceedings in Note 8, Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

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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 REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “TLF.”
There were approximately 283 stockholders of record on February 28, 2023.
We did not sell any shares of our equity securities during our fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 that were not registered under the Securities Act.
Our Board of Directors did not authorize any dividends during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 or 2021. Our Board of Directors may consider future cash dividends after giving consideration to our profitability, cash flow, capital requirements, current and forecasted liquidity, as well as financial and other business conditions existing at the time. This policy is subject to change based on future industry and market conditions, as well as other factors.
We did not repurchase any shares of our common stocks during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2022.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
We are a smaller reporting company as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of SEC Regulation S-K and are not required to provide information under this item.

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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
This discussion is intended to assist in understanding our financial performance and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes accompanying those consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K, including the information under the caption “Summary of Critical Accounting Policies.” In addition to historical financial information, the following management’s discussion and analysis may contain forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our expectations or estimates based on the information we have today but are not guarantees or predictions of future performance. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, and which may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements contained here. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update or otherwise revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. More discussion of risks can be found under Item 1A, Risk Factors.
Summary
The Business and Strategy
Tandy Leather Factory, Inc. is one of the world’s largest specialty retailers of leather and leathercraft-related items. Founded in 1919 in Fort Worth, Texas, and organized in 2005 as a Delaware corporation, the Company introduced leathercrafting to millions of American and later Canadian and other international customers and has built a track record as the trusted source of quality leather, tools, hardware, supplies, kits and teaching materials for leatherworkers everywhere. Today, our mission remains to build on our legacy of inspiring the timeless art and trade of leatherworking.
What differentiates Tandy from the competition is our high brand awareness and strong brand equity and loyalty, our network of retail stores that provides convenience, a high-touch customer service experience, and a hub for the local leathercrafting community, and our 100-year heritage. We believe that this combination of qualities is unique to Tandy and gives the brand competitive advantages that are difficult for others to replicate.
We sell our products primarily through company-owned stores and through orders generated from our global websites, and through direct account representatives in our commercial division. We also manufacture leather lace, cut leather pieces and most of the do-it-yourself kits that are sold in our stores and on our websites. We also offer production services to our business customers such as cutting (“clicking”), splitting, and some assembly. We maintain our principal offices at 1900 Southeast Loop 820, Fort Worth, Texas 76140.
Currently, the Company operates a total of 103 retail stores. There are 92 stores in the United States (“U.S,”), ten stores in Canada and one store in Spain.
Tandy Leather has been introducing people to leatherworking for over 100 years. Our stores have been and continue to be our competitive advantage: where our consumers learn the craft in classes, open table, and from the expertise of our store staff, where they can touch, feel and test the product, and where they can connect and commune with others passionate about leather. Our websites provide inspiration, detailed product descriptions and specifications, educational information and videos, and a convenient place to also purchase product - especially for those who are far from our retail stores, including a growing international customer base. For many of our retail and web customers, leatherworking evolves from a passion to a trade. Our Commercial Division is tailored to the needs of those customers who build businesses around leather. With dedicated direct account representatives, a direct-from-our-warehouse shipping model, bulk and volume-based competitive pricing, customized product development, and production and pre-production services, we are building long-term, strategic relationships with our largest customers.
In 2019, with the arrival of a new management team, we began the process of assessing and reinvigorating the business. We focused in three broad strategic initiative areas: 1) improving our brand proposition, 2) rebuilding our foundation: the talent, processes, tools and systems needed to modernize and efficiently operate the business, and 3) creating a vision and road map for long-term growth. We had significant achievements in all of these areas including significantly improving the product quality, breadth of assortment and value, dramatically improving the website and web operations, rebuilding the team, people policies and culture, and replacing all of the key systems, among many other accomplishments.
We made this steady progress to transform and reinvigorate our business even in the face of two very significant obstacles. In 2019, as part of the assessment of the business, we discovered errors in accounting that required a restatement of our financials. This work was costly and time-consuming, but we successfully completed the restatement in 2021 along with implementation of new accounting systems, redesign of processes and controls, and a significant upgrade in the team. In 2020, while making progress against our transformation and still working through our restatement, we temporarily closed all of our retail stores as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With COVID-19 and the restatement behind us and with many of our initiatives taking hold, we are now focused on improving our financial sustainability and profitability. In the short-term, we are managing operating expenses and gross margin to deliver free operating cash and operating income even in the face of possible continued economic headwinds. We will also continue to selectively invest in profitable sales growth where it makes sense, but rebuilding a durable, profitable business model is the highest priority.
COVID-19
At the time of filing this Form 10-K, the American and world economies have been acutely affected by a combination of factors arising from both the COVID-19 pandemic and the war resulting from the invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces. The current impacts of these events include (but are not limited to) levels of inflation that are the highest in the U.S. in more than 40 years, highly volatile fuel prices, an extremely tight labor market with rising wages and competition to attract qualified workers, supply chain disruption, rising rent and other occupancy costs and increases in interest rates. Purchases of non-essential, discretionary products tend to decline in periods of uncertainty regarding future economic prospects, such as the current one, as disposable income declines. The Company believes that these events have continued to dampen its sales through December 2022. The future remains uncertain, and continued increased labor, freight, product and other costs as well as weakening customer demand could have a negative impact on the Company’s future financial performance.
Results of Operations
The following table presents selected financial data:
(in thousands)
$ Change
% Change
Sales
$
80,335
$
82,661
$
(2,326
)
(2.8
)%
Gross profit
46,497
46,999
(502
)
(1.1
)%
Gross margin percentage
57.9
%
56.9
%
1.0
%
Operating expenses
45,109
44,699
0.9
%
Income (loss) from operations
$
1,388
$
2,300
$
(912
)
39.7
%
Net Sales
Consolidated net sales decreased by $2.3 million, or 2.8%, from 2021 to 2022. We believe the decrease in sales was due to continued weaker consumer demand as a result of inflation and ongoing uncertainty related to global political, economic and public health concerns.
Our store footprint consisted of 103 stores at December 31, 2022 and 106 stores at December 31, 2021.
Since January 1, 2022, we closed one store in San Bruno, CA in March 2022, one store in Oxnard, CA in July 2022, one store in Miami, FL in October 2022 and one store in Cayce, SC in December 2022. In November 2022, we opened one store on the Fort Bragg military base in North Carolina. We evaluate a number of factors when determining whether to close existing stores, including the 4-wall cash flow trend and longer-term projection for the store, the long-term sales trend, ongoing cost of store operations, date of lease expiration, quality of the store and location, and the size and potential of the trade area including proximity to other existing stores, among other variables. We use similar factors to determine whether to open new stores.
Gross Profit
Gross profit decreased by $0.5 million, or 1.1%, from 2021 to 2022. Our gross margin percentage for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased to 57.9% versus 56.9% in the same period in 2021, due to relatively stronger full-priced selling throughout the year, product and customer mix shifts, and some impact from price increases.
Operating Expenses
(in thousands)
Operating expenses
$
45,109
$
44,699
Non-routine items related to restatement
(246
)
(1,252
)
Adjusted operating expenses
$
44,863
$
43,447
Operating expenses % of sales
56.2
%
54.1
%
Adjusted operating expenses % of sales
55.8
%
52.6
%
Operating expenses increased by $0.4 million in 2022 as compared to the prior year. This was in part as a result of the write off of $0.4 million of costs associated with the unsuccessful attempt to build a new web platform. That vendor, DynamicWeb, has been unable to deliver a working product, and while we seek to recover these costs, that recovery is uncertain. In addition, increases in operating expenses in the areas of wages, primarily of hourly employees in retail stores, and corporate marketing and merchandising, equity compensation associated with executive bonus, our store manager conference and other expenses were offset by decreases in cash bonus and credit card fees related to lower sales, contract labor and rent. Adjusted operating expenses, which exclude the non-routine items related to the restatement and CFO turnover, increased $1.4 million for the reasons noted above. Adjusted operating expenses excluding non-routine items as shown above is a non-GAAP measure, included here to provide additional information regarding the Company’s financial performance on a recurring basis. Non-routine items are primarily legal and accounting fees associated with the restatement.
Other (Income) Expense
Other (income) expense consists primarily of interest expense, interest income and foreign currency (gain) loss. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized other income of $0.1 million. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized other expense of $0.1 million.
Provision for Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate was 12.9% and 38.3% for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Our effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to U.S. state income tax expense, foreign income/loss positions, expenses that are nondeductible for tax purposes, the change in our valuation allowance associated with our deferred tax assets, and differences in tax rates.
Capital Resources, Liquidity and Financial Condition
We require cash principally for day-to-day operations, to purchase inventory and to finance capital investments. We expect to fund our operating and liquidity needs primarily from a combination of current cash balances, and cash generated from operating activities. Any excess cash will be invested as determined by our Board of Directors in accordance with its approved investment policy. Our cash balance as of December 31, 2022 totaled $8.0 million.
On January 3, 2023, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Under the Credit Agreement, the bank will provide the Company a credit facility of up to $5,000,000 on standard terms and conditions, including affirmative and negative covenants set forth in the Credit Agreement. As security for the credit facility, the Company has pledged as collateral certain of its assets, including the Company’s cash in deposit accounts, inventory and equipment. As of the date of this filing, no funds had been borrowed under this facility.
Spain Loan
During the second quarter of 2020, the Company borrowed $0.4 million from Banco Santander S.A. under the Institute of Official Credit Guarantee for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in order to facilitate the continuation of employment and to attenuate the economic effects of the COVID-19 virus. This loan was provided for by the Spanish government as part of a COVID-19 relief program. During the second quarter of 2022, we repaid this loan in full.
Share Repurchase Program
On August 9, 2020, the Board of Directors approved a program to repurchase up to $5.0 million of the Company’s common stock on the open market between August 9, 2020 and July 31, 2022. This program expired in July 2022. As of December 31, 2021, the full $5.0 million of our common stock remained available for repurchase under this program. On August 8, 2022, the Board of Directors approved a new program to repurchase up to $5.0 million of the Company’s common stock on the open market between that date and August 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2022, $5.0 million remained available for repurchase under this new program.
On April 11, 2022, we entered into an agreement with two institutional shareholders of the Company, to repurchase 359,500 shares of our common stock, par value $0.0024 in a private transaction. The purchase price was $5.00 per share for a total of $1.8 million. The closing of the repurchases took place on April 22, 2022, and these shares were subsequently cancelled. Prior to the repurchase, the shares represented approximately 4.2% of our outstanding common stock.
On December 8, 2021, we entered into an agreement with an institutional shareholder of the Company to repurchase 212,690 shares of our common stock, par value $0.0024 in a private transaction. The purchase price was $5.00 per share for a total of $1.1 million. The closing of the repurchase took place on December 16, 2021, and these shares were subsequently cancelled. Prior to the repurchase, the shares represented approximately 2.4% of our outstanding common stock.
On January 28, 2021, we entered into an agreement with an institutional shareholder of the Company to repurchase 500,000 shares of our common stock, par value $0.0024 in a private transaction. The purchase price was $3.35 per share for a total of $1.7 million. The closing of the repurchase of these shares took place on February 1, 2021, and these shares were subsequently cancelled. Prior to the repurchase, the shares represented approximately 5.5% of our outstanding common stock.
The direct share repurchases described above were separately authorized by our Board of Directors and did not reduce the remaining amount authorized to be repurchased under the open-market plan described in the first paragraph of this subsection. In July 2022, the Company repurchased 600 shares of stock under the open market plan.
Cash Flows
(amounts in thousands)
Net cash from operating activities
$
1,154
$
3,716
Net cash used in investing activities
(625
)
(1,001
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(2,171
)
(2,777
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(538
)
(112
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
$
(2,180
)
$
(174
)
For 2022, we generated $1.1 million of cash from operations driven by net income of $1.2 million, the add-back of non-cash expenses of $5.5 million, including depreciation, amortization, and stock-based compensation, a $0.9 million decrease in income taxes, net due to collecting $1.4 million of refunds from NOL carryback claims that partially offset current year installment payments and recording the current year income tax provision, and a decrease in accounts receivable of $0.2 million among other changes, offset by the increase of inventory of $0.3 million (including currency effects), a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $3.3 million and a decrease in operating lease liabilities of $3.4 million. We invested $0.6 million in capital expenditures for the purchase of store fixtures and systems implementations. We used cash in financing activities to repurchase 360,100 shares of Tandy common stock in purchases totaling $1.8 million at an average price of $5.00 per share, and to repay the loan from Spain in the amount of $0.4 million. The activities above, in addition to the effect of exchange rate changes, resulted in a net decrease in cash of $2.2 million.
For 2021, we generated $3.7 million of cash from operations driven by net income of $1.4 million, non-cash expenses of $5.2 million, including depreciation, amortization, and stock-based compensation, a reduction to income tax receivable of $1.8 million due to a federal income tax refund of $1.0 million related to the 2019 tax year and $0.8 million in income tax expense from expected taxable income generation in 2021, and $1.6 million of other changes in operating assets and liabilities mostly attributable to an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $1.9 million, and partially offset by the net buildup of inventory of $2.8 million and a reduction in lease liabilities of $3.4 million. We invested $1.0 million in capital expenditures for the purchase of store fixtures and systems implementations. We used cash in financing activities to repurchase 712,690 shares of Tandy common stock in two private purchases totaling $2.7 million at an average price of $3.84 per share. The activities above, in addition to the effect of exchange rate changes, resulted in a net decrease in cash of $0.2 million.
We believe that cash flow from operations and our existing cash reserves will be adequate to fund our operations through 2023, taking into account the current effects of the inflationary pressure on our business and cash flow and our current business performance. In addition, we anticipate that this cash flow and our current cash reserves will enable us to meet our contractual obligations and commercial commitments throughout 2023. There can be no assurance, however, that the current global economic conditions would not result in further restrictions on our business operations in a manner that would more materially impact our cash flow.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements during 2022 or 2021, and we do not currently have any such arrangements.
Summary of Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the use of estimates that affect the reported value of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for the Company’s conclusions. The Company continually evaluates the information used to make these estimates as the business and the economic environment changes. Actual results may differ from these estimates, and estimates are subject to change due to modifications in the underlying conditions or assumptions. The policies discussed below require estimates that contain a significant degree of judgement. The use of estimates is pervasive throughout the Consolidated Financial Statements, but the accounting policies and estimates considered most critical are as follows.
Revenue Recognition. Our revenue is earned from sales of merchandise and generally occurs via three methods: (1) at the store counter, (2) shipment of product generally via web sales, and (3) sales of product directly to commercial customers. We recognize revenue when we satisfy the performance obligation of transferring control of product merchandise over to a customer. At the store counter, our performance obligation is met, and revenue is recognized when a sales transaction occurs with a customer. When merchandise is shipped to a customer, our performance obligation is met, and revenue is recognized when control passes to the customer. Shipping terms are normally free on board (“FOB”) shipping point and control passes when the merchandise is shipped to the customer. Sales tax and comparable foreign tax is excluded from net sales, while shipping charged to our customers is included in net sales. Net sales are based on the amount of consideration that we expect to receive, reduced by estimates for future merchandise returns.
The sales return allowance is based each year on historical customer return behavior and other known factors and reduces net sales and cost of sales, accordingly. Under our sales returns policy, merchandise may be returned, under most circumstances, up to 60 days after date of purchase. As merchandise is returned, the company records the sales return against the sales return allowance.
We record a gift card liability for the unfulfilled performance obligation on the date we issue a gift card to a customer. We record revenue and reduce the gift card liability as the customer redeems the gift card. In addition, for gift card breakage, we recognize a proportionate amount for the expected unredeemed gift cards over the expected customer redemption period, which is one year.
Inventory. Inventory is stated at the lower of first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) cost or net realizable value, and FIFO layers are maintained at the location level. Finished goods held for sale includes the cost of merchandise purchases, the costs to bring the merchandise to our Texas distribution center, warehousing and handling expenditures, and distributing and delivering merchandise to our stores. These costs include depreciation of long-lived assets utilized in acquiring, warehousing and distributing inventory. Manufacturing inventory including raw materials and work-in-process is valued on a FIFO basis using full absorption accounting which includes material, labor, and other applicable manufacturing overhead. Carrying values of inventory are analyzed and, to the extent that the cost of inventory exceeds the net realizable value, provisions are made to reduce the carrying amount of the inventory.
We regularly review all inventory items to determine if there are (i) damaged goods (e.g., for leather, excessive scars or damage from ultra-violet (“UV”) light), (ii) items that need to be removed from our product line (e.g., slow-moving items, inability of a supplier to provide items of acceptable quality or quantity, and to maintain freshness in the product line) and (iii) pricing actions that need to be taken to adequately value our inventory at the lower of FIFO cost or net realizable value.
Since the determination of net realizable value of inventory involves both estimation and judgement with regard to market values and reasonable costs to sell, differences in these estimates could result in ultimate valuations that differ from the recorded asset.
The majority of inventory purchases and commitments are made in U.S. dollars in order to limit the Company’s exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. Goods shipped to us are recorded as inventory owned by us when the risk of loss shifts to us from the supplier. Inventory is physically counted twice annually in the Texas distribution center. At the store level, inventory is physically counted each quarter. Inventory is then adjusted in our accounting system to reflect actual count results.
Leases. We lease certain real estate for our retail store locations and warehouse equipment for our Texas distribution center, both under long-term lease agreements. Starting in 2019, with the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), once we have determined an arrangement is a lease, at inception we recognize a lease asset and lease liability at commencement date based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. We elected not to record leases with an initial term of 12 months or less on the balance sheet for all our asset classes.
For our operating leases, the present value of our lease payments may include: (1) rental payments adjusted for inflation or market rates, and (2) lease terms with options to renew the lease when it is reasonably certain we will exercise such an option. The exercise of lease renewal options is generally at our discretion. Payments based on a change in an index or market rate are not considered in the determination of lease payments for purposes of measuring the related lease liability. We discount lease payments using our incremental borrowing rate based on information available as of the measurement date.
We recognize rent expense related to our operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Rent expense is recorded in operating expenses. The net adjustment between rent expense and the actual cash paid during the fiscal year has been recorded as accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
For finance leases, our right-of-use assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the earlier of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term with rent expense recorded to operating expenses. We adjust the lease liability to reflect lease payments made during the period and interest incurred on the lease liability using the effective interest method. The incurred interest expense is recorded in interest expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The depreciable life of related leasehold improvements is based on the shorter of the useful life or the lease term. We also perform interim reviews of our operating lease assets for impairment when evidence exists that the carrying value of an asset group, including a lease asset, may not be recoverable.
None of our lease agreements contain material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. As of December 31, 2022, we have no sublease agreements and no lease agreements in which we are named as a lessor. We do not have any contingent rental payment agreements. On September 8, 2022, we entered into a concession agreement for our store on the Fort Bragg military base in which the concession payment is based on a sliding scale percentage of sales.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. We evaluate long-lived assets on a quarterly basis to identify events or changes in circumstances (“triggering events”) that indicate the carrying value of certain assets may not be recoverable. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, right-of-use (“ROU”) lease assets, property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment and an impairment loss is recorded in the period in which it is determined that the carrying amount of the assets is not recoverable. The determination of recoverability is made based upon the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows of assets grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets with such cash flows to be realized over the estimated remaining useful life of the primary asset within the asset group. The Company determined the lowest level of identifiable cash flows that are independent of other asset groups to be primarily at the individual store level. If the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows for a given store are less than the carrying amount of the related store assets, an impairment loss is determined by comparing the estimated fair value with the carrying value of the related assets. The impairment loss is then allocated across the asset group’s major classifications which in this case are operating lease assets and property and equipment. Triggering events at the store level could include material declines in operational and financial performance or planned changes in the use of assets, such as store relocation or store closure. This evaluation requires management to make judgements relating to future cash flows, growth rates and economic and market conditions. The fair value of an asset group is estimated using a discounted cash flow valuation method.
Stock-based Compensation. The Company’s stock-based compensation relates primarily to restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards. Accounting guidance requires measurement and recognition of compensation expense at an amount equal to the grant date fair value. Compensation expense is recognized for service-based stock awards on a straight-line basis or ratably over the requisite service period, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The service-based awards typically vest ratably over the requisite service period, provided that the participant is employed on the vesting date. The total compensation expense is reduced by actual forfeitures as they occur over the requisite service period of the awards. Performance-based RSUs vest, if at all, upon the Company satisfying certain performance targets. The Company records compensation expense for awards with a performance condition when it is probable that the condition will be achieved. If the Company determines it is not probable a performance condition will be achieved, no compensation expense is recognized. If the Company changes its assessment in a subsequent period and concludes it is probable a performance condition will be achieved, the Company will recognize compensation expense ratably between the period of the change in assessment through the expected date of satisfying the performance condition for vesting. If the Company subsequently assesses that it is no longer probable that a performance condition will be achieved, the accumulated expense that has been previously recognized will be reversed. The compensation expense ultimately recognized, if any, related to performance-based awards will equal the grant date fair value based on the number of shares for which the performance condition has been satisfied. We issue shares from authorized shares upon the lapsing of vesting restrictions on RSUs. We do not use cash to settle equity instruments issued under stock-based compensation awards.
Income Taxes. Income taxes are estimated for each jurisdiction in which we operate. This involves assessing current tax exposure together with temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and financial statement accounting purposes. Any resulting deferred tax assets are evaluated for recoverability based on estimated future taxable income. To the extent it is more-likely-than-not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded. Our evaluation regarding whether a valuation allowance is required or should be adjusted also considers, among other things, the nature, frequency, and severity of recent losses, forecasts of future profitability and the duration of statutory carryforward periods. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates in effect in the years when those temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred taxes from a change in tax rate is recognized through continuing operations in the period that includes the enactment date of the change. Changes in tax laws and rates could affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities in the future. A tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. Income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold to be recognized. We recognize tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions and adjust these liabilities when our judgement changes as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. Due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from the current estimate of the tax liabilities. These differences will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense and the effective tax rate in the period in which new information becomes available. We may be subject to periodic audits by the Internal Revenue Service and other taxing authorities. These audits may challenge certain of our tax positions, such as the timing and amount of deductions and allocation of taxable income to the various jurisdictions.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Tandy Leather Factory, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Tandy Leather Factory, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (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 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the 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 entity’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these 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. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
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.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Valuation of Inventory
The Company’s accounting policy for the recognition of inventory and cost of sales is described in Note
2 to the consolidated financial statements. The Company has recorded an inventory balance of approximately $38.2 million and cost of sales of approximately $33.8 million as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022. Additionally, Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements provides further detail of the components of the year-end inventory balance.
The Company’s merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value using a first-in first-out costing principle. Finished goods inventory costs include the cost of merchandise purchases, the costs to bring the merchandise to the Company’s distribution center, warehousing and handling expenditures, and distributing and delivering merchandise to the Company’s stores. Manufacturing inventory, raw materials and work-in-process are also valued on a first-in, first-out basis using full absorption accounting which includes material, labor, and other applicable manufacturing overhead. The determination of amounts that are required to be capitalized to inventory resulting from manufacturing labor and overhead costs, warehouse and handling expenditures and transportation costs (together “overhead costs”) are subjective and are generally based on an allocation ratio calculated by the Company using the previous year’s actual overhead costs and the value of inventory handled during that year, subject to adjustment for current economic or market conditions. Additionally, to determine if the value of their inventory should be written down, the Company considers many factors, including condition of the product (excessive scars, discoloring or damage from UV light), current and anticipated demand that may cause the product to become slow moving and age of the merchandise to ensure that the product line is considered fresh. If a write-down is warranted, the carrying value of the merchandise is reduced from its original cost to the lower of its cost or net realizable value.
Management estimates the value of inventory by estimating the capitalizable overhead costs and adjusts the inventory to lower of cost or net realizable value. Our audit procedures to evaluate these items involved a higher degree of auditor judgment and the involvement of more senior members of the engagement team in executing, supervising, and reviewing the results of the procedures.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the valuation of inventories included the following, among others:
•
We obtained an understanding of the controls over the valuation of inventory.
•
We tested the inventory costs incurred by the Company by reviewing supplier invoices and ensuring that appropriate application of the first-in first-out principle was followed.
•
We evaluated the appropriateness and consistency of management’s methodology and assumptions used in calculating the capitalizable overhead costs allocation ratio.
•
We evaluated the appropriateness of the capitalized overhead costs by analyzing them against actual overhead costs incurred during the year.
•
We tested the mathematical accuracy of the Company’s inventory obsolescence reserve calculation.
•
We evaluated the appropriateness and consistency of management’s methodology and assumptions used in developing its estimate of the inventory obsolescence reserve.
•
We performed analytical procedures on the current year reserve by comparing it to the prior year reserve and obtaining corroborating evidence to support any assumptions.
•
We tested on a sample basis, sales subsequent to year-end of the written-down items to ensure that the net realizable value was not lower than the previously written down value.
/s/ WEAVER AND TIDWELL, L.L.P.
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2003.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
March 31, 2023
Tandy Leather Factory, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(amounts in thousands, except share data and per share data)
December 31,
December 31,
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
7,975
$
10,155
Accounts receivable-trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $56 and $24 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively
Inventory
38,227
38,084
Income tax receivable
Prepaid expenses
Other current assets
Total current assets
47,252
50,449
Property and equipment, at cost
28,124
27,750
Less accumulated depreciation
(16,962
)
(15,989
)
Property and equipment, net
11,162
11,761
Operating lease assets
9,742
10,438
Financing lease assets
Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $549 and $548 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively
Other assets
TOTAL ASSETS
$
68,579
$
73,085
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable-trade
$
3,082
$
4,786
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
2,681
4,302
Income taxes payable
-
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
2,881
3,025
Current portion of finance lease liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt
-
Total current liabilities
8,870
12,207
Uncertain tax positions
Other non-current liabilities
Operating lease liabilities, non-current
7,469
8,194
Finance lease liabilities, non-current
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
-
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, $0.0024 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 9,717,525 and 9,971,711 shares issued at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively; 8,293,149 and 8,547,335 shares outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively
Paid-in capital
3,222
3,959
Retained earnings
59,891
58,664
Treasury stock at cost (1,424,376 shares at December 31, 2022 and 2021)
(9,773
)
(9,773
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(1,900
)
(1,373
)
Total stockholders’ equity
51,463
51,501
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
68,579
$
73,085
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
Tandy Leather Factory, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
(amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
For the Years Ended December 31,
Net sales
$
80,335
$
82,661
Cost of sales
33,838
35,662
Gross profit
46,497
46,999
Operating expenses
45,109
44,699
Income from operations
1,388
2,300
Other (income) expense:
Interest (income) expense
(9
)
Other, net
(11
)
Total other (income) expense
(20 )
Income before income taxes
1,408
2,193
Income tax provision
Net income
$
1,227
$
1,354
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
(527
)
(81
)
Comprehensive income
$
$
1,273
Net income per common share:
Basic
$
0.15
$
0.16
Diluted
$
0.15
$
0.16
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic
8,363,390
8,709,866
Diluted
8,394,567
8,720,469
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
Tandy Leather Factory, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(amounts in thousands)
For the Years Ended December 31,
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
1,227
$
1,354
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
1,201
1,105
Operating lease asset amortization
3,230
3,202
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets
(8
)
Stock-based compensation
1,060
Deferred income taxes
(10
)
Exchange loss
-
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable-trade
(325
)
Inventory
(328
)
(2,777
)
Prepaid expenses
Other current assets
(8
)
Accounts payable-trade
(1,739 )
1,143
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
(1,527
)
Income taxes, net
1,775
Other assets
-
(52
)
Operating lease liabilities
(3,362
)
(3,422
)
Total adjustments
(73
)
2,362
Net cash from operating activities
1,154
3,716
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment
(635
)
(1,001
)
Proceeds from sales of assets
-
Net cash used in investing activities
(625
)
(1,001
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt
(359 )
-
Payments of capital lease obligations
(14
)
(14
)
Repurchase of common stock
(1,798
)
(2,738
)
Purchase of vested stock for employee payroll tax
-
(25 )
Net cash used in financing activities
(2,171
)
(2,777
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(538 )
(112
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(2,180
)
(174
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
10,155
10,329
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
7,975
$
10,155
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
Tandy Leather Factory, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - continued
(amounts in thousands)
For the Years Ended December 31,
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid during the period
$
$
Income tax paid (refunded) during the period, net
$
(430
)
$
(994
)
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activity:
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities, net
$ 3,884
$ 1,853
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
Tandy Leather Factory, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
(amounts in thousands, except share data)
Number of
Shares
Common Stock
Outstanding
Par Value
Paid-in Capital
Treasury Stock
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Total
Balance, December 31,
9,150,806
$
$
5,924
$
(9,773
)
$
57,310
$
(1,292
)
$
52,194
Stock-based compensation expense
-
-
-
-
-
Issuance of restricted stock
114,075
-
-
-
-
-
-
Purchase of vested stock for employee payroll tax
(4,856 )
-
(25 )
-
-
-
(25 )
Repurchase of common stock
(712,690 )
(1 )
(2,737 )
-
-
-
(2,738 )
Net income
-
-
-
-
1,354
-
1,354
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
-
-
-
-
-
(81
)
(81
)
Balance, December 31,
8,547,335
$
$
3,959
$
(9,773
)
$
58,664
$
(1,373
)
$
51,501
Stock-based compensation expense
-
-
1,060
-
-
-
1,060
Issuance of restricted stock
140,277
-
-
-
-
-
-
Purchase of vested stock for employee payroll tax
(34,362 )
-
-
-
-
-
-
Repurchase of common stock
(360,100 )
(1 )
(1,797 )
-
-
-
(1,798 )
Net income
-
-
-
-
1,227
-
1,227
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
-
-
-
-
-
(527
)
(527
)
Balance, December 31,
8,293,150
$
$
3,222
$
(9,773
)
$
59,891
$
(1,900
)
$
51,463
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
TANDY LEATHER FACTORY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2022 and 2021
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Tandy Leather Factory, Inc. (“TLF,” “we,” “our,” “us,” the “Company,” “Tandy,” or “Tandy Leather” mean Tandy Leather Factory, Inc., together with its subsidiaries) is one of the world’s largest specialty retailers of leather and leathercraft-related items. Founded in 1919 in Fort Worth, Texas, the Company introduced leathercrafting to millions of American and later Canadian and other international customers and has built a track record as the trusted source of quality leather, tools, hardware, supplies, kits and teaching materials for leatherworkers everywhere. Today, our mission remains to build on our legacy of inspiring the timeless art and trade of leatherworking.
What differentiates Tandy from the competition is our high brand awareness and strong brand equity and loyalty, our network of retail stores that provides convenience, a high-touch customer service experience, and a hub for the local leathercrafting community, and our 100-year heritage. We believe that this combination of qualities is unique to Tandy and gives the brand competitive advantages that are difficult for others to replicate.
We sell our products primarily through company-owned stores and through orders generated from our global websites, and through direct account representatives in our commercial division. We also manufacture leather lace, cut leather pieces and most of the do-it-yourself kits that are sold in our stores and on our websites. We also offer production services to our business customers such as cutting (“clicking”), splitting, and some assembly. We maintain our principal offices at 1900 Southeast Loop 820, Fort Worth, Texas 76140.
The Company currently operates a total of 103 retail stores. There are 92 stores in the United States (“U.S.”), ten stores in Canada and one store in Spain.
The Company’s common shares currently trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “TLF.”
We operate as a single segment and report on a consolidated basis.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Management estimates and reporting
The preparation of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires the use of estimates that affect the reported value of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for the Company’s conclusions. The Company continually evaluates the information used to make these estimates as the business and the economic environment changes. Actual results may differ from these estimates, and estimates are subject to change due to modifications in the underlying conditions or assumptions. The policies discussed below require estimates that contain a significant degree of judgement. The use of estimates is pervasive throughout the Consolidated Financial Statements, but the accounting policies and estimates considered most significant are as follows.
Principles of consolidation
Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Tandy Leather Factory, Inc. and its active wholly-owned subsidiaries, The Leather Factory, L.P. (a Texas limited partnership), Tandy Leather Company, L.P. (a Texas limited partnership), The Leather Factory of Canada, Ltd. (a Canadian corporation), Tandy Leather Factory UK Limited (a UK corporation), Tandy Leather Factory Australia Pty. Limited (an Australian corporation), and Tandy Leather Factory España, S.L. (a Spanish corporation). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Correction of an error in previously issued financial statements
The consolidated financial statements include an out of period adjustment that is the result of unreconciled inventory receipts for in-transit inventory, which were identified in the fourth quarter of 2022. To correct misstatements in the first three quarters of fiscal year 2022, we reduced inventory and accounts payable balances by approximately $0.9 million, and adjusted changes to inventory and accounts payable in the operating activities section of the consolidated statements of cash flows by the same amount. There is no impact of this adjustment to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or retained earnings.
Cash and cash equivalents
The Company considers investments with a maturity when purchased of three months or less to be cash equivalents. All credit card, debit card and electronic transfer transactions that process in less than seven days are classified as cash and cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable and Expected Credit Losses
Our receivables primarily arise from the sale of merchandise to customers that have applied for and been granted credit. Accounts receivable are stated at amounts due, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable are generally due within 30 days of invoicing. Our accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2022, December 31, 2021 and January 1, 2021 was $0.4 million, $0.6 million, and $0.4 million, respectively.
We estimate expected credit losses based on factors such as the composition of accounts receivable, the age of the accounts, historical bad debt experience, and our evaluation of the financial condition and past collection history of each customer. Management believes that the historical loss information it has compiled is a reasonable base on which to determine expected credit losses for trade receivables held at December 31, 2022, because the composition of the trade receivables at that date is consistent with that used in developing the historical credit-loss percentages (i.e., the similar risk characteristics of its customers and its credit practices have not changed significantly over time). Accordingly, the allowance for expected credit losses at December 31, 2022, December 31, 2021, and January 1, 2021 each totaled less than $0.1 million.
Foreign currency translation and transactions
Foreign currency translation adjustments arise from activities of our foreign subsidiaries. Results of operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rates during the period, while assets and liabilities are translated using period-end exchange rates. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded in stockholders’ equity, net of tax. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we recorded foreign currency translation loss adjustments of less than $0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are recorded in other, net within the statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). We did not recognize a foreign currency transaction gain or (loss) in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Revenue recognition
Our revenue is earned from sales of merchandise and generally occurs via three methods: (1) at the store counter, (2) shipment of product generally via web sales, and (3) sales of product directly to commercial customers. We recognize revenue when we satisfy the performance obligation of transferring control of product merchandise over to a customer. At the store counter, our performance obligation is met and revenue is recognized when a sales transaction occurs with a customer. When merchandise is shipped to a customer, our performance obligation is met and revenue is recognized when control passes to the customer. Shipping terms are normally free on board (“FOB”) shipping point and control passes when the merchandise is shipped to the customer. Sales tax and comparable foreign tax is excluded from net sales, while shipping charged to our customers is included in net sales. Net sales is based on the amount of consideration that we expect to receive, reduced by estimates for future merchandise returns. As of December 31, 2022, we had received approximately $0.2 million in credit card payments that had not shipped as of the end of the year.
The sales return allowance included in accrued expense and other liabilities was $0.1 million, $0.2 million, and $0.1 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and January 1, 2021 respectively. The estimated value of merchandise expected to be returned included in other current assets was less than $0.1 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and January 1, 2021.
We record a gift card liability for the unfulfilled performance obligation on the date we issue a gift card to a customer. We record revenue and reduce the gift card liability as the customer redeems the gift card. In addition, for gift card breakage, we recognize a proportionate amount for the expected unredeemed gift cards over the expected customer redemption period, which is one year. We include our gift card liability in accrued expenses and other liabilities. On January 1, 2022, the opening balance of the gift card liability was $0.4 million. During 2022, we issued $0.5 million of gift cards, and $0.6 million of gift cards were redeemed and recognized as revenue. At December 31, 2022, our gift card liability balance was $0.3 million. On January 1, 2021, the opening balance of the gift card liability was $0.2 million; we issued $0.4 million of gift cards, and $0.2 million of gift cards were redeemed and recognized as revenue. At December 31, 2021, the ending balance of the gift card liability was $0.4 million
Disaggregated revenue
In the following table, revenue for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 is disaggregated by geographic areas as follows:
(in thousands)
United States
$
71,665
$
73,546
Canada
7,393
7,470
Other
1,277
1,645
Net sales
$
80,335
$
82,661
Geographic sales information is based on the location of where the order was fulfilled.
Discounts
We offer a single retail price level, plus three volume-based levels for commercial customers. Discounts from those price levels are offered to business, military/first responder and employee customers. Such discounts do not convey a material right to these customers since the discounted pricing they receive at the point of sale is not dependent upon any previous or subsequent purchases. As a result, sales are reported after deduction of discounts at the point of sale. We do not pay slotting fees or make other payments to resellers.
Operating expense
Operating expenses include all selling, general and administrative costs, including wages and benefits, rent and occupancy costs, depreciation, advertising, store operating expenses, outbound freight charges (to ship merchandise to customers), and corporate office costs.
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are three to ten years for equipment and machinery, seven to fifteen years for furniture and fixtures, five years for vehicles, and forty years for buildings and related improvements. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the life of the lease or the useful life of the asset. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
Inventory
Inventory is stated at the lower of first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) cost or net realizable value, and the FIFO layers are maintained at the location level. Finished goods held for sale include the cost of merchandise purchases, the costs to bring the merchandise to our Texas distribution center, warehousing and handling expenditures, and distributing and delivering merchandise to our stores. These costs include depreciation of long-lived assets utilized in acquiring, warehousing and distributing inventory. Manufacturing inventory including raw materials and work-in-process is valued on a first-in, first-out basis using full absorption accounting which includes material, labor, and other applicable manufacturing overhead.
Carrying values of inventory are analyzed and, to the extent that the cost of inventory exceeds the net realizable value, provisions are made to reduce the carrying amount of the inventory.
We regularly review all inventory items to determine if there are (i) damaged goods (e.g., for leather, excessive scars or damage from ultra-violet (“UV”) light), (ii) items that need to be removed from our product line (e.g., slow-moving items, inability of a supplier to provide items of acceptable quality or quantity, and to maintain freshness in the product line) and (iii) pricing actions that need to be taken to adequately value our inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Since the determination of net realizable value of inventory involves both estimation and judgement with regard to market values and reasonable costs to sell, differences in these estimates could result in ultimate valuations that differ from the recorded asset.
The majority of inventory purchases and commitments are made in U.S. dollars in order to limit the Company’s exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. Goods shipped to us are recorded as inventory owned by us when the risk of loss shifts to us from the supplier.
Inventory is physically counted twice annually in the Texas distribution center. At the store level, inventory is physically counted each quarter. Inventory is then adjusted in our accounting system to reflect actual count results.
Leases
We lease certain real estate for our retail store locations and warehouse equipment for our Texas distribution center, both under long-term lease agreements. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception and recognize right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities at commencement date based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. We elected not to record leases with an initial term of 12 months or less on the balance sheet for all our asset classes.
For operating leases, the present value of our lease payments may include: (1) rental payments adjusted for inflation or market rates, and (2) lease terms with options to renew the lease or options to purchase leased equipment, when it is reasonably certain we will exercise such an option. The exercise of lease renewal or purchase option is generally at our discretion. Payments based on a change in an index or market rate are not considered in the determination of lease payments for purposes of measuring the related lease liability. We discount lease payments using our incremental borrowing rate based on information available as of the measurement date.
We recognize rent expense related to our operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Rent expense is recorded in operating expenses. The net adjustment between rent expense and the actual cash paid during the fiscal year has been recorded as accrued expense and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
For finance leases, our right-of-use assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the earlier of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term with rent expense recorded to operating expenses. We adjust the lease liability to reflect lease payments made during the period and interest incurred on the lease liability using the effective interest method. The incurred interest expense is recorded in interest expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
The depreciable life of related leasehold improvements is based on the shorter of the useful life or the lease term. We also perform interim reviews of our lease assets for impairment when evidence exists that the carrying value of an asset group, including a lease asset, may not be recoverable.
None of our lease agreements contain material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. We do not have any contingent rental payment agreements. On September 8, 2022, we entered into a short-term concession agreement for our store on the Fort Bragg military base, in which the concession payment is based on a sliding scale percentage of sales. We have no sublease agreements and no lease agreements in which we are named as a lessor. Refer to Note 4, Leases for further discussion of the Company’s leases.
Impairment of long-lived assets
We evaluate long-lived assets on a quarterly basis to identify events or changes in circumstances (“triggering events”) that indicate the carrying value of certain assets may not be recoverable. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, right-of-use (“ROU”) lease assets, property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment and an impairment loss is recorded in the period in which it is determined that the carrying amount of the assets is not recoverable. The determination of recoverability is made based upon the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows of assets grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets with such cash flows to be realized over the estimated remaining useful life of the primary asset within the asset group. The Company determined the lowest level of identifiable cash flows that are independent of other asset groups to be primarily at the individual store level. If the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows for a given store are less than the carrying amount of the related store assets, an impairment loss is determined by comparing the estimated fair value with the carrying value of the related assets. The impairment loss is then allocated across the asset group’s major classifications which in this case are operating lease assets and property and equipment. Triggering events at the store level could include material declines in operational and financial performance or planned changes in the use of assets, such as store relocation or store closure. This evaluation requires management to make judgements relating to future cash flows, growth rates and economic and market conditions. The fair value of an asset group is estimated using a discounted cash flow valuation method.
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, no impairment expense was recognized.
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS includes additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potential common shares with a dilutive effect, such as stock awards from the Company’s restricted stock plan, had been issued. Anti-dilutive securities represent potentially dilutive securities which are excluded from the computation of diluted EPS as their impact would be anti-dilutive. Diluted EPS is computed using the treasury stock method.
(in thousands, except share data)
2022 (1)
(1)
Numerator:
Net income (loss)
$
1,227
$
1,354
Denominator:
Basic weighted-average common shares ouststanding
8,363,390
8,709,866
Dilutive effect of service-based restricted stock awards granted to Board of Directors under the Plan
8,735
10,603
Dilutive effect of service-based restricted stock awards granted to employees under the Plan
22,442
-
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding
8,394,567
8,720,469
(1) For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were 90,748 and 168,735, respectively, shares excluded from the diluted EPS calculation because the impact of their assumed vesting would be anti-dilutive.
For additional disclosures regarding restricted stock awards and employee stock options, see Note 10, Stockholders’ Equity - Equity Compensation Plans.
Other intangible assets
Our intangible assets and related accumulated amortization relate to trademarks and copyrights that are definite-lived intangibles and are subject to amortization. The weighted average amortization period is 15 years for trademarks and copyrights. Amortization expense related to other intangible assets was less than $0.01 million in each of 2022 and 2021 and was recorded in operating expenses. Based on the current amount of intangible assets subject to amortization, we estimate amortization expense to be less than $0.01 million annually over the next five years.
Fair value of financial instruments
We measure fair value as an exit price, which is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As a basis for considering such assumptions, accounting standards establish a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value:
Level 1 - observable inputs that reflect quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - significant observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, such as quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants.
Classification of the financial asset or liability within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Our principal financial instruments held consist of accounts receivable, accounts payable, and the long-term debt reported in 2021. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the carrying values of our financial instruments, included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, approximated their fair values. There were no transfers into or out of Levels 1, 2 and 3 during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Income taxes
Income taxes are estimated for each jurisdiction in which we operate. This involves assessing current tax exposure together with temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and financial statement accounting purposes. Any resulting deferred tax assets are evaluated for recoverability based on estimated future taxable income. To the extent it is more-likely-than-not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded. Our evaluation regarding whether a valuation allowance is required or should be adjusted also considers, among other things, the nature, frequency, and severity of recent losses, forecasts of future profitability and the duration of statutory carryforward periods.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates in effect in the years when those temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred taxes from a change in tax rate is recognized through continuing operations in the period that includes the enactment date of the change. Changes in tax laws and rates could affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities in the future.
A tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. Income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold to be recognized.
We recognize tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions and adjust these liabilities when our judgement changes as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. Due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from the current estimate of the tax liabilities. These differences will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense and the effective tax rate in the period in which new information becomes available. We recognize interest and/or penalties related to all tax positions in income tax expense. To the extent that accrued interest and penalties do not ultimately become payable, amounts accrued will be reduced and reflected as a reduction of the overall income tax provision in the period that such determination is made.
We may be subject to periodic audits by the Internal Revenue Service and other taxing authorities. These audits may challenge certain of our tax positions, such as the timing and amount of deductions and allocation of taxable income to the various jurisdictions.
Stock-based compensation
The Company’s stock-based compensation relates primarily to restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards. Accounting guidance requires measurement and recognition of compensation expense at an amount equal to the grant date fair value. Compensation expense is recognized for service-based stock awards on a straight-line basis or ratably over the requisite service period, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The service-based awards typically vest ratably over the requisite service period, provided that the participant is employed on the vesting date. Compensation expense is reduced by actual forfeitures as they occur over the requisite service period of the awards.
Performance-based RSUs vest, if at all, upon the Company satisfying certain performance targets. The Company records compensation expense for awards with a performance condition when it is probable that the condition will be achieved. If the Company determines it is not probable a performance condition will be achieved, no compensation expense is recognized. If the Company changes its assessment in a subsequent period and concludes it is probable a performance condition will be achieved, the Company will recognize compensation expense ratably between the period of the change in assessment through the expected date of satisfying the performance condition for vesting. If the Company subsequently assesses that it is no longer probable that a performance condition will be achieved, the accumulated expense that has been previously recognized will be reversed. The compensation expense ultimately recognized, if any, related to performance-based awards will equal the grant date fair value based on the number of shares for which the performance condition has been satisfied. We issue shares from authorized shares upon the lapsing of vesting restrictions on RSUs. We do not use cash to settle equity instruments issued under stock-based compensation awards.
Comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss) and certain other items that are recorded directly to stockholders’ equity. The Company’s only source of other comprehensive income (loss) is foreign currency translation adjustments, and those adjustments are presented net of tax.
Shipping and handling costs
Costs to ship products from our stores to our customers are included in operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Total costs were $3.5 million and $3.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Advertising
Advertising costs include the cost of print, digital, direct mail, community events, trade shows, and our e-commerce platform. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Total advertising expense was $1.2 million and $1.0 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
The Company did not adopt any new accounting guidance that was applicable for the year ended December 31, 2022.
3. BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS
Inventory
(in thousands)
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2021
On hand:
Finished goods held for sale
$
35,234
$
34,928
Raw materials and work in process
Inventory in transit
2,068
2,328
TOTAL
$
38,227
$
38,084
Property and Equipment
(in thousands)
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2021
Building
$ 9,266
$ 9,257
Land
1,451
1,451
Leasehold improvements
1,870
1,833
Equipment and machinery
7,931
7,704
Furniture and fixtures
7,471
7,350
Vehicles
28,124
27,750
Less: accumulated depreciation
(16,962
)
(15,989
)
TOTAL
$
11,162
$
11,761
Our property and equipment, net, was located in the following countries:
(in thousands)
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2021
United States
$
10,989
$
11,508
Canada
Spain
-
$
11,162
$
11,761
Depreciation expense was $1.2 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Short-term Liabilities
Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2021
(in thousands)
Accrued employee related costs
1,432
2,508
Unearned gift card revenue
Estimated returns
Sales and payroll taxes payable
Accrued vendor payables
TOTAL
$
2,681
$
4,302
4. LEASES
The Company leases certain real estate and warehouse equipment under long-term lease agreements.
The Company performs interim reviews of its operating and finance lease assets for impairment when evidence exists that the carrying value of an asset group, including a lease asset, may not be recoverable. The Company recognized no impairment expense related to its operating lease assets during the year ended December 31, 2022 or December 31, 2021.
Additional information regarding the Company’s operating and finance leases is as follows (in thousands, except for lease term and discount rate information):
Leases
Balance Sheet Classification
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2021
(in thousands)
Assets:
Operating
Operating lease assets
$
9,742
$
10,438
Finance
Financing lease assets
Total assets
$
9,773
$
10,475
Liabilities:
Current
Operating
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
$
2,881
$
3,025
Finance
Current portion of finance lease liabilities
Non-current
Operating
Operating lease liabilities, non-current
7,469
8,194
Finance
Finance lease liabilities, non-current
Total lease liabilities
$
10,366
$
11,249
Lease Cost
Income Statement Classification
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2021
(in thousands)
Operating lease cost
Operating expenses
$ 3,737
$ 3,664
Operating lease cost
Impairment expense
-
-
Short-term lease cost
Operating expenses
Variable lease cost (1)
Operating expenses
Finance: (2)
Amortization of lease assets
Operating expenses
Interest on lease liabilities
Interest expense
Total lease cost
$ 4,580
$ 4,664
(1) Variable lease cost includes payment for certain real estate taxes, insurance, common area maintenance, and other charges related to lease agreements, which are not included in the measurement of the operating lease liabilities.
(2) Finance lease costs were less than $1,000 during the 2020 year.
December 31, 2022
Maturity of Lease Liabilities
Operating Leases
Finance Leases
(in thousands)
$
3,482
$
2,821
-
1,930
-
1,499
-
1,080
-
Thereafter
1,357
-
Total lease payments
$
12,169
$
Less: Interest
(1,819
)
-
Present value of lease liabilities
$
10,350
$
Other Information
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2021
(in thousands)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows used in operating leases
$
3,871
$
3,876
Operating cash flows used in finance leases
Financing cash flows used in finance leases
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations
Operating leases, initial recognition
3,122
1,653
Operating leases, modifications and remeasurements
Lease Term and Discount Rate
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2021
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases
4.8
5.3
Finance leases
0.9
1.9
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases
5.0
%
4.5
%
Finance leases
6.0
%
6.5
%
5. NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT
During the second quarter of 2020, the Company borrowed $0.4 million from Banco Santander S.A. under the Institute of Official Credit Guarantee for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in order to facilitate the continuation of employment and to attenuate the economic effects of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) virus. This loan was provided for by the Spanish government as part of a COVID-19 relief program and on June 6, 2022, the Company repaid this loan in full.
December 31,
(in thousands)
Institute of Official Credit (“ICO”) Guarantee for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises with Banco Santander S.A. (Spain) as described more fully above - interest due monthly at 1.50%; matures June 4, 2025
$
-
$
$
-
$
Less current maturities
-
TOTAL
$
-
$
6. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND SAVINGS PLANS
We have a 401(k) plan to provide retirement benefits for our employees. As allowed under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, the plan provides tax-deferred salary contributions for eligible employees and allows employees to contribute a percentage of their annual compensation to the plan on a pretax basis. Employee contributions are limited to a maximum annual amount as set periodically by the Internal Revenue Code. In 2022 and 2021, we matched 100% of the pretax employee contributions on the first 3% of eligible earnings and 50% of the pretax employee contributions on the next 2% of eligible earnings that are contributed by employees. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we recorded employer match expense of $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
The plan allows employees who meet the age requirements and reach the plan contribution limits to make a catch-up contribution. The catch-up contributions are not eligible for matching contributions. In addition, the plan provides for discretionary matching contributions as determined by the Board of Directors. There were no discretionary matching contributions made in 2022 or 2021.
We offer no postretirement or postemployment benefits to our employees.
7. INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Income Tax Provision
Current provision:
Federal
$
$
State
Foreign
-
Related to UTP
Deferred provision:
Federal
-
-
State
-
-
Foreign
-
-
Total tax provision
$
$
Earnings
occurring outside the U.S. are deemed to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. to support the Company’s foreign operations. As a result, if the Company accumulates earnings overseas, they will be used for investment in the Company’s businesses outside the U.S. The Company will use cash generated from U.S. operations and short- and long-term borrowings to meet the Company’s U.S. cash needs. The determination of unrecognized deferred tax liabilities for temporary differences in investments in foreign subsidiaries is not practicable.
The Company has received $1.4 million in tax refund in 2022 as a result of the CARES Act NOL carryback provision and estimates that we will receive an additional $0.2 million in the future. We have $3.7 million of state tax net operating loss (“NOL”) carryovers which will begin to expire in 2025. We also have a full valuation allowance on $0.5 million of foreign tax NOL carryovers that do not expire and therefore no deferred tax assets.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act, among other things, permits net operating loss (“NOL”) carryovers and carrybacks to offset 100% of taxable income for taxable years beginning before 2021. In addition, the CARES Act allows NOLs incurred in 2018, 2019, and 2020 to be carried back to each of the five preceding taxable years to generate a refund of previously paid income taxes.
Income (loss) before income taxes was earned in the following tax jurisdictions:
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
United States
$
$
2,552
Spain
(83
)
(135
)
Canada
(229
)
Australia
-
(1
)
United Kingdom
-
TOTAL
$
1,408
$
2,193
The income tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
Deferred income tax assets:
(in thousands)
Inventory
$
$
Stock-based compensation
Accounts receivable
Sales returns
Foreign currency translation gain/loss in OCI
Goodwill and other intangible assets amortization
-
-
Net operating loss
Accrued expenses
Leases
Other
-
Total deferred income tax assets
1,790
2,196
Less: valuation allowance
(1,151
)
(1,489
)
Total deferred income tax assets, net of valuation allowance
$
$
Property and equipment depreciation
$
$
Total deferred income tax liabilities
Net deferred tax asset (liability)
$
-
$
-
We are required to reduce deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of the available evidence, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences are deductible. We determined a $0.3 million decrease to the valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets was necessary as of December 31, 2022, as compared to 2021. Our evaluation considered, among other things, the nature, frequency, and severity of losses, forecasts of future profitability and the duration of statutory carryforward periods.
Our effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to U.S. state income tax expense, foreign income/loss positions, expenses that are nondeductible for tax purposes, the change in our valuation allowance associated with our deferred tax assets, and differences in tax rates. Below is a reconciliation of our effective tax rate from the statutory rate:
Year Ended December 31,
Statutory rate - Federal U.S. income tax
21.0
%
21.0
%
State and local taxes
(0.6
)%
9.0
%
Permanent book/tax differences
11.3
%
3.0
%
Difference in tax rates in loss carryback periods
0.0
%
0.0
%
Change in valuation allowance
(20.3
)%
6.0
%
Rate differential on UTP reversals
2.0
%
1.0
%
Other, net
(0.5
)%
(1.7
)%
Effective rate
12.9
%
38.3
%
We file a consolidated U.S. income tax return as well as state tax returns on a consolidated, combined, or stand-alone basis, depending on the jurisdiction. We are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to the tax year ended December 2017. Depending on the jurisdiction, we are no longer subject to state examinations by tax authorities for years prior to the December 2016 and December 2017 tax years. We file tax returns in a limited number of foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to non-U.S. income tax examinations for years before 2016.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of uncertain tax positions (“UTP”) is as follows:
UTP at beginning of the year
$
$
Gross increase to tax positions in current period
Interest expense
UTP at end of year
$
$
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Proceedings
We are periodically involved in various litigation that arises in the ordinary course of business and operations. There are no such matters pending that we expect to have a material impact on our financial position or operating results. Legal costs associated with the resolution of claims, lawsuits, and other contingencies are expensed as incurred.
SEC Investigation
In 2019, the Company self-reported to the SEC information concerning the internal investigation of previously disclosed accounting matters resulting in the restatement for the full year 2017 and full year 2018, including interim quarters in 2018, and the first quarter of 2019. In response, the Division of Enforcement of the SEC initiated an investigation into the Company’s historical accounting practices. In July 2021, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with the SEC to conclude this investigation. Under the terms of the settlement, in addition to other non-monetary settlement terms, (1) the Company paid a civil monetary penalty of $200,000, and (2) the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer agreed to pay a civil monetary penalty of $25,000. In accepting the Company’s settlement offer, the SEC took into account remedial actions the Company took promptly after learning of the issues detailed in the SEC’s order.
Delisting of the Company’s Common Stock
After discovery of the accounting matters described in the previous paragraph and during our resulting financial restatement, the Company did not file its periodic financial reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result, Nasdaq suspended trading of the Company’s stock in August 2020 and formally de-listed the stock from the Nasdaq markets in February 2021. After being de-listed from Nasdaq, the Company’s stock traded in the Over The Counter Markets until September l, 2022, when Nasdaq again approved it for listing. The Company’s stock currently trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol TLF.
9. SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS CONCENTRATIONS AND RISK
Major Customers
Our revenues are derived from a diverse group of customers, from hobbyist crafters to small and large businesses across a wide variety of industries. No single customer accounted for more than 0.4% of our consolidated revenues in 2022 or 2021, and sales to our five largest customers represented less than 2.0% of consolidated revenues in each of those years. While we do not believe the loss of one of these customers would have a significant negative impact on our operations, we do believe the loss of several of these customers simultaneously or a substantial reduction in sales generated by them could temporarily affect our operating results.
Major
Suppliers
We
purchase merchandise and raw materials from over 130 vendors from the United States and approximately 20 foreign countries. In general, our 10 largest vendors account for approximately 30% of our inventory purchases.
Credit Risk
Due to the large number of customers comprising our customer base, concentrations of credit risk with respect to customer receivables are limited. The top 2 customers of December 31, 2022 and 2021, represented 10.0% and 23.7% of net accounts receivable balance, respectively. These top two customers were also current as of these same dates. We do not generally require collateral for accounts receivable, but we do perform periodic credit evaluations of our customers and believe the allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate. It is our opinion that if any one or a group of customer receivable balances should be deemed uncollectable, it would not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
We maintain a majority of our cash in bank deposit accounts that, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts. We believe we are not exposed to any significant credit risk on our cash and cash equivalents.
10. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Equity Compensation Plans
Restricted Stock Plan
The Tandy Leather Factory, Inc. 2013 Restricted Stock Plan (the “2013 Plan”) was adopted by our Board of Directors in January 2013 and approved by our stockholders in June 2013. The 2013 Plan initially reserved up to 300,000 shares of our common stock for restricted stock and restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards to our executive officers, non-employee directors and other key employees. In June 2020, our stockholders approved an increase to the plan reserve to 800,000 shares of our common stock and extended the 2013 Plan through June 2023. Awards granted under the 2013 Plan may be service-based awards or performance-based awards and may be subject to a graded vesting schedule with a minimum vesting period of four years, unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors that administers the plan. In June 2022, as part of their annual director compensation, certain of our non-employee directors were granted a total of 14,000 service-based RSUs under the 2013 Plan, which will vest ratably over the next four years provided that the participant is still on the board on the vesting date.
In addition to grants under the Company’s 2013 Restricted Stock Plan, in October 2018 we granted a total of 644,000 RSUs to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), of which (i) 460,000 are service-based RSUs that vest ratably over a period of five years from the grant date based on our CEO’s continued employment in her role, (ii) 92,000 are performance-based RSUs that will vest if the Company’s operating income exceeds $12 million dollars two fiscal years in a row, and (iii) 92,000 are performance-based RSUs that will vest if the Company’s operating income exceeds $14 million dollars in one fiscal year.
A summary of the activity for non-vested restricted stock and RSU awards is as follows:
Shares
Weighted Average
(in thousands)
Share Price
Balance, January 1, 2022
$
7.03
Granted
5.01
Forfeited
-
-
Vested
(143
)
6.56
Balance, December 31, 2022
$
6.46
The Company’s stock-based compensation relates to restricted stock and RSU awards. For these service-based awards, our stock-based compensation expense, included in operating expenses, was $1.1 million and $0.8 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company has concluded it is not probable that the performance conditions related to performance-based RSUs will be achieved, and as a result no compensation expense related to performance-based RSUs has been recorded.
As of December 31, 2022, there was unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested, service-based awards of $1.1 million which will be recognized over 1.1 weighted average years in each of the following years:
Unrecognized Expense
$
$
1,087
We issue shares from authorized shares upon the lapsing of vesting restrictions on restricted stock and RSUs. In 2022 and 2021, we issued 140,277 and 114,075 shares, respectively net of shares withheld to pay participants’ income taxes, resulting from the vesting of restricted stock and RSUs. We do not use cash to settle equity instruments issued under stock-based compensation awards.
Share Repurchase Program
On August 9, 2020, the Board of Directors approved a new program to repurchase up to $5.0 million of its common stock between August 9, 2020 and July 31, 2022. This program expired in July 2022. As of December 31, 2021, the full $5.0 million of our common stock remained available for repurchase under this program. On August 8, 2022, the Board of Directors approved a new program to repurchase up to $5.0 million of the Company’s common stock between that date and August 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2022, $5.0 million remained available for repurchase under this new program.
On April 11, 2022, we entered into an agreement with two institutional shareholders of the Company to repurchase 359,500 shares of our common stock, par value $0.0024 in a private transaction. The purchase price was $5.00 per share for a total of $1.8 million. The closing of the repurchases took place on April 22, 2022, and these shares were subsequently cancelled. Prior to the repurchase, the shares represented approximately 4.2% of our outstanding common stock.
On December 8, 2021, we entered into an agreement with an institutional shareholder of the Company, to repurchase 212,690 shares of our common stock, par value $0.0024 in a private transaction. The purchase price was $5.00 per share for a total of $1.1 million. The closing of the repurchase took place on December 16, 2021, and these shares were subsequently cancelled. Prior to the repurchase, the shares represented approximately 2.4% of our outstanding common stock. These share repurchases were separately authorized by our Board of Directors and did not reduce the remaining amount authorized to be repurchased under the plan described in the previous paragraph.
On January 28, 2021, we entered into an agreement with an institutional shareholder of the Company, to repurchase 500,000 shares of our common stock, par value $0.0024 in a private transaction. The purchase price was $3.35 per share for a total of $1.7 million. The closing of the repurchase of these shares took place on February 1, 2021, and these shares were subsequently cancelled. Prior to the repurchase, the shares represented approximately 5.5% of our outstanding common stock.
The direct share repurchase transactions were separately authorized by our Board of Directors and did not reduce the remaining amount authorized to be repurchased under the plans described above. In July 2022, the Company repurchased 600 shares of stock under the open market plan.
11. SUBSEQUENT
EVENT
On January 3, 2023, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Under the Credit Agreement, the bank will provide the Company a credit facility of up to $5,000,000 on standard terms and conditions, including affirmative and negative covenants set forth in the Credit Agreement. As security for the credit facility, the Company has pledged as collateral certain of its assets, including the Company’s cash in deposit accounts, inventory and equipment. As of the date of this filing, no funds had been borrowed under this facility.

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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
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As part of the filing of this Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2022, our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). As a result of this evaluation, our CEO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to the material weaknesses described below.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management, including our CEO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Management’s establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting is based upon the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO Framework”). A system of internal control over financial reporting should be designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP.
An effective internal control system, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud, and therefore can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to reliable financial reporting. Because of its inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements.
A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or 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 financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Based on this definition, our management, with the participation of our CEO, evaluated the effectiveness and design of our internal control over financial reporting against the COSO Framework and concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2022 due to material weaknesses arising from flaws in our control environment, risk oversight measures, control activities, information processing and communication and our monitoring systems, each of which is described in more detail below.
Control environment. We concluded that we did not maintain effective controls in the following areas: (i) managerial functions, procedures and oversight; (ii) organizational structure, delegation of authority and responsibilities; (iii) segregation of duties; (iv) adequacy of trained accounting and financial reporting personnel to ensure that internal control responsibilities were performed effectively and material accounting errors were detected; and (v) maintenance and enforcement of internal control responsibilities, including holding individuals accountable for their internal control responsibilities.
Risk oversight environment. We did not maintain adequate risk oversight measures related to the (i) identification and assessment of risks that could impact achieving our objectives and (ii) identification and analysis of the potential changes that could affect our internal controls environment.
Control activities. We concluded that we did not have effective control activities in the following areas: (i) selecting and developing control activities to mitigate risks, including the development of alternative control activities that address segregation of duties issues; (ii) selecting and implementing information technology and related systems supportive to our internal control over financial reporting; and (iii) deploying control activities through policies and establishing procedures that put these policies into action, including timely review of account reconciliations and methodologies used to calculate and report financial information and results, as well as timely periodic management reviews of financial information and results that would help identify misstatements.
Information and communication. We identified deficiencies associated with information and communication within our internal control framework. Specifically, we did not effectively assign responsibility to personnel for gathering required information nor did we periodically communicate objectives and internal control responsibilities throughout the organization which contributed to inadequate documentation of processes, untimely review of account reconciliations and calculations involving judgement and delays in the accounting close cycle, hindering timely communication with management, the Board of Directors and our independent auditors.
Monitoring activities. We concluded that we did not design and implement effective monitoring activities related to (i) selecting, developing, and performing separate evaluations of our internal control over financial reporting; and (ii) evaluating and communicating internal control deficiencies in a timely manner to parties responsible for taking corrective actions.
Remediation Efforts to Address Material Weaknesses
Our management, including our CEO, continues to work with expert accounting consultants and our Audit Committee to design and implement both a short-term and a long-term remediation plan to correct the material weaknesses in our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting. The following activities highlight our commitment to remediating our identified material weaknesses:
Since 2020, and through the filing date of this Form 10-K, we have taken the following measures, among others:
•
Replaced critical roles within our accounting team with full-time employees with expertise in GAAP accounting, SEC reporting and disclosure, internal audit and internal controls;
•
Replaced our legacy accounting systems with an integrated enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) solution which includes general ledger, warehouse management and factory production modules designed to calculate inventory on a FIFO basis;
•
Implemented a new point-of-sale system for most of our stores that is fully integrated with our new ERP system. All 12 of the remaining stores will be converted in 2023;
•
Implemented new accounting processes and procedures aligned with our new ERP system that incorporate best practices to minimize errors and putting into action control activities that will prevent misstatements and that address appropriate segregation of duties;
•
Updated process narrative documentation in the following areas: (i) fixed assets and lease accounting, (ii) information technology (IT) governance, and (iii) HR and payroll;
•
Created a risk controls matrix which includes, among other things, a comprehensive list of key and mitigating controls, a description of the risk the control is designed to mitigate, the individual responsible for each control, the frequency in which the control is performed, and a mapping of each control to the five COSO Framework components (control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication, or monitoring activities);
•
Established a greater sense of accountability by requiring sub-certifications below the CEO level for certain key accounting, finance and operations personnel.
Our continuing plan and additional steps for remediation include:
•
Ongoing recruitment and hiring of permanent, qualified public-company accounting personnel;
•
Converting remaining stores onto our new point-of-sale system;
•
Continuing to implement new accounting procedures and activities aligned with our new ERP system that improve upon the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP;
•
Continuing to improve the accounting close process, including periodic review and update of our accounting close checklists for completeness of duties, accuracy of owners and deadlines to maintain accountability, timely review of account reconciliations and calculations involving judgement, and timely reporting of financial results;
•
Continuing to refine and improve narrative documentation in particular in the following areas: (i) financial reporting, (ii) inventory, (iii) purchasing and accounts payable, (iv) revenue, (v) general accounting, treasury, and financial planning & analysis, (vi) tax,
•
Periodically reviewing our risk controls matrix and process narrative documentation to ensure changes such as personnel, information sources, processes, systems, and frequency in performing the control are properly reflected in a timely manner;
•
Reporting the progress and results of our remediation plan to the Audit Committee on a recurring basis, including the identification, status, and resolution of internal control deficiencies; and
•
Creating a comprehensive approach to regularly evaluate the operating effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting using the COSO Framework as a guide.
Control Environment
Our management, including our CEO, our Audit Committee and our Board of Directors have taken certain steps to set the proper tone-at-the-top in support of the Company’s values and climate to develop and maintain an effective internal control environment. These actions include:
•
Recurring meetings with leadership, finance and accounting and other key functional areas to train staff on processes for oversight and emphasize each individual’s accountability for internal control compliance, and to create a pattern of regular discussion of such controls.
•
Regular periodic communications from the CEO and other key senior leaders on the Company’s mission, core values, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, whistleblower policies, and each employee’s individual responsibility for internal control compliance.
•
Reorganization of the finance and accounting team to address segregation of duties issues, oversight, and review of work, and recruiting and hiring qualified, competent employees with relevant experience for the roles.
•
Regular performance evaluations to include position-specific criteria for functional competence, including performance of internal control responsibilities.
Risk Oversight Measures
We continue to identify risks and enhance risk oversight measures. In late 2019, we developed an annual strategic planning process designed to identify specific operating objectives for the organization and to conduct an assessment across the organization of the risks to meeting those objectives, including the risk of fraud. Furthermore, on a quarterly basis, management will review our periodic filings to ensure that identified risks have been appropriately disclosed. In the areas of reporting and compliance objectives, we are also developing a process to conduct monthly business reviews by functional area that would include risk assessments of reporting accuracy based on complexity and transaction levels as well as compliance with GAAP and other regulatory requirements, in order to evaluate whether our existing control activities appropriately mitigate such risks or if additional controls need to be employed.
Control Activities
We continue to redesign and implement our internal control activities. Specifically, we have conducted detailed working sessions to document our current and prior finance and accounting policies, procedures, and step-by-step activities. These sessions have identified specific areas that require improvement and redesign of processes, structure, authorities and controls, and those actions include:
•
Completing the implementation of our new point-of-sale system, which is fully integrated with our ERP system.
•
Continuing to implement functionality in our ERP system to improve on our internal controls over financial reporting, such as implementing the ERP’s bank reconciliation module.
•
Continuing to implement newly-designed processes, structures, delegation of authority and controls, in accordance with the COSO Framework, including:
o
Quarterly updates for our Controller regarding upcoming accounting pronouncement and proposed changes to GAAP accounting standards, tax regulations, and other requirements that may impact the Company’s financial reporting;
o
Timely reviews each quarter of the most significant accounting estimates and judgments;
o
Validation of results through detailed variance analyses and reconciliation of account balances performed on a timely basis;
o
Monthly business review of actual financial performance compared to forecasts with participation from leadership across the organization; and
o
Establishing a disclosure committee comprised of key management throughout the different areas of the organization to evaluate the appropriateness of disclosures in the Company’s periodic filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q and to support the CEO with the certification process.
Information Processing and Communication
The implementation of our new ERP system eliminated the need for the topside adjustment calculations that had to be performed because our legacy systems were not integrated and many of our accounting processes were manual. This new ERP system allows us to automate certain accounting processes, reducing the risk of management override, and eliminating the need for topside adjustments outside of the system. In addition, management is developing detailed policies, procedures and internal controls related to our financial reporting and working to develop regular reporting from our new systems that can validate the quality of our data and provide accurate information to support internal and external reporting and audit requirements.
Monitoring Activities
In addition to the items noted above, as we continue to evaluate, remediate, and improve our internal control over financial reporting, our management expects to continue to implement additional measures to address control deficiencies and further refine and improve the remediation efforts described above. Specifically, we are developing a checklist of activities based on the criteria established in the COSO Framework against which we will assess the design of entity-level and activity-level controls, and the operational effectiveness of such controls. Deficiencies identified in this process will be addressed by management, including our CEO. This assessment, any deficiencies and any remedial actions will be shared and discussed with our Audit Committee and our independent auditors on a quarterly basis.
Cybersecurity
We utilize information technology for internal and external communications with vendors, customers, and banks as well as systems technology for reporting and managing our operations. Loss, disruption, or compromise of these systems could significantly impact operations and results. Other than temporary disruption to operations that may be caused by a cybersecurity breach, we believe cash transactions to be the primary risk for potential loss. We work with our financial institutions to take steps to minimize the risk by requiring multiple levels of authorization, encryption, and other controls. The Company utilizes third party intrusion prevention and detection systems and performs periodic penetration testing to monitor its cybersecurity environment. However, the Company has not performed a formalized risk assessment to address cybersecurity risks or documented internal controls that assist in alleviating such risks.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
As discussed in the remediation section above, we implemented the warehouse management, factory production system and general ledger systems modules as part of our new ERP system implementation, and we implemented our new point-of-sale system, which is fully integrated with our ERP system, in most of our U.S. stores with the remaining stores to be converted in early 2023. Although we had not fully remediated all material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, as the phased implementation of this system continues, we are experiencing certain changes to our processes and procedures which, in turn, result in changes to our internal control over financial reporting. While we expect our new ERP system to strengthen our internal financial controls by automating certain manual processes and standardizing business processes and reporting across our organization, management will continue to evaluate and monitor our internal controls as each of the affected areas evolves.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE*

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION*

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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*

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE*

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES*
* The information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 is or will be set forth in the definitive proxy statement relating to the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Tandy Leather Factory, Inc., which is to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This definitive proxy statement relates to a meeting of stockholders involving the election of directors and the portions therefrom required to be set forth in this Form 10-K by Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are incorporated herein by reference pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
The following are filed as part of this Form 10-K:
1. Financial Statements
The following Consolidated Financial Statements are included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID Number 410)
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
2. Financial Statement Schedules
All financial statement schedules are omitted because the required information is not present or not present in sufficient amounts to require submission of the schedule or because the information is reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.
3. Exhibits
TANDY LEATHER FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description
3.1
Certificate of Incorporation of The Leather Factory, Inc., and Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of The Leather Factory, Inc. filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Tandy Leather Factory, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 2005 and incorporated by reference herein.
3.2
Bylaws of Tandy Leather Factory, Inc., filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Tandy Leather Factory, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 8, 2021 and incorporated by reference herein.
3.3
Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of Tandy Leather Factory, Inc. filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Tandy Leather Factory, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 10, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.
*3.4
Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Tandy Leather Factory, Inc. dated March 1, 2023.
4.1
Description of Securities filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Tandy Leather Factory, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 22, 2021 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.1
Tandy Leather Factory, Inc. 2013 Restricted Stock Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Tandy Leather Factory’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.2
Amendment #1 to Tandy Leather Factory, Inc. 2013 Restricted Stock Plan filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Tandy Leather Factory, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 22, 2021 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.3
Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Agreement under Tandy Leather Factory, Inc.’s 2013 Restricted Stock Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Tandy Leather Factory, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.4
Form of Employee Restricted Stock Award Agreement under Tandy Leather Factory, Inc.’s 2013 Restricted Stock Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.7 to Tandy Leather Factory, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.5
Form of Employment Agreement dated October 2, 2018 between the Company and Janet Carr, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Tandy Leather Factory Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 2018 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.6
Form of Stand-Alone Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated October 2, 2018 between the Company and Janet Carr, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Tandy Leather Factory Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 2018 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.7
Form of Stand-Alone Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated October 2, 2018 between the Company and Janet Carr, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Tandy Leather Factory Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 2018 and incorporated by reference herein.
*10.8
Credit Agreement dated October 26, 2022 between the Company and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.
14.1
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of Tandy Leather Factory, Inc., adopted by the Board of Directors on December 4, 2018, filed as Exhibit 14.1 to Tandy Leather Factory, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 22, 2021 and incorporated by reference herein.
*21.1
Subsidiaries of Tandy Leather Factory, Inc.
*23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
*31.1
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer and President pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
*32.1
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
*101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
*101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Document.
*101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Document.
*101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Document.
*101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Document.
*Filed Herewith