Clarus Corp (CLAR) FY 2022 MD&A

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis reviews significant factors affecting the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the accompanying notes to the financial statements. A discussion of changes in our financial condition and the results of operations from the year ended December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2020 can be found in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed on March 7, 2022.

Forward-Looking Statements

Please note that in this Annual Report on Form 10-K Clarus Corporation (which may be referred to as the “Company,” “Clarus,” “we,” “our” or “us”) may use words such as “appears,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “future,” and similar expressions which constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are made based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting the Company and therefore involve a number of risks and uncertainties. We caution that forward-looking statements are not guarantees and that actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.

Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results of operations or financial condition of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K include, but are not limited to, the overall level of consumer demand on our products; general economic conditions and other factors affecting consumer confidence, preferences, and behavior; disruption and volatility in the global currency, capital and credit markets; the financial strength of the Company’s customers; the Company’s ability to implement its business strategy; the ability of the Company to execute and integrate acquisitions; changes in governmental regulation, legislation or public opinion relating to the manufacture and sale of bullets and ammunition, and the possession and use of firearms and ammunition by our customers; the Company’s exposure to product liability or product warranty claims and other loss contingencies; disruptions and other impacts to the Company’s business, as a result of an outbreak of disease or similar public health threat, such as the COVID-19 global pandemic, and government actions and restrictive measures implemented in response; stability of the Company’s manufacturing facilities and suppliers, as well as consumer demand for our products, in light of disease epidemics and health-related concerns such as the COVID-19 global pandemic; the impact that global climate change trends may have on the Company and its suppliers and customers, increased focus on sustainability issues as a result of global climate change; regulatory or market responses to global climate change; the Company's ability to protect patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights; any breaches of, or interruptions in, our information systems; the ability of our information technology systems or information security systems to operate effectively, including as a result of security breaches, viruses, hackers, malware, natural disasters, vendor business interruptions or other causes; our ability to properly maintain, protect, repair or upgrade our information technology systems or information security systems, or problems with our transitioning to upgraded or replacement systems; the impact of adverse publicity about the Company and/or its brands, including without limitation, through social media or in connection with brand damaging events and/or public perception; fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of raw materials and contracted products as well as foreign currency fluctuations; ongoing disruptions and delays in the shipping and transportation of our products due to port congestion, container ship availability and/or other logistical challenges; our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards; changes in tax laws and liabilities, tariffs, legal, regulatory, political and economic risks; the Company’s ability to maintain a quarterly dividend; and any material differences in the actual financial results of the Company’s past and future acquisitions, including, without limitation, its previous acquisition of Rhino-Rack as compared with expectations, including the impact of acquisitions and any recognition of impairment or other charges relating to any such acquisitions on the Company’s future earnings per share. More information on potential factors that could affect the Company’s financial results can be found under Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. All forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are based upon information available to the Company as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and speak only as the date hereof. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Overview

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Clarus is a global leading designer, developer, manufacturer and distributor of best-in-class outdoor equipment and lifestyle products focused on the outdoor and consumer enthusiast markets. Our mission is to identify, acquire and grow outdoor “super fan” brands through our unique “innovate and accelerate” strategy. We define a “super fan” brand as a brand that creates the world’s pre-eminent, performance-defining product that the best-in-class user cannot live without. Each of our brands has a long history of continuous product innovation for core and everyday users alike. The Company’s products are principally sold globally under the Black Diamond®, Sierra®, Barnes® and Rhino-Rack® and MAXTRAX® brand names through outdoor specialty and online retailers, our own websites, distributors and original equipment manufacturers. Our portfolio of iconic brands is well-positioned for sustainable, long-term growth underpinned by powerful industry trends across the outdoor and adventure sport end markets.

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One of the key elements of our sustained financial performance is our persistent focus on brand building through product initiatives. Our iconic brands are rooted in performance-defining technologies that enable our customers to have their best days outdoors. We have a long history of technical innovation and product development, backed by an extensive patent portfolio that continues to evolve and advance our markets. We currently employ approximately 120 engineers across the portfolio, focusing on enhancing our customers’ performance in the most critical moments. Our commitment to quality, rigorous safety, and ultimately best-in-class design is evidenced by outstanding industry recognition, as we have received numerous product awards across our portfolio of super fan brands.

Each of our brands represents a unique customer value proposition. Supported by six decades of proven innovation, Black Diamond is an established global leader in high-performance, activity-based climbing, skiing, and technical mountain sports equipment. The brand is synonymous with premium performance, safety and reliability. Our Sierra and Barnes brands have been leading specialty manufacturers of bullets and ammunition for over 50 years. Since 1947, Sierra has been dedicated to manufacturing the highest-quality, most accurate bullets in the world for hunting and sport shooting enthusiasts. Barnes traces its history back to 1932, and since 1989 has manufactured technologically-advanced lead-free bullets and premium ammunition for hunters, range shooters, military and law enforcement professionals. Founded in 1992, our Rhino-Rack brand is a globally-recognized designer and distributor of highly-engineered automotive roof racks and accessories to enhance the outdoor enthusiast’s overlanding experience. Founded in 2005, our MAXTRAX brand offers high-quality overlanding and off-road vehicle recovery and extraction tracks for the overland and off-road market.

Clarus, incorporated in Delaware in 1991, acquired Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. (“Black Diamond Equipment”) in May 2010 and changed its name to Black Diamond, Inc. in January 2011. In October 2012, we acquired PIEPS Holding GmbH and its subsidiaries (collectively, “PIEPS”). On August 14, 2017, the Company changed its name from Black Diamond, Inc. to Clarus Corporation and its stock ticker symbol from “BDE” to “CLAR” on the NASDAQ stock exchange.

On August 21, 2017, the Company acquired Sierra Bullets, L.L.C. (“Sierra”). On November 6, 2018, the Company acquired the assets of SKINourishment, Inc. (“SKINourishment”). On October 2, 2020, the Company completed the acquisition of certain assets and liabilities constituting the Barnes business (“Barnes”). On July 1, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of Australia-based Rhino-Rack Holdings Pty Ltd (“Rhino-Rack”). On December 1, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of Australia-based MaxTrax Australia Pty Ltd (“MAXTRAX”).

On August 6, 2018, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend program of $0.025 per share of the Company’s common stock (the “Quarterly Cash Dividend”) or $0.10 per share on an annualized basis. The declaration and payment of future Quarterly Cash Dividends is subject to the discretion of and approval of the Company’s Board of Directors. On May 1, 2020, the Company announced that, in light of the operational impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, its Board of Directors temporarily replaced its Quarterly Cash Dividend with a stock dividend (the “Quarterly Stock Dividend”). On October 19, 2020, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved the reinstatement of its Quarterly Cash Dividend. In 2022, 2021 and 2020, our total Quarterly Cash Dividends were $3,721,000, $3,335,000, and $1,520,000 respectively.  In 2020, our total Quarterly Stock Dividends were $1,533,000, which combined with our cash dividend of $1,520,000, resulted in total dividends of $3,053,000. On February 24, 2023, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved the payment on March 17, 2023 of the Quarterly Cash Dividend to the record holders of shares of the Company’s common stock as of the close of business on March 7, 2023.

Impact of COVID-19

The global outbreak of COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and a national emergency by each of the U.S., European, and Australian governments in March 2020, with governments world-wide implementing safety measures restricting travel and requiring citizen lockdowns and self-confinements for quarantining purposes. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021, and 2022, this had negatively affected the U.S., European, Australian and global economies, disrupted global supply chains, and resulted in significant transport restrictions and disruption of global financial markets.

An outbreak of disease or similar public health threat, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, could have, and in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic has had and may continue to have a significant impact on the global supply chain, with restrictions and limitations on related activities causing disruption and delay, along with increased raw material, storage, and shipping costs. Any of these disruptions and delays may strain domestic and international supply chains, which could negatively affect the flow or availability of certain critical raw materials and finished good products that the Company relies upon. Furthermore, the foregoing impacts may significantly increase demand from online sales channels, including our website, and could impact our logistical operations, including our fulfillment and shipping functions, which may result in periodic delays in the delivery of our products.

We expect that an outbreak of disease or similar public health threat, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, could have, and in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic may continue to have, an impact on the Company’s sales and profitability in future periods. The duration of these trends and the magnitude of such impacts cannot be precisely estimated at this time, as they are affected by a number of factors (some of which are outside management’s control), including those presented in Item 1A. Risk Factors.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

Management’s discussion of our financial condition and results of operations is based on the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Estimates also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. We continually evaluate our estimates and assumptions including those related to revenue recognition, income taxes and valuation of long-lived assets, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, and other intangible assets. We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

We believe the following critical accounting policies include the more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Our accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 of our consolidated financial statements.

Fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations – We allocate the purchase price of acquired companies to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over these fair values is recorded as goodwill.  We engage independent third-party valuation specialists to assist us in determining the fair values of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Different valuation approaches are used to value different types of intangible assets. The income approach is a valuation technique that capitalizes anticipated income associated with the asset being valued. This approach is predicated on developing net income and cash flow projections which are discounted for risk and the time value of money. This approach is generally the principal approach to the valuation of most intangible assets. The market approach involves the compilation and analysis of recent acquisitions of similar assets in the open market. A fair value can be estimated after adjustments are made to reflect comparability differences between the assets sold and those being valued. This method of valuation applies primarily to the valuation of owned land, inventory, and certain intangible assets. The cost approach estimates the amount that would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (often referred to as current replacement cost). We typically apply all three approaches to estimate the fair value of our tangible and intangible tangible assets depending on the type of asset acquired. Business acquisitions may include contingent consideration payments based on various future financial measures, such as sales-based milestones, related to the acquired entity. We estimate the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities based on estimated sales growth rates, discount rates, and other relevant factors.

Significant estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to, the projected financial information related to each individual asset, particularly forecasted sales growth rates, cash flows, market-based royalty rates and estimated discount rates. Product technology and trademarks are valued using the relief-from-royalty method, and customer relationships are valued using the multi-period excess earnings model. The relief-from-royalty method is used to estimate the cost savings that accrue to the owner of an intangible asset who would otherwise have to pay royalties or license fees on revenues earned through the use of the asset. The multi-period excess earnings method supposes that the owner of the intangible asset is able to achieve a return in excess of that received without the intangible asset through enhanced revenues or cost savings. Our discounted cash flow estimates use discount rates that correspond to a weighted-average cost of capital consistent with a market-participant view. The discount rates are consistent with those used for investment decisions and take into account our operating plans and strategies. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. If we do not achieve the results reflected in the assumptions and estimates, our goodwill impairment evaluations could be adversely affected, and we may impair a portion or all of our intangible assets, which would adversely affect our operating results in the period of impairment.

Income taxes – We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. The asset and liability method provides that deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We may make assumptions, judgments and estimates in order to determine the future taxable income available to support the recoverability of deferred tax assets at a more-likely-than-not threshold. The sources of future taxable income include 1) future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, 2) taxable income in carryback years if carryback is permitted, 3) future taxable income from future operations, and 4) tax planning strategies. The degree and subjectivity and judgment increases as the source of future taxable income becomes more inherently subjective. Our assumptions, judgments and estimates relative to the realizability of a deferred tax asset take into account predictions of the amount and category of expected future taxable income. Actual operating results and the underlying amount and category of income in future years could cause our current assumptions, judgments and estimates of recoverable net deferred taxes to be inaccurate. Changes in any of the assumptions, judgments and estimates mentioned above related to the realizability of deferred tax assets, could materially affect our financial position and results of operations.

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Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets – We assess the recoverability of our reporting unit’s carrying value of goodwill by performing a qualitative assessment and/or a quantitative goodwill impairment test.  At a minimum, we perform an annual assessment of possible goodwill impairment as of each December 31. Management may perform an interim goodwill impairment assessment whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred, such as a significant adverse change in the business climate or a decision to sell or dispose of the reporting unit. If we begin with a qualitative assessment and are able to support the conclusion that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we are not required to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test.  Otherwise, we are required to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test which compares the reporting unit’s carrying value including goodwill to its estimated fair value. We estimate the reporting unit’s fair value using a combination of the income approach based upon projected discounted cash flows of the reporting unit and the market approach based upon the market multiple of comparable publicly traded companies. If the estimated fair value of the reporting entity exceeds the carrying value, the goodwill is not impaired, and no further review is required. However, if the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, an impairment expense should be recognized for the excess of the carrying value over the fair value.

Under the income approach, the estimated discounted cash flows are based on the best information available to us at the time, including supportable assumptions and projections we believe are reasonable. Our discounted cash flow estimates use discount rates that correspond to a weighted-average cost of capital consistent with a market-participant view. The discount rates are consistent with those used for investment decisions and take into account our future operating plans and strategies. Certain other key assumptions utilized, including revenue and cash flow projections, are based on estimates consistent with those utilized in our annual budgeting and planning process that we believe are reasonable. However, if we do not achieve the results reflected in the assumptions and estimates, our goodwill impairment evaluations could be adversely affected, and we may impair a portion or all of our goodwill, which would adversely affect our operating results in the period of impairment.

The market approach identifies the EBITDA multiples of comparable publicly traded companies. The reporting unit’s current EBITDA is multiplied by the market multiple to estimate its current estimated fair value. Key assumptions utilized in estimating the reporting unit’s EBITDA include revenue and cash flow projections. If the market multiples or EBITDA value assumptions are incorrect, our goodwill impairment evaluation could also be adversely affected, and we may impair a portion or all of our goodwill, which would adversely affect our operating results in the period of impairment.

We also test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, generally as of December 31st of each year. Management may perform an interim indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment assessment whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred, such as a significant adverse change in the business climate or a decision to sell or dispose of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of the indefinite-lived asset is higher than its fair value, then the asset is deemed to be impaired and the impairment charge is estimated as the difference. The Company calculates the fair value of its indefinite-lived intangible assets using the income approach, specifically the relief-from-royalty method. The relief-from-royalty method is used to estimate the cost savings that accrue to the owner of an intangible asset who would otherwise have to pay royalties or license fees on revenues earned through the use of the asset. Internally forecasted revenues, which the Company believes reasonably approximate market participant assumptions, are multiplied by a royalty rate to arrive at the estimated net after tax cost savings. The royalty rate used in the analysis is based on an analysis of empirical, market-derived royalty rates for comparable intangible assets. The net after tax cost savings are discounted using the same weighted-average cost of capital discount rate developed for purposes of the Company's quantitative goodwill impairment test. The key uncertainties in these calculations are the assumptions used in determining the revenue associated with each indefinite-lived intangible asset and the royalty rate. If we do not achieve the results reflected in the market assumptions and forecasted estimates, our indefinite-lived intangibles impairment evaluations could be adversely affected, and we may impair a portion or all of their carrying values, which would adversely affect our operating results in the period of impairment.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded $92,311,000 of impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, specifically the Rhino-Rack trademark, in our Adventure reporting unit. No impairment was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2021, and 2020.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in Note 1 to the notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Results of Operations (In Thousands)

Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021

The following presents a discussion of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared with the year ended December 31, 2021:

Sales

Sales increased $72,312, or 19.2%, to $448,106 during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to sales of $375,794 during the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in sales was primarily attributable to an increase in sales at the Adventure, Precision Sport, and Outdoor segments of $50,095, $23,032, and $8,126, respectively. The increase at the Adventure segment is due to the full year ownership of the Adventure brands during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the partial year of ownership in the prior period. Sales increases in the Outdoor and Adventure segments were partially offset by a decrease in sales of $6,613 and $2,328, respectively, due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the prior period.

Domestic sales increased $12,266, or 5.4%, to $238,144 during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to domestic sales of $225,878 during the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in sales was primarily attributable to an increase in sales at the Adventure and Precision Sport segments of $12,470 and $4,267, respectively. The increase at the Adventure segment is due to the full year ownership of the Adventure brands during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the partial year of ownership in the prior period. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in sales at the Outdoor segment of $4,471.

International sales increased $60,046, or 40.1%, to $209,962 during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to international sales of $149,916 during the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in sales was primarily attributable to an increase in sales at Adventure, Precision Sport, and Outdoor segments of $37,625, $18,765, and $12,597, respectively. The increase at the Adventure segment is due to the full year ownership of the Adventure brands during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the partial year of ownership in the prior period. Sales increases in the Outdoor and Adventure segments were partially offset by a decrease in sales

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of $6,613 and $2,328, respectively, due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the prior period.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold increased $45,828, or 19.2%, to $284,690 during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to cost of goods sold of $238,862 during the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in cost of goods sold was primarily attributable to an increase in the number of units sold and a full year of ownership of the Adventure brands during the year ended December 31, 2022.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased $26,484 or 19.3%, to $163,416 during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to gross profit of $136,932 during the year ended December 31, 2021. Gross margin was 36.5% during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to a gross margin of 36.4% during the year ended December 31, 2021. Gross margin during the year ended December 31, 2022, increased compared to the prior year as gross margin was negatively impacted by $4,769 due to the sale of Barnes, Rhino-Rack, and MAXTRAX inventory that was recorded at its fair value in purchase accounting during the year ended December 31, 2021. The 2022 increase was partially offset by the $269 MAXTRAX fair value inventory charge due to purchase accounting during the year ended December 31, 2022, as well as unfavorable foreign exchange impacts due to a strong U.S. dollar against foreign currencies and abnormally high freight costs.

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $29,545, or 28.0%, to $135,039 during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to selling, general and administrative expenses of $105,494 during the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily due to the inclusion of Rhino-Rack and MAXTRAX for the full year in 2022, which included incremental expenditure of $16,634 and $4,526 in 2022 for Rhino-Rack and MAXTRAX, respectively. Additionally, the Company incurred higher Corporate costs of $4,083 primarily related to increased payroll and stock compensation of $3,546 during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the prior year. The remaining increase was primarily attributable to the Company’s investments in retail and direct-to-consumer initiatives at the Outdoor segment.

Transaction Costs

Transaction expense decreased to $2,967 during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to transaction costs of $11,843 during the year ended December 31, 2021, which consisted of expenses related to the Company’s various acquisition efforts.

Contingent Consideration Expense (Benefit)

Contingent consideration expense was $493 during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to a $1,605 contingent consideration benefit during the year ended December 31, 2021, which consisted of changes in estimated fair value of contingent consideration liabilities.

Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets increased to $92,311 during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets of $0 during the year ended December 31, 2021. Based on the results of the Company’s impairment analysis completed as of December 31, 2022, the Company determined that goodwill at the Adventure reporting unit and certain indefinite-lived intangible assets, specifically the Rhino-Rack trademark, were impaired and recognized a charge of $52,071 and $40,240, respectively.

Interest Expense, net

Interest expense, net increased to $7,895 during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to interest expense, net of $2,939 during the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in interest expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 2022, was primarily associated with the increase in the average outstanding debt amounts during the period compared to the prior year, higher interest rates, and the recording of certain debt issuance costs.

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Other, net

Other, net expense decreased by $2,540, or 58.0%, to $1,842 during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to other, net expense of $4,382 during the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in other, net was primarily attributable to losses from non-hedged foreign currency contracts during the year ended December 31, 2021, not repeating in the current period. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in remeasurement losses recognized on the Company’s foreign denominated accounts receivable and accounts payable.

Income Taxes

Income tax benefit decreased $4,863, or 39.8%, to $7,351 during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to an income tax benefit of $12,214 during the same period in 2021. Our effective income tax rate was a benefit of 9.5% for the year ended December 31, 2022, and differed compared to the statutory tax rates primarily due to the impact of impairment of goodwill as well as officer compensation limitations, partially offset by the impact of foreign earnings taxed at applicable statutory rates, tax credits, and permanent book to tax differences related to incentive stock options. Our effective income tax rate was a benefit of 88% for the year ended December 31, 2021, and differed compared to the statutory tax rates due to the partial release of a valuation allowance offsetting deferred tax assets and discrete charges recorded during the period. This release of the valuation allowance is primarily due to a change in accounting method which increased taxable income and the ability to utilize NOLs. Factors that could cause our annual effective tax rate to differ materially from our quarterly effective tax rates include changes in the geographic mix of taxable income and discrete events that may occur.

Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020

The following presents the Company’s results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared with the year ended December 31, 2020:

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Liquidity and Capital Resources (In Thousands)

Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021

Our primary ongoing funding requirements are for working capital, expansion of our operations (both organically and through acquisitions) and general corporate needs, as well as investing with the various brands. We plan to fund these activities through a combination of our future operating cash flows and borrowings on our revolving credit facility which had approximately $98,000 available to borrow at December 31, 2022, while currently maintaining compliance with the consolidated total leverage ratio per the Restated Credit Agreement of 3.75 to 1. We believe that our liquidity requirements and contractual obligations for at least the next 12 months will be adequately covered by cash provided by operations and our existing revolving credit facility. Additionally, long-term contractual obligations are also currently expected to be funded from cash from operations and availability under our existing credit facilities. For additional information regarding the Company’s existing credit facilities, see the section titled “Credit Agreement” below.

At December 31, 2022, we had total cash of $12,061, compared to cash of $19,465 at December 31, 2021. At December 31, 2022, the Company had $7,921 of the $12,061 in cash held by foreign entities, of which $5,719 is considered permanently reinvested.

The following presents a discussion of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared with the year ended December 31, 2021.

Net Cash From Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $14,610 during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $304 during the year ended December 31, 2021. The change in net cash provided by (used in) operating activities during 2022 is primarily due to increases in depreciation and amortization expenses, as well as improvements in working capital and increases in stock compensation and contingent consideration expense during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the same period in 2021.

Free cash flow, defined as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures, of $6,360 was generated during the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to ($17,687) of negative free cash flow during the same period in 2021. The Company believes that the non-GAAP measure, free cash flow, provides an understanding of the capital required by the Company to expand its asset base. A reconciliation of free cash flows to comparable GAAP financial measures is set forth below:

Net Cash From Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $7,751 during the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to net cash used in investing activities of $178,142 during the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in cash used during the year ended December 31, 2022 is due to the acquisition of Rhino-Rack and MAXTRAX during the year ended December 31, 2021, as well as a decrease in purchases of property and equipment, primarily due to the purchase of the Barnes facility during the year ended December 31, 2021.

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Net Cash From Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $13,858 during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $180,677 during the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in cash provided during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the same period in 2021 was primarily due to a decrease in net proceeds to the revolving line of credit and term loan, a decrease in proceeds from the sale of common stock, and an increase in purchases of treasury stock.

Net Operating Loss

As of December 31, 2022, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) and research and experimentation credit for U.S. federal income tax purposes of $17,663 and $2,651, respectively. The Company believes its U.S. Federal NOLs will substantially offset its future U.S. Federal income taxes until expiration. The majority of the Company’s pre-tax income is currently earned and expected to be earned in the U.S., or taxed in the U.S. as Subpart F income and will be offset with the NOLs. The Company has $17,663 of NOLs, of which, $1,851 expire on December 31, 2023. These NOLs are subject to compliance with Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s gross deferred tax asset was $32,972. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $3,323, resulting in a net deferred tax asset of $29,649, before deferred tax liabilities of $30,243. The Company has provided a valuation allowance against a portion of the net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2022, because the ultimate realization of those assets does not meet the more-likely-than-not criteria. The majority of the Company’s deferred tax assets consist of net operating loss carryforwards for federal tax purposes. If a change in control were to occur, these could be limited under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“Code”), as amended.

Credit Agreement

As of December 31, 2022, the Company had drawn approximately $18,049 of the approximately $98,000 available to borrow on the revolving loan commitment at December 31, 2022, while maintaining compliance with the consolidated total leverage ratio per the Restated Credit Agreement (as defined below) of 3.75 to 1, and $120,311 was outstanding under the term loan commitment. As of December 31, 2022, the interest rates on the revolving loan and term loan commitments were approximately 6.3%. The Company was in compliance with the debt covenants set forth in the Restated Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2022.

On April 18, 2022 (the “Effective Date”), the Company, Black Diamond Retail, Inc., Black Diamond Retail – Alaska, LLC, Sierra Bullets, L.L.C., SKINourishment, LLC, Black Diamond Retail – Colorado, LLC, Black Diamond Retail – Montana, LLC, Black Diamond Retail – Wyoming, LLC, Barnes Bullets-Mona, LLC, Black Diamond Retail – Oregon, LLC, Black Diamond Retail – Vermont, LLC (collectively with the Company, the “Borrowers”) and the other loan parties party thereto (together with the Borrowers, each a “Loan Party”, and collectively, the “Loan Parties”) entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”) and the lenders party thereto (the “Restated Credit Agreement”) pursuant to which the existing Credit Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2019 (as amended prior to the Effective Date, the “Existing Credit Agreement”) by and among the Company, the lenders and loan parties from time to time party thereto and the Administrative Agent was amended and restated in its entirety. Each of the Loan Parties, other than the Company, is a direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company.

The Restated Credit Agreement provides for borrowings of up to $300,000 under a secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Loans”) (including up to $5,000 for letters of credit), and borrowings of up to $125,000 under a secured term loan facility (the “Term Loans”). The Restated Credit Agreement also permits the Borrowers, subject to certain requirements, to arrange with lenders for an aggregate of up to $175,000 of additional revolving and/or term loan commitments (both of which are currently uncommitted), for potential aggregate revolving and term loan commitments under the Restated Credit Agreement of up to $600,000. The proceeds of loans made under the Restated Credit Agreement may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, including acquisitions permitted under the Restated Credit Agreement. The Restated Credit Agreement matures on April 18, 2027 (the “Maturity Date”), at which time the revolving commitments thereunder will terminate and all outstanding Revolving Loans and Term Loans, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, must be repaid.

The Term Loans were fully drawn on the Effective Date and cannot be reborrowed. The Restated Credit Agreement provides for quarterly amortization payments of the Term Loans on the last business day of each March, June, September and December, commencing on June 30, 2022. Through and including the payment due on March 31, 2023, the scheduled amortization payment is $1,563 per quarter, and each scheduled amortization payment due thereafter through the Maturity Date is $3,125 per quarter.

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The Borrowers may elect to have the Revolving Loans and Term Loans under the Restated Credit Agreement bear interest at an applicable rate plus either:

(i)             in the case of alternate base rate borrowings, a rate per annum generally equal to the greatest of:

provided that, in certain circumstances where the alternate base rate is being used as an alternate rate of interest, the alternate base rate shall be determined only according to (a) and (b), and shall be subject to a 1.00% floor; or

(ii) in the case of term benchmark borrowings, a rate per annum as follows:

The applicable rate for these borrowings will range from 0.50% to 1.625% per annum, in the case of alternate base rate borrowings, and 1.50% to 2.625% per annum, in the case of term benchmark borrowings. The applicable rate was initially 0.875% per annum, in the case of alternate base rate borrowings, and 1.875% per annum, in the case of term benchmark borrowings, however, these initial applicable rates may be adjusted from time to time based upon the level of the Company’s consolidated total leverage ratio, which is more fully discussed in the Restated Credit Agreement. If one or more of the above interest rates are not determinable, or under certain other circumstances set forth in the Restated Credit Agreement, a substitute or alternative interest rate may apply under the Restated Credit Agreement.

The Restated Credit Agreement also requires the Borrowers to pay a commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving loan commitments. Such commitment fee will range between 0.15% and 0.30% per annum, and is also based upon the level of the Company’s consolidated total leverage ratio, which is more fully discussed in the Restated Credit Agreement. The Company is also obligated to pay other customary closing fees, arrangement fees, administration fees and letter of credit fees for a credit facility of this size and type.

The Restated Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations on the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to perform the following, subject to certain customary exceptions, qualifications and “baskets”: (i) incur additional debt; (ii) create liens; (iii) engage in mergers, consolidations, certain divisions, liquidations or dissolutions other than in certain permitted instances as described in the Restated Credit Agreement; (iv) substantially change the business conducted by the Company and its subsidiaries; (v) make certain investments, loans, advances, guarantees and acquisitions other than in certain permitted instances as described in the Restated Credit Agreement; (vi) sell assets; (vii) pay dividends or make distributions or other restricted payments if certain conditions in the Restated Credit Agreement are not fulfilled; (viii) prepay other indebtedness; (ix) engage in certain transactions with affiliates; (x) enter into agreements that restrict dividends from subsidiaries or the ability of subsidiaries to grant liens upon their assets; (xi) amend certain charter documents and material agreements governing subordinated indebtedness; (xii) permit the consolidated total leverage ratio, which is to be determined for each quarter end on a trailing twelve month basis, from exceeding a limit of 3.75 to 1, provided, that, subject to certain terms and conditions set forth in the Restated Credit Agreement, so long as no Event of Default (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement) exists at such time or would result therefrom, the Company may elect to increase the maximum consolidated total leverage ratio permitted under the Restated Credit Agreement to 4.25:1.00 for a period of four consecutive fiscal quarters in connection with any acquisition permitted under the Restated Credit Agreement for which the aggregate consideration is greater than or equal to $60,000; and (xiii) permit the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, which is to be determined for each quarter end on a trailing twelve month basis, to be less than 1.25 to 1.

The Restated Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default, including, but not limited to: (i) failure to pay amounts due under the Restated Credit Agreement; (ii) materially incorrect representations and warranties; (iii) failure to comply with covenants; (iv) change of control; and (v) default under other indebtedness aggregating at least $3,000.

The obligations of each Loan Party under the Restated Credit Agreement are guaranteed by each other Loan Party. All obligations under the Restated Credit Agreement, and the guarantees of those obligations (as well as banking services obligations and certain swap agreements), are secured by pledges and liens on 100% of the equity interests of domestic subsidiaries, either 100% or 65% of the equity interests of certain foreign subsidiaries, and the accounts receivable, inventory, intellectual property and certain real property or other

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assets of the Loan Parties pursuant to (i) a Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2019, by and among certain of the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent (as amended from time to time prior to the Effective Date, the “PSA”), (ii) a General Security Deed, dated as of August 30, 2021, by and among certain of the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent (the “Oscar GSD”), (iii) a General Security Deed, dated as of January 31, 2022, by and among certain of the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent (the “Simpson GSD”) or (iv) a mortgage or other applicable security agreement or instrument. Each of the PSA, the Oscar GSD and the Simpson GSD was reaffirmed by the Loan Parties on the Effective Date pursuant to a Reaffirmation Agreement dated as of the Effective Date by and among the Administrative Agent and the Loan Parties pursuant to which each Loan Party ratified and reaffirmed its obligations to the Lenders in connection with entering into the Restated Credit Agreement.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not engage in any transactions or have relationships or other arrangements with unconsolidated entities. These include special purpose and similar entities or other off-balance sheet arrangements. We also do not engage in energy, weather or other commodity-based contracts.