EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 34563
Filing Year: 2023
Filename: 34563_10-K_2023_0000034563-23-000067.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
Overview
Farmer Bros. Co., a Delaware corporation (including its consolidated subsidiaries unless the context otherwise requires, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” or “Farmer Bros.”), is a leading coffee roaster, wholesaler, equipment servicer and distributor of coffee, tea and other allied products. We serve a wide variety of customers, from small independent restaurants and foodservice operators to large institutional buyers like restaurant, department and convenience store chains, hotels, casinos, healthcare facilities, and gourmet coffee houses, as well as grocery chains with private brand and consumer-branded coffee and tea products, and foodservice distributors. With a robust product line, including organic, Direct Trade, Project D.I.R.E.C.T.® and other sustainably-produced coffees, iced and hot teas, cappuccino, spices, and baking/biscuit mixes, among others, we offer not only a breadth of high-quality products to our customers but also a comprehensive approach by providing value added services such as market insight, beverage planning, and equipment placement and service. Our principal office and product development lab is located in Northlake, Texas ("Northlake facility"). We operate in one business segment.
Products and Services
Our product and service categories consist of the following:
•a robust line of roast and ground coffee, including organic, Direct Trade, Project D.I.R.E.C.T.®, Fair Trade CertifiedTM® and other sustainably-produced offerings;
•frozen liquid coffee;
•flavored and unflavored iced and hot teas, including organic and Rainforest Alliance Certified™;
•culinary products including premium spices, pancake and biscuit mixes, gravy and sauce mixes, soup bases, dressings, syrups and sauces, and coffee-related products such as coffee filters, cups, sugar and creamers;
•other beverages including cappuccino, cocoa, granitas and other blender-based beverages and concentrated and ready-to-drink cold brew and iced coffee; and
•installation, repair & refurbishment services for a wide array of coffee, tea and juice equipment using state of the art restoration techniques, managing full equipment lifecycle and providing enhanced service capabilities, maintenance and value addition.
Our owned brand products are sold primarily into the foodservice channel. Our primary brands include Farmer Brothers®, Artisan Collection by Farmer Brothers™, Superior®, Metropolitan™, China Mist® and Boyds®. Our Artisan coffee products include Direct Trade, Project D.I.R.E.C.T.®, Fair Trade Certified™®, Rainforest Alliance Certified™, organic and proprietary blends. In addition, we sell whole bean and roast and ground flavored and unflavored coffee products under the Public Domain®, Un Momento®, Collaborative Coffee®, Cain's™, McGarvey® and Boyds® brands and iced and hot teas under the China Mist® brand through foodservice distributors at retail. Our roast and ground coffee products are primarily sold in traditional packaging, including bags and fractional packages, as well as single-serve packaging. Our tea products are sold in traditional tea bags and sachets, as well as single-serve tea pods and capsules. Our fiscal year ends on June 30, and our discussion is as of and for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2023 ("fiscal 2023") and June 30, 2022 ("fiscal 2022"). See Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Results of Operations included in Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K.
Business Strategy
Overview
We are a coffee company dedicated to delivering the coffee people want, the way they want it. We build partnerships with customers who value quality, a wide array of services and sustainable sourcing and are passionate about delivering great coffee, tea, and culinary experiences to their communities.
In order to achieve our mission, increase cash optimization, and improve margins, we have grown existing capabilities and continue to develop new capabilities to deliver value to our customers. More recently, we have undertaken initiatives such as, but not limited to, the following:
•Executing Manufacturing and Network Optimization. We continue to develop and execute manufacturing network optimization. We utilize our Portland, Oregon, facility and separate distribution centers, including our Rialto, California distribution center, to improve production efficiencies and balance volume across our manufacturing and distribution networks to facilitate sustainable long-term growth. In fiscal 2023, we sold our Northlake, Texas production facility and are in the process of transitioning the entirety of our Direct-Store-Delivery ("DSD") production operations to our Portland, Oregon, facility. We also continue to execute branch rationalization, optimize product
offerings, and enhance inventory management, which improves our cost structure without sacrificing service to our customers.
•Leveraging our Direct-Store-Delivery Network for growth. The DSD system is central to our operational framework, and we are making significant enhancements to drive profitability, ensure customer retention and utilize our national reach to improve inventory management across our network. The enhancements include optimizing the management of the route network to focus on business development, higher profitable sales and customer penetration and introducing key performance indicators to create better focus, accountability and alignment toward business objectives. We have also recently expanded dedicated new business resources to capture market share. Additionally, we are focused on building partnerships that utilize our current distribution capabilities to expose us to industry and product innovation.
•Product Innovation Pipeline. We are continuing to enhance our premium coffee and tea program, developing strategic partnerships, and building an advantaged allied product portfolio that resonates with our customers. We will continue to provide leadership in sustainable product solutions for our customers.
•Driving Customer Satisfaction. Providing our customers the products they want, when they want them, is key to customer satisfaction and retention. We have invested in systems and processes to improve our ability to service our customers. We are driving continuous improvement on “On-Time and In-Full” and other key service metrics. In addition, we are focused on optimizing our product commercialization process and bringing innovation to our customers.
•Service Excellence in Revive Service & Restoration ("Revive"). We continue to have one of the largest coffee service networks in the industry and are able to install, repair, and refurbish commercial brewing equipment. We are focused on continually improving time-to-install, time-to-repair and restoration of equipment. We have successfully built partnerships with leading equipment manufacturers and are invested in training our team on the latest equipment offerings to enhance our service capabilities and ability to add value.
•Enhance Processes and Systems. We are implementing IT applications which we expect to enhance our supply chain optimization and flexibility. We are also continuing to invest in and enhance other IT capabilities to provide back-office support which will enable enhanced customer analytics, enable better product targeting and pricing, and create a more robust demand and supply process. In fiscal 2023, we introduced a newly integrated AI-backed pricing model that enhances our ability to evaluate and implement optimal pricing changes.
We differentiate ourselves in the marketplace by providing coffee, tea, and culinary expertise, service excellence, and equipment program support. We tailor solutions to our customers' needs, helping them deliver a great experience for their customers, including by:
•Offering a wide variety of sustainably sourced coffee, tea, and culinary products, thereby helping our customers achieve their sustainability goals and objectives;
•Providing consumer, channel, and market insights, including ideation to support customer menu and product evaluation in line with consumer trends;
•Delivering comprehensive commercial brewing equipment program support from installation to preventative maintenance to timely repair;
•Providing DSD service where our trained Route Sales Representative ("RSR") orders product to keep our customers in-stock, merchandises the beverage station, rotates products, cleans and inspects equipment on-site, and performs “cup quality checks,” all to ensure a great experience for the consumer. Our services provided to DSD customers are conducted primarily in person through our RSRs, who develop business relationships with chefs, restaurant owners and food buyers at their delivery locations; and
•Providing comprehensive coffee programs to our key account customers, including private brand development, green coffee procurement, hedging, category management, sustainable sourcing, limited time specialty products, packaging design and supply chain management.
Industry and Market Leadership
We have made the following investments in an effort to ensure we are well-positioned within the industry to take advantage of category trends, industry insights, and general coffee, tea and allied product knowledge to grow our business:
•Coffee Industry Leadership. Through our dedication to the craft of sourcing, blending and roasting coffee, and our participation with the Specialty Coffee Association ("SCA"), National Coffee Association, Coalition for Coffee Communities, International Women's Coffee Alliance, Pacific Coast Coffee Association, and Roasters Guild, we work to help shape the future of the coffee industry. We believe that due to our commitment to the industry, large retail and foodservice operators are drawn to working with us. We were among the first coffee roasters in the nation to receive
SCA certification of a state-of-the-art coffee lab, which includes our product development labs at the Northlake, Texas and Portland, Oregon facilities.
•Market Insight and Consumer Research. We have developed a market insight capability internally that reinforces our business-to-business positioning as a thought leader in the coffee, tea and food service industries. We invest in proprietary consumer and customer segmentation studies and provide trend insights and product development support that helps our customers create winning products and integrated marketing strategies. We are focused on understanding key demographic groups and their attitudes and behaviors to better position the Company as a consumer brand at retail and meet the market needs of all our customers.
Sustainability Leadership
•Sustainability. We believe that our collective efforts in measuring our social and environmental impact, creating programs for waste, water and energy reduction, promoting partnerships in our supply chain that aim at supply chain stability and food security, and focusing on employee engagement place us in a unique position to help retailers and foodservice operators create differentiated coffee and tea programs that can include sustainable supply chains, direct trade purchasing, training and technical assistance, recycling and composting networks, and packaging material reductions. During fiscal 2023, we were part of the 2022 CDP Supplier Engagement Leaderboard. Further, in fiscal 2023, we published our annual sustainability report based on the Global Reporting Initiative’s comprehensive compliance standard. In addition, China Mist is a member of the Ethical Tea Partnership (the “ETP”), a non-profit organization that works to improve the sustainability of the tea sector, the lives of tea workers and farmers, and the environment in which tea is produced. As a member of the ETP, China Mist sources all of its tea from tea plantations that are certified, monitored, and regularly audited by the ETP.
•Science-Based Carbon Reduction Targets. We believe combating climate change is critical to the future of our company, the coffee industry, coffee growers and the world. In fiscal 2023, we made progress towards our science-based carbon reduction targets. With a new baseline established in fiscal 2018, we set more ambitious goals in line with efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Setting approved targets places us among those responsible businesses that are making measurable contributions to incorporate sustainability within their business strategy.
•Zero Waste to Landfill. Achieving zero waste in our production and distribution facilities is a significant step in reaching our overall sustainability goals. In fiscal 2023, we maintained our goal of 90% waste diversion for our primary production and distribution facilities. To accomplish this goal, we have focused on the circularity of our waste streams, making partnerships to reuse them, reintroducing them as inputs for new products, or recycling them and composting them when none of the previous options are possible. Currently 79% of the waste generated company-wide is diverted from the landfill, and our roasting facilities have achieved the Zero Waste goal since 2018.
•LEED® Certified Facilities. Our Portland production and distribution facility is the first in the Northwest to achieve LEED® Silver Certification. Our corporate office in Northlake, Texas has also achieved LEED® Silver Certification.
•Project D.I.R.E.C.T.® Program. In fiscal 2023, we continued to grow our direct trade sourcing model, Project D.I.R.E.C.T.®. This program involves direct long-term partnerships with coffee growing communities based on principles of sustainability, transparent pricing and consumer education. This model is an impact-based product or raw material sourcing framework that utilizes data-based sustainability metrics to influence an inclusive, collaborative approach to sustainability along the supply chain. To evaluate whether coffee is Project D.I.R.E.C.T.®, we follow an outcome-based evaluation framework. The result of this evaluation impacts where we invest our resources within our supply chain and has led to an increased level of transparency for us. Overall Project D.I.R.E.C.T.® builds community partnerships for decision making, training, and reporting that benefits all members of the coffee supply chain.
•Green Coffee Traceability. We are committed to the inclusion of more sustainably-sourced coffees in our supply chain. Regulatory and reputational risks can increase when customers, roasters and suppliers cannot see back into their supply chain. To address these concerns, as well as to deepen our commitment to the longevity of the coffee industry, we track traceability levels from all green coffee suppliers on a per-contract basis. This helps us to bring transparency to our supply chain, rank our suppliers, and also to identify opportunities to select trusted providers, cooperatives, mills, exporters, and other suppliers, when offering sustainable coffees to our customers. It also helps us deepen our understanding of greenhouse gas emissions generated upstream in our supply chain.
•Supplier Sustainability. We are committed to working with suppliers who share our social, environmental and economic sustainability goals. Regulatory and reputational risks can increase when suppliers are not held to the same strict standards to which we hold ourselves. To address this concern, all existing suppliers and new suppliers must acknowledge and adhere to our Supplier Standards of Engagement. These Standards of Engagement are aligned with the United Nations Global Compact and set minimum standards for suppliers that are designed to provide Farmer Bros. visibility into all aspects of its supply chain and meets these objectives. Our suppliers also execute a Supplier's
Certificate of Compliance, representing supplier's receipt and acknowledgment of the Standards of Engagement and agreement to comply with the same.
Charitable Activities
We view charitable involvement as a part of our corporate responsibility and sustainability model: Social, Environmental, and Economic Development, or SEED. We endorse and support communities where our customers, employees, businesses, and suppliers are located, and who have enthusiastically supported us over the past 100 years. Our objective is to provide support toward a mission of supply chain stability with a focus on food security.
Recipient organizations include those with strong local and regional networks that ensure families have access to nutritious food. Donations may take the form of corporate cash contributions, product donations, employee volunteerism, and workplace giving (with or without matching contributions).
•Recipient organizations include Feeding America, Ronald McDonald House, and local food banks.
•We support industry organizations, which commit to grow, protect, and enhance supplies of quality coffee while improving the livelihoods of the families who produce it, and the Specialty Coffee Association (the “SCA”) Sustainability Council and the Coalition for Coffee Communities, which are focused on sustainability in coffee growing regions.
•We organize local charities and fund raisers, including support of Ronald McDonald House, riding in the Ride Against Hunger supported by Tarrant Area Food Bank, and hosting local food drives.
•Our usable and near expiring products or products with damaged packaging that can be donated are donated to Feeding America affiliated food banks nationwide, in an effort to keep all edible food waste from going to landfills.
Human Capital
On June 30, 2023, we employed approximately 993 employees, 198 of whom are subject to collective bargaining agreements expiring on or before March 31, 2027.
Achieving our vision of building a leading specialty products distributor and service company starts with our people. We believe our human capital management philosophy and programs align with developing and sustaining a culture that embraces our team member values of family, service and quality, collaboration, simplicity and sustainability. We emphasize our value of family by striving for inclusive and equitable approaches in hiring practices, pay practices and team member engagement.
We continue to attract, develop and retain our team members with the following programs:
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We know our customers represent a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and we strive to build a team that is as diverse and inclusive as our customers and the communities in which we do business. Our commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion ("DEI") include:
•Creating courageous and psychologically safe spaces for all team members through continual learning and development and implementation of Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs);
•Evaluation of all HR programs and processes through a DEI lens to identify and remove bias in our people practices.
•Increase in diversity supplier partnerships and spend;
•Actively recruiting from organizations that identify, prepare and develop diverse candidates for the workplace (e.g. Texas Workforce Commission, Hiring our Heroes, Mom’s Unfiltered, INROADS Inc., etc.);
•Engagement with community based organizations and local schools and universities to ensure equal access to employment opportunities through job search/interview training, apprenticeships, internships, and other programs; and
•Partnership with the National Organization on Disabilities to review our practices, train our leaders and help us increase our employment of people with disabilities.
Team Member Benefits
We value each team member and, as a result, we provide a Total Rewards Program that strives to deliver the features that our team members value. To accomplish this, we have conducted surveys of our team members over the last three years to make sure we are investing in areas that our people value. Based on team member feedback and in alignment with our values of family, we have emphasized:
•Stability of our team member benefits costs and expansion of the scope of our benefit programs and options. This has included company-paid short-term disability as well as paid parental leave for all non-union team members.
•Focused improvement of our overall team member experience, including investments in HR technology, well-being initiatives and a comprehensive Benefits Assistance Center to help employees understand their benefits better.
Health and Safety
The health and safety of our team members is crucial. In addition to tracking common indicators, such as injury rates, we have taken a proactive approach to work place safety, including regular company-wide safety training, extensive driver safety curriculum to help keep our team members and others safer on the road, and fleet safety reviews. We will continue to focus on all aspects of team member health and safety by creating a Safety First Culture. This includes, but is not limited to, tracking and analyzing injury rates and incident trends, safety training, and team member engagement in the safety process.
Raw Materials and Supplies
Our primary raw material is green coffee, an exchange-traded agricultural commodity that is subject to price fluctuations. Over the past five years, the coffee “C” market near month price per pound ranged from approximately $0.86 to $2.60. The coffee “C” market near month price as of June 30, 2023 and 2022 was $1.65 and $2.30 per pound, respectively. Our principal packaging materials include carton board, corrugate and plastic. We also use a significant amount of electricity, natural gas, and other energy sources to operate our production and distribution facilities.
We purchase green coffee beans from multiple coffee regions around the world. Coffee “C” market prices in fiscal 2023 traded in a $1.42 to $2.43 per pound range during the fiscal year, and averaged 28% above the historical average for the past five years. There can be no assurance that green coffee prices will remain at these levels in the future. Some of the Arabica coffee beans we purchase do not trade directly on the commodity markets. Rather, we purchase these coffee beans on a negotiated basis from coffee brokers, exporters and growers, including Direct Trade and Fair Trade Certified™® sources and Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms. Fair Trade Certified™® provides an assurance that farmer groups are receiving the Fair Trade minimum price and an additional premium for certified organic products through arrangements with cooperatives. Direct Trade products provide similar assurance except that the arrangements are provided directly to individual coffee growers instead of to cooperatives, providing these farmers with price premiums and dedicated technical assistance to improve farm conditions and increase both quality and productivity of sustainable coffee crops at the individual farm level. Rainforest Alliance Certified™ coffee is grown using methods that help promote and preserve biodiversity, conserve scarce natural resources, and help farmers build sustainable lives. Our business model strives to reduce the impact of green coffee price fluctuations on our financial results and to protect and stabilize our margins, principally through customer arrangements and derivative instruments, as further explained in Note 5, Derivative Instruments, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
Intellectual Property
We own a number of United States trademarks and service marks that have been registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. We also own other trademarks and service marks for which we have filed applications for U.S. registration. We have licenses to use certain trademarks outside of the United States and to certain product formulas, all subject to the terms of the agreements under which such licenses are granted. We believe our trademarks and service marks are integral to customer identification of our products. It is not possible to assess the impact of the loss of such identification. Depending on the jurisdiction, trademarks are generally valid as long as they are in use and/or their registrations are properly maintained and they have not been found to have become generic. Registrations of trademarks can also generally be renewed indefinitely as long as the trademarks are in use. In addition, we own numerous copyrights, registered and unregistered, registered domain names, and proprietary trade secrets, technology, know-how, and other proprietary rights that are not registered.
Seasonality
We experience some seasonal influences. The winter months historically have generally been our strongest sales months. However, our product line and geographic diversity provide some sales stability during the warmer months when coffee consumption ordinarily decreases. Additionally, we usually experience an increase in sales during the summer and early fall months from seasonal businesses located in vacation areas and from grocery retailers ramping up inventory for the winter selling season. Because of the seasonality of our business, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year.
Sale of Direct Ship Business
On June 30, 2023, the Company completed its previously announced sale of certain assets related to its direct ship and private label business, including its production facility and corporate office building in Northlake, Texas (the “Sale”), pursuant to that certain Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 6, 2023, by and between the Company and TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (the “Buyer”), as amended by that certain Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated June 30, 2023, for a purchase price of $100 million in cash, subject to customary working capital and certain other adjustments, including a reduction for liabilities associated with a specified retained litigation matter. In connection with the Sale, the Company and the Buyer have agreed to a mutual transitional co-manufacturing agreement where the Company will manufacture certain products for Buyer and Buyer will manufacture certain products for the Company for an initial period of twelve months. In addition, the Company is also
providing Buyer with certain transition services for an initial period of nine months and the Buyer is providing the Company with a lease of office and warehouse space at the Northlake, Texas facility sold in the Sale for an initial period of twelve months.
Distribution
We operate a production facility in Portland, Oregon. Distribution takes place out of the Portland facility, as well as separate distribution centers in Northlake, Texas; Northlake, Illinois; Rialto, California; and Moonachie, New Jersey. Our products reach our customers primarily through our nationwide DSD network of 242 delivery routes and 106 branch warehouses as of June 30, 2023. We operate a large fleet of trucks and other vehicles to distribute and deliver our products through our DSD network, and we rely on third-party logistics service providers ("3PL") for our long-haul distribution. We maintain inventory levels at each branch warehouse to promote minimal interruption in supply. We also sell coffee and tea products directly to consumers through our websites and sell certain products at retail and through foodservice distributors.
Customers
We serve a wide variety of customers, from small independent restaurants and foodservice operators to large institutional buyers and large national account customers like restaurant, department and convenience store chains, hotels, casinos, healthcare facilities, and gourmet coffee houses, as well as retail with private brand and consumer-branded coffee and tea products, foodservice distributors, and consumers through e-commerce. During fiscal 2023, our top five customers accounted for approximately 3% of our net sales from continuing operations.
Most of our customers rely on us for distribution; however, some of our customers use third-party distribution or conduct their own distribution. Some of our customers are “price” buyers, seeking a low-cost provider with less concern for service, while others find great value in the service programs we provide. We offer a full return policy to ensure satisfaction and extended terms for those customers who qualify. Historically, our product returns have not been significant.
Competition and Trends
The coffee industry is highly competitive, including with respect to price, product quality, service, convenience, technology and innovation, and competition could become more intense due to the relatively low barriers to entry and industry consolidation. We face competition from many sources, including the institutional foodservice divisions of multi-national manufacturers of retail products many of which have greater financial and other resources than we do, such as The J.M. Smucker Company (Folgers Coffee) and The Kraft Heinz Company (Maxwell House Coffee), wholesale foodservice distributors such as Sysco Corporation and US Foods Holding Corp., regional and national coffee roasters such as Westrock Coffee Company, Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, Trilliant Food and Nutrition LLC, Gaviña & Sons, Inc., Royal Cup, Inc., Ronnoco Coffee, LLC, and Community Coffee Company, L.L.C., specialty coffee suppliers such as Rogers Family Company (San Francisco Bay Coffee), Distant Lands Coffee Company, Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee Inc., Starbucks Corporation and JAB Holding Company (Peet’s Coffee & Tea), and retail brand beverage manufacturers such as Keurig Dr. Pepper Inc. As many of our customers are small foodservice operators, we also compete with cash and carry and club stores (physical and on-line) such as Costco, Sam’s Club and Restaurant Depot and on-line retailers such as Amazon. We also face competition from growth in the single-serve, ready-to-drink coffee beverage and cold-brewed coffee channels, as well as competition from other beverages, such as soft drinks (including highly caffeinated energy drinks), juices, bottled water, teas and other beverages.
We believe our longevity, product quality and offerings, national distribution and equipment service network, industry and sustainability leadership, market insight, comprehensive approach to customer relationship management, and superior customer service are the major factors that differentiate us from our competitors. We compete well when these factors are valued by our customers, and we are less effective when only price matters. Our customer base is price sensitive, and we are often faced with price competition.
Regulatory Environment
The conduct of our businesses, including, among other things, the production, storage, distribution, sale, labeling, quality and safety of our products, and occupational safety and health practices, are subject to various laws and regulations administered by federal, state and local governmental agencies in the United States. Our facilities are subject to various laws and regulations regarding the release of material into the environment and the protection of the environment in other ways. We are not a party to any material legal proceedings arising under these regulations except as described in Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K. For additional information, see "Risk Factors" under the sub-captions "Risks Related to Our Business and Industry" and "Risks Related to Governance, Regulatory, Legislative and Legal Matters."
Other
The nature of our business does not provide for maintenance of or reliance upon a sales backlog. None of our business is subject to renegotiation of profits or termination of contracts or subcontracts at the election of the government. We have no
material revenues from foreign operations or long-lived assets located in foreign countries.
Available Information
Our Internet website address is http://www.farmerbros.com, where we make available, free of charge, through a link maintained on our website under the heading “Investor Relations-SEC Filings,” copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, including amendments thereto, proxy statements and annual reports to stockholders, and from time to time, other documents, as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material electronically or otherwise furnishing it to the SEC. In addition, these reports and the other documents we file with the SEC are available at a website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Charters of the Audit, Compensation, Technology, Strategy and Capital Allocation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of the Board of Directors, and our Code of Conduct and Ethics can also be found on our website. Printed copies of these posted materials are also available free of charge to stockholders who request them in writing from Investor Relations, 1912 Farmer Brothers Drive, Northlake, Texas 76262. Information on our website or linked to our website is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
You should carefully consider each of the following factors, as well as the other information in this report, in evaluating our business and prospects. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial may also negatively affect our business operations, reputation, financial condition, results of operations or the trading price of our common stock. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline.
Risks Related to our Business and Industry
Deterioration of global economic conditions, an economic recession, periods of inflation, rising interest rates, or economic uncertainty in our key markets may adversely affect customer and consumer spending, as well as demand for our products.
Global economic conditions can be uncertain and volatile. Our business and results of operations have in the past been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by changes in global economic conditions including inflation, interest rates, consumer spending rates, energy availability and costs, the negative impacts caused by public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the potential impacts of geopolitical uncertainties, and the effect of governmental initiatives to manage economic conditions. As global economic conditions continue to be volatile or economic uncertainty remains, trends in consumer spending also remain unpredictable and subject to reductions due to credit constraints and uncertainties about the future. Most of our products are purchased by our customers based on end-user demand from consumers. Some of the factors that may influence consumer spending include general economic conditions, high levels of unemployment, health crises, higher consumer debt levels, reductions in net worth based on market declines and uncertainty, home foreclosures and reductions in home values, fluctuating interest rates and credit availability, fluctuating fuel and other energy costs, inflationary pressure, tax rates, and general uncertainty regarding the overall future economic environment. Unfavorable economic conditions may lead customers and consumers to delay or reduce purchases of our products and could present challenges in collecting our account receivables on a timely basis. Customer demand for our products may not reach our targets or may decline as distributors and retailers seek to reduce inventory positions if there is an economic downturn or economic uncertainty in our key markets. Economic cycles and related fluctuations in customer demand may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We depend on the expertise of key personnel to operate our business. The unexpected loss of one or more of these key employees or difficulty recruiting and retaining qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on our operations and competitive position.
Our success depends on the efforts and abilities of key personnel and a consistent workforce, including frontline workers, support staff and executive team members. The competition for talent is extremely high and candidates’ preferences and expectations are evolving. We must continue to recruit, retain, motivate and develop management and other employees sufficiently to maintain our current business and support our projected growth and strategic initiatives. This may require us to adapt to evolving labor conditions and make significant investments in training, coaching and other career development and retention activities. Activities related to identifying, recruiting, hiring and integrating qualified individuals require significant time and attention. In this competitive environment, our business has been and may continue to be adversely impacted by increases in labor costs, including wages and benefits, including those increases triggered by regulatory actions regarding wages, scheduling and benefits; increased health care and workers’ compensation insurance costs; increased wages and costs of other benefits necessary to attract and retain high quality employees with the right skill sets.
We may also need to invest significant amounts of cash and equity to attract talented new employees and to invest in our
employee experience and culture, and we may never realize returns on these investments. We do not maintain key person life insurance policies on any of our executive officers. If we are not able to effectively retain our talent, our ability to achieve certain strategic objectives may be adversely affected, which may impact our financial condition and results of operations. Further, any unplanned turnover or failure to develop or implement an adequate succession plan for our senior management and other key employees, could deplete our institutional knowledge base, erode our competitive advantage, and negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We have undergone, and may continue to experience, changes to our executive leadership team and senior management, and our future success will depend in part on our ability to manage these transitions successfully.
From time to time, there may be changes to our executive leadership team and senior management for various reasons, including as a result of the hiring, departure or realignment of key personnel. Such changes may adversely impact our operations, programs, growth, financial condition and results of operations. In 2022 and 2023, we had several changes to our executive leadership team and senior management as a result of organizational changes, including the departure of our chief sales officer and our chief supply chain officer. Any significant leadership change or senior management transition involves inherent risk and any failure to ensure the timely and suitable replacement and a smooth transition could hinder our strategic planning, business execution and future performance. In particular, these or any future leadership transitions may result in a loss of personnel with deep institutional or technical knowledge and changes in business strategy or objectives and have the potential to disrupt our operations and relationships with employees and customers due to added costs, operational inefficiencies, changes in strategy, decreased employee morale and productivity, and increased turnover. If we are unable to successfully manage changes to our executive leadership team and senior management, we could experience significant delays or difficulty in the achievement of our development and strategic objectives and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely harmed.
Competition in the coffee industry and beverage category could impact our profitability or harm our competitive position.
The coffee industry is highly competitive, including with respect to price, product quality, service, convenience, technology and innovation, and competition could become more intense due to the relatively low barriers to entry and industry consolidation. We face competition from many sources, including the institutional foodservice divisions of multi-national manufacturers of retail products, wholesale foodservice distributors, regional and national coffee roasters, specialty coffee suppliers, and retail brand beverage manufacturers, many of which have greater financial and other resources than we do and may have lower fixed costs and/or are substantially less leveraged than us. As many of our customers are small foodservice operators, we also compete with cash and carry and club stores and on-line retailers. Companies smaller than ours may be more innovative, better able to bring new products to market and better able to quickly exploit and serve niche markets.
We consider our roasting and blending methods essential to the flavor and richness of our coffees and, therefore, essential to our brand. Because our roasting methods cannot be patented, we would be unable to prevent competitors from copying these methods if such methods became known. In addition, competitors may be able to develop roasting or blending methods that are more advanced than our production methods, which may also harm our competitive position.
Increased competition in coffee or other beverage channels may have an adverse impact on sales of our products. If we do not succeed in differentiating ourselves through, among other things, our product and service offerings, or if we are not effective in setting proper pricing, then our competitive position may be weakened, we could fail to retain our existing customer base and our sales and profitability may be materially adversely affected.
Increases in the cost of green coffee could reduce our gross margin and profit and may increase volatility in our results.
Our primary raw material is green coffee, an exchange-traded agricultural commodity that is subject to price fluctuations. Our ability to acquire a consistent supply of green coffee at prices sufficient to meet our needs, similar to any agricultural commodity, may be impacted by, among other things, climate change, weather, natural disasters, real or perceived supply shortages, crop disease (such as coffee rust) and pests, general increase in farm inputs and costs of production, an increase in green coffee purchased and sold on a negotiated basis rather than directly on commodity markets in response to higher production costs relative to “C” market prices, speculative trading in coffee commodities, political and economic conditions or uncertainty, labor actions and shortages, foreign currency fluctuations, inflation, armed conflict in coffee producing nations, acts of terrorism, pandemics or other disease outbreaks (including the COVID-19 pandemic), government actions and trade barriers or tariffs, and the actions of producer organizations that have historically attempted to influence green coffee prices through agreements establishing export quotas or by restricting coffee supplies.
Additionally, specialty green coffees tend to trade on a negotiated basis at a premium above the “C” market price which premium, depending on the supply and demand at the time of purchase, may be significant. We purchase over-the-counter coffee-related derivative instruments to enable us to lock in the price of green coffee commodity purchases on our behalf or at the direction of our customers under commodity-based pricing arrangements. Although we account for certain coffee-related derivative instruments as accounting hedges, the portion of open hedging contracts that are not designated as accounting hedges
are marked to period-end market price and unrealized gains or losses based on whether the period-end market price was higher or lower than the price we locked-in are recognized in our financial results at the end of each reporting period. Depending on contractual restrictions, we may be unable to pass these costs to our customers by increasing the price of products. If we are unable to increase prices sufficiently to offset increased input costs, or if our sales volume decreases significantly as a result of price increases, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.
Recently, there has been increased volatility in the “C” market price, with prices at times increasing to five-year highs. The uncertainty of several factors, including the impact of weather patterns in coffee producing regions, global supply chain constraints and shipping shortages, and speculative trading, has caused greater uncertainty in the markets. Specifically, severe frosts and drought in Brazil currently threaten to negatively impact crop yields for multiple harvests, which could reduce supply and increase cost. Although we hedge the "C" market price volatility for a portion of our green coffee volumes by using derivative instruments, our hedging strategy and use of these instruments does not completely mitigate our exposure to commodity price risk. As a result, increases in the cost of green coffee could have a material adverse impact on our profitability, financial condition or results of operations.
Our accounts receivable represents a significant portion of our current assets increasing our exposure to bad debts and counter-party risk which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Adverse changes in general economic conditions and/or contraction in global credit markets could precipitate liquidity problems among our debtors. In addition, certain of our debtors use third-party distributors or do business through a network of affiliate entities which can make collection efforts more challenging and, at times, collections may be economically unfeasible. Any increase in our exposure to losses from bad debts could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Climate change, water scarcity or legal, regulatory, or market measures to address such could have a material adverse effect our business and operations.
Increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere may have an adverse effect on global temperatures, weather patterns, and the frequency and severity of extreme weather events and natural disasters. In the event that climate change has a negative effect on agricultural productivity in the regions from which we procure coffee, we could be subject to decreased availability and increased prices, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Water is used throughout the production of coffee from growing and pulping at the farm, cooling the beans after roasting in production and brewing products for consumption. Scarcity of appropriate and sufficient water sources in our supply chain could limit supply and increase our costs. Loss of readily available access to water could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
The increasing concern over climate change also may result in more regional, federal, foreign and/or global legal and regulatory requirements to reduce or mitigate the effects of greenhouse gases. In the event that such regulation is enacted and is more aggressive than the sustainability measures that we are currently undertaking to monitor our emissions and improve our energy and resource efficiency, we may experience significant increases in our manufacturing and distribution costs. In particular, increasing regulation of fuel emissions could substantially increase the supply chain and distribution costs associated with our products. As a result, climate change or increased concern over climate change could negatively affect our business and operations.
Increased severe weather conditions, including those resulting from climate change, may increase commodity costs, damage our facilities and disrupt our production capabilities and supply chain.
There is increasing concern that a gradual increase in global average temperatures due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have caused and will continue to cause significant changes in weather patterns around the globe and an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Severe weather conditions are dramatically affecting coffee growing countries. The wet and dry seasons are becoming unpredictable in timing and duration, causing improper development of the coffee cherries. Decreased agricultural productivity in certain regions as a result of changing weather patterns may affect the quality, limit the availability or increase the cost of key agricultural commodities, which are important ingredients for our products. We have experienced storm-related damages and disruptions to our operations in the recent past related to both winter storms as well as heavy rainfall and flooding. Increased frequency or duration of extreme weather conditions could damage our facilities, impair production capabilities, disrupt our supply chain or impact demand for our products. As a result, the effects of climate change could have a long-term adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
Investment in acquisitions could disrupt our ongoing business, not result in the anticipated benefits and present risks not originally contemplated.
We have invested, and in the future may invest, in acquisitions which may involve significant risks and uncertainties. The success of any such acquisitions will depend, in part, on our ability to realize all or some of the anticipated benefits from integrating the acquired businesses with our existing businesses, and to achieve revenue and cost synergies. Additionally, any such acquisitions may result in potentially dilutive issuances of our equity securities, the incurrence of additional debt, restructuring charges, impairment charges, contingent liabilities, amortization expenses related to intangible assets, and increased operating expenses, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. There can be no assurance that any such acquisitions will be identified or that we will be able to consummate any such acquisitions on terms favorable to us or at all, or that the synergies from any such acquisitions will be achieved. If any such acquisitions are not successful, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our operating results may have significant fluctuations from period to period which could have a negative effect on the market price of our common stock.
Our operating results may fluctuate from period to period as a result of a number of factors, including variations in our operating performance or the performance of our competitors, changes in accounting principles, fluctuations in the price and supply of green coffee, fluctuations in the selling prices of our products, the success of our hedging strategy, research reports and changes in financial estimates by analysts about us, or competitors or our industry, our inability or the inability of our competitors to meet analysts’ projections or guidance, strategic decisions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions, capital investments or changes in business strategy, the depth and liquidity of the market for our common stock, adverse outcomes of litigation, changes in or uncertainty about economic conditions, inflation, supply chain disruptions, conditions or trends in our industry, geographies, or customers, activism by any large stockholder or group of stockholders, speculation by the investment community regarding our business, actual or anticipated growth rates relative to our competitors, terrorist acts, natural disasters, including due to the effects of climate change, perceptions of the investment opportunity associated with our common stock relative to other investment alternatives, competition, changes in consumer preferences and market trends, seasonality, our ability to retain and attract customers, our ability to manage inventory and fulfillment operations and maintain gross margin, and other factors described elsewhere in this risk factors section. Fluctuations in our operating results due to these factors or for any other reason could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. Accordingly, we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our operating results should not be relied upon as indicators of future performance.
We may be subject to securities litigation, class action and derivative lawsuits, which could result in substantial costs and could divert management attention away from other business concerns.
The market price of our common stock may be volatile and, in the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Even if the lawsuits are without merit, defending against these claims can result in substantial costs and divert management time and resources from other business concerns, which could seriously harm our business. An adverse judgment could result in monetary damages, which could have a negative impact on our liquidity and financial condition.
We may be unable to anticipate changes in consumer preferences and consumer demographics, which may result in decreased demand for our products.
Our success depends in part on our ability to anticipate and offer products that appeal to the changing tastes, dietary habits and product packaging preferences of consumers in the market categories in which we compete. If we are not able to anticipate, identify or develop and market products that respond to these changes in consumer preferences, whether resulting from changing consumer demographics or otherwise, demand for our products may decline and our operating results may be adversely affected. In addition, we may incur significant costs related to developing and marketing new products or expanding our existing product lines in reaction to what we perceive to be increased consumer preference or demand. Such development or marketing may not result in the volume of sales or profitability anticipated.
We face exposure to other commodity cost fluctuations, which could impact our margins and profitability.
In addition to green coffee, we are exposed to cost fluctuations in other commodities under supply arrangements, including raw materials, tea, spices, and packaging materials such as carton board, corrugate and plastic. We are also exposed to fluctuations in the cost of fuel. We purchase certain ingredients, finished goods and packaging materials under cost-plus supply arrangements whereby our costs may increase based on an increase in the underlying commodity price or changes in production costs. The cost of these commodities, raw materials and fuel depend on various factors beyond our control, including economic and political conditions, foreign currency fluctuations, inflation, weather conditions, natural disasters (including floods, droughts, frosts, earthquakes and hurricanes) and changing global climate patterns. The changes in the prices we pay may take place on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis depending on the product and supplier. Unlike green coffee, we do not purchase
any derivative instruments to hedge cost fluctuations in these other commodities. As a result, to the extent we are unable to pass along such costs to our customers through price increases, our margins and profitability will decrease.
Our efforts to secure an adequate supply of quality coffees and other raw materials may be unsuccessful and impact our ability to supply our customers or expose us to commodity price risk.
Maintaining a reliable supply of green coffee is essential to keeping inventory levels low while securing sufficient stock to meet customer needs. We rely upon our ongoing relationships with our key suppliers to support our operations. Some of the Arabica coffee beans we purchase do not trade directly on the commodity markets. Rather, we purchase these coffee beans on a negotiated basis from coffee brokers, exporters and growers. If any of these supply relationships deteriorate or we are unable to renegotiate contracts with suppliers (with similar or more favorable terms) or find alternative sources for supply, we may be unable to procure a sufficient quantity of high-quality coffee beans and other raw materials at prices acceptable to us or at all which could negatively affect our results of operations. Further, non-performance by suppliers could expose us to supply risk under coffee purchase commitments for delivery in the future. In addition, the political situation in many of the Arabica coffee growing regions, including Africa, Indonesia, and Central and South America, can be unstable, and such instability could affect our ability to purchase coffee from those regions. If green coffee beans from a region become unavailable or prohibitively expensive, we could be forced to use alternative coffee beans or discontinue certain blends, which could adversely impact our sales. Any material interruption in our supply chain, such as material interruption of roasted coffee supply due to the casualty loss at any of our roasting plants or suppliers, interruptions in service by our third-party logistic service providers or common carriers that ship goods within our distribution channels, trade restrictions, such as increased tariffs or quotas, embargoes or customs restrictions, pandemics, social or labor unrest, natural disasters or political disputes and military conflicts that cause a material disruption in our supply chain could have a negative impact on our business and our profitability. Product shortages could result in disruptions in our ability to deliver products to our customers, a deterioration of our relationship with our customers, decreased revenues or an inability to expand our business.
Interruption or increased costs of our supply chain and sales network or labor force, including a disruption in operations at any of our production and distribution facilities, could affect our ability to manufacture or distribute products and could adversely affect our business and sales.
Our sales and distribution network requires a large investment to maintain and operate, and we rely on a limited number of production and distribution facilities. We also operate a large fleet of trucks and other vehicles to distribute and deliver our products through our DSD network, and we rely on 3PL service providers for our long-haul distribution. Certain products are also distributed by third parties or direct shipped via common carrier. Many of these costs are beyond our control, and many are fixed rather than variable.
There are potential adverse effects of labor disputes with our own employees or with others who provide warehousing, co-packing, transportation (lines, truck drivers, 3PL service providers) or cargo handling (longshoremen), both domestic and foreign, of our raw materials or other products. We have union contracts relating to a portion of our workforce. Although we believe union relations have been amicable in the past, there is no assurance that this will continue in the future or that we will not be subject to future union organizing activity. The terms and conditions of existing, renegotiated or new collective bargaining agreements could also increase our costs or otherwise affect our ability to fully implement future operational changes to enhance our efficiency or to adapt to changing business needs or strategy.
In addition, we use a significant amount of electricity, gasoline, diesel and oil, natural gas and other energy sources to operate our production and distribution facilities. An increase in the price, disruption of supply or shortage of fuel and other energy sources that may be caused by increased demand, inflation or by events such as climate change, natural disasters, power outages, cyberattacks or the like, could lead to higher electricity, transportation and other commodity costs, including the pass-through of such costs under our agreements with 3PL service providers and other suppliers, that could negatively impact our profitability, financial condition or results of operations.
A disruption in operations at any of these facilities or any other disruption in our supply chain or increase in prices relating to service by our 3PL service providers, common carriers or distributors, service technicians or vendor-managed inventory arrangements, or otherwise, whether as a result of casualty, natural disaster, power loss, telecommunications failure, terrorism, labor shortages, shipping costs, trade restrictions, contractual disputes, weather, environmental incident, interruptions in port operations or highway arteries, increased downtime due to certain aging production infrastructure, pandemic, strikes, work stoppages, the financial or operational instability of key suppliers, distributors and transportation providers, or other causes, could significantly impair our ability to operate our business, adversely affect our relationship with our customers, and impact our financial condition or results of operations. If our vendors fail to meet our standards, provide products in a timely and efficient manner, or comply with applicable laws, these issues could have a material negative impact on our business and profitability.
We rely on co-packers to provide our supply of tea, spice, culinary and other products. Any failure by co-packers to fulfill their obligations or any termination or renegotiation of our co-pack agreements could adversely affect our results of operations.
We have a number of supply agreements with co-packers that require them to provide us with specific finished goods, including tea, spice and culinary products. For some of our products we primarily rely upon a single co-packer as our sole-source for the product. The failure for any reason of any such sole-source or other co-packer to fulfill its obligations under the applicable agreements with us, including the failure by our co-packers to comply with food safety, environmental, or other laws and regulations, or the termination or renegotiation of any such co-pack agreement could result in disruptions to our supply of finished goods, cause damage to our reputation and brands, and have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Additionally, our co-packers are subject to risk, including labor disputes, union organizing activities, financial liquidity, inclement weather, natural disasters, pandemics, supply constraints, and general economic and political conditions that could limit their ability to timely provide us with acceptable products, which could disrupt our supply of finished goods, or require that we incur additional expense by providing financial accommodations to the co-packer or taking other steps to seek to minimize or avoid supply disruption, such as establishing a new co-pack arrangement with another provider. A new co-pack arrangement may not be available on terms as favorable to us as our existing co-pack arrangements, or at all.
Customer quality control problems or food safety issues may adversely affect our brands thereby negatively impacting our sales or leading to potential product recalls or product liability claims.
Selling products for human consumption involves inherent legal risks. Our success depends on our ability to provide customers with high-quality products and service. Although we take measures to ensure that we sell only fresh products, we have no control over our products once they are purchased by our customers. Clean water is critical to the preparation of coffee, tea and other beverages. We have no ability to ensure that our customers use a clean water supply to prepare these beverages. Instances or reports of food safety issues involving our products, whether or not accurate, such as unclean water supply, food or beverage-borne illnesses, tampering, contamination, mislabeling, or other food or beverage safety issues, including due to the failure of our third-party co-packers to maintain the quality of our products and to comply with our product specifications, could damage the value of our brands, negatively impact sales of our products, and potentially lead to product recalls, production interruptions, product liability claims, litigation or damages. A significant product liability claim against us, whether or not successful, or a widespread product recall may reduce our sales and harm our business.
Consumers have been increasingly focused on food safety and health and wellness with respect to the food products they buy. Particularly in the U.S., there is increasing consumer awareness of health risks, including obesity, as well as increased consumer litigation based on alleged adverse health impacts of consumption of various food and beverage products. While we have a variety of such products, an unfavorable report on the health effects of caffeine or other compounds present in our products, whether accurate or not, imposition of additional taxes on certain types of food and beverage components, or negative publicity or litigation arising from certain health risks could significantly reduce the demand for our products and could materially harm our business and results of operations.
Our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable net income may be subject to certain limitations.
At June 30, 2023, the Company had approximately $133.9 million in federal net operating loss carryforwards that will begin to expire in the tax year ending June 30, 2027 and $173.1 million in state net operating loss carryforwards that begin to expire in the tax year ending June 30, 2024. Net operating losses of $78.9 million in federal and $10.3 million of state are indefinite lived and will not expire. If an ownership change as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), occurs with respect to our capital stock, our ability to use net operating losses ("NOLs") to offset taxable income would be subject to certain limitations. Generally, an ownership change occurs under Section 382 of the Code if certain persons or groups increase their aggregate ownership by more than 50 percentage points of our total capital stock over a rolling three-year period. If an ownership change occurs, our ability to use NOLs to reduce taxable net income is generally limited to an annual amount based on the fair market value of our stock immediately prior to the ownership change multiplied by the long-term tax-exempt interest rate. If an ownership change were to occur, use of our NOLs to reduce payments of federal taxable net income may be deferred to later years within the 20-year carryover period; however, if the carryover period for any loss year expires, the use of the remaining NOLs for the loss year will be prohibited. Future changes in our stock ownership, some of which may be outside of our control, could result in an ownership change under Section 382 of the Code and limit our ability to use NOLs to offset taxable income.
There is also a risk that due to regulatory changes, such as suspensions on the use of NOLs, or other unforeseen reasons, our existing NOLs could expire, decrease in value or otherwise be unavailable to offset future income tax liabilities. As a result, we may be unable to realize a tax benefit from the use of our NOLs, even if we generate a sufficient level of taxable net income prior to the expiration of the NOL carry forward periods.
Future impairment charges could adversely affect our operating results.
Acquisitions are based on certain target analysis and due diligence procedures designed to achieve a desired return or strategic objective. These procedures often involve certain assumptions and judgment in determining the acquisition price. After consummation of an acquisition, unforeseen issues could arise that adversely affect anticipated returns or that are otherwise not recoverable as an adjustment to the purchase price. Even after careful integration efforts, actual operating results may vary significantly from initial estimates. We perform an asset impairment analysis on an annual basis or whenever events occur that may indicate possible existence of impairment. Failure to achieve forecasted operating results, due to weakness in the economic environment or other factors, changes in market conditions, loss of or significant decline in sales to customers included in valuation of the intangible asset, changes in our imputed cost of capital, and declines in our market capitalization, among other things, could result in impairment of our intangible assets and adversely affect our operating results. There were no intangible asset impairments during fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022.
Our business could be negatively impacted by corporate citizenship and sustainability matters.
There is an increased focus from certain investors, customers, consumers, employees, and other stakeholders concerning corporate citizenship and sustainability matters. From time to time, we announce certain initiatives regarding our focus areas, which include environmental matters, sustainability in our supply chain, responsible sourcing, social investments and inclusion and diversity. We could fail, or be perceived to fail, in our achievement of such initiatives or goals, or we could fail in accurately reporting our progress on such initiatives and goals. Such failures could be due to changes in our business (e.g., shifts in business among distribution channels or acquisitions). Moreover, the standards by which citizenship and sustainability efforts and related matters are measured are developing and evolving, and certain areas are subject to assumptions and standards that could change over time. Any such matters, or related corporate citizenship and sustainability matters, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
The performance of required transition services following the Sale may divert our resources and distract our management, which could harm our ability to optimize our continuing operations and successfully implement our post-Sale business strategy.
As described above, in connection with the Sale, we agreed to a mutual transitional co-manufacturing agreement pursuant to which we will manufacture certain products for Buyer and Buyer will manufacture certain products for us for an initial period of twelve months. We are also providing Buyer with certain transition services for an initial period of nine months. In order to perform our obligations under these transition-related agreements, we must allocate certain of our resources, including assets, facilities, equipment, and the time and attention of our senior management team, to ensure a smooth transition of the businesses sold, which may negatively impact our own business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Difficulties in separating the operations, logistics, technologies and IT infrastructure of the divested business from those of our continuing businesses may require substantially more time and funds than we anticipated in negotiating the terms of our transition-related agreements with Buyer. If we are unsuccessful at executing our business plan and the necessary transition activities following the Sale, our business and results of operations may be adversely affected and our ability to invest in and grow our business could be limited.
We have completed the sale of certain of our assets in the past, and may explore additional sales of our assets, and such divestitures may introduce significant risks and uncertainties.
Our strategic review resulted in the Sale, and we may engage in additional divestitures in the future. Divestitures involve significant risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, consolidated financial position and consolidated results of operations. These include, among others, the inability to find buyers or complete transactions on favorable terms, disruption to our business and/or diversion of management attention from other business concerns. Significant time and expenses have been and could in the future be incurred to divest the assets described above, which may adversely affect operations as dispositions have required and may in the future require our continued financial involvement, such as through transition service agreements, guarantees, and indemnities or other current or contingent financial obligations and liabilities.
Risks Related to Governance, Regulatory, Legislative and Legal Matters
Government regulations affecting the conduct of our business could increase our operating costs, reduce demand for our products or result in litigation.
The conduct of our business is subject to various laws and regulations including those relating to food safety, ingredients, manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, marketing, advertising, labeling, quality and distribution of our products, import of raw materials, as well as environmental laws and regulations relating to climate change and sustainability, and those relating to privacy, worker health and workplace safety. These laws and regulations and interpretations thereof are subject to change as a result of political, economic or social events. In addition, our product advertising could make us the target of claims relating to false or deceptive advertising under U.S. federal and state laws, including the consumer protection statutes of some states. Any new laws and regulations or changes in government policy, existing laws and regulations or the interpretations thereof
could require us to change certain of our operational processes and procedures, or implement new ones, and may increase our operating and compliance costs, which could adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, modifications to international trade policy, or the imposition of increased or new tariffs, quotas or trade barriers on key commodities, could adversely impact our business and results of operations. In some cases, increased regulatory scrutiny could interrupt distribution of our products or force changes in our production processes or procedures (or force us to implement new processes or procedures). In addition, compliance with any new or more stringent laws or regulations, or stricter interpretations of existing laws, including increased government regulations to limit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, could require us to reduce emissions and to incur compliance costs which could affect our profitability or impede the production or distribution of our products. If we or our business partners fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we may be subject to litigation, civil and criminal liability, damages, fines and penalties, increased cost of regulatory compliance and restatements of our financial statements, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and adversely affect our reputation and brand image. In addition, claims or liabilities of this sort may not be covered by insurance or by any rights of indemnity or contribution that we may have against others.
We could face significant withdrawal liability if we withdraw from participation in the multiemployer pension plans in which we participate.
We participate in one multiemployer defined benefit pension plan and nine multiemployer defined contribution plans other than pension plans for certain union employees. We make periodic contributions to these plans to allow them to meet their pension benefit obligations to their participants. Our required contributions to these plans could increase due to a number of factors, including the funded status of the plans and the level of our ongoing participation in these plans. Our risk of such increased payments may be greater if any of the participating employers in these underfunded plans withdraws from the plan due to insolvency and we are not able to contribute an amount sufficient to fund the unfunded liabilities associated with its participants in the plan. In the event we withdraw from participation in one or more of these plans, we could be required to make an additional lump-sum contribution to the plan. Our withdrawal liability for any multiemployer pension plan would depend on the extent of the plan’s funding of vested benefits. The amount of any potential withdrawal liability could be material to our results of operations and cash flows.
Litigation pending against us could expose us to significant liabilities and damage our reputation.
We are currently party to various legal and other proceedings, and additional claims may arise in the future. See Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K. Regardless of the merit of particular claims, litigation may be expensive, time-consuming, operationally disruptive and distracting to management, and could negatively affect our brand name and image and subject us to statutory penalties and costs of enforcement. We can provide no assurances as to the outcome of any litigation or the resolution of any other claims against us. An adverse outcome of any litigation or other claim could negatively affect our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
We are partially self-insured and our current coverage and reserves may not be sufficient to cover future claims.
We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance mechanisms to provide for the potential liability of certain risks up to varying deductible amounts. The premiums associated with our insurance continue to increase. General liability, fire, workers’ compensation, directors’ and officers’ liability, life, employee medical, dental and vision, and automobile risks present significant potential liabilities. While we accrue for these potential liabilities based on historical claims experience, future claims may exceed claims we have incurred in the past. Should a different number of claims occur compared to what was estimated or the cost of the claims increase beyond what was anticipated, reserves recorded may not be sufficient and the accruals may need to be adjusted accordingly in future periods. A successful claim against us that is not covered by insurance or is in excess of our reserves or available insurance limits could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We maintain finished goods product coverage in amounts we believe to be adequate. However, we cannot assure you that we will not incur claims or liabilities for which we are not insured or that exceed the amount of our insurance coverage. Moreover, claims or liabilities of this sort might not be covered by our insurance or by any rights of indemnity or contribution that we may have against others. A product liability judgment against us or a product recall or the damage to our reputation resulting therefrom could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Risks Related to our Capital Structure and Ownership of Our Common Stock
An increase in our debt leverage could adversely affect our liquidity and results of operations.
In April 2021, we entered into a new senior secured credit facility composed of a revolver credit facility (the "Revolver Credit Facility" or the "Credit Facility") and a term credit facility agreement (the “Term Credit Facility”) (See Liquidity for
details). On June 30, 2023, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into that certain Consent and Amendment No. 4 to Credit Agreement (the “Fourth Amendment”), with the lenders party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent for each member of the lender group. The Fourth Amendment amends that certain Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), originally entered into by and among the parties on April 26, 2021, as amended by that certain Consent and Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated December 20, 2021, that certain Increase Joinder and Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, dated August 8, 2022 and that certain Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement (“Amendment No. 3”), dated August 31, 2022.. The Fourth Amendment includes a consent to the Sale by the administrative agent and the lenders and amends certain terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement by, among other things: (i) reflecting the payoff in full, with proceeds from the Sale, of the $47.0 million outstanding amount of the term loan issued pursuant to Amendment No. 3, (ii) reflecting the paydown, with proceeds from the Sale, of the Revolver Credit Facility (and a reduction of the maximum commitment of the lenders under the Revolver Credit Facility to $75.0 million), (iii) releasing liens of the administrative agent securing the obligations under the Credit Agreement on assets sold pursuant to the Sale, and (iv) amending the Credit Agreement so that the Company's financial covenant (i.e., fixed charge coverage ratio) is only in effect during such times when the Company's liquidity falls below certain thresholds. At June 30, 2023, we had outstanding borrowings of $23.0 million and utilized $4.0 million of the letters of credit sublimit under the Credit Facility, and had $35.8 million of availability under our Credit Facility. We may incur significant indebtedness in the future, including through additional borrowings under the Credit Facility, through the issuance of debt securities, or otherwise.
Our present indebtedness and any future borrowings could have adverse consequences, including:
•requiring a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to make payments on our indebtedness;
•reducing the cash flow available or limiting our ability to borrow additional funds, to pay dividends, to fund capital expenditures and other corporate purposes and to pursue our business strategies;
•limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our businesses and the industries in which we operate;
•limiting our ability to refinance our indebtedness on terms acceptable to us or at all;
•increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; and
•placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt.
To the extent we become more leveraged, we face an increased likelihood that one or more of the risks described above would materialize.
The Credit Facility contains certain customary affirmative and negative covenants and restrictions that, among other things, require the Company to satisfy certain financial covenants and restricts the Company's and its subsidiaries' ability to incur additional debt, pay dividends and make distributions, make certain investments and acquisitions, repurchase its stock and prepay certain indebtedness, create liens, enter into agreements with affiliates, modify the nature of its business, transfer and sell material assets and merge or consolidate. Non-compliance with one or more of the covenants and restrictions could result in the full or partial principal balance of the Credit Facility becoming immediately due and payable and termination of the commitments.
If we are unable to make payments as they come due or comply with the restrictions and covenants under the Credit Facility or any other agreements governing our indebtedness, there could be a default under the terms of such agreements. In such event, or if we are otherwise in default under the Credit Facility or any such other agreements, the lenders could terminate their commitments to lend and/or accelerate the loans and declare all amounts borrowed due and payable. If our liquidity materially declines, we may experience springing covenants and an increase in our cost of borrowing. Furthermore, our lenders under the Credit Facility could foreclose on their security interests in our assets. If any of those events occur, our assets might not be sufficient to repay in full all of our outstanding indebtedness and we may be unable to find alternative financing on acceptable terms or at all. Failure to maintain existing or secure new financing could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and financial position.
Our liquidity has been adversely affected as a result of our operating performance in recent periods and may be further materially adversely affected by constraints in the capital and credit markets and limitations under our financing arrangements.
We need sufficient sources of liquidity to fund our working capital requirements, service our outstanding indebtedness and finance business opportunities. Without sufficient liquidity, we could be forced to curtail our operations, or we may not be able to pursue business opportunities. The principal sources of our liquidity are funds generated from operating activities, available cash, our credit facility, and proceeds from the sale of assets. In recent periods, significant acquisition costs, large capital investments along with the underperformance of our business has resulted in a decrease in funds from operating activities, which has weakened our liquidity position.
Should our operating performance deteriorate further, we will have less cash inflows from operations available to meet our financial obligations or to fund our other liquidity needs. Deterioration of our operating performance may also result in a
reduction in our working capital, which could negatively impact our available borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility. In addition, if such deterioration were to lead to the closure of leased facilities, we would need to fund the costs of terminating those leases. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows from operations in the future to satisfy these financial obligations, we may be required to, among other things:
•seek additional financing in the debt or equity markets;
•refinance or restructure all or a portion of our indebtedness;
•sell assets; and/or
•reduce or delay planned capital or operating expenditures, strategic acquisitions or investments.
Such measures might not be sufficient to enable us to satisfy our financial obligations or to fund our other liquidity needs, and could impede the implementation of our business strategy, prevent us from entering into transactions that would otherwise benefit our business and/or have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, any such financing, refinancing or sale of assets might not be available on economically favorable terms or at all. Our ability to obtain additional financing or refinance our indebtedness would depend upon, among other things, our financial condition at the time, and the liquidity of the overall capital markets and the state of the economy. Furthermore, any refinancing of our existing debt could be at higher interest rates and may require compliance with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. In addition, if our lenders experience difficulties that render them unable to fund future draws on the credit facility, we may not be able to access all or a portion of these funds, which could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and pursue our business strategies. In addition, covenants in our debt agreements could restrict or delay our ability to respond to business opportunities, or in the event of a failure to comply with such covenants, could result in an event of default, which if not cured or waived, could have a material adverse effect on us.
We may require additional financing to achieve our goals, and a failure to obtain this necessary capital when needed on acceptable terms, or at all, may force us to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our product manufacturing and development, and other operations.
We may require additional financing to fund our operations or growth. The failure to secure additional financing could have a material adverse effect on our continued development or growth. The amount of additional capital we may require, the timing of our capital needs and the availability of financing to fund those needs will depend on a number of factors, including our strategic initiatives and operating plans, the performance of our business, the number, complexity and characteristics of additional products or future manufacturing processes we require to serve new or existing markets, any material or significant product recalls, any failure or disruption with our manufacturing and co-packing partners as well as our third party logistics providers, the expansion into new markets, any changes in our regulatory or legislative landscape, particularly with respect to product safety, advertising, product labeling and data privacy, the costs associated with being a public company and the market conditions for debt or equity financing. Additionally, the amount of capital required will depend on our ability to meet our sales goals and otherwise successfully execute our operating plan. We intend to continually monitor and adjust our operating plan as necessary to respond to developments in our business, our markets and the broader economy and it is possible that our business could become more capital intensive. Although we believe that our Credit Facility, together with our cash flows from operations, will be sufficient to fund our working capital and capital expenditure requirements in the near term, arrangements for additional financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all, when needed. Additionally, any such arrangements may require significant cash payments for interest and other costs or could be highly dilutive to our existing shareholders, and may not provide us with sufficient funds to meet our long-term capital requirements.
Inflationary pressures may adversely affect us by increasing costs of raw materials, labor, and other costs beyond what we can recover through price increases.
Inflation can adversely affect us by increasing the costs of raw materials, labor, and other costs required to operate and grow our business. Many of the markets in which we sell our products are experiencing high levels of inflation, which may depress consumer demand for our products and reduce our profitability if we are unable to raise prices enough to keep up with increases in our costs. Inflationary pressures have resulted in increases in the cost of certain raw materials, and other supplies necessary for the production of our products, and such increases may continue to impact us in the future and expose us to risks associated with significant levels of cost inflation. If we are unable to increase our prices to offset the effects of inflation, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
Anti-takeover provisions or stockholder dilution could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us.
Our Board of Directors has the authority to issue shares of preferred stock and to determine the price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights, of those shares without any further vote or action by stockholders. We currently have 500,000 authorized shares of preferred stock undesignated as to series, and we could cause shares currently designated as to series but not outstanding to become undesignated and available for issuance as a series of preferred stock to be designated in the future. The rights of the holders of our common stock may be subject to, and may be adversely affected by,
the rights of the holders of preferred stock that may be issued in the future. The issuance of preferred stock may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of the Company without further action by stockholders and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock.
Further, certain provisions of our organizational documents have provisions eliminating the ability of stockholders to take action by written consent, and provisions limiting the ability of stockholders to raise matters at a meeting of stockholders without giving advance notice, may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control or management of the Company, which could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock. In addition, our organizational documents do not permit cumulative voting, which may make it more difficult for a third party to gain control of our Board of Directors. Further, we are subject to the anti-takeover provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which will prohibit us from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, even if such combination is favored by a majority of stockholders, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. The application of Section 203 also could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control or management.
Volatility in the equity markets or interest rate fluctuations could substantially increase our pension funding requirements and negatively impact our financial position.
As of June 30, 2023, the projected benefit obligation under our two employer defined benefit pension plans exceeded the fair value of plan assets. The difference between the projected benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets, or the funded status of the plans, significantly affects the net periodic benefit cost and ongoing funding requirements of those plans. Among other factors, changes in interest rates, mortality rates, early retirement rates, mix of plan asset investments, investment returns and the market value of plan assets can affect the level of plan funding, cause volatility in the net periodic benefit cost, increase our future funding requirements and require payments to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. In addition, facility closings may trigger cash payments or previously unrecognized obligations under our defined benefit pension plans, and the cost of such liabilities may be significant or may compromise our ability to close facilities or otherwise conduct cost reduction initiatives on time and within budget. A significant increase in future funding requirements could have a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Actions of activist stockholders could cause us to incur substantial costs, divert management's attention and resources, and have an adverse effect on our business.
We have been and may continue to be subject to proposals by stockholders urging us to take certain corporate actions. Responding to proxy contests and reacting to other actions by activist stockholders can be costly and time-consuming, and can disrupt our operations and divert the attention of management and employees. If activist stockholder activities continue, our business could be adversely affected.
For example, we have been and may continue to be required to retain the services of various professionals to advise us on activist stockholder matters, including legal, financial, and communications advisers, the costs of which may negatively impact our future financial results. In addition, perceived uncertainties as to our future direction, strategy or leadership created as a consequence of activist stockholder initiatives may result in the loss of potential business opportunities, harm our ability to attract new investors, customers, employees, suppliers and other strategic partners, and cause significant fluctuations in our stock price based on temporary or speculative market perceptions or other factors that do not necessarily reflect the underlying fundamentals and prospects of our business.
If securities analysts or industry analysts downgrade our stock, publish negative research or reports or do not publish reports about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us, our business and our industry. If one or more analysts adversely change their recommendation regarding our stock or our competitors’ stock, our stock price may likely decline. If one or more analysts cease coverage of us or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.
Risks Related to Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
Failure to maintain satisfactory compliance with certain privacy and data protections laws and regulations may subject us to substantial negative financial consequences and civil or criminal penalties.
Complex local, state, national, foreign and international laws and regulations apply to the collection, use, retention, protection, disclosure, transfer and other processing of personal data. These privacy and data protection laws and regulations are quickly evolving, with new or modified laws and regulations proposed and implemented frequently and existing laws and regulations subject to new or different interpretations and enforcement. In addition, our legal and regulatory obligations in jurisdictions outside the U.S. are subject to unexpected changes, including the potential for regulatory or other governmental
entities to enact new or additional laws or regulations, to issue rulings that invalidate prior laws or regulations or to increase penalties significantly. Complying with these laws and regulations can be costly and can impede the development and offering of new products and services.
Our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations or other obligations to which we may be subject relating to personal data, or to protect personal data from unauthorized access, use or other processing, could result in enforcement actions and regulatory investigations against us, claims for damages by customers and other affected individuals, fines, damage to our brand reputation, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial performance and business.
We rely on information technology and software in our operations. Any material failure, inadequacy, interruption or security failure of that technology could affect our ability to effectively operate our business.
Our ability to effectively manage our business, maintain information accuracy and efficiency, comply with regulatory, financial reporting, legal and tax requirements, and coordinate the production, distribution and sale of our products depends significantly on the reliability, capacity and integrity of information technology systems, software and networks. We are also dependent on enterprise resource planning software for some of our information technology systems and support. The failure of these systems to operate effectively and continuously for any reason could result in delays in processing replenishment orders from our branch warehouses, an inability to record input costs or product sales accurately or at all, an impaired understanding of our operations and results, an increase in operating expenses, reduced operational efficiency, loss of customers or other business disruptions, all of which could negatively affect our business and results of operations. To date, we have not experienced a material breach of cyber security, however our computer systems have been, and will likely continue to be, subjected to unauthorized access or phishing attempts, computer viruses, malware, ransomware or other malicious codes. While we have implemented training and information security policies for our team members and bolstered cybersecurity experience on our board, these measures may be insufficient to prevent against the constantly evolving threats. These threats increase the difficulty of timely detection and successful defense. As a result, security, backup, disaster recovery, administrative and technical controls, and incident response measures may not be adequate or implemented properly to prevent cyber-attacks or other security breaches to our systems. Failure to effectively allocate and manage our resources to build, sustain, protect and upgrade our information technology infrastructure could result in transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, the loss of customers, reputational damage, litigation, business disruptions, or the loss of sensitive or confidential data through security breach or otherwise. Significant capital investments could be required to remediate any potential problems or to otherwise protect against security breaches or to address problems caused by breaches. In addition, if our customers or suppliers experience a security breach or system failure, their businesses could be disrupted or negatively affected, which may result in a reduction in customer orders or disruption in our supply chain, which would adversely affect our results of operations.
Failure to prevent the unauthorized access, use, theft or destruction of personal, financial and other confidential information relating to our customers, suppliers, employees or our Company, could damage our business reputation, negatively affect our results of operations, and expose us to potential liability.
The protection of our customer, supplier, employee, and Company data and confidential information is critical. We are subject to new and changing privacy and information security laws and standards that may require significant investments in technology and new operational processes. The use of electronic payment methods and collection of other personal information exposes us to increased risk of privacy and/or security breaches. We rely on commercially available systems, software, tools, and monitoring to provide security for processing, transmitting, and storing personal information from individuals, including our customers, suppliers and employees, and our security measures may not effectively prohibit others from obtaining improper access to such information. We rely on third party, cloud based technologies which results in third party access and storage of Company data and confidential information. Employees or third parties with whom we do business or to whom we outsource certain information technology or administrative services may attempt to circumvent security measures in order to misappropriate such information, and may purposefully or inadvertently cause a breach involving such information. If we experience a data security breach of any kind or fail to respond appropriately to such incidents, we may experience a loss of or damage to critical data, suffer financial or reputational damage or penalties, or face exposure to negative publicity, government investigations and proceedings, private consumer or securities litigation, liability or costly response measures. In addition, our reputation within the business community and with our customers and suppliers may be affected, which could result in our customers and suppliers ceasing to do business with us which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Our insurance policies do not cover losses caused by security breaches.
We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which, in turn, could harm the value of our brands and adversely affect our business.
Our ability to implement our business plan successfully depends in part upon our ability to further build brand recognition, including for our proprietary products, using our trademarks, service marks and other proprietary intellectual property, including our names and logos. We have registered or applied to register a number of our trademarks. We cannot assure investors that our trademark applications will be approved. Third parties may also oppose our trademark applications, or
otherwise challenge our use of the trademarks. In the event that our trademarks are successfully challenged, we could be forced to rebrand our goods and services, which could result in loss of brand recognition and could require us to devote resources to advertising and marketing new brands. If our efforts to register, maintain and protect our intellectual property are inadequate, or if any third party misappropriates, dilutes or infringes upon our intellectual property, the value of our brands may be harmed, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations and might prevent our brands from achieving or maintaining market acceptance.
We may also face the risk of claims that we have infringed third parties’ intellectual property rights. If third parties claim that we have infringed or are infringing upon their intellectual property rights, our operating profits could be affected in a materially adverse manner. Any claims of intellectual property infringement, even those without merit, could be expensive and time consuming to defend, require us to rebrand our services, if feasible, divert management’s attention and resources or require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements in order to obtain the right to use a third party’s intellectual property. Any royalty or licensing agreements, if required, may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. A successful claim of infringement against us could result in our being required to pay significant damages, enter into costly license or royalty agreements, or stop the sale of certain products or services, any of which could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations and could harm our future prospects.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
Our production and distribution facilities as of June 30, 2023 are as follows:
Location Approximate Area
(Square Feet) Purpose Status
Northlake, TX 108,262 Corporate headquarters, manufacturing, distribution, warehouse, product development lab Leased
Portland, OR 124,000 Manufacturing and distribution, product development lab Leased
Oklahoma City, OK 142,115 Equipment repair center Owned
Northlake, IL 89,837 Distribution and warehouse Leased
Moonachie, NJ 41,404 Distribution and warehouse Leased
Rialto, CA 156,586 Distribution and warehouse Leased
As of June 30, 2023, we stage our products in 106 branch warehouses throughout the contiguous United States. These branch warehouses and our distribution centers, taken together, represent a vital part of our business, but no individual branch warehouse is material to the business as a whole. Our stand-alone branch warehouses vary in size from approximately 1,000 to 34,000 square feet.
Approximately 70% of our facilities are leased with a variety of expiration dates within the range of 2023 through 2032.
We calculate our utilization for all of our coffee roasting facilities on an aggregate basis based on the number of product pounds manufactured during the actual number of production shifts worked during an average week, compared to the number of product pounds that could be manufactured based on the maximum number of production shifts that could be operated during the week (assuming three shifts per day, five days per week), in each case, based on our current product mix. Utilization rates for our coffee roasting facilities were approximately 68%, 75%, and 63% during fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
We believe that our existing facilities provide adequate capacity for our current operations.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
For information regarding legal proceedings in which we are involved, see Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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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
Market Information
The principal market on which our common stock is listed for trading is the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “FARM.”
Holders
As of September 5, 2023, there were approximately 191 shareholders of record of common stock. This does not include persons whose common stock is in nominee or “street name” accounts through brokers.
Dividends
We have not recently declared or paid any cash dividend on our common stock. We intend to retain any future earnings to finance the operation and expansion of our business, and we do not expect to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Performance Graph
The following graph depicts a comparison of the total cumulative stockholder return on our common stock for each of the last five fiscal years relative to the performance of the Russell 2000 Index and a peer group index. Companies in the Russell 2000 and peer group index are weighted by market capitalization. The graph assumes an initial investment of $100.00 at the close of trading on June 30, 2018 and that all dividends paid by companies included in these indices have been reinvested.
Because no published peer group is similar to the Company's portfolio of business, the Company created a peer group index that includes the following companies that operate in a similar line of business: Utz Brands, Inc., J&J Snack Foods Corp., Hostess Brands, Inc., The Simply Good Foods Company, Calavo Growers, John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., SunOpta, Inc., MGP Ingredients, Inc., Whole Earth Brands, Beyond Meat, Inc., Freshpet, Inc., NewAge, Inc., The Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc., Vital Farms, Inc. and Bridgford Foods Corporation.
The historical stock price performance of the Company’s common stock shown in the performance graph below is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance. The Russell 2000 Index and the peer group index are included for comparative purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect management's opinion that such indices are an appropriate measure for the relative performance of the stock involved, and they are not intended to forecast or be indicative of possible future performance of our common stock.
The material in this performance graph is not soliciting material, is not deemed filed with the SEC, and is not incorporated by reference in any filing of the Company under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether made on, before or after the date of this filing and irrespective of any general incorporation language in such filing.
Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total Return
(Fiscal Years Ended June 30)
Fiscal Years Ended June 30,
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Farmer Bros. Co. 100.00 53.58 24.03 41.54 15.35 9.07
Russell 2000 Index 100.00 96.69 90.28 146.28 109.42 122.89
Peer Group Index 100.00 109.63 97.39 141.10 83.96 86.71
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Neither we, nor any affiliated purchaser, purchased any of our equity securities during the quarter ended June 30, 2023.
Sale of Unregistered Securities
We did not sell unregistered securities during fiscal 2023.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Reserved

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. This Management's Discussion and Analysis is for continuing operations of the Company. The Company’s results of operations for all periods presented have been adjusted to reflect the discontinued operations related to the Sale. The results of operations and the related discussions below focus on the Company’s continuing operations for each period. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors. The results of operations for fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period. This discussion, which presents our results for fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022, and fiscal 2021 should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes and Part II, Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2022, filed with the SEC on September 2, 2022, which provides additional information on comparisons of fiscal 2022 and the year ended June 30, 2021 ("fiscal 2021").
Our Business
We are a leading coffee roaster, wholesaler, equipment servicer and distributor of coffee, tea and other allied products manufactured under our owned brands, as well as under private labels on behalf of certain customers. We were founded in 1912, incorporated in California in 1923, and reincorporated in Delaware in 2004. Our principal office is located in Northlake, Texas. We operate in one business segment.
We serve a wide variety of customers, from small independent restaurants and foodservice operators to large institutional buyers like restaurants, department and convenience store retailers, hotels, casinos, healthcare facilities, and gourmet coffee houses, as well as grocery chains with private brand and consumer-branded coffee and tea products, and foodservice distributors. Through our sustainability, stewardship, environmental efforts, and leadership we are not only committed to serving the finest products available, considering the cost needs of the customer, but also focus on their sustainable cultivation, manufacture and distribution whenever possible.
Our product categories consist of a robust line of roast and ground coffee, including organic, Direct Trade, Project D.I.R.E.C.T.®, Fair Trade Certified™ ® and other sustainably-produced offerings; frozen liquid coffee; flavored and unflavored iced and hot teas; including organic and Rainforest Alliance Certified™; culinary products including premium spices, pancake and biscuit mixes, gravy and sauce mixes, soup bases, dressings, syrups and sauces, and coffee-related products such as coffee filters, cups, sugar and creamers; and other beverages including cappuccino, cocoa, granitas, and other blender-based beverages and concentrated and ready-to-drink cold brew and iced coffee. We offer a comprehensive approach to our customers by providing not only a breadth of high-quality products, but also value added services such as market insight, beverage planning, and equipment placement and service.
We operate a production facility in Portland, Oregon. We distribute our products from our Portland, Oregon production facility, as well as separate distribution centers in Northlake, Texas; Portland, Oregon; Northlake, Illinois; Moonachie, New Jersey; and Rialto, California. Our products reach our customers primarily through our nationwide DSD network of 242 delivery routes and 106 branch warehouses as of June 30, 2023. DSD sales are primarily made “off-truck” to our customers at their places of business. We operate a large fleet of trucks and other vehicles to distribute and deliver our products through our DSD network, and we rely on 3PL service providers for our long-haul distribution.
Summary Overview of Fiscal 2023 Results
Net sales in fiscal 2023 increased $25.2 million, or 8%, to $340.0 million from $314.8 million in fiscal 2022. The increase in net sales was primarily due to higher pricing compared to prior periods, partially offset by decline in sales volume.
During fiscal 2023, we experienced lower gross margins compared to fiscal 2022, primarily resulting from higher product costs relative to fiscal 2022. Overall, gross margins decreased by 8.8% to 33.7% in fiscal 2023 from 42.5% compared to fiscal 2022. The decrease was also attributable to an increase in unfavorable production variances. The price increases and delivery surcharges implemented across our network helped mitigate the impact of higher supply chain and product costs.
Operating expenses decreased by $4.2 million in fiscal 2023 over the prior year period due to a $3.7 million increase in selling expenses offset by a $5.7 million decrease in general and administrative expenses and a $2.2 million increase in gain on sale of assets from the sale of branch properties and other assets. The increase in selling expenses during fiscal 2023 was primarily due to an increase in payroll-related costs. The decrease in general and administrative expenses during fiscal 2023 was primarily due to a decrease in incentive compensation expense, a $1.9 million gain on settlement related to the acquisition of Boyd Coffee Company ("Boyd"), which included the cancellation of shares of the Series A Convertible Participating Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company ("Series A Preferred Stock") and settlement of liabilities (the "Boyd Settlement"), and a payroll tax refund which was partially offset by an increase in contract services.
Our capital expenditures related to continuing operations for fiscal 2023 were $13.2 million as compared to $13.6 million in fiscal 2022, a decrease of $0.4 million. This was driven by lower expansionary capital spend of $1.6 million in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022, offset by a $1.2 million increase in maintenance capital spend in fiscal 2023. The expansionary capital spending reductions were driven by several key initiatives put in place, including a focus on refurbished coffee brewing equipment to drive cost savings, and reductions across some capital categories.
As of June 30, 2023, the outstanding debt on our Revolver Credit Facility was $23.0 million a decrease of $40.0 million since June 30, 2022. Our cash decreased by $4.6 million to $5.4 million as of June 30, 2023, compared to $10.0 million as of June 30, 2022. The proceeds from the Sale were applied to pay off the Term Credit Facility and pay down the Revolver Credit Facility.
Financial Data Highlights (in thousands, except per share data and percentages)
For The Years Ended June 30, 2023 vs 2022
2023 2022 2021 Favorable (Unfavorable)
Change % Change
Income Statement Data:
Net sales $ 339,964 $ 314,783 261,911 $ 25,181 8.0 %
Gross margin 33.7 % 42.5 % 36.6 % (8.8) % NM
Operating expenses as a % of sales 39.9 % 44.4 % 48.8 % 4.5 % NM
Loss from continuing operations $ (34,038) $ (1,974) (30,213) $ (32,064) NM
Loss from continuing operations available to common stockholders per common share, basic and diluted $ (1.74) $ (0.14) $ (1.74) $ (1.60) NM
Operating Data:
Coffee pounds - continuing operations 24,373 26,159 26,347 (1,786) (6.8) %
EBITDA(1) $ (16,925) $ 11,101 $ 8,646 $ (28,026) (252.5) %
EBITDA Margin(1) (5.0) % 3.5 % 3.3 % (8.5) % NM
Adjusted EBITDA(1) $ (14,153) $ 16,214 $ 13,777 $ (30,367) (187.3) %
Adjusted EBITDA Margin(1) (4.2) % 5.2 % 5.3 % (9.4) % NM
Percentage of Total Net Sales By Product Category
Coffee (Roasted) 47.1 % 48.2 % 50.3 % (1.1) % (2.3) %
Tea & Other Beverages (2) 26.0 % 25.6 % 24.8 % 0.4 % 1.6 %
Culinary 19.0 % 17.7 % 16.9 % 1.3 % 7.3 %
Spices 6.9 % 7.1 % 7.1 % (0.2) % (2.8) %
Delivery Surcharge 1.0 % 1.4 % 0.9 % (0.4) % NM
Net sales from continuing operations 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
Other data:
Capital expenditures related to maintenance $ 13,190 $ 12,038 $ 7,758 $ (1,152) (9.6) %
Total capital expenditures 13,190 13,624 9,577 434 3.2 %
Depreciation & amortization expense 12,938 12,359 18,760 (579) (4.7) %
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NM - Not Meaningful
(1) EBITDA, EBITDA Margin, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are non-GAAP financial measures. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to their corresponding GAAP measures.
(2) Includes all beverages other than roasted coffee, frozen liquid coffee, and iced and hot tea, including cappuccino, cocoa, granitas, and concentrated and ready-to-drink cold brew and iced coffee.
Factors Affecting Our Business
We have identified factors that affect our industry and business which we expect will play an important role in our future growth and profitability. Some of these factors include:
•Investment in Manufacturing Facility. We are focused on leveraging our Portland, Oregon facility to produce the highest quality coffee in response to the market shift to premium and specialty coffee and create sustainable long-term growth. We will continue to invest in our facility to ensure reliable production while focusing on overall production costs.
•Supply Chain Efficiencies and Competition. In order to compete effectively and capitalize on growth opportunities, we must retain and continue to grow our customer base, evaluate and undertake initiatives to reduce costs and streamline our supply chain. We continue to look for ways to deploy our personnel, systems, assets and infrastructure to create or
enhance stockholder value. Areas of focus include distribution network optimization, methods of procurement, logistics, inventory management, supporting technology, and real estate assets. The ability to attract and retain a skilled workforce, as well as mitigate global supply chain challenges, will affect our future growth and profitability.
•Demographic and Channel Trends. Our success is dependent upon our ability to develop new products in response to demographic and other trends to better compete in areas such as premium coffee and tea, including expansion of our product portfolio by investing resources in what we believe to be key growth categories and different formats.
•Fluctuations in Green Coffee Prices. Our primary raw material is green coffee, an exchange-traded agricultural commodity that is subject to price fluctuations. Over the past five years, coffee “C” market near month price per pound ranged from approximately $0.86 to $2.60. The coffee “C” market near month price as of June 30, 2023 and 2022 was $1.65 and $2.30 per pound, respectively. The price and availability of green coffee directly impacts our results of operations. For additional details, see Risk Factors in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K.
•Hedging Strategy. We are exposed to market risk of losses due to changes in coffee commodity prices. Our business model strives to reduce the impact of green coffee price fluctuations on our financial results and to protect and stabilize our margins, principally through derivative instruments, as further explained in Note 5, Derivative Instruments, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
•Coffee Brewing Equipment Service & Restoration ("Revive"). With Revive, we offer our customers a comprehensive equipment program and 24/7 nationwide equipment service which we believe differentiates us in the marketplace. We offer a full spectrum of equipment needs, which includes brewing equipment installation, water filtration systems, equipment training, and maintenance services to ensure we are able to meet our customer’s demands.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth information regarding our consolidated results of operations for fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021.
For the Years Ended June 30, 2023 vs 2022
2023 2022 2021 Favorable (Unfavorable)
Change % Change
Net sales $ 339,964 $ 314,783 $ 261,911 $ 25,181 8 %
Cost of goods sold 225,351 180,968 166,130 (44,383) (25) %
Gross profit 114,613 133,815 95,781 (19,202) (14) %
Selling expenses 103,151 99,458 88,283 (3,693) (4) %
General and administrative expenses 37,561 43,243 38,977 5,682 13 %
Net gains from sale of assets (5,140) (2,905) (593) 2,235 NM
Impairment of fixed assets - - 1,243 - - %
Operating expenses 135,572 139,796 127,910 4,224 3 %
Loss from operations (20,959) (5,981) (32,129) (14,978) (250) %
Other (expense) income:
Interest expense (9,162) (4,009) (9,901) (5,153) (129) %
Postretirement benefits curtailment and pension settlement charge - - 6,359 - - %
Other, net (4,242) 8,140 19,386 (12,382) (152) %
Total other (expense) income (13,404) 4,131 15,844 (17,535) (424) %
Loss from continuing operations before taxes (34,363) (1,850) (16,285) (32,513) (1,757) %
Income tax (benefit) expense (325) 124 13,928 449 362 %
Loss from continuing operations $ (34,038) $ (1,974) $ (30,213) $ (32,064) (1,624) %
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NM - Not Meaningful
Fiscal 2023 and Fiscal 2022
Net Sales
Net sales in fiscal 2023 increased $25.2 million, or 8%, to $340.0 million from $314.8 million in fiscal 2022. The increase in net sales was primarily due to higher pricing compared to prior periods, partially offset by a decline in sales volume. On our sales, average unit price increased due to the increase in pricing and product mix sold to customers.
The following table presents the effect of changes in unit sales, unit pricing and product mix for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 (in millions):
Units Sold and Pricing
For Year Ended June 30, 2023 vs 2022 % of Total Mix Change
Effect of change in unit sales (22.3) (88.5) %
Effect of pricing and product mix changes 47.5 188.5 %
Total increase in net sales 25.2 100.0 %
Unit sales decreased 6.1% and average unit price increased by 15.1% in fiscal 2023 as compared to the same prior year period, resulting in a net increase in net sales of 8%. Average unit price increased during fiscal 2023 due to a mix of products sold, along with price increases implemented during fiscal 2023. There were no new product category introductions in fiscal 2023 or fiscal 2022 which had a material impact on our net sales.
Gross Profit
Gross profit in fiscal 2023 decreased $19.2 million, or 14%, to $114.6 million from $133.8 million in fiscal 2022. Gross margin decreased 8.8% to 33.7% in fiscal 2023 from 42.5% in fiscal 2022. The decrease in gross profit in fiscal 2023 was primarily driven by inflationary increases in materials and production costs, as well as an increase in underlying green coffee commodity prices.
Operating Expenses
In fiscal 2023, operating expenses decreased by $4.2 million, or 3%, to $135.6 million from $139.8 million, in fiscal 2022. The decrease was primarily due to $3.7 million increase in selling expenses offset by a $5.7 million decrease in general and administrative expenses and a $2.2 million increase in net gains from sale of assets due to sale of branch properties during fiscal 2023.
The increase in selling expenses during fiscal 2023 was primarily due to increased headcount and other payroll-related costs and the inclusion of a one time sales tax refund in fiscal 2022. The decrease in general and administrative expenses during fiscal 2023 was primarily due to a decrease in incentive compensation expense, a $1.9 million gain in connection with the Boyd Settlement, and a payroll tax refund which was partially offset by an increase in contract services.
Total Other Income (Expense)
Total other income (expense) in fiscal 2023 was $13.4 million of expense compared to $4.1 million of income in fiscal 2022. The change in total other income (expense) in fiscal 2023 was primarily a result of an increase in interest expense and an absence of the gains from coffee-related derivative instruments in fiscal 2023.
Interest expense in fiscal 2023 increased $5.2 million to $9.2 million from $4.0 million in the prior year period. The increase in interest expense in fiscal 2023 was principally due to higher interest rates, as well as an increase in interest rate swap costs.
In fiscal 2023, Other, net decreased by $12.3 million to a $4.2 million loss compared to a $8.1 million gain in fiscal 2022. The decrease in Other, net, was primarily a result of mark-to-market net losses on coffee-related derivative instruments not designated as accounting hedges.
Income Taxes
In fiscal 2023, we recorded income tax benefit of $0.3 million as compared to income tax expense of $0.1 million in fiscal 2022.
Fiscal 2022 and Fiscal 2021
Net Sales
Net sales in fiscal 2022 increased $52.9 million, or 20%, to $314.8 million from $261.9 million in fiscal 2021. The increase in net sales was primarily due to the continued recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with price increases and delivery surcharges implemented during fiscal 2022.
The following table presents the effect of changes in unit sales, unit pricing and product mix for fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 (in millions):
Units Sold and Pricing
For Year Ended June 30, 2022 vs 2021 % of Total Mix Change
Effect of change in unit sales 5.5 10.4 %
Effect of pricing and product mix changes 47.4 89.6 %
Total increase in net sales 52.9 100.0 %
Unit sales increased 1.8% and average unit price increased by 18.0% in fiscal 2022 as compared to the same prior year period, resulting in a net increase in net sales of 20%. Average unit price increased during fiscal 2022 due to a mix of products sold, along with price increases and delivery surcharges implemented during fiscal 2022. There were no new product category introductions in fiscal 2022 or fiscal 2021 which had a material impact on our net sales.
Gross Profit
Gross profit in fiscal 2022 increased $38.0 million, or 40%, to $133.8 million from $95.8 million in fiscal 2021. Gross margin increased 5.5% to 42.5% in fiscal 2022 from 37% in fiscal 2021. The increase in gross profit in fiscal 2022 was due to the continued recovery from COVID-19. The increase was also attributable to a decline in our unfavorable production variances and inventory scrap write-downs due to the closure of our aged Houston, Texas plant during fiscal 2021. The price increases and delivery surcharges implemented during fiscal 2022 helped mitigate the impact of higher supply chain and product costs.
Operating Expenses
In fiscal 2022, operating expenses increased by $11.9 million, or 9%, to $139.8 million from $127.9 million, in fiscal 2021. The increase was primarily due to $11.2 million increase in selling expenses and a $4.3 million increased in general and administrative expenses offset by a $2.3 million increase in net gains from sale of assets due to sale of branch properties during fiscal 2022 and a $1.2 million decrease in fixed asset impairment.
The increase in selling expenses in fiscal 2022 was primarily due to variable costs, including payroll, associated with the higher net sales, as well as operating costs associated with our distribution center in Rialto, California which was opened in fiscal 2021. The increase in general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2022 was primarily due to third party costs related to several supply chain optimization initiatives, partially offset by a decrease of severance costs in the prior year period. The increase in payroll in both selling and general and administrative expenses are predominately due to the expiration of the temporary 15% reduction in base salaries and the expiration of the 401(k) cash match suspension under the Farmer Bros. Co. 401(k) Plan, which were both cost saving actions implemented in fiscal 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Total Other Income (Expense)
Total other income (expense) in fiscal 2022 was $4.1 million of income compared to $15.8 million of income in fiscal 2021.
The change in total other income (expense) in fiscal 2022 was primarily a result of an absence of the gains due to the post-retirement benefit curtailment in the prior year period associated with the medical plan termination in December 2020. In addition, in June 2021, we announced the amendment of our postretirement death benefit plan effective immediately. The announcement triggered a re-measurement, and resulted in settlement gains of $6.4 million in fiscal 2021.
Interest expense in fiscal 2022 decreased $5.9 million to $4.0 million from $9.9 million in the prior year period. The decrease in interest expense in fiscal 2022 was principally due to lower interest rates on our new credit facility entered in April 2021, as well as a reduction in interest rate swap costs.
In fiscal 2022, Other, net decreased by $11.3 million to $8.1 million compared to $19.4 million in fiscal 2021. The decrease in Other, net, was primarily a result of lower amortized gains on our terminated post-retirement medical benefit plan and mark-to-market net losses on coffee-related derivative instruments not designated as accounting hedges.
Income Taxes
In fiscal 2022, we recorded income tax expense of $0.1 million as compared to $13.9 million in fiscal 2021. The 2021 tax expense is primarily due to the $13.7 million of previously deferred non-cash tax expense in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with gains on the postretirement medical plan in prior years. Upon termination of this plan during fiscal 2021, the deferred non-cash tax expense was reversed out of other comprehensive income and recorded in continuing operations net income in the second quarter of fiscal 2021.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to net loss determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), we use the following non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our operating performance:
“EBITDA” is defined as loss from continuing operations excluding the impact of:
•income tax benefit;
•interest expense; and
•depreciation and amortization expense.
“EBITDA Margin” is defined as EBITDA expressed as a percentage of net sales.
“Adjusted EBITDA” is defined as loss from continuing operations excluding the impact of:
•income tax benefit;
•interest expense;
•depreciation and amortization expense;
•401(k), ESOP and share-based compensation expense;
•gain on Settlement with Boyd's sellers;
•net gains from sales of assets;
•strategic initiatives;
•severance costs;
•impairment of fixed assets;
•costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic;
•severe weather event; and
•postretirement benefits gains curtailment and pension settlement charge.
“Adjusted EBITDA Margin” is defined as Adjusted EBITDA expressed as a percentage of net sales.
For purposes of calculating EBITDA and EBITDA Margin and Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, we have excluded the impact of interest expense resulting from the adoption of ASU 2017-07, non-cash pretax pension and postretirement benefits resulting from the amendment and termination of certain Farmer Bros. pension and postretirement benefits plans and severance because these items are not reflective of our ongoing operating results.
We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide a useful measure of the Company’s operating results, a meaningful comparison with historical results and with the results of other companies, and insight into the Company’s ongoing operating performance. Further, management utilizes these measures, in addition to GAAP measures, when evaluating and comparing the Company’s operating performance against internal financial forecasts and budgets.
We believe that EBITDA facilitates operating performance comparisons from period to period by isolating the effects of certain items that vary from period to period without any correlation to core operating performance or that vary widely among similar companies. These potential differences may be caused by variations in capital structures (affecting interest expense), tax positions (such as the impact on periods or companies of changes in effective tax rates or net operating losses) and the age and book depreciation of facilities and equipment (affecting relative depreciation expense). We also present EBITDA and EBITDA Margin because (i) we believe that these measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry, (ii) we believe that investors will find these measures useful in assessing our ability to service or incur indebtedness, and (iii) we use these measures internally as benchmarks to compare our performance to that of our competitors.
EBITDA, EBITDA Margin, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, as defined by us, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. We do not intend for non-GAAP financial measures to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. This calculation is for continuing operations only.
Set forth below is a reconciliation of reported loss from continuing operations to EBITDA (unaudited):
For the Year Ended June 30,
(In thousands) 2023 2022 2021
Loss from continuing operations, as reported $ (34,038) $ (1,974) $ (30,213)
Income tax (benefit) expense (325) 124 13,928
Interest expense (1) 4,499 591 6,171
Depreciation and amortization expense 12,939 12,360 18,760
EBITDA $ (16,925) $ 11,101 $ 8,646
EBITDA Margin (5.0) % 3.5 % 3.3 %
____________
(1)Excludes interest expense related to pension plans and postretirement benefits.
Set forth below is a reconciliation of reported loss from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited):
Year Ended June 30,
(In thousands) 2023 2022 2021
Loss from continuing operations, as reported $ (34,038) $ (1,974) $ (30,213)
Income tax (benefit) expense (325) 124 13,928
Interest expense (1) 4,499 591 6,171
Depreciation and amortization expense 12,939 12,360 18,760
401(k), ESOP and share-based compensation expense 8,212 6,989 4,580
Net (gains) losses from sale of assets (5,140) (2,905) (593)
Strategic initiatives (1,917) - -
Severance costs - 76 4,203
Impairment of fixed assets 1,617 953 1,596
Gain on settlement with Boyd's sellers (2) - - 1,243
- - 352
Non-recurring costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic - - 109
Weather-related event - 2021 severe winter weather - - (6,359)
Postretirement benefits gains curtailment and pension settlement charge $ (14,153) $ 16,214 $ 13,777
Adjusted EBITDA (4.2) % 5.2 % 5.3 %
Adjusted EBITDA Margin
________
(1)Excludes interest expense related to pension plans and postretirement benefits.
(2)Result of the settlement related to the acquisition of Boyd Coffee Company which included the cancellation of shares of Series A Preferred Stock and settlement of liabilities.
Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Condition
Results include the cash flow impacts of discontinued operations, unless otherwise noted.
The following table summarizes the Company’s debt obligations, excluding unamortized deferred debt financing costs:
June 30, 2023 June 30, 2022
(In thousands) Debt Origination Date Maturity Principal Amount Borrowed Carrying Value Weighted Average Interest Rate
Carrying Value Weighted Average Interest Rate
Revolver various 4/25/2025 N/A $ 23,021 6.66 % $ 63,000 6.17 %
Term Loan 4/26/2021 4/25/2025 $ 47,500 $ - $ 45,600 7.50 %
Total $ 23,021 $ 108,600
Credit Facility
The revolver under the Credit Facility has a commitment of up to $75.0 million and a maturity date of April 25, 2025. Availability under the revolver is calculated as the lesser of (a) $75.0 million or (b) the amount equal to the sum of (i) 85% of eligible accounts receivable (less a dilution reserve), plus (ii) the lesser of: (a) 80% of eligible raw material inventory, eligible in-transit inventory and eligible finished goods inventory (collectively, “Eligible Inventory”), and (b) 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of Eligible Inventory, minus (c) applicable reserve. The term loan under the Term Credit Facility was fully paid down on June 30, 2023.
The Credit Facility contain customary affirmative and negative covenants and restrictions typical for a financing of this type. Non-compliance with one or more of the covenants and restrictions could result in the full or partial principal balance of the Credit Facility becoming immediately due and payable and termination of the commitments. As of and through June 30, 2023, we were in compliance with all of the covenants under the Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility provides us with increased flexibility to proactively manage our liquidity and working capital, while maintaining compliance with our debt financial covenants, and preserving financial liquidity to mitigate the impact of the uncertain business environment and continue to execute on key strategic initiatives.
Pursuant to an International Swap Dealers Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA”) effective March 20, 2019, the Company on March 27, 2019, entered into a swap transaction utilizing a notional amount of $80.0 million, with an effective date of April 11, 2019 and a maturity date of October 11, 2023 (the “Original Rate Swap”). In December 2019, the Company amended the notional amount to $65.0 million. The Original Rate Swap was intended to manage the Company’s interest rate risk on its floating-rate indebtedness under the Company's prior revolving credit facility. Under the terms of the Original Rate Swap, the Company received 1-month LIBOR, subject to a 0% floor, and made payments based on a fixed rate of 2.1975%. The Company’s obligations under the ISDA were secured by the collateral which secures the loans under the prior revolving credit facility on a pari passu and pro rata basis with the principal of such loans. On May 16, 2023, the Company settled the Original Rate Swap. The net settlement of the Original Rate Swap was a $13 thousand loss. There is no remaining balance frozen in AOCI as of June 30, 2023. See Note 5, Derivative Instruments, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K, for details.
At June 30, 2023, we had outstanding borrowings of $23.0 million and utilized $4.0 million of the letters of credit sublimit under the Credit Facility, and had $35.8 million of availability under our Credit Facility.
Liquidity
We generally finance our operations through cash flows from operations and borrowings under our Credit Facility. In light of our financial position, operating performance and current economic conditions, including the state of the global capital markets, there can be no assurance as to whether or when we will be able to raise capital by issuing securities. We believe that the Credit Facility, to the extent available, in addition to our cash flows from operations, collectively, will be sufficient to fund our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for the next 12 months.
At June 30, 2023, we had $5.2 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. Further changes in commodity prices and the number of coffee-related derivative instruments held could have a significant impact on cash deposit requirements under our broker and counterparty agreements and may adversely affect our liquidity. An economic downturn may also cause substantial changes in consumer behavior and demand for our products, adversely affecting results of operations and our financial position, some of which we may not be able to predict with certainty.
Cash Flows
The significant captions and amounts from our consolidated statements of cash flows are summarized below:
For the Years Ended June 30,
2023 2022
Consolidated Statements of cash flows data (in thousands)
Net cash used in operating activities $ (6,880) $ (11,454)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 88,445 (6,045)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (86,140) 17,055
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents $ (4,575) $ (444)
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities in fiscal 2023 decreased $4.6 million as compared to fiscal 2022. The change was driven by a decrease in inventory, partially offset by lower cash earnings.
Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities during fiscal 2023 was $88.4 million as compared to net cash used of $6.0 million during fiscal 2022. The $94.4 million change is primarily reflective of the $92.2 million of net cash proceeds resulting from the Sale.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities during fiscal 2023 was $86.1 million as compared to of $17.1 million of cash provided by financing activities during fiscal 2022. Proceeds from the Sale were used to pay off in full, the $47 million outstanding amount under the Term Credit Facility and the partial pay down of the Revolver Credit Facility to a balance of $23.0 million as of June 30, 2023.
Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Contingencies
Our principal sources of liquidity are our existing cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from our operations and borrowing capacity currently available under our Credit Facility. We generally finance our obligations through cash flows from operations and borrowings under our Credit Facility. We believe that the Credit Facility, to the extent available, in addition to our cash flows from operations, collectively, will be sufficient to fund our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for the next 12 months.
At June 30, 2023, we had $5.2 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. At June 30, 2023, we had $35.8 million of availability under our Credit Facility.
The following table contains information regarding total contractual obligations as of June 30, 2023, which we expect to fund primarily with operating cash flows:
Payment due by period
(In thousands) Total Less Than
One Year 1-3
Years 3-5
Years More Than
5 Years
Contractual obligations:
Operating lease obligations(1) $ 28,916 $ 7,979 $ 12,501 $ 7,509 $ 927
Finance lease obligations(1) 482 193 289 - -
Pension plan obligations(2) 73,730 7,660 14,890 15,070 36,110
Postretirement benefits other than pension plans (2) 661 62 130 137 332
Revolving credit facility (4) 23,021 - 23,021 - -
Purchase commitments(3) 115,335 115,335 - - -
Derivative liabilities 2,636 2,636 - - -
Total contractual obligations $ 244,781 $ 133,865 $ 50,831 $ 22,716 $ 37,369
______________
(1) See Note 6, Leases, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
(2) See Note 12, Employee Benefit Plans, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
(3) Purchase commitments include commitments under coffee purchase contracts for which all delivery terms have been finalized but the related coffee has not been received as of June 30, 2023. Amounts shown in the table above: (a) include all coffee purchase contracts that the Company considers to be from normal purchases; and (b) do not include amounts related to derivative instruments that are recorded at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Purchase commitments related to the Sale will be transferred to the Buyer in the first half of fiscal 2024. See Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
(4) See Note 13, Debt Obligations, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
Capital Expenditures
For fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 our capital expenditures paid were $15.0 million, $15.2 million and $15.1 million respectively. In fiscal 2024, we anticipate capital expenditures will be between $16.0 million and $18.0 million. We expect to finance these expenditures through cash flows from operations and borrowings under our Revolver Credit Facility.
Depreciation and amortization expense from continuing operations was $12.9 million, $12.4 million and $18.8 million in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a summary of recently adopted and recently issued accounting standards and their related effects or anticipated effects on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of June 30, 2023 or June 30, 2022.
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following tables set forth certain unaudited quarterly information for each of the eight fiscal quarters in the two-year period ended June 30, 2023. This quarterly information has been prepared on a consistent basis with the audited consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of management, includes all adjustments which management believes are necessary for a fair presentation of the information for the periods presented. All prior period amounts have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the impact of discontinued operations to previously issued financial statements.
The Company's quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of factors, and operating results for any fiscal quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for a full fiscal year or future fiscal quarters.
(In thousands) Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Net sales $ 79,826 $ 88,919 $ 85,723 $ 85,496
Gross profit 27,018 31,023 28,755 27,817
Loss from continuing operations, net of cumulative preferred dividends unpaid and undeclared $ (1,580) $ (8,682) $ (6,927) $ (16,849)
Net loss available to common stockholders $ (7,374) $ (13,608) $ (11,423) $ (46,775)
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted $ (0.39) $ (0.73) $ (0.57) $ (2.33)
(In thousands) Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Net sales $ 72,254 $ 79,255 $ 78,673 $ 84,601
Gross profit 29,108 33,391 35,345 35,971
Loss from continuing operations, net of cumulative preferred dividends unpaid and undeclared $ (198) $ (2,616) $ 8 $ 238
Net loss available to common stockholders $ (2,424) $ (5,420) $ (4,040) $ (4,371)
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted $ (0.14) $ (0.31) $ (0.23) $ (0.23)
Note: The sum of individual quarterly net loss per share may not agree to the total for the year due to each period's computation being based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during such period.
Critical Accounting Estimates
We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if: (1) the accounting estimate requires us to make assumptions about matters that were highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate was made, and (2) changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, or use of different estimates that we reasonably could have used in the current period, would have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
Our significant accounting estimates are discussed in additional detail in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K. We believe that our significant accounting estimates involve a higher degree of judgment and/or complexity for the reasons discussed below:
Fair value of coffee-related derivative instruments
We are exposed to commodity price risk arising from changes in the market price of green coffee. In general, increases in the price of green coffee could cause our cost of goods sold to increase and, if not offset by product price increases, could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations. As a result, our business model strives to reduce the impact
of green coffee price fluctuations on our financial results and to protect and stabilize our margins, principally through customer arrangements and derivative instruments.
We utilize derivative instruments to reduce the impact of changing green coffee commodity prices. We purchase over-the-counter coffee derivative instruments to enable us to lock in the price of green coffee commodity purchases. These derivative instruments may be entered into at the direction of the customer under commodity-based pricing arrangements to effectively lock in the purchase price of green coffee under such customer arrangements, in certain cases up to 18 months or longer in the future. Notwithstanding this customer direction, pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC“) 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” we are considered the owner of these derivative instruments and, therefore, we are required to account for them as such. In the event the customer fails to purchase the products associated with the underlying derivative instruments for which the price has been locked-in on behalf of the customer, we expect that such derivative instruments will be assigned to, and assumed by, the customer in accordance with contractual terms or, in the absence of such terms, in accordance with standard industry custom and practice. In the event the customer fails to assume such derivative instruments, we will remain obligated on the derivative instruments at settlement. We generally settle derivative instruments to coincide with the receipt of the purchased green coffee or apply the derivative instruments to purchase orders effectively fixing the cost of in-bound green coffee purchases. As of June 30, 2023 and 2022, we had 3.9 million and 4.7 million pounds of green coffee covered under coffee-related derivative instruments, respectively. We do not purchase any derivative instruments to hedge cost fluctuations of any commodities other than green coffee.
The fair value of derivative instruments is based upon broker quotes. We account for certain coffee-related derivative instruments as accounting hedges in order to minimize the volatility created in our quarterly results from utilizing these derivative contracts and to improve comparability between reporting periods. The change in fair value of the derivative is reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) on our consolidated balance sheet and subsequently reclassified into cost of goods sold in the period or periods when the hedged transaction affects earnings. At June 30, 2023, approximately 40% of our outstanding coffee-related derivative instruments, representing 1.5 million pounds of forecasted green coffee purchases, were designated as cash flow hedges. At June 30, 2022, approximately 89% of our outstanding coffee-related derivative instruments, representing 4.2 million pounds of forecasted green coffee purchases, were designated as cash flow hedges. The portion of open hedging contracts that are not designated as accounting hedges are marked to period-end market price and unrealized gains or losses based on whether the period-end market price was higher or lower than the price we locked-in are recognized in our financial results.
Single Employer Pension Plan
The estimation of our single employer Farmer Bros. pension plan requires that we make use of various actuarial assumptions such as discount rates and expected long-term rates of return on plan assets. Material changes in pension costs may occur in the future due to changes in these assumptions. Plan obligations and expenses are based on existing retirement plan provisions.
The assumptions used in developing the required estimates include the following key factors:
•Discount rates. We utilize a yield curve analysis to determine the discount rates for our defined benefit plans’ obligations. The yield curve considers pricing and yield information for high quality bonds with maturities matched to estimated payouts of future pension benefits.
•Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. The expected return on plan assets is based on our expectation of the long-term rates of return on each asset class based on the current asset mix of the funds, considering the historical returns earned on the type of assets in the funds.
The following table illustrates the sensitivity to a change in certain assumptions for the Farmer Bros. pension plan, holding all other assumptions constant:
($ in thousands) Effect on 2023 Net Periodic Benefit Cost Effect on June 30, 2023 PBO
50 basis points decrease in discount rate $ (62) $ 4,675
50 basis points increase in discount rate $ 50 $ (4,302)
50 basis points decrease in expected rate of return on assets $ 365 N/A
50 basis points increase in expected rate of return on assets $ (365) N/A
See Note 12, Employee Benefit Plans, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further discussions of our various pension plans.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
We historically have been exposed to market value risk arising from changes in interest rates on our securities portfolio for which we entered, from time to time, futures and options contracts, or invested in derivative instruments, to manage our interest rate risk. Effective March 27, 2019, the Company entered into an interest rate swap to manage the interest rate risk on its floating-rate indebtedness. In connection with the Revolver Credit Facility, the Company also executed a new ISDA agreement to transfer its interest swap to Wells Fargo (“Amended Rate Swap”). Under the terms of the Amended Rate Swap, the Company receives 1-month LIBOR, subject to a 0% floor, and makes payments based on a fixed rate of 2.4725%, an increase of 0.275% from its original interest rate swap fixed rate of 2.1975%. The Amended Rate Swap utilizes the same notional amount of $65.0 million and maturity date of October 11, 2023 as the original interest rate swap. See Note 5, Derivative Instruments, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further discussions of our derivative instruments.
At June 30, 2023, we had outstanding borrowings on our Revolver of $23.0 million and had utilized $4.0 million of the letters of credit sublimit. The weighted average interest rate on our outstanding borrowings subject to interest rate variability under the Revolver at June 30, 2023 was 6.66%.
The following table demonstrates the impact of interest rate changes on our annual interest expense on outstanding borrowings subject to interest rate variability under the Revolver based on the weighted average interest rate on the outstanding borrowings as of June 30, 2023:
($ in thousands) Principal Interest Rate Annual Interest Expense
-150 basis points $ 23,021 5.16 % $ 1,188
-100 basis points $ 23,021 5.66 % $ 1,303
Unchanged $ 23,021 6.66 % $ 1,533
+100 basis points $ 23,021 7.66 % $ 1,763
+150 basis points $ 23,021 8.16 % $ 1,879
Commodity Price Risk
We are exposed to commodity price risk arising from changes in the market price of green coffee. We value green coffee inventory on the FIFO basis. In the normal course of business we hold a large green coffee inventory and enter into forward commodity purchase agreements with suppliers. We are subject to price risk resulting from the volatility of green coffee prices. Due to competition and market conditions, volatile price increases cannot always be passed on to our customers. See Note 5, Derivative Instruments, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further discussions of our derivative instruments.
The following table summarizes the potential impact as of June 30, 2023 to net income (loss) and AOCI from a hypothetical 10% change in coffee commodity prices. The information provided below relates only to the coffee-related derivative instruments and does not include, when applicable, the corresponding changes in the underlying hedged items:
Increase (Decrease) to Net Income Increase (Decrease) to AOCI
10% Increase in Underlying Rate 10% Decrease in Underlying Rate 10% Increase in Underlying Rate 10% Decrease in Underlying Rate
(In thousands)
Coffee-related derivative instruments(1) $ 378 $ (378) $ 260 $ (260)
__________
(1) The Company's purchase contracts that qualify as normal purchases include green coffee purchase commitments for which the price has been locked in as of June 30, 2023. These contracts are not included in the sensitivity analysis above as the underlying price has been fixed.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes set forth in the F pages of this Form 10-K.

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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
Disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act, are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
As of June 30, 2023, our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of June 30, 2023, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Rules 13a-15(d) or 15d-15(d) promulgated under the Exchange Act during our fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2023, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions; providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our consolidated financial statements; providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of Company assets are made in accordance with management authorization; and providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Company assets that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a material misstatement of our consolidated financial statements would be prevented or detected.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of June 30, 2023. The Company's independent registered public accounting firm, Grant Thornton LLP (“Grant Thornton”), (PCAOB ID Number 248), has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Their report is included with the consolidated financial statements.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
Not applicable.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this item will be set forth in the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the Company’s 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated in this Form 10-K by reference.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this Form 10-K by reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this Form 10-K by reference.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this Form 10-K by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this Form 10-K by reference.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)List of Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules:
1. Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2023 and 2022.
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended June 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the Years Ended June 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended June 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
2. Financial Statement Schedules: Financial Statement Schedules are omitted as they are not applicable, or the required information is given in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
3. The exhibits to this Form 10-K are listed on the accompanying index to exhibits and are incorporated herein by reference or are filed as part of the Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(b)Exhibits:
Exhibit No. Description
2.1 Asset Purchase Agreement, dated June 6, 2023, between TreeHouse Foods, Inc. and Farmer Bros. Co. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 6, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference).
2.2 Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated June 30, 2023, between TreeHouse Foods, Inc. and Farmer Bros. Co. (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 6, 2023 and incorporated by reference herein).
3.1 Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Farmer Bros. Co. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 12, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference).
Exhibit No. Description
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Farmer Bros. Co. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 2, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.1 Description of Farmer Bros. Co. Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (filed herewith).
10.1 Farmer Bros. Co. Pension Plan for Salaried Employees, Farmer Bros. Co. Retirement Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 filed with the SEC on November 7, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.2 Amendment No. 1 to Farmer Bros. Co. Pension Plan for Salaried Employees, Farmer Bros. Co. Retirement Plan effective June 30, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016 filed with the SEC on September 14, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.3 Action of the Administrative Committee of the Farmer Bros. Co. Qualified Employee Retirement Plans amending the Farmer Bros. Co. Retirement Plan, effective as of December 6, 2012 (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.4 Amendment to the Farmer Bros. Co. Retirement Plan, dated as of December 1, 2018 (filed as Exhibit 10.53 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.5 Farmer Bros. Co. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Ownership Plan, as adopted by the Board of Directors on December 9, 2010 and effective as of January 1, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 filed with the SEC on May 6, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.6 Action of the Administrative Committee of the Farmer Bros. Co. Qualified Employee Retirement Plans amending the Farmer Bros. Co. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Ownership Plan, effective as of January 1, 2012 (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017 filed with the SEC on September 28, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.7 Action of the Administrative Committee of the Farmer Bros. Co. Qualified Employee Retirement Plans amending the Farmer Bros. Co. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Ownership Plan, effective as of January 1, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 filed with the SEC on November 9, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.8 Action of the Administrative Committee of the Farmer Bros. Co. Qualified Employee Retirement Plans amending the Farmer Bros. Co. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Ownership Plan, effective as of January 1, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 filed with the SEC on November 9, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.9 Amendment dated October 6, 2016 to Farmer Bros. Co. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Ownership Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 7, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.10 Second Amendment to the Farmer Bros. Co. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Ownership Plan, dated as of December 31, 2018 (filed as Exhibit 10.52 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.11 Action of the Administrative Committee of the Farmer Bros. Co. Qualified Employee Retirement Plans amending the Farmer Bros. Co. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Ownership Plan, effective as of January 1, 2017 (filed as Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 filed with the SEC on February 7, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.12 Employment Agreement, dated as of September 6, 2019, by and between Farmer Bros. Co. and Deverl Maserang (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 10, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.13 Farmer Bros. Co. 2007 Omnibus Plan, as amended (as approved by the stockholders at the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on December 6, 2012) (filed as Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 filed with the SEC on November 7, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.14 Form of Farmer Bros. Co. 2007 Omnibus Plan Stock Option Grant Notice and Stock Option Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.39 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.15 Form of Farmer Bros. Co. 2007 Omnibus Plan Restricted Stock Award Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.41 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference).*
Exhibit No. Description
10.16 Farmer Bros. Co. Amended and Restated 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as approved by the stockholders at the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on December 5, 2013) (filed as Exhibit 10.35 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.17 Addendum to Farmer Bros. Co. Amended and Restated 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.30 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 filed with the SEC on February 9, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.18 Form of Farmer Bros. Co. Amended and Restated 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan Stock Option Grant Notice and Stock Option Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.43 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.19 Form of Farmer Bros. Co. Amended and Restated 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.45 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.20 Farmer Bros. Co. 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 26, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.21 Form of Farmer Bros. Co. 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan Stock Option Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 4, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.22 Form of Farmer Bros. Co. 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan Stock Restricted Unit Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 22, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.23 Form of Farmer Bros. Co. 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 4, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.24 Form of Farmer Bros. Co. 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (filed herewith).*
10.25 Form of Farmer Bros. Co. 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (Directors) (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 4, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.26 Form of Farmer Bros. Co. 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (Employees) (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 4, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.27 Farmer Bros. Co. Amended and Restated 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on December 28, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.28 Form of Farmer Bros Co. Amended and Restated 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Directors) (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on May 10, 2023 and incorporated by reference herein).*
10.29 Form of Farmer Bros. Co. Amended and Restated 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (filed herewith).*
10.30 Form of Farmer Bros. Co. Amended and Restated 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan Cash-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (filed herewith).*
10.31 Farmer Bros. Co. 2020 Inducement Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 16, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.32 Form of Farmer Bros. Co. 2020 Inducement Incentive Plan Stock Option Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 16, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.33 Form of Farmer Bros. Co. 2020 Inducement Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 22, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.34 Form of Severance Agreement (filed herewith).*
10.35 Form of Amended and Restated Severance Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 6, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference).*
Exhibit No. Description
10.36 Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Officers of the Company, as adopted on December 8, 2017 (filed as Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, filed with the SEC on September 2, 2022).*
10.37 Interest Rate Swap Confirmation, dated as of March 28, 2019, by and between Farmer Bros., Co. and Citibank, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 29, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.38 Credit Agreement dated as of dated as of April 26, 2021, by and among Farmer Bros. Co., a Delaware corporation, the other loan parties named therein, the lenders named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and lender (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 27, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.39 Consent and Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 20, 2021, by and among Farmer Bros Co., the other loan parties named therein, the lenders named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and lender (filed as Exhibit 10.47 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 2, 2022).
10.40 Increase Joinder and Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, dated as of August 8, 2022, by and among Farmer Bros. Co., the other loan parties named therein, the lenders named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and lender (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 9, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.41 Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement, dated August 31, 2022, by and among Farmer Bros. Co., the other loan parties named therein, the lenders named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and lender (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 31, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.42 Consent and Amendment No. 4 to Credit Agreement, dated June 30, 2023, by and among Farmer Bros. Co., the other loan parties named therein, the lenders named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and lender (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 6, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.43 Guaranty and Security Agreement dated as of April 26, 2021, by and among Farmer Bros. Co., a Delaware corporation, the other grantors named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 27, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.44 Credit Agreement dated as of April 26, 2021, by and among Farmer Bros. Co., a Delaware corporation, the other loan parties named therein, the lenders named therein and MGG Investment Group LP, as administrative agent (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 27, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.45 Guaranty and Security Agreement dated as of April 26, 2021, by and among Farmer Bros. Co., a Delaware corporation, the other grantors named therein, and MGG Investment Group LP, as administrative agent (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 27, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.46 ISDA Master Agreement dated as of April 26, 2021, by and between Farmer Bros. Co. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 27, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.47 Schedule of the ISDA Master Agreement, dated as of April 26, 2021, by and between Farmer Bros. Co. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 27, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.48 Replacement interest rate swap with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. pursuant to a new interest rate swap confirmation (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 27, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.49 General Release and Separation Agreement, dated March 23, 2023, by and between Farmer Bros. Co. and Ruben Inofuentes (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 28, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.50 General Release and Separation Agreement, dated March 25, 2023, by and between Farmer Bros. Co. and Maurice Moragne (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 28, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.51 Cooperation Agreement, dated October 30, 2022, by and among Farmer Bros Co., the entities and persons listed on Exhibit A thereto, and the entities and persons listed on Exhibit B thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 31, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference).
Exhibit No. Description
14.1 Farmer Bros. Co. Code of Conduct and Ethics adopted on August 26, 2010 and updated February 2013 and September 7, 2017 (filed as Exhibit 14.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017 filed with the SEC on September 29, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).
16.1 Letter of Deloitte & Touche LLP to the SEC dated December 22, 2021, (filed as Exhibit 16.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 22, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference).
21.1 List of all Subsidiaries of Farmer Bros. Co. (filed as Exhibit 21.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 2, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference).
23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith).
23.2 Consent of Grant Thornton LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith).
31.1 Principal Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
31.2 Principal Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
32.1 Principal Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
32.2 Principal Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
97.1 Farmer Bros. Co. Amended and Restated Policy on Executive Compensation in Restatement Situations (filed herewith).
101.INS XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document (furnished herewith).
101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (furnished herewith).
101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (furnished herewith).
101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (furnished herewith).
101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (furnished herewith).
101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (furnished herewith).
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document (furnished herewith).
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* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.