AMERICAN VANGUARD CORP
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed May 29, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed May 29, 2025
AVD$0.96+1.6%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-03-28.
0000950170-24-037524
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-05-29.
0000950170-25-078615
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 55 previous paragraphs and 62 current paragraphs.
17 unchanged; 24 reworded; 21 added; 13 removed; 1 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 4 previous and 4 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (21)
Current report
During 2024, AVD took decisive and necessary measures to transform its entire enterprise into a platform for stronger growth and profitability. First, the Company engaged third party consultants to initiate a business transformation on multiple fronts (e.g., driving down supply chain cost, optimizing manufacturing, establishing strategic go-to-market approach and structural reorganization). These transformation efforts are expected to yield substantial benefits by 2026. Second, working with ERP provider QAD, the Company initiated a global-wide digital transformation to put all our businesses on one ERP platform with standardized processes. Third, the Company recruited and hired a new CEO to help expedite the transformation, following a charge to "simplify, execute and deliver." Fourth, in the process of examining its investments, inventory trends and assets, the Company concluded that certain assets - primarily, the Company’s investment in SIMPAS, and two herbicide products - were impaired. Taken together with the goodwill impairment, various business transformation related expenses, the expenses associated with the decision to voluntarily recall Dacthal products, and certain inventory write downs, the Company incurred nonrecurring charges of $117,355 during 2024. That said, the vast majority of business transformation expenses were incurred in 2024, and in subsequent years, the Company will be advancing the implementation plan largely through internal resources. Further, the Company proceeds into 2025 with an improved balance sheet and strong, focused leadership for realizing the benefits from our transformation efforts.
Current report
Turning to financial performance, the Company’s overall performance in 2024 declined as compared to 2023 due in part to the uneven impact of nonrecurring charges as described in the immediately preceding paragraph and in part to persistently low commodity prices and high input costs which negatively impacted the agricultural economy. Supply chains are beginning to normalize, but given the current economic backdrop it may be some time before consumers are inclined to meaningfully increase their inventory levels. Some pockets of strength are present, with biofertilizers, biostimulants and biochemicals growing much faster than the broader agricultural economy. The Company has made significant investment in these areas of growth, has benefited from this investment and expects to do so in the future. Across the broader agricultural economy, the company expects a gradual recovery looking forward from 2024, during which channel inventory was higher-than-historically normal.
Current report
Cost of sales remained high, increasing by 7% to end at 78% of net sales. The increase is attributed to the impact of the Dacthal recall which resulted in approximately $12,200 in credits to customers and $3,153 in inventory write downs and disposal costs, the decision to record additional reserves in the amount of $21,417 regarding obsolete and slow-moving inventories resulting from the Company's strategic review of its product portfolio to identify areas that were not positively contributing to generating shareholder value. and, where relevant, the estimated disposal costs. Further, the Company experienced some pockets of generic pressure in our international markets resulting in lowering prices to maintain market position. In addition, the Company incurred higher raw material costs as a result of inflationary pressure on raw material input prices. Finally, factory performance generated a higher net expense, as compared to 2023, as the Company worked to manage inventory levels in the face of market destocking activity. As a result, gross margin dropped to 22% in 2024 from 31% as compared to the prior year.
Current report
Operating expenses rose by about 42% in 2024, as compared to 2023, due primarily to certain non-cash asset impairment charges and our digital and structural transformation strategy. Primarily as a result of the nonrecurring impairment charges, operating expenses rose as a percentage of net sales to 40% in 2024, as compared to 27% in 2023.
Current report
With continued comparative lower sales and higher inventory level, during 2024, the Company’s average indebtedness increased to $195,160, as compared to $167,976 during 2023 and, coupled with higher interest rates, interest expense for the year rose. Net sales improved in the fourth quarter and, coupled with customer prepayment activity, enabled the Company to reduce inventory and indebtedness by December 31, 2024.
Current report
Net sales of our U.S. crop business were 15% lower than those of the prior year. The three key factors driving performance lower were the recall of Dacthal, lower sales of Aztec and lower agriculture acreage planted. During 2024, the Company halted manufacturing and then voluntarily cancelled the product registration for Dacthal following USEPA's preliminary findings of a potential adverse effect based upon a single study. The product recall associated with this cancellation negatively impacted 2024 revenue and profitability. With respect to Aztec, customer purchases exceeded end-user demand in 2023, and these customers worked down excess inventory in 2024, negatively impacting sales of this high-margin product. We expect demand patterns for Aztec to normalize over 2025. Further, negatively impacting results were the number of agriculture acres planted, as compared to 2023, with corn acres 4% lower than the prior year. Weak agricultural commodity prices, leading to lower farm net-income, were the reason that fewer acres were planted in 2024.
Current report
Net sales of our U.S. non-crop business were 9% higher than those of the previous year. This improvement was driven by our business-to-business technical sales, along with growth in mosquito vector solutions. The company expects the non-crop business to continue to grow over the coming quarters driven by business-to-business gains and growth across all segments.
Current report
Net sales of our International businesses were 1% higher than those of the previous year. Granular soil insecticides sales, our largest international product category, exhibited strength, increasing by 10% as compared to the prior period, while herbicide sales decreased by approximately 27%. Generic crop protection products continued to create a difficult pricing environment for many of our products, and results were negatively impacted near the year-end by strength in the U.S. Dollar and the attendant effect of foreign currency exchange.
Current report
Overall costs of sales increased by 7% across our U.S. crop, U.S. non-crop and International. The increased cost of sales can be attributed to elevated raw material prices, which were fueled by broad-based inflationary pressures. In addition, as part of its strategic review, the Company has completed a comprehensive assessment of its inventories and determined that a number of items are either obsolete or slow moving and has taken a write down of $21,417 to reflect the net realizable value of these items.
Current report
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to end at $106,295 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $103,605 in 2023. Included within this expense, the Company's leadership team made the decision to pay a modest bonus to all employees as a recognition of the steadfast support for the Company’s transformation efforts during a challenging year.
Current report
Amortization ended the year at $13,339 which was slightly up in comparison to the prior year and included accelerated amortization of $179 associated with two small assets.
Current report
Research, product development and regulatory expenses decreased by 13% to $32,662 in 2024, as compared to $38,025 in 2023. The costs were reduced by lower spending as the Company made the decision to stop investing in the development and commercialization of the SIMPAS proprietary delivery systems.
Current report
Asset impairments of $50,414 includes costs associated with the Company’s determination that its investment in its SIMPAS technology is impaired. The impairment impacted fixed and intangible assets and resulted in a non-cash charges of $17,683. In addition, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges related to its domestic and international goodwill assets in the amount of $27,049. Secondly, the Company concluded that there was an asset impairment related to the purchase of two herbicide products. The market for these two products has been greatly reduced by weed resistance and competitive products. As such, the Company has decided to no longer market the product, and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $5,682.
Current report
Comprehensive loss was $139,170 in 2024, as compared to a comprehensive income of $13,738 in 2023. In addition to net (loss) income, foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax is included in comprehensive (loss) income. The foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax, was negative $13,824 in 2024, as compared to a positive $6,219 in 2023. The negative adjustment in 2024 was driven by the US Dollar getting stronger compared to the local currencies of the Company's international operations in Mexico, Brazil, and Australia, which use the respective local currencies as their functional currency.
Current report
The Company’s working capital decreased by $54,983 at December 31, 2024. Included in this change, accounts receivable increased by $11,073 as a result of timing of orders, mix of customers, products and jurisdictions, inventories decreased by $35,213 as a result of a hard drive to reduce inventories and the result of recording certain inventory write downs, tax receivable increased by $3,775 driven by losses recorded at the end of 2024, and prepaid expenses increased by $654. Customer prepayments decreased by $12,882, driven by customer decisions to make early payments in return for future discounts on product purchases as part of the Company’s early cash incentive programs and their choices about when to utilize the prepaid amounts. Our accounts payable balances increased by $3,714 primarily due to timing of supplier invoice due dates and the drive by the Company to reduce inventory in the final quarter of the year. Program accruals increased by $1,775, and other payables and accrued expenses increased by $17,202.
Current report
On November 7, 2023, the Company entered into Amendment Number Six to the Third Amended Loan and Security Agreement that provided relief in respect of both financial covenants. On August 8, 2024, the Company and the lenders entered into Amendment Number Seven to the Credit Agreement, effective June 30, 2024, under which the Maximum Total Leverage Ratio was modified to 4.25 for the period ended June 30, 2024; 5.0 for the period ended September 30, 2024; 4.5 for the period ended December 31, 2024, 4.5 for the period ending March 31, 2025, 4.25 for the period ending June 30, 2025; 4.0 for the period ending September 30, 2025, and returning to 3.25 for the periods ending December 31, 2025 and thereafter. The Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio remains the same, and a new covenant (added as part of Amendment Number seven), the Minimum Modified Current Ratio of not less than 1.5 (defined as the ratio of (i) Accounts Receivable plus Inventory, to (ii) Funded Debt of the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis). In addition, the Company may not repurchase shares, pay cash dividends to shareholders or make Permitted Acquisitions without Lenders’ consent. In addition, for purposes of calculating Consolidated EBITDA, the basket for transformation and one-time (cash and non-cash charges (which are excluded from such measure) has been increased from $5,000 to $12,500 in second quarter 2024, $45,000 (in third quarter 2024, fourth quarter 2024 and first quarter 2025), $42,500 in second quarter 2025, $15,000 in third quarter 2025 and $7,500 in fourth quarter 2025, as measured on a four-quarter trailing basis. Finally, the interest rates for the Credit Agreement, as amended, were increased by 25bps to the extent the Total Leverage Ratio equals or exceeds 4.0 and remains at the rates set forth in the Amendment Number Six to the extent the Total Leverage Ratio is below 4.0.
Current report
On March 12, 2025, the Company entered into Amendment Number Eight to the Third Amended Loan and Security Agreement that provided relief in respect of both financial covenants, under which the Maximum Total Leverage Ratio was modified to 6.25 for the period ending March 31, 2025; 6.25 for the period ending June 30, 2025; 5.75 for the period ending September 30, 2025 and returning to 3.25 for the periods ending December 31, 2025 and thereafter. The Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is changed to 1.15 for the period ending March 31, 2025, and returning to 1.25 for the period ending June 30, 2025 and thereafter. In addition, the Applicable Margins for the Revolver Loans are changed to 3.75% for SOFR and 2.75% as the Adjusted Base Rate; the Unused Line Fee Rate is 0.35% and the Letter of Credit Fee is 3.75%. Further, notwithstanding financial performance, the borrowing capacity is capped below the facility’s previous maximum ($275,000) by $50,000 through June 30, 2025, then by $40,000 through December 31, 2025, and then by $75,000 through the expiration of the facility. Finally, the definition of Consolidated EBITDA was changed to exclude non-recurring non-cash charges as well as cash charges that do not exceed various sums in various categories over the balance of the term.
Current report
On May 27, 2025, the Company and the lenders entered into Amendment Number Eleven to the Third Amended Loan and Security Agreement, under which events of default arising from the failure of Borrowers to be in compliance with both the Total Leverage Ratio and the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as of March 31, 2025, were waived. In addition, the Total Revolver Commitment was reduced from $275,000 to the following: $245,000, effective from the Closing Date through November 29, 2025; $225,000 effective from November 30, 2025, through December 30, 2025; and $200,000 from December 31, 2025, through the expiration of the agreement. In addition, the due date for audited fiscal year-end financial statements was extended to one hundred fifty-seven (157) days (after the end of the fiscal year) for 2025 only, and the due date for first quarter financial statements was extended to sixty-seven (67) days after March 31, 2025. In addition, the Maximum Total Leverage Ratio covenant was suspended for the quarters ending on June 30, 2025, September 30, 2025, and December 31, 2025, and set at 4.00 to 1.00 for the quarter ending March 31, 2026, and thereafter. Further, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio covenant was suspended for the quarter ending June 30, 2025, then set at 1.00 to 1.00 for the quarter ending September 30, 2025, then set at 1.25 to 1:00 for the quarter ending December 31, 2025, and thereafter.
Current report
In addition, under the terms of the Eleventh Amendment, two new covenants were added. First, commencing June 30, 2025, Borrowers must maintain Liquidity measured on a monthly basis of not less than: $30,000 for the month ending June 30, 2025; $35,000 for the month ending July 31, 2025; $4,042 for the month ending August 31, 2025; $25,000 for the month ending September 30, 2025; $3,000 for the month ending October 31, 2025; $9,292 for the month ending November 30, 2025; and $20,000 for the month ending December 31, 2025, it being understood that Liquidity will include the sum of Borrowers’ cash, plus 50% of cash held in accounts outside of the U.S. plus the amount by which the revolver commitments exceed the revolver balance (net of letters of credit). Second, Borrowers must attain minimum, year-to-date Consolidated EBITDA (reflecting the exclusion of non-recurring non-cash charges and certain other charges as per the Eighth Amendment) as measured quarterly in the following amounts: $4,500 as of June 30, 2025; $9,500 as of September 30, 2025; and $35,000 as of December 31, 2025. With these changes, with respect to Revolver Loans, the Applicable Margins for SOFR are set at 3.75% from the Closing through September 30, 2025, and then rises to 4.75% as of October 1, 2025, and thereafter, while the Adjusted Base Rate increases to 2.75% and 3.75% during those respective periods.
Current report
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Current report
As of December 31, 2024, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangement.
Removed paragraphs (13)
Previous report
The Company’s performance in 2023 declined as compared to the prior year due primarily to three factors: first customers in many regions implemented destocking directives in order to limit their carrying costs of inventory, second, weakening economic conditions in China manifested themselves in a glut of low-priced generic products in many regions, and third, supply chain constraints affecting one key product.
Previous report
Cost of sales dropped by about 4% on lower sales in 2023 compared to 2022. Factory performance generated higher net expense as compared to 2022, due largely to the unavailability of raw materials and reduced demand from destocking activity early in the year. As a result, gross margin percent dropped to 31% in 2023 from 32% as compared to the prior year.
Previous report
Net sales of our U.S. crop business were about 7% lower than those of the prior year. This performance was driven by several factors. The pacing of procurement in the domestic distribution channel relaxed from the strong purchasing practices of 2022 to more of a just-in-time approach in 2023, as higher interest rates increased the carrying cost of channel inventories, prompting distributors and retailers to respond with widespread destocking efforts. Additionally, our herbicide business was negatively affected by the supply-chain unavailability of Dacthal (for use on high-value crops, including onions) and increased competitive pressure on our Impact post-emergent corn herbicide brand caused by the steep decline in prices of many non-specific herbicides. Conversely, we experienced strong year-over-year sales of our granular soil insecticide products (including Aztec, Force, and Thimet). Our cotton products saw solid demand for our Bidrin foliar insecticides and a modest decline for our Folex harvest defoliant, as compared to 2022. We also recorded stronger sales of our soil fumigants (for use on a wide range of fruit and vegetables).
Previous report
Net sales of our U.S. non-crop business were down about 2%. This decline was driven largely by a nationwide pattern of customer inventory destocking and purchasing control measures designed to deal with the challenge of high interest rate carrying costs. Net sales from our OHP nursery and ornamental business were slightly below those of 2022, as US consumer demand for plant materials softened. Sales of insecticides for commercial applications firmed during the year, as the professional pest-control market gradually regained more normal pre-pandemic levels.
Previous report
Net sales of ourinternational businesses decreased by 4% in 2023 vs. 2022. During 2023, our international group continued to integrate two important new businesses, AgNova in Australia and Agrinos biological products in more than a half dozen countries worldwide. We experienced a slight sales decline in our Central American businesses due to persistent drought conditions in Panama and a very significant influx of generic Chinese crop protection products which created a difficult pricing environment. Internationally, we experienced slightly lower demand for our soil fumigants due to increased Asian competition, partially offset by higher sales of herbicides. We saw a large increase in sales of our Counter nematicide in Brazil and in Mexico. Our Mocap brand improved sales in Mexico and Korea, while our Nemacur soil insecticide grew sales in Mexico, Argentina, and Taiwan.
Previous report
Overall costs of sales declined by 4% across our U.S. crop, U.S. non-crop and international, which is roughly equivalent to the 5% average decline in net sales across those businesses.
Previous report
Selling expenses increased by 7% to $56,015 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $52,512 in 2022. This included inflation related increased wages, additional people and expenses associated with the newly acquired AgriCenter business in Ecuador, and increased costs associated with travel expenses as the sales teams work to grow the global business.
Previous report
General and administrative expenses decreased by 10% to $47,049 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $51,671 in 2022. During the year, we increased our accruals for potential bad debts primarily related to our Latin American business. That increase in cost was more than offset by reduced incentive compensation expense driven by the Company's financial performance and lower legal costs.
Previous report
The Company spent $541 in fees associated with our Proxy defense activities in 2023, as compared to $1,785 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Previous report
Amortization expense declined in 2023 as compared to 2022 as a result of fully amortized assets.
Previous report
Research, product development and regulatory expenses increased by 19% to $38,025 in 2023, as compared to $31,816 in 2022. The main drivers were increases in our product development costs, primarily resulting from increased international regulatory activities and work in support of our SIMPAS/ULTIMUS technology platform. In addition, wages and travel expenses increased in support of our business.
Previous report
The Company’s working capital increased by $79,560 at December 31, 2023, accounts receivable increased by $20,278, inventories increased by $27,315, tax receivable, net decreased by $3,568, and prepaid expenses decreased by $1,269. Deferred revenue decreased by $45,079, driven by customer decisions to make early payments in return for early cash incentive programs. Our accounts payable balances decreased by $2,287, program accruals decreased by $7,244 and other payables and accrued expenses decreased by $5,066.
Previous report
On November 7, 2023, the Company entered into Amendment Number Six to the Third Amended Loan and Security Agreement that provided relief in respect of both financial covenants. Specifically, with respect to the Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, the existing ratio of 3.5 through September 30, 2024 and 3.25 through December 31, 2024 and thereafter was changed to 5.5 through September 30, 2023, 4.5 for the periods ending December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024, 4.0 for the period ending June 30, 2024, 3.5 through September 30, 2024 and returning to 3.25 from December 31, 2024 and thereafter. In addition, the Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio was changed from 1.25 to 1.0 for the periods ending September 30, 2023, December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024 and returning to 1.25 for the period ending June 30, 2024 and thereafter. Further, after the delivery of financial statements and a covenant compliance certificate for the period ended December 31, 2023 assuming Total Leverage is less than 2.75, then Borrowers may terminate the covenant modification period (“CMP”) and revert to the terms of the existing Credit Agreement. Further, for the duration of the CMP, the Company is restricted from making share repurchases. Finally, the Applicable Margin (SOFR and Adjusted Base Rate) and Letter of Credit fees increase by 0.50 basis points for each tier of interest during CMP. The interest rate on December 31, 2023, was 8.33%.
Reworded paragraphs (24)
Previous wording
The Company, from time-to-time, may discuss forward-looking statements including assumptions concerning the Company’s operations, future results and prospects. Generally, “may,” “could,” “will,” “would,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “continue” and similar words identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements appearing in this Report are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results and events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions contained in the entire Report. Such factors include, but are not limited to: product demand and market acceptance risks; the effect of economic conditions; weather conditions; changes in regulatory policy; the impact of competitive products and pricing; changes in foreign exchange rates; product development and commercialization difficulties; capacity and supply constraints or difficulties; availability of capital resources; general business regulations, including taxes and other risks as detailed from time-to-time in the Company’s reports and filings filed with the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). It is not possible to foresee or identify all such factors. We urge you to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Report.
Current wording
The Company, from time-to-time, may discuss forward-looking statements including assumptions concerning the Company’s operations, future results and prospects. Generally, “may,” “could,” “will,” “would,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “continue” and similar words identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements appearing in this Report are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results and events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions contained in the entire Report. Such factors include, but are not limited to: product demand and market acceptance risks; the effect of economic conditions; weather conditions; changes in regulatory policy; the impact of competitive products and pricing; changes in foreign exchange rates; tariffs on imported goods; the potential for attaining the full benefits of our transformation initiatives; product development and commercialization difficulties; capacity and supply constraints or difficulties; availability of capital resources; the impact of, and our ability to remediate, the identified material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting; and general business regulations, including taxes and other risks as detailed from time-to-time in the Company’s reports and filings filed with the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). It is not possible to foresee or identify all such factors. We urge you to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Report.
Previous wording
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for 2023, as compared to 2022, appears below. As permitted by SEC rules, we have omitted the discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for 2022 compared to 2021. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed on March 16, 2023 for this discussion.
Current wording
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for 2024, as compared to 2023, appears below.
Previous wording
Within this context, the Company experienced a drop in overall sales of approximately 5%, with domestic sales down 6% and international sales down 4%. The unavailability of two high margin products, Aztec and Dacthal, due to supply issues in the first half of 2023, accounted for much of the drop in consolidated sales. With the resumption of production of those products, the Company’s US crop business, and the Company as a whole, generated much stronger sales performance in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Current wording
Within this context, the Company experienced a drop in overall sales of approximately 5% during 2024, with domestic sales down 9% and international sales increasing by 1%. Most of the underperformance in sales was driven by two factors - a 40% drop in sales of the granular insecticide Aztec following unusually high sales in the prior year as a result of a period of product unavailability, and the impact of the voluntary cancellation and recall of the herbicide Dacthal.
Previous wording
Operating expenses rose by about 2% in 2023, as compared to 2022, due primarily to increased selling expenses and regulatory costs, partially offset by reduced general and administrative costs including recording no short-term incentive compensation expense. Further, operating expenses as a percent of net sales rose to 27% in 2022, compared to 25% in 2022. With lower sales during the first three quarters of 2023 in the face of reduced demand and product unavailability, the Company’s average indebtedness rose to $167,976 ($117,705 last year) and, coupled with significantly higher interest rates, interest expense for the year rose sharply. Sales activity in the fourth quarter coupled with customer pre-pay activity enabled the Company to lower inventory and reduce indebtedness by year-end. On a full-year basis, the Company generated net income of $7,519 (or $0.26 per share) which, while down from that of the prior year ($27,404 or $0.92 per share), represents a significant rebound from the first three quarters of 2023. Details of our financial performance are set forth below.
Current wording
On a full-year basis, the Company generated net loss of $126,340 (or $4.50 per share), as compared to generating a net income of $7,519 (or $0.26 per share) during 2023. Details of our financial performance are set forth below.
Previous wording
Operating expenses increased by $4,132 in 2023, to $155,869 or 27% of net sales, as compared to $151,737 or 25% in 2022. The differences in operating expenses by department are as follows:
Current wording
Operating expenses increased by $66,003 in 2024 to $221,872, as compared to $155,869 in 2023. The differences in operating expenses by department are as follows:
Previous wording
Transformation costs relate to the Company’s digital and structural transformation project. The digital transformation effort is intended to ensure that business process owners have access to current and complete data that has been generated through standardized processes. The structural transformation effort is intended to improve operating leverage by applying business analytics to current operations, structures, products and services. The Company hired a Chief Transformation Officer to steer and drive the project. In addition, the Company engaged a Human Resources consultant to help plan, overhaul and update the Company's Human Resources processes. Further, Kearney Management Consulting is assisting the Company in navigating the project to gain the maximum benefit at the earliest possible time.
Current wording
Transformation cost of $20,162 relate to the Company’s digital and structural transformation project. The digital transformation effort is intended to ensure that business process owners have access to current and complete data that has been generated through standardized processes. The structural transformation effort is intended to improve operating leverage by applying business analytics to current operations, structures, products and services. Included in these costs, the Company made the decision that it was necessary to recruit a new CEO to drive the business transformation. During 2024, third party consultants were engaged by the Company to assist it in navigating the project to gain the maximum benefit at the earliest possible time.
Previous wording
In July 2020, the Company made a strategic investment in Clean Seed Inc. (Clean Seed) in the amount of $1,190. The investment is carried at fair value and is included in other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company recorded losses related to Clean Seed’s change in fair value in the amount of $359 and $732 in 2023 and 2022, respectively. These losses are included in change in fair value of equity investments on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Current wording
On April 1, 2020, the Company made a strategic investment in Clean Seed Inc. (Clean Seed) in the amount of $1,190. The investment is carried at fair value and is included in other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company recorded a gain related to Clean Seed’s change in fair value in the amount of $513 during 2024, as compared to losses of $359 in 2023. These gains and losses are included in change in fair value of equity investments on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Previous wording
Net interest expense was $12,639 in 2023, as compared to $3,954 in 2022. Interest costs are summarized in the following table:
Current wording
Net interest expense was $16,243 in 2024, as compared to $12,639 in 2023. Interest costs are summarized in the following table:
Previous wording
The Company’s average debt for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $167,976, as compared to $117,705 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in average debt can be in large part attributed to the global agriculture market moving from buying early (during 2021 and 2022) to buying as close as possible to time of use. This effective destocking of the channel was a global Ag market reaction to high interest rates and the drive by distribution to push working capital back to manufacturers. Our effective interest rate on our senior credit facility increased to 7.4%, as compared to 3.6% in 2022.
Current wording
The Company’s average debt for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $195,160, as compared to $167,976 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in average debt can be in large part attributed to the global agriculture market continuing to focus on buying smaller individual order quantities frequently and closer to the time of use and with enhanced focus on their own inventory levels. This effective destocking of the channel is a global agricultural market reaction to high interest rates and the drive by distribution to push working capital back to manufacturers. Our effective interest rate on our senior credit facility increased to 8.0%, as compared to 7.2% in 2023.
Previous wording
Our provision for income taxes for 2023 was $2,778, as compared to $8,561 for 2022. The effective tax rate for 2023 was 27.0%, as compared to 23.8% in 2022. The increase of the effective tax rate in 2023, as compared to 2022, was primarily due to reductions in income before provision for income taxes, release of certain uncertain tax positions due to statute of limitation expirations in 2022 and an increase in the change in valuation allowance recorded through the income statement in 2023, partially offset by a one-time tax benefit associated with the migration of certain Intellectual Property to the U.S..
Current wording
Our provision for income taxes for 2024 was $5,882, as compared to $2,778 for 2023. The effective tax rate for 2024 was negative 4.9%, as compared to 27.0% in 2023. The decrease of the effective tax rate in 2024, as compared to 2023, was primarily due to the establishment of a valuation allowance recorded against the U.S. net deferred tax assets during 2024.
Previous wording
Net income was $7,519 or $0.27 per basic share and $0.26 per diluted share in 2023, as compared to $27,404 or $0.94 per basic share and $0.92 per diluted share in 2022.
Current wording
Net loss was $126,340 or $4.50 per basic share and diluted share in 2024, as compared to a net income of $7,519 or $0.27 per basic and $0.26 per diluted share in 2023.
Previous wording
The Company used $58,748 of cash in operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to cash provided by operating activities of $57,105 in the prior year. Included in the $58,748 are net income of $7,519, plus non-cash depreciation, amortization of intangibles and other long-term assets in the amount of $23,534, amortization of deferred loan fees and discounted liabilities of $254, and provision for bad debts in the amount of $1,935. In addition, stock-based compensation of $6,139, change in fair value of investments of $359, change in value of deferred income taxes of $9,710, change in value for uncertain tax positions or unrecognized tax benefits of $508, non-cash lease expense of $256 and net foreign currency adjustment of $581, resulted in net cash provided by operating activities (prior to changes in assets and liabilities associated with operations, net of business combinations) of $29,713 as compared to $55,529 for the same period of 2022.
Current wording
Cash in operating activities provided $3,923 during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to cash used in operating activities of $58,748 in the prior year. Included in the $3,923 are net loss of $126,340, plus non-cash depreciation, amortization of intangibles and other long-term assets in the amount of $22,548, amortization of deferred loan fees and discounted liabilities of $536, gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment of $1,000, impairment of assets including fixed assets, intangible assets and goodwill of $50,414, and provision for bad debts in the amount of $2,319. In addition, stock-based compensation of $4,412, change in value of deferred income taxes of $1,462, change in value for uncertain tax positions or unrecognized tax benefits of $1,547, change in fair value of investments of $2,356, non-cash lease expense of $37, and net foreign currency adjustment of $804, resulted in net cash used in operating activities (prior to changes in assets and liabilities associated with operations, net of business combinations) of $44,083, as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $29,713 for the same period of 2023.
Previous wording
With regard to our program accrual, the year-over-year change is primarily driven by the mix of product line sales and customers in 2023, as compared to the prior year. The Company accrues programs in line with the growing season upon which specific products are targeted. Most of our programs relate to domestic sales. Typically, domestic crops have a growing season that ends on August 31 stof each year. During 2023, the Company made accruals in the amount of $93,264 and made payments in the amount of $85,931. During 2022, the Company made accruals in the amount of $111,649 and made payments in the amount of $114,151.
Current wording
With regard to our program accrual, the year-over-year change is primarily driven by the mix of product line sales and customers in 2024, as compared to the prior year. The Company accrues programs in line with the growing season upon which specific products are targeted. Most of our programs relate to domestic sales. Typically, domestic crops have a growing season that ends on August 31 stof each year. During 2024, the Company made accruals in the amount of $93,301 and payments in the amount of $92,188. During 2023, the Company made accruals in the amount of $93,264 and payments in the amount of $85,931.
Previous wording
Cash used for investing activities amounted to $17,017 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $14,470 in 2022. In 2023, the Company spent $11,878 on capital expenditures primarily focused on continuing to invest in manufacturing infrastructure to expand production efficiency and capabilities, spent $186 on registrations and patents and received $242 in disposal of fixed assets. In 2023, the Company spent $5,195 in business acquisitions including intangible assets, goodwill, working capital and fixed assets as well as patent application costs and $650 in product acquisition.
Current wording
Cash used for investing activities amounted to $6,623 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $17,017 in 2023. In 2024, the Company spent $7,279 on capital expenditures primarily focused on continuing to invest in manufacturing infrastructure focused on safety and improvement of production efficiency and capabilities. Furthermore, the Company spent $409 on registrations and patents and received $1,065 in disposal of fixed assets. In 2024, the Company did not make any business acquisitions.
Previous wording
During the year ended December 31, 2023, financing activities provided $66,737, as compared to $38,260 used during the prior year. This included making net borrowings of $86,600 on the Company’s senior credit facility during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to a net repayment of $1,000, in 2022. During 2023, the Company paid dividends to stockholders amounting to $3,384, as compared to $2,787 in 2022. Further, the Company used $15,539 to repurchase common stock in 2023, as compared to $34,002 in 2022. The Company also made payment of $68 in 2022 for contingent consideration where no such payment occurred in 2023.
Current wording
During the year ended December 31, 2024, financing activities provided $4,540 as compared to $66,737 provided during the prior year. This included increasing net borrowings by $8,431, as compared to an increase of $86,600 in 2023. The Company paid $850 in deferred loan fees during the year ended December 31, 2024. During 2024, the Company paid dividends to stockholders amounting to $2,510, as compared to $3,384 in 2023. Further, the Company did not repurchase common stock in 2024, as compared to using $15,539 to repurchase common stock in 2023. The Company made no payments for contingent consideration in 2024 or 2023.
Previous wording
The deferred loan fees as of December 31, 2023 are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
Current wording
The deferred loan fees as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
Previous wording
The Company and certain of its affiliates are parties to a senior credit facility agreement entitled the “Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement” dated as of August 5, 2021 (the “Credit Agreement”), which is a senior secured lending facility among AMVAC, the Company’s principal operating subsidiary, as Agent (including the Company and AMVAC BV), as "Borrowers", on the one hand, and a group of commercial lenders led by BMO Bank, N.A. (formerly Bank of the West) as administrative agent, documentation agent, syndication agent, collateral agent and sole lead arranger, on the other hand. The Credit Agreement consists of a line of credit of up to $275,000, an accordion feature of up to $150,000, a letter of credit and swingline sub-facility (each having limits of $25,000) and has a maturity date of August 5, 2026. The Credit Agreement amended and restated the previous credit facility, which had a maturity date of June 30, 2022. With respect to key financial covenants, the Credit Agreement contains two: namely, borrowers are required to maintain a Total Leverage (“TL”) Ratio of no more than 3.5-to-1, during the first three years, stepping down to 3.25-to-1 as of December 31, 2024, and a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ("FCCR") of at least 1.25-to-1. In addition, to the extent that it completes acquisitions totaling $15 million or more in any 90-day period, AMVAC may step-up the TL Ratio by 0.5-to-1, not to exceed 4.00-to-1, for the next three full consecutive quarters. Acquisitions below $50 million do not require Agent consent.
Current wording
The Company and certain of its affiliates are parties to a senior credit facility agreement entitled the “Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement” dated as of August 5, 2021 (the “Credit Agreement”), which is a senior secured lending facility among AMVAC, the Company’s principal operating subsidiary, as Agent (including the Company and AMVAC BV), as "Borrowers", on the one hand, and a group of commercial lenders led by BMO Bank, N.A. (formerly Bank of the West) as administrative agent, documentation agent, syndication agent, collateral agent and sole lead arranger, on the other hand. The Credit Agreement consists of a line of credit of up to $275,000, an accordion feature of up to $150,000, a letter of credit and swingline sub-facility (each having limits of $25,000) and has a maturity date of August 5, 2026. The Credit Agreement amended and restated the previous credit facility, which had a maturity date of June 30, 2022. With respect to key financial covenants, the Credit Agreement contains two: namely, borrowers are required to maintain a Total Leverage (“TL”) Ratio of no more than 3.5-to-1, during the first three years, stepping down to 3.25-to-1 as of December 31, 2024, and a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ("FCCR") of at least 1.25-to-1. In addition, to the extent that it completes acquisitions totaling $15,000 or more in any 90-day period, AMVAC may step-up the TL Ratio by 0.5-to-1, not to exceed 4.00-to-1, for the next three full consecutive quarters. Acquisitions below $50,000 did not require Agent consent.
Previous wording
According to the terms of the Credit Agreement, as amended, and based on our performance against the most restrictive covenant listed above, the Company had the capacity to increase its borrowings by up to $115,002 and $200,372 as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Furthermore, at December 31, 2023, the Company’s leverage, as defined in the Credit Agreement, was 2.46.
Current wording
At December 31, 2024, by virtue of Amendment Number Eight to the Third Amended Loan and Security Agreement, the Company is deemed to be in compliance with its financial covenants. According to the terms of the Credit Agreement and based on our performance against the most restrictive covenant, the Company had the capacity to increase its borrowings by up to $28,623, as compared to $115,002 as of December 31, 2023. Furthermore, at December 31, 2024, the Company’s leverage, as defined in the credit facility agreement was 3.57. Under the terms of the latest amendment to the credit facility agreement, currently, the Company may not repurchase shares, pay cash dividends to shareholders or make Permitted Acquisitions without Lenders’ consent.
Previous wording
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Current wording
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Resolution of such uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with our estimates could have a material effect on our financial condition and operating results.
Previous wording
Inventories— The Company values its inventories at lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost method, including, as appropriate, raw materials, labor, factory overhead and subcontracting services. The Company writes down its inventory to the net realizable value following assessments of slow-moving and obsolete inventory and other annual adjustments to ensure that our standard costs continue to closely reflect actual manufacturing cost.
Current wording
Inventories— The Company values its inventories at lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost method, including, as appropriate, raw materials, labor, factory overhead and subcontracting services. The Company writes down its inventory to the net realizable value following assessments of slow-moving and obsolete inventory and other annual adjustments to ensure that our standard costs continue to closely reflect actual manufacturing cost. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded inventory adjustments of $21,417 and $2,700, respectively.
Previous wording
Intangible Assets—The primary identifiable intangible assets of the Company relate to assets associated with its product and business acquisitions. All of the Company’s intangible assets have finite lives and are amortized. The estimated useful life of an identifiable intangible asset is based upon a number of factors including the effects of demand, competition, and expected changes in the marketability of the Company’s products.
Current wording
Intangible Assets—The primary identifiable intangible assets of the Company relate to assets associated with its product and business acquisitions. All of the Company’s intangible assets have finite lives and are amortized. The estimated useful life of an identifiable intangible asset is based upon a number of factors including the effects of demand, competition, and expected changes in the marketability of the Company’s products. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded intangible asset impairment charges in the amount of $9,345. There were no such charges in 2023.
Previous wording
Goodwill—The Company reviews goodwill for impairment utilizing either a qualitative or quantitative assessment. If the Company decides that it is appropriate to perform a qualitative assessment and concludes that the fair value of a reporting unit more likely than not exceeds its carrying value, no further evaluation is necessary. If the Company performs a quantitative assessment, the Company compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value and recognizes an impairment charge for the amount that the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The Company annually tests goodwill for impairment at the beginning of the fourth quarter, or earlier if triggering events occur. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to inherent uncertainties and changes in estimates and assumptions regarding revenue growth rates, gross margins, expenses, capital expenditures, working capital requirements, tax rates, terminal growth rates, discount rates, and synergies available to market participants. As of October 1, 2023, the Company conducted its most recent annual impairment test by quantitively testing goodwill assigned to its domestic and international reporting units. Based on the results of the quantitative test, the Company concluded that the fair value of both the domestic and international reporting units exceed their respective carrying value. The fair value of the domestic and international reporting units exceeded the carrying value by 18% and 9%, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the goodwill related to the domestic and international reporting units amounted to $9,132 and $42,067, respectively. The carrying value of both reporting units is mainly sensitive to discount rates, the projected net sales growth rates, gross margin improvements, and terminal growth rates. Negative deviations from the Company’s projections and assumptions used in its quantitative impairment test may result in an impairment.
Current wording
Goodwill—The Company reviews goodwill for impairment triggers utilizing either a qualitative or quantitative assessment. If the Company decides that it is appropriate to perform a qualitative assessment and concludes that the fair value of a reporting unit more likely than not exceeds its carrying value, no further evaluation is necessary. If the Company performs a quantitative assessment, the Company compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value and recognizes an impairment charge for the amount that the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The Company annually tests goodwill for impairment at the beginning of the fourth quarter, or earlier if triggering events occur. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to inherent uncertainties and changes in estimates and assumptions regarding revenue growth rates, gross margins, expenses, capital expenditures, working capital requirements, tax rates, terminal growth rates, discount rates, and synergies available to market participants. As of October 1, 2024, the Company conducted its most recent annual impairment test by quantitatively testing goodwill assigned to its domestic and international reporting units. Based on the results of the quantitative test, the Company concluded that goodwill related to its domestic reporting unit in the amount of $9,131 was fully impaired. The carrying value of the international reporting unit exceeded its respective fair value by $17,918. As a result, the Company recorded impairment charges to its goodwill balance in the amount of $27,049 during the year ended December 31, 2024. The remaining carrying value of the international reporting unit is mainly sensitive to discount rates, the projected net sales growth rates, gross margin improvements, and terminal growth rates. After recording the goodwill impairment, the carrying value of the international reporting unit equaled its fair value. Therefore, any negative deviations from the Company’s projections and changes in assumptions used in its quantitative impairment test may result in further impairments of the international reporting unit's remaining goodwill balance which amounted to $19,701 at December 31, 2024.
Previous wording
Impairment—The carrying values of long-lived assets other than goodwill are reviewed for impairment annually and/or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. The Company evaluates recoverability of an asset group by comparing the carrying value to the future undiscounted cash flows that it expects to generate from the asset group. If the comparison indicates that the carrying value of an asset group is not recoverable, measurement of the impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset. There were no circumstances that would indicate any impairment of the carrying value of these long-lived assets and no material impairment losses were recorded in 2023, 2022, or 2021.
Current wording
Impairment—The carrying values of long-lived assets other than goodwill are reviewed for impairment annually and/or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. The Company evaluates recoverability of an asset group by comparing the carrying value to the future undiscounted cash flows that it expects to generate from the asset group. If the comparison indicates that the carrying value of an asset group is not recoverable, measurement of the impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset. In 2024, the Company determined that the carrying value related to some of its equipment and intangible assets was impaired. These included the following: The Company invested in developing the SIMPAS technology platform over more than a 10-year period. As part of the strategic review of capital allocation and operating leverage considerations that was conducted over the last 12 months and completed during the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company has found that, while the SIMPAS technology platform had attained full functionality and had been adopted by a small group of growers who use the Company’s products, its adoption slowed to a near halt in 2024 and further, that its primary market appeal was driven not by the technology itself, but, rather, by the products being dispensed by the system. The Company concluded that it does not have the wherewithal to achieve greater commercialization beyond incumbent users. While we continue to search for a partner that is better able to fund large-scale commercialization, the Company has concluded that continuing to invest in this technology will not generate a sufficient return on investment in a manner that would justify retaining such assets at full value. Secondly, the Company concluded that there was an asset impairment related to the purchase of two herbicide products. The market for these two products has been greatly reduced by weed resistance and competitive products. As a result, the Company recorded impairment charges of $23,365. No material impairment losses were recorded in 2023 and 2022.
Previous wording
Income taxes—Income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management’s best estimate of current and future taxes to be paid. The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and several foreign jurisdictions. The Company assessed the ability to realize deferred tax assets and determined that based on the available evidence, including a history of taxable income and estimates of future taxable income, it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets relating to the Company’s operations in Brazil, Spain, Singapore and Ukraine will not be realized and a full valuation allowance has been recorded in those jurisdictions. Significant management judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes and deferred tax assets and liabilities. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates, we will adjust these estimates in future periods, which may result in a change in the effective tax rate in a future period. Accounting for income taxes involves uncertainty and judgment on how to interpret and apply tax laws and regulations within the Company’s annual tax filings. Such uncertainties from time to time may result in a tax position that may be challenged and overturned by a tax authority in the future, which could result in additional tax liability, interest charges and possibly penalties. The Company classifies interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense.
Current wording
Income taxes—Income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits reflect the Company’s best estimate of current and future taxes to be paid. The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and several foreign jurisdictions. The Company assessed the ability to realize deferred tax assets and determined that based on the available evidence, including a history of taxable income and estimates of future taxable income, it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets relating to the Company’s operations in the United States, Brazil, Spain, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Hong Kong, and Ukraine will not be realized and a full valuation allowance has been recorded in those jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes and deferred tax assets and liabilities. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates, we will adjust these estimates in future periods, which may result in a change in the effective tax rate in a future period. Accounting for income taxes involves uncertainty and judgment on how to interpret and apply tax laws and regulations within the Company’s annual tax filings. Such uncertainties from time to time may result in a tax position that may be challenged and overturned by a tax authority in the future, which could result in additional tax liability, interest charges and possibly penalties. The Company classifies interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
As of December 31, 2023, the Company is deemed to be in compliance with its financial covenants.