NAII

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this report, including information incorporated by reference, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect current views about future events and financial performance based on certain assumptions. They include opinions, forecasts, intentions, plans, goals, projections, guidance, expectations, beliefs, or other statements that are not statements of historical fact. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “approximate,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,”, “future”, or “likely”, or the negative or other variation of such words, and similar expressions may identify a statement as a forward-looking statement. Any statements that refer to projections of our future financial performance, our anticipated growth and trends in our business, our goals, strategies, focus and plans, and other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including statements expressing general optimism or pessimism about future operating results, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this report may include statements about:

Forward-looking statements in this Report speak only as of the date of this Report based on information available to us at that time and caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain future events, risks, and uncertainties that are or may be outside of our control. When considering forward-looking statements, you should carefully review the risks, uncertainties and other cautionary statements in this Report as they identify certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the risks described under Item 1A of Part II and elsewhere in this Report, as well as in other reports and documents we have filed and will file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Natural Alternatives International, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Natural Alternatives International, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Natural Alternatives International, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders’ Equity

Three-Month Period Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Natural Alternatives International, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders’ Equity

Six-Month Period Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Natural Alternatives International, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

A. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and with applicable rules and regulations. Pursuant to such rules and regulations, certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) have been condensed or omitted. In management’s opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows have been included and are of a normal, recurring nature. The results of operations for the three and six months ended December 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or for any future periods.

You should read the financial statements and these notes, which notes are an integral part of the financial statements, together with our audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021 (“2021 Annual Report”). The accounting policies used to prepare the financial statements included in this Report are the same policies described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements in our 2021 Annual Report unless otherwise noted below.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

On December 18, 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. This new standard eliminates certain exceptions in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740 related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period, and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. It also clarifies and simplifies other aspects of the accounting for income taxes. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted in any interim period within that year. We have adopted this ASU effective this first quarter of fiscal 2022. This ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting and Regulatory Pronouncements

Other recently issued accounting pronouncements are not discussed in this Report as such pronouncements did not have, and are not believed by management to have, a material impact on our present or future financial statements.

Net Income per Common Share

We compute net income per common share using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, and diluted net income per common share using the additional dilutive effect of all dilutive securities. The dilutive impact of stock options and unvested restricted shares account for the additional weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for our diluted net income per common share computation. We calculated basic and diluted net income per common share as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

We did not exclude any stock options or restricted stock shares for the three or six months ended December 31, 2021 as none would have had an anti-dilutive impact. We did not exclude any stock options or restricted stock shares for the three months ended December 31, 2020. During the six months ended December 31, 2020, we excluded shares relating to stock options totaling 90,000 and 116,658 shares of unvested restricted stock, as their impact would have been anti-dilutive.

Revenue Recognition

We record revenue based on a five-step model which includes: (1) identifying a contract with a customer; (2) identifying the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determining the transaction price; (4) allocating the transaction price among the performance obligations; and (5) recognizing revenue as each of the various performance obligations are satisfied.

Revenue is measured as the net amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for fulfilling one or more performance obligations. We identify purchase orders from customers as contracts. The amount of consideration expected to be received and revenue recognized includes estimates of variable consideration, including estimates for early payment discounts and volume rebates. Such estimates are calculated using historical averages adjusted for any expected changes due to current business conditions and experience. We review and update these estimates at the end of each reporting period and the impact of any adjustments is recognized in the period the adjustments are identified. In assessing whether collection of consideration from a customer is probable, we consider both the customer's ability and intent to pay that amount of consideration when it is due. Payment of invoices is due as specified in the underlying customer agreement, which is typically 30 days from the invoice date. Invoices are generally issued on the date of transfer of control of the products ordered to the customer.

Revenue is recognized at the point in time that each of our performance obligations is fulfilled, and control of the ordered products is transferred to the customer. This transfer occurs when the product is shipped, or in some cases, when the product is delivered to the customer.

We provide early payment discounts to certain customers. Based on historical payment trends, we expect that these customers will take advantage of these early payment discounts. The cost of these discounts is reported as a reduction to the transaction price. If the actual discounts differ from those estimated, the difference is also reported as a change in the transaction price. We require prepayment from certain customers. We record any payments received in advance of contracts fulfillment as a contract liability and classified as customer deposits on the consolidated balance sheet.

Except for product defects, no right of return exists on the sale of our products. We estimate returns based on historical experience and recognize a returns liability for any estimated returns. As of December 31, 2021, we have no known returns liability.

We have an Exclusive Manufacturing Agreement with The Juice Plus+ Company LLC (“Juice Plus+”) through August 6, 2025. Pursuant to the Exclusive Manufacturing Agreement, Juice Plus+ has granted us exclusive rights to manufacture and supply them with certain of their products within 24 countries where Juice Plus+ currently sells those products. Pursuant to this Exclusive Manufacturing Agreement, we provide Juice Plus+ with a cash discount. We recorded $0.3 million of “Cash Sales Discount” for the three months ended December 31, 2021, and $0.7 during the six months ended December 31, 2021, which was recorded as a reduction to net sales. We recorded $0.4 million of cash sales discount during the three months ended December 31, 2020 and $0.8 million during the six months ended December 31, 2020.

We currently own certain U.S. patents, and each patent’s corresponding foreign patent applications. All of these patents and patent rights relate to the ingredient known as beta-alanine marketed and sold under our CarnoSyn® and SR CarnoSyn® trade names. We recorded beta-alanine raw material sales and royalty and licensing income as a component of revenue in the amount of $4.1 million during the three months ended December 31, 2021, and $8.8 million during the six months ended December 31, 2021. We similarly recorded $2.8 million during the three months ended December 31, 2020 and $5.4 million during the six months ended December 31, 2020. These royalty income and raw material sale amounts resulted in royalty expense paid to the original patent holders from whom NAI acquired its patents and patent rights. We recognized royalty expense as a component of cost of goods sold in the amount of $0.2 million during the three months ended December 31, 2021, and $0.4 million during the six months ended December 31, 2021. We recorded $0.1 million during the three months ended December 31, 2020 and $0.3 million during the six months ended December 31, 2020.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Board of Directors approved a new omnibus equity incentive plan that became effective January 1, 2021 (the “2020 Plan”), which was approved by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on December 4, 2020. Under the 2020 Plan, we may grant nonqualified and incentive stock options, restricted stock grants, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, and other stock-based awards to employees, non-employee directors and consultants.

We did not grant any options during each of the three and six month periods ending December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. No options were exercised during the three and six month periods ending December 31, 2021. During the three and six months ended December 31, 2020, 100,000 stock options were exercised. These exercises were cashless net exercises resulting in the issuance of 30,442 shares. There were no option forfeitures during the three and six month periods ended December 31, 2021 or December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2021, we did not have any stock options outstanding.

We did not grant any restricted stock shares during the three or six months ending December 31, 2021 or December 31, 2020. During the three months ended December 31, 2021, 2,100 restricted stock shares were forfeited. During the six months ended December 31, 2021, 18,432 restricted stock shares were forfeited. No restricted stock shares were forfeited during the three or six months ended December 30, 2020.

Deferred Compensation Plan

Effective July 16, 2020, the Board of Directors approved and adopted a Non-Qualified Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”). Pursuant to the Incentive Plan, the Human Resources Committee and the Board of Directors may make deferred cash payments or other cash awards (“Awards”) to directors, officers, employees and eligible consultants of NAI, (“Participants”). These Awards are made subject to conditions precedent that must be met before NAI is obligated to make the payment. The purpose of the Incentive Plan is to enhance the long-term stockholder value of NAI by providing the Human Resources Committee and the Board of Directors the ability to make deferred cash payments or other cash awards to encourage Participants to serve NAI or to remain in the service of NAI, or to assist NAI to achieve results determined by the Human Resources Committee or the Board of Directors to be in NAI's best interest.

The Incentive Plan authorizes the Human Resources Committee or the Board of Directors to grant to, and administer, unsecured and deferred cash Awards to Participants and to subject each Award to whatever conditions are determined appropriate by the Human Resources Committee or the Board of Directors. The terms of each Award, including the amount and any conditions that must be met to be entitled to payment of the Award are set forth in an Award Agreement between each Participant and NAI. The Incentive Plan provides the Board of Directors with the discretion to set aside assets to fund the Incentive Plan although that has not been done to date.

There were no deferred cash awards granted during the three and six months ended December 31, 2021. There were no deferred cash awards granted during the three months ended December 31, 2020. During the six months ended December 31, 2020, we granted a total of $1.0 million in deferred cash awards to members of our Board of Directors and certain key members of our management team. No deferred cash awards were forfeited during the three months ended December 31, 2021. Awards totaling $191,000 were forfeited during the six months ended December 31, 2021. No awards were forfeited during the three and six months ended December 31, 2020. Each deferred cash award provides for three equal cash payments to the applicable Participant to be paid on the one year, two year, and three year anniversaries of the date of the grant of such Awards, (the “Award Date”); provided on the date of each payment (the “Payment Date”), the Participant has been since Award Date, and continues to be through the Payment Date, a member of our Board of Directors or an employee of NAI. In the event a Participant ceases to be an employee of NAI or a member of our Board of Directors prior to any Payment Date, no further payments shall be made in connection with the Award.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Except for cash and cash equivalents, as of December 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021, we did not have any financial assets or liabilities classified as Level 1. We classify derivative forward exchange and interest rate swap contracts as Level 2 assets and liabilities. The fair values were determined by obtaining pricing from our bank and corroborating those values with a third party bank or pricing service.

Fair value of derivative instruments classified as Level 2 assets and liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):

We also classify any outstanding line of credit and term loan balance as a Level 2 liability, as the fair value is based on inputs that can be derived from information available in publicly quoted markets. As of December 31, 2021, and June 30, 2021, we did not have any financial assets or liabilities classified as Level 3. We did not transfer any assets or liabilities between these levels during fiscal 2021 or the six months ended December 31, 2021. 

Reclassification of Prior Year Presentation 

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations. 

B. Inventories, net

Inventories, net consisted of the following (in thousands):

C. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

On August 20, 2021, we acquired a manufacturing and warehouse property in Carlsbad California from an unrelated party for $17.5 million. The approximately 54,154 square foot building includes environmentally controlled warehouse space, office space and additional non-environmentally controlled warehouse space. We intend to retrofit a significant portion of the building into a dedicated high-volume powder blending and packaging facility. This new facility will also provide us with additional raw material storage capacity, and additional office space.

D. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other comprehensive (loss) income (“OCL” and “OCI”) consisted of the following during the three months ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

E. Leases

We currently lease our Vista, CA and Lugano, Switzerland product manufacturing and support facilities. At the inception of a contract we assess whether the contract is, or contains, a lease. Our assessment is based on: (1) whether the contract involves the use of a distinct identified asset, (2) whether we obtain the right to substantially all the economic benefit from the use of the asset throughout the period of the contract, and (3) whether we have the right to direct the use of the asset during such time period. At inception of a lease, we allocate the consideration in the contract to each lease component based on its relative stand-alone price to determine the lease payments.

Leases are classified as either finance leases or operating leases. A lease must be classified as a finance lease if any of the following criteria are met: the lease transfers ownership of the asset by the end of the lease term, the lease contains an option to purchase the asset that is reasonably certain to be exercised, the lease term is for a major part of the remaining useful life of the asset or the present value of the lease payments equals or exceeds substantially all of the fair value of the asset. A lease is classified as an operating lease if it does not meet any of these criteria. Substantially all our operating leases are comprised of payments for the use of manufacturing and office space. We have no leases classified as finance leases. As of December 31, 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term for our operating leases was 5.8 years. The weighted average discount rate for our operating leases was 3.24%. As of June 30, 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term for our operating leases was 6.3 years and the weighted average discount rate was 3.24%.

For all leases at the lease commencement date, a right-of-use asset and a lease liability are recognized. The right-of-use asset represents the right to use the leased asset for the lease term. The lease liability represents the present value of the lease payments under the lease.

The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which primarily comprises the initial amount of the lease liability, plus any initial direct costs incurred, consisting mainly of brokerage commissions, less any lease incentives received. All right-of-use assets are reviewed for impairment. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, our secured incremental borrowing rate for the same term as the underlying lease. For our real estate and other operating leases, we use our secured incremental borrowing rate.

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise the following: the fixed noncancelable lease payments, payments for optional renewal periods where it is reasonably certain the renewal period will be exercised, and payments for early termination options unless it is reasonably certain the lease will not be terminated early.

Some of our manufacturing leases contain variable lease payments, including payments based on an index or rate. Variable lease payments based on an index or rate are initially measured using the index or rate in effect at lease commencement and separated into lease and non-lease components based on the initial amount stated in the lease or standalone selling prices. Lease components are included in the measurement of the initial lease liability. Additional payments based on the change in an index or rate, or payments based on a change in our portion of the operating expenses, including real estate taxes and insurance, are recorded as a period expense when incurred. Lease modifications result in remeasurement of the lease liability.

Lease expense for operating leases consists of the lease payments plus any initial direct costs, primarily brokerage commissions, and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Included in lease expense are any variable lease payments incurred in the period that were not included in the initial lease liability. Lease expense for finance leases consists of the amortization of the right-of-use asset on a straight-line basis over the lease term and interest expense determined on an amortized cost basis. The lease payments are allocated between a reduction of the lease liability and interest expense.

We have elected not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a term of 12 months or less. The effect of short-term leases on our right-of-use asset and lease liability was not material.

Other information related to leases as of December 31, 2021 was as follows (in thousands):

For the three months and six months ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 we did not have any operating lease liabilities arise from obtaining right of use assets.

F. Debt

On May 24, 2021, we entered into a new credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A (“Wells Fargo”) to extend the maturity for our working line of credit from November 1, 2022, to May 24, 2024. This new credit facility provides total lending capacity of up to $20.0 million and allows us to use the credit facility for working capital as well as potential acquisitions. On August 18, 2021, we entered into an amendment of our credit facility with Wells Fargo. The amended credit facility added a $10.0 million term loan to the existing $20.0 million credit facility, and permitted us to use the $10.0 million term loan as part of the $17.5 million purchase consideration for the acquisition of our new manufacturing and warehouse property in Carlsbad, California. The amended credit agreement also increased the allowed capital expenditures from $10.0 million to $15.0 million for fiscal 2022, (exclusive of the amount paid for the acquisition of the new Carlsbad property noted above). In addition, the new credit notes now reflect a change in the interest rate reference from LIBOR to SOFR. The Credit Agreement was amended and a new Revolving Line of Credit Note, and Security Agreement were entered into. A Term Note and real property security documents were added to secure the Term Note by the new Carlsbad property.

Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, borrowings are subject to eligibility requirements including maintaining (i) a ratio of total liabilities to tangible net worth of not greater than 1.50 to 1.0 at any time; (ii) a ratio of total current assets to total current liabilities of not less than 1.75 to 1.0 at each fiscal quarter end (iii) net income after taxes not less than $1.00, determined on a trailing four quarter basis with no two consecutive quarterly losses, determined as of each quarter end and (iv) a rolling 4-quarter fixed charge coverage ratio not less than 1.25 to 1.0 as of each fiscal quarter end. The credit agreement also includes a limitation on the amount of capital expenditures that can be made in a given fiscal year, with such limitation set at $15.0 million for our fiscal year ending June 30, 2022 and $7.5 million for all fiscal years thereafter. Any amounts outstanding under the line of credit will bear interest at a fixed or fluctuating interest rate as elected by us from time to time; provided, however, that if the outstanding principal amount is less than $100,000 such amount shall bear interest at the then applicable fluctuating rate of interest. If elected, the fluctuating rate per annum would be equal to 1.29% above the daily simple SOFR rate as in effect from time to time. If a fixed rate is elected, it would equal a per annum rate of 1.29% above the SOFR rolling 30-day average rate in effect on the first day of the applicable fixed rate term. Any amounts outstanding under the line of credit must be paid in full on or before the maturity date. Amounts outstanding that are subject to a fluctuating interest rate may be prepaid at any time without penalty. Amounts outstanding that are subject to a fixed interest rate may be prepaid at any time in minimum amounts of $100,000, subject to a prepayment fee equal to the sum of the discounted monthly differences between payment under a fixed rate versus payment under the variable rate for each month from the month of prepayment through the month in which the then applicable fixed rate term matures. There is an unused commitment fee of 0.125% required as part of the line of credit.

The Term Note used as part of the purchase consideration of our new manufacturing and warehouse property in Carlsbad California referenced above, is for the original principal amount of $10.0 million, and is a seven year term note with payments fully amortized based on a twenty five year assumed term. Installment payments under this loan commenced October 1, 2021 and continue through August 1, 2028 with a final installment consisting of all remaining amounts due to be paid in full on September 1, 2028. Amounts outstanding on this note during the term of the agreement will bear interest equal to 1.8% above the SOFR rolling 30-day average. In connection with our term loan, we entered into an interest rate swap with Wells Fargo that effectively fixes our interest rate on our term loan at 2.4% for the first three years of the term of the note.

Our obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by our accounts receivable and other rights to payment, general intangibles, inventory, equipment and fixtures. We also have credit approval with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. which allows us to hedge foreign currency exposures up to 30 months in the future. We also have credit approval with Bank of America which allows us to hedge foreign currency exposures up to 24 months in the future.

On December 31, 2021, we were in compliance with all of the financial and other covenants required under the Amended Credit Agreement.

As of December 31, 2021, we had $20.0 million available for borrowing under our credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank.

As of December 31, 2021, we had $9.9 million outstanding under the Term Note used in the purchase of the warehouse in August 2021.

G. Economic Dependency

We had substantial net sales to certain customers during the periods shown in the following table. The loss of any of these customers, or a significant decline in (i) sales to these customers, (ii) the growth rate of sales to these customers, or (iii) these customers’ ability to make payments when due, each individually could have a material adverse impact on our net sales and net income. Net sales to any one customer representing 10% or more of the respective period's consolidated net sales were as follows (in thousands):

We buy certain products, including beta-alanine, from a limited number of raw material suppliers who meet our quality standards. The loss of any of these suppliers could have a material adverse impact on our net sales and net income. Raw material purchases from any one supplier representing 10% or more of the respective period’s total raw material purchases were as follows (dollars in thousands):

Financial instruments that subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. We place our cash and cash equivalents with highly rated financial institutions. Credit risk with respect to receivables is concentrated with two of our largest customers, whose receivable balances collectively represented 59.6% of gross accounts receivable at December 31, 2021 and 64.8% at June 30, 2021. As of December 31, 2021 we had a receivable balance of $3.5 million and at June 30, 2021 we had a receivable balance of $3.4 million related to a former contract manufacturing customer. We have recorded a bad debt reserve equal to 100% of this outstanding balance and thus did not reflect it in the percentages listed above.

Additionally, amounts due related to our beta-alanine raw material sales were 7.0% of gross accounts receivable at December 31, 2021, and 8.6% of gross accounts receivable at June 30, 2021. Concentrations of credit risk related to the remaining accounts receivable balances are limited due to the number of customers responsible for the remaining accounts receivable.

H. Segment Information

Our business consists of two segments for financial reporting purposes. The two segments are identified as (i) private-label contract manufacturing, which primarily relates to the provision of private-label contract manufacturing services to companies that market and distribute nutritional supplements and other health care products, and (ii) patent and trademark licensing, which primarily includes direct raw material sales and royalty income from our license and supply agreements associated with the sale and use of beta-alanine under our CarnoSyn® and SR CarnoSyn® trade names.

We evaluate performance of these segments based on a number of factors. The primary performance measures for each segment are net sales and income or loss from operations before the allocation of certain corporate level expenses. Operating income or loss for each segment does not include corporate general and administrative expenses, interest expense and other miscellaneous income and expense items. Corporate general and administrative expenses include, but are not limited to human resources, corporate legal, finance, information technology, and other corporate level related expenses, which are not allocated to any segment. Transfers of raw materials between segments are recorded at cost. The accounting policies of our segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note A above and in the consolidated financial statements included in our 2021 Annual Report.

Our operating results by business segment were as follows (in thousands):

Our private-label contract manufacturing products are sold both in the U.S. and in markets outside the U.S., including Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Asia. Our primary markets outside the U.S. are Europe and Asia. Our patent and trademark licensing activities are primarily based in the U.S.

Net sales by geographic region, based on the customers’ location, were as follows (in thousands):

Products manufactured by our Swiss subsidiary ("NAIE") accounted for 89% of net sales in markets outside the U.S. for the three months ended December 31, 2021 and 84% for the six months ended December 31, 2021. Products manufactured by our Swiss subsidiary ("NAIE") accounted for 83% of net sales in markets outside the U.S. for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 85% for the six months ended December 31, 2020. No products manufactured by NAIE were sold in U.S. markets during the three and six month periods ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

Long-lived assets by geographic region, based on the location of the company or subsidiary at which they were located or made, were as follows (in thousands):

Total assets by geographic region, based on the location of the company or subsidiary at which they were located or made, were as follows (in thousands):

Capital expenditures by geographic region, based on the location of the company or subsidiary at which they were located or made, were as follows (in thousands):

I. Income Taxes

To determine our quarterly provision for income taxes, we use an estimated annual effective tax rate, which is based on expected annual income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions to which we are subject. Certain significant or unusual items are separately recognized in the quarter in which they occur and can be a source of variability in the effective tax rate from quarter to quarter. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, as an income tax expense.

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2021 was 22.8% and the effective tax rate for the six months ended December 31, 2021 was 22.6%. Our effective rates differ from the fiscal 2022 U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to state income taxes. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was 20.8% and the effective rate for the six months ended December 31, 2020 was 7.2%, primarily due to the discrete tax benefit discussed below.

On July 23, 2020, the Department of Treasury issued final regulations which provide an exclusion to the global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) calculation on an elective basis. These regulations were effective September 21, 2020 and could be retroactively applied. Under these new regulations, we are able to exclude the GILTI calculation from our domestic taxable income if the deemed effective tax rate at our foreign subsidiary is greater than 18.9%. We assessed this rate, including the implementation of certain tax strategies, and we determined that our effective rate at our foreign subsidiary was greater than 18.9% as of the year ending June 30, 2020. During the first quarter of fiscal 2021, we reassessed our estimated taxes for fiscal 2020 and in the three months ended September 30, 2020 we recorded a reduction to our fiscal 2020 estimated taxes of $0.4 million as a discrete benefit. As a result of this adjustment, our domestic tax return for fiscal 2020 was expected to reflect a net operating loss which, in accordance with the CARES Act, allowed us to carry the loss back to fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2016. Such carryback resulted in a rate differential that resulted in the recognition of a permanent tax benefit of $0.3 million during the six months ended December 31, 2020.

We record valuation allowances to reduce our deferred tax assets to an amount we believe is more likely than not to be realized. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. During the three and six months ended December 31, 2021, there was no change to our valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets.

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates for each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled using the tax rates then in effect. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date for such new rates.

We are subject to taxation in the U.S., Switzerland and various state jurisdictions. Our U.S. tax returns for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015 and forward are subject to examination by the U.S. tax authorities. Our state tax returns for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2017 and forward are subject to examination by the state tax authorities. Our Swiss tax returns for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 and forward are subject to examination by the Swiss tax authorities.

It is our policy to establish reserves based on management’s assessment of exposure for certain positions taken in previously filed tax returns that may become payable upon examination by tax authorities. Our tax reserves are analyzed quarterly, and adjustments are made as events occur that we believe warrant adjustments to those reserves. There were no adjustments to reserves in the three and six month period ended December 31, 2021.

J. Treasury Stock

On September 18, 2020, the Board of Directors authorized a $2.0 million increase to our stock repurchase plan (“Repurchase Plan”), thus bringing the total authorized repurchase amount to $12.0 million. On March 12, 2021, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $3.0 million increase to the Repurchase Plan, thus bringing the total authorized repurchase amount to $15.0 million. On January 14, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $3.0 million increase to the Repurchase Plan, thus bringing the total authorized repurchase amount to $18.0 million. Under the Repurchase Plan, we may, from time to time, purchase shares of our common stock, depending upon market conditions, in open market or privately negotiated transactions.

Stock repurchases for the three months ended December 31, 2021 were as follows:

Stock repurchases for the six months ended December 31, 2021 were as follows:

Stock repurchases for the three months ended December 31, 2020 were as follows:

Stock repurchases for the three months ended December 31, 2020 were as follows:

Stock repurchase costs include commissions and fees.

Shares acquired from employees for restricted stock vesting and stock options exercises were returned to us by the related employees and in return we paid each employee’s required tax withholding resulting from the vesting of restricted shares. The valuation of the shares acquired and thereby the number of shares returned to us was calculated based on the closing share price on the date the shares vested.

K. Derivatives and Hedging

We are exposed to gains and losses resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates relating to forecasted product sales denominated in foreign currencies and to other transactions of NAIE, our foreign subsidiary. As part of our overall strategy to manage the level of exposure to the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, we may use foreign exchange contracts in the form of forward contracts. To the extent we enter into such contracts, there can be no guarantee any such contracts will be effective hedges against our foreign currency exchange risk.

As of December 31, 2021, we had forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges primarily to protect against the foreign exchange risks inherent in our forecasted sales of products at prices denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. These contracts are expected to be settled through August 2023. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, we record the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative in accumulated other comprehensive income (“OCI”) as a separate component of stockholders’ equity and subsequently reclassify these amounts into earnings in the period during which the hedged transaction is recognized in earnings.

For foreign currency contracts designated as cash flow hedges, hedge effectiveness is measured using the spot rate. Changes in the spot-forward differential are excluded from the test of hedge effectiveness and are recorded currently in earnings as revenue. We measure effectiveness by comparing the cumulative change in the hedge contract with the cumulative change in the hedged item. No hedging relationships were terminated as a result of ineffective hedging for the three and six months ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

We monitor the probability of forecasted transactions as part of the hedge effectiveness testing on a quarterly basis. During the three and six months ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we did not have any losses or gains related to the ineffective portion of our hedging instruments.

As of December 31, 2021, the notional amounts of our foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges were approximately $55.7 million (EUR 46.5 million). As of December 31, 2021, a net gain of approximately $1.6 million, offset by $0.4 million of deferred taxes, related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges was recorded in OCI. It is expected that $1.1 million will be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months along with the earnings effects of the related forecasted transactions.

For foreign currency contracts not designated as cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of the hedge are recorded directly to foreign exchange gain or loss in other income in an effort to offset the change in valuation of the underlying hedged item. During the three and six months ended December 31, 2021 we entered into forward contracts in order to hedge foreign exchange risk associated with our lease liability at NAIE, which is denominated in Swiss Francs (CHF). As of December 31, 2021, the notional amounts of our foreign exchange contracts not designated as cash flow hedges were approximately $5.4 million (CHF 5.0 million).

We are exposed to interest rate fluctuations related to our $10 million Term Note with Wells Fargo, which carries a variable interest rate of 1.80% above the SOFR rolling 30-day average. To manage our exposure to this variable rate, on August 23, 2021, we entered into a floored interest rate swap that fixes our all-in rate on this loan to 2.4% for the first three years of the term loan. Fluctuations in the relation of our contractual swap rate to current market rates are recorded as an asset or liability with an offset to OCI at the end of each reporting period. Interest expense is adjusted for the difference between the actual SOFR spread and the swap contractual rate such that our effective interest expense for each period is equal to our hedged rate of 2.4%.

L. Contingencies

From time to time, we become involved in various investigations, claims and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business. These matters may relate to product liability, employment, intellectual property, regulatory, contract or other matters. The resolution of these matters as they arise may be subject to various uncertainties and, even if such claims are without merit, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources. While unfavorable outcomes are possible, based on available information, we currently do not believe the resolution of these matters will result in a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition, or results of operations. However, a settlement payment or unfavorable outcome could be greater than we currently anticipate and if so, could adversely impact our results of operations. Our evaluation of the likely impact of these actions could change in the future and we could have unfavorable outcomes we do not expect.

COVID-19 Pandemic

We continue to monitor and evaluate the risks to public health and the impact on overall global business activity related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including its potential impacts on our employees, customers, suppliers and financial results. As the situation remains fluid, it is difficult to predict the duration and scope of the pandemic and its impact on our business. However, it may result in a material adverse impact to our financial position, operations and cash flows if conditions persist or worsen.

M. Subsequent Event

On January 14, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $3.0 million increase to the Repurchase Plan, thus bringing the total authorized repurchase amount to $18.0 million. Under the Repurchase Plan, we may, from time to time, purchase shares of our common stock, depending upon market conditions, in open market or privately negotiated transactions.

On February 8, 2022, we entered into a second amendment to our credit facility with Wells Fargo that is effective January 31, 2022 and modifies the annual limit imposed upon the company’s ability to repurchase stock are issue dividends.  This amendment increased this limit from $5.0 million annually to $7.0 million annually.

ITEM 2.     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis is intended to help you understand our financial condition and results of operations for the three and six months ended December 31, 2021. You should read the following discussion and analysis together with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included under Item 1 in this Report, as well as the risk factors and other information included in our 2021 Annual Report and other reports and documents we file with the SEC. Our future financial condition and results of operations will vary from our historical financial condition and results of operations described below based on a variety of factors.

Executive Overview

The following overview does not address all of the matters covered in the other sections of this Item 2 or other items in this Report nor does it contain all of the information that may be important to our stockholders or the investing public. You should read this overview in conjunction with the other sections of this Item 2 and this Report.

Our primary business activity is providing private-label contract manufacturing services to companies that market and distribute vitamins, minerals, herbal and other nutritional supplements, as well as other health care products, to consumers both within and outside the U.S. Historically, our revenue has been largely dependent on sales to two or three private-label contract manufacturing customers and subject to variations in the timing of such customers’ orders, which in turn is impacted by such customers’ internal marketing programs, supply chain management, entry into new markets, new product introductions, the demand for such customers’ products, and general industry and economic conditions. Our revenue also includes raw material sales and royalty and licensing revenue generated from license and supply agreements with third parties, granting them the right to use our patents, trademarks and other intellectual property in connection with the distribution and use of the ingredient known as beta-alanine sold under our CarnoSyn® and SR CarnoSyn® trademarks.

A cornerstone of our business strategy is to achieve long-term growth and profitability and to diversify our sales base. We have sought and expect to continue to seek to diversify our sales by developing relationships with additional, quality-oriented, private-label contract manufacturing customers, and commercializing our patent estate through sales of beta-alanine under our CarnoSyn® and SR CarnoSyn® trade names, royalties from license agreements, and potentially additional contract manufacturing opportunities with licensees.

During the first six months of fiscal 2022, our net sales were 13% lower than in the first six months of fiscal 2021. Private-label contract manufacturing sales decreased 18% primarily due to lower sales to our largest customer. Sales to this customer decreased 46% as compared to the same period in the prior year with a majority of the decrease associated with an inventory reduction program mostly related to their European business. The decrease in sales to our largest customer was partially offset by increased sales from other existing customers and sales to a new customer. Revenue concentration risk for our largest private-label contract manufacturing customer as a percentage of our total net sales decreased from 56% for the first six months of fiscal 2021 to 35% for the first six months fiscal 2022. We expect our annualized fiscal year 2022 revenue concentration for this customer to be lower than fiscal year 2021.

During the first six months of fiscal 2022, patent and trademark licensing revenue increased 62% to $8.8 million, compared to revenue of $5.4 million for the first six months of fiscal 2021. The increase in patent and trademark licensing revenue during the first six months of fiscal 2022 was primarily due to increased shipments to existing customers related to athletic activities and gyms reopening in accordance with easing COVID-19 restrictions across the USA as compared to significant restrictions in athletic activities in the first and second quarter of fiscal 2021 combined with sales to new customers and higher average sales prices.

We continue to invest in research and development for our SR CarnoSyn® sustained release delivery system. We believe SR CarnoSyn® may provide a unique opportunity within the growing Wellness and Healthy Aging markets. We believe our recent efforts to refine our formulations and product offerings will be positively received and result in significant opportunity for increased SR CarnoSyn® sales.

To protect our CarnoSyn® business and our patents, trademarks and other intellectual property, we incurred litigation and patent compliance expenses of approximately $0.2 million during the first six months of fiscal 2022 as compared to $0.7 million during the comparable period in fiscal 2021. The decrease in these legal expenses on a year over year basis was primarily due to the successful resolution of several cases that were settled. Our ability to maintain or further increase our beta-alanine royalty and licensing revenue will depend in large part on our ability to develop a market for our sustained release form of beta-alanine marketed under our SR CarnoSyn® trademark, maintain our patent rights, obtain the raw material beta-alanine when and in the amounts needed, expand distribution of beta-alanine to new and existing customers, and continued compliance by third parties with our license agreements and our patent, trademark and other intellectual property rights. During the remainder of fiscal 2022, we will continue our sales and marketing activities to consumers, customers, potential customers, and brand owners on multiple platforms to promote and reinforce the features and benefits of utilizing CarnoSyn® and SR CarnoSyn® beta-alanine.

Based on our current sales order volumes and forecasts we have received from our customers, along with the continued challenges with supply chain and staffing shortages, including challenges from COVID-19 absences, we now anticipate our fiscal 2022 consolidated net sales will be flat to slightly up as compared to fiscal 2021. We also anticipate we will generate operating income between 8.0% and 11.0% of net sales for our fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. As we previously estimted it would, sales and profitability during the first half of fiscal 2022 declined when compared to the same period of fiscal 2021 primarily related to lower sales to our largest contract manufacturing customer. During the second half of fiscal 2022, we expect net sales to increase 10.0% to 13.0% as compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, and operating income to increase to between 8.0% to 11.0% of net sales. The improvement in net sales and operating profitability is expected to be generated from continued growth from sales and improved sales mix and staffing levels. There can be no assurance our expectations will result in the currently anticipated increase in operating income. Notwithstanding, we are also closely monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, we cannot reasonably estimate the length of time or severity of the pandemic and cannot currently reliably estimate the impact this pandemic may have on our consolidated financial results for fiscal 2022 and beyond.

Impact of COVID-19 on Our Business

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted, and is likely to continue to result, in significant economic disruption and has and will likely continue to affect our business. Significant uncertainty exists concerning the magnitude of the impact and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our facilities, located both in the United States and Europe, continue to operate as an essential and critical manufacturer in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, however, there can be no assurance our facilities will continue to operate without interruption. Factors that derive from COVID-19 and the accompanying response, and that have or may negatively impact sales and gross margin in the future include, but are not limited to the following:

We will continue to actively monitor the situation and may take further actions to alter our business operations as may be required by federal, state or local authorities or that we determine are in the best interests of our employees, customers, suppliers and shareholders. While we are unable to determine or predict the nature, duration, or scope of the overall impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on our business, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources, we believe we will be able to remain operational and our working capital will be sufficient for us to remain operational even as the longer term consequences of this pandemic become known.

During the remainder of fiscal year 2022, we also plan to continue our focus on:

Discussion of Critical Accounting Estimates

We have identified the following as our most critical accounting estimates, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results, and that require management’s most subjective and complex judgments. Information regarding our other significant accounting estimates and policies are disclosed in Note 1 of Item 1 of this report and as disclosed in the 2021 Annual Report.

Revenue Recognition — Revenue is measured as the net amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for fulfilling one or more performance obligations. For certain contracts with volume rebates and discounts, our estimates of future sales used to assess the volume rebate and discount estimates are subject to a high degree of judgement and may differ from actual sales due to, among other things, changes in customer orders and raw material availability. 

Results of Operations

The results of our operations for the three and six months ended December 31 were as follows (dollars in thousands):