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$SANW Risk Factor changes from 00/09/27/23/2023 to 00/11/01/24/2024
Item 1A.“Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, or the Annual Report, and that are otherwise described or updated from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You are urged to carefully review the disclosures made concerning risks and uncertainties that may affect our business or operating results, which include, among others, those described above. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.
Many factors discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, some of which are beyond our control, will be important in determining our future performance. Consequently, these statements are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those that might be anticipated from the forward-looking statements.
In light of these and other uncertainties, you should not regard the inclusion of a forward-looking statement in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements included herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section.
Furthermore, such forward-looking statements represent our views as of, and speak only as of, the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and such statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
When used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company,” “S&W” and “S&W Seed” refer to S&W Seed Company and its subsidiaries or, as the context may require, S&W Seed Company only.
Our fiscal year ends on June 30, and accordingly, the terms “fiscal 2025,” “fiscal 2024” and “fiscal 2023” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K refer to the respective fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, with corresponding meanings to any fiscal year reference beyond such dates. Our fiscal year ends on June 30, and accordingly, the terms "fiscal 2024, “fiscal 2023,” and “fiscal 2022” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K refer to the respective fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, with corresponding meanings to any fiscal year reference beyond such dates. Trademarks, service marks and trade names of other companies appearing in this report are the property of their respective holders. 2 PART I Item 1. Business Overview We are a global multi-crop, middle-market agricultural company that is principally engaged in breeding, growing, processing and selling agricultural seeds. Business Overview We are a global multi-crop, middle-market agricultural company. In fiscal 2024, we operated seed cleaning and processing facilities located in Texas, New South Wales, and South Australia. We operate seed cleaning and processing facilities, which are located in Texas, New South Wales, and South Australia. Our seed products are primarily grown under contract by farmers. Our current focus is on growing sales of our proprietary and traited products, specifically through the expansion of Double TeamTM for forage and grain sorghum products and new trait introductions, including the second generation of Double Team and Prussic Acid FreeTM, or PF, improving profit margins through pricing and operational efficiencies, and developing the camelina market via a partnership formed in fiscal 2023. Our seed platform develops and supplies high quality trait and germplasm designed to produce higher yields for farmers worldwide. Our seed platform develops and supplies high quality germplasm designed to produce higher yields for farmers worldwide. In fiscal 2024, we sold over 650 seed products in more than 30 countries. We maintain an active product pipeline and expect to introduce over 10 new sorghum and alfalfa products during fiscal 2025 in North America. We maintain an active product pipeline and expect to introduce more than 20 new products during the fiscal year 2024. In accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 280, Segment Reporting, for fiscal 2024, we determined that we have three reportable operating segments: Americas, International and AUSDOM.
Refer to Note 17 contained in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for more information on our reportable segments. Ongoing Voluntary Administration Process Involving S&W Australia We previously announced in 2023 that we were evaluating the possibility of a strategic transaction involving our international operations, which is headquartered within S&W Seed Company Australia Pty Ltd, or S&W Australia, our wholly-owned subsidiary. That process has not resulted in the consummation of a transaction and on July 24, 2024, S&W Australia adopted a voluntary plan of administration based on its determination that S&W Australia is likely to become “insolvent” within the meaning of section 436A(1) of Australia’s Corporations Act 2001. In Australia, voluntary administration is a process whereby an insolvent company is placed in the hands of one or more independent administrators whose role is to investigate the company’s affairs, to report to creditors and to recommend to creditors whether the company should enter into a deed of company arrangement, liquidation, or be returned to its board of directors. A number of factors combined to lead S&W Australia to conclude that the voluntary plan of administration was necessary and advisable, including the lack of viable strategic alternatives for the entity, Saudi Arabia’s recent discontinuation of import permits for alfalfa seed, and the increased risk that S&W Australia would be unable to meet its loan obligations. As a result of the voluntary administration process, we currently do not control S&W Australia, and on October 11, 2024, creditors of S&W Australia approved a proposed Deed of Company Arrangement, pursuant to which, among other things, the outstanding shares of S&W Australia would be transferred to a third party. We expect that S&W Australia will no longer be our subsidiary, or owned or controlled by us in any manner, at the conclusion of the voluntary administration process and therefore all of the related business conducted through S&W Australia will cease to be included within the scope of our business. As a result, if, as expected, we do not regain control of S&W Australia at the conclusion of the voluntary administration process, we will no longer include S&W Australia in our consolidated financials. S&W Australia had $43.8 million in total assets, $46.8 million and $6. 4 million in total liabilities and ($2.6) million in stockholders' equity as of June 30, 2024. S&W Australia's revenue and net loss for the year ended June 30, 2024 were $26.4 million and ($10.8 million and $6. 0) million, respectively, which is included in our Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the year ended June 30, 2024. The discussions and descriptions throughout the remainder of this Item 1 reflect our expectation that S&W Australia will no longer be our subsidiary, or owned or controlled by us in any manner, at the conclusion of the voluntary administration process. We expect our operations to continue to grow in the future, both as we expand our historical alfalfa seed business both domestically and internationally through internal growth and synergistic acquisitions and increase our growers’ production. 3 Our Strategy The global agriculture market is experiencing rapid change driven by population growth, increasing consumer demand and emerging markets, environmental challenges, limited availability of arable land and diverse regulatory requirements. Our Strategy The global agriculture market is experiencing rapid change driven by population growth, increasing consumer demand and emerging markets, environmental challenges, limited availability of arable land and diverse regulatory requirements. As a result, farmers and other industry participants are facing continuous pressure to cost-effectively increase productivity and output. These and certain other factors have led to strategic realignments and significant consolidation in the seed industry, leaving a small number of large players. We believe this environment presents an opportunity to build a global agricultural company focused on crop and market opportunities that large seed companies may overlook, underserve or ineffectively address. We believe our core strengths listed below position us to capitalize on this market opportunity: •Strong Germplasm Asset Base and Development Capabilities. We believe we have the largest and most diversified sorghum and alfalfa germplasm pool in the world. Our germplasm pool offers traits sought by farmers who grow forage hay, forage sorghum and grain sorghum, including high yield, drought tolerance and disease tolerance. We continue to invest in research and development programs, with an emphasis on driving trait improvement across all of our crop categories. We continue to invest in research and development programs in the United States, Australia and South America with an emphasis on driving trait improvement across all of our crop categories. •Cost-Efficient Supply Chain. We produce seed in the Western United States and certain other locations under contract with select third-party growers, many of which are longstanding. We produce seed in the Western United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Argentina under contract with select third-party growers. Our production capabilities allow us to produce seed close to the customer to ensure the seed product is developed specifically for the conditions and requirements of that customer’s region and produced at low cost. Our global, but localized, production capabilities allow us to produce seed close to the customer to ensure the seed product is developed specifically for the conditions and requirements of that customer’s region and produced at low cost. We condition and package seed primarily in our own facilities located in Texas. We condition and package seed primarily in our own facilities located in Texas and Australia. We believe that direct ownership of our production facility assets gives us more flexibility to react to demand changes unique to each geography, greater control over product quality and a lower cost structure. •Distribution Capabilities and Relationships. •Global Distribution Capabilities and Relationships. We believe that our dealer and distributor network is unique among middle-market seed companies, provides a platform to support sales growth across crop categories. In the United States, we believe that our 3 dealer and distributor network, unique among middle-market seed companies, provides a platform to support sales growth across crop categories. •Deep Industry Expertise. We believe that our management team has deep industry experience and a demonstrated record of success that is unmatched for a seed industry company of our size. Our leadership team includes both proven industry executives recruited to our company and top talent acquired through our various acquisitions. Mark Herrmann, our Chief Executive Officer, has over 35 years of experience in the agricultural seed industry, most recently serving as CEO of AgReliant Genetics, LLC, the third largest North American seed corn company and leader in soybeans and other supporting crops, from January 2016 to July 2020. Mark Herrmann, appointed as CEO effective July 1, 2023, has over 35 years of experience in the agricultural seed industry, most recently serving as CEO of AgReliant Genetics, LLC, the third largest North American seed corn company and leader in soybeans and other supporting crops, from January 2016 to July 2020. Our goal is to be a leading multi-crop, middle-market agricultural company delivering value to our customers and strong financial returns to our shareholders. To reach our goal, we have prioritized the following strategic initiatives: •Focus on Key Products that Address Unmet Market Needs. We expect to introduce over 10 new sorghum and alfalfa products during fiscal 2025 in North America. We also plan to continue development activities aimed at generating high-value improved traits in our crops and to continue commercialization of seed products carrying those traits. We also plan to continue development activities aimed at generating high-value improved traits in our crops and to begin commercialization of seed products carrying those traits. We completed a Spring 2022 commercial launch of sorghum hybrids incorporating our proprietary, patent-pending herbicide tolerant trait as part of our Double Team collaboration with ADAMA. With the persistence and concern of drought conditions, we expect our Double Team sorghum to continue gaining market share in the coming years as it has the prior two years. With the persistence and concern of drought conditions, we expect our Double Team sorghum to continue gaining market share in the coming years. In fiscal 2025, we expect to commercialize additional Double Team hybrids as well as launch the second generation of Double Team forage and grain sorghum. We are also developing and testing new sorghum products absent of prussic acid, a known toxin which can negatively impact animal health when sorghum plants are grazed. We expect our first PF hybrid will be commercialized in fiscal 2025. •Develop Licensing Strategy Business Model to Enhance Customer Experience. In fiscal 2025, we plan to launch a new business model for many of our private label customers focused on licensing our product for them to sell. We believe that by switching to this strategy, we will not only be more aligned with our competitors, but also provide our customers with more flexibility and control over their costs. •Exploit Production Capability for Best-In Class Cost Structure. •Exploit Production Capability for Best-In Class Cost Structure. Our streamlined supply chain provides us with flexibility in sourcing product to meet customer needs. Our streamlined international supply chain provides us with flexibility in sourcing product to meet customer needs. We are focused on exploiting this ability to shift 4 production to low-cost areas to both support our competitive position and improve our profit margins by increasing our efficiency. We are focused on exploiting this ability to shift production to low-cost areas to both support our competitive position and improve our margins by increasing our efficiency. Our Expected Fiscal 2025 Crops Sorghum The Sorghum Market. Sorghum comes in two types, forage and grain. Forage sorghum utilizes the whole plant fed to livestock through grazing, dried hay or sileage. Grain sorghum is bred and managed to maximize production of the seed or grain. While grain from sorghum has been traditionally used for livestock feed and in ethanol production, sorghum is gaining popularity as a substitute for wheat and other grains in food products due to its gluten-free characteristics, as well as its antioxidant, high protein, low fat, high fiber and non-GMO properties. Additionally, the pet food industry has been increasing its use of grain sorghum due to its nutritional benefits and enhanced digestibility. Sorghum requires less water to grow than many other crops and is generally used as a replacement for corn and other grains in areas where water is scarce. With the persistence and concern of drought conditions, we expect sorghum to become more prominent in the coming years. With the persistence and concern of drought conditions, we 4 expect sorghum to become more prominent in the coming years. Our primary markets for sorghum are currently in the United States, Mexico, and South America. S&W’s Sorghum Portfolio. We sell approximately 200 commercialized sorghum seed products, which includes both forage and grain sorghum. We believe that many of our sorghum hybrids are unmatched and consistently out-yield competitor products in select markets. Our focus moving forward is on our trait ladened products. In fiscal 2025, we plan to commercialize two to four new homozygous Double Team hybrids. We believe Double Team sorghum is the best over-the-top grass control trait on the market. Since its initial commercial launch in fiscal 2022, we are seeing increased market adoption, as farmers are realizing the value of our proprietary trait technology. After a successful commercial launch of Double Team forage sorghum in fiscal 2024, we anticipate a fiscal 2025 launch of our second generation of Double Team forage and grain sorghum. The second generation of Double Team will provide non-GMO tolerance to broad spectrum grass herbicide with increased spray flexibility. We also plan for a fiscal 2025 commercial launch of our PF hybrid in collaboration with The Agricultural Alumni Seed Improvement Association, Inc., an affiliate of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. PF sorghum removes naturally toxic metabolite from stressed forage sorghum resulting in safe, worry-free grazing and hay. We are anticipating a commercial launch in fiscal 2028 of a stacked trait, containing Double Team grain and forage sorghum plus PF. We continue to reduce our conventional sorghum product portfolio to ease inventory management and to devote more resources to our trait ladened products. We continue to reduce the conventional sorghum product portfolio to ease inventory management and to devote more resources to our trait ladened products. Alfalfa The Alfalfa Market. Alfalfa seed is primarily used for growing alfalfa hay, which is grown throughout the world as “forage” for livestock, including dairy and beef cattle, horses and sheep. The alfalfa industry (and therefore the alfalfa seed industry) is highly dependent on the dairy industry, which is the largest consumer of alfalfa hay. S&W’s Alfalfa Seed Portfolio. S&W’s Alfalfa Seed Portfolio. We currently sell approximately 75 commercialized alfalfa seed products, which includes both non-dormant varieties, which grow year-round, and dormant varieties, which have adapted to cold climates by going dormant during periods when frost or snow conditions would otherwise kill them. Our current portfolio of over 150 commercialized alfalfa seed products spans both non-dormant varieties, which grow year-round, and dormant varieties, which have adapted to cold climates by going dormant during periods when frost or snow conditions would otherwise kill them. Our specialty is high-yield alfalfa varieties with a wide range of adaptation across many growing environments. Our alfalfa seed products include varieties that exhibit the traits that farmers most value, such as high yield, root rot resistance, lodging resistance, salt tolerance, drought tolerance, leafhopper resistance and stem nematode resistance. Camelina In fiscal 2023, we entered into a partnership with Equilon Enterprises LLC (dba Shell Oil Products, or Shell) called Vision Bioenergy Oilseeds LLC, or Vision Bioenergy, an entity in which we currently retain a 34% minority interest. This partnership intends to develop camelina and other oilseed species from which oil and meal can be extracted for future processing into animal feed, biofuels, and other bioproducts. With a limited supply of arable land, camelina provides a long-term opportunity to maximize farmland food production. On February 14, 2024, Vision Bioenergy announced it had been granted a global license to certain proprietary varieties of camelina from Yield10 BioScience, Inc., or Yield10, a leader in the development of camelina. Yield10 is supplying Vision Bioenergy certain camelina varieties, including varieties exhibiting herbicide tolerance to spray application of the broadleaf herbicide glufosinate, which we believe will enable Vision Bioenergy to accelerate its planned commercial activities, especially given that herbicide tolerance is critical to enable a ramp up to the 5 commercial production of camelina. In calendar year 2024, Vision Bioenergy plans to sample this herbicide tolerance system with some of its key camelina growers, while simultaneously building planting seed supply to support a potential commercial launch in calendar year 2025. Stevia S&W’s Stevia Program. Our stevia research and development program focused on developing stevia into a U. Our stevia research and development program has focused on developing stevia into a U. S.-grown crop from 2009 to 2023. In fiscal 2023, our stevia program was paused, as management has elected to focus its attention on its primary crops, specifically Double Team sorghum. We continue to look for either a strategic partner in the food industry or a potential buyer for its viable stevia germplasm. Product Development We believe a successful seed business in the modern era should deliver a combination of two types of products: (i) traditional products of high-quality seed with genetics for high yield and end-use quality, appropriate disease and insect tolerance, and other agronomic characteristics; and (ii) differentiated products with high value proprietary traits that offer unique value for farmers or consumers and thus capture both market share and higher prices. Product Development We believe a successful seed business in the modern era should deliver a combination of two types of products: (i) traditional products of high-quality seed with genetics for high yield and end-use quality, appropriate disease and insect tolerance, and other agronomic characteristics; and (ii) differentiated products with high value proprietary traits that offer unique value for farmers or consumers and thus capture both market share and higher prices. We develop the first product type, which is based on good agronomic performance, in our breeding programs at multiple locations in the United States and through collaborations in South America. We develop the first product type, which is based on good agronomic performance, in our breeding programs at multiple locations in the United States and Australia and through collaborations in South America and Europe. These programs utilize state of the art equipment and experimental design and data analysis for field evaluation and track important agronomic traits using molecular genetic markers. Developing improved genetics for agronomic performance can take 5 to 15 years, depending on the species and specific genetic improvement targets. By maintaining a full R&D pipeline of genotypes in all stages of development, we believe we can deliver new varieties each year with incremental improvements over previous varieties. We develop the second product type, which emphasizes valuable and unique traits, both in-house and through exclusive collaborations. Our Double Team product was developed entirely in-house through our DNA and Tissue Culture Lab in Texas. Our PF trait, expected to have a pilot commercial launch in fiscal 2025, was developed through an exclusive arrangement with The Agricultural Alumni Seed Improvement Association, Inc. Our prussic acid free trait, expected to have a pilot launch in fiscal 2024, was developed through an exclusive arrangement with The Agricultural Alumni Seed Improvement Association, Inc. , an affiliate of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Our lab and technology personnel are focused on maintaining a continuous pipeline of traits that can be used to build value by increasing market share in both company and private label seed brands and by out-licensing to other seed companies on a royalty basis. For example, we completed our first out-license of Double Team technology to Mojo Seed in June 2022. Sales, Marketing and Distribution Our principal markets for sorghum and alfalfa sales are the United States, Mexico, and South America. Today, we primarily sell our seed products under the S&W brand or other brands we own, such as Sorghum Partners®. Private-label and licensing is an important part of our distribution strategy going forward. Our customers are primarily distributors and dealers. Our distributors and dealers, in turn, sell to farmers. We believe that selling through dealers and distributors enables our products to reach growers in areas where there are geographic or other constraints on direct sales efforts. We select dealers and distributors based on shared vision, technical expertise, local market knowledge and financial stability. Over the years, we have built dealer/distributor loyalty through an emphasis on service, access to breeders, ongoing training and promotional material support. Over the years, we have built dealer/distributor 6 loyalty through an emphasis on service, access to breeders, ongoing training and promotional material support. We limit the number of dealers and distributors with whom we have relationships in any particular area in order to provide adequate support and opportunity to those with whom we choose to do business. Both farmers and dealers use pest-control advisors who recommend the varieties or hybrids that will produce the best results in a particular location. Therefore, a key part of our marketing strategy is to educate the consultants, as well as the farmers, as to benefits of our seed varieties and hybrids. 6 We believe that our best marketing tool is the dissemination of information regarding the quality and characteristics of our propriety seed products to those persons who make the growing decisions. We believe that our best marketing tool is the dissemination of information regarding the quality and characteristics of our propriety seed products to those persons who make the growing decisions. We continue to place advertisements in trade journals, agriculture publications, and throughout social media. We also continue to participate in seed industry conferences and trade shows and engage in various other educational and outreach programs as we deem appropriate. Our sales efforts also involve significant in-person interaction with potential customers and distributors, as well as alternative approaches, including video conferencing and similar customer interaction models. Seed Production We produced seed in the Western United States and certain other locations under contract with select third-party contract growers. Seed Production We produce seed in the United States, Canada, Australia and South Africa under contract with select third-party contract growers. Our network of growers has the expertise needed to successfully grow high quality seed products. We have worked with many of the same growers on a long-term basis, and we believe that we have strong relationships with them. We allocate our seed production among our growers so that we can purchase the proper mix of seed each year. Our contracts with growers have terms ranging from one to seven years, depending on the crop and the production area. Our global, but localized, production capabilities allow us to produce close to the customer to ensure the seed product is developed specifically for the conditions and requirements of that region and is produced at the lowest cost. We condition and package seed primarily in our own facilities located in Texas; although in some markets (for example, California and Idaho) we use third-party processing services. We condition and package seed primarily in our own facilities located in Texas and Australia; although in some markets (for example, California) we use third-party processing services. We believe that direct ownership of production facility assets gives us more flexibility to respond to demand changes unique to each geography, greater control over product quality and a lower cost structure. Seasonality We contract with growers based upon our anticipated market demand. We mill, clean, and stock the seed during the harvest season and ship from inventory throughout the year. However, our seed business is seasonal. In the Northern hemisphere, production and harvest occurs from March through September while processing and shipping finished goods primarily occurs from October through May. In the Northern hemisphere, production and harvest occurs from March through September and processing and shipping finished goods primarily occurs from October through May. Proprietary Rights Ownership of and access to intellectual property rights are important to us. Proprietary Rights Ownership of and access to intellectual property rights are important to us. We sell proprietary seed varieties and hybrids that have been specially selected to manifest the traits we deem best suited to particular regions in which our seed is planted. Our ability to compete effectively is dependent upon the proprietary nature of the seeds, seedlings, processes, technologies and materials owned by or used by us or our growers. Our competitive position would be adversely affected if any competitors independently were to develop any technologies that substantially equal or surpass our own. In some cases, we obtain patent protection or plant breeder rights registrations for certain of our seed products. However, our principal method of guarding our proprietary varieties and hybrids is exercising a high degree of control over the supply chain. As part of this control process, we require our growers to deliver back to us all seed derived from our proprietary varieties and, in the case, of hybrids, limit supply of parent seed that enables hybrid production. Historically, we have found that these control mechanisms have been an effective means to protect our proprietary seed. However, because we often do not have more formal proprietary rights protections, it would be possible for persons with access to our seed or plants grown from our seed to reproduce proprietary seed, which could significantly harm our business and our reputation. Competition Competition in the seed industry, both domestically and internationally, is intense and we believe it is intensifying with industry consolidation. We believe that the key competitive drivers in the industry are proven performance, customer support in the field and value, taking into account not simply the price of the seed but also performance in the field. We face direct competition by other seed companies, including multinational agriculture companies, regional seed companies and small family-owned businesses, as well as subsidiaries or other affiliates of chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Our principal competitors by crop include: 7 •Sorghum. Our principal competitors include: •Alfalfa. In the U.S. market, our principal competitors are Pioneer, DeKalb (a subsidiary of Bayer) and Alta (division of Advanta). Our principal competitors in sorghum are Pioneer, DeKalb (a subsidiary of Bayer) and Alta (division of Advanta) in the U. In the Latin America market, our principal competitors are Nuseed, Brevant (a division of Pioneer), Dekalb (a subsidiary of Bayer), Advanta, RAGT and Group Don Mario (GDM). •Alfalfa. In the U.S. market, our principal competitors are Forage Genetics International (a subsidiary of Land O’ Lakes, Inc. market, our principal competitors in our alfalfa seed business are Forage Genetics International (a subsidiary of Land O’ Lakes, Inc. ) with their four main brands, as well as DLF through their recent acquisition of Corteva's Alforex brand and genetics, and their rights to produce the Pioneer commercial varieties for sale under DLF branding. There are also numerous private label brands that are mostly regional in marketing and distribution. Many of our existing and potential competitors have substantially greater research and product development capabilities and financial, marketing and human resources than we do. As a result, these competitors may: •succeed in developing products that are equal to or superior to our products or potential products or that achieve greater market acceptance than our products or potential products; •devote greater resources to developing, marketing or selling their products; •respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies or scientific advances and changes in customer requirements, which could render our products or potential products obsolete or less preferable; •obtain patents that block or otherwise inhibit our ability to develop and commercialize potential products we might otherwise develop; •withstand price competition more successfully than we can; •establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties that enhance their ability to address the needs of our customers or prospective customers; and •take advantage of acquisition or other opportunities more readily than we can. Environmental and Regulatory Matters Our agricultural operations are subject to a broad range of evolving environmental laws and regulations applicable to the markets in which we operate. These environmental laws and regulations are intended to address concerns related to air quality, storm water discharge and management and disposal of agricultural chemicals relating to seed treatment. Compliance with these laws and related regulations is an ongoing process that does not, and is not expected to, have a material effect on our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position. Environmental concerns are, however, inherent in most major agricultural operations, including those conducted by us, and there can be no assurance that the cost of compliance with environmental laws and regulations will not be material. Environmental concerns are, 8 however, inherent in most major agricultural operations, including those conducted by us, and there can be no assurance that the cost of compliance with environmental laws and regulations will not be material. Moreover, it is possible that future developments, such as increasingly strict environmental laws and enforcement policies thereunder, and further restrictions on the use of agricultural chemicals, could result in increased compliance costs. We also are subject to various laws and regulations relating to the transport, export/import and sale of seed applicable in the markets in which operate. Internationally, we are subject to various government laws and regulations (including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar non-U.S. laws and regulations) and local government regulations. To help ensure compliance with these laws and regulations, we have adopted specific risk management and compliance practices and policies, including a specific policy addressing the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Research and Development Research and Development expenses for the year ended June 30, 2024 totaled $4. Research and Development Research & Development expenses for the year ended June 30, 2023 totaled $5. 1 million compared to $5.2 million compared to $7. 2 million for the year ended June 30, 2023. Reverse Stock Split On September 26, 2024, at our special meeting of stockholders held on September 26, 2024, our stockholders approved a reverse stock split of our common stock at a ratio in the range of 1-for-5 to 1-for-20, with such ratio to be determined in the discretion of our board of directors, or Board, and with such reverse stock split to be effected at 8 such time and date as determined by the Board in its sole discretion (but in no event later than January 31, 2025). Following the special meeting of stockholders, on October 4, 2024, the Board unanimously approved a reverse stock split of all issued and outstanding shares of our common stock, at a ratio of 1-for-19, or the Reverse Stock Split. The Reverse Stock Split was implemented at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 17, 2024, or the Effective Time. The terms of the Reverse Stock Split were such that every 19 shares of our issued and outstanding common stock were automatically combined into one issued and outstanding share of common stock, without any change in par value per share. As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, proportionate adjustments were made to the per share exercise price and/or the number of shares issuable upon the exercise or vesting of all then outstanding stock options, restricted stock units and warrants, which resulted in a proportional decrease in the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise or vesting of such stock options, restricted stock units and warrants, and, in the case of stock options and warrants, a proportional increase in the exercise price of all such stock options and warrants. In addition, the number of shares reserved for issuance under our equity compensation plans immediately prior to the Effective Time were reduced proportionately. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. Stockholders of record were issued one whole share of common stock in exchange for any fractional interest that such stockholder would have otherwise received as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. The Reverse Stock Split affected all stockholders of record proportionately and did not affect any stockholder’s percentage ownership of our common stock, except to the extent that the Reverse Stock Split resulted in any stockholder owning an additional share. Our common stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis commencing upon market opening on The Nasdaq Capital Market on October 18, 2024. We have retroactively adjusted all share amounts and per share data herein to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split. Employees As of October 29, 2024, we have 71 total employees, of which 66 were full-time employees. Employees As of September 11, 2023, we had 153 total employees, of which 134 were full-time employees. Corporate History From 1980 until 2009, our business was operated as a general partnership. In October 2009, we incorporated in Delaware, and in December 2011, we reincorporated in Nevada. Contact Information Our principal business office is located at 2101 Ken Pratt Blvd., Suite 201, Longmont, Colorado 80501, and our telephone number is (720) 506-9191. Our website address is www.swseedco.com.
Information contained on our website or any other website does not constitute part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the inclusion of our website address in this report is an inactive textual reference only. 9 Item 1A. Risk Factors Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry We need to raise additional capital in the future. If we are unsuccessful in attracting new capital, we may not be able to continue operations or may be forced to sell assets to do so. Alternatively, capital may not be available to us on favorable terms, or if at all. If available, financing terms may lead to significant dilution of our stockholders’ equity. Excluding a one-time gain recognized in fiscal 2023, we are not profitable and have had negative cash flow from operations for the last several years. To help fund our operations, we have in part relied on equity and debt financings. We will need to obtain additional funds to finance our operations in the future, and we could spend our available financial resources much faster than we currently expect. Our loan and security agreement with CIBC Bank USA, or CIBC, which matures on November 8, 2024 (or November 30, 2024 if we deliver to CIBC by November 8, 2024 an amended letter of credit issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. for the account of MFP Partners L.P., extending the letter of credit to December 31, 2024), S&W Australia's debt facilities with National Australia Bank Ltd., or NAB, and our AgAmerica note all contain various operating and financial covenants and the impact of adverse geopolitical and macroeconomic events and other factors affecting our results of operations have increased the risk of our inability to comply with these covenants, which could result in acceleration of our repayment obligations and foreclosure on our pledged assets., or NAB, and our AgAmerica note all contain various operating and financial covenants, and the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors affecting our results of operations have increased the risk of our inability to comply with these covenants, which could result in acceleration of our repayment obligations and foreclosure on our pledged assets. In addition, these loan agreements contain cross-default provisions, such that certain defaults or breaches under any of our loan agreements may entitle CIBC or NAB to invoke default remedies. We were not in compliance with certain of these covenants in the past and were required to obtain waivers and/or amendments from CIBC and NAB. For example, S&W Australia’s entry into voluntary administration constituted an event of default and automatic acceleration of S&W Australia’s obligations under the NAB debt facility. However, such acceleration is stayed while S&W Australia is under voluntary administration. S&W Australia’s obligations under the NAB debt facility are guaranteed by us up to a maximum of AUD $15.0 million (USD $10.0 million (USD $9. 0 million as of June 30, 2024), or the Parent Guarantee. Our obligations under the Parent Guarantee are not subject to a stay in connection with S&W Australia’s voluntary administration. S&W Australia’s entry into voluntary administration also constituted an event of default under our CIBC debt facility as a result of cross-default provisions. On August 5, 2024, we received a waiver from CIBC for the event of default. While we obtained waivers from CIBC and NAB for certain defaults and covenants in the past, there can be no assurance we will be successful in meeting our covenants, avoiding future defaults, or securing future waivers and/or amendments from our lenders. While we obtained waivers from CIBC and NAB for these covenants, there can be no assurance we will be successful in meeting our covenants or securing future waivers and/or amendments from our lenders. If we are unsuccessful in doing so, we may need to reduce the scope of our operations, repay amounts owing to our lenders, finance our cash needs through a combination of equity and debt financings, enter into collaborations, strategic alliances and licensing arrangements, delay payments to our growers, sell certain assets or divest certain operations. These factors, including any potential financial obligations resulting from the outcome of the voluntary administration and our obligations under the Parent Guarantee, raise substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. If we are required or desire to raise additional capital in the future, whether as a condition to loan refinancing or separately, such additional financing may not be available on favorable terms, or available at all. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, your ownership interest would be diluted and the terms of these securities could include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect your rights as a common stockholder. Debt financing may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends and may be secured by all or a portion of our assets, and may be on terms less favorable than our existing loans. If we fail to obtain additional capital as and when required, such failure could have a material impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. If we are required or desire to raise additional capital in the future, such additional financing may not be available on favorable terms, or available at all. In addition, as a result of geopolitical and macroeconomic events, such as global inflation, bank failures, uncertain market conditions, the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and related sanctions, the conflict in the Middle East, and other factors beyond our control, the global credit and financial markets have at times experienced extreme volatility, including diminished liquidity and credit availability, declines in consumer confidence, declines in economic growth, and uncertainty about economic stability. In addition, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and actions taken to slow its spread, recent and potential future bank failures, the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the armed conflict in Sudan, actual or anticipated changes in interest rates and economic inflation, and other factors beyond our control, the global credit and financial markets have at times experienced extreme volatility, including diminished liquidity and credit availability, declines in consumer confidence, declines in economic growth, increases in unemployment rates and uncertainty about economic stability. It is possible that further deterioration in credit and financial markets and confidence in economic conditions will occur. If equity and credit markets deteriorate, it may affect our ability to raise equity capital, borrow on our existing facilities or make any 10 additional necessary debt or equity financing more difficult to obtain, more costly and/or more dilutive. If equity and credit markets deteriorate, it may affect our ability to raise equity capital, borrow on our existing facilities or make any additional necessary debt or equity financing more difficult to obtain, more costly and/or more dilutive. In addition, our ability to comply with the terms of our loan agreements has been compromised and could result in an event of default. If an event of default were to occur, our lenders could accelerate our repayment obligations or enforce their other rights under our agreements with them. Any such default may also require us to seek additional or alternative financing, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Our earnings can be negatively impacted by declining demand brought on by varying factors, many of which are out of our control. Demand for our seed depends upon a variety of factors, including end demand for the crops grown from the seed. For example, Saudi Arabia announced a discontinuation of import permits for alfalfa seed in fiscal 2024, and as a result, significantly decreased the demand for alfalfa seed in the Middle East. In Saudi Arabia, we recognized $3.7 million and $9.8 million and $6. 8 million in revenue for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. In addition, demand for our products could decline because of other supply and quality issues or for any other reason, including products of competitors that might be considered superior by end users. A decline in demand for our products could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our earnings may also be sensitive to fluctuations in market prices for seed. Market prices for our seed can be impacted by factors such as the quality of the seed and the available supply, including whether lower-priced and higher-quality seed is available. Market prices for our seed can be impacted by factors such as the quality of the seed and the available supply, including whether lower-quality, lower-priced seed is available. Growing conditions, particularly weather conditions such as windstorms, floods, droughts and freezes, as well as diseases and pests and the adventitious presence of GMO, are primary factors influencing the quality and quantity of the seed and, therefore, the market price at which we can sell our seed to our customers. A decrease in the prices received for our products could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our earnings are vulnerable to cost increases. Future increase in costs, such as the costs of growing seed and shipping seed, could cause our profit margins and earnings to decline unless we are able to pass along the increased price of production to our customers. Future increase in costs, such as the costs of growing seed and shipping seed, could cause our margins and earnings to decline unless we are able to pass along the increased price of production to our customers. We may not be able to increase the price of our seed sufficiently to maintain our profit margins and earnings in the future. We may not be able to increase the price of our seed sufficiently to maintain our margins and earnings in the future. Adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, crop disease, pests and other natural conditions can impose significant costs and losses on our business. Our seed crops are vulnerable to adverse weather conditions, including windstorms, floods, drought and temperature extremes, which are common but difficult to predict. In addition, seed crops are vulnerable to crop disease and to pests, which may vary in severity and effect, depending on the stage of production at the time of infection or infestation, the type of treatment applied and climatic conditions. The weather also can affect the quality, volume and cost of seed produced for sale as well as demand and product mix. Seed yields can be higher or lower than planned, which could lead to higher inventory and related write-offs. In addition, climate change may increase the frequency or intensity of extreme weather such as storms, floods, heat waves, droughts and other events that could affect the quality, volume and cost of seed produced for sale as well as demand and product mix. Climate change may also affect the availability and suitability of arable land and contribute to unpredictable shifts in the average growing season and types of crops produced. Unfavorable growing conditions can reduce both crop size and quality. Although we do not grow any of our seed directly, these factors can still impact us by potentially decreasing the quality and yields of our seed and reducing our available inventory. These factors can increase costs, decrease revenue and lead to additional charges to earnings, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We have entered into a partnership for the development, marketing and production of camelina. Our future revenues may be substantially dependent on the success of this relationship and we do not have any control over the operations or decision-making of the partnership. This partnership may not be successful, and we may be unable to realize any significant recurring commercial benefit from them. These collaborative relationships may not be successful, and we may be unable to realize any significant recurring commercial benefit from them. As part of our overall business strategy, we have entered into a partnership with Equilon Enterprises LLC (dba Shell Oil Products US, or Shell), for the development and production of sustainable biofuel feedstocks through Vision 11 Bioenergy Oilseeds LLC, an entity in which we retained a 34% interest. In addition, in February 2023, we entered into a partnership with Equilon Enterprises LLC (dba Shell Oil Products US, or Shell), for the development and production of sustainable biofuel feedstocks through Vision Bioenergy Oilseeds LLC, an entity in which we retain a 34% interest. We believe our future revenues may be substantially dependent on the success of this partnership. Our partnership partner has primary responsibility for, and control over, the operations of this partnership, including the development, marketing and production of the products on which they are focused. Our partnership partners have primary responsibility for, and control over, the operations of these partnerships, including the development, marketing and production of the products on which they are focused. We have limited or no control over our partner's decisions, including the amount and timing of resources that they dedicate to such activities. If the partnership partner fails to successfully manage the partnership, the development, marketing and/or production of the applicable product may be delayed or may not occur at all. If a partnership partner fails to successfully manage its respective partnership, the development, marketing and/or production of the applicable product may be delayed or may not occur at all. As a result, this collaborative effort may not be as successful as we expect, or at all, and we may be unable to realize any significant recurring commercial benefit from it. As a result, these collaborative efforts may not be as successful as we expect, or at all, and we may be unable to realize any significant recurring commercial benefit from them. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, which in turn could result in a significant decline in the market price of our common stock. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, which in turn could result in a significant decline in the market price of our common stock. Because our seed business is highly seasonal, our revenue, cash flows from operations and operating results may fluctuate on a seasonal and quarterly basis. Our seed business is seasonal. The seasonal nature of our operations results in significant fluctuations in our working capital during the growing and selling cycles. We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, significant variability in net sales, operating cash flows and net (loss) income on a quarterly basis. We have had a material concentration of revenue from a small group of customers that fluctuates, and the loss of any of these customers in any quarter could have a material adverse effect on our revenue. 12 We have had a material concentration of revenue from a small group of customers that fluctuates, and the loss of any of these customers in any quarter could have a material adverse effect on our revenue. On a historical basis, we have experienced a material concentration of revenue from a small group of customers. This concentration fluctuates from quarter to quarter, depending on our customer's specific requirements, which are themselves cyclical. However, in any particular quarter, we generally have a small group of customers that accounts for a substantial portion of that quarter’s revenue. Most of these customers are not contractually obligated to purchase seed from us. The loss of one or more of these customers on a quarterly basis, when taken year over year, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and operating cash flows. We have in the past, and may in the future, suffer material adverse effects from losses arising from a major customer's disputes regarding shipments, product quality or related matters, or from our inability to collect accounts receivable from any major customer. We could also suffer a material adverse effect from any losses arising from a major customer's disputes regarding shipments, product quality or related matters, or from our inability to collect accounts receivable from any major customer. There are no assurances that we will be able to maintain our current customer relationships or that they will continue to purchase our seed in the current projected quantities. Any failure to do so may materially adversely impact our business. Because we depend on a core group of significant customers, our sales, cash flows from operations and results of operations may be negatively affected if our key customers reduce the amount of products they purchase from us. Although our customer concentration should decline as our product mix becomes more diverse, there is no assurance that we will be able to maintain the relationships with our major customers or that they will continue to purchase our seed in the quantities that we expect and rely upon. If we cannot do so, our results of operations could suffer. Because we do not grow the seed that we sell, we are completely dependent on our network of contract growers, and our sales, cash flows from operations and results of operations may be negatively affected if we are unable to maintain an adequate network of contract growers to supply our seed requirements. We do not directly grow any of the seed that we sell, and therefore, we are entirely dependent upon our network of growers. While we have some supply contracts with our growers of up to seven years in duration, many of our grower contracts cover only one year, which makes us particularly vulnerable to factors beyond our control. Events such as a shift in pricing caused by an increase in the value of commodity crops other than seed crops, increase in land prices, unexpected competition or reduced water availability could disrupt our supply chain. For example, if a particular crop is paying a materially higher price than has been paid in the past, growers may decide to not grow our seed crops in favor of receiving a higher return from an alternative crop planted on the same acreage. If a particular crop is paying a materially higher price than has been paid in the past, growers may decide to not grow our seed crops in favor of receiving a higher return from an alternative crop planted on the same acreage. Any of these disruptions could limit the supply of seed that we obtain in any given year, adversely affecting supply and thereby lowering revenue. Such disruption could also damage our customer relationships and loyalty to us if we cannot supply the quantity of seed expected by them. In addition, if we are unable to maintain sufficient liquidity to pay our growers as payments come due, this could also damage our relationships with our growers and industry reputation, which could reduce the number of growers willing to contract with us, which could further harm our ability to supply the quantity of seed necessary to meet customer demand. 12 Our ability to contract for sufficient acreage presents challenges. Our ability to contract for sufficient acreage presents challenges. In order to increase revenue and earnings, we continue to need more production acreage. As we continue to increase the number of acres under contract and/or to move production into new geographical locations, we face challenges that can impede our ability to produce as much seed inventory as we have budgeted. For example, when we move production into new geographical locations, we may find it difficult to identify growers with the expertise to grow our seed crops, and we may not have sufficient company personnel available in such new locations to provide production advice on a timely basis. We also face increased competition for conventional seed acreage as the need for technology acres grows, which is further complicated by the field isolation issue relating to GMO crops that can reduce the amount of acreage available for conventional alfalfa seed crops. If we are unable to secure the acreage we need to meet our planned production for the crop year and are unable to purchase seed in the market, our results of operations could suffer, as would our reputation. A lack of availability of water in any of our production areas could impact our business. Adequate quantities and correct timing of the application of water are vital for most agriculture to thrive. Whether particular farms are experiencing water shortages depends, in large part, on their location. However, continuing drought conditions can threaten all farmland other than those properties with their own water sources. Foreign or domestic regulations regarding water usage and rights may also limit the availability of water. Although our current seed products are not water-intensive crops, the availability or the cost of water is a factor in the planting of the crops grown from our seed. Moreover, if the farmers and others who purchase our seed to grow crops cannot get an adequate supply of water, or if the cost of water makes it uneconomical for the farmers to grow the crops, we may not be able to sell our seed, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations. Moreover, if the farmers and others who purchase our seed to grow crops cannot get an 13 adequate supply of water, or if the cost of water makes it uneconomical for the farmers to grow the crops, we may not be able to sell our seed, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations. We face intense competition, and our inability to compete effectively for any reason could adversely affect our business. Competition in the seed industry both domestically and internationally is intense, and we believe it is intensifying with industry consolidation. We face direct competition from other seed companies, including multinational agriculture companies, regional seed companies and small family-owned businesses, as well as subsidiaries or other affiliates of chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, many of which have substantially greater resources than we do. We face direct competition from other seed companies, including multinational agriculture companies, regional seed companies and small family-owned businesses, as well as subsidiaries or other affiliates of chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, many of which have substantially greater resources than we do. These resources give our competitors greater operating flexibility that, in certain cases, may permit them to respond better or more quickly to changes in the industry or to introduce new products more quickly and with greater marketing support. Increased competition could result in lower profit margins, substantial pricing pressure, reduced market share and lower operating cash flows. Additionally, data analytic tools and web-based new direct purchase models offer increased transparency and comparability, which increases price pressures. Price competition, together with other forms of competition, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and operating cash flows. If we are unable to estimate our customers’ future needs accurately and to match our production to the demand of our customers, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected. We sell our seed primarily to dealers and distributors who, in turn, sell primarily to farmers who grow crops from the seed. Due to the nature of the seed industry, we normally produce seed according to our production plan before we sell and deliver seed to distributors and dealers. Our dealers and distributors generally make purchasing decisions for our products based on market prices, economic and weather conditions and other factors that we and our dealers and distributors may not be able to anticipate accurately in advance. If we fail to accurately estimate the volume and types of products sought by the end users and otherwise adequately manage production amounts, we may produce more seed than our dealers and distributors want, resulting in excess inventory levels. It may be difficult for us to dispose of all of our inventory on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Also, retention of excess inventory over extended periods of time increases the risk that certain inventory lots may deteriorate in quality and germination rates. If we determine that the value of our inventories exceeds the market value of product that we reasonably believe we can sell, we may need to record an impairment charge for a portion of our inventory in one or more fiscal periods. For example, our cost of revenue for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 included inventory write-downs of $2. For example, our cost of revenue for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 included inventory write-downs of $2. 0 million and $2.8 million and $6. 8 million, respectively, related to certain inventory lots that deteriorated or were expected to deteriorate in quality and germination rates. Any such impairment charge or any failure to sell inventory on commercially reasonable terms could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and operating cash flows. 13 On the other hand, if we underestimate demand, we may not be able to satisfy our dealers and distributors' demand for seed, and thus damage our customer relations and end-user loyalty. On the other hand, if we underestimate demand, we may not be able to satisfy our dealers and distributors' demand for seed, and thus damage our customer relations and end-user loyalty. Our failure to estimate end users’ future needs and to match our production to the demand of our customers may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our third-party distributors may not effectively distribute our products. We depend in part on third-party distributors and strategic relationships for the marketing and selling of our products. We depend on these distributors’ efforts to market our products, yet we are unable to control their efforts completely. In addition, we are unable to ensure that our distributors comply with all applicable laws regarding the sale of our products, including the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended. If our distributors fail to effectively market and sell our products, and in full compliance with applicable laws, our operating results and business may suffer. We extend credit to our international customers, which exposes us to the difficulties of collecting our receivables in foreign jurisdictions if those customers fail to pay us. Although our payment terms for export seed sales often are prepaid, documentary collections or secured by a letter of credit, we do extend credit of up to 180 days to some of our international customers. Sales of our seed to international customers represented a material portion of our revenue in historical periods and we expect that we will continue to extend credit in connection with future sales. Because these customers are located in foreign countries, collection efforts, were they to become necessary, could be much more difficult and expensive than pursuing similar claims in the United States. Moreover, future political and/or economic factors, as well as future unanticipated trade regulations, could negatively impact our ability to timely collect outstanding receivables from these important customers. The extension of credit to our international customers exposes us to the risk that our seed will be delivered but that we may not receive all or a portion of the payment therefor. If these customers are unable or unwilling to fully pay for the seed they purchase on credit, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially negatively impacted. Moreover, our internal forecasts on which we make business decisions throughout the year could be severely compromised, which could, in turn, mean that we spend capital for operations, investment or otherwise that we would not have spent had we been aware that the customer would not honor its credit extension obligation. Our current reliance on the seed development and production business does not permit us to spread our business risks among different business segments, and thus a disruption in our seed production or the industry would harm us more immediately and directly than if we were more diversified. We currently operate primarily in the agricultural seed business, and we do not expect this to change materially in the foreseeable future. Without business line diversity, we will not be able to spread the risk of our operations. Therefore, our business opportunities, revenue and income could be more immediately and directly affected by disruptions from such things as drought and disease or widespread problems affecting the seed markets, payment disruptions and customer rejection of our seed. Therefore, our business opportunities, revenue and income could be more immediately and directly affected by disruptions from such things as drought and disease or widespread problems affecting the alfalfa, sorghum, sunflower and pasture seed markets, payment disruptions and customer rejection of our seed. If there is a disruption as described above, our revenue and earnings could be reduced, and our business operations might have to be scaled back. If we fail to introduce and commercialize new seed products, we may not be able to maintain market share, and our future sales may be harmed. The performance of our new seed products may not meet our customers’ expectations, or we may not be able to introduce and commercialize specific seed varieties and hybrids. Reorder rates are uncertain due to several factors, many of which are beyond our control. These include changing customer preferences, which could be further complicated by competitive price pressures, our failure to develop new products to meet the evolving demands of the end users, the development of higher-demand products by our competitors and general economic conditions. The process for new products to gain market recognition and acceptance is long and has uncertainties. New products may be abandoned for many reasons, including greater than anticipated development costs, competition, decrease in demand and the need to divert focus, from time to time, to other initiatives with perceived opportunities for better returns. If we fail to introduce and commercialize new seed products that meet the demands of the end user, if our competitors develop products that are favored by the end users, or if we are unable to produce our existing products in sufficient quantities, our growth prospects may be materially and adversely affected, and our revenue may decline. In addition, sales of our new products could replace sales of some of our current similar products, offsetting the benefit of a successful product introduction. 14 The presence of GMO alfalfa in California could impact our sales. GMO crops currently are prohibited in most of the international markets in which our proprietary seed is currently sold. There are regions in the United States, including the Pacific Northwest, where even small quantities of GMO material inadvertently interspersed with conventional (non-GMO) alfalfa seed make the seed undesirable, which causes customers to look elsewhere for their alfalfa seed requirements. The greater the use of GMO seed in California and other alfalfa seed growing regions, the greater the risk that the adventitious presence of GMO material in our seed production will occur due to pollination from hay fields or other seed fields. We regularly test for the adventitious presence of GMO in our conventional alfalfa seed, and we have seen a slight increase in the percentage of GMO presence in conventional alfalfa seed over the past several years. Our seed containing GMO material can only be sold domestically or in other jurisdictions that permit the importation of GMO alfalfa. If we are unable to isolate our conventional alfalfa seed from inadvertently being contaminated by GMO seed, we may find it more difficult to sell that seed in our key markets and we may have insufficient quantities of seed to sell internationally, either of which could materially adversely impact our revenue over time. The loss of key employees or the failure to attract qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on our ability to run our business. The loss of any of our current executives, key employees or key advisors, or the failure to attract, integrate, motivate and retain additional key employees, could have a material adverse effect on our business. Although we have employment agreements with our executive officers, as well as certain other employees, all of our employees are employed “at-will” and could leave our employ at any time. Although we have employment agreements with our executive officers, as well as certain other employees, all of our employees are 15 employed “at-will” and could leave our employ at any time. We do not carry “key person” insurance on the lives of any of our management team. As we develop additional capabilities, we may require more skilled personnel who must be highly skilled and have a sound understanding of our industry, business or processing requirements. Recruiting skilled personnel is highly competitive. Although to date we have been successful in recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, there can be no assurance that we will continue to attract and retain the personnel needed for our business. The failure to attract or retain qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business. We may not be able to manage expansion of our operations effectively. We expect our operations related to our sorghum seed business to continue to grow in the future as we expand both domestically and internationally through internal growth and increase our growers’ production. We expect our operations to continue to grow in the future, both as we expand our historical alfalfa seed business both domestically and internationally through internal growth and synergistic acquisitions and increase our growers’ production. These efforts will require the addition of employees, expansion of facilities and greater oversight, perhaps in diverse locations. If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, we may not be able to take advantage of market opportunities, execute on our business strategies or respond to competitive pressures, and we may have difficulties maintaining and updating the internal procedures and the controls necessary to meet the planned expansion of our overall business. Our management will also be required to maintain and expand our relationships with customers, suppliers and other third parties as well as attract new customers and suppliers. We expect that our sales and marketing costs will increase as we grow our product lines and as we increase our sales efforts in new and existing markets. Our current and planned operations, personnel, systems and internal procedures and controls may not be adequate to support our future growth. S&W Australia's voluntary administration is expected to result in S&W Australia’s business no longer being conducted through us, which would significantly reduce the scope of our overall worldwide operations and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations. As a result of the voluntary administration process, we currently do not control S&W Australia, and on October 11, 2024, creditors of S&W Australia approved a proposed Deed of Company Arrangement, pursuant to which, among other things, the outstanding shares of S&W Australia would be transferred to a third party. We expect that S&W Australia will no longer be our subsidiary, or owned or controlled by us in any manner, and therefore all of the related business conducted out of S&W Australia will cease to be included within the scope of our business. As a result, if, as expected, we do not regain control of S&W Australia at the conclusion of the voluntary administration process, we will no longer include S&W Australia in our consolidated financials. This would significantly reduce the scope of our overall worldwide operations, and could have a material adverse effect on business, financial position and results of operation. Failure to comply with the laws and regulations that affect our global operations could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. S&W Australia had $43.8 million in total assets, $46.8 million and $6. 4 million in total liabilities and ($2.6) million in stockholders' equity as of June 30, 2024. S&W Australia's revenue and net loss for the year 15 ended June 30, 2024 were $26.4 million and ($10.8 million and $6. 0) million, respectively, which was included in our consolidated financials as of and for the year ended June 30, 2024. S&W Australia's voluntary administration may have a negative adverse effect upon our financial condition. S&W Australia’s entry into voluntary administration constituted an event of default and automatic acceleration of S&W Australia’s obligations under its debt facilities with NAB. However, such acceleration is stayed while S&W Australia is under voluntary administration. Also, S&W Australia’s obligations under the NAB debt facility are guaranteed by us up to a maximum of AUD $15.0 million (USD $10.0 million (USD $9. 0 million as of June 30, 2024) per our Parent Guarantee. Our obligations under the Parent Guarantee are not subject to a stay in connection with S&W Australia’s voluntary administration. As a result, S&W Australia's financial dependency on us could have a negative adverse effect upon our financial condition. S&W Australia's financial dependency upon us could have a negative adverse effect upon our financial condition. Changes in government policies and laws could adversely affect international sales and therefore our financial results. Historically, sales to our distributors who sell our proprietary seed varieties outside the United States have constituted a meaningful portion of our annual revenue. Historically, sales to our distributors who sell our proprietary alfalfa seed varieties outside the United States have constituted a meaningful portion of our annual revenue. We anticipate that sales into international markets will represent a material amount of our total sales and that continued growth and profitability will require further international expansion. We anticipate that sales into international markets will continue to represent a meaningful portion of our total sales and that continued growth and profitability will require further international expansion, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. Our financial results could be affected by various conditions, including changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies, laws and regulations, or other activities of U. Our financial results could be affected by changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies, laws and regulations, or other activities of U. S. and non-U.S. governments, agencies and similar organizations. For example, in fiscal 2024, the Department of Ministry in Saudi Arabia discontinued their approval of import permits for all forage seed, which includes alfalfa and all grasses, as a means of water conservation, which adversely affected our international sales. These conditions may also include but are not limited to changes in a country’s or region’s economic or political conditions, trade regulations affecting production, pricing and marketing of products, local labor conditions and regulations, reduced protection of intellectual property rights in some countries, changes in the regulatory or legal environment, burdensome taxes and tariffs and other trade barriers. These conditions include but are not limited to changes in a country’s or region’s economic or political conditions, trade regulations affecting production, pricing and marketing of products, local labor conditions and regulations, reduced protection of intellectual property rights in some countries, changes in the regulatory or legal environment, burdensome taxes and tariffs and other trade barriers. International risks and uncertainties, including changing social and economic conditions as well as terrorism, political hostilities and war, could lead to reduced distribution of our products into international markets and reduced profitability associated with such sales. We are subject to risks associated with doing business globally. 17 We are subject to risks associated with doing business globally. Our operations, both inside and outside the U.S., are subject to risks inherent in conducting business globally and under the laws, regulations and customs of various jurisdictions and geographies. Developments in these jurisdictions and geographies may have a significant effect on our operations. For example, Saudi Arabia announced a discontinuation of import permits for alfalfa seed in fiscal 2024, and as a result, significantly decreased the demand for alfalfa seed in the Middle East. In Saudi Arabia, we recognized $3.7 million and $9.8 million and $6. 8 million in revenue for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our operations outside the U.S. are subject to special risks and restrictions, including, without limitation: •fluctuations in currency values and foreign-currency exchange rates; •exchange control regulations; •changes in local political or economic conditions; •governmental pricing directives; import and trade restrictions; •import or export licensing requirements and trade policy; •restrictions on the ability to repatriate funds; and •other potentially detrimental domestic and foreign governmental practices or policies affecting U. Our operations outside the United States are subject to special risks and restrictions, including, without limitation: •fluctuations in currency values and foreign-currency exchange rates; •exchange control regulations; •changes in local political or economic conditions; •governmental pricing directives; import and trade restrictions; •import or export licensing requirements and trade policy; •restrictions on the ability to repatriate funds; and •other potentially detrimental domestic and foreign governmental practices or policies affecting U. S. companies doing business abroad, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the trade sanctions laws and regulations administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. Furthermore, our ability to export our products and our sales outside the United States may be adversely affected by significant changes in trade, tax, or other policies, including the risk that other countries may retaliate through the imposition of their own trade restrictions and/or increased tariffs in response to substantial changes to U.S. trade and 16 tax policies. trade and tax policies. Acts of terror or war may impair our ability to operate in particular countries or regions and may impede the flow of goods and services between countries. Customers in weakened economies may be unable to purchase our products, or it could become more expensive for them to purchase imported products in their local currency, or sell their commodity at prevailing international prices, and we may be unable to collect receivables from such customers. Further, changes in exchange rates may affect our net earnings, the book value of our assets outside the United States and our stockholders’ equity. Failure to comply with the laws and regulations that affect our global operations could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Additionally, in many markets there are various pressures to reduce government subsidies to farmers, which may inhibit the growth in these markets of products used in agriculture. In addition, government programs that create incentives for farmers may be modified or discontinued. However, it is difficult to predict accurately whether, and if so when, such changes will occur. We expect that the policies of governments and international organizations will continue to affect the planting choices made by growers as well as the income available to growers to purchase products used in agriculture and, accordingly, the operating results of the agriculture industry. The effects of the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine may have an adverse impact on our business. The global economy has been negatively impacted by the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in early 2022, the U.S. and global financial markets experienced volatility, which has led to disruptions to trade, commerce, pricing stability, credit availability, supply chain continuity and reduced access to liquidity globally. In response to the invasion, the United States, United Kingdom and European Union, along with others, imposed significant new sanctions and export controls against Russia, Russian banks and certain Russian individuals and may implement additional sanctions or take further punitive actions in the future. The full economic and social impact of the sanctions imposed on Russia and possible future punitive measures that may be implemented, as well as the counter measures imposed by Russia, in addition to the ongoing military conflict between Ukraine and Russia and related sanctions, which could conceivably expand into the surrounding region, remains uncertain; however, both the conflict and related sanctions have resulted and could continue to result in disruptions to trade, commerce, pricing stability, credit availability, supply chain continuity and reduced access to liquidity on acceptable terms, in both Europe and globally, and has introduced significant uncertainty into global markets. Shifts in these underlying conditions may negatively impact our profit margins. Furthermore, our market environment and, consequently, our business performance may be adversely impacted. Further escalation of the military conflict or related geopolitical tensions, including increased trade barriers or restrictions on global trade, could result in, among other things, cyberattacks, supply disruptions, and changes to foreign exchange rates and financial markets, any of which may adversely affect our business and supply chains. 18 Further escalation of the military conflict or related geopolitical tensions, including increased trade barriers or restrictions on global trade, could result in, among other things, cyberattacks, supply disruptions, and changes to foreign exchange rates and financial markets, any of which may adversely affect our business and supply chains. Failure to comply with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or similar laws could subject us to penalties and other adverse consequences. Failure to comply with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or similar laws could subject us to penalties and other adverse consequences. We are subject to the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which generally prohibits United States companies, including their suppliers, distributors and other commercial partners, from engaging in bribery or other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Corruption, extortion, bribery, pay-offs, theft and other fraudulent practices occur from time-to-time in the countries in which we distribute products. We have adopted formal policies and procedures designed to facilitate compliance with these laws. If our employees or other agents, including our distributors or suppliers, are found to have engaged in such practices, we could suffer severe penalties and other consequences that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Logistical challenges could negatively impact our business. We may experience logistical challenges due to limited availability of trucks for product deliveries, congestion at the ports and overall volatility of shipping and transportation costs, which may reduce our ability to recognize revenue timely and as such, harm our results of operations. We expect that the policies of governments and international organizations will continue to affect the planting choices made by growers as well as the income available to growers to purchase products used in agriculture and, accordingly, the operating results of the agriculture industry. Environmental regulation affecting our seed products could negatively impact our business. Environmental regulation affecting our seed products could negatively impact our business. Our agricultural operations are subject to a broad range of evolving environmental laws and regulations applicable to the markets in which we operate. These environmental laws and regulations are intended to address concerns related to, among other things, air quality, storm water discharge and management and disposal of agricultural chemicals relating to seed treatment. 17 In the U.S., we are subject to evolving environmental laws and regulations by federal and state governments. Federal laws and regulations include the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Federal Seed Act, and potentially regulations of the FDA and/or other State regulatory agencies. Our failure to comply with these laws and related regulations could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Moreover, it is possible that future developments, such as increasingly strict environmental laws and enforcement policies thereunder, and further restrictions on the use of agricultural chemicals, could result in increased compliance costs which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. If we are unable to obtain government approvals for certain of our products, we may be unable to commercialize those products in certain markets. Our ability to launch and commercialize certain new products is subject to regulatory approval, which can be lengthy, costly, complex and in some markets unpredictable. The regulatory environment may be impacted by the activities of non-governmental organizations and special interest groups and stakeholder reaction to actual or perceived impacts of new and existing technology, products, or processes on safety, health, and the environment. Seed products incorporating biotechnology derived traits and crop protection products must be extensively tested for safety, efficacy, and environmental impact before they can be registered for production, use, sale or commercialization in a given market. Obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals requires submitting a significant amount of information and data, which may require participation from technology providers. If we are unable to receive the necessary approvals, we will be unable to produce and sell certain of our current and future products, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Unauthorized access to our information technology systems, infrastructure and data could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. 19 Unauthorized access to our information technology systems, infrastructure and data could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We are dependent upon our own and third-party information technology systems, infrastructure and data, including mobile technologies, to operate our business. The multitude and complexity of our computer systems may make them vulnerable to service interruption or destruction, disruption of data integrity, malicious intrusion, or random attacks. Likewise, data privacy or security incidents or breaches by employees or others may pose a risk that sensitive data, including our intellectual property, trade secrets or personal information of our employees, customers or other business partners may be exposed to unauthorized persons or to the public. Our business partners face similar risks, and any security breach of their systems could adversely affect our security posture. In addition, cyberattacks are increasing in their frequency, sophistication and intensity. Cyber-attacks could include the deployment of harmful malware, denial-of-service, social engineering and other means to affect service reliability and threaten data confidentiality, integrity and availability. Moreover, the prevalent use of mobile devices that access confidential information increases the risk of data security breaches, which could lead to the loss of confidential information, trade secrets or other intellectual property. A security breach, including, for example, a misappropriation of customer, distributor or employee confidential information, trade secrets or intellectual property, could disrupt our business and result in increased costs or loss of revenue, which may include potential costs of investigations, legal, forensic and consulting fees and expenses, costs and diversion of management’s attention required for investigation, remediation and litigation, substantial repair or replacement costs. In addition, any disruption in our information technology systems, loss of data or other disruptions could impair our ability to manage inventories, process transactions and communicate with our customers, which could prevent us from being able to fulfill orders, result in cancellations and loss of customers, cause us reputational harm and generally disrupt our ability to conduct our business, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. While we have implemented measures for the protection of our data and information technology infrastructure, there can be no assurance that our efforts will prevent service interruptions, or identify breaches in our systems, that could adversely affect our business and operations and/or result in the loss of critical or sensitive information, which could result in financial, legal, business or reputational harm to us. In addition, our liability insurance may not be sufficient in type or amount to cover us against claims related to security breaches, cyberattacks and other related breaches. 18 Insurance covering defective seed claims may become unavailable or be inadequate. Insurance covering defective seed claims may become unavailable or be inadequate. Defective seed could result in insurance claims and negative publicity. Although we carry general liability insurance to cover defective seed claims, such coverage may become unavailable or be inadequate. Even if coverage is offered, it may be at a price and on terms not acceptable to us. If claims exceed coverage limits, or if insurance is not available to us, the occurrence of significant claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We may be exposed to product quality claims, which may cause us to incur substantial legal expenses and, if determined adversely against us, may cause us to pay significant damage awards. We may be subject to legal proceedings and claims from time to time relating to our seed quality. The defense of these proceedings and claims can be both costly and time consuming and may significantly divert efforts and resources of our management personnel. An adverse determination in any such proceeding could subject us to significant liability and damage our market reputation and prevent us from achieving increased sales and market share. Protracted litigation could also result in our customers or potential customers deferring or limiting their purchase of our products. Capital and credit market issues could negatively affect our liquidity, increase our costs of borrowing and disrupt the operations of our growers and customers. The capital and credit markets have experienced increased volatility and disruption over the past several years, making it more difficult for companies to access those markets. Continued or increased volatility and disruption in the capital and credit markets may impair our liquidity or increase our costs of borrowing, if we need to access the credit market. Our business could also be negatively impacted if our growers or customers experience disruptions resulting from tighter capital and credit markets or a slowdown in the general economy. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, our business and prospects may be harmed. 20 If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, our business and prospects may be harmed. Our ability to compete effectively is dependent upon the proprietary nature of the seeds, seedlings, processes, technologies and materials owned by or used by us or our growers. If any competitors independently develop new traits, seeds, seedlings, processes or technologies that customers or end users determine are better than our existing products, such developments could adversely affect our competitive position. In some cases, we obtain patent protection or plant breeder rights registrations for certain of our seed products. However, our principal method of guarding our proprietary varieties and hybrids is exercising a high degree of control over the supply chain. We also rely on trade secret protection and confidentiality agreements to protect proprietary know-how that is not patentable, processes for which patents are difficult to enforce and any other elements of our discovery and development processes that involve proprietary know-how, information or technology that is not covered by patents. Although we require our employees, consultants, advisors and any third parties who have access to our proprietary know-how, information, or technology to enter into confidentiality agreements, we cannot be certain that our trade secrets and other confidential proprietary information will not be disclosed or that competitors will not otherwise gain access to our trade secrets or independently develop substantially equivalent information and techniques. Even with these measures in place, it would be possible for persons with access to our seed or plants grown from our seed to reproduce and market products substantially similar to our proprietary seed varieties, which could significantly harm our business and our reputation. Third parties may challenge the validity, enforceability and scope of our intellectual property rights. Third parties may challenge the validity, enforceability and scope of our intellectual property rights. Furthermore, we sell our products in several countries and the laws of some countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent or in the same manner as the laws of the United States. Furthermore, we sell our products in more than 40 countries and the laws of some countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent or in the same manner as the laws of the United States. As a result, we may encounter significant problems in protecting and defending our intellectual property both in the United States and abroad. Litigation may be necessary to protect our proprietary property and determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of competitors. Intellectual property litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of our management and other resources. If we are unable to successfully protect our intellectual property rights, our competitors could market products that compete with our proprietary products without obtaining a license from us. Actual or threatened public health pandemics or outbreaks may adversely impact on our business, operations and the markets and communities in which we, our partners and customers operate. Actual or threatened public health pandemics or outbreaks may adversely impact our business, operations and the markets and communities in which we, our partners and customers operate. Actual or threatened public health pandemics or outbreaks may adversely impact on our business, operations and the markets and communities in which we, our partners and customers operate. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic 19 and actions taken to slow its spread had an adverse impact on our operations, including disruptions of shipments of our seed products, increased foreign exchange rate volatility, reduced in-person sales interactions, and other disruptions which affected our results and financial condition. We cannot predict if or when other similar disease outbreaks will emerge that cause similar disruptions. We cannot predict if or when other similar disease outbreaks will emerge that cause similar disruptions. The extent to which future pandemics may impact our operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, such as the timing and duration of future pandemics, the transmissibility and severity of illness caused by future pandemics, the efforts by governments and businesses to contain the spread of future pandemics, business closures or business disruptions and the impact on the economy and capital markets. Similar disruptions or disease outbreaks could delay or reduce our ability to recognize revenues within a particular fiscal period and harm our results of operations. A negative public perception of biotechnology may adversely impact our business. Concerns and claims regarding the safe use of seeds with biotechnology traits and their potential impact on health and the environment, and the perceived impacts of biotechnology on health and the environment, reflect a growing trend in societal demands for increasing levels of product safety and environmental protection. These and other concerns could manifest themselves in stockholder proposals, preferred purchasing, delays or failures in obtaining or retaining regulatory approvals, delayed product launches, lack of market acceptance, product discontinuation, continued pressure for and adoption of more stringent regulatory intervention and litigation, termination of raw material supply agreements, and legal claims. These and other concerns could also influence public perceptions, the viability or continued sales of certain of our products, our reputation, and the cost to comply with regulations. As a result, such concerns could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. Disruptions to our operations may adversely impact our business. 21 Disruptions to our operations may adversely impact our business. Despite all precautions, operations at our sites may be disrupted by fires, power outages, process changeovers – including those due to restrictions on the use of certain chemical substances – or plant breakdowns, for example. In addition, some of our production facilities are located in areas that may be affected by natural disasters such as flooding or earthquakes. These risks can lead to production disruptions or stoppages, result in personal injury and damage to our reputation, lead to declines in sales and/or profit margins, and necessitate the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure. These risks can lead to production disruptions or stoppages, result in personal injury and damage to our reputation, lead to declines in sales and/or margins, and necessitate the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure. Furthermore, potential criminal activities targeting our employees, property or business activities represent a risk for our company. These include intellectual property theft, vandalism, physical attacks and sabotage. In addition, counterfeit or adulterated versions of our products could be put into circulation. There is also the risk of crises such as a pandemic or a prolonged power outage that could lead to a breakdown of our critical infrastructure and our production. Risks Related to our Financial Position and Investment in Our Securities The terms of our loan and security agreement with CIBC and MFP, S&W Australia's debt facilities with NAB, and our AgAmerica note place restrictions on our operating and financial flexibility, and failure to comply with covenants or to satisfy certain conditions may result in acceleration of our repayment obligations and foreclosure on our pledged assets, which could significantly harm our liquidity, financial condition, operating results, business and prospects and cause the price of our securities to decline. Risks Related to our Financial Position and Investment in Our Securities The terms of our loan and security agreement with CIBC and MFP, our debt facilities with NAB, and our AgAmerica note place restrictions on our operating and financial flexibility, and failure to comply with covenants or to satisfy certain conditions may result in acceleration of our repayment obligations and foreclosure on our pledged assets, which could significantly harm our liquidity, financial condition, operating results, business and prospects and cause the price of our securities to decline. Our revolving credit facility with CIBC is secured by a first priority perfected security interest in substantially all of our assets, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, we may become obligated to repay deemed term loan advances pursuant to a Subordinate Loan and Security Agreement with MFP Partners, L.P., or MFP. Our loan agreement with CIBC requires us to comply with certain financial covenants. The loan agreements with CIBC and MFP also require us to comply with a number of other covenants (affirmative and negative), including restrictive covenants that limit our ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness; merge or consolidate with or into any other organization or otherwise suffer a change in control; acquire, own or make investments; repurchase or redeem any class of stock or other equity interest; declare or pay any cash dividend or make a cash distribution on any class of stock or other equity interest; and transfer a material portion of our assets, in each case subject to exceptions. 20 In addition to other specified events of default, and subject to limited exceptions, CIBC could declare an event of default upon our non-compliance with certain covenants or the occurrence of certain events that it may determine, in its sole discretion, to have a material adverse effect, including: a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect on our business, property, assets or operations, taken as a whole; a material impairment of our ability to perform any of our obligations under the loan agreement; a material adverse effect upon the collateral for the loan or its value; or a material impairment of the enforceability or priority of the liens upon the collateral for the loan or the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of the loan agreement or related agreements. In addition to other specified events of default, and subject to limited exceptions, CIBC could declare an event of default upon our non-compliance with certain covenants or the occurrence of certain events that it may determine, in its sole discretion, to have a material adverse effect, including: a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect on our business, property, assets or operations, taken as a whole; a material impairment of our ability to perform any of our obligations under the loan agreement; a material adverse effect upon the collateral for the loan or its value; or a material impairment of the enforceability or priority of the liens upon the collateral for the loan or the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of the loan agreement or related agreements. If we default under the credit facility and are unable to obtain a waiver from CIBC, CIBC may accelerate all of our repayment obligations, which may require us to seek additional or alternate financing and/or modify our operational plans. If we default under the credit facility, CIBC may accelerate all of our repayment obligations, which may require us to seek additional or alternate financing and/or modify our operational plans. Debt covenants are stated in the March 22, 2023 amendment with CIBC, with waivers noted in the September 25, 2023 and May 13, 2024 amendments. Current covenants are in the July 3, 2024 amendment. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to comply with all of the covenants contained in the CIBC loan agreement in the future, or secure additional waivers if or when required. If we are unable to comply with or obtain a waiver of any noncompliance under the loan agreement, CIBC could declare an event of default or require us to further renegotiate the loan agreement on terms that may be significantly less favorable to us, or we may be required to seek additional or alternative financing. Although we have secured a lending commitment from MFP to address certain of these risks, we cannot assure you that we will be able to comply with the terms of the loan agreement with MFP, and we would still need to seek refinancing of the MFP loan agreement if any amounts became payable under the MFP loan agreement. If we were to seek additional or alternative financing, any such financing may not be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. Our term loan agreement with AgAmerica Lending LLC, or AgAmerica, is evidenced by a promissory note and is secured by a mortgage on approximately 31 acres of land located in Lubbock and Moore Counties, Texas, and certain personal property thereon. The term loan agreement and the promissory note, or collectively, the AgAmerica note, requires us to comply with a number of covenants (affirmative and negative) that include limitations with respect to liens, fundamental changes, asset sales and formation and acquisition of subsidiaries, in each case subject to exceptions. If we default under the AgAmerica note, AgAmerica may declare all outstanding obligations immediately due and payable, which may require us to seek additional or alternate financing and/or modify our operational plans. S&W Australia's debt facilities with NAB also contain various covenants. If S&W Australia default under the NAB debt facilities, NAB may declare all outstanding obligations immediately due and payable, which may require S&W Australia to seek additional or alternate financing and/or modify our operational plans. If we default under the NAB debt facilities, NAB may declare all outstanding obligations immediately due and payable, which may require us to seek additional or alternate financing and/or modify our operational plans. S&W Australia’s entry into voluntary administration constituted an event of default and automatic acceleration of S&W Australia’s obligations under the NAB debt facility. However, such acceleration is stayed while S&W Australia is under voluntary administration. S&W Australia’s obligations under the NAB debt facility are guaranteed by us up to a maximum of AUD $15.0 million (USD $10.0 million (USD $9. 0 million as of June 30, 2024) per the Parent Guarantee. Our obligations under the Parent Guarantee are not subject to a stay in connection with S&W Australia’s voluntary administration. As our amended CIBC Loan Agreement matures within the next 12 months, we cannot assure you that we will succeed in securing future refinancing on commercially reasonable terms, if at all, and whether such terms may be more restrictive than the provisions governing the lending agreements. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will not experience an event of default or be required to further renegotiate with, or seek additional waivers from our lenders, including on terms that may be significantly less favorable to us, before we are able to refinance the loan agreement, if ever. Any declaration by our lenders of an event of default could significantly harm our liquidity, financial condition, operating results, business, and prospects and cause the price of our securities to decline. If we are unable to access funds to meet those obligations or to renegotiate our agreements, our lenders could foreclose on our pledged assets and we would have to immediately cease operations. In addition, during the continuance of an event of default, the then-applicable interest rate on the then-outstanding principal balance is subject to increase. Upon an event of default, our lenders could also require us to repay the loan immediately, together with a prepayment penalty, and other fees. If we were to renegotiate our lending agreements under such circumstances, the terms may be significantly less favorable to us. If we were liquidated, our lenders' rights to repayment would be senior to the rights of our stockholders to receive any proceeds from the liquidation. Any declaration by our lenders of an event of default could significantly harm our liquidity, financial condition, operating results, business, and prospects and cause the price of our securities to decline. We may incur additional indebtedness in the future. The debt instruments governing such indebtedness may contain provisions that are as, or more, restrictive than the provisions governing our existing indebtedness. If we are unable to repay, refinance or restructure our indebtedness when payment is due, our lenders could proceed against the collateral or force us into bankruptcy or liquidation. 21 The value of our common stock can be volatile. The value of our common stock can be volatile. Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market. The overall market and the price of our common stock can fluctuate greatly. The trading price of our common stock may be significantly affected by various factors, including but not limited to: •economic status and trends in the dairy industry, which underlies demand for our alfalfa seed; •market conditions for sorghum and alfalfa seed; •quarterly fluctuations in our operating results; •our ability to meet the earnings estimates and other performance expectations of investors or financial analysts; •fluctuations in the stock prices of our peer companies or in stock markets in general; and •general economic or political conditions. The trading price of our common stock may be significantly affected by various factors, including but not limited to: •economic status and trends in the dairy industry, which underlies demand for our alfalfa seed; •market conditions for alfalfa seed in the Middle East and North Africa, where a substantial amount of our seed historically has been purchased by end users; •quarterly fluctuations in our operating results; •our ability to meet the earnings estimates and other performance expectations of investors or financial analysts; •fluctuations in the stock prices of our peer companies or in stock markets in general; and •general economic or political conditions. Our quarter-to-quarter performance may vary substantially, and this variance, as well as general market conditions, may cause the price of our securities to fluctuate greatly and potentially expose us to litigation. Our seed business is highly seasonal because it is tied to the growing and harvesting seasons. If sales in particular quarters are lower than expected, our operating results for these quarters could cause our share price to decline. Our future expense estimates are based, in large part, on estimates of future revenue, which is difficult to predict. We expect to continue to make expenditures in order to expand production, sales, marketing and processes. We may be unable to, or may elect not to, adjust spending quickly enough to offset any unexpected revenue shortfall. If our increased expenses are not accompanied by increased revenue in the same quarter, our quarterly operating results would be harmed. If our 23 increased expenses are not accompanied by increased revenue in the same quarter, our quarterly operating results would be harmed. In one or more future quarters, our results of operations may fall below the expectations of investors or analysts, and the trading price of our securities may decline as a consequence. We believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results will not be a good indication of our future performance and should not be relied upon to predict the future performance of our stock price. In the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have often been subject to securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Securities litigation against us could result in substantial costs and divert our management's attention from other business concerns, which could seriously harm our business. If we fail to comply or regain compliance with the continued listing standards of the Nasdaq Capital Market, we may be delisted and the price of our common stock, our ability to access the capital markets and our financial condition could be negatively impacted. Our common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “SANW.” To maintain the listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market, we are required to meet certain listing requirements, including, among others, maintaining a minimum closing bid price of $1.00 per share. On November 14, 2023, we received a letter from The Nasdaq Stock Market, or Nasdaq, notifying us that, for the previous 30 consecutive business day periods prior to the date of the letter, the closing bid price for our common stock was below $1.00. In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we were provided an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until May 13, 2024, to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s bid price requirement. On May 14, 2024, we received a notice from the Listing Qualifications Department of Nasdaq informing us that Nasdaq granted us an additional 180 calendar days, or until November 11, 2024, to regain compliance with the minimum closing bid price requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), or the Rule. Our stockholders approved, at a special meeting of stockholders held on September 26, 2024, pursuant to Nevada revised statutes 78.2055, a reverse stock split of our common stock at a ratio in the range of 1-for-5 to 1-for-20, and on October 4, 2024 our Board unanimously approved a reverse stock split of all issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, at a ratio of 1-for-19, or the Reverse Stock Split. The Reverse Stock Split was implemented at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 17, 2024 and our common stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis commencing upon market opening on The Nasdaq Capital Market on October 18, 2024. 22 If we do not regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement by November 11, 2024, Nasdaq will provide notice that our common stock will be subject to delisting. We would then be entitled to appeal that determination to a Nasdaq hearings panel. There is no assurance, however, that we will regain compliance with the Rule or that our common stock will not be delisted from Nasdaq.
In addition, on October 17, 2024, we received a notice from Nasdaq advising that our failure to timely file this Annual Report on Form 10-K with the SEC was in contravention of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1), or the Filing Requirement, and could serve as an additional deficiency and basis for the delisting of our securities from Nasdaq. We have 60 days from the date of the notice to submit a plan to regain compliance with the Filing Requirement for consideration by Nasdaq.
We intend to timely submit a plan, including, but not limited to, a reference to the filing of this Form 10-K. There is no assurance, however, that we will regain compliance with the Listing Requirement or that our common stock will not be delisted from Nasdaq. We completed a private placement of our Series B Redeemable Convertible Non-Voting Preferred Stock on February 18, 2022, and if we are required to redeem such shares of preferred stock, our cash position will be negatively impacted. In addition, we may not have sufficient funds to redeem such shares of preferred stock. We issued 1,695 shares of Series B Redeemable Convertible Non-Voting Preferred Stock, or Series B Preferred Stock, in connection with our February 2022 private placement. Unless prohibited by Nevada law governing distributions to stockholders, the Series B Preferred Stock is redeemable, at any time after August 18, 2025, upon written request from the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock, at a price equal to its stated value, plus any cash dividends accrued but unpaid thereon. As of June 30, 2024, the aggregate stated value of our Series B Preferred Stock was $5.8 million.5 million. If a holder of the Series B Preferred Stock requests redemption we will be required to redeem such shares of preferred stock. However, we may be unable to redeem such preferred stock if restrictions under applicable law or contractual obligations prohibit such redemption. If such redemptions are permitted, our available cash will be negatively impacted as a result of such redemptions. Additionally, even if such redemptions are permitted, our available cash will be negatively impacted as a result of such redemptions. In addition, such reduction in our available cash could decrease the trading price of our common stock. If we issue additional securities with rights superior to our common stock, the holdings of those owning our common stock could be further diluted or subordinated to the rights of the holders of preferred stock. We may offer additional debt or equity securities in private and/or public offerings in order to raise working capital or to refinance our debt. Our Board is authorized by our articles of incorporation to establish classes or series of preferred stock and fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each such class or series without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Our board of directors is authorized by our articles of incorporation to establish classes or series of preferred stock and fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each such class or series without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Any shares of preferred stock so issued could have priority over our common stock with respect to dividend or liquidation rights. Our Board has authorized the issuance of 3,323 shares of Series B Redeemable Convertible Non-Voting Preferred Stock, of which 1,695 shares are outstanding as of June 30, 2024. Our board of directors has authorized the issuance of 3,323 shares of Series B Redeemable Convertible Non-Voting Preferred Stock, of which 1,695 shares are outstanding as of June 30, 2023. Any future sales of securities could adversely affect the interests or voting rights of the holders of our common stock, result in substantial dilution to existing stockholders, or adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Our actual operating results may differ significantly from our guidance. We routinely release annual guidance in our quarterly earnings releases, our quarterly earnings conference calls and in other forums we consider appropriate. Such guidance regarding our future performance represents our management's estimates as of the date of release or other communication. This guidance, which includes forward-looking statements, is based on projections prepared by our management. These projections are not prepared with a view toward compliance with published guidelines of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and neither our independent registered public accountants nor any other independent expert or outside party compiles or examines the projections, and accordingly, no such person expresses any opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto. Projections are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while presented with numerical specificity, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control and are based upon specific assumptions with respect to future business decisions, some of which will change. If we issue guidance, we will generally state possible outcomes as high and low ranges or approximations that are intended to provide a sensitivity analysis as variables are changed but are not intended to represent that actual results could not fall outside of the suggested ranges or approximations. The principal reason that we would release guidance would be to provide a basis for our management to discuss our business outlook 23 with analysts and investors. We do not accept any responsibility for any projections or reports published by any such persons. Guidance is necessarily speculative in nature, and it can be expected that some or all of the assumptions of the guidance furnished by us will not materialize or will vary significantly from actual results. Accordingly, our guidance, when given, is only an estimate of what management believes is realizable as of the date of release or other communication. Actual results will vary from our guidance, and the variations may be material. In light of the foregoing, investors are urged not to rely upon, or otherwise consider, our guidance in making an investment decision about our securities. We do not anticipate declaring any cash dividends on our common stock. We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not plan to pay any cash dividends on our common stock in the near future. Our current policy is to retain all funds and any earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business. If we do not pay cash dividends, our common stock may be less valuable to investors because a return on their investment will only occur if our stock price appreciates. Anti-takeover provisions and our right to issue preferred stock could make a third-party acquisition of us difficult. Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that would make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, including a provision that our Board may issue preferred stock without stockholder approval. Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that would make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, including a provision that our board of directors may issue preferred stock without stockholder approval. In addition, certain anti-takeover provisions of Nevada law, if and when applicable, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, even if such change in control would be beneficial to our stockholders. We identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, and if we are unable to achieve and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, our ability to produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis could be impaired and our public reporting may be unreliable. Effective internal control over financial reporting is necessary for us to detect and prevent material misstatements in a timely manner in order to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the presentation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit to the SEC is accumulated and communicated to management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. A material weakness, as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Based on our evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2024, we determined that we had a material weakness as of June 30, 2024 because of a lack of adequate controls to appropriately analyze all relevant information required for complete and accurate presentation and disclosure under U.S. GAAP. This principally resulted from (1) our failure to effectively evaluate the business information presented to and reviewed by the CODM in making decisions on assessing performance and allocating resources and (2) our failure to disaggregate revenue into appropriate subcategories for footnote disclosure purposes. Accordingly, our disclosure controls and procedures at the end of each of the quarterly reporting periods in fiscal 2024, and as of June 30, 2024, were not effective and our internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2024 was also not effective due to the material weakness discussed above. We are implementing certain changes in our internal control as of the filing of this report to address the material weakness. We are implementing, among others, quarterly monitoring of any changes within the Company and the impact on our financial reporting, and updating internal policies and internal control procedures to address this material weakness. The remediation actions are being monitored by the Audit Committee of our Board. However, we cannot assure you that these efforts will remediate this material weakness in a timely manner, or at all, or that we will be able to maintain effective controls and procedures even if we remediate this material weakness. If we are unable to successfully remediate this material weakness, design or operate effective controls and procedures, or identify any future material weaknesses, the accuracy and timing of our financial reporting may be adversely affected, we may be unable to maintain compliance with securities law requirements regarding timely filing of periodic reports and we may experience a loss of public confidence, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and the market price of our common stock. 24 We are required to disclose changes made in our internal control procedures on a quarterly basis and our management is required to assess the effectiveness of these controls annually. However, for as long as we are a “non-accelerated filer,” our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404. An independent assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls could detect problems that our management’s assessment might not. Any additional undetected material weaknesses in our internal controls could lead to further financial statement restatements and require us to incur additional expenses of remediation. In addition, if we are unable to remediate this material weakness, or if we are otherwise unable to conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, the market price of our securities could decline, and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by The Nasdaq Capital Market, the SEC or other regulatory authorities. Failure to remedy any material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, or to implement or maintain other effective control systems required of public companies, could also restrict our future access to the capital markets. Item 1B. Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments None. Item 1C. Item 1B. Cybersecurity We have established security practices and safeguards designed to help identify and protect against intentional and unintentional misappropriation or corruption of our information technology systems, data, and operational continuity. We conduct risk assessments to identify potential cybersecurity threats, which include evaluating the likelihood and potential impact of these threats, identifying system and network vulnerabilities, and assessing the effectiveness of our existing controls. Upon identification and assessment of risks, we develop and implement what management believes to be appropriate measures in order to manage these risks, which may involve enhancing security controls, implementing new technologies, training employees, or changing business processes. We maintain change management processes, monitoring practices, and data protection measures designed to mitigate cybersecurity risks and regularly review our systems for potential threats. Such processes and practices to assess, identify, and manage cybersecurity incidents are integrated into our overall risk management processes. Our Chief Financial Officer, also acting as our Compliance Officer, is primarily responsible for assessing and managing our strategic risk exposures, including material risks from cybersecurity threats, with assistance from our IT staff, who oversee our cybersecurity processes on a day-to-day basis. Our Board is responsible for the oversight of management’s efforts to address cybersecurity risks. Management updates the Board on an ongoing basis concerning any significant cybersecurity incidents or risk exposures that have come to management’s attention during the conduct of their assessments, the steps management has taken to mitigate such exposures, and any changes to the processes of identifying, assessing, and monitoring cybersecurity threats. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, we did not identify any cybersecurity incidents that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. 25 . 25 .
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