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VIRCO MFG CORPORATION

For the period ended Jan 31, 2025. Filed Apr 14, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

About 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.

FY2025 · Filed Apr 14, 2025

VIRC$6.20+3.9%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-K

Period ended 2024-01-31; filed 2024-04-12.

0001628280-24-016004

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Current report: 10-K

Period ended 2025-01-31; filed 2025-04-14.

0001628280-25-017640

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The 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 99 previous paragraphs and 95 current paragraphs.

48 unchanged; 40 reworded; 6 added; 9 removed; 2 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 2 previous and 2 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 (6)

Current report

Virco Mfg. Corporation is the nation’s largest domestic manufacturer and distributor of Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment ("FF&E") for the education (K-12) market. The Company’s operating model and unique market differs in several ways from the traditional furniture industry model. The furniture industry is traditionally structured around furniture manufacturers that sell to end customers through dealership networks. These dealership networks can be aligned with one manufacturer or open to multiple manufacturers. Virco is one of the few domestic manufacturers of school furniture that call on and sell direct to school customers, with approximately 70% to 80% of sales being direct to customers.

Current report

China’s entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001 had a severe impact on the industry, with most furniture manufacturers closing their domestic fabrication facilities and importing components or finished goods from China. This also enabled dealers and resellers to bypass domestic sources and purchase direct from China for domestic distribution. During this time Virco retained its domestic fabrication facilities. Today these facilities are substantially depreciated on our books but extremely well maintained, automated where cost effective, and fully operational. Recent economic events, in some cases accelerated by COVID, tariffs, volatility in both cost and availability of ocean freight, and other extended supply chain challenges have made our domestic manufacturing footprint a significant competitive advantage compared to companies which import finished products.

Current report

Furniture sold into the educational market is characteristically heavy, bulky, and logistically challenging compared to other markets significantly impacted by imports.

Current report

In the current fiscal year, the Company has benefited from a large series of disaster recovery orders that were received at the end of the prior fiscal year and the first quarter of the current year. During fiscal 2025, the Company shipped and recognized revenue related to these orders of approximately $9 million in the first quarter, $4 million in the second quarter, $6 million in the third quarter and $4 million in the fourth quarter. These shipments positively affected the Company’s traditional seasonal cycle this fiscal year, with positive impacts on production, overhead absorption, accounts receivable, collections, as well as lower borrowings to support that inventory. The Company believes that this project was substantially completed at the end of fiscal year 2025. The Company further believes that the timing and related positive impacts of this project are unusual and that more typical seasonal and financial patterns are likely to return after this project concludes.

Current report

Virco's net sales decreased by 1.1% in fiscal 2025 to $266.2 million compared to $269.1 million in fiscal 2024. The small decrease in net sales was attributable to a slight increase in selling prices offset by a minimal decrease in unit volume. In fiscal 2025, order rates increased by approximately 3.3% compared to 2024. The Company believes that order rates have now substantially recovered from the impact of COVID and related supply chain disruptions.

Current report

Additionally, the Company may elect to opportunistically purchase shares based on excess cash generation and share price considerations. In fiscal 2025, the Company spent $3.8 million to repurchase 342,026 shares of its common stock. As of January 31, 2025, $11.2 million was authorized and available for repurchase of shares by the Company.
Removed paragraphs (9)

Previous report

The COVID-19 pandemic had an immediate impact on the Company’s operating activities. In March 2020, most school districts that we serve closed their doors to students and initiated remote learning. As a result, order rates in fiscal year 2021 declined by approximately 20% compared to the prior year.

Previous report

During the first quarter of fiscal 2022, many schools reopened and virtually all schools were reopened for the beginning of academic year beginning August 2021. Order rates for fiscal year 2022 increased by nearly 40% compared to the prior year. The Company experienced severe supply chain issues and dramatically increased commodity costs during this year. In addition to severe shortages of materials, the Company incurred a severe shortfall of both temporary and full-time labor. In October and November of fiscal 2022, the Company significantly increased the starting wages for production workers followed by raises for all hourly workers. With these raises the Company was able to attract and retain additional workers.

Previous report

In fiscal 2023, the Company was able to substantially resolve supply chain challenges and labor shortages. Order rates increased by over 13% and sales increased by 25%, enabling the Company to return to profitable operations.

Previous report

During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, the Company was profitable and returned to a cumulative 3-year profit in the fourth quarter. During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, the Company concluded a fiscal year that demonstrated strong growth in order rates, revenue, pricing, and gross margin. In addition, a very strong level of sales orders received in the fourth quarter ended January 31, 2023, for shipment in the fiscal year ending January 31, 2024, resulted in a backlog of unshipped sales orders that was $17.7 million greater than the prior year ended January 31, 2022 and $34.4 million more than the average year-end backlog for the prior 5 years. Based on this evaluation, and after considering future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and the effects of seasonality on the Company’s business, the Company determined the realization of a majority of the net deferred tax assets met the more-likely-than-not criteria and the valuation allowance against the majority of the net deferred tax assets was reversed.

Previous report

Virco's net sales increased by 16.5% in fiscal 2024 to $269.1 million compared to $231.1 million in fiscal 2023. The increase in net sales was attributable to an increase in selling prices combined with a comparable increase from unit volume.

Previous report

Virco’s order rates and sales volume were severely impacted by COVID-19. In fiscal 2021, the Company incurred approximately a 20% reduction in sales orders and sales volume. This reduction was in large part due to the closure of schools throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2022, many schools reopened during the Company’s first quarter, and virtually all schools reopened by the beginning of the Company’s third quarter. During fiscal 2022 order rates increased by approximately 40% compared to the prior year. In fiscal 2023 the Company continued to benefit from increased order rates, with sales orders increasing by more than 13%. In fiscal 2024 order rates increased by approximately 6%. The Company believes that order rates have now substantially recovered from the impact of COVID. Orders for furniture which included full service classroom delivery increased relative to total sales as schools increasingly rely on Virco to provide logistics and turn key site support.

Previous report

During fiscal 2022, the Company incurred net operating losses, due primary to adverse economic conditions due to COVID-19 and related business interruptions while emerging from the effects of the pandemic. During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, based on this evaluation, and after considering future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and the effects of seasonality on the Company’s business, the Company determined the realization of a majority of the net deferred tax assets no longer met the more-likely-than-not criteria and a valuation allowance was recorded against the majority of the net deferred tax assets.

Previous report

During fiscal 2023, the Company was profitable and benefited from continued growth in order rates, growth in sales volume, and improvements in gross margin. The Company utilized a material portion of its federal and certain state net operating loss carryforwards ("NOL") in fiscal 2023 and anticipated that all federal NOL could be utilized by the end of fiscal 2024. During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, based on this evaluation, and after considering future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and the effects of seasonality on the Company’s business, the Company determined the realization of a majority of the net deferred tax assets met the more-likely-than-not criteria and a valuation allowance was reversed against the majority of the net deferred tax assets, resulting in a net change in valuation allowance of $10.5 million.
Reworded paragraphs (40)

Previous wording

The markets that Virco serves include the education market (the Company's primary market), which is made up of public and private schools (preschool through 12th grade), junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities and trade, technical and vocational schools. Virco also serves convention centers and arenas; the hospitality industry, with respect to their banquet and meeting facilities; government facilities at the federal, state, county and municipal levels; and places of worship. In addition, the Company sells to wholesalers, distributors, retailers, catalog retailers, and internet retailers that serve these same markets. These institutions are frequently characterized by extreme seasonality and/or a bid-based purchasing function. The Company's business model, which is designed to support this strategy, is highly integrated. The Company purchases coils of steel, plastic resin, particle board, and other raw materials and fabricated finished goods for the education market . The Company markets and sells direct to the schools and provides project management and logistics. The Company primarily sells to schools FOB destination, with approximately 80% of sales delivered FOB classroom destination.

Current wording

The markets that Virco serves include the education market (the Company's primary market), which is made up of public and private schools (preschool through 12th grade), junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities and trade, technical and vocational schools. Virco also serves convention centers and arenas; the hospitality industry, with respect to their banquet and meeting facilities; government facilities at the federal, state, county and municipal levels; and places of worship. In addition, the Company sells to wholesalers, distributors, retailers, catalog retailers, and internet retailers that serve these same markets. These institutions are frequently characterized by extreme seasonality and/or a bid-based purchasing function. The Company's business model, which is designed to support this strategy, is highly integrated. The Company markets and sells direct to the schools and provides project management and logistics. Approximately 75% of sales are delivered FOB destination.

Previous wording

As part of this integrated business model, the Company has developed several competencies to enable superior service to the markets in which Virco competes. The Company’s direct sales force is supported by interior designers, project managers and field service professionals. An important element of Virco's business model is the Company's emphasis on developing and maintaining key manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, delivery, project management and service capabilities. The Company has developed a comprehensive product offering for thefurniture, fixtures and equipment (“FF&E”) needs of the K-12 education market, enabling a school to procure all of its FF&E requirements from one source.

Current wording

As part of this integrated business model, the Company has developed several competencies to enable superior service to the markets in which Virco competes. Virco's sales force is supported by a project management team which includes field-based project specialists, in-house interior designers, project management specialists, purchasing specialists, and field service supervisors. The project management team and the sales force utilize the Company's proprietary PlanSCAPE® software in conjunction with Building Information Modeling when preparing complete package solutions for the FF&E segment of bond-funded public school construction projects. The PlanSCAPE®software supports classroom by classroom product selection, product specification, pricing, and furniture delivery including delivery to and turnkey classroom setup. PlanSCAPE® software also enables the entire Virco sales force to prepare quotations for less complicated projects. An important element of Virco's business model is the Company's emphasis on developing and maintaining key manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, delivery, project management and service capabilities. The Company has developed a comprehensive product offering for the FF&E needs of the K-12 education market, enabling a school to procure all of its FF&E requirements from one source.

Previous wording

During fiscal 2022, 2023, and 2024 order rates recovered. Initially, the Company has difficulty sourcing adequate new permanent and temporary workers. The Company remedied this by providing significant raises to its hourly work force, and for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 our ability to support the seasonal business model returned to pre-COVID capabilities.

Current wording

Following a downturn during the COVID pandemic, order rates recovered during fiscal 2022, 2023, and 2024. Initially, the Company had difficulty sourcing adequate new permanent and temporary workers. The Company remedied this by providing significant raises to its hourly work force, and for fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025 our ability to support the seasonal business model returned to pre-COVID capabilities, with the Company delivering 47% - 49% of annual revenue during June, July, and August.

Previous wording

Virco's product offering consists primarily of items manufactured by Virco, complemented with products sourced from other furniture manufacturers to fill any gaps in product manufactured by the Company. The Company has served the education industry for over 74 years and over this time developed products to address a variety of classroom management trends, from collaborative learning to individual and combination desks facilitating distancing and classroom control. The pandemic caused a noticeable change in the types of products requested by educators. In fiscal 2021 we experienced an increase in the demand for individual desks. In fiscal 2022, demand began to return to products supporting collaborative learning. This trend continued through fiscal 2023 and 2024. Our product offerings are continually enhanced with an ongoing new product development program that incorporates internally developed products as well as product lines developed with accomplished designers. Finally, management continues to hone Virco's ability to forecast, finance, manufacture, warehouse, deliver and install furniture within the relatively narrow delivery window associated with the highly seasonal demand for education sales. The educational sales market is extremely seasonal. Historically, Virco ships approximately 50% of its annual revenue in the months of June, July, and August. In fiscal 2022, the seasonal peak was distorted due to severe supply chain interruptions, labor shortages, and COVID-19 related employee absences and the Company delivered slightly less than 40% of sales during June, July, and August. In fiscal 2023, approximately 47% of the Company's total sales were delivered in June, July, and August. In fiscal 2024, approximately 49% of the Company's total sales were delivered in June, July, and August.

Current wording

Virco's product offering consists primarily of items manufactured by Virco, complemented with products sourced from other furniture manufacturers to fill any gaps in product manufactured by the Company. The Company has served the education industry for over 75 years and over this time developed products to address a variety of classroom management trends, from collaborative learning to individual and combination desks facilitating distancing and classroom control. The pandemic caused a noticeable change in the types of products requested by educators. In fiscal 2021, we experienced an increase in the demand for individual desks. In fiscal 2022, demand began to return to products supporting collaborative learning. This trend continued through fiscal 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our product offerings are continually enhanced with an ongoing new product development program that incorporates internally developed products as well as product lines developed with accomplished designers. Finally, management continues to hone Virco's ability to forecast, finance, manufacture, warehouse, deliver and install furniture within the relatively narrow delivery window associated with the highly seasonal demand for education sales. The educational sales market is extremely seasonal. In fiscal 2024 and 2025, approximately 47% - 49% of the Company's total sales were delivered in June, July, and August. During periods of traditional seasonality, average weekly shipments during July and August can be as great as six times the level of average weekly shipments in the winter months. Virco's substantial warehouse space allows the Company to build and ship adequate inventories to service this narrow delivery window for the education market.

Previous wording

The significant budgetary challenges faced by the education industry have had an impact on the Company’s business model over this time frame and have created opportunities as well. In response to their budgetary challenges, many school districts closed warehouses and reduced janitorial and support staff in order to retain accredited teachers. Selling efforts must now reach school principals and administrative staff in addition to the district business offices. Sales priced under national contracts or buying groups are displacing competitive bids administered by professional purchasing departments. Distribution and service has become a more meaningful component of our business as most deliveries are to school sites, and nearly 50% include delivery into the classroom. This evolution adds to the seasonal challenges of our business, but also creates opportunities to suppliers that can execute during the short summer delivery window.

Current wording

The significant budgetary challenges faced by the education industry have had an impact on the Company’s business model over this time frame and have created opportunities as well. In response to their budgetary challenges, many school districts closed warehouses and reduced janitorial and support staff in order to retain accredited teachers. Selling efforts must now reach school principals and administrative staff in addition to the district business offices. Sales priced under national contracts or buying groups are displacing competitive bids administered by professional purchasing departments. Distribution and service has become a more meaningful component of our business as most deliveries are to school sites, and over 50% include delivery into the classroom. This evolution adds to the seasonal challenges of our business, but also creates opportunities to suppliers that can execute during the short summer delivery window.

Previous wording

The Company’s operating results can be impacted significantly by cost and volatility of commodities, especially steel, plastic, wood, and energy. The majority of the Company's sales are generated under annual contracts in which the Company can raise the price of its products once every six months and only on future orders. If the costs of the Company's raw materials increase suddenly or unexpectedly, the Company cannot be certain that it will be able to implement immediate corresponding increases in its sales prices in order to offset such increased costs. The Company moderates this exposure by building significant quantities of finished goods and component parts during the first and second quarters. In fiscal 2023, the cost of commodities was volatile, but not as severe as experienced in 2022. Increased selling prices covered increases in commodity prices during fiscal 2023. In 2024, the Company increased selling prices in anticipation of additional cost increases. The cost of materials in 2024 were reasonably stable compared to the volatility in prior years – especially the years impacted by COVID.

Current wording

The Company’s operating results can be impacted significantly by cost and volatility of commodities, especially steel, plastic, wood, and energy. The majority of the Company's sales are generated under annual contracts in which the Company can raise the price of its products once every six months and only on future orders. If the costs of the Company's raw materials increase suddenly or unexpectedly, the Company cannot be certain that it will be able to implement immediate corresponding increases in its sales prices in order to offset such increased costs. The Company moderates this exposure by building significant quantities of finished goods and component parts during the first and second quarters. In fiscal 2023, the cost of commodities was volatile, but not as severe as experienced in 2022. Increased selling prices covered increases in commodity prices during fiscal 2023. In 2024 and 2025, the Company increased selling prices in anticipation of additional cost increases. The cost of materials in 2024 and 2025 were reasonably stable compared to the volatility in prior years – especially the years impacted by COVID.

Previous wording

Approximately 80% of Virco’s sales include freight to the customer facility and the cost or availability of transportation equipment can adversely impact both profitability and customer service. Significant cost increases in manufacturing or distributing products during a given contract period can adversely impact operating results and have done so during prior years. The Company typically benefits from any decreases in raw material or distribution costs under the contracts described above.

Current wording

Approximately 75% of Virco’s sales include freight to the customer facility and the cost or availability of transportation equipment can adversely impact both profitability and customer service. Significant cost increases in manufacturing or distributing products during a given contract period can adversely impact operating results and have done so during prior years. The Company typically benefits from any decreases in raw material or distribution costs under the contracts described above.

Previous wording

For the year ending January 31, 2025 ("fiscal 2025"), the Company anticipates continued uncertainty and volatility in commodity costs, particularly with respect to steel, plastic, and other raw materials, transportation, and energy.

Current wording

In early 2025, there have been significant changes and proposed changes to U.S. trade policies. On April 2, 2025, President Trump announced new tariffs on foreign imported goods, including a baseline duty of 10% on foreign imports and additional tariffs on imports from China of an additional 34%. The U.S. also reinstated the steel import tariff to 25% effective March 12, 2025. These tariffs are likely to result in increased prices for imported components and materials supplied locally. For the year ending January 31, 2026 ("fiscal 2026"), the Company anticipates continued uncertainty and volatility in commodity costs, particularly with respect to steel, plastic, and other raw materials, transportation, and energy. The Company may be challenged in effectively increasing the prices of its products, and its business and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Previous wording

While the Company anticipates challenging economic conditions to continue to impact its core customer base in the near term, there are certain underlying demographics, customer responses and changes in the competitive landscape that provide opportunities. First, the underlying demographics of the student population are relatively stable compared to the volatility of school budgets and the related impact on furniture and equipment purchases. This volatility is attributable to the financial health of the school systems. Virco management believes that there is a pent-up demand for quality school furniture (though it is unclear when and to what extent that pent-up demand will be converted into a meaningful increase in purchases). Second, management believes that parents and voters will make quality education an ongoing priority for future government spending. The disruption related to COVID-19 school closures reinforced the need for learning in classroom settings. Third, many schools have responded to the budget strains by reducing their support infrastructure. This change provides opportunities to provide services to schools, such as project management for new or renovated schools, delivery to individual school sites rather than truckload deliveries to central warehouses, and delivery of furniture into classrooms. Moreover, this change offers opportunities for Virco to promote its complete product assortment which allows one-stop shopping as opposed to sourcing furniture needs from a variety of suppliers. Fourth, many suppliers previously shut down or dramatically curtailed their domestic manufacturing capabilities, making it difficult for competitors to adapt to dynamic fluctuations in demand or provide custom colors or finishes during a narrow seasonal summer delivery window when they are reliant upon a supply chain extending to Asia or elsewhere. Meanwhile, Virco has continued to invest in automation at its domestic manufacturing facilities, adding flat metal forming processes to its manufacturing capabilities and bringing production into its factories of items formerly sourced from other suppliers (both domestic and international). Domestic production facilitates our product development process, enabling the Company to more rapidly develop new products, release extensions of product families, and offer customized variants of our product offerings. Virco views its domestic factories as a strategic resource for providing its customers with timely delivery of a broad selection of colors, finishes, laminates, and product styles. Finally, many of our domestic competitors, especially small dealerships, may be undercapitalized and less capable of supporting the significant seasonal nature of our business. We believe that our financial strength, which allows us to build material quantities of inventory in advance of the summer delivery season, is a significant competitive advantage.

Current wording

The disruption related to COVID-19 school closures reinforced the need for learning in classroom settings. Third, many schools have responded to the budget strains by reducing their support infrastructure. This change provides opportunities to provide services to schools, such as project management for new or renovated schools, delivery to individual school sites rather than truckload deliveries to central warehouses, and delivery of furniture into classrooms. Moreover, this change offers opportunities for Virco to promote its complete product assortment which allows one-stop shopping as opposed to sourcing furniture needs from a variety of suppliers. Fourth, many suppliers previously shut down or dramatically curtailed their domestic manufacturing capabilities, making it difficult for competitors to adapt to dynamic fluctuations in demand or provide custom colors or finishes during a narrow seasonal summer delivery window when they are reliant upon a supply chain extending to Asia or elsewhere. Meanwhile, Virco has continued to invest in automation at its domestic manufacturing facilities, adding flat metal forming processes to its manufacturing capabilities and bringing production into its factories of items formerly sourced from other suppliers (both domestic and international). Domestic production facilitates our product development process, enabling the Company to more rapidly develop new products, release extensions of product families, and offer customized variants of our product offerings. Virco views its domestic factories as a strategic resource for providing its customers with timely delivery of a broad selection of colors, finishes, laminates, and product styles. Finally, many of our domestic competitors, especially small dealerships, may be undercapitalized and less capable of supporting the significant seasonal nature of our business. We believe that our financial strength, which allows us to build material quantities of inventory in advance of the summer delivery season, is a significant competitive advantage.

Previous wording

This discussion and analysis of Virco's financial condition and results of operations is based upon the Company's consolidated financial statements (“financial statements”), which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires Virco management to make estimates and judgments that affect the Company's reported assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Certain of these estimates are considered critical accounting estimates. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates estimates, including those related to valuation of inventory and related excess and obsolete inventories, self-insured retention for workers' compensation insurance, liabilities under defined benefit and other compensation programs, and estimates related to deferred tax assets and liabilities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. This forms the basis of judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include the factors discussed above under“Item 1, Business”, and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Virco's critical accounting policies and estimates are as follows:

Current wording

This discussion and analysis of Virco's financial condition and results of operations is based upon the Company's consolidated financial statements (“financial statements”), which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires Virco management to make estimates and judgments that affect the Company's reported assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Certain of these estimates are considered critical accounting estimates. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates estimates, including those related to valuation of inventory and related excess and obsolete inventories, self-insured retention for workers' compensation insurance, liabilities under defined benefit and other compensation programs, and estimates related to deferred tax assets and liabilities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. This forms the basis of judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include the factors discussed above under“Item 1A. Risk Factors”, and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Virco's critical accounting policies and estimates are as follows:

Previous wording

While we believe that adequate adjustments for inventory obsolescence have been made in the consolidated financial statements, our obsolescence adjustments calculations contain estimates that require management to make assumptions based on several factors, including market conditions, the selling environment, historical results, supply-chain environment, current inventory trends and customer behavior. There have been no changes to our policies for establishing adjustments throughout the year, and we do not expect significant changes to our historical obsolescence levels. A 10% increase in our year-end inventory adjustments would decrease our net income by approximately $480,000, on an after-tax basis. The net income would increase by similar amounts if the inventory adjustments was to decrease by a comparable percentage. As of January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2023, our inventory obsolescence adjustments were $6.0 million and $5.0 million, respectively, representing 10.8% and 7.8%, respectively, of our inventories on a FIFO basis.

Current wording

While we believe that adequate adjustments for inventory obsolescence have been made in the consolidated financial statements, our obsolescence adjustments calculations contain estimates that require management to make assumptions based on several factors, including market conditions, the selling environment, historical results, supply-chain environment, current inventory trends and customer behavior. There have been no changes to our policies for establishing adjustments throughout the year, and we do not expect significant changes to our historical obsolescence levels. A 10% increase in our year-end inventory adjustments would decrease our net income by approximately $0.4 million, on an after-tax basis. The net income would increase by similar amounts if the inventory adjustments was to decrease by a comparable percentage. As of January 31, 2025 and January 31, 2024, our inventory obsolescence adjustments were $5.6 million and $6.0 million, respectively, representing 9.1% and 10.8%, respectively, of our inventories on a FIFO basis.

Previous wording

Self-Insured Retention: For fiscal 2024 and 2023, the Company was self-insured for product liability losses up to $250,000 per occurrence, workers' compensation losses up to $250,000 per occurrence, and auto and general liability losses up to $50,000 per occurrence. The Company obtains quarterly or semi-annual actuarial valuations for the self-insured retentions. Product liability, workers' compensation, and auto reserves for known and unknown incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) losses are recorded at the net present value of the estimated losses using a risk-free discount rate of 4% for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023. Given the relatively short term over which the known losses and IBNR losses are discounted, the sensitivity to the discount rate is not significant. Estimated workers' compensation and auto losses (including IBNR) were funded during the insurance year and subject to retroactive loss adjustments. The Company's exposure to self-insured retentions varies depending upon the market conditions in the insurance industry and the availability of cost-effective insurance coverage. Self-insured retentions for fiscal 2025 will be comparable to the retention levels for fiscal 2024.

Current wording

Self-Insured Retention: For fiscal 2025 and 2024, the Company was self-insured for product liability losses up to $250,000 per occurrence, workers' compensation losses up to $250,000 per occurrence, and auto and general liability losses up to $50,000 per occurrence. The Company obtains quarterly or semi-annual actuarial valuations for the self-insured retentions. Product liability, workers' compensation, and auto reserves for known and unknown incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) losses are recorded at the net present value of the estimated losses using a risk-free discount rate of 4.0% for fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024. Given the relatively short term over which the known losses and IBNR losses are discounted, the sensitivity to the discount rate is not significant. Estimated workers' compensation and auto losses (including IBNR) were funded during the insurance year and subject to retroactive loss adjustments. The Company's exposure to self-insured retentions varies depending upon the market conditions in the insurance industry and the availability of cost-effective insurance coverage. Self-insured retentions for fiscal 2026 will be comparable to the retention levels for fiscal 2025.

Previous wording

Because new benefit accruals for both plans were frozen by the Company effective December 31, 2003, the assumed rate of increase in compensation has no effect on the accounting for the plans. For the Employee Plan, the Company estimated a 6.0% return on plan assets for 2024 and 6.0% for fiscal 2023. The VIP Plan is unfunded and has no plan assets. These rate assumptions can vary due to changes in interest rates and expected returns in the stock market. In prior years, the discount rate has decreased, causing pension expense and pension obligations to increase.

Current wording

Because new benefit accruals for both plans were frozen by the Company effective December 31, 2003, the assumed rate of increase in compensation has no effect on the accounting for the plans. For the Employee Plan, the Company estimated a 6.0% return on plan assets for fiscal 2025 and 2024. The VIP Plan is unfunded and has no plan assets. These rate assumptions can vary due to changes in interest rates and expected returns in the stock market. In prior years, the discount rate has decreased, causing pension expense and pension obligations to increase.

Previous wording

Because the plans have been frozen for many years, there is no service cost related to the plans. In the current year, the Plan purchased approximately $5.0 million of annuities for retired employees. In the current and prior years, due to a large number of lump-sum benefits paid to retired and terminated employees, the Company has incurred settlement costs for the Employee Plan. In effort to “de-risk” the Employee Plan, the Company intends to continue to reach out to and offer lump sum benefits to terminated and retired employees, which may result in settlement costs in the future. The Company incurred settlement costs in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2024 and the third, and fourth quarters of fiscal 2023.

Current wording

Because the plans have been frozen for many years, there is no service cost related to the plans. During fiscal year 2024, the Plan purchased approximately $5.0 million of annuities for retired employees. The Company did not incur settlement costs in fiscal 2025. In fiscal 2024, the Company has incurred settlement costs for the Employee Plan due to a large number of lump-sum benefits paid to retired and terminated employees. In effort to de-risk the Employee Plan, the Company intends to continue to reach out to and offer lump sum benefits to terminated and retired employees, which may result in settlement costs in the future.

Previous wording

Due to the size of the Company's pension obligations, a one percent change in discount rates can cause a material change in the pension obligations. A one percent reduction in discount rates would cause obligations under the Plans to increase by approximately $3.0 million and increase pension expense by approximately $350,000. A one percent decrease in return on Plan assets would increase pension expense by $160,000 and have no impact on retirement obligations. The retirement obligations would decrease by similar amounts if discount rate were to increase by a comparable percentage. The Company obtains annual actuarial valuations for both plans.

Current wording

Due to the size of the Company's pension obligations, a one percent change in discount rates can cause a material change in the pension obligations. A one percent reduction in discount rates would cause obligations under the Plans to increase by approximately $2.7 million and increase pension expense by approximately $190,000. A one percent decrease in return on Plan assets would increase pension expense by $180,000 and have no impact on retirement obligations. The retirement obligations would decrease by similar amounts if discount rate were to increase by a comparable percentage. The Company obtains annual actuarial valuations for both plans.

Previous wording

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities: In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income or reversal of deferred tax liabilities during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. As a part of this evaluation, the Company assesses all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, the availability of tax carry backs, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations (including cumulative losses in recent years), to determine whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to realize existing deferred tax assets.

Current wording

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities: In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income or reversal of deferred tax liabilities during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. As a part of this evaluation, the Company assesses all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, the availability of tax carry backs, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations (including cumulative income (losses) in recent years), to determine whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to realize existing deferred tax assets.

Previous wording

At January 31, 2024, the Company recorded a partial valuation allowances of $251,000 on certain state NOL to reduce the carrying amount of deferred tax assets to an amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. The net change in the valuation allowance for the year ended January 31, 2024, was a decrease of $613,000. At January 31, 2024, the Company has no NOL for U.S. federal tax purposes and $9.0 million for state income tax purposes, expiring at various dates through January 31, 2042.

Current wording

At January 31, 2025, the Company recorded a partial valuation allowances of $236,000 on certain state NOL to reduce the carrying amount of deferred tax assets to an amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. The net change in the valuation allowance for the year ended January 31, 2025, was a decrease of $15,000. At January 31, 2025, the Company has no NOL for U.S. federal tax purposes and $6.3 million for state income tax purposes, expiring at various dates through January 31, 2041.

Previous wording

The Company earned a pre-tax profit of $29.2 million on net sales of $269.1 million for fiscal 2024, compared to pre-tax profit of $8.0 million on net sales of $231.1 million in fiscal 2023, an improvement of $21.2 million. Net income per diluted share increased to $1.34 for fiscal 2024, compared to $1.02 per diluted share in the prior year. Cash flow provided by operations was $27.0 million in fiscal 2024, compared to cash used in operations of $3.8 million in fiscal 2023.

Current wording

The Company earned a pre-tax profit of $28.4 million on net sales of $266.2 million for fiscal 2025, compared to pre-tax profit of $29.2 million on net sales of $269.1 million in fiscal 2024. Net income per diluted share was $1.32 for fiscal 2025, compared to $1.34 per diluted share in the prior year. Cash flow provided by operations was $33.1 million in fiscal 2025, compared to cash provided by operations of $27.0 million in fiscal 2024.

Previous wording

For fiscal 2025, the lingering effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and related generosity of federal support is continuing to create uncertainty as state and local government budgets may be adversely impacted. The Company has effectively increased selling prices under its largest contracts to recover volatile commodity, energy, freight, and labor costs. The Company does not anticipate material margin growth as recent price increases have restored profitability. As we have gone through this economic cycle, the Company continues to focus on strategies to develop and strengthen its brand with emphasis on product quality, product selection, and service. We will continue to use our domestic factories to provide greater flexibility for custom specifications such as laminates, colors, and on-time delivery. The Company will continue to emphasize the value, design, variety of its products, the value of its distribution, delivery, classroom delivery and project management capabilities, and the importance of timely deliveries during the peak-seasonal delivery period. To increase or maintain market share during fiscal 2025, when market conditions warrant, the Company may selectively compete based on direct prices to build or maintain its market share. Estimates of sales volume for the next year may continue to be impacted by global events.

Current wording

The Company has effectively increased selling prices under its largest contracts to recover volatile commodity, energy, freight, and labor costs incurred in recent years. The Company does not anticipate material margin growth as recent price increases have restored profitability. As we have gone through this economic cycle, the Company continues to focus on strategies to develop and strengthen its brand with emphasis on product quality, product selection, and service. We will continue to use our domestic factories to provide greater flexibility for custom specifications such as laminates, colors, and on-time delivery. The Company will continue to emphasize the value, design, variety of its products, the value of its distribution, delivery, classroom delivery and project management capabilities, and the importance of timely deliveries during the peak-seasonal delivery period. To increase or maintain market share during fiscal 2026, when market conditions warrant, the Company may selectively compete based on direct prices to build or maintain its market share. Estimates of sales volume for the next year may continue to be impacted by global events.

Previous wording

Cost of sales was 56.9% of net sales in fiscal 2024 and 63.1% of net sales in fiscal 2023. The decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of sales was attributable to a variety of factors, but primarily due to increased selling prices combined with an increase in orders requiring full service. Full service orders typically generate greater margins, but also result in increased service costs which are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses.

Current wording

Cost of sales was 56.9% of net sales in both fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024. In the current year, the composition of orders moderated slightly with a slight decrease in orders delivered with full service. Full service orders typically generate greater margins, but also result in increased service costs which are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses.

Previous wording

The material portion of our costs as a percentage of sales was 34.7% of net sales in fiscal 2024 and 39.2% of net sales in fiscal 2023. This was primarily due to price increases in 2023 and 2024 combined with relatively stable commodity costs. Direct labor costs decreased slightly as a percentage of sales. Overhead costs as a percentage of sales increased, primarily due to reduced levels of production. The Company reduced production levels in order to control inventory levels and partly due to stabilized supply chain conditions.

Current wording

The material portion of our costs as a percentage of sales was 33.2% of net sales in fiscal 2025 and 34.7% of net sales in fiscal 2024. This was primarily due to relatively stable commodity costs in 2025 and 2024. Direct labor costs increased slightly as a percentage of sales. Overhead costs as a percentage of sales increased slightly. The net result of all activity was no change in COS as a percentage of sales.

Previous wording

During fiscal 2025, the Company anticipates continued uncertainty and volatility in commodity costs, particularly with respect to certain raw materials, transportation, energy, and tariffs due to potential macroeconomic events, including global economic sanctions and the lingering effect of the global pandemic caused by COVID-19. The Company also anticipates continued and possibly increased supply chain disruptions from both domestic and international suppliers. Due in part to volatile transportation and energy costs, we may incur higher commodity costs in fiscal 2025. For more information, please see the section below entitled “Inflation and Future Change in Prices.”

Current wording

During fiscal 2025, the Company anticipates continued uncertainty and volatility in commodity costs, particularly with respect to certain raw materials, transportation, energy, and tariffs due to potential macroeconomic events, including global economic sanctions. The Company also anticipates continued and possibly increased supply chain disruptions from both domestic and international suppliers. Due in part to volatile transportation and energy costs, we may incur higher commodity costs in fiscal 2026. For more information, please see the section below entitled“Inflation and Future Change in Prices.”

Previous wording

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) for fiscal 2024 increased by $9.5 million to $84.2 million from $74.7 million but decreased as a percentage of net sales to 31.3% in fiscal 2024 from 32.3% in fiscal 2023. The increase in SG&A was primarily attributable to variable service expenses and variable selling expenses.

Current wording

Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") for fiscal 2025 increased by $2.6 million to $86.8 million from $84.2 million. The increase in SG&A was primarily attributable to an increase in variable selling and other compensation expenses.

Previous wording

Pension expense increased due to Plan settlement expenses. Interest expense was $700,000 higher in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023 because of increased levels of seasonal borrowing and higher interest rates.

Current wording

Pension expense decreased due to increased discount rates and because prior year included plan settlement expenses. Interest expense was $2.3 million lower in fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024 because of decreased levels of borrowing.

Previous wording

Our effective tax rate is based on recurring factors, including the forecasted mix of income before taxes in various jurisdictions, estimated permanent differences and the recording of a partial valuation allowance on net deferred tax asset.

Current wording

Our effective tax rate was 23.9% for fiscal 2025, and is based on recurring factors, including the forecasted mix of income before taxes in various jurisdictions, estimated permanent differences and the recording of a partial valuation allowance on net deferred tax asset.

Previous wording

Valuation allowances of $251,000 are needed for certain state net operating loss carryforwards to reduce the carrying amount of deferred tax assets to an amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. At January 31, 2024, the Company has no operating loss carryforwards for U.S. federal, and $9.0 million for state income tax purposes, expiring at various dates through January 31, 2042.

Current wording

Valuation allowances of $236,000 are needed for certain state net operating loss carryforwards to reduce the carrying amount of deferred tax assets to an amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. At January 31, 2025, the Company has no operating loss carryforwards for U.S. federal, and $6.3 million for state income tax purposes, expiring at various dates through January 31, 2041.

Previous wording

Operating activities. Our cash flows from operating activities are primarily collections from the sale and distribution of furniture to our customers in the education market. Net cash provided in operations increased by $30.7 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024. This improvement is primarily attributable to improved profitability (pre-tax as prior year income included an adjustment to deferred tax valuation) combined with a reduction in inventory. The prior year was adversely affected by an increase in inventory due to a large order received in the fourth quarter combined with a recovery from supply chain issues incurred in 2022.

Current wording

Operating activities. Our cash flows from operating activities are primarily collections from the sale and distribution of furniture to our customers in the education market. Net cash provided in operations was $33.1 million in 2025 and $27.0 million in 2024. The increase in cash provided was primarily attributable to decrease in accounts receivable offset by an increase in income tax payments.

Previous wording

Investing activities. Investing activities include two distinct categories. Financial transactions are related to the purchase or sale of investments held in the Rabbi Trust which funds and secures employee benefits related to the non-qualified VIP pension and Split Dollar Life Insurance programs. The net investing activity from these transactions were immaterial. Our net investments primarily consist of investments in our factories and technology to support our business activities. Net investment activities were lower than typical for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 due to reduced business activity related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the related time lag in receiving new machinery. Capital expenditures have been financed using borrowings under our line of credit with PNC Bank. There were no material commitments for capital expenditures as of January 31, 2024.

Current wording

Investing activities. Investing activities include two distinct categories. Financial transactions are related to the purchase or sale of investments held in the Rabbi Trust which funds and secures employee benefits related to the non-qualified VIP pension and Split Dollar Life Insurance programs. The net investing activity from these transactions were immaterial. Our net investments primarily consist of investments in our factories and technology to support our business activities. Capital expenditures have been financed using borrowings under our line of credit with PNC Bank. There were no material commitments for capital expenditures as of January 31, 2025.

Previous wording

Financing activities. Our financing activities primarily consist of the proceeds and repayments of borrowings under our line of credit with PNC Bank. Due to the seasonal nature of our business, the Company typically borrows material amounts under the line to finance seasonal building of inventory and financing of accounts receivable. The Company typically repays the seasonal borrowings at the conclusion of the summer busy season. In fiscal 2024 the Company materially reduced its year end borrowings under the line of credit, primarily due to cash flows from operations.

Current wording

Financing activities. Our financing activities primarily consist of the proceeds and repayments of borrowings under our line of credit with PNC Bank, payment of cash dividends, and repurchases of Company stock. Due to the seasonal nature of our business, the Company typically borrows material amounts under the line to finance seasonal building of inventory and financing of accounts receivable. The Company typically repays the seasonal borrowings at the conclusion of the summer busy season. In fiscal years 2025 and 2024 the Company materially reduced its year end borrowings under the line of credit, primarily due to cash flows from operations.

Previous wording

We commit to annual contracts that determine selling prices for goods and services for periods of six months and occasionally longer. Though the Company has negotiated flexibility under many of these contracts that may allow the Company to increase prices on future orders, the Company may not have the ability to raise prices on orders received prior to any announced price increase. Due to the intensely seasonal nature of our business, the Company may receive significant orders during the first and second quarters for delivery in the second and third quarters. With respect to any of the contracts described above, if the costs of providing our products or services increase between the date the orders are received and the shipping date, we may not be able to implement corresponding increases in our sales prices for such products or services to offset the related increased costs.

Current wording

We commit to annual contracts that determine selling prices for goods and services for periods of six months and occasionally longer. Though the Company has negotiated flexibility under many of these contracts that may allow the Company to increase prices on future orders, the Company may not have the ability to raise prices on orders received prior to any announced price increase. Due to the seasonal nature of our business, the Company may receive significant orders during the first and second quarters for delivery in the second and third quarters. With respect to any of the contracts described above, if the costs of providing our products or services increase between the date the orders are received and the shipping date, we may not be able to implement corresponding increases in our sales prices for such products or services to offset the related increased costs. During fiscal 2025 and 2024 the cost of commodities was reasonably stable.

Previous wording

Because of the seasonality of our business, our manufacturing and distribution capacity is dictated by the capacity requirement during the months of June, July, and August. Because of this seasonality, factory utilization is lower during the slow season. The Company utilizes a variety of tactics to address the seasonality of its business. During the summer months, which comprise our second and third fiscal quarters, our personnel utilization generally is at or close to full capacity. The Company utilizes temporary labor and significant overtime to meet the seasonal requirements. During the slow portions of the year, temporary labor and overtime are eliminated to moderate the off-season costs. Our manufacturing facility capacity utilization generally remains less than 100% during these off-season months; because physical structure capacity cannot be adjusted as readily as personnel capacity, we have secured sufficient physical structure capacity to accommodate our current needs, as well as for anticipated future growth. Our physical structure utilization is significantly lower during the first and fourth quarters of each year than it is during the second and third quarters.

Current wording

Because of the seasonality of our business, our manufacturing and distribution capacity is dictated by the capacity requirement during the months of June, July, and August. Because of this seasonality, factory utilization is lower during the slow season. The Company utilizes a variety of tactics to address the seasonality of its business. During the summer months, which comprise our second and third fiscal quarters, our personnel utilization generally is at or close to full capacity. The Company utilizes temporary labor and significant overtime to meet the seasonal requirements. During the slow portions of the year, temporary labor and overtime are eliminated to moderate the off-season costs. Our manufacturing facility capacity utilization generally remains less than 100% during these off-season months because physical structure capacity cannot be adjusted as readily as personnel capacity, and we have secured sufficient physical structure capacity to accommodate our current needs, as well as for anticipated future growth. Our physical structure utilization is significantly lower during the first and fourth quarters of each year than it is during the second and third quarters.

Previous wording

The Revolving Credit Facility bears interest, at the Borrowers' option, at either the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement) or the Eurodollar Currency Rate (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement), in each case plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for Alternate Base Rate loans is a percentage within a range of 1.25% to 1.75%, and the applicable margin for Eurodollar Currency Rate loans is a percentage within a range of 2.25% to 2.75%, in each case based on the adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement, “EBITDA”) of the Borrowers at the end of each fiscal quarter and may be increased at PNC's option by 2.0% during the continuance of an event of default. Accrued interest with respect to principal amounts outstanding under the Restated Credit Agreement is payable in arrears on a monthly basis for Alternative Base Rate loans, and at the end of the applicable interest period but at most every three months for Eurodollar Currency Rate loans. The interest rate at January 31, 2024 was 10.5%.

Current wording

The Revolving Credit Facility bears interest, at the Borrowers' option, at either the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement) or the Eurodollar Currency Rate (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement), in each case plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for Alternate Base Rate loans is a percentage within a range of 1.25% to 1.75%, and the applicable margin for Eurodollar Currency Rate loans is a percentage within a range of 2.25% to 2.75%, in each case based on the adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement, “EBITDA”) of the Borrowers at the end of each fiscal quarter and may be increased at PNC's option by 2.0% during the continuance of an event of default. Accrued interest with respect to principal amounts outstanding under the Restated Credit Agreement is payable in arrears on a monthly basis for Alternative Base Rate loans, and at the end of the applicable interest period but at most every three months for Eurodollar Currency Rate loans. The interest rate at January 31, 2025 was 9.5%.

Previous wording

Pursuant to the Restated Credit Agreement, substantially all of the Borrowers' accounts receivable are automatically and promptly swept to repay amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility upon receipt by the Borrowers. Due to this automatic liquidating nature of the Revolving Credit Facility, if the Borrowers breach any covenant, violate any representation or warranty, or suffer a deterioration in their ability to borrow pursuant to the borrowing base calculation, the Borrowers may not have access to cash liquidity unless provided by PNC at its discretion. In addition, certain of the covenants and representations and warranties set forth in the Restated Credit Agreement contain limited or no materiality thresholds, and many of the representations and warranties must be true and correct in all material respects upon each borrowing, which the Borrowers expect to occur on an ongoing basis. Based on the Company’s current projections, including COVID-19 related costs, raw material costs and its ability to introduce price increases, management believes it will maintain compliance with the financial covenants within Amendment No. 2, although there are uncertainties therewithin, such as raw material costs and supply chain challenges.

Current wording

Pursuant to the Restated Credit Agreement, substantially all of the Borrowers' accounts receivable are automatically and promptly swept to repay amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility upon receipt by the Borrowers. Due to this automatic liquidating nature of the Revolving Credit Facility, if the Borrowers breach any covenant, violate any representation or warranty, or suffer a deterioration in their ability to borrow pursuant to the borrowing base calculation, the Borrowers may not have access to cash liquidity unless provided by PNC at its discretion. In addition, certain of the covenants and representations and warranties set forth in the Restated Credit Agreement contain limited or no materiality thresholds, and many of the representations and warranties must be true and correct in all material respects upon each borrowing, which the Borrowers expect to occur on an ongoing basis. Based on the Company’s current projections, raw material costs and its ability to introduce price increases, management believes it will maintain compliance with these financial covenants, although there are uncertainties therewithin, such as raw material costs and supply chain challenges.

Previous wording

The Company's revolving line of credit with PNC is structured to provide seasonal credit availability during the Company's peak summer season. Approximately $30.0 million and $12.9 million were available for borrowing as of January 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Current wording

The Company's revolving line of credit with PNC is structured to provide seasonal credit availability during the Company's peak summer season. Approximately $30.0 million was available for borrowing as of January 31, 2025 and 2024.

Previous wording

Because the plans have been frozen since 2003, there is no service cost related to the plans. In past, due to a large number of lump sum benefits paid to retired and terminated employees, the Company has incurred settlement costs for the Employee Plan. In effort to “de-risk” the Employee Plan, the Company intends to continue to reach out to and offer lump sum benefits to terminated and retired employees, which may result in settlement costs in the future. With the recent increase in interest rates the Company was able to purchase approximately $5.0 million of annuities in the third quarter ended October 31, 2023, resulting in a settlement charge in that quarter. In the future, the Company may purchase additional annuities from third parties to further de-risk the Plan. The Company incurred settlement costs in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2024. The Company incurred settlement costs in the third, and fourth quarters of fiscal 2023. It is the Company's policy to contribute adequate funds to the trust accounts to cover benefit payments under the VIP Plan and to maintain the funded status of the Employee Plan at a level which is adequate to avoid significant restrictions to the Employee Plan under the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and to minimize PBGC related expenses. Contributions to the Qualified Plan Trust and benefit payments under the VIP Plan totaled $676,000 and $595,000 in fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Current wording

Because the plans have been frozen since 2003, there is no service cost related to the plans. In past, due to a large number of lump sum benefits paid to retired and terminated employees, the Company has incurred settlement costs for the Employee Plan. In effort to de-risk the Employee Plan, the Company intends to continue to reach out to and offer lump sum benefits to terminated and retired employees, which may result in settlement costs in the future. With the recent increase in interest rates the Company was able to purchase approximately $5.0 million of annuities in the third quarter ended October 31, 2023, resulting in a settlement charge in that quarter. In the future, the Company may purchase additional annuities from third parties to further de-risk the Plan. The Company did not incur settlement costs in fiscal 2025. The Company incurred settlement costs in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2024. It is the Company's policy to contribute adequate funds to the trust accounts to cover benefit payments under the VIP Plan and to maintain the funded status of the Employee Plan at a level which is adequate to avoid significant restrictions to the Employee Plan under the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and to minimize PBGC related expenses. Contributions to the Qualified Plan Trust and benefit payments under the VIP Plan totaled $623,000 and $676,000 in fiscal 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Previous wording

Contributions during fiscal 2025 will depend upon actual investment results and benefit payments but are anticipated to be less than $0.5 million. At January 31, 2024, accumulated other comprehensive loss of approximately $1.3 million, net of tax, is attributable to the pension plans.

Current wording

Contributions during fiscal 2026 will depend upon actual investment results and benefit payments but are anticipated to be less than $500,000. At January 31, 2025, accumulated other comprehensive income of $422,000, net of tax, is attributable to the pension plans.

Previous wording

The Company does not anticipate making any significant changes to the pension assumptions in the near future. If the Company were to have used different assumptions in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, a 1% reduction in investment return would have increased expense by approximately $163,000, a 1% change in the rate of compensation increase would have no impact, and a 1% reduction in discount rates would cause obligations under the Plans to increase by approximately $3.0 million and increase pension expense by approximately $352,000.

Current wording

The Company does not anticipate making any significant changes to the pension assumptions in the near future. If the Company were to have used different assumptions in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, a 1% reduction in investment return would have increased pension expense by approximately $180,000, a 1% change in the rate of compensation increase would have no impact, and a 1% reduction in discount rates would cause obligations under the Plans to increase by approximately $2.7 million and increase pension expense by approximately $190,000.

Previous wording

Historically it has been the board of directors' policy to periodically review the payment of cash and stock dividends in light of the Company's earnings and liquidity. The Company paid four quarterly cash dividends of $0.015 per share in 2018.

Current wording

Historically it has been the board of directors' policy to periodically review the payment of cash and stock dividends in light of the Company's earnings and liquidity. The Company declared a cash dividend in the fourth quarter of 2024 and in each quarter of 2025.

Previous wording

Virco issued a 10% stock dividend or 3/2 stock split every year beginning in 1983 through 2003. Although the stock dividend had no cash consequences to the Company, the accounting methodology required for 10% dividends has affected the equity section of the balance sheet. When the Company records a 10% stock dividend, 10% of the market capitalization of the Company on the date of the declaration is reclassified from retained earnings to additional paid-in capital. During the period from 1983 through 2003, the cumulative effect of the stock dividends has been to reclassify over $122.0 million from retained earnings to additional paid-in capital. The equity section of the balance sheet on January 31, 2024 reflects additional paid-in capital of approximately $121.0 million and accumulated deficit of approximately $29.0 million. The majority of the accumulated deficit is a result of the accounting reclassification and is not the result of accumulated losses.

Current wording

Virco issued a 10% stock dividend or 3/2 stock split every year beginning in 1983 through 2003. Although the stock dividend had no cash consequences to the Company, the accounting methodology required for 10% dividends has affected the equity section of the balance sheet. When the Company records a 10% stock dividend, 10% of the market capitalization of the Company on the date of the declaration is reclassified from retained earnings to additional paid-in capital. During the period from 1983 through 2003, the cumulative effect of the stock dividends has been to reclassify over $122.0 million from retained earnings to additional paid-in capital. The equity section of the balance sheet on January 31, 2025 reflects additional paid-in capital of approximately $117.5 million and accumulated deficit of approximately $8.9 million. The majority of the accumulated deficit is a result of the accounting reclassification and is not the result of accumulated losses.

Previous wording

The Company has aggressively pursued a program to improve product quality, reduce product liability claims and losses and to aggressively defend product liability cases. This program has continued through fiscal 2024 and has resulted in reductions in product liability claims and litigated product liability cases. In addition, the Company has active safety programs to improve plant safety and control workers' compensation losses. As of January 31, 2024, the Company has incurred no significant workers compensation claims related to COVID-19. Management does not anticipate that any related settlement, after consideration of the existing reserves for claims and potential insurance recovery, would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Current wording

The Company has aggressively pursued a program to improve product quality, reduce product liability claims and losses and to aggressively defend product liability cases. This program has continued through fiscal 2025 and has resulted in reductions in product liability claims and litigated product liability cases. In addition, the Company has active safety programs to improve plant safety and control workers' compensation losses. Management does not anticipate that any related settlement, after consideration of the existing reserves for claims and potential insurance recovery, would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

While the Company anticipates challenging economic conditions to continue to impact its core customer base in the near term, there are certain underlying demographics, customer responses and changes in the competitive landscape that provide opportunities. First, the underlying demographics of the student population are relatively stable compared to the volatility of school budgets and the related impact on furniture and equipment purchases. This volatility is attributable to the financial health of the school systems. Virco management believes that there is a pent-up demand for quality school furniture (though it is unclear when and to what extent that pent-up demand will be converted into a meaningful increase in purchases). Second, management believes that parents and voters will make quality education an ongoing priority for future government spending.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (2)

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

During periods of traditional seasonality, average weekly shipments during July and August can be as great as six times the level of average weekly shipments in the winter months. Virco's substantial warehouse space allows the Company to build and ship adequate inventories to service this narrow delivery window for the education market.

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

In fiscal 2023, the cost of commodities was volatile, but not as severe as years during the peak of COVID. During fiscal 2024 the cost of commodities was reasonably stable.