HURCO COMPANIES INC
For the period ended Oct 31, 2024. Filed Jan 10, 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 Jan 10, 2025
HURC$20.63-2.3%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-10-31; filed 2024-01-05.
0001558370-24-000115
Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-10-31; filed 2025-01-10.
0001558370-25-000129
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 66 previous paragraphs and 61 current paragraphs.
26 unchanged; 33 reworded; 2 added; 7 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 5 previous and 6 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 (2)
Current report
During a time of global uncertainty and lower sales volumes, we have turned our attention to adjusting overhead expenses and operating expenses to help minimize the impact of the lower volumes of sales on operating income. We implemented cost reductions in the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, adjusted and managed inventories (excluding the impact of foreign currency) andtemporary suspended our regular quarterly cash dividend. We used that cashflow to manage our capital allocation strategies to continue investing in new technologies, product development, and necessary capital expenditures to maximize cashflows without incurring any significant indebtedness as we continue to seek new acquisitions and other growth opportunities. The cyclicality of our business requires that we exercise discipline in managing through unexpected changes in the markets and industries in which we operate. We believe that our long history of profitability and the strength of our balance sheet can provide us with stability to manage through these business cycles and we rely on our past experience in making measured decisions for the long-term success of our business.
Current report
Sales in the Americas for fiscal year 2024 decreased by 18%, compared to fiscal year 2023, primarily due to decreased shipments of Hurco and Takumi machines. The decrease in sales of these machines was mainly attributable to decreased shipments of Hurco and Takumi 3-axis vertical machines, partially offset by increased sales of higher-performance Hurco 5-axis machines and Milltronics 3-axis vertical machines.
Removed paragraphs (7)
Previous report
Sales in the Americas for fiscal year 2023 decreased by 8%, compared to fiscal 2022, primarily due to decreased shipments of Hurco and Milltronics machines, particularly the higher-performance VMX machines.
Previous report
Our prior $7.0 million share repurchase program also remained in effect until its scheduled expiration on March 10, 2023. During fiscal year 2023, approximately 98,776 shares were repurchased at an aggregate value of approximately $2.8 million under that program. Aggregate repurchases under all programs during fiscal year 2023 were approximately $4.6 million.
Previous report
*Goodwill and Intangible Assets.*Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles arising from a business combination are reviewed for impairment annually as of the last day of our third fiscal quarter, or more frequently, if circumstances arise indicating potential impairment. We have no goodwill as of October 31, 2023. Other indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of trademarks and trade names and are not material to our consolidated financial statements. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recovered through future net cash flows generated by the assets. We are not aware of any events or changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying value of its finite-lived assets may not be recoverable.
Previous report
*Impairment of Long-Lived Assets –*We are required periodically to review the recoverability of certain assets, including property, plant, and equipment, intangible assets, and goodwill, based on projections of anticipated future cash flows, including future profitability assessments of various product lines. We estimate cash flows using internal budgets based on recent sales data. We are not aware of any events or changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying value of our long-lived assets may not be recoverable.
Previous report
Inventories and Related Reserves – We determine at each balance sheet date how much, if any, of our inventory may ultimately prove to be either unsalable or unsalable at its carrying cost. Reserves are established to effectively adjust the carrying value of such inventory to lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value. To determine the appropriate level of valuation reserves, we evaluate current stock levels in relation to historical and expected patterns of demand for all of our products. We evaluate the need for changes to valuation reserves based on market conditions, competitive offerings, and other factors on a regular basis. We have not experienced substantive write-offs due to obsolescence.
Previous report
Derivative Financial Instruments– Critical aspects of our accounting policy for derivative financial instruments that we designate as hedging instruments include conditions that require that critical terms of a hedging instrument are essentially the same as a hedged forecasted transaction. Another important element of our policy demands that formal documentation be maintained as required by FASB guidance relating to accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Failure to comply with these conditions would result in a requirement to recognize changes in market value of hedge instruments in earnings. We routinely monitor significant estimates, assumptions, and judgments associated with derivative instruments and compliance with formal documentation requirements.
Previous report
Stock Compensation – We account for share-based compensation according to FASB guidance relating to share-based payments, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based awards made to employees and directors based on estimated fair values on the grant date. This guidance requires that we estimate the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant and recognize as expense the value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest over the requisite service period.
Reworded paragraphs (33)
Previous wording
Hurco Companies, Inc. is an international, industrial technology company operating in a single segment. We design, manufacture, and sell computerized (i.e., CNC) machine tools, consisting primarily of vertical machining centers (mills) and turning centers (lathes), to companies in the metal cutting industry through a worldwide sales, service, and distribution network. Although the majority of our computer control systems and software products are proprietary, they predominantly use industry standard personal computer components. Our computer control systems and software products are primarily sold as integral components of our computerized machine tool products. We also provide machine tool components, automation integration equipment and solutions for job shops, software options, control upgrades, accessories and replacement parts for our products, as well as customer service, training, and applications support.
Current wording
Hurco Companies, Inc. is an international, industrial technology company operating in a single segment. We design, manufacture, and sell computerized (i.e., CNC) machine tools, consisting primarily of vertical machining centers (mills) and turning centers (lathes), to companies in the metal cutting industry through a worldwide sales, service, and distribution network. Although most of our computer control systems and software products are proprietary, they predominantly use industry standard personal computer components. Our computer control systems and software products are primarily sold as integral components of our computerized machine tool products. We also provide machine tool components, automation integration equipment and solutions for job shops, software options, control upgrades, accessories, and replacement parts for our products, as well as customer service, training, and applications support.
Previous wording
The market for machine tools is international in scope. We have both significant foreign sales and significant foreign manufacturing operations. During fiscal year 2023, approximately 53% of our revenues were attributable to customers in Europe, where we typically sell more of our higher-performance VMX series machines. Additionally, approximately 8% of our revenues were attributable to customers in the Asia Pacific region, where we encounter greater pricing pressures.
Current wording
The market for machine tools is international in scope. We have both significant foreign sales and significant foreign manufacturing operations. During fiscal year 2024, approximately 51% of our revenues were attributable to customers in Europe, where we typically sell more of our higher-performance, higher-priced VMX series machines. Additionally, approximately 10% of our revenues were attributable to customers in the Asia Pacific region, where we encounter greater pricing pressures.
Previous wording
We have three brands of CNC machine tools in our product portfolio. Hurco is the technology innovation brand for customers who want to increase productivity and profitability by selecting a brand with the latest software and motion technology. Milltronics is the value-based brand for shops that want easy-to-use machines at competitive prices. The Takumi brand is for customers that need very high speed, high efficiency performance, such as that required in the production, die and mold, aerospace, and medical industries. Takumi machines are equipped with industry standard controls instead of the proprietary controls found on Hurco and Milltronics machines. These three brands of CNC machine tools are responsible for the vast majority of our revenue. However, we have added other non-Hurco branded products to our product portfolio that have contributed product diversity and market penetration opportunity. These non-Hurco branded products are sold by our wholly-owned distributors and are comprised primarily of other general-purpose vertical milling centers and lathes, laser cutting machines, waterjet cutting machines, CNC grinders, compact horizontal machines, metal cutting saws, and CNC swill lathes. ProCobots is our wholly-owned subsidiary that provides automation solutions. In addition, through our wholly-owned subsidiary in Italy, LCM, we produce high value machine tool components and accessories.
Current wording
We have three brands of CNC machine tools in our product portfolio. Hurco is the technology innovation brand for customers who want to increase productivity and profitability by selecting a brand with the latest software and motion technology. Milltronics is the value-based brand for shops that want easy-to-use machines at competitive prices. The Takumi brand is for customers that need very high speed, high efficiency performance, such as that required in the production, die and mold, aerospace, and medical industries. Takumi machines are equipped with industry standard controls instead of the proprietary controls found on Hurco and Milltronics machines. These three brands of CNC machine tools are responsible for the vast majority of our revenue. However, we have added other non-Hurco branded products to our product portfolio that have contributed product diversity and market penetration opportunity. These non-Hurco branded products are sold by our wholly-owned distributors and are comprised primarily of other general-purpose vertical milling centers and lathes, laser cutting machines, waterjet cutting machines, CNC grinders, compact horizontal machines, metal cutting saws, and CNC swiss lathes. ProCobots is our wholly-owned subsidiary that provides automation solutions. In addition, through our wholly-owned subsidiary in Italy, LCM, we produce high value machine tool components and accessories.
Previous wording
*Sales and Service Fees.*Sales and service fees for fiscal year 2023 were $227.8 million, a decrease of $23.0 million, or 9%, compared to fiscal year 2022, and included an unfavorable currency impact of $2.4 million, or 1%, when translating foreign sales to U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes.
Current wording
*Sales and Service Fees.*Sales and service fees for fiscal year 2024 were $186.6 million, a decrease of $41.2 million, or 18%, compared to fiscal year 2023, and included a favorable currency impact of $1.8 million, or less than 1%, when translating foreign sales to U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes.
Previous wording
European sales for fiscal year 2023 decreased by 4%, compared to fiscal year 2022, and included an unfavorable currency impact of 1%, when translating foreign sales to U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. The year-over-year decrease in European sales was primarily attributable to a decreased volume of shipments of Hurco machines in Germany, France, and Italy, partially offset by increased sales of electro-mechanical components and accessories manufactured by LCM and increased shipments of Hurco machines in the United Kingdom and Milltronics machines throughout Europe where our customers are located.
Current wording
European sales for fiscal year 2024 decreased by 21%, compared to fiscal year 2023, and included a favorable currency impact of 2%, when translating foreign sales to U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. The year-over-year decrease in European sales was primarily attributable to a decreased volume of shipments of Hurco and Takumi machines in Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, and of electro-mechanical components and accessories manufactured by LCM, partially offset by an increased volume of shipments of Hurco and Takumi machines in France and increased sales of ProCobots automation solutions.
Previous wording
Asian Pacific sales for fiscal year 2023 decreased by 34%, compared to fiscal 2022, and included an unfavorable currency impact of 4%, when translating foreign sales to U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. The year-over-year decrease in Asian Pacific sales for the fiscal year primarily resulted from a reduced volume of shipments of Takumi machines in China and Hurco machines in Southeast Asia, China, and India, partially offset by an increased volume of shipments of Takumi machines in India.
Current wording
Asian Pacific sales for fiscal year 2024 increased by 2%, compared to fiscal year 2023, and included an unfavorable currency impact of 1%, when translating foreign sales to U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. The year-over-year increase in Asian Pacific sales for the fiscal year was primarily attributable to increased shipments of Hurco and Takumi machines in India and to one customer with multiple machine orders in China, partially offset by decreased shipments of Hurco and Takumi machines in China and Southeast Asia.
Previous wording
†Amounts shown do not include computer control systems and software sold as an integrated component of computerized machine systems.
Current wording
†Amounts shown do not include computer control systems and software sold as an integrated component of computerized machine tools.
Previous wording
Sales of computerized machine tools for fiscal year 2023 decreased by 11%, compared to fiscal year 2022, primarily due to a decreased volume of shipments of Hurco machines in all regions where our customers are located, except the United Kingdom; Milltronics machines in North America; and Takumi machines in China. Sales of computer control systems and software for fiscal 2023 increased by 6%, compared to fiscal 2022, due to increased sales of software for Hurco machines in North America. Sales of service parts for fiscal year 2023 increased by 1%, compared to fiscal year 2022, due mainly to increased volume of sales of Hurco and ProCobots parts in Europe and North America, mostly offset by a reduction in volume of sales of parts in North America. Service fees increased by 1% for fiscal year 2023, compared to fiscal year 2022, primarily due to increased service of Hurco machines in the United Kingdom, France and Italy, mostly offset by a reduction in service of Hurco machines in North America and Germany. During fiscal year 2023, sales for all product categories included an unfavorable currency impact of 1%, when translating foreign sales to U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes.
Current wording
Sales of computerized machine tools for fiscal year 2024 decreased by 22%, compared to fiscal year 2023, primarily due to a decreased volume of shipments of Hurco and Takumi machines in all regions where our customers are located, except India and France, partially offset by increased sales of Milltronics vertical machines in North America. Sales of computer control systems and software for fiscal year 2024 decreased by 13%, compared to fiscal year 2023, due to decreased sales of software for Hurco machines in North America and Germany. Sales of service parts for fiscal year 2024 decreased by 3%, compared to fiscal year 2023, due mainly to a decreased volume of aftermarket sales of Hurco and LCM parts in Europe and North America. Service fees increased by 9% for fiscal year 2024, compared to fiscal year 2023, primarily due to increased service of Hurco machines in the United Kingdom, France and North America. During fiscal year 2024, sales for all product categories included a favorable currency impact of less than 1%, when translating foreign sales to U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes.
Previous wording
Orders and Backlog. Orders for fiscal year 2023 were $209.7 million, a decrease of $31.3 million, or 13%, compared to fiscal 2022, and included an unfavorable currency impact of $2.0 million, or less than 1%, when translating foreign orders to U.S. dollars.
Current wording
Orders and Backlog. Orders for fiscal year 2024 were $198.3 million, a decrease of $11.4 million, or 5%, compared to fiscal year 2023, and included a favorable currency impact of $1.9 million, or less than 1%, when translating foreign orders to U.S. dollars.
Previous wording
Orders in the Americas for fiscal year 2023 decreased by 13%, compared to fiscal year 2022, mainly due to decreased customer orders for Hurco and Milltronics, particularly higher-performance VMX machines, partially offset by increased demand for Takumi machines.
Current wording
Orders in the Americas for fiscal year 2024 decreased by 5%, compared to fiscal year 2023. The decrease in orders was primarily due to decreased customer demand for Hurco 3-axis vertical machines, partially offset by increased demand for Hurco higher-performing 5-axis machines.
Previous wording
European orders for fiscal 2023 decreased by 6%, compared to fiscal 2022, and included an unfavorable currency impact of 1%, when translating foreign orders to U.S. dollars. The year-over-year decrease in European demand was primarily attributable to decreased demand for Hurco machines in Germany and France, partially offset by increased customer demand for Hurco machines in the United Kingdom and Italy, and electro-mechanical components and accessories manufactured by LCM.
Current wording
European orders for fiscal year 2024 decreased by 13%, compared to fiscal year 2023, and included a favorable currency impact of 2%, when translating foreign orders to U.S. dollars. The decrease in orders was driven primarily by decreased customer demand for Hurco and Takumi machines in Germany, France, and Italy, as well as decreased demand for electro-mechanical components and accessories manufactured by LCM, partially offset by increased demand for Hurco higher-performance VMX machines in the United Kingdom and for ProCobots automation solutions sold across the European region.
Previous wording
Asian Pacific orders for fiscal year 2023 decreased by 45%, compared to fiscal 2022, and included an unfavorable currency impact of 3%, when translating foreign orders to U.S. dollars. The decrease in Asian Pacific orders year-over-year was driven primarily by decreased customer demand for Hurco and Takumi machines in China and Hurco machines in Southeast Asia and India, partially offset by increased demand for Takumi machines in India.
Current wording
Asian Pacific orders for fiscal year 2024 increased by 54%, compared to fiscal year 2023, and included an unfavorable currency impact of 2%, when translating foreign orders to U.S. dollars. The increase in Asian Pacific orders was driven primarily by increased customer demand for Hurco and Takumi machines in China, India, and Southeast Asia. The increased customer demand for Hurco machines in China and India for the fiscal year included two customers with multiple machine orders.
Previous wording
Backlog at October 31, 2023 decreased to $28.3 million from $44.8 million at October 31, 2022, primarily due to decreased customer demand during fiscal year 2023 for Hurco, Milltronics, and Takumi machines in the U.S., Germany, France, China and Southeast Asia. We do not believe backlog is a useful measure of past performance or indicative of future performance. Backlog orders as of October 31, 2023 are expected to be fulfilled in fiscal year 2024.
Current wording
Backlog as of October 31, 2024 increased to $40.8 million from $28.3 million as of October 31, 2023, primarily due to increased customer demand during the last six months of fiscal year 2024, compared to the same period in prior year. The increase in backlog was driven primarily by increased demand for higher-performance VMX and 5-axis Hurco machines in the U.S. and Europe, Milltronics toolroom and 3-axis vertical machines in the U.S., and Hurco 3-axis vertical machines and Takumi bridge mills in Asia Pacific. We do not believe backlog is a useful measure of past performance or indicative of future performance. Backlog orders as of October 31, 2024 are expected to be fulfilled in fiscal year 2025.
Previous wording
Gross Profit. Gross profit for fiscal year 2023 was $56.2 million, or 25% of sales, compared to $64.5 million, or 26% of sales, for fiscal 2022. The year-over-year decreases in gross profit and gross profit as a percentage of sales were primarily due to the lower volume of sales of our higher-performance VMX machines and the negative impact of fixed costs on lower sales and production volumes.
Current wording
Gross Profit. Gross profit for fiscal year 2024 was $37.7 million, or 20% of sales, compared to $56.2 million, or 25% of sales, for fiscal year 2023. The year-over-year decrease in gross profit was primarily due to the lower volume of vertical milling machine sales in the Americas and Europe. Additionally, there were decreases in average net selling prices for certain machines during fiscal year 2024 that were designed to penetrate key markets and reduce inventories. The decreases in both sales volume and pricing negatively impacted gross profit in dollars and as a percentage of sales, reducing our leverage of fixed costs, in comparison to fiscal year 2023. Further, certain cost reductions were implemented in the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 to help offset the impact of lower sales volumes and pricing.
Previous wording
Operating Expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for fiscal year 2023 were $49.6 million, or 22% of sales, compared to $51.7 million, or 21% of sales, in fiscal 2022, and included a favorable currency impact of $0.4 million, when translating foreign expenses to U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. The year-over-year decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses in absolute dollar terms was primarily attributable to lower costs related to tradeshow expenses, sales commissions, and employee support costs for our global operations.
Current wording
Operating Expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for fiscal year 2024 were $46.0 million, or 25% of sales, compared to $49.6 million, or 22% of sales, in fiscal year 2023, and included an unfavorable currency impact of $0.4 million, when translating foreign expenses to U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. The year-over-year reduction in selling, general, and administrative expenses was primarily due to cost reductions implemented in the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 to help offset the impact of lower sales volume, partially offset by increased tradeshow costs (for IMTS) in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024. Despite the reduction from an absolute dollar perspective, selling, general, and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of sales in fiscal year 2024, compared to fiscal year 2023, due to the lower volume of sales year-over-year.
Previous wording
Operating Income. Operating income for fiscal year 2023 was $6.6 million, or 3% of sales, compared to $12.7 million, or 5% of sales, for fiscal year 2022. The year-over-year decrease in operating income was primarily due to decreased volume of machine shipments.
Current wording
Operating (Loss) Income. Operating loss for fiscal year 2024 was $8.3 million, or 4% of sales, compared to operating income of $6.6 million, or 3% of sales, for fiscal year 2023. The year-over-year decrease in operating income was primarily due to lower volume of vertical milling machine sales in the Americas and Europe.
Previous wording
Other Expense, Net. Other expense, net for fiscal year 2023 decreased by $1.3 million from fiscal year 2022, due mainly to a decrease in foreign currency exchange losses and increased gains on sale of property and equipment.
Current wording
Other Expense, Net. Other expense, net for fiscal year 2024 increased by $1.5 million from fiscal year 2023, due mainly to an increase in foreign currency exchange losses.
Previous wording
Provision for Income Taxes. We recorded income tax expense of $2.4 million for fiscal year 2023, compared to $3.7 million for fiscal year 2022. Our effective tax rate for fiscal year 2023 was 35%, compared to 31% for fiscal year 2022. The year-over-year increase in the effective tax rate in the full year was primarily due to changes in geographic mix of income and loss that includes jurisdictions with differing tax rates, discrete items related to stock compensation and the impact of valuation allowances for our China operations combined with lower levels of consolidated income before taxes.
Current wording
Provision for Income Taxes. Income tax expense for fiscal year 2024 was $6.8 million, compared to $2.4 million for fiscal year 2023. The year-over-year increase in income tax expense was primarily due to an $8.4 million non-cash valuation allowance recorded on U.S. and China deferred tax assets, as well as changes in geographic mix of income and loss that includes jurisdictions with differing tax rates, and discrete items related to unvested stock compensation. Because we have an $8.3 million valuation allowance recorded against our U.S. deferred tax assets, we did not record a tax benefit for our U.S. net losses for fiscal year 2024. The valuation allowance recorded during fiscal year 2024 reflected a full valuation allowance of the U.S. deferred tax assets and was recorded after evaluating changes to tax laws, statutory tax rates, and our cumulative three-year income (loss) levels for the U.S. for fiscal year 2024.
Previous wording
*Net Income.*Net income for fiscal year 2023 was $4.4 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, compared to $8.2 million, or $1.23 per diluted share, for fiscal year 2022. The year-over-year decrease in net income was primarily due todecreased volume of machine shipments.
Current wording
*Net (Loss) Income.*Net loss for fiscal year 2024 was $16.6 million, or $(2.56) per diluted share, compared to net income of $4.4 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, for fiscal year 2023. The year-over-year decrease in net income was primarily due todecreased volume of machine shipments, as well as the valuation allowance recorded against our U.S. and China deferred tax assets.
Previous wording
At October 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $41.8 million, compared to $63.9 million at October 31, 2022. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily a result of net cash used for payments of outstanding accounts payable, stock repurchases and dividend payments. Approximately 26% of our $41.8 million of cash and cash equivalents is held in the U.S. The balance is attributable to our foreign operations and is held in the local currencies of our various foreign entities, subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. We do not believe that the indefinite reinvestment of these funds offshore impairs our ability to meet our domestic working capital needs.
Current wording
As of October 31, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $33.3 million, compared to $41.8 million as of October 31, 2023. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily a result of net cash used for payments of outstanding accounts payable, stock repurchases and dividend payments. Approximately 12% of our $33.3 million of cash and cash equivalents is held in the U.S. The balance is attributable to our foreign operations and is held in the local currencies of our various foreign entities, subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. We do not believe that the indefinite reinvestment of these funds offshore impairs our ability to meet our domestic working capital needs.
Previous wording
Working capital at October 31, 2023 was $193.3 million, compared to $194.7 million at October 31, 2022. The decrease in working capital was primarily driven by a decrease in cash and cash equivalents, mostly offset by decreases in accounts payable and customer deposits and increases in inventory and accounts receivable.
Current wording
Working capital as of October 31, 2024 was $180.8 million, compared to $193.3 million as of October 31, 2023. The decrease in working capital was primarily driven by decreases in cash and cash equivalents, inventories, accounts receivable, net, and prepaid and other assets, as well as increases in customer deposits, partially offset by decreases in accounts payable and accrued payroll and employee benefits.
Previous wording
Inventories, net were $158.0 million at October 31, 2023, compared to $156.2 million at October 31, 2022, andincluded an unfavorable currency impact of $4.9 million, or 3%, when translating foreign inventories to U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. Inventory turns at October 31, 2023 were 1.1 compared to 1.2 at October 31, 2022.
Current wording
Inventories were $153.0 million as of October 31, 2024, compared to $158.0 million as of October 31, 2023, andincluded a favorable currency impact of $3.2 million, or 2%, when translating foreign inventories to U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. Inventory turns as of October 31, 2024 were 1.0 compared to 1.1 as of October 31, 2023.
Previous wording
Capital expenditures were $2.6 million in fiscal year 2023, compared to $2.2 million in fiscal year 2022. Capital expenditures for fiscal year 2023 were primarily for software development costs, purchases of factory equipment for production facilities, and purchases of general software and equipment for sales and service divisions. We funded these expenditures with cash flows from operations.
Current wording
Capital expenditures were $2.9 million in fiscal year 2024, compared to $2.6 million in fiscal year 2023. Capital expenditures for fiscal year 2024 were primarily for software development costs, purchases of factory equipment for production facilities, and purchases of general software and equipment for sales and service divisions. We funded these expenditures with cash flows from operations.
Previous wording
On January 6, 2023, we announced a share repurchase program in an aggregate amount of up to $25.0 million. Repurchases under the program may be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions from time to time through November 10, 2024, subject to applicable laws, regulations, and contractual provisions. The program may be amended, suspended, or discontinued at any time and does not commit us to repurchase any shares of our common stock. During fiscal year 2023, approximately 67,513 shares were repurchased at an aggregate value of approximately $1.8 million under that program, resulting in $23.2 million remaining available under the program as of October 31, 2023.
Current wording
On January 6, 2023, we announced a share repurchase program in an aggregate amount of up to $25.0 million. Repurchases under the program may be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions from time to time, subject to applicable laws, regulations, and contractual provisions. On September 25, 2024, we announced an extension of the term of this $25.0 million repurchase program from November 10, 2024 to November 10, 2026. The program may be amended, suspended, or discontinued at any time and does not commit us to repurchase any shares of our common stock. During fiscal year 2024, we repurchased $1.5 million, or 87,635 shares, under the program, and $21.7 million remained available under the program as of October 31, 2024.
Previous wording
In addition, during fiscal year 2023, we paid cash dividends to our shareholders equal to $4.1 million. Future dividends are subject to approval of our Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, regulatory and contractual restrictions, our business strategy and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors from time to time.
Current wording
During fiscal year 2024, we paid cash dividends to our shareholders of $2.1 million. On June 14, 2024, we announced a temporary suspension of our regular quarterly cash dividend as we seek to enhance our financial flexibility and improve our ability to manage market volatility while focusing on strengthening our balance sheet, reinvesting in our core business and research and development related to emerging technologies, and returning value to shareholders via the appropriate channels in both the near- and long-term. Future dividends are subject to approval of our Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, regulatory and contractual restrictions, our business strategy and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors from time to time.
Previous wording
As of October 31, 2023, our existing credit facilities consisted of a €1.5 million revolving credit facility in Germany, the 150 million New Taiwan dollars Taiwan credit facility, the 32.5 million Chinese Yuan China credit facility and the $40.0 million revolving credit facility under the 2018 Credit Agreement. We had no debt or borrowings under any of our credit facilities at October 31, 2023.
Current wording
As of October 31, 2024, our existing credit facilities consisted of a €1.5 million revolving credit facility in Germany, the 150 million New Taiwan dollars Taiwan credit facility, the 32.5 million Chinese Yuan China credit facility and the $40.0 million revolving credit facility under the 2018 Credit Agreement. We had no debt or borrowings under any of our credit facilities as of October 31, 2024.
Previous wording
At October 31, 2023, we had an aggregate of approximately $50.6 million available for borrowing under our credit facilities and were in compliance with all covenants relating thereto.
Current wording
As of October 31, 2024, we had an aggregate of approximately $50.9 million available for borrowing under our credit facilities and were in compliance with all covenants relating thereto.
Previous wording
We have an international cash pooling strategy that generally provides access to available cash deposits and credit facilities when needed in the U.S., Europe or Asia Pacific. We believe our access to cash pooling and our borrowing capacity under our credit facilities provide adequate liquidity to fund our global operations over the next twelve months and beyond, and allow us to remain committed to our strategic plan of product innovation, acquisitions, targeted penetration of developing markets, payment of dividends and our stock repurchase program.
Current wording
We have an international cash pooling strategy that generally provides access to available cash deposits and credit facilities when needed in the U.S., Europe or Asia Pacific. We believe our access to cash pooling and our borrowing capacity under our credit facilities provide adequate liquidity to fund our global operations over the next twelve months and beyond, and allow us to remain committed to our strategic plan of product innovation, acquisitions, targeted penetration of developing markets, and a balanced capital allocation program.
Previous wording
We continue to receive and review information on businesses and assets for potential acquisition, including intellectual property assets that are available for purchase. Weremain committed to a balanced capital allocation strategy that prioritizes a strong balance sheet and liquidity position while recognizing the importance of accretive growth and returning value to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases, where appropriate. As such, we continue to actively evaluate acquisition opportunities that support our long-term strategic plan.
Current wording
We continue to receive and review information on businesses and assets for potential acquisition, including intellectual property assets that are available for purchase.
Previous wording
In addition to the contractual obligations and commitments disclosed above, we also have a variety of other obligations for the procurement of materials and services, none of which subject us to any material non-cancelable commitments. While some of these obligations arise under long-term supply agreements, we are not committed under these agreements to accept or pay for requirements that are not needed to meet our production needs. We have no material minimum purchase commitments or “take-or-pay” type agreements or arrangements. Unrecognized tax benefits in the amount of approximately $0.1 million, excluding any interest and penalties, have been excluded from the table above because we are unable to determine a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of future payment.
Current wording
In addition to the contractual obligations and commitments disclosed above, we also have a variety of other obligations for the procurement of materials and services, none of which subject us to any material non-cancelable commitments. While some of these obligations arise under long-term supply agreements, we are not committed under these agreements to accept or pay for requirements that are not needed to meet our production needs. We have no material minimum purchase commitments or “take-or-pay” type agreements or arrangements. Unrecognized tax benefits, excluding any interest and penalties, were immaterial for fiscal year 2024 and have been excluded from the table above because we are unable to determine a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of future payment.
Previous wording
We expect capital spending in fiscal year 2024 to be approximately $3.8 million, which includes investments for software development, leasehold improvement, factory equipment, and production facilities, as well as general software and equipment for selling facilities. We expect to fund these commitments with cash on hand and cash generated from operations.
Current wording
We expect capital spending in fiscal year 2025 to be approximately $4.1 million, which includes investments for software development, leasehold improvement, factory equipment, and production facilities, as well as general software and equipment for selling facilities. We expect to fund these commitments with cash on hand and cash generated from operations.
Previous wording
From time to time, our subsidiaries guarantee third party payment obligations in connection with the sale of machines to customers that use financing. We follow Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance for accounting for guarantees (codified in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 460). As of October 31, 2023, we had nine outstanding third party payment guarantees totaling approximately $1.0 million. The terms of these guarantees are consistent with the underlying customer financing terms. Upon shipment of a machine, the customer assumes the risk of ownership. The customer does not obtain title, however, until the customer has paid for the machine. A retention of title clause allows us to recover the machine if the customer defaults on the financing. We accrue liabilities under these guarantees at fair value, which amounts are insignificant.
Current wording
From time to time, our subsidiaries guarantee third party payment obligations in connection with the sale of machines to customers that use financing. We follow Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance for accounting for guarantees (codified in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 460). As of October 31, 2024, we had nine outstanding third party payment guarantees totaling approximately $0.9 million. The terms of these guarantees are consistent with the underlying customer financing terms. Upon shipment of a machine, the customer assumes the risk of ownership. The customer does not obtain title, however, until the customer has paid for the machine. A retention of title clause allows us to recover the machine if the customer defaults on the financing. We accrue liabilities under these guarantees at fair value, which amounts are insignificant.
Previous wording
Income Taxes – We account for income taxes and the related accounts under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates in each jurisdiction in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. These deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance, which is established when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We operate in multiple jurisdictions through wholly-owned subsidiaries, and our global structure is complex. The estimates of our uncertain tax positions involve judgments and assessment of the potential tax implications. We recognize uncertain tax positions when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by relevant taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Accordingly, the ultimate outcome with respect to taxes we may owe may differ from the amounts recognized. Our judgment regarding the realization of deferred tax assets may change due to future profitability and market conditions, change in U.S. or foreign tax laws, and other factors. These changes, if any, may require material adjustments to these deferred tax assets and an accompanying reduction or increase in net income.
Current wording
Income Taxes – We account for income taxes and the related accounts under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates in each jurisdiction in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. These deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance, which is established when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We operate in multiple jurisdictions through wholly-owned subsidiaries, and our global structure is complex. Accordingly, the ultimate outcome with respect to taxes we may owe may differ from the amounts recognized. Our judgment regarding the realization of deferred tax assets may change due to future profitability and market conditions, change in U.S. or foreign tax laws, and other factors. These changes, if any, may require material adjustments to these deferred tax assets and an accompanying reduction or increase in net income. During fiscal year 2024, we recorded an$8.6 million non-cash valuation allowance on U.S. and China deferred tax assets, of which $8.3 million reflected a full valuation allowance of the U.S. deferred tax assets, and was recorded after evaluating changes to tax laws, statutory tax rates, and our cumulative three-year income (loss) levels for the U.S. for fiscal year 2024. Because we have a valuation allowance recorded against our U.S. deferred tax assets, we did not record a tax benefit for our U.S. net losses for fiscal year 2024.