Unifi Inc: Form 10-Q for the period ended Apr 2, 2023

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected UNIFI’s operations, along with material changes in financial condition, during the periods included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. A reference to a “note” in this section refers to the accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. A reference to the “current period” refers to the three-month period ended April 2, 2023, while a reference to the “prior period” refers to the three-month period ended March 27, 2022. A reference to the “current nine-month period” refers to the nine-month period ended April 2, 2023, while a reference to the “prior nine-month period” refers to the nine-month period ended March 27, 2022. Such references may be accompanied by certain phrases for added clarity. The current period and the prior period each consisted of 13 weeks. The current nine-month period and the prior nine-month period each consisted of 39 weeks.

Our discussions in this Item 2 focus on our results during, or as of, the three months and nine months ended April 2, 2023 and March 27, 2022, and, to the extent applicable, any material changes from the information discussed in the 2022 Form 10-K or other important intervening developments or information. These discussions should be read in conjunction with the 2022 Form 10-K for more detailed and background information about our business, operations, and financial condition.

Discussion of foreign currency translation is primarily associated with changes in the Brazilian Real (“BRL”) and changes in the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”) versus the U.S. Dollar (“USD”). Weighted average exchange rates were as follows:

All amounts, except per share amounts, are presented in thousands (000s), except as otherwise noted.

Overview and Significant General Matters

UNIFI focuses on delivering products and solutions to direct customers and brand partners throughout the world, leveraging our internal manufacturing capabilities and an enhanced global supply chain that delivers a diverse range of synthetic and recycled fibers and polymers. Our strategic initiatives include (i) leveraging our competitive advantages to grow market share in each of the major geographies we serve, (ii) expanding our presence in non-apparel markets with additional REPREVE® products, (iii) advancing the development and commercialization of innovative and sustainable solutions, and (iv) increasing brand awareness for REPREVE®. We believe our strategic initiatives will increase revenue and profitability and generate improved cash flows from operations.

Current Economic Environment

The current economic environment and significant decrease in textile product demand has adversely impacted our consolidated sales and profitability in fiscal 2023. In addition to the current unfavorable economic environment and the inventory destocking measures taken by brands and retailers, the following pressures have continued from fiscal 2022 into fiscal 2023: (i) the impact of inflation on consumer spending, (ii) rising interest rates, (iii) the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and (iv) supply chain volatility. UNIFI will continue to monitor these and other aspects of the current economic environment and work closely with stakeholders to ensure business continuity and liquidity.

Input Costs and Global Production Volatility

In addition to the escalation of input costs in fiscal 2022, UNIFI experienced inefficiencies in the global supply chain in connection with (i) freight costs and logistics slowdowns in foreign markets; (ii) a tighter labor pool in the U.S.; and (iii) suppressed productivity from our business partners resulting from pandemic-related lockdowns in certain regions, particularly Asia. Despite lowered input and freight costs and a marginally more stable labor pool during fiscal 2023, the global demand volatility and uncertainty that began in late fiscal 2022 has continued throughout fiscal 2023, as the threat of recession and global tensions continue to create uncertainty. The existing challenges and future uncertainty, particularly for rising input costs, labor productivity, and global demand, could worsen and/or continue for prolonged periods, materially impacting our consolidated sales and gross profit. Also, the need for future selling price adjustments in connection with inflationary costs could impact our ability to retain current customer programs and compete successfully for new programs in certain regions.

Cash Deposits and Financial Institution Risk

During the current period, certain regional bank crises and failures generated additional uncertainty and volatility in the financial and credit markets. UNIFI currently holds the vast majority of its cash deposits with large foreign banks in our associated operating regions, and management maintains the ability to repatriate cash to the U.S. relatively quickly. Accordingly, UNIFI has not modified its mix of financial institutions holding cash deposits, but UNIFI will continue to monitor the environment and current events to ensure any increase in concentration or credit risk is appropriately and timely addressed. If any of the financial institutions within our 2022 Credit Agreement or construction financing arrangement (“lending counterparties”) are unable to perform on their commitments, our liquidity could be impacted. We actively monitor all lending counterparties, and none have indicated that they may be unable to perform on their commitments. In addition, we periodically review our lending counterparties, considering the stability of the institutions and other aspects of the relationships. Based on our monitoring activities, we currently believe our lending counterparties will be able to perform their commitments.

Key Performance Indicators and Non-GAAP Financial Measures

UNIFI continuously reviews performance indicators to measure its success. These performance indicators form the basis of management’s discussion and analysis included below:

• sales volume and revenue for UNIFI and for each reportable segment;
• gross profit and gross margin for UNIFI and for each reportable segment;
• net (loss) income and diluted EPS;
• Segment (Loss) Profit, which equals segment gross (loss) profit plus segment depreciation expense;
• unit conversion margin, which represents unit net sales price less unit raw material costs, for UNIFI and for each reportable segment;
• working capital, which represents current assets less current liabilities;
• Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”), which represents net (loss) income before net interest expense, income tax expense and depreciation and amortization expense;
• Adjusted EBITDA, which represents EBITDA adjusted to exclude, from time to time, certain other adjustments necessary to understand and compare the underlying results of UNIFI;
• Adjusted Net (Loss) Income, which represents net (loss) income calculated under GAAP, adjusted to exclude certain amounts which management believes do not reflect the ongoing operations and performance of UNIFI and/or for which exclusion may be necessary to understand and compare the underlying results of UNIFI;
• Adjusted EPS, which represents Adjusted Net (Loss) Income divided by UNIFI’s diluted weighted average common shares outstanding;
• Adjusted Working Capital, which equals receivables plus inventories and other current assets, less accounts payable and other current liabilities; and
• Net Debt, which represents debt principal less cash and cash equivalents.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net (Loss) Income, Adjusted EPS, Adjusted Working Capital, and Net Debt (collectively, the “non-GAAP financial measures”) are not determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered a substitute for performance measures determined in accordance with GAAP. The calculations of the non-GAAP financial measures are subjective, based on management’s belief as to which items should be included or excluded in order to provide the most reasonable and comparable view of the underlying operating performance of the business. We may, from time to time, modify the amounts used to determine our non-GAAP financial measures. When applicable, management’s discussion and analysis includes specific consideration for items that comprise the reconciliations of its non-GAAP financial measures. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures better reflect UNIFI’s underlying operations and performance and that their use, as operating performance measures, provides investors and analysts with a measure of operating results unaffected by differences in capital structures, capital investment cycles and ages of related assets, among otherwise comparable companies.

Management uses Adjusted EBITDA (i) as a measurement of operating performance because it assists us in comparing our operating performance on a consistent basis, as it removes the impact of items (a) directly related to our asset base (primarily depreciation and amortization) and/or (b) that we would not expect to occur as a part of our normal business on a regular basis; (ii) for planning purposes, including the preparation of our annual operating budget; (iii) as a valuation measure for evaluating our operating performance and our capacity to incur and service debt, fund capital expenditures, and expand our business; and (iv) as one measure in determining the value of other acquisitions and dispositions. Adjusted EBITDA is a key performance metric utilized in the determination of variable compensation. We also believe Adjusted EBITDA is an appropriate supplemental measure of debt service capacity because it serves as a high-level proxy for cash generated from operations and is relevant to our fixed charge coverage ratio.

Management uses Adjusted Net (Loss) Income and Adjusted EPS (i) as measurements of net operating performance because they assist us in comparing such performance on a consistent basis, as they remove the impact of (a) items that we would not expect to occur as a part of our normal business on a regular basis and (b) components of the provision for income taxes that we would not expect to occur as a part of our underlying taxable operations; (ii) for planning purposes, including the preparation of our annual operating budget; and (iii) as measures in determining the value of other acquisitions and dispositions.

Management uses Adjusted Working Capital as an indicator of UNIFI’s production efficiency and ability to manage inventories and receivables.

Management uses Net Debt as a liquidity and leverage metric to determine how much debt would remain if all cash and cash equivalents were used to pay down debt principal.

Review of Results of Operations

Three Months Ended April 2, 2023 Compared to Three Months Ended March 27, 2022

Consolidated Overview

The below tables provide:

• the components of net (loss) income and the percentage increase or decrease over the prior period amounts,
• a reconciliation from net (loss) income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, and
• a reconciliation from net (loss) income to Adjusted Net (Loss) Income and Adjusted EPS.

Following the tables is a discussion and analysis of the significant components of net (loss) income.

Net (loss) income

nm = not meaningful

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP Financial Measures)

The reconciliations of the amounts reported under GAAP for Net (loss) income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA were as follows:

(1) Within this reconciliation, depreciation and amortization expense excludes the amortization of debt issuance costs, which are reflected in interest expense, net. Within the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, amortization of debt issuance costs is reflected in depreciation and amortization expense.

(2) In the third quarter of fiscal 2023, UNIFI amended certain existing contracts related to future purchases of texturing machinery by delaying the scheduled receipt and installation of such equipment in the U.S. and El Salvador for 18 months. UNIFI paid the associated vendor $623 to facilitate the 18-month delay.

(3) In fiscal 2021, UNIFI recognized an estimated benefit for the recovery of non-income taxes in Brazil. During the quarter ended March 27, 2022, UNIFI reduced the estimated benefit based on additional clarity and review of the recovery process.

Adjusted Net (Loss) Income and Adjusted EPS (Non-GAAP Financial Measures)

The tables below set forth reconciliations of (i) (Loss) income before income taxes (“Pre-tax (Loss) Income”), Provision for income taxes (“Tax Impact”), and Net (Loss) Income to Adjusted Net (Loss) Income and (ii) Diluted EPS to Adjusted EPS.

(1) In the third quarter of fiscal 2023, UNIFI amended certain existing contracts related to future purchases of texturing machinery by delaying the scheduled receipt and installation of such equipment in the U.S. and El Salvador for 18 months. UNIFI paid the associated vendor $623 to facilitate the 18-month delay. The associated tax impact was estimated to be $0 due to (i) a valuation allowance against net operating losses in the U.S. and (ii) UNIFI's effective tax rate in El Salvador.

(2) In fiscal 2021, UNIFI recognized an estimated benefit for the recovery of non-income taxes in Brazil. During the quarter ended March 27, 2022, UNIFI reduced the estimated benefit based on additional clarity and review of the recovery process.

Net Sales

Consolidated net sales for the current period decreased by $44,042, or 21.9%, and consolidated sales volumes decreased 22.3%, compared to the prior period. The decreases occurred primarily due to lower volumes in the Americas and Asia Segments as a result of lower global demand in connection with the inventory destocking efforts of major brands and retailers.

Consolidated weighted average sales prices increased 0.4%, an insignificant change.

REPREVE® Fiber products for the current period comprised 32%, or $49,619, of consolidated net sales, down from 36%, or $71,930, for the prior period. The lower volumes and net sales in the Asia Segment, which has the highest proportion of REPREVE® Fiber sales as a percentage of segment net sales, was the main driver for the lower REPREVE® Fiber sales.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the current period decreased by $9,491, or 49.6%, compared to the prior period. Gross profit decreased as a result of the decline in net sales, combined with weak fixed cost absorption for the Americas Segment, where utilization and productivity are materially impactful to gross profit. Although raw material costs for the Americas Segment have decreased meaningfully in fiscal 2023, the associated benefit was muted by low production levels and weak demand.

• For the Americas Segment, gross profit decreased due to weaker global demand in connection with the inventory destocking efforts of major brands and retailers and weak fixed cost absorption in connection with lower production.
• For the Brazil Segment, gross profit decreased primarily due to decreasing market prices in Brazil due to low-cost import competition.
• For the Asia Segment, gross profit decreased primarily due to lower sales volumes in connection with weaker global demand in connection with the inventory destocking efforts of major brands and retailers.

SG&A

SG&A for the current period decreased compared to the prior period, primarily due to (i) lower incentive compensation for the current period and (ii) lower discretionary expenses, including marketing and advertising.

Benefit for Bad Debts

The current period and prior period bad debt changes reflect no material activity.

Other Operating Expense (Income), Net

The current period and prior period include foreign currency transaction losses (gains) of $174 and $(895), respectively. The current period also includes $623 paid to a vendor to facilitate an 18-month delay for contracted equipment purchases.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net increased in connection with higher debt principal following continued capital investments and higher interest rates.

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates

There was no material activity for the current period or the prior period.

Recovery of Non-income Taxes, Net

In fiscal 2021, UNIFI recognized an estimated benefit from the expected recovery of non-income taxes in Brazil. During the prior period, UNIFI reduced the estimate by $815 based on additional clarity and precedent surrounding the recovery process.

Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes and the effective tax rate were as follows:

The effective tax rate is subject to variation due to a number of factors, including: variability in pre-tax book income; the mix of income by jurisdiction; changes in deferred tax valuation allowances; and changes in statutes, regulations, and case law. Additionally, the impacts of discrete and other rate impacting items are more pronounced when income (loss) before income taxes is lower.

The decrease in the effective tax rate from the prior period to the current period is primarily attributable to lower income for foreign subsidiaries, in combination with the impact of further losses in the U.S. and the associated valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.

Net (Loss) Income

The decrease in net (loss) income was primarily attributable to the decrease in gross profit and the associated adverse impact of lower U.S. earnings on the effective tax rate, partially offset by lower SG&A in the current period.

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP Financial Measure)

Adjusted EBITDA decreased primarily in connection with lower gross profit, partially offset by lower SG&A in the current period.

Adjusted Net (Loss) Income and Adjusted EPS (Non-GAAP Financial Measures)

Adjusted Net (Loss) Income and Adjusted EPS decreased from the prior period to the current period, commensurate with the decrease in net (loss) income.

Segment Overview

Following is a discussion and analysis of the revenue and profitability performance of UNIFI’s reportable segments for the current period.

Americas Segment

The components of Segment Profit, each component as a percentage of net sales and the percentage increase or decrease over the prior period amounts for the Americas Segment, were as follows:

The change in net sales for the Americas Segment was as follows:

19

The change in net sales for the Americas Segment from the prior period to the current period was primarily attributable to lower sales volumes following weaker global textile demand. Net change in average selling price and sales mix reflects a larger proportion of lower-priced Flake and Chip sales in the current period.

The change in Segment Profit for the Americas Segment was as follows:

The decrease in Segment Profit for the Americas Segment from the prior period to the current period was primarily attributable to lower production volumes driving weaker fixed cost absorption in connection with lower sales volumes.

Brazil Segment

The components of Segment Profit, each component as a percentage of net sales and the percentage increase or decrease over the prior period amounts for the Brazil Segment, were as follows:

The change in net sales for the Brazil Segment was as follows:

The decrease in net sales for the Brazil Segment from the prior period to the current period was primarily attributable to pricing pressure from import competition, partially offset by higher sales volumes in connection with market share gains.

The change in Segment Profit for the Brazil Segment was as follows:

The decrease in Segment Profit for the Brazil Segment from the prior period to the current period was primarily attributable to an overall decrease in gross margin mainly due to pressure on selling prices from low-priced import competition.

Asia Segment

The components of Segment Profit, each component as a percentage of net sales and the percentage increase or decrease over the prior period amounts for the Asia Segment, were as follows:

The change in net sales for the Asia Segment was as follows:

The decrease in net sales for the Asia Segment from the prior period to the current period was primarily attributable to weaker global demand in connection with the inventory destocking efforts of major brands and retailers driving lower sales volumes, partially offset by a strong sales mix.

The change in Segment Profit for the Asia Segment was as follows:

The decrease in Segment Profit for the Asia Segment from the prior period to the current period follows the decline in net sales and sales volumes discussed above, as the comparable gross margin rate for the Asia Segment improved with a strong sales mix.

Nine Months Ended April 2, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended March 27, 2022

Consolidated Overview

The below tables provide:

• the components of net (loss) income and the percentage increase or decrease over the prior nine-month period amounts,
• a reconciliation from net (loss) income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, and
• a reconciliation from net (loss) income to Adjusted Net (Loss) Income and Adjusted EPS.

Following the tables is a discussion and analysis of the significant components of net (loss) income.

Net (loss) income

nm = not meaningful

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP Financial Measures)

The reconciliations of the amounts reported under GAAP for Net (loss) income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA were as follows:

(1) Within this reconciliation, depreciation and amortization expense excludes the amortization of debt issuance costs, which are reflected in interest expense, net. Within the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, amortization of debt issuance costs is reflected in depreciation and amortization expense. In fiscal 2023, interest expense, net includes $273 of loss on debt extinguishment.

(2) In the third quarter of fiscal 2023, UNIFI amended certain existing contracts related to future texturing machinery purchases by delaying the scheduled receipt and installation of such equipment in the U.S. and El Salvador for 18 months. UNIFI paid the associated vendor $623 to facilitate the 18-month delay.

(3) In fiscal 2021, UNIFI recognized an estimated benefit for the recovery of non-income taxes in Brazil. During the quarter ended March 27, 2022, UNIFI reduced the estimated benefit based on additional clarity and review of the recovery process.

Adjusted Net (Loss) Income and Adjusted EPS (Non-GAAP Financial Measures)

The tables below set forth reconciliations of (i) (Loss) income before income taxes (“Pre-tax (Loss) Income”), Provision for income taxes (“Tax Impact”), and Net (Loss) Income to Adjusted Net (Loss) Income and (ii) Diluted EPS to Adjusted EPS.

(1) In the third quarter of fiscal 2023, UNIFI amended certain existing contracts related to future purchases of texturing machinery by delaying the scheduled receipt and installation of such equipment in the U.S. and El Salvador for 18 months. UNIFI paid the associated vendor $623 to facilitate the 18-month delay. The associated tax impact was estimated to be $0 due to (i) a valuation allowance against net operating losses in the U.S. and (ii) UNIFI's effective tax rate in El Salvador.

(2) In fiscal 2021, UNIFI recognized an estimated benefit for the recovery of non-income taxes in Brazil. During the quarter ended March 27, 2022, UNIFI reduced the estimated benefit based on additional clarity and review of the recovery process.

(3) In the second quarter of fiscal 2023, UNIFI recorded a recovery of income taxes in connection with filing amended tax returns in Brazil relating to certain income taxes paid in prior fiscal years.

Net Sales

Consolidated net sales for the current nine-month period decreased by $125,713, or 21.0%, and consolidated sales volumes decreased 26.6%, compared to the prior nine-month period. The decreases occurred primarily due to lower volumes in the Americas and Asia Segments as a result of lower global demand in connection with the inventory destocking efforts of major brands and retailers in addition to pandemic-related lockdowns in Asia, partially offset by higher selling prices in response to higher raw material and input costs.

Consolidated weighted average sales prices increased 5.6%, primarily attributable to higher selling prices in response to higher input costs.

REPREVE® Fiber products for the current nine-month period comprised 30%, or $141,664, of consolidated net sales, down from 38%, or $225,360, for the prior nine-month period. The lower volumes and net sales in the Asia Segment, which has the highest proportion of REPREVE® Fiber sales as a percentage of segment net sales, was the main driver for the lower REPREVE® Fiber sales.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the current nine-month period decreased by $53,915, or 86.8%, compared to the prior nine-month period. Gross profit decreased as a result of the decline in net sales combined with weak fixed cost absorption for the Americas Segment, where utilization and productivity are materially impactful to gross profit. Although raw material costs for the Americas Segment decreased meaningfully in the current nine-month period, the associated benefit was muted by low production levels, weak demand, and higher priced raw material inventory purchased in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2022.

• For the Americas Segment, gross profit decreased due to weaker global demand, weak fixed cost absorption in connection with lower production, and overall higher raw material cost levels in beginning inventory, despite a decrease in raw material costs during fiscal 2023.
• For the Brazil Segment, gross profit decreased primarily due to the combination of high priced raw material inventory purchased in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2022 and decreasing market prices in Brazil due to low-cost import competition.
• For the Asia Segment, gross profit decreased primarily due to lower sales volumes in connection with weaker global demand and pandemic-related lockdowns in Asia.

SG&A

SG&A for the current nine-month period decreased compared to the prior nine-month period, primarily due to (i) lower incentive compensation for the current nine-month period and (ii) lower discretionary expenses, including marketing and advertising.

Benefit for Bad Debts

The current nine-month period and prior nine-month period bad debt changes reflect no material activity.

Other Operating Income, Net

The current nine-month period and prior nine-month period include foreign currency transaction gains of $629 and $365, respectively, in addition to $346 of severance costs in the prior nine-month period. The current nine-month period also includes $623 paid to a vendor to facilitate an 18-month delay for equipment purchases.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net increased in connection with higher debt principal following continued capital investments and higher interest rates during the current nine-month period. Interest expense, net for the current nine-month period also includes $273 of loss on debt extinguishment.

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates

There was no material activity for the current nine-month period or the prior nine-month period.

Recovery of Non-income Taxes, Net

In fiscal 2021, UNIFI recognized an estimated benefit from the expected recovery of non-income taxes in Brazil. During the prior nine-month period, UNIFI reduced the estimate by $815 based on additional clarity and precedent surrounding the recovery process.

Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes and the effective tax rate were as follows:

23

The effective tax rate is subject to variation due to a number of factors, including: variability in pre-tax book income; the mix of income by jurisdiction; changes in deferred tax valuation allowances; and changes in statutes, regulations, and case law. Additionally, the impacts of discrete and other rate impacting items are more pronounced when income (loss) before income taxes is lower.

The decrease in the effective tax rate from the prior nine-month period to the current nine-month period is primarily attributable to lower income for foreign subsidiaries, in combination with the impact of further losses in the U.S. and the associated valuation allowance for deferred tax assets in the current period. Additionally, a discrete tax benefit was recognized in the second quarter of fiscal 2023 related to the recovery of certain Brazilian income taxes paid in prior years.

Net (Loss) Income

The decrease in net (loss) income was primarily attributable to the decrease in gross profit and the associated adverse impact of lower U.S. earnings on the effective tax rate.

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP Financial Measure)

Adjusted EBITDA decreased primarily in connection with lower gross profit.

Adjusted Net (Loss) Income and Adjusted EPS (Non-GAAP Financial Measures)

Adjusted Net (Loss) Income and Adjusted EPS decreased from the prior nine-month period to the current nine-month period, commensurate with the decrease in net (loss) income.

Segment Overview

Following is a discussion and analysis of the revenue and profitability performance of UNIFI’s reportable segments for the current nine-month period.

Americas Segment

The components of Segment Profit, each component as a percentage of net sales and the percentage increase or decrease over the prior nine-month period amounts for the Americas Segment, were as follows:

The change in net sales for the Americas Segment was as follows:

The change in net sales for the Americas Segment from the prior nine-month period to the current nine-month period was primarily attributable to lower sales volumes following weaker global textile demand, partially offset by higher average selling prices in response to higher input costs.

The change in Segment Profit for the Americas Segment was as follows:

The decrease in Segment Profit for the Americas Segment from the prior nine-month period to the current nine-month period was primarily attributable to lower production volumes driving weaker fixed cost absorption in connection with lower sales volumes.

Brazil Segment

The components of Segment Profit, each component as a percentage of net sales and the percentage increase or decrease over the prior nine-month period amounts for the Brazil Segment, were as follows:

The change in net sales for the Brazil Segment was as follows:

The increase in net sales for the Brazil Segment from the prior nine-month period to the current nine-month period was primarily attributable to higher sales volumes and favorable foreign currency translation effects, partially offset by the expected decrease in average selling price following the exceptional pricing levels experienced during the pandemic recovery in fiscal 2022. The Brazil Segment has undertaken aggressive pricing (i) against low-priced competitive imports and (ii) in the pursuit of greater market share.

The change in Segment Profit for the Brazil Segment was as follows:

The decrease in Segment Profit for the Brazil Segment from the prior nine-month period to the current nine-month period was primarily attributable to an overall decrease in gross margin mainly due to the decrease in selling prices discussed above and the impact of higher raw material costs in beginning inventory.

Asia Segment

The components of Segment Profit, each component as a percentage of net sales and the percentage increase or decrease over the prior nine-month period amounts for the Asia Segment, were as follows:

The change in net sales for the Asia Segment was as follows:

25

The decrease in net sales for the Asia Segment from the prior nine-month period to the current nine-month period was primarily attributable to weaker global demand and pandemic-related lockdowns driving lower sales volumes, partially offset by a strong sales mix.

The change in Segment Profit for the Asia Segment was as follows:

The decrease in Segment Profit for the Asia Segment from the prior nine-month period to the current nine-month period follows the decline in net sales and sales volumes discussed above, as the comparable gross margin rate for the Asia Segment improved due to a stronger sales mix.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Note 5, “Long-Term Debt” to the condensed consolidated financial statements includes the detail of UNIFI’s debt obligations and terms and conditions thereof. Further discussion and analysis of liquidity and capital resources follow.

UNIFI’s primary capital requirements are for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service, and share repurchases. UNIFI’s primary sources of capital are cash generated from operations, borrowings available under the 2022 Credit Agreement, and asset financing arrangements. For the current nine-month period, cash provided by operations was $8,349, and, at April 2, 2023, availability under the ABL Revolver was $69,114.

As of April 2, 2023, all of UNIFI’s $136,010 of debt obligations were guaranteed by certain of its domestic operating subsidiaries, while nearly all of UNIFI’s cash and cash equivalents were held by its foreign subsidiaries. Cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries may not be presently available to fund UNIFI’s domestic capital requirements, including its domestic debt obligations. UNIFI employs a variety of strategies to ensure that its worldwide cash is available in the locations where it is needed.

The following table presents a summary of cash and cash equivalents, borrowings available under financing arrangements, liquidity, working capital, and total debt obligations as of April 2, 2023 for domestic operations compared to foreign operations:

UNIFI’s primary cash requirements, in addition to normal course operating activities (e.g. working capital and payroll), primarily include (i) capital expenditures that generally have commitments of up to 12 months, (ii) contractual obligations that support normal course ongoing operations and production, (iii) operating leases and finance leases, (iv) debt service, and (v) share repurchases.

Liquidity Considerations

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, global demand recovery allowed for strong results and cash generation in fiscal 2021. However, in fiscal 2022 and through the current nine-month period, inflation and demand uncertainty have introduced new pressures to liquidity.

Following the establishment of the 2022 Credit Agreement, UNIFI’s cash and liquidity positions are sufficient to sustain its operations and meet its growth needs. However, further degradation in the macroeconomic environment could introduce additional liquidity risk and require UNIFI to limit cash outflows for discretionary activities while further utilizing available and additional forms of credit.

Although global demand for the remainder of calendar 2023 is uncertain, we do not currently anticipate that any adverse events or circumstances will place critical pressure on our liquidity position or our ability to fund our operations and expected business growth. Should global demand, economic activity, or input availability decline considerably for a prolonged period of time, UNIFI maintains the ability to (i) seek additional credit or financing arrangements and/or (ii) re-implement cost reduction initiatives to preserve cash and secure the longevity of the business and operations.

Additionally, UNIFI considers opportunities to deploy existing cash to preserve or enhance liquidity. In August 2022, we repatriated approximately $14,000 from our operations in Asia to the U.S. via an existing intercompany note and, after remitting the appropriate withholding taxes, utilized the cash to reduce our outstanding revolver borrowings, thereby increasing the availability. Management regularly evaluates such repatriations and maintains the ability to take additional, similar actions from time to time, as circumstances warrant.

Recognizing the continuing weak demand environment, in the third quarter of fiscal 2023, UNIFI negotiated a contract modification with an equipment vendor from which significant capital expenditures had occurred and were planned to continue. The contract modification was executed at a cost to UNIFI of $623 and allows UNIFI to delay the associated equipment purchases and installation activities for 18 months, such that approximately $25,000 of capital expenditures originally expected over the March 2023 to September 2024 period are now expected to occur over the September 2024 to March 2026 period. This action allows for improved short- and mid-term liquidity in light of the current subdued levels of sales and facility utilization and allows for a better matching of future capital expenditures with expected higher levels of future business activity.

As textile product demand recovers in the next several quarters, we expect to use cash in support of increasing working capital needs.

The following outlines the attributes relating to our credit facility as of April 2, 2023:

• UNIFI was in compliance with all applicable financial covenants in the 2022 Credit Agreement;
• excess availability under the ABL Revolver was $69,114;
• the Trigger Level (as defined in the 2022 Credit Agreement) was $22,770; and
• $0 of standby letters of credit were outstanding.

In addition to making payments in accordance with the scheduled maturities of debt required under its existing debt obligations, UNIFI may, from time to time, elect to repay additional amounts borrowed under the ABL Facility. Funds to make such repayments may come from the operating cash flows of the business or other sources and will depend upon UNIFI’s strategy, prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions, and other factors.

Liquidity Summary

UNIFI has met its historical liquidity requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, and other operating needs from its cash flows from operations and available borrowings. UNIFI believes that its existing cash balances, cash provided by operating activities, and credit facility will enable UNIFI to meet its foreseeable liquidity requirements. Domestically, UNIFI’s cash balances, cash provided by operating activities, and borrowings available under the ABL Revolver continue to be sufficient to fund UNIFI’s domestic operating activities as well as cash commitments for its investing and financing activities. For its foreign operations, UNIFI expects its existing cash balances, cash provided by operating activities, and available foreign financing arrangements will provide the needed liquidity to fund the associated operating activities and investing activities, such as future capital expenditures. UNIFI’s foreign operations in Asia and Brazil are in a position to obtain local country financing arrangements due to the operating results of each subsidiary.

Net Debt (Non-GAAP Financial Measure)

The reconciliations for Net Debt are as follows:

The increase in Net Debt reflects the impact of the constrained demand environment and the anticipated capital expenditures deployed in fiscal 2023.

Working Capital and Adjusted Working Capital (Non-GAAP Financial Measures)

The following table presents the components of working capital and the reconciliation of working capital to Adjusted Working Capital:

When comparing from July 3, 2022 to April 2, 2023, working capital and Adjusted Working Capital decreased.

The decrease in receivables, net was primarily due to (i) a decrease in sales following lower global demand and (ii) a decrease in banker’s acceptance notes held by our Asia Segment. The decrease in inventories was primarily attributable to a decline in raw material purchases and costs in the current nine-month period. The decrease in other current assets was primarily due to utilization of the fiscal 2021 recovery of non-income taxes in Brazil and lower vendor deposits. The decrease in accounts payable followed the decrease in inventories and production activity in the current nine-month period. The decrease in other current liabilities primarily reflects lower business activities and the routine timing differences for payroll and other operating expenses. The changes in current operating lease liabilities, current portion of long-term debt, income taxes receivable, and income taxes payable were insignificant.

Operating Cash Flows

The significant components of net cash provided (used) by operating activities are summarized below.

The increase in operating cash flows was primarily due to reducing working capital associated with a decline in overall business activity in the current nine-month period, which was primarily offset by significantly weaker earnings.

Investing Cash Flows

Investing activities primarily includes $32,461 for capital expenditures.

During the current nine-month period, UNIFI invested $32,461 in capital projects, primarily relating to (i) texturing machinery, (ii) further improvements in production capabilities and technology enhancements in the Americas, and (iii) routine annual maintenance capital expenditures. Maintenance capital expenditures are necessary to support UNIFI’s current operations, capacities, and capabilities and exclude expenses relating to repairs and costs that do not extend an asset’s useful life.

UNIFI expects recent and future capital projects to provide benefits to future profitability. The additional assets from these capital projects consist primarily of machinery and equipment.

Financing Cash Flows

Financing activities primarily include (i) scheduled payments against outstanding indebtedness and (ii) proceeds from construction financing during the current nine-month period.

Share Repurchase Program

As described in Note 7, “Shareholders’ Equity,” no share repurchases have been completed in fiscal 2023.

Contractual Obligations

UNIFI incurs various financial obligations and commitments in the ordinary course of business. Financial obligations are considered to represent known future cash payments that UNIFI is required to make under existing contractual arrangements, such as debt and lease agreements.

After considering the changes generated by the 2022 Credit Agreement and the above discussion of delaying certain equipment purchases by 18 months, there have been no further material changes in the scheduled maturities of UNIFI’s contractual obligations as disclosed under the heading “Contractual Obligations” in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the 2022 Form 10-K.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

UNIFI is not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on UNIFI’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, or capital expenditures.

Critical Accounting Policies

UNIFI’s critical accounting policies are discussed in the 2022 Form 10-K. There have been no changes to UNIFI’s critical accounting policies in fiscal 2023.

UNIFI is exposed to market risks associated with changes in interest rates, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, and raw material and commodity costs, which may adversely affect its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. UNIFI does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes, nor is it a party to any leveraged financial instruments.

Interest Rate Risk

UNIFI is exposed to interest rate risk through its borrowing activities. As of April 2, 2023, UNIFI had borrowings under its ABL Facility that totaled $122,900. UNIFI’s sensitivity analysis indicates that a 50-basis point interest rate increase as of April 2, 2023 would result in an increase in annual interest expense of approximately $640.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

A complete discussion of foreign currency exchange rate risk is included in the 2022 Form 10-K and is supplemented by the following disclosures.

As of April 2, 2023, UNIFI had no outstanding foreign currency forward contracts.

As of April 2, 2023, foreign currency exchange rate risk concepts included the following:

Raw Material and Commodity Cost Risks

A complete discussion of raw material and commodity cost risks is included in the 2022 Form 10-K and is supplemented by the following disclosures.

As fiscal 2022 concluded, UNIFI experienced cost increases for raw materials related to inflationary pressures and competing alternatives to U.S. polyester production. Following the recent global demand deterioration, raw material costs have declined in fiscal 2023. We have been able to implement responsive selling price adjustments for the majority of our portfolio throughout fiscal 2022 and 2023. While our underlying gross margin is predominantly pressured by lower textile demand, we expect the impact of recent selling price adjustments to aid margin improvement throughout the remainder of fiscal 2023. Nonetheless, input costs remain subject to volatility, and, should input costs increase unexpectedly or should textile demand worsen, UNIFI’s results of operations and cash flows are likely to be adversely impacted.

Cash Deposits and Financial Institution Risk

During the current period, certain regional bank crises and failures generated additional uncertainty and volatility in the financial and credit markets. UNIFI currently holds the vast majority of its cash deposits with large foreign banks in our associated operating regions, and management maintains the ability to repatriate cash to the U.S. relatively quickly. Accordingly, UNIFI has not modified its mix of financial institutions holding cash deposits, but UNIFI will continue to monitor the environment and current events to ensure any increase in concentration or credit risk is appropriately and timely addressed. If any of the financial institutions within our 2022 Credit Agreement or construction financing arrangement (“lending counterparties”) are unable to perform on their commitments, our liquidity could be impacted. We actively monitor all lending counterparties, and none have indicated that they may be unable to perform on their commitments. In addition, we periodically review our lending counterparties, considering the stability of the institutions and other aspects of the relationships. Based on our monitoring activities, we currently believe our lending counterparties will be able to perform their commitments.

Other Risks

UNIFI is also exposed to political risk, including changing laws and regulations governing international trade, such as quotas, tariffs, and tax laws. The degree of impact and the frequency of these events cannot be predicted.

As of April 2, 2023, an evaluation of the effectiveness of UNIFI’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) was performed under the supervision and with the participation of UNIFI’s management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer. Based on that evaluation, UNIFI’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that UNIFI’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by UNIFI in its reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, and that information required to be disclosed by UNIFI in the reports UNIFI files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to UNIFI’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no changes in UNIFI’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended April 2, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, UNIFI’s internal control over financial reporting.