ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report and related documents include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act 1934. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the Company’s actual results, performance (financial or operating), or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements not to occur or be realized. Such forward looking statements generally are based upon the Company’s best estimates of future results, performance or achievement, based upon current conditions and the most recent results of operations. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “continue,” or similar terms, variations of those terms or the negative of those terms. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among other things, such factors as:
| ● | while the Company had net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 and the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 there are no assurances that the Company can remain profitable in future periods; in line with this risk, the Company incurred losses from operations for the quarters ended December 31, 2022, March 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021, |
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| ● | there can be no assurances of revenue growth; in line with this risk, the Company had lower revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022 than in the prior year, |
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| ● | while we have expended significant funds in recent years to increase manufacturing capacity and the barrier rental fleet, and plan to continue to increase manufacturing capacity, there is no assurance that we will achieve significantly greater revenues, |
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| ● | our debt level increased significantly in February 2022, and our ability to satisfy the same cannot be assured, |
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| ● | our cash resources were significantly reduced during 2022 and through the first quarter of 2023 reflecting the significant purchase of barrier and equipment and a significant increase in accounts receivables and there can be no assurance that the Company’s cash will not be further reduced, |
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| ● | our accounts receivables has increased during 2022 and through the first quarter of 2023 and our ability to fully collect these balances cannot be assured, |
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| ● | we identified a material weakness in internal controls over financial reports related to the methodology applied to the estimation of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the fourth quarter of 2022, |
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| ● | the continued availability of financing in the amounts, at the times, and on the terms required, to support our future business and capital projects, |
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| ● | the extent to which we are successful in developing, acquiring, licensing, or securing patents for proprietary products, |
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| ● | changes in economic conditions specific to any one or more of our markets (including the availability of public funds and grants for construction), |
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| ● | the Company’s operations in 2022 and the first quarter of 2023 were adversely impacted by inflation in the purchase of raw materials such as cement and aggregates, steel, and also with labor costs, and continues to be adversely impacted, |
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| ● | changes in general economic conditions in our primary service areas, |
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| ● | adverse weather, which inhibits the demand for our products, or the installation or completion of projects, |
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| ● | our compliance with governmental regulations, |
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| ● | the outcome of future litigation, if any, |
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| ● | potential decreases in our year to year contract backlog, |
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| ● | cybersecurity incidents could disrupt business operations, result in the loss of critical and confidential information and adversely impact our reputation and results of operations, |
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| ● | our ability to produce and install product on material construction projects that conforms to contract specifications and in a time frame that meets the contract requirements, |
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| ● | the cyclical nature of the construction industry, |
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| ● | our exposure to increased interest expense payments should interest rates change, and |
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| ● | the other factors and information disclosed and discussed in other sections of this report. |
Investors and shareholders should carefully consider such risks, uncertainties and other information, disclosures and discussions that contain cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those provided in the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Overview
The Company invents, develops, manufactures, markets, leases, licenses, sells, and installs a broad array of precast concrete products and systems for use primarily in the construction, highway, utilities, and farming industries. The Company's customers are primarily general contractors and federal, state, and local transportation authorities located in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions and in parts of the Midwestern and Southeastern regions of the United States. The Company's operating strategy has involved producing innovative and proprietary products, including SlenderWall™, a patented, lightweight, energy-efficient concrete and steel exterior insulated wall panel for use in building construction; J-J Hooks® Highway Safety Barrier, a positive-connected highway safety barrier; and Easi-Set® transportable concrete buildings, also patented. In addition, the Company produces custom order precast concrete products with various architectural surfaces, as well as generic highway sound barriers, utility vaults, and farm products such as cattleguards.
The Company was incorporated in Delaware on August 2, 1994. Prior to a corporate reorganization completed in October 1994, the Company conducted its business primarily through Smith-Midland Virginia, which was incorporated in 1960 as Smith Cattleguard Company, a Virginia corporation, and subsequently changed its name to Smith-Midland Corporation in 1985. The Company’s principal offices are located at 5119 Catlett Road, Midland, Virginia 22728 and its telephone number is (540) 439-3266. As used in this report, unless the context otherwise requires, the term the “Company” refers to Smith-Midland Corporation and its subsidiaries.
As a part of the construction industry, the Company's sales and net income may vary greatly from quarter to quarter over a given year. Because of the cyclical nature of the construction industry, many factors not under our control, such as weather and project delays, affect the Company's production schedule, possibly causing momentary slowdowns in sales and net income. In addition, revenues are affected by the number, size, and timing of significant projects to which the Company is contracted. As a result of these factors, the Company is not always able to earn a profit for each period, therefore, please read Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the accompanying financial statements with these factors in mind.
Results of Operations (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
The Company had net income of $80 for the first quarter 2023, compared to a net loss of $119 for the first quarter 2022. Total revenue for the three month period ended March 31, 2023 was $12,842 compared to $10,435 for the three month period ended March 31, 2022. The increase in total revenue for the three month period ended March 31, 2023 from March 31, 2022 is due primarily to an increase in barrier sales at our North Carolina and South Carolina manufacturing plants. The cost of goods sold as a percent of revenue, not including royalties, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, was 86% as compared to 88% for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The decrease in cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenue, not including royalties, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three ended March 31, 2022, is due to the increase in overall production volumes which increased the absorption of overhead costs, and due to the increase in revenue from SlenderWall, a higher margin product. Additionally, the decrease in cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenue, not including royalties, was due to production throughout the first quarter of 2023 having included contracts that factored in the rising inflationary costs experienced throughout 2022. Total general and administrative expenses for the three-month period ended March 31, 2023 were $1,350 compared to $1,159 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 due to an increase in expense related to the allowance for credit losses and in increase in salaries and wages. Total selling expenses increased for the three month period ended March 31, 2023 to $762 from $662 for the three month period ended March 31, 2022 due to the hiring of additional of sales personnel. As of May 1, 2023, the Company’s sales backlog was approximately $51.4 million, as compared to approximately $32.7 million at the same time in 2022.
Three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022
Revenue includes product sales, barrier rentals, royalty income, and shipping and installation revenues. Product sales are further divided into soundwall, architectural and SlenderWall™ panels, miscellaneous wall panels, highway barrier, Easi-Set® buildings, utility products, and miscellaneous precast products. The following table summarizes the sales by product type and comparison for the three month period ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
Revenue by Type | | Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | Change | | | % Change | |
Soundwall Sales | | $ | 1,046 | | | $ | 1,364 | | | $ | (318 | ) | | | (23 | )% |
Architectural Panel Sales | | | 409 | | | | 906 | | | | (497 | ) | | | (55 | )% |
SlenderWall Sales | | | 1,281 | | | | 956 | | | | 325 | | | | 34 | % |
Miscellaneous Wall Sales | | | 1,205 | | | | 351 | | | | 854 | | | | 243 | % |
Barrier Sales | | | 2,759 | | | | 914 | | | | 1,845 | | | | 202 | % |
Easi-Set and Easi-Span Building Sales | | | 1,007 | | | | 615 | | | | 392 | | | | 64 | % |
Utility Sales | | | 275 | | | | 466 | | | | (191 | ) | | | (41 | )% |
Miscellaneous Sales | | | 260 | | | | 279 | | | | (19 | ) | | | (7 | )% |
Total Product Sales | | | 8,242 | | | | 5,851 | | | | 2,391 | | | | 41 | % |
Barrier Rentals | | | 1,120 | | | | 1,485 | | | | (365 | ) | | | (25 | )% |
Royalty Income | | | 411 | | | | 427 | | | | (16 | ) | | | (4 | )% |
Shipping and Installation Revenue | | | 3,069 | | | | 2,672 | | | | 397 | | | | 15 | % |
Total Service Revenue | | | 4,600 | | | | 4,584 | | | | 16 | | | | 0 | % |
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Total Revenue | | $ | 12,842 | | | $ | 10,435 | | | $ | 2,407 | | | | 23 | % |
The revenue items: soundwall sales, architectural panel sales, SlenderWall sales, miscellaneous wall sales, miscellaneous sales, barrier rentals, and royalty income are recognized as revenue over time. The revenue items: barrier sales, Easi-Set and Easi-Span building sales, utility sales, and shipping and installation revenue are recognized as revenue at a point in time.
Soundwall Sales - Soundwall sales were lower for the three month period ended March 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. The decrease is mainly due to lower production, as a project completed production in the South Carolina plant in 2022. Soundwall sales are expected to trend slightly higher throughout the remainder 2023 as compared to the first quarter of 2023, although no assurance can be given.
Architectural Panel Sales - Architectural panel sales decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. The decrease is from the completion of two architectural projects that began production in 2021 and completed in the second quarter of 2022. Architectural sales are expected to trend similarly throughout 2023 as compared to the first quarter of 2023, although no assurance can be given.
SlenderWall Sales - SlenderWall sales increased for the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the same period in 2022. A larger SlenderWall project was in production during the first quarter of 2023 than the SlenderWall project in production during the first quarter of 2022. The Company continues to focus sales initiatives on SlenderWall, but no assurance can be given as to the success of this endeavor.
Miscellaneous Wall Sales - Miscellaneous wall sales increased for the three month period ended March 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022 due to the increased production of retaining wall projects at the Virginia and South Carolina plants. Miscellaneous wall sales are expected to trend similarly throughout 2023 as the first quarter of 2023, although no assurance can be provided.
Barrier Sales - Barrier sales significantly increased for the three month period ended March 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. The increase is due to large barrier projects in North Carolina and South Carolina. Barrier sales are expected to trend higher in 2023 than 2022 due to the large barrier projects in North Carolina and South Carolina, however the Company continues to shift marketing efforts from barrier sales to barrier rentals in the Delaware to Virginia region.
Easi-Set® and Easi-Span Building Sales - Building and restroom sales increased for the three month period ended March 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, mainly due to increased building sales at all manufacturing plants. Building and restroom sales are expected to continue to trend similarly throughout the remainder of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2023.
Utility Sales - Utility sales decreased for the three month period ended March 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. The Company continues to competitively bid on utility projects to gain market share and has recently won multiple data center projects increasing the sales volume of dry utility vaults. Utility sales are expected to trend higher for the remainder of 2023 as compared to the first quarter of 2023, although no assurance can be provided.
Miscellaneous Product Sales - Miscellaneous products are products that are produced or sold that do not meet the criteria defined for other revenue categories. Examples would include precast concrete slabs, concrete blocks, or small add-on items. Miscellaneous product sales decreased for the three month period ended March 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. The decrease is mainly from the South Carolina facility that completed production on a few smaller jobs. Miscellaneous product sales are expected to trend similarly throughout 2023 as compared to the first quarter of 2023.
Barrier Rentals – Barrier rentals decreased for the three month period ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. This decrease is mainly attributed to a slight slowdown in large barrier rental projects during the first quarter of 2023. Barrier rental revenue, excluding revenue from special barrier projects, is expected to trend higher throughout 2023 as compared to barrier rental revenue, excluding revenue from special barrier projects, in the first quarter of 2023, although no assurance can be given.
Royalty Income – Royalties decreased for the three month period ended March 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022 due to the weather related delays in projects experienced by licensees. It is expected that infrastructure spending will continue to drive royalties, and the Company expects royalties for 2023 to exceed royalty income for the full year 2022, although no assurance can be given.
Shipping and Installation – Shipping revenue results from shipping our products to the customers' final destination and is recognized when the shipping services take place. Installation activities include installation of our products at the customers’ construction site. Installation revenue results when attaching architectural wall panels to a building, installing an Easi-Set® or Easi-Span building at a customers' site, setting highway barrier, or setting any of our other precast products at a site specific to the requirements of the owner. Shipping and installation revenues increased for the three month period ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. The increase is mainly attributed to the increase in shipping and installation of SlenderWall and architectural panels. This is associated with the increased production of SlenderWall and architectural panels that occurred in the third and fourth quarters of 2021.
Cost of Goods Sold - Total cost of goods sold as a percent of revenue, excluding royalties, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, was 86%, as compared to 88% for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The decrease in cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenue, not including royalties, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022, is due to the increase in overall production volumes, which increased the absorption of overhead costs. The increase in SlenderWall revenue as a percent of total revenue from the first quarter of 2022 to the first quarter of 2023, decreased the cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenue, not including royalties, as SlenderWall sales typically carry higher margins than other product sales. Finally, the decrease in cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenue, not including royalties, decreased due to production throughout the first quarter of 2023 included having contracts that factored in the rising inflationary costs experienced throughout 2022.
General and Administrative Expenses - For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company's general and administrative expenses increased by $191 to $1,350 from $1,159 during the same period in 2022. The increase is mainly attributed to an increase in expense related to the allowance for credit losses and in increase in salaries and wages during the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022. General and administrative expense as a percentage of total revenue was 10% and 11% for the three month period ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
Selling Expenses - Selling expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2023 increased to $762 from $662 for the same period in 2022. The increase in selling expenses for the three month period ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, is due to the hiring of additional salespeople and has contributed to the increase in backlog to $51.4 million. The Company expects selling expenses to increase in future periods with the plan for additional sales associates and increased advertising spending aligning with the strategy to increase SlenderWall sales and barrier rentals.
Operating Income (Loss) - The Company had operating income for the three month period ended March 31, 2023 of $54 compared to operating loss of $173 for the same period in 2022. The increase is mainly due to the decrease in cost of goods sold as a percent of revenue and increased sales volume.
Interest Expense - Interest expense was $64 and $48 for the three month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company expects interest expense for 2023 to be higher compared to the full year of 2022 due to the increased level of indebtedness that took place in 2022.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) - The Company had an income tax expense of $23 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to income tax benefit of $40 for the same period in 2022.
Net Income (Loss) - The Company had net income of $80 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to net loss of $119 for the same period in 2022. The basic and diluted earnings per share was $0.02 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, and the basic and diluted loss per share was $0.02 for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Liquidity and Capital Resources (dollar amounts in thousands)
The Company has a mortgage note payable to Summit Community Bank (the “Bank”) for the construction of its North Carolina facility. The note carries a ten-year term at a fixed interest rate of 3.64% annually per the Promissory Note Rate Conversion Agreement, with monthly payments of $22, and is secured by all of the assets of Smith-Carolina and a guarantee by the Company. The loan matures on October 10, 2029. The balance of the note payable on March 31, 2023 was $1,539.
On March 27, 2020, the Company completed the refinancing of existing loans with a note payable to the Bank in the amount of $2,701. A portion of the funds, $678, was secured for improvements to an existing five-acre parcel for additional storage at the Midland, Virginia plant. The loan is collateralized by a first lien position on the Virginia property, building, and assets. The refinance also released the lien on the manufacturing plant in Hopkins, South Carolina (Columbia). The interest rate per the Promissory Note is fixed at 3.99% per annum, with principal and interest payments payable monthly over 120 months for $27. The loan matures on March 27, 2030. The balance of the note payable on March 31, 2023 was $1,978.
On February 10, 2022, the Company completed the financing for its prior acquisition of certain real property in Midland, VA totaling approximately 29.8 acres with a note payable to the Bank in the amount of $2,805. The loan is collateralized by a first lien position on the related real property. The interest rate is fixed at 4.09% per annum, with principal and interest payments payable monthly over 180 months for $21. The loan matures on February 10, 2037. The balance of the note payable on March 31, 2023 was $2,632.
The Company additionally has two smaller installment loans with annual interest rates of 2.90% and 3.99%, maturing in 2025, with balances totaling $45.
Under the loan covenants with the Bank, the Company is limited to annual capital expenditures of $5,000 and must maintain tangible net worth of $10,000. The Company is compliant with all covenants pursuant to the loan agreements as of March 31, 2023.
In addition to the notes payable discussed above, the Company has a $5,000 line of credit with the Bank with no balance outstanding as of March 31, 2023. The line of credit is evidenced by a commercial revolving promissory note, which carries a variable interest rate of prime, with a floor of 3.50%, and matures on October 1, 2023. The loan is collateralized by a first lien position on the Company's accounts receivable and inventory and a second lien position on all other business assets. Key provisions of the line of credit require the Company (i) to obtain bank approval for capital expenditures in excess of $5,000 during the term of the loan and (ii) to obtain bank approval prior to its funding of any acquisition. On October 1, 2022, the Company received a Commitment Letter from the Bank to provide a guidance line of credit specifically to purchase business equipment in an amount up to $1,500. The commitment provides for the purchase of equipment for which a note payable will be executed with a term not to exceed five years with an interest rate at the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus 0.50% with a floor of 3.50% per annum. The loan is collateralized by a first lien position on all equipment purchased under the line. The commitment for the guidance line of credit matures on October 1, 2023. As of March 31, 2023, the Company had not purchased any equipment pursuant to the $1,500 commitment.
The Company's outstanding notes payable are financed at fixed rates of interest. This leaves the Company almost impervious to fluctuating interest rates. Increases in such rates will only affect the interest paid by the Company if new debt is obtained, or the available line of credit is drawn upon, with a variable interest rate.
On March 31, 2023, the Company had cash totaling $3,936 compared to cash totaling $6,726 on December 31, 2022. The decrease in cash is primarily the result of cash absorbed by operations during the three month period ended March 31, 2023. More specifically, the Company’s accounts receivable position increased, inventory increased, and significant payments were remitted related to the barrier buy-back. Offsetting the reduction in cash, in part, was an increase in customer deposits during the first quarter of 2023. The Company expects its cash position to be favorably affected to the extent that it is successful in collecting outstanding accounts receivable balances.
The Company’s accounts receivable balances, net of allowance, at March 31, 2023 was $17,867, compared to $16,223 at December 31, 2022. The increase is primarily the result of the continued effects of turnover of the accounts receivable position experienced throughout the later part of 2022 and into the first quarter of 2023. The Company expects accounts receivable balances to trend downwards, beginning in the second quarter of 2023, with increased collection efforts as a result of the fulfillment of the accounts receivable position, although no assurance can be provided.
Capital spending for the three months ended March 31, 2023 totaled $1,157 as compared to $196 for the same period in 2022. The 2023 expenditures were primarily for the buy-back of barrier to increase the barrier rental fleet and for the development of a storage lot for the barrier rental fleet. The Company intends to invest approximately $5,000, for the full year 2023, which includes a new batch plant system, completion of yard development, completion of the barrier buy-back, and miscellaneous manufacturing equipment. Anticipated capital expenditures excludes acquisitions and plant expansions.
The Company’s cash flow from operations is affected by production schedules set by contractors, which generally provide for payment 30 to 90 days after the products are produced, and with some architectural contracts, retainage may be held until the entire project is completed. This payment schedule may result in liquidity challenges for the Company because it must bear a portion of the cost of production before it receives payment from its customers. The Company’s average days sales outstanding (DSO), excluding the effect of unbilled revenue, was 122 days for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to 102 days for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
If actual results regarding the Company's production, sales, and subsequent collections on customer receivables are materially inconsistent with management's expectations, the Company may in the future encounter cash flow and liquidity issues. If the Company's operational performance deteriorates significantly, it may be unable to comply with existing financial covenants and could cause defaults and acceleration under its loan agreements and lose access to the credit facility. Although no assurances can be given, the Company believes that its current cash resources, anticipated cash flow from operations, and the availability under the line of credit will be sufficient to finance the Company’s operations for at least the next 12 months.
The Company’s inventory was $4,991 on March 31, 2023, and $3,818 on December 31, 2022, or an increase of $1,173. The increase in inventory is mainly due to the increase of raw materials inventory on-hand compared to the prior year. The increase is related to the additional materials needed on-hand for the anticipated production volumes later in 2023 to execute on the Company’s backlog. Inventory turnover was 13.4, annualized for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to 12.6, annualized for the same period in 2022.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Company’s critical accounting policies are more fully described in its Summary of Accounting Policies to the Company’s consolidated financial statements on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Seasonality
The Company services the construction industry primarily in areas of the United States where construction activity may be inhibited by adverse weather during the winter. As a result, the Company may experience reduced revenues from December through February and realize a more significant part of its revenues during the other months of the year. The Company may experience lower profits, or losses, during the winter months, and as such, must have sufficient working capital to fund its operations at a reduced level until the spring construction season. The failure to generate or obtain sufficient working capital during the winter may have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Inflation
Management believes that the Company’s operations were affected by inflation during the three month period ended March 31, 2023 and for the full year 2022, particularly in the purchases of certain raw materials such as cement and aggregates, steel, and also with labor costs. The Company believes that raw material pricing and labor costs may continue to increase in 2023, although no assurance can be given regarding future pricing or costs.
Sales Backlog
As of May 1, 2023, the Company’s sales backlog was approximately $51.4 million, as compared to approximately $32.7 million at the same time in 2022. It is estimated that the majority of the projects in the sales backlog will be produced within 12 months, with a portion extending several years.