Perma-Pipe International Holdings Inc

Previous wording

(In thousands, except per share data, or unless otherwise specified)

Current wording

The tabular information presented throughout this MD&A is in thousands, except per share data, or unless otherwise specified.

Previous wording

Net sales were $150.7 million and $142.6 million in theyears ended January 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Theincrease of $8.1 millionwas primarily a result of higher sales volumes in Saudi Arabia.

Current wording

Net sales were $158.4 million and $150.7 million in the years ended January 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The increase of $7.7 million was primarily a result of higher sales volumes in the Middle East and Canada.

Previous wording

Gross profit was $41.5 million, or 28% of net sales and $38.3 million, or 27% of net sales, in theyears ended January 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Theincrease of $3.2 million was driven primarily by higher sales volumes and improved gross margins in Saudi Arabia.

Current wording

Gross profit was $53.2 million, or 34% of net sales and $41.5 million, or 28% of net sales, in the years ended January 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The increase of $11.7 million was driven by higher sales volumes and improved gross margins in the Middle East and Canada.

Previous wording

General and administrative expenses were $22.6 million and $22.0 million in theyears ended January 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Theincrease of $0.6 millionwas primarily related to higher compensation costs.

Current wording

General and administrative expenses were $28.0 million and $22.6 million in the years ended January 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The increase of $5.4 million was primarily related to higher compensation costs and professional fees.

Previous wording

Interest expense remained consistent and was $2.3 million and $2.1 million in theyears ended January 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Theincrease of $0.2 million was related to increased borrowings and, to a lesser extent, higher interest rates.

Current wording

Interest expense was $1.9 million and $2.3 million in the years ended January 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The decrease of $0.4 million was related to decreased borrowings and, to a lesser extent, lower interest rates.

Previous wording

The Company's worldwide effective tax rates ("ETR") were(33.6%) and 37.8% in theyears ended January 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The change in ETR was largely due to a partial release of the U.S. valuation allowance and changes in the mix of income and loss in various tax jurisdictions. For further information, see Note 7 - Income taxes, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Current wording

The Company's worldwide effective tax rates ("ETR") were 29.1% and (33.6%) in the years ended January 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The change in ETR was largely due to changes in the mix of income and loss in various tax jurisdictions and the release of the partial domestic valuation allowance in the prior year. For further information, see Note 7 - Income taxes, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Previous wording

Net income attributable to common stock was $10.5 million and $5.9 million in theyears ended January 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in net income was a result of the changes discussed above, less amounts attributable to non-controlling interest.

Current wording

Net income attributable to common stock was $9.0 million and $10.5 million in the years ended January 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The decreasein net income was a result of the changes discussed above, less amounts attributable to non-controlling interest.

Previous wording

Cash and cash equivalents were $5.8 million as of January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2023, respectively. On January 31, 2024, approximately $0.1 million was held in the United States, and $5.7 million was held by the Company's foreign subsidiaries. The Company's working capital was $41.1 million on January 31, 2024 compared to $41.9 million on January 31, 2023. As of January 31, 2024, the Company had $4.0 million of borrowing capacity under the Renewed Senior Credit Facility in North America and $15.4 million of borrowing capacity under its foreign revolving credit agreements. The Company had $5.5 million borrowed under the Renewed Senior Credit Facility and $6.4 million borrowed under its foreign revolving credit agreements at January 31, 2024.

Current wording

Cash and cash equivalents were $15.7 million and $5.8 million as of January 31, 2025 and January 31, 2024, respectively. On January 31, 2025, approximately $0.3 million was held in the United States, and $15.4 million was held by the Company's foreign subsidiaries. The Company's working capital was $54.7 million on January 31, 2025 compared to $41.1 million on January 31, 2024. As of January 31, 2025, the Company had $3.7 million of borrowing capacity under the Renewed Senior Credit Facility (as defined below) in North America and $15.6 million of borrowing capacity under its foreign revolving credit agreements. The Company had $6.8 million borrowed under the Renewed Senior Credit Facility and $4.8 million borrowed under its foreign revolving credit agreements at January 31, 2025.

Previous wording

Net cash from operating activities in theyears ended January 31, 2024 and 2023 was $14.7 million and $(1.2) million, respectively. The current year increase of $15.9 million was due primarily to a rise customer deposits and accounts payable, partially offset by increases in accounts receivable, unbilled accounts receivable, and prepaid expenses and other current assets, as compared to the prior year.

Current wording

Net cash provided by operating activities in the years ended January 31, 2025 and 2024 was $13.9 million and $14.7 million, respectively. The current year decrease of $0.8 million was due primarily to a decrease in accounts payable and customer deposits, partially offset by a reduction in receivables, prepaid expenses and other current assets, as compared to the prior year.

Previous wording

Net cash from financing activities in theyears ended January 31, 2024 and 2023 was $(3.3) million and $4.5 million, respectively. The decrease of $7.8 million during the year ended January 31, 2024 consisted of using the remaining $1.0 million authorized as part of the Company's share repurchase program to reacquire its outstanding shares of common stock, as compared to $0.1 million during the year ended January 31, 2023. Additionally, a net repayment was made from borrowings under the Company's credit facilities of approximately $6.8 million, as compared to net proceeds received from borrowings of approximately $5.5 million during the year ended January 31, 2023. Further, debt totaled $25.7 million and $24.4 million as of January 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. For additional information, see Note 5 - Debt, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Current wording

Net cash used in financing activities in the years ended January 31, 2025 and 2024 was $0.9 million and $3.3 million, respectively. The decrease of $2.4 million during the year ended January 31, 2025 consisted, in part, from no share repurchase activity as compared to the use of the remaining $1.0 million authorized as part of the Company's share repurchase program during the year ended January 31, 2024. Additionally, a net repayment was made of borrowings under the Company's credit facilities of approximately $0.2 million, as compared to a net repayment of approximately $1.3 million during the year ended January 31, 2024. Further, debt totaled $24.5 million and $25.7 million as of January 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. For additional information, see Note 5 - Debt, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Previous wording

There was no restricted cash held in the United States on January 31, 2024 or January 31, 2023. Restricted cash held by foreign subsidiaries was $1.4 million and $1.0 million as of January 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Restricted cash held by foreign subsidiaries related to fixed deposits that also serve as security deposits and guarantees.

Current wording

There was no restricted cash held in the United States on January 31, 2025 or January 31, 2024. Restricted cash held by foreign subsidiaries was $1.4 million as of January 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Restricted cash held by foreign subsidiaries related to fixed deposits that also serve as security deposits and guarantees.

Previous wording

As of January 31, 2024, the Company had borrowed an aggregate of $ 5.5 million at a rate of 10.0% and had $ 4.0 million available under the Renewed Senior Credit Facility. As of January 31, 2023, the Company had borrowed an aggregate of $ 4.4 million and had $ 9.9 million available under the Renewed Senior Credit Facility.

Current wording

As of January 31, 2025, the Company had borrowed an aggregate of $ 6.8 million at a rate of 9.0% and had $ 3.7 million available under the Renewed Senior Credit Facility. As of January 31, 2024, the Company had borrowed an aggregate of $ 5.5 million and had $ 4.0 million available under the Renewed Senior Credit Facility.

Previous wording

The Company has a revolving line for 8.0 million U.A.E. Dirhams (approximately $ 2.2 million at January 31, 2024) from a bank in the U.A.E. as of January 31, 2024, the facility has an interest rate of approximately 9.00% and is set to expire in May 2024. The Company had borrowed an aggregate of $0.2 million and $0.6 million as of January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2023, respectively, and is presented as a component of current maturities of long-term debt in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. As of January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2023, the Company had unused borrowing availability of approximately $1.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

Current wording

The Company has a revolving line for 8.0 million U.A.E. Dirhams (approximately $ 2.2 million at January 31, 2025) from a bank in the U.A.E. As of January 31, 2025, the facility has an interest rate of approximately 7.9% and expires in July 2025. The Company had borrowed an aggregate of $0.4 million and $0.2 million as of January 31, 2025 and January 31, 2024, respectively, and is presented as a component of current maturities of long-term debt in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. As of January 31, 2025 and January 31, 2024, the Company had unused borrowing availability of approximately $1.6 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

Previous wording

The Company has a revolving line for 20.5 million U.A.E. Dirhams (approximately $ 5.6 million at January 31, 2024) from a bank in the U.A.E. as of January 31, 2024, the facility has an interest rate of approximately 9.00% and is set to expire in May 2024. The Company had borrowed an aggregate of $0.1 million and $1.0 million as of January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2023, respectively, and is presented as a component of current maturities of long-term debt in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. As of January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2023, the Company had unused borrowing availability of approximately $1.0 million and $1.8 million, respectively.

Current wording

The Company has a revolving line for 65.2 million U.A.E. Dirhams (approximately $ 17.7 million at January 31, 2025) from a bank in the U.A.E. As of January 31, 2025, the facility has an interest rate of approximately 7.9% and expires in August 2025. The Company had borrowed an aggregate of $0.1 million as of January 31, 2025 and January 31, 2024, respectively, and is presented as a component of current maturities of long-term debt in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. As of January 31, 2025 and January 31, 2024, the Company had unused borrowing availability of approximately $9.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

Previous wording

In June 2021, and as renewed or amended subsequently thereafter, the Company's Egyptian subsidiary entered into a credit arrangement with a bank in Egypt for a revolving line of 100.0 million Egyptian Pounds (approximately $ 3.2 million at January 31, 2024). This credit arrangement is in the form of project financing at rates competitive in Egypt. The line is secured by certain assets (such as accounts receivable) of the Company's Egyptian subsidiary. Among other covenants, the credit arrangement established a maximum leverage ratio allowable and restricted the Company's Egyptian subsidiary's ability to undertake any additional debt. As of January 31, 2024, the facility has an interest rate of approximately 20.75% and expired in August 2023. This credit arrangement was subsequently renewed in November 2023 with substantially the same terms and conditions and expires in November 2024. The Company had borrowed an aggregate of $1.4 million and $3.1 million as of January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2023, respectively, and is presented as a component of current maturities of long-term debt in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Further, as of January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2023, the Company had unused borrowing capacity of $3.2 million and $2.0 million, respectively.

Current wording

In June 2021, and as renewed or amended subsequently thereafter, the Company's Egyptian subsidiary entered into a credit arrangement with a bank in Egypt for a revolving line of 100.0 million Egyptian Pounds (approximately $2.0 million at January 31, 2025). This credit arrangement is in the form of project financing at rates competitive in Egypt. The line is secured by certain assets (such as accounts receivable) of the Company's Egyptian subsidiary. Among other covenants, the credit arrangement established a maximum leverage ratio allowable and restricted the Company's Egyptian subsidiary's ability to undertake any additional debt. As of January 31, 2025, the facility has an interest rate of approximately 20.8%. Additionally, this credit arrangement was renewed in November 2024 with substantially the same terms and conditions and expires in November 2025. As of January 31, 2025, the Company had an immaterial amount outstanding with respect to this credit arrangement, and approximately $1.4 million outstanding at January 31, 2024, respectively, and is presented as a component of current maturities of long-term debt in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Further, as of January 31, 2025 and January 31, 2024, the Company had unused borrowing capacity of $2.0 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

Previous wording

In December 2021, the Company entered into a credit arrangement for project financing with a bank of Egypt for 28.2 million Egyptian Pounds. As this project has progressed and the Company received collections, the facility has decreased to a current amount of 2.1 million Egyptian Pounds (approximately $ 0.1 million at January 31, 2024). This credit arrangement is in the form of project financing at rates competitive in Egypt. The line is secured by the contract for a project being financed by the Company's Egyptian subsidiary. The facility has an interest rate of approximately 20.75% and, as of November 2022, is no longer available for borrowings by the Company. The facility will expire in connection with final customer balance collections and the completion of the project. The Company had approximately $ 0.1 million and $ 0.4 million outstanding as of January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2023, respectively, and is presented as a component of current maturities of long-term debt in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

Current wording

In December 2021, the Company entered into a credit arrangement for project financing with a bank of Egypt for 28.2 million Egyptian Pounds. As this project has progressed and the Company received collections, the facility has decreased to a current amount of 2.1 million Egyptian Pounds (approximately $0.1 million at January 31, 2025). This credit arrangement is in the form of project financing at rates competitive in Egypt. The line is secured by the contract for a project being financed by the Company's Egyptian subsidiary. The facility has an interest rate of approximately 20.8% and, as of November 2022, is no longer available for borrowings by the Company. The facility will expire in connection with final customer balance collections and the completion of the project. As of January 31, 2025, the Company had an insignificant amount outstanding, and approximately $ 0.1 million outstanding at January 31, 2024, respectively, and is presented as a component of current maturities of long-term debt in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

Previous wording

In March 2022, the Company's Saudi Arabian subsidiary entered into a credit arrangement with a bank in Saudi Arabia for a revolving line of 37.0 million Saudi Riyal (approximately $ 9.9 million at January 31, 2024.) This credit arrangement is in the form of project financing at rates competitive in Saudi Arabia. The line is secured by certain assets (such as accounts receivable) of the Company's Saudi Arabian subsidiary, and as of January 31, 2024, the facility has an interest rate of approximately 9.50% and is set to expire in May 2024. The Company had borrowed an aggregate of $3.2 million and $1.1 million as of January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2023, respectively, and is presented as a component of current maturities of long-term debt in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The unused borrowing availability attributable to this credit arrangement at January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2023, was $6.1 million and $2.3 million, respectively.

Current wording

In March 2022, the Company's Saudi Arabian subsidiary entered into a credit arrangement with a bank in Saudi Arabia for a revolving line of 37.0 million Saudi Riyal (approximately $ 9.9 million at January 31, 2025). This credit arrangement is in the form of project financing at rates competitive in Saudi Arabia. The line is secured by certain assets (such as accounts receivable) of the Company's Saudi Arabian subsidiary. The facility was renewed in May 2024 with substantially the same terms and conditions and expires in May 2025. As of January 31, 2025, the facility has an interest rate of approximately 9.0%. The Company had borrowed an aggregate of $1.5 million and $3.2 million as of January 31, 2025 and January 31, 2024, respectively, and is presented as a component of current maturities of long-term debt in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The unused borrowing availability attributable to this credit arrangement at January 31, 2025 and January 31, 2024, was $3.0 million and $6.1 million, respectively.

Previous wording

These credit arrangements are in the form of overdraft facilities and project financing at rates competitive in the countries in which the Company operates. The lines are secured by certain equipment, certain assets (such as accounts receivable and inventory), and a guarantee by the Company. Some credit arrangement covenants require a minimum tangible net worth to be maintained, including maintaining certain levels of intercompany subordinated debt. In addition, some of the revolving credit facilities restrict payment of dividends or undertaking of additional debt. The Company guarantees only a portion of the subsidiaries' debt, including foreign debt. The amount of foreign subsidiary debt guaranteed by the Company was approximately $0.1 at January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2023, respectively.

Current wording

These credit arrangements are in the form of overdraft facilities and project financing at rates competitive in the countries in which the Company operates. The lines are secured by certain equipment, certain assets (such as accounts receivable and inventory), and a guarantee by the Company. Some credit arrangement covenants require a minimum tangible net worth to be maintained, including maintaining certain levels of intercompany subordinated debt. In addition, some of the revolving credit facilities restrict payment of dividends or undertaking of additional debt. The Company guarantees only a portion of the subsidiaries' debt, including foreign debt. The amount of foreign subsidiary debt guaranteed by the Company was approximately $10 million at January 31, 2025 and January 31, 2024.

Previous wording

The Company was in compliance with the covenants under the credit arrangements in the U.A.E., Egypt and Saudi Arabia as of January 31, 2024, with the exception of those arrangements that may have expired and have not yet been renewed. Although certain of the arrangements may have expired and the borrowings could be required to be repaid immediately by the banks, the Company is in regular communication with the respective banks throughout the renewal process and all of the arrangements have continued without interruption or penalty. As of January 31, 2024, interest rates were based on (i) the Emirates Inter Bank Offered Rate plus 3.0% to 3.5% per annum for the U.A.E. credit arrangements, two of which have a minimum interest rate of 4.5% per annum; (ii) either the Central Bank of Egypt corporate loan rate plus 1.5% to 3.5% per annum or the stated interest rate in the agreements for the Egypt credit arrangements; and (iii) the Saudi Inter Bank Offered Rate plus 3.5% for the Saudi Arabia credit arrangement. Based on these rates, as of January 31, 2024, the Company's interest rates ranged from 8.00% to 20.75%, with a weighted average rate of 10.71%, and the Company had facility limits totaling $ 24.5 million under these credit arrangements. As of January 31, 2024, $ 8.3 million of availability was used to support letters of credit to guarantee amounts committed for inventory purchases and for performance guarantees. Additionally, the Company had borrowed approximately $6.4 million and had an additional $15.4 million of remaining borrowing capacity available under the foreign revolving credit arrangements. The foreign revolving line balances were included as current maturities of long-term debt in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2023, respectively.

Current wording

The Company was in compliance with the covenants under the credit arrangements in the U.A.E., Egypt and Saudi Arabia as of January 31, 2025. Interest rates were based on (i) the Emirates Inter Bank Offered Rate plus 3.0% to 3.5% per annum for the U.A.E. credit arrangements, two of which have a minimum interest rate of 4.5% per annum; (ii) either the Central Bank of Egypt corporate loan rate plus 1.5% to 3.5% per annum or the stated interest rate in the agreements for the Egypt credit arrangements; and (iii) the Saudi Inter Bank Offered Rate plus 3.5% for the Saudi Arabia credit arrangement. Based on these rates, as of January 31, 2025, the Company's interest rates ranged from 7.9% to 20.8%, with a weighted average rate of 11.6%, and the Company had facility limits totaling $ 34.6 million under these credit arrangements. As of January 31, 2025, $ 16.9 million of availability was used to support letters of credit to guarantee amounts committed for inventory purchases and for performance guarantees. Additionally, the Company had borrowed approximately $2.1 million and had an additional $ 15.6 million of remaining borrowing capacity available under the foreign revolving credit arrangements. The foreign revolving line balances were included as current maturities of long-term debt in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of January 31, 2025 and January 31, 2024.

Previous wording

In June 2023, the Company assumed a promissory note of approximately $2.8 million in connection with the formation of the joint venture with GIG. In accordance with the promissory note, all principal is due and payable on the maturity date of April 9, 2026, with the option to prepay, in whole or in part, at any time prior to the maturity date, without premium or penalty.

Current wording

In June 2023, the Company assumed a promissory note of approximately $ 2.8 million in connection with the formation of the joint venture with GIG. In accordance with the promissory note, all principal is due and payable on the maturity date of April 9, 2026, with the option to prepay, in whole or in part, at any time prior to the maturity date, without premium or penalty.

Previous wording

***Mortgages.***On July 28, 2016, the Company entered into a mortgage agreement secured by the Company's manufacturing facility located in Alberta, Canada that matures on December 23, 2042. As of January 31, 2024, the remaining balance on the mortgage in Canada is approximately 6.1 million Canadian Dollars ("CAD") (approximately $4.5 million at January 31, 2024). The interest rate is variable, and was 10.19% at January 31, 2024. The principal balance is included as a component of long-term debt, less current maturities in the Company's consolidated balance sheets and is presented net of issuance costs of $0.1 million as of January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2023, respectively.

Current wording

***Mortgages.***On July 28, 2016, the Company entered into a mortgage agreement secured by the Company's manufacturing facility located in Alberta, Canada that matures on December 23, 2042. As of January 31, 2025, the remaining balance on the mortgage in Canada is approximately 5.7 million Canadian Dollars ("CAD") (approximately $4.0 million at January 31, 2025). The interest rate is variable, and was 7.1% at January 31, 2025. The principal balance is included as a component of long-term debt, less current maturities in the Company's consolidated balance sheets and is presented net of issuance costs of $0.1 million as of January 31, 2025 and January 31, 2024.

Previous wording

On April 14, 2021, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement (the "Purchase and Sale Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Company sold the Property for $10.4 million. The transaction generated net cash proceeds of $9.1 million. Concurrently with the sale of the Property, the Company paid off the approximately $0.9 million remaining on the mortgage note on the Property to its lender. The Company used the remaining proceeds to repay its borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility, for strategic investments, and for general corporate needs. Concurrent with the sale of the Property, the Company entered into a fifteen-year lease agreement (the “Lease Agreement”), whereby the Company is leasing back the Property at an annual rental rate of approximately $0.8 million, subject to annual rent increases of 2.0%. Under the Lease Agreement, the Company has four consecutive options to extend the term of the lease by five years for each such option. As of January 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had a net book value relating to this asset of$1.9 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

Current wording

On April 14, 2021, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement (the "Purchase and Sale Agreement") to sell its land and buildings in Lebanon, Tennessee (the "Property"). Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Company sold the Property for $10.4 million. The transaction generated net cash proceeds of $9.1 million. Concurrently with the sale of the Property, the Company paid off the approximately $0.9 million remaining on the mortgage note on the Property to its lender. The Company used the remaining proceeds to repay its borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility, for strategic investments, and for general corporate needs. Concurrent with the sale of the Property, the Company entered into a fifteen-year lease agreement (the “Lease Agreement”), whereby the Company is leasing back the Property at an annual rental rate of approximately $0.8 million, subject to annual rent increases of 2.0%. Under the Lease Agreement, the Company has four consecutive options to extend the term of the lease by five years for each such option. As of January 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had a net book value relating to this asset of$1.8 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

Previous wording

In accordance with ASC 842,Leases, this transaction was recorded as a failed sale and leaseback as the present value of lease payments exceeded substantially all of the fair value of the underlying asset. The Company utilized an incremental borrowing rate of 8.0% to determine the finance obligation to record for the amounts received and will continue to depreciate the assets. The current portion of the finance obligation of $ 0.2 million is recognized in current maturities of long-term debt and the long-term portion of $ 9.0 million is recognized in long-term finance obligation on the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of January 31, 2024. The net carrying amount of the financial liability and remaining assets will be zero at the end of the lease term.

Current wording

In accordance with ASC 842,Leases, this transaction was recorded as a failed sale and leaseback as the present value of lease payments exceeded substantially all of the fair value of the underlying asset. The Company utilized an incremental borrowing rate of 8.0% to determine the finance obligation to record for the amounts received and will continue to depreciate the assets. The current portion of the finance obligation of $ 0.2 million is recognized in current maturities of long-term debt and the long-term portion of $ 8.8 million is recognized in long-term finance obligation on the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of January 31, 2025. The net carrying amount of the financial liability and remaining assets will be zero at the end of the lease term.

Previous wording

In 2015, the Company completed a project in the Middle East with billings in the aggregate amount of approximately $41.9 million. The system has not yet been commissioned by the customer. Nevertheless, the Company has settled approximately $39.7 million as of January 31, 2024, with a remaining balance due in the amount of $2.2 million, all of which pertains to retention clauses within the agreements with the Company's customer, and which become payable by the customer when this project is fully tested and commissioned. Of this retention amount, $1.4 millionis classified in a long-term asset account.

Current wording

In 2015, the Company completed a project in the Middle East with billings in the aggregate amount of approximately $41.9 million. The system has not yet been commissioned by the customer. Nevertheless, the Company has settled approximately $40.1 million as of January 31, 2025, with a remaining balance due in the amount of $1.8 million, all of which pertains to retention clauses within the agreements with the Company's customer, and which become payable by the customer when this project is fully tested and commissioned. Of this retention amount, $1.2 millionis classified in a long-term asset account.

Previous wording

The Company has been actively involved in ongoing efforts to collect the outstanding amount. The Company continues to engage with the customer to ensure full payment of open balances, and at various times throughout 2023 and in June 2022, the Company received a partial payment to settle $0.6 million and $0.9 million of the customer's outstanding balances, respectively. Further, the Company has been engaged by the customer to perform additional work in 2024 under customary trade terms that supports the continued cooperation between the Company and the customer. As a result, the Company did not reserve any allowance against the remaining outstanding balances as of January 31, 2024. However, if the Company’s efforts to collect on this account are not successful, the Company may recognize an allowance for all, or substantially all, of any such then uncollected amounts.

Current wording

The Company continues to actively engage in ongoing collection efforts with the customer to ensure full payment of open balances, and at various times throughout 2024 and 2023, the Company received a partial payment to settle $ 0.4 million and $0.6 million of the customer's outstanding balances, respectively. Additionally, the Company has been engaged by the customer to perform additional work in 2025 under customary trade terms that support the continued cooperation between the Company and the customer. As a result, the Company did not reserve any allowance against the remaining outstanding balances as of January 31, 2025. However, if the Company’s efforts to collect on this account are not successful, the Company may recognize an allowance for all, or substantially all, of any such then uncollected amounts.

Previous wording

The repurchase program approved on October 4, 2021, authorized the Company to use up to $3.0 million for the purchase of its outstanding shares of common stock. Stock repurchases were permitted to be executed through open market or privately negotiated transactions, depending upon current market conditions and other factors. On December 7, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized the use of $1.0 million remaining under the share repurchase program previously approved on October 4, 2021 that expired on October 3, 2022. During the 12 months ended January 31, 2024, the Company used the remaining $1.0 million of the $3.0 million authorized to repurchase its outstanding shares of common stock.

Current wording

The repurchase program approved on October 4, 2021, authorized the Company to use up to $3.0 million for the purchase of its outstanding shares of common stock. Stock repurchases were permitted to be executed through open market or privately negotiated transactions, depending upon current market conditions and other factors. On December 7, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized the use of $1.0 million remaining under the share repurchase program previously approved on October 4, 2021 that expired on October 3, 2022. During the twelve months ended January 31, 2024, the Company used the remaining $1.0 million of the $3.0 million authorized to repurchase its outstanding shares of common stock. Accordingly, there was no repurchase activity with respect to the Company's shares of common stock during the twelve months ended January 31, 2025.

Previous wording

***Income taxes.***Deferred income taxes have been provided for temporary differences arising from differences in the basis of assets and liabilities for tax and financial reporting purposes. Deferred income taxes on temporary differences have been recorded at the current tax rate. The Company assesses its deferred tax assets for realizability at each reporting period. The Company is now recognizing a tax benefit on losses in the United States after removal of a partial valuation allowance applied against its deferred tax assets.

Current wording

***Income taxes.***Deferred income taxes have been provided for temporary differences arising from differences in the basis of assets and liabilities for tax and financial reporting purposes. Deferred income taxes on temporary differences have been recorded at the current tax rate. The Company assesses its deferred tax assets for realizability at each reporting period. The Company maintains a partial valuation allowance in the United States against certain deferred tax assets.