Optex Systems Holdings Inc

Previous wording

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is intended to supplement and complement our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2023 and our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). You are encouraged to review our condensed consolidated financial statements in conjunction with your review of this MD&A. The financial information in this MD&A has been prepared in accordance with GAAP, unless otherwise indicated. In addition, we use non-GAAP financial measures as supplemental indicators of our operating performance and financial position. We use these non-GAAP financial measures internally for comparing actual results from one period to another, as well as for planning purposes. We will also report non-GAAP financial results as supplemental information, as we believe their use provides more insight into our performance. When a non-GAAP measure is used in this MD&A, it is clearly identified as a non-GAAP measure and reconciled to the most closely corresponding GAAP measure.

Current wording

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is intended to supplement and complement our audited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2023 and our unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). You are encouraged to review our consolidated financial statements in conjunction with your review of this MD&A. The financial information in this MD&A has been prepared in accordance with GAAP, unless otherwise indicated. In addition, we use non-GAAP financial measures as supplemental indicators of our operating performance and financial position. We use these non-GAAP financial measures internally for comparing actual results from one period to another, as well as for planning purposes. We will also report non-GAAP financial results as supplemental information, as we believe their use provides more insight into our performance. When a non-GAAP measure is used in this MD&A, it is clearly identified as a non-GAAP measure and reconciled to the most closely corresponding GAAP measure.

Previous wording

Optex Systems, Inc. (Delaware) manufactures optical sighting systems and assemblies, primarily for Department of Defense applications. Its products are installed on various types of U.S. military land vehicles, such as the Abrams and Bradley fighting vehicles, light armored and armored security vehicles and have been selected for installation on the Stryker family of vehicles. Optex Systems, Inc. (Delaware) also manufactures and delivers numerous periscope configurations, rifle and surveillance sights and night vision optical assemblies. Optex Systems, Inc. (Delaware) products consist primarily of build-to-customer print products that are delivered both directly to the armed services and to other defense prime contractors. Less than 1% of revenue is related to the resale of products substantially manufactured by others. In this case, the product would likely be a simple replacement part of a larger system previously produced by Optex Systems, Inc. (Delaware).

Current wording

Optex Systems Holdings, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our”) manufactures optical sighting systems and assemblies, primarily for Department of Defense applications. Its products are installed on various types of U.S. military land vehicles, such as the Abrams and Bradley fighting vehicles, light armored and armored security vehicles and have been selected for installation on the Stryker family of vehicles. We also manufacture and deliver numerous periscope configurations, rifle and surveillance sights and night vision optical assemblies. Our products consist primarily of build-to-customer print products that are delivered both directly to the armed services and to other defense prime contractors. Less than 1% of today’s revenue is related to the resale of products substantially manufactured by others. In this case, the product would likely be a simple replacement part of a larger system previously produced by us.

Previous wording

We are both a prime and sub-prime contractor to the Department of Defense. Sub-prime contracts are typically issued through major defense contractors such as General Dynamics Land Systems, Raytheon Corp., BAE, ADS Inc. and others. We are also a military supplier to foreign governments such as Israel, Australia and South American countries and as a subcontractor for several large U.S. defense companies serving foreign governments.

Current wording

We are both a prime and sub-prime contractor to the Department of Defense. Sub-prime contracts are typically issued through major defense contractors such as General Dynamics Land Systems, Raytheon Corp., BAE Systems plc, ADS Inc. and others. We are also a military supplier to foreign governments such as Israel, Australia and South American countries and as a subcontractor for several large U.S. defense companies serving foreign governments.

Previous wording

In addition, some of our contracts allow for government contract financing in the form of contract progress payments pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.232-16, “Progress Payments”. As a small business, and subject to certain limitations, this clause provides for government payment of up to 90% of incurred program costs prior to product delivery. To the extent our contracts allow for progress payments, we intend to utilize this benefit, thereby minimizing the working capital impact on Optex Systems Holdings for materials and labor required to complete the contracts.

Current wording

In addition, some of our contracts allow for government contract financing in the form of contract progress payments pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.232-16, “Progress Payments”. As a small business, and subject to certain limitations, this clause provides for government payment of up to 90% of incurred program costs prior to product delivery. To the extent our contracts allow for progress payments, we intend to utilize this benefit, thereby minimizing the working capital impact on us for materials and labor required to complete the contracts.

Previous wording

Recent supply chain disruptions have strained our suppliers and extended supplier delivery lead times, affecting their ability to sustain operations. We anticipate market wide material shortages for paint and resin products as well as critical epoxies and chemicals used in our manufacturing process. In addition, we are seeing substantial increases in the costs of aluminum, steel and acrylic commodities, which has affected our net income in the year ended October 1, 2023 and the quarter ended December 31, 2023, and is expected to continue to have a negative effect on the margins expected to be generated under our long-term fixed contracts over the next three years. See also “Item 1A. Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Business -Certain of our products are dependent on specialized sources of supply potentially subject to disruption which could have a material, adverse impact on our business” in ourAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 1, 2023.

Current wording

Recent supply chain disruptions have strained our suppliers and extended supplier delivery lead times, affecting our ability to sustain operations. We anticipate market wide material shortages for paint and resin products as well as critical epoxies and chemicals used in our manufacturing process. In addition, we are seeing substantial increases in the costs of aluminum, steel and acrylic commodities, which has affected our net income in the year ended October 1, 2023 and the three and six months ended March 31, 2024, and is expected to continue to have a negative effect on the margins expected to be generated under our long-term fixed contracts over the next three years. See also “Item 1A. Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Business -Certain of our products are dependent on specialized sources of supply potentially subject to disruption which could have a material, adverse impact on our business” in ourAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 1, 2023.

Previous wording

We have experienced significant material shortages during the year ended October 1, 2023 and extending into the first three months of fiscal year 2024 from several significant suppliers of our periscope covers and housings. These shortages affect several of our periscope products at the Optex Richardson segment. The delays in key components, combined with labor shortages during the year ended October 1, 2023 and continuing into the first three months of fiscal year 2024, have negatively impacted our production levels and continue to push back expected delivery dates. We are aggressively seeking alternative sources and actively expediting our current suppliers for these components as well as increasing employee recruitment initiatives and overtime to attempt to mitigate any continuing risks to the periscope line. We are seeing some recent improvements in the local labor market and are adding to our direct labor force in concert with improvements in our supplier delivery performance. While we are encouraged by improvements in supplier performance for the Optex Richardson segment periscope line which yielded increased revenue performance during fiscal year 2023 and into the first three months of fiscal 2024, our suppliers have yet to ramp up deliveries sufficiently to keep pace with our current customer demands. As such, we cannot give any assurances that expected customer delivery dates for our periscope products will not experience further delays.

Current wording

We have experienced significant material shortages during the year ended October 1, 2023 and extending into the first six months of fiscal year 2024 from several significant suppliers of our periscope covers and housings. These shortages affect several of our periscope products at the Optex Richardson segment. The delays in key components, combined with labor shortages during the year ended October 1, 2023 and continuing into the first six months of fiscal year 2024, have negatively impacted our production levels and continue to push back expected delivery dates. We are aggressively seeking alternative sources and actively expediting our current suppliers for these components as well as increasing employee recruitment initiatives and overtime to attempt to mitigate any continuing risks to the periscope line. We are seeing some recent improvements in the local labor market and are adding to our direct labor force in concert with improvements in our supplier delivery performance. While we are encouraged by improvements in supplier performance for the Optex Richardson segment periscope line which yielded increased revenue performance during fiscal year 2023 and into the first six months of fiscal 2024, our suppliers have yet to ramp up deliveries sufficiently to keep pace with our current customer demands. As such, we cannot give any assurances that expected customer delivery dates for our periscope products will not experience further delays.

Previous wording

We refer also to “Item 1. Business – Market Opportunity: U.S. Military”in ourAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 1, 2023 for a description of current trends in U.S. government military spending and its potential impact on Optex, which may be material, including particularly the tables included in that section and disclosure on the significant reduction in spending for U.S. ground system military programs, which has a direct impact on the Optex Systems Richardson segment revenue, all of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Current wording

We refer also to “Item 1. Business – Market Opportunity: U.S. Military”in ourAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 1, 2023 for a description of current trends in U.S. government military spending and its potential impact on Optex, which may be material, including particularly the tables included in that section and disclosure on the significant reduction in spending for U.S. ground system military programs, which has a direct impact on the Optex Richardson segment revenue, all of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Previous wording

The table below summarizes our three-month operating results for the periods ended December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023, in terms of both the GAAP net income measure and the non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA measure. We believe that including both measures allows the reader better to evaluate our overall performance.

Current wording

The table below summarizes our three and six-month operating results for the periods ended March 31, 2024 and April 2, 2023, in terms of both the GAAP net income measure and the non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA measure. We believe that including both measures allows the reader better to evaluate our overall performance.

Previous wording

Our net income increased by $0.6 million to $0.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, as compared to net loss of $(0.2) million for the prior year period. Our adjusted EBITDA increased by $0.9 million to $0.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, as compared to ($0.2) million for the prior year period.

Current wording

Our net income increased by $0.6 million to $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to net income of $0.5 million for the prior year period. Our adjusted EBITDA increased by $0.9 million to $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to adjusted EBITDA of $0.7 million for the prior year period.

Previous wording

The increase is primarily driven by higher revenue and gross profit during the period as compared to the prior year period. Operating segment performance is discussed in greater detail throughout the following sections.

Current wording

The increase in net income and adjusted EBITDA for the most recent three and six-month periods compared to the prior year periods is primarily driven by higher revenue and improved gross profit performance across both operating segments. Operating segment performance is discussed in greater detail throughout the following sections.

Previous wording

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, our total revenues increased by $2.9 million, or 72.5%, compared to the prior year period. The increase in revenue was driven by increased customer demand in both operating segments, combined with improved supplier performance and higher production levels at the Optex Richardson segment during the most recent three months as compared to the prior year period.

Current wording

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, our total revenues increased by $2.1 million, or 33.8%, compared to the prior year period. The increase in revenue was primarily driven by increased deliveries at both the Optex Richardson segment of $1.2 million and the Applied Optics Center segment of $0.9 million**.**

Previous wording

Our operating income for the three months ended December 31, 2023 increased by $0.8 million compared to the prior year period. The increase in operating income was primarily driven by increased revenue and gross profit, which were partially offset by higher general and administrative costs during the period.

Current wording

Our operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased by $0.7 million compared to the prior year period. The increase in operating income was primarily driven by higher gross profit of $1.0 million offset by increased general and administrative expenses of ($0.3) million during the current three-month period.

Previous wording

The following table depicts the new customer orders for the three months ending December 31, 2023 as compared to the prior year period in millions of dollars:

Current wording

The following table depicts the new customer orders for the six months ending March 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year period in millions of dollars by segment and product line:

Previous wording

Backlog as of December 31, 2023 was $45.0 million as compared to a backlog of $40.1 million as of January 1, 2023, representing an increase of 12.2%. The following table depicts the current expected delivery by quarter of all contracts awarded as of December 31, 2023, as well as the December 31, 2023 backlog as compared to the backlog on January 1, 2023.

Current wording

Backlog as of March 31, 2024 was $44.2 million, compared to a backlog of $41.6 million as of April 2, 2023, representing an increase of $2.6 million, or 6.3%. Backlog as compared to October 1, 2023 increased by $2.4 million, or 5.7%, from $41.8 million. The following table depicts the current expected delivery by period of all contracts awarded as of March 31, 2024 in millions of dollars:

Previous wording

The Company continues to pursue domestic, international and commercial opportunities in addition to maintaining its current footprint with U.S. vehicle manufacturers, with existing as well as new product lines. We are also reviewing potential products outside our traditional product lines, which could be manufactured using our current production facilities in order to capitalize on our existing excess capacity.

Current wording

The Company continues to aggressively pursue international and commercial opportunities in addition to maintaining its current footprint with U.S. vehicle manufactures, with existing as well as new product lines. We are also reviewing potential products, outside our traditional product lines, which could be manufactured using our current production facilities in order to capitalize on our existing excess capacity.

Previous wording

Revenue. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, revenue increased by $2.9 million or 72.5% compared to the prior year period as set forth in the table below:

Current wording

Revenues. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, revenues increased by $2.1 million or 33.8% compared to the prior year period as set forth in the table below:

Previous wording

Gross Margin. The gross margin during the three-month period ended December 31, 2023 was 24.2% of revenue as compared to a gross margin of 17.7% of revenue for the prior year period. The increase in gross profit is primarily attributable to increased revenue resulting in higher absorption of our fixed cost base, combined with a favorable change in mix between segments. Cost of sales increased to $5.3 million for the recently completed period as compared to the prior year period of $3.3 million on higher revenue.

Current wording

Gross Profit. Gross margin during the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 was 30.0% of revenue as compared to a gross margin of 24.4% of revenue for the prior year period. Gross profit increased by $1.0 million to $2.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to $1.6 million in the prior year three months. The increase in gross profit is primarily attributable to higher revenue, changes in product mix, and increased absorption of fixed overhead across a higher revenue mix. Cost of sales increased to $6.0 million for the current period as compared to the prior year period of $4.8 million on higher revenue.

Previous wording

Applied Optics Center revenue increased by $1.2 million or 47.6% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the prior year period. The revenue increase is primarily attributable to increased demand for laser filters during the three months ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the prior year period.

Current wording

Applied Optics Center revenue increased by $2.1 million or 36.3% for the six months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year period. The revenue increase is primarily attributable to increased sales on laser filters, day windows and other, partially offset by decreased sales of our commercial optical assemblies.

Previous wording

G&A Expenses. During the three months ended December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023, we recorded operating expenses of $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Operating expenses increased by 13.2% over the prior year period primarily due to increased stock compensation expense, selling expenses and labor fringe costs.

Current wording

G&A Expenses. During the six months ended March 31, 2024 and April 2, 2023, we recorded operating expenses of $2.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively. Operating expenses increased by 20.4% comparing the respective periods primarily due to increased labor, stock compensation, royalty and selling expenses.

Previous wording

Operating Income. During the three months ended December 31, 2023, we recorded operating income of $553 thousand, as compared to an operating loss of ($282) thousand during the three months ended January 1, 2023. The $0.8 million increase in operating income is primarily due to higher revenue and gross profit, partially offset by increased operating expenses.

Current wording

Operating Income. During the six months ended March 31, 2024, we recorded operating income of $1.9 million, as compared to operating income of $0.3 million during the six months ended April 2, 2023. The $1.6 million increase in operating income is primarily due to higher gross profit, which was partially offset by increased general and administrative expenses.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had working capital of $13.0 million, as compared to $13.5 million as of October 1, 2023.

Current wording

As of March 31, 2024, the Company had working capital of $13.6 million, as compared to $13.5 million as of October 1, 2023.

Previous wording

During the three months ended December 31, 2023, we generated operating cash of $2.3 million, paid $1.0 million against our line of credit and spent $0.1 million on acquisitions of property and equipment. During the period, our inventory increased $0.5 million in support of new program awards and increasing revenues anticipated over the next nine months.

Current wording

During the six months ended March 31, 2024, the Company had operating cash provided by operations of $1.0 million, used $0.5 million to pay down our line of credit and spent $0.2 million on acquisitions of property and equipment and $1.0 million on the acquisition of intellectual property. During the period, our inventory increased $1.5 million in support of new program awards and increasing revenues anticipated over the next six months.

Previous wording

The Company has capital commitments of $90 thousand for the purchase of property and equipment consisting of an automated acrylic buffing system.

Current wording

The Company has capital commitments of $0.6 million for the purchase of property and equipment consisting of a CNC Machine, a Ur5e Robot Reach and a significant coating chamber upgrade.

Previous wording

Backlog as of December 31, 2023 was $45.0 million as compared to backlog of $40.1 million as of January 1, 2023 and $41.8 million as of October 1, 2023, representing an increase of 12.2% and 7.7%, respectively. For further details, see “Results of Operations – New Orders and Backlog” above.

Current wording

Backlog as of March 31, 2024 was $44.2 million as compared to a backlog of $41.8 million and $41.6 million as of October 1, 2023 and April 2, 2023, respectively, and representing an increase of 5.7% and 6.3%, respectively. For further details, see “Results of Operations – New Orders and Backlog” above.

Previous wording

The Company has historically funded its operations through cash from operations, convertible notes, common and preferred stock offerings and bank debt. The Company’s ability to generate positive cash flows depends on a variety of factors, including the continued development and successful marketing of the Company’s products.

Current wording

The Company has historically funded its operations through cash from operations, convertible notes, common and preferred stock offerings and bank debt. The Company’s ability to generate positive cash flows depends on a variety of factors, including the continued development and successful marketing of the Company’s products. At March 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $0.3 million in cash and an outstanding balance of $0.5 million on its line of credit. As of March 31, 2024, our outstanding accounts receivable was $3.7 million. We expect the accounts to be collected during the third quarter of fiscal 2024.

Previous wording

On March 22, 2023, the Company and its subsidiary, Optex Systems, Inc. (“Optex”, and with the Company, the “Borrowers”), entered into a Business Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Texas Capital Bank (the “Lender”), pursuant to which the Lender will make available to the Borrowers a revolving line of credit in the principal amount of $3 million (the “Credit Facility”). The commitment period for advances under the Credit Facility is twenty-six months expiring on May 22, 2025. We refer to the expiration of that time period as the “Maturity Date.” Outstanding advances under the Credit Facility will accrue interest at a rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) plus a specified margin, subject to a specified floor interest rate. The interest rate is currently at 8.1% per annum.

Current wording

On March 22, 2023, the Company and its subsidiary, Optex Systems, Inc. (“Optex”, and with the Company, the “Borrowers”), entered into a Business Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Texas Capital Bank (the “Lender”), pursuant to which the Lender will make available to the Borrowers a revolving line of credit in the principal amount of $3 million (the “Credit Facility”). The commitment period for advances under the Credit Facility is twenty-six months expiring on May 22, 2025. We refer to the expiration of that time period as the “Maturity Date.” Outstanding advances under the Credit Facility will accrue interest at a rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) plus a specified margin, subject to a specified floor interest rate. The interest rate is currently at 8.08% per annum.

Previous wording

The Loan Agreement contains customary events of default (including a 25% change in ownership) and negative covenants, including but not limited to those governing indebtedness, liens, fundamental changes (including changes in management), investments, and restricted payments (including cash dividends). The Loan Agreement also requires the Borrowers to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.25:1 and a total leverage ratio of 3.00:1. The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the operating assets of the Borrowers as collateral. The Borrowers’ obligations under the Credit Facility are subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of an event of default as defined in the Loan Agreement. The Loan Agreement further provides for a $125,000 Letter of Credit sublimit. As of December 31, 2023, there was zero borrowed under the Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2023, the Company is in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facility.

Current wording

The Loan Agreement contains customary events of default (including a 25% change in ownership) and negative covenants, including but not limited to those governing indebtedness, liens, fundamental changes (including changes in management), investments, and restricted payments (including cash dividends). The Loan Agreement also requires the Borrowers to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.25:1 and a total leverage ratio of 3.00:1. The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the operating assets of the Borrowers as collateral. The Borrowers’ obligations under the Credit Facility are subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of an event of default as defined in the Loan Agreement. The Loan Agreement further provides for a $125,000 Letter of Credit sublimit. As of March 31, 2024, there was $0.5 million borrowed under the Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2024, the Company is in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facility.

Previous wording

On September 22, 2021 the Company announced authorization for an additional $1 million stock repurchase program. As of December 31, 2023, there was an authorized balance of $560 thousand remaining to be spent against the repurchase program. During the three months ended December 31, 2023, there were no stock repurchases against the plan.

Current wording

On September 22, 2021 the Company announced authorization for an additional $1 million stock repurchase program. As of March 31, 2024, there was an authorized balance of $560 thousand remaining to be spent against the repurchase program. During the six months ended March 31, 2024, there were no stock repurchases against the plan.

Previous wording

Our significant accounting policies are fundamental to understanding our results of operations and financial condition. Some accounting policies require that we use estimates and assumptions that may affect the value of our assets or liabilities and financial results. These policies are described in “Critical Policies and Accounting Pronouncements” and Note 2 (Accounting Policies) to consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 1, 2023.

Current wording

Our significant accounting policies are fundamental to understanding our results of operations and financial condition. Some accounting policies require that we use estimates and assumptions that may affect the value of our assets or liabilities and financial results. These policies are described in Note 2 (Accounting Policies) to consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 1, 2023.

Previous wording

Our critical accounting estimates include warranty costs, contract losses and the deferred tax asset valuation. Future warranty costs are based on the estimated cost of replacement for expected returns based upon our most recent experience rate of defects as a percentage of warranty covered sales. Our warranty covered sales primarily include the Applied Optics Center optical assemblies. While our warranty period is 12 months, our reserve balances assume a general 90-day return period for optical assemblies previously delivered plus any returned backlog in-house that has not yet been repaired or replaced to our customer. If our actual warranty returns should significantly exceed our historical rates on new customer products, significant production changes, or substantial customer changes to the 90-day turn-around times on returned goods, the impact could be material to our operating profit. We have not experienced any significant changes to our warranty trends in the preceding three years and do not anticipate any significant impacts in the near term. We monitor the actual warranty costs incurred to the expected values on a quarterly basis and adjust our estimates accordingly. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had accrued warranty costs of $48 thousand, as compared to $75 thousand as of October 1, 2023. The primary reason for the $27 thousand decrease in reserve balances relates to lower shipments against our warranty covered optical assemblies, combined with a favorable change in estimate due to lower historical return trends and repair costs.

Current wording

Our critical accounting estimates include warranty costs, contract losses and the deferred tax asset valuation. Future warranty costs are based on the estimated cost of replacement for expected returns based upon our most recent experience rate of defects as a percentage of warranty covered sales. Our warranty covered sales primarily include the Applied Optics Center optical assemblies. While our warranty period is 12 months, our reserve balances assume a general 90-day return period for optical assemblies previously delivered plus any returned backlog in-house that has not yet been repaired or replaced to our customer. If our actual warranty returns should significantly exceed our historical rates on new customer products, significant production changes, or substantial customer changes to the 90-day turn-around times on returned goods, the impact could be material to our operating profit. We have not experienced any significant changes to our warranty trends in the preceding three years and do not anticipate any significant impacts in the near term. We monitor the actual warranty costs incurred to the expected values on a quarterly basis and adjust our estimates accordingly. As of March 31, 2024, the Company had accrued warranty costs of $69 thousand, as compared to $75 thousand as of October 1, 2023. The primary reason for the $6 thousand decrease in reserve balances relates to lower shipments against our warranty covered optical assemblies, combined with a favorable change in estimate due to lower historical return trends and repair costs.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023 and October 1, 2023, we had $308 thousand, and $243 thousand, respectively, of contract loss reserves included in our balance sheet accrued expenses. These loss contracts are related to some of our older legacy periscope IDIQ contracts which were priced in 2018 through early 2020, prior to Covid-19 and the significant downturn in defense spending on ground system vehicles. Due to inflationary price increases on component parts and higher internal manufacturing costs (as a result of escalating labor costs and higher burden rates on reduced volume), some of these contracts are in a loss condition, or at marginal profit rates. These contracts are typically three-year IDIQ contracts with two optional award years, and as such, we are obligated to accept new task awards against these contracts until the contract expiration. Should contract costs continue to increase above the negotiated selling price, or in the event the customer should release substantial quantities against these existing loss contracts, the losses could be material. For contracts currently in a loss status based on the estimated per unit contract costs, losses are booked immediately on new task order awards. During the three months ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized $90 thousand in loss reserves on new contract awards, made shipments resulting in reductions of $25 thousand against existing loss reserves.

Current wording

As of March 31, 2024 and October 1, 2023, we had $150 thousand, and $243 thousand, respectively, of contract loss reserves included in our balance sheet accrued expenses. These loss contracts are related to some of our older legacy periscope IDIQ contracts which were priced in 2018 through early 2020, prior to Covid-19 and the significant downturn in defense spending on ground system vehicles. Due to inflationary price increases on component parts and higher internal manufacturing costs (as a result of escalating labor costs and higher burden rates on reduced volume), some of these contracts are in a loss condition, or at marginal profit rates. These contracts are typically three-year IDIQ contracts with two optional award years, and as such, we are obligated to accept new task awards against these contracts until the contract expiration. Should contract costs continue to increase above the negotiated selling price, or in the event the customer should release substantial quantities against these existing loss contracts, the losses could be material. For contracts currently in a loss status based on the estimated per unit contract costs, losses are booked immediately on new task order awards. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2024, the Company recognized a gain on changes in estimates for the contract loss reserves of $120 thousand and $30 thousand and applied reserves of $38 thousand $63 thousand to cost of sales against revenues booked during the periods, respectively.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023 and October 1, 2023, Optex Systems, Inc. has a deferred tax asset valuation allowance of ($0.8) million against deferred tax assets of $1.7 million, for a net deferred tax asset of $0.9 million. The valuation allowance has been established due to historical losses resulting in a Net Operating Loss Carryforward for each of the fiscal years 2011 through 2016 which may not be fully recognized due to an IRS Section 382 limitation related to a change in control. The valuation allowance covers certain deferred tax assets where we believe we will be unlikely to recover those tax assets through future operations. The valuation reserve includes assumptions related to future taxable income which would be available to cover net operating loss carryforward amounts. Because of the uncertainties of future income forecasts combined with the complexity of some of the deferred assets, these forecasts are subject to change over time. While we believe our current estimate to be reasonable, changing market conditions and profitability, changes in equity structure and changes in tax regulations may impact our estimated reserves in future periods.

Current wording

As of March 31, 2024 and October 1, 2023, the Company had a deferred tax asset valuation allowance of ($0.8) million against deferred tax assets of $1.7 million for a net deferred tax asset of $0.9 million. The valuation allowance has been established due to historical losses resulting in a Net Operating Loss Carryforward for each of the fiscal years 2011 through 2016 which cannot be fully recognized due to an IRS Section 382 limitation related to a change in control. The valuation allowance covers certain deferred tax assets where we believe we will be unlikely to recover those tax assets through future operations. The valuation reserve includes assumptions related to future taxable income which would be available to cover net operating loss carryforward amounts. Because of the uncertainties of future income forecasts combined with the complexity of some of the deferred assets, these forecasts are subject to change over time. While we believe our current estimate to be reasonable, changing market conditions and profitability, changes in equity structure and changes in tax regulations may impact our estimated reserves in future periods.