thunderdome:item
 utr: D
 utr: Y
 utr: M

 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 Washington, D. C. 20549

 FORM 10-K

 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023

 or

 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 For the transition period from ____________________________ to __________________________

 Commission File Number 1-2451

 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 Wisconsin

 39-0494170

 (State or other jurisdiction of

 (IRS Employer

 incorporation or organization)

 Identification Number)

 3925 North Hastings Way

 Eau Claire, Wisconsin

 54703-3703

 (Address of principal executive offices)

 (Zip Code)

 Registrant's telephone number, including area code: ( 715) 839-2121

 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 Trading

 Name of each exchange

 Title of each class

 Symbol(s)

 on which registered

 $1.00 par value common stock

 NPK

 New York Stock Exchange

 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 NONE

 Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No

 Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes No

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes No

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company Emerging growth company

 If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 USC 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.

 If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.

 Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes No

 State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter: $ 374,367,565. The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of March 1, 2024 was 7,117,465.

 The Registrant has incorporated in Part II and Part III of Form 10-K, by reference, portions of its 2023 Annual Report and portions of its Proxy Statement for its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 Page

 Item 1 – Business

 Item 1A – Risk Factors

 Item 1B – Unresolved Staff Comments

 Item 1C – Cybersecurity

 Item 2 – Properties

 Item 3 – Legal Proceedings

 Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures

 Item 5 – Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer purchases of Equity Securities

 Item 6 – Selected Financial Data

 Item 7 – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 Item 7A – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 Item 9 – Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 Item 9A – Controls and Procedures

 Item 9B – Other Information

 Item 10 – Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 Item 11 – Executive Compensation

 Item 12 – Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 Item 13 – Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 Item 14 – Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 Item 15 – Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 Item 16 – Form 10-K Summary

 Signatures

 ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 A. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 The business of National Presto Industries, Inc. (the "Company" or "National Presto") consists of three business segments. For a further discussion of the Company's business, the segments in which it operates, and financial information about the segments, please refer to Note L to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Housewares/Small Appliance segment designs, markets and distributes housewares and small electrical appliances, including pressure cookers and canners, kitchen electrics, and comfort appliances that enrich the lives of consumers by making life easier, more productive and more enjoyable. The Defense segment protects the lives of the citizens of our nation, as well as the citizens of our nation's allies, by providing our warfighters with reliable products. It manufactures 40mm ammunition, precision mechanical and electro-mechanical assemblies, medium caliber cartridge cases and metal parts; performs Load, Assemble and Pack (LAP) operations on ordnance-related products primarily for the United States Government and prime contractors; and manufactures detonators, booster pellets, release cartridges, lead azide, other military energetic devices and materials, and assemblies. The Safety segment, which provides innovative safety technology empowering organizations and individuals to protect what is most important, currently consists of two startup companies. The first is OneEvent Technologies, Inc., which offers systems that provide early warning of conditions that could ultimately lead to significant losses. The initial application combines patented machine learning, digital sensors and cloud-based technology to continuously monitor freezers and refrigerators, instantly detecting and alerting users to potential safety issues around pharmaceuticals and food. The OneEvent system also has the ability to continually measure other factors such as smoke, carbon monoxide, motion, humidity, and moisture. The second is Rely Innovations, Inc., which offers carbon monoxide alarms with large digital displays and an array of voice messages that clearly inform of incipient danger.

 1. Housewares/Small Appliance Segment

 Housewares and electrical appliances sold by the segment include pressure cookers and canners; the Presto Control Master heat control line of skillets in several sizes, griddles, woks and multi-purpose cookers; slow cookers; deep fryers of various sizes; air fryers; waffle makers; pizza ovens; slicer/shredders; electric heaters; corn poppers (hot air, oil, and microwave); dehydrators; vacuum sealers; rice cookers; microwave bacon cookers; egg cookers; coffeemakers and coffeemaker accessories; electric knife sharpeners; and timers. Pressure cookers and canners are available in various sizes and are fabricated of aluminum and, in the case of cookers, of stainless steel, as well.

 For the year ended December 31, 2023, approximately 9% of consolidated net sales were provided by cast products (griddles, waffle makers, die cast deep fryers, skillets and multi-cookers), and approximately 18% by noncast/thermal appliances (stamped cookers and canners, pizza ovens, corn poppers, coffee makers, microwave bacon cookers, dehydrators, rice cookers, egg cookers; slow cookers, electric stainless steel appliances, non-cast fryers, air fryers and heaters). For the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately 11% of consolidated net sales were provided by cast products, and approximately 24% by noncast/thermal appliances. For the year ended December 31, 2021, approximately 13% of consolidated net sales were provided by cast products, and approximately 17% by noncast/thermal appliances. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Amazon.com, Inc. accounted for 11% of the Company's consolidated net sales. For the year ended December 31, 2022, this segment had no one customer that accounted for 10% or more of the consolidated net sales. For the year ended December 31, 2021, Amazon.com, Inc. accounted for 10% of the consolidated net sales. The loss of Amazon.com, Inc. as a customer would have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 Products are sold primarily in the United States and Canada directly to retailers and also through independent distributors. Although the segment has long established relationships with many of its customers, it does not have long-term supply contracts with them. The loss of, or material reduction in, sales to any of the segment's major customers could adversely affect the segment's business. The majority of the housewares and electrical appliances are sourced from vendors in the Orient. (See Note J to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)

 The segment has a sales force of seven employees that sell to and service most customers. A few selected accounts are handled by manufacturers' representatives who may also sell other product lines. Sales promotional activities have been conducted primarily through the use of in store promotions and digital advertising. The business is seasonal, with the normal peak sales period occurring in the fourth quarter of the year prior to the holiday season. This segment operates in a highly competitive and extremely price sensitive environment. Increased costs that cannot be fully absorbed into the price of products or passed along in the form of price increases to the retail customer can have a significant adverse impact on operating results. Several companies compete for sales of housewares and small electrical appliances, some of which are larger than the Company's segment and others which are smaller. In addition, some customers maintain their own private label, as well as purchase brokered product directly from the Orient. Product competition extends to special product features, product pricing, product quality, marketing programs, warranty provisions, service policies and other factors. New product introductions are an important part of the segment's sales to offset the morbidity rate of other products and/or the effect of lowered acceptance of seasonal products due to weather conditions. New products entail unusual risks. Engineering and tooling costs are increasingly expensive, as are finished goods that may not have a ready market or achieve widespread consumer acceptance. High-cost advertising commitments which may accompany such new products or may be required to maintain sales of existing products may not be fully absorbed by ultimate product sales. Initial production schedules, set in advance of introduction, carry the possibility of excess unsold inventories. New product introductions are further subject to delivery delays from supply sources, which can impact availability during the segment's most active selling periods.

 Research and development costs related to new product development for the years 2023, 2022, and 2021 were expensed in operations of these years and were not a material element in the aggregate costs incurred by the Company.

 Products are generally warranted to the original owner to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one to twelve years from date of purchase, depending on the product. The segment allows a sixty-day over-the-counter initial return privilege through cooperating dealers. Products are serviced through a corporate service repair operation. The segment's service and warranty programs are competitive with those offered by other manufacturers in the industry.

 The segment primarily warehouses and distributes its products from distribution centers located in Canton and Jackson, Mississippi. Selective use is made of leased tractors and trailers.

 The Company invests funds not currently required for business activities (see Note A(6) to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Income from invested funds is included in Other Income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

 Earnings from investments may vary significantly from year to year depending on interest yields on instruments meeting the Company's investment criteria, and the extent to which funds may be needed for internal growth, acquisitions, newly identified business activities, and reacquisition of Company stock.

 2. Defense Segment

 Each of the segment's operating companies are subsidiaries of National Defense Corporation.

 AMTEC Corporation ("AMTEC") was acquired on February 24, 2001, and manufactures 40mm ammunition, and precision mechanical and electro-mechanical products for the United States Department of Defense (DOD) and DOD prime contractors. AMTEC's 106,000 square foot manufacturing facility located in Janesville, Wisconsin, is focused on producing niche market ordnance products (such as training ammunition, fuzes, firing devices, and initiators). AMTEC is also the prime contractor for the 40mm ammunition system to the DOD (more fully described below).

 Spectra Technologies LLC ("Spectra"), a subsidiary of AMTEC, was acquired on July 31, 2003, and is engaged in the manufacture and delivery of munitions and ordnance-related products for the DOD and DOD prime contractors. Spectra maintains 364,000 square feet of space located in East Camden, Arkansas, dedicated primarily to LAP type work.

 Amron, a division of AMTEC ("Amron"), holds the assets that were purchased from Amron LLC on January 30, 2006. Amron manufactures cartridge cases used in medium caliber ammunition (20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 40mm, and 50mm) primarily for the DOD and DOD prime contractors, which includes the 40mm systems program previously mentioned and referenced below. The Amron manufacturing facility is 208,000 square feet and is located in Antigo, Wisconsin.

 Tech Ord, a division of AMTEC ("Tech Ord"), holds the assets formerly owned by Chemring Energetic Devices, Inc.'s business located in Clear Lake, South Dakota and all of the real property previously owned by Technical Ordnance Realty, LLC. These assets were acquired on January 24, 2014. Tech Ord manufactures in its 98,000 square foot Clear Lake facility detonators, booster pellets, release cartridges, lead azide, and other military energetic devices and materials. Its major customers include United States and foreign government agencies, AMTEC, and other defense contractors.

 The equity interests of Woodlawn Manufacturing, Ltd. ("Woodlawn"), a subsidiary of National Defense Corporation and its newly formed subsidiary, Woodlawn Manufacturing LLC, were acquired on October 26, 2022. Woodlawn is engaged in the manufacture of metal parts and assemblies primarily for the DOD and DOD prime contractors. The Woodlawn manufacturing facility is 56,500 square feet and is located in Marshall, Texas.

 The Defense segment competes for its business primarily on the basis of technical competence, product quality, manufacturing experience, and price. This segment operates in a highly competitive environment with many other organizations, some of which are larger and others that are smaller.

 On April 25, 2005, AMTEC was awarded the high volume, five-year prime contract for management and production of the United States Army's (the "Army") 40mm Ammunition System. The Army selected AMTEC as one of two prime contractors responsible for supplying all requirements for 40mm practice and tactical ammunition for a period of five years, with AMTEC receiving the majority share of the business. Deliveries under the contract exceeded $671,000,000, with final deliveries completed in 2013. On February 18, 2010, the Army awarded AMTEC a second five-year contract for the management and production of the 40mm Ammunition System. As in the original five-year contract, AMTEC was awarded the majority share of the 40mm requirement. Deliveries under this contract exceeded $566,000,000, with the final deliveries completed in 2018. In addition, as part of an acquisition of a group of assets from DSE, Inc., a 40mm competitor, which was completed on November 7, 2013, AMTEC acquired through a novation agreement an additional $188,000,000, representing the remaining undelivered portion of the award that had been given to AMTEC's competitor under the second five-year contract mentioned above. Total deliveries for the systems program under the novated DSE, Inc. 40mm contract were completed in 2018. AMTEC submitted its bid for a third contract, and although the FY15 (Army's fiscal year beginning October 1, 2014) bid request was subsequently cancelled, the 40mm program requirements remained and were subsequently awarded to AMTEC as the Army's FY16 40mm requirements in a single award valued at $84,750,000. Final deliveries for the FY16 contract were completed in 2019. On August 30, 2017, the Army awarded AMTEC, as the sole prime contractor, a third five-year 40mm system contract covering FY17-21 requirements. The value of awards to date is approximately $539,600,000 for FY17 through FY21, with deliveries scheduled to continue into 2025. On September 23, 2022, the Army awarded AMTEC, as the sole prime contractor, a fourth five-year 40mm system contract covering FY22-26. The initial award value was $69,800,000, with deliveries scheduled to commence in 2024. On March 31, 2023, May 26, 2023, and September 25, 2023, the Army awarded AMTEC option awards totaling $137,400,000 under year two (Army's FY 2023) of AMTEC's current five-year 40mm system contract. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2024. The maximum ceiling value of the contract is $826,800,000. Actual annual and cumulative dollar volume with the Army over the course of the contract will be dependent upon military requirements and funding, as well as government procurement regulations and other factors controlled by the Army and the DOD.

 During 2023, almost all of the work performed by this segment directly or indirectly for the DOD was performed on a fixed-price basis. Under fixed-price contracts, the price paid to the contractor is usually awarded based on competition or negotiation at the outset of the contract and therefore is generally not subject to adjustments reflecting the actual costs incurred by the contractor, with the exception of some limited escalation clauses, which on the 2017 and 2022 contracts apply to only three materials – steel, aluminum and zinc. The Defense segment's contracts and subcontracts contain the customary provision permitting termination at any time for the convenience of the government, with payment for any work completed, associated profit and inventory/work in progress at the time of termination. The segment's business does not tend to be seasonal.

 3. Safety Segment

 The Safety segment was formed in the third quarter of 2019 with the purchase of substantially all of the assets of OneEvent Technologies, Inc. ("OneEvent") on July 23, 2019. The segment is currently comprised of OneEvent and Rely Innovations, Inc. ("Rely"). In November of 2023, the Company divested itself of a subsidiary, Rusoh, Inc., that was previously included in this segment. See Note L of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 OneEvent leases 7,000 square feet in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. Established in 2014, OneEvent's cloud-based learning and analytics engine utilizes a series of sensing devices integrated with a cellular gateway to predict and alert in a timely fashion so that the customer has an opportunity to prevent a loss. Sensors measure a variety of environmental data including temperature, smoke, carbon monoxide, humidity, water, motion, and more. The initial application combines patented machine learning, digital sensors and cloud-based technology to continuously monitor freezers and refrigerators, instantly detecting and alerting users to potential mechanical issues which can in turn affect the maintenance of critical temperatures for the safe storage of pharmaceuticals and food. The system detects anomalies in defrost and refrigeration cycles, enabling it to provide notice days or even weeks in advance of a potential malfunction. With these alerts, customers can act proactively to correct the situation and prevent the loss or deterioration of valuable pharmaceuticals or foods well in advance of an equipment failure.

 The Company purchased certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Knox Safety, Inc. on July 29, 2022, forming Rely. Rely leases 4,300 square feet in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and 5,600 square feet in Lisle, Illinois. Established in 2019, Knox Safety designed and sold carbon monoxide detectors for residential use. See Note P to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

 Rusoh, Inc. was formed in 2012, to design and market an owner-maintained, multipurpose, reloadable, dry chemical fire extinguisher and was the first portable owner-maintained fire extinguisher.

 The operations of the two current businesses that comprise the Safety segment are startup in nature and have resulted in limited revenues. The segment has a sales force of three employees that sell to and service most customers. It also utilizes a few manufacturers' representatives who may also sell other product lines. Product competition extends to product features, product pricing, product quality, marketing programs, service policies and other factors. New product introductions are an important part of the segment's sales to enhance its product offerings. New products entail unusual risks. Engineering and tooling costs are increasingly expensive, as are finished goods that may not have a ready market or achieve widespread commercial acceptance. Securing Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and ETL certifications is a prerequisite to sales, and the process for securing certification is both expensive and time consuming. Fully tooled products are required prior to the performance of most tests. High-cost advertising commitments which may accompany such products may not be fully absorbed by ultimate product sales. Initial production schedules, set in advance of introduction, carry the possibility of excess unsold inventories. New product introductions are further subject to delivery delays from supply sources, which can impact availability to meet commitments.

 Research and development costs related to new product development for the years 2023, 2022, and 2021 were expensed in operations of these years.

 The segment primarily warehouses and distributes its products from distribution centers located in Canton and Jackson, Mississippi, as well as Mount Horeb and Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

 B. OTHER COMMENTS

 1. Sources and Availability of Materials

 See Note J to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 2. Patents, Trademarks, and Licenses

 Patents, trademarks and know-how are important to the Company's segments. Although the Company's current and future success does not materially depend upon the judicial protection of its intellectual property rights (patents, trademarks, trade dress copyrights and trade secrets), removal of that protection would expose the Company to competitors who seek to take advantage of the Company's innovations and proprietary rights. The Company's segments hold numerous patents, trademarks, and copyrights registered in the United States and foreign countries related to various products and methods. The Company believes its business is not dependent upon any individual patent, copyright or license, but that the Presto trademark is material to its business.

 3. Effects of Compliance with Environmental and Other Regulations

 In May 1986, the Company's Eau Claire, Wisconsin site was placed on the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Priorities List (NPL) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) because of hazardous waste deposited on the property. At year end 1998, all remediation projects at the Eau Claire, Wisconsin site had been installed, were fully operational, and restoration activities had been completed.

 Based on factors known as of December 31, 2023, it is believed that the Company's environmental liability reserve will be adequate to satisfy on-going remediation operations and monitoring activities; however, should environmental agencies require additional studies or remediation projects, it is possible the existing accrual could be inadequate.

 Management believes that in the absence of any unforeseen future developments, known environmental matters will not have any material effect on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company.

 Like other manufacturers, the Company is subject to a broad range of federal, state, local and foreign laws and requirements, including those concerning air emissions, discharges into waterways, and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of hazardous substances and waste materials, as well as the remediation of contamination associated with releases of hazardous substances at the Company's facilities and off-site disposal locations, workplace safety and equal employment opportunities. These laws and regulations are constantly changing, and it is impossible to predict with accuracy the effect that changes to such laws and regulations may have on the Company in the future. Like other industrial concerns, the Company's manufacturing operations entail the risk of noncompliance, and there can be no assurance that the Company will not incur material costs or other liabilities as a result thereof.

 The Company is also subject to various other federal, state, and local laws affecting its business, as well as a variety of regulations relating to such matters as working conditions, equal employment opportunities, and product safety. These regulations stem from regulatory bodies or laws such as the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, the US Food and Drug Administration, California's Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Proposition 65), the US Department of Transportation, and authorities having jurisdiction for fire safety and refrigeration equipment. The Company believes it is currently in material compliance with all such applicable laws and regulations.

 In addition, U.S. Government contractors are subject to extensive laws and regulations specific to the defense industry, several of which are delineated in Item 1A Risk Factors under the heading "U.S. Government contractors are subject to extensive laws and regulations applicable to the defense industry and the Company could be adversely affected by changes in and compliance with such laws and regulations, or any negative findings by the U.S. government regarding the Company's compliance with them."

 4. Human Capital

 As of December 31, 2023, the Company and its subsidiaries had 1,007 employees compared to 973 employees at the end of December 2022.

 Approximately 192 employees of Amron are members of the United Steel Workers union. The most recent contract between Amron and the union is effective through February 28, 2025.

 The Company provides its employees with competitive salaries and bonuses, opportunities for equity ownership, opportunities for continued learning and growth and a robust employment package that promotes well-being across all aspects of their lives, including health care, retirement planning and paid time off.

 5. Industry Practices Related to Working Capital Requirements

 The major portion of the Company's sales are made with terms of 60 days or shorter.

 For the Housewares/Small Appliance segment, inventory levels increase in advance of the selling period for products that are seasonal, such as pressure canners, heaters, and major new product introductions. Inventory build-up also occurs to create stock levels required to support the higher sales that occur in the latter half of each year. Buying practices of the segment's customers require "just-in-time" delivery, necessitating that the segment carry large finished goods inventories.

 The ability to meet United States DOD demands also necessitates the carrying of large inventories in the Defense segment.

 Inventory build-up also occurs in the Safety segment both for seasonal products like carbon monoxide alarms and to meet potential demand of customers that require delivery with shorter lead times.

 6. Order Backlog

 Shipment of most products of the Housewares/Small Appliance and Safety segments occurs within a relatively short time after receipt of the order and, therefore, there is usually no substantial order backlog. New product introductions may result in order backlogs that vary from product to product and as to timing of introduction.

 The contract backlog of the Defense segment was approximately $564,005,000, $505,069,000, and $460,800,000 at December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Backlog is defined as the value of orders from the customer less the amount of sales recognized against the orders. It is anticipated that the backlog will be produced and shipped during an 18- to 36-month period, after December 31, 2023.

 C. AVAILABLE INFORMATION

 The Company has a web site at www.gopresto.com. The contents of the Company's web site are not part of, nor are they incorporated by reference into, this annual report.

 The Company makes available on its web site its annual reports on Form 10-K or 10-K/A and, beginning with its second quarter filing in 2011, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or 10-Q/A. It does not provide its current reports on Form 8-K or amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act on its web site. The Company does not do so because these and all other reports it files with the SEC are readily available to the public on the SEC web site at www.sec.gov and can be located with ease using the link provided on the Company's web site. The Company provides paper copies of its annual report free of charge upon request.

 ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 The Company's three business segments described above are all subject to a number of risk factors, the occurrence of any one or more of which could have a significant adverse impact on the business, financial condition, or results of operations of the Company as a whole.

 Housewares/Small Appliance Segment:

 Increases in the costs for raw materials, energy, transportation and other necessary supplies could adversely affect the results of the Company's operations.

 The Company's suppliers purchase significant amounts of metals, plastics, and energy to manufacture the Company's products. Also, the cost of fuel has a major impact on transportation costs as do intermodal shipping rates. Any increased costs that cannot be fully absorbed or passed along in the form of price increases to the retail customer can have a material adverse impact on the Company's operating results.

 Reliance on third-party suppliers in Asia makes this segment vulnerable to supply interruptions and foreign business risks.

 The majority of the housewares/small appliance products are manufactured by a handful of third-party suppliers in Asia, primarily in the People's Republic of China. The Company's ability to continue to select and develop relationships with reliable vendors who provide timely deliveries of quality parts and products will impact its success in meeting customer demand. Most products are procured on a "purchase order" basis. As a result, the Company may be subject to unexpected changes in pricing or supply of products. There is no assurance that it could quickly or effectively replace any of its vendors if the need arose. Any significant failure to obtain products on a timely basis at an affordable cost or any significant delays or interruptions of supply may disrupt customer relationships and have a material adverse effect on the Company's business.

 International manufacturing is subject to significant risks, including, among others, labor unrest, adverse social, political and economic conditions, interruptions in international shipments, tariffs and other trade barriers, legal and regulatory constraints and fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Although China currently enjoys "most favored nation" trading status with the United States, the U.S. Government has in the past proposed to revoke that status and to impose higher tariffs on products imported from China, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business. Currently, it maintains penalty tariffs on some imports and in the past has threatened to impose a penalty tariff on all products. The latter, if imposed, would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business.

 The Housewares/Small Appliance segment is dependent on key customers, and any significant decline in business from one or more of its key customers could adversely affect the segment's operating results.

 Although the Company has a long-established relationship with its major customers, it does not have any long-term supply agreements or guaranties of minimum purchases. As a result, the customers may fail to place anticipated orders, change planned quantities, delay purchases, or change product assortments for reasons beyond the Company's control, which could prove detrimental to the segment's operating results.

 The sales for this segment are highly seasonal and dependent upon the United States retail markets and consumer spending.

 Traditionally, this segment has recognized a substantial portion of its sales during the holiday selling season. Any downturn in the general economy, shift in consumer spending away from its housewares/small appliances, or further deterioration in the financial health of its customer base could adversely affect sales and operating results.

 The Company may not be successful in developing and introducing new and improved consumer products.

 The development and introduction of new housewares/small appliance products is very important to the Company's long-term success. The ability to develop new products is affected by, among other things, whether the Company can develop and fund technological innovations and successfully anticipate consumer needs and preferences, as well as the intellectual property rights of others. The introduction of new products may require substantial expenditures for advertising and marketing to gain marketplace recognition or to license intellectual property. There is no guarantee that the Company will be aware of all relevant intellectual property in the industry and may be subject to claims of infringement, which could preclude it from producing and selling a product. Likewise, there is no guarantee that the Company will be successful in developing products necessary to compete effectively in the industry or that it will be successful in advertising, marketing and selling any new products.

 Product recalls or lawsuits relating to defective products could have an adverse effect on the Company, as could the imposition of industry sustainability standards.

 As distributors of consumer products in the United States, the Company is subject to the Consumer Products Safety Act, which empowers the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission to exclude from the market products that are found to be unsafe or hazardous. Under certain circumstances, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission could require the Company to repair, replace or refund the purchase price of one or more of its products, or the Company may voluntarily do so. Any repurchase or recall of products could be costly and damage the Company's reputation, as well as subject it to a sizable penalty that the Commission is empowered to impose. If the Company removed products from the market, its reputation or brands could be tarnished and it might have large quantities of finished products that could not be sold.

 The Company could also face exposure to product liability claims if one of its products were alleged to have caused property damage, bodily injury or other adverse effects. It is self-insured to specified levels of those claims and maintains product liability insurance for claims above the self-insured levels. The Company may not be able to maintain such insurance on acceptable terms, if at all, in the future. In addition, product liability claims may exceed the amount of insurance coverage. Moreover, many states do not allow insurance companies to provide coverage of punitive damages, in the event such damages were imposed. Additionally, the Company does not maintain product recall insurance. As a result, product recalls or product liability claims could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.

 The portable appliance and floor care companies' industry association has a framework for a sustainability standard for the industry, but has yet to develop specific guidelines for implementation. When and if developed, the standards will do nothing for the environment, but will entail the addition of significant bureaucracy and outside certification fees. As such, compliance will be burdensome and expensive.

 The housewares/small appliance industry continues to consolidate, which could ultimately impede the Company's ability to secure product placement at key customers.

 Over the past decade, the housewares/small appliance industry has undergone significant consolidation, and, as a result, the industry primarily consists of a limited number of larger companies. Larger companies do enjoy a competitive advantage in terms of the ability to offer a larger assortment of product to any one customer. As a result, the Company may find it more difficult or lose the ability to place its products with its customers.

 Defense Segment:

 The Company relies primarily on sales to U.S. Government entities, and the failure to procure or the loss of a significant contract or contracts could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations.

 As the Company's sales in the Defense segment are primarily to the U.S. Government and its prime contractors, it depends heavily on the contracts underlying these programs. The loss or significant reduction of a major program in which the Company participates could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

 A decline in or a redirection of the U.S. defense budget could result in a material decrease in the Defense segment sales and earnings.

 Government contracts are primarily dependent upon the U.S. defense budget. During recent years, the Company's sales were augmented by increased defense spending, including supplemental appropriations for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, areas from which the U.S. has withdrawn. More recently, they have been augmented by the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. Future defense budgets could be negatively affected by several factors, including U.S. Government budget deficits, administration priorities, U.S. national security strategies, a change in spending priorities, and reduction of military operations around the world. Any significant decline or redirection of U.S. military expenditures could result in a material decrease to the Company's sales and earnings.

 U.S. Government contracts are also dependent on the continuing availability of Congressional appropriations. Congress usually appropriates funds for a given program on a fiscal year basis even though contract performance may take more than one year. As a result, at the outset of a major program, the contract is usually incrementally funded, and additional monies are normally committed to the contract by the procuring agency only as Congress makes appropriations for future fiscal years. In addition, most U.S. Government contracts are subject to modification if funding is changed. Any failure by Congress to appropriate additional funds to any program in which the Company participates, or any contract modification as a result of funding changes, could materially delay or terminate the program. This could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

 The Company may not be able to react to increases in its costs due to the nature of its U.S. Government contracts.

 Substantially all of the Company's U.S. Government contracts are fixed-price. Under fixed-price contracts, the Company agrees to perform the work for a fixed price, subject to limited escalation provisions on specified raw materials. Thus it bears the risk that any increases or unexpected costs may reduce profits or potentially cause losses on the contract, which could have a material adverse effect on results of operations and financial condition. That risk is potentially compounded by the political actions under consideration by federal and state governments, including climate change and labor regulations, which could have an impact if enacted or promulgated on the availability of affordable labor, energy and ultimately, materials, as the effects of the legislation/regulation ripple throughout the economy. In addition, products are accepted by test firing samples from a production lot. Lots typically constitute a sizable amount of product. Should a sample not fire as required by the specifications, the cost to rework or scrap the entire lot could be substantial.

 The Company's U.S. Government contracts are subject to termination.

 All of the Company's U.S. Government contracts can be terminated by the U.S. Government either for its convenience or if the Company defaults by failing to perform under the contract. Performance failure can occur from a myriad of factors, which include late shipments due to the inability to secure requisite raw materials or components or strikes or other labor unrest, equipment failures or quality issues, which result in products that do not meet specifications, etc. Termination for convenience provisions provide only for recovery of costs incurred and profit on the work completed prior to termination. Termination for default provisions provide for the contractor to be liable for excess costs incurred by the U.S. Government in procuring undelivered items from another source. If a termination provision is exercised, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.

 Failure of the Company's subcontractors to perform their contractual obligations could materially and adversely impact contract performance.

 Key components and services are provided by third party subcontractors, several of which the segment is required to work with by government edict. Under the contract, the segment is responsible for the performance of those subcontractors, many of which it does not control. There is a risk that the Company may have disputes with its subcontractors, including disputes regarding the quality and timeliness of work performed by subcontractors. A failure by one or more of the Company's subcontractors to satisfactorily provide on a timely basis the agreed-upon supplies or perform the agreed-upon services may materially and adversely impact the Company's ability to perform its obligations as the prime contractor.

 U.S. Government contractors are subject to extensive laws and regulations applicable to the defense industry and the Company could be adversely affected by changes in and compliance with such laws and regulations, or any negative findings by the U.S. government regarding the Company ' s compliance with them.

 U.S. government contractors must comply with numerous significant procurement regulations and specific legal requirements, including a vast array of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, contract terms and requirements related to the defense industry and the Company's products and businesses. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Department of Defense FAR Supplement, Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act, International Traffic in Arms Regulations/Arms Export Control Act, DOD 4145.26-M, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives orders, rules and regulations. Although customary in government contracting, these regulations and legal requirements increase the Company's performance and compliance costs and risks. New laws, regulations or procurement requirements or changes to current ones (for example, regulations related to cybersecurity and related certification requirements, specialty metals, and conflict minerals) can significantly increase the Company's costs and risks and reduce profitability. Non-compliance with the laws, regulations, contract terms and processes to which the Company is subject could affect its ability to compete and have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.

 Safety Segment:

 The Safety segment is comprised of businesses that are startup in nature.

 The operations that comprise the Safety segment are startup in nature, and like most startups may not ultimately have the potential to be successful.

 Increases in the costs for raw materials, energy, transportation and other necessary supplies could adversely affect the results of the Company's operations.

 The Company's suppliers purchase significant amounts of metals, plastics, chemicals, and energy to manufacture the Company's products. Also, the cost of fuel has a major impact on transportation costs, as do intermodal shipping rates. Any increased costs that cannot be fully absorbed or passed along in the form of price increases to the customer can have a material adverse impact on the Company's operating results.

 Reliance on third-party suppliers in Asia and Mexico makes this segment vulnerable to supply interruptions and foreign business risks.

 A major portion of the safety products are manufactured by a handful of third-party suppliers, some of which are in Asia, primarily in the People's Republic of China, and some in Mexico. The Company's ability to continue to select and develop relationships with reliable vendors who provide timely deliveries of quality parts and products will impact its success in meeting customer demand. Most products are procured on a "purchase order" basis. As a result, the Company may be subject to unexpected changes in pricing or supply of products. There is no assurance that it could quickly or effectively replace any of its vendors if the need arose. Any significant failure to obtain products on a timely basis at an affordable cost or any significant delays or interruptions of supply may disrupt customer relationships and have a material adverse effect on the Company's business.

 In addition, international manufacturing is subject to significant risks, including, among others, labor unrest, adverse social, political and economic conditions, interruptions in international shipments, tariffs and other trade barriers, legal and regulatory constraints and fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Although China currently enjoys "most favored nation" trading status with the United States, the U.S. Government has in the past proposed to revoke that status and to impose higher tariffs on products imported from China, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business. Currently, it maintains a penalty tariff on some imports and in the past has threatened to impose a penalty tariff on all products. The latter, if imposed, would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business.

 Regulatory constraints and authorities having jurisdiction has impeded and may continue to impede sales of certain of the segment's products.

 The commercial sales of certain of the Safety segment's products are dependent on the approval of officials that oversee fire safety at state and local levels for use of the products in areas under their jurisdiction. The inability to obtain the approval of these officials has had and may continue to have an adverse impact on the segment's operating results.

 Various products in the Safety segment are reliant upon up-to-date software, hardware, and the wireless communications infrastructure.

 The effective operation of various products in the Safety segment depend on software that utilizes data obtained wirelessly via telecommunication network infrastructure. The inability of the Company to maintain software and hardware that can connect to the wireless infrastructure, failure of the wireless infrastructure, or the unavailability of cloud based data storage, could have a material adverse effect on the efficacy of the segment's products and in turn on its operating results.

 The segment may not be successful in developing and introducing new and improved products.

 The development and introduction of new products is very important to the Company's long-term success. The ability to develop new products is affected by, among other things, whether the Company can develop and fund technological innovations and successfully anticipate customer needs and preferences, meet Underwriters Laboratories or ETL requirements and avoid infringing on the intellectual property rights of others. The introduction of new products may require substantial expenditures for advertising and marketing to gain marketplace recognition or to license intellectual property. There is no guarantee that the Company will be aware of all relevant intellectual property in the industry and may be subject to claims of infringement, which could preclude it from producing and selling a product. Likewise, there is no guarantee that the Company will be successful in developing products necessary to compete effectively in the industry or that it will be successful in advertising, marketing and selling any new products.

 Acquisition Risks:

 The Company may pursue acquisitions of new product lines or businesses. It may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates or, if suitable candidates are identified, it may not be able to complete the acquisition on commercially acceptable terms. Even if the Company is able to consummate an acquisition, the transaction would present many risks, including, among others: failing to achieve anticipated benefits or cost savings; difficulty incorporating and integrating the acquired technologies, services or products; coordinating, establishing or expanding sales, distribution and marketing functions, as necessary; diversion of management's attention from other business concerns; being exposed to unanticipated or contingent liabilities or incurring the impairment of goodwill; the loss of key employees, customers, or distribution partners; and difficulties implementing and maintaining sufficient controls, policies and procedures over the systems, products and processes of the acquired company. If the Company does not achieve the anticipated benefits of its acquisitions as rapidly or to the extent anticipated by management, there could be a material, adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.

 Information Technology System Failure or Security Breach Risks:

 The Company relies on its information technology systems to effectively manage its business data, communications, supply chain, logistics, accounting, and other business processes. While the Company endeavors to build and sustain an appropriate technology environment, information technology systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from circumstances beyond the Company's control, including systems failures, viruses, security breaches or cyber incidents such as intentional cyber-attacks aimed at theft of sensitive data, or inadvertent cyber-security compromises. The Company is also subject to increasing government, customer, and other cyber and security requirements, including disclosure obligations. A security breach of such systems could result in interruptions of the Company's operations, negatively impact relations with customers or employees, and expose the Company to fines and penalties, liability and litigation, any one of which could have a negative impact on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition. The Company's insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all the costs related to cyber security attacks or disruptions. Some of the Company's systems have in the past experienced security breaches; however, to the best of the Company's knowledge as of the date of this filing, the breaches did not have a material adverse effect on its operating results or financial condition. There can be no assurance the Company will not experience material effects from security breaches in the future. As cyber threats develop and grow, the Company may need to make significant further investments to protect data and its infrastructure, including the implementation of new computer systems or upgrades to existing systems, deployment of additional personnel and protection-related technologies, engagement of third-party consultants, and training employees. See Item 1C CYBERSECURITY for a further discussion.

 Health Epidemics, Pandemics, or Similar Public Health Crises Risks:

 The Company faces a wide variety of risks related to health epidemics, pandemics and similar outbreaks, especially of infectious diseases. A global health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to business slowdowns or shutdowns, labor shortages, supply chain challenges, changes in government spending and requirements, regulatory challenges, reductions in demand for products and services, inflationary pressures and market volatility, If a health epidemic, pandemic or similar outbreak were to occur or worsen, the Company will likely experience broad and varied impacts, including potentially to its workforce and supply chain, inflationary pressures and increased costs (which may or may not be fully recoverable or insured), contracting, production and/or distribution delays, market volatility and other financial impacts. If any or all of these items were to occur, the Company could experience material adverse impacts on its business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows.

 ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 None.

 ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY

 The Company faces various cybersecurity threats. The purpose of the Company's cybersecurity program is to assess, identify, manage and mitigate cybersecurity risk while supporting the achievement of the Company's business objectives.

 Under the Company's comprehensive risk management program, the board of directors (the "Board") of the Company maintains oversight of the most significant risks facing the Company, including cybersecurity risks, while senior management is responsible for the identification and prioritization of risks that are material to the Company's business, corresponding risk-mitigation efforts and day-to-day management of the Company's risk management program. At least annually, the Board receives cybersecurity briefings from senior executives.

 The Company's cybersecurity program sets the framework for the Company's approach to cybersecurity. Each business segment of the Company designates individuals with appropriate qualifications and experience to be responsible for addressing cybersecurity matters, including assessing, identifying and managing risks from cybersecurity threats, with a direct reporting line to senior management. Under the Company's approach to cybersecurity, each business segment designs and operates its own information and cybersecurity program tailored to its market, customer requirements, regulatory requirements and threats. The Company's cybersecurity policy and procedures are designed to ensure senior management receives timely and adequate information regarding cybersecurity matters, including threats and incident response, as appropriate to the matter.

 As part of the Company's approach to cyber risk management, the Company performs internal audits of internal processes and controls relating to cybersecurity. Every year, the Company engages third-party experts to conduct cyber penetration testing. Based on their findings and recommendations, the Company makes the appropriate updates to its cybersecurity software.

 Although the Company has designed its cybersecurity program and oversight to mitigate cybersecurity risks, the Company faces unknown cybersecurity risks, threats, and attacks. To date, these risks, threats or attacks have not had a material impact on the Company's operations, business strategies or financial results, but the Company cannot provide assurance that they will not have a material impact in the future. See Item 1A - Risk Factors above for additional discussion of various cybersecurity risks.

 ITEM 2. PROPERTIES (Owned Except Where Indicated)

 The Company's Eau Claire facility is approximately 522,000 square feet, of which approximately 354,000 square feet is leased to Drylock Technologies, Ltd. Rely Innovations, Inc. rents approximately 8,000 square feet of the Eau Claire facility. The Company's corporate office occupies the balance of the space in Eau Claire. During 2018, the Company completed construction of a 30,000 square foot office building adjacent to its Eau Claire facility, which it also leases to Drylock Technologies, Ltd.

 The Company has Defense segment manufacturing facilities located in Janesville and Antigo, Wisconsin; East Camden, Arkansas; Clear Lake, South Dakota; and Marshall, Texas. The Janesville, Wisconsin facility is comprised of approximately 106,000 square feet. The Antigo, Wisconsin facility is comprised of approximately 208,000 square feet, the East Camden, Arkansas operation leases approximately 364,000 square feet, the Clear Lake, South Dakota facility is comprised of approximately 98,000 square feet which includes the Company's 2021 construction of 10,000 square feet of office space, and the Marshall, Texas facility is comprised of approximately 56,500 square feet.

 The Company's Safety segment leases space in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Lisle, Illinois. OneEvent Technologies, Inc. leases approximately 7,000 square feet for its operations in Mount Horeb and Rely Innovations, Inc. leases approximately 4,300 and 5,600 square feet for its operations in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Lisle, Illinois, respectively.

 There are two warehousing facilities located in Jackson and Canton, Mississippi used in the Housewares/Small Appliance and Safety segments. The Jackson facility contains 252,000 square feet. The Company also leases a 255,000 square foot building in Canton which is used primarily for warehousing and distribution and some activities for product service functions. An additional 72,000 square feet has been leased in adjacent Canton buildings for warehousing.

 The facilities in use for each of the Company's business segments are believed to be adequate for their ongoing business needs. As of December 31, 2023, facility expansion plans were in progress for 2024 at several of the Defense segment's operating locations in anticipation of additional awards.

 ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 See Note I to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

 See Item 1-B-3 of this Form 10-K and Note K to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding certain environmental matters.

 ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 Not applicable.

 ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 Record of Purchases of Equity Securities

 None within the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2023.

 On February 16, 2024, the Company's Board of Directors announced a regular dividend of $1.00 per share, plus an extra dividend of $3.50. The dividend is payable on March 15, 2024 to the stockholders of record as of March 1, 2024.

 The common stock of National Presto Industries, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NPK". As of March 1, 2024, there were 217 holders of record of the Company's common stock. This number does not reflect stockholders who hold their shares in the name of broker dealers or other nominees. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company did not purchase any of its equity securities.

 The information under the heading "Equity Compensation Plan Information," in the Company's Proxy Statement for its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, is incorporated by reference.

 The line graph and related information set forth under the heading "Performance Graph" in the Company's 2023 Annual Report is incorporated by reference.

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

 An overview of the Company's business and segments in which the Company operates and risk factors can be found in Items 1 and 1A of this Form 10-K. Forward-looking statements in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, elsewhere in this Form 10-K, in the Company's 2023 Annual Report to Shareholders, in the Proxy Statement for the annual meeting to be held May 21, 2024, and in the Company's press releases and oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. There are certain important factors that could cause results to differ materially from those anticipated by some of the statements made herein. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty. In addition to the factors discussed herein and in the notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, among the other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: consumer spending and debt levels; interest rates; continuity of relationships with and purchases by major customers; product mix; the benefit and risk of business acquisitions; competitive pressure on sales and pricing; development and market acceptance of new products; increases in material, freight/shipping, tariffs, or production cost which cannot be recouped in product pricing; delays or interruptions in shipping or production; shipment of defective product which could result in product liability claims or recalls; work or labor disruptions stemming from a unionized work force; changes in government requirements, military spending, and funding of government contracts which could result, among other things, in the modification or termination of existing contracts; dependence on subcontractors or vendors to perform as required by contract; the ability of startup businesses to ultimately have the potential to be successful; the efficient start-up and utilization of capital and equipment investments; political actions of federal and state governments which could have an impact on everything from the value of the U.S. dollar vis- -vis other currencies to the availability of affordable labor and energy; and security breaches and disruptions to our information technology system. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

 2023 COMPARED TO 2022

 Readers are directed to Note L, "Business Segments," to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for data on the financial results of the Company's three business segments for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 On a consolidated basis, sales increased by $19,289,000 (6%), gross profit increased by $12,327,000 (22%), selling and general expense increased by $3,663,000 (14%), intangibles amortization increased by $1,053,000 (181%) and Impairments - goodwill and intangible assets decreased $5,295,000. Other income increased by $3,581,000 (94%), earnings before provision for income taxes increased by $16,487,000 (64%), and net earnings increased by $13,860,000 (67%). Details concerning these changes can be found in the comments, by segment, below.

 Net sales of the Housewares/Small Appliance segment decreased by $20,729,000, from $118,347,000 to $97,619,000, or 18%. Approximately 30% of which was attributable to a decrease pricing with the balance due to changes in units shipped and mix. Net sales of the Defense segment increased by $39,220,000, from $202,483,000 to $241,703,000, or 19%, reflecting an increase in units shipped. In addition, as Woodlawn Manufacturing, Ltd. was acquired during the fourth quarter of 2022 (see Note P to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements), 2023 was the first full year that its operations were reflected in the segment's sales.

 Gross profit of the Housewares/Small Appliance segment increased $2,445,000 from $17,422,000 (15% of sales) in 2022 to $19,867,000 (20% of sales) in 2023, primarily reflecting the absence of the levels of inventory adjustments made in the prior year. Those adjustments related to obsolete or excess inventory adjustments of $3,613,000, and decrease in standard unit costs of $3,108,000 that were not offset by decreases in the segment's LIFO inventory reserve. Decreased ocean cargo and inland freight costs and a more favorable U.S. Dollar-RMB exchange rate affected margins to a lesser degree. These elements were partially offset by the changes in pricing and unit shipments mentioned above. Defense gross profit increased $9,365,000 from $42,638,000 (21% of sales) in 2022 to $52,003,000 (22% of sales) in 2023, primarily reflecting the increase in sales mentioned above, and comparatively more efficient operations. Due to the startup nature of the businesses in the Safety segment, gross margins were negative in both years. Fiscal year 2023 included a full year of operations of Rely Innovations, Inc., which was acquired in July of 2022. See Note P. This increase in operating losses was offset by the absence of the prior year's write-downs of inventory and materials to reflect realizable values of $1,822,000, leading to the comparative increase in gross margin of $517,000.

 Selling and general expenses for the Housewares/Small Appliance segment increased $355,000, primarily reflecting increased compensation/payroll costs of $503,000, and changes to accrual levels, which included increased bad debt reserves of $285,000 and decreased legal and professional fees of $534,000. Defense segment selling and general expenses increased $1,606,000, primarily due to increased compensation/payroll costs of $724,000, insurance settlement/deductible costs of $538,000 and a full year of selling and general expenses of Woodlawn Manufacturing, Ltd., which was acquired, during the fourth quarter of 2022. The increase in Woodlawn's selling and general expenses was $405,000. Safety segment selling and general expenses increased $1,702,000, primarily reflecting increased compensation/payroll costs of $1,420,000 and the absence of the prior year bargain purchase gain of $492,000 recognized upon the acquisition of Knox Safety, Inc., partially offset by the gain on the sale of Rusoh, Inc. of $351,000. See Notes L and P to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

 Intangibles amortization increased as a result of the acquisition of contracts/customer relationship and intellectual property intangibles in the acquisitions of Knox Safety, Inc. and Woodlawn Manufacturing, Ltd. See Note P to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

 Impairment - goodwill and intangible assets decreased as a result of the absence of the prior year's impairment of goodwill and technology intangibles in the Safety segment. See Note A(10) and Note A(11) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 The above items were responsible for the change in operating profit from continuing operations.

 Other income increased $3,581,000, which was primarily attributable to higher interest earned with higher yields, partially offset by a reduced portfolio of marketable securities.

 Earnings before provision for income taxes increased $16,487,000 from $25,944,000 to $42,431,000. The provision for income taxes increased from $5,245,000 to $7,872,000, which resulted in an effective income tax rate of 19% and 20% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net earnings increased $13,860,000 from $20,699,000 to $34,559,000.

 2022 COMPARED TO 2021

 Readers are directed to Note L, "Business Segments," to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for data on the financial results of the Company's three business segments for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

 On a consolidated basis, sales decreased by $34,154,000 (10%), gross profit decreased by $9,271,000 (14%), selling and general expense decreased by $7,032,000 (21%), intangibles amortization increased by $368,000 (172%) and Impairments - goodwill and intangible assets increased $5,295,000. Other income increased by $1,387,000 (57%), earnings before provision for income taxes decreased by $6,515,000 (20%), and net earnings decreased by $4,955,000 (19%). Details concerning these changes can be found in the comments by segment below.

 Housewares/Small Appliance net sales increased by $2,424,000, from $115,924,000 to $118,348,000, or 2%, primarily attributable to an increase in pricing and changes in mix. Approximately 85% of the increase from price and mix changes were offset by a decrease in units shipped. The increase was further offset by the absence of the prior year's partial reversal of $1,530,000 of a reserve for estimated refunds related to a product recall of indoor smokers. Defense net sales decreased by $37,031,000, from $239,514,000 to $202,483,000, or 15%, reflecting a decrease in units shipped.

 Housewares/Small Appliance gross profit increased $7,448,000 from $9,974,000 (9% of sales) in 2021 to $17,422,000 (15% of sales) in 2022, primarily reflecting the changes in pricing and mix mentioned above, augmented by decreased ocean cargo and inland freight costs, partially offset by the decrease in unit shipments, as well as adjustments related to obsolete or excess inventory levels of $3,613,000, and decreases in standard unit costs of $3,108,000 that were not offset by decreases in the segment's LIFO inventory reserve. Defense gross profit decreased $18,567,000 from $61,205,000 (26% of sales) to $42,638,000 (21% of sales), primarily reflecting the decrease in sales mentioned above, a less favorable mix, inefficiencies from labor shortages, delays in securing materials and other supply chain issues. Due to the startup nature of the businesses in the Safety segment, gross margins were negative in both years. A reduction in the amount of write-downs of inventory and materials at Rusoh, Inc. to reflect realizable values contributed to the comparative increase in gross margin of $1,848,000.

 Selling and general expenses for the Housewares/Small Appliance segment decreased $446,000, primarily reflecting lower health and accident expenses of $699,000, product liability costs of $383,000, and insurance costs of $164,000. These decreases were partially offset by higher legal and professional expenses of $567,000 and compensation expenses of $175,000. Defense segment selling and general expenses increased $680,000, primarily due to increased legal and professional expenses of $302,000, increased compensation/payroll costs of $209,000, and increased marketing costs of $121,000. Safety segment selling and general expenses decreased $7,267,000, primarily reflecting the absence of prior year impairment of $7,615,000 of notes receivable and related interest held by Rusoh, Inc., augmented by the bargain purchase gain of $492,000 recognized upon the acquisition of Knox Safety, Inc. See Note P. These were offset in part by increased compensation expenses of $311,000 and legal and professional expenses of $383,000, both largely related to the acquisition of Knox Safety, Inc.

 Intangibles amortization increased as a result of the acquisition of contracts/customer relationship and intellectual property intangibles in the acquisitions of Knox Safety, Inc. and Woodlawn Manufacturing, Ltd. See Note P to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 Impairment – goodwill and intangible assets increased as a result of impairments of goodwill and technology intangibles in the Safety segment. See Note A (10) and Note A (11) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 The above items were responsible for the change in operating profit from continuing operations.

 Other income increased $1,387,000, which was primarily attributable to higher interest earned with higher yields, offset in part by a reduced portfolio of marketable securities.

 Earnings before provision for income taxes decreased $6,515,000 from $32,459,000 to $25,944,000. The provision for income taxes decreased from $6,805,000 to $5,245,000, which resulted in an effective income tax rate of 20% and 21% for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Net earnings decreased $4,955,000 from $25,654,000 to $20,699,000.

 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 2023 COMPARED TO 2022

 Cash provided by operating activities was $45,389,000 during 2023 as compared to $8,768,000 during 2022. The principal factors behind the increase in cash provided can be found in the changes in the components of working capital within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Of particular note during 2023 were net earnings of $34,559,000, which included total non-cash depreciation and amortization of $6,007,000, decreases in accounts receivable levels and deposits made to vendors (included in other assets and current assets), and a net increase in payable and accrual levels. These were partially offset by non-cash deferred income tax benefit of $1,190,000 and an increase in inventory levels. Of particular note during 2022 were net earnings of $20,699,000, which included a non-cash loss on impairment of goodwill and intangible assets of $5,295,000 and total non-cash depreciation and amortization expenses of $3,347,000. These were partially offset by a non-cash deferred income tax benefit of $2,311,000 and increases in accounts receivable and inventory levels.

 Net cash used in investing activities was $447,000 during 2023 as compared to $16,436,000 during 2022. Of note during 2023 were proceeds from sale of subsidiary of $2,000,000, net purchases of marketable securities of $1,466,000 and purchases of plant and equipment of $1,840,000. During 2022 the Company acquired two businesses for $24,683,000 net of cash acquired and purchased plant and equipment for $1,030,000. These were partially offset by net sales and maturities of marketable securities of $9,171,000.

 Based on the accounting profession's 2005 interpretation of cash equivalents under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") 230, the Company's variable rate demand notes have been classified as marketable securities. This interpretation, which is contrary to the interpretation that the Company's representative received directly from the FASB (which indicated it would not object to the Company's classification of variable rate demand notes as cash equivalents), has resulted in a presentation of the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets that the Company believes understates the true liquidity of the Company's income portfolio. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, $5,123,000 and $3,638,000, respectively, of variable rate demand notes are classified as marketable securities. These notes have structural features that allow the Company to tender them at par plus interest within any 7-day period for cash to the notes' trustees or remarketers and thus provide the liquidity of cash equivalents.

 Cash flows from financing activities for 2023 and 2022 primarily differed as a result of the $0.50 per share decrease in the extra dividend paid during these years. Cash flows for both years also reflected the proceeds from the sale of treasury stock to a Company sponsored retirement plan.

 As a result of the foregoing factors, cash and cash equivalents increased in 2023 by $16,946,000 to $87,657,000.

 Working capital increased by $15,100,000 to $288,091,000 at December 31, 2023 for the reasons stated above. The Company's current ratio was 5.0 to 1.0 at December 31, 2023 and 6.1 to 1.0 at December 31, 2022.

 The Company expects to continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities that align with its business segments and will make further acquisitions, as well as continue to make capital investments in these segments per existing authorized projects and for additional projects if the appropriate return on investment is projected. See Item 1-A-2.

 The Company has substantial liquidity in the form of cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities to meet all of its anticipated capital requirements, to make dividend payments, and to fund future growth through acquisitions and other means. The bulk of its marketable securities are invested in the variable rate demand notes described above, in municipal bonds that are pre-refunded with escrowed U.S. Treasuries, and certificates of deposit. The Company intends to continue its investment strategy of safety and short-term liquidity throughout its investment holdings.

 The Company's principal commitments consist of purchase and lease obligations. Purchase obligations include outstanding purchase orders issued to the Company's Housewares and Safety segments' manufacturers in the Orient and to material suppliers and contractors in the Defense segment, and as of December 31, 2023 amounted to approximately $343,580,000. The Company can cancel or change many of these purchase orders, but may incur costs if its supplier cannot use the material to manufacture the Company's or other customers' products in other applications or return the material to their supplier. As a result, the actual amount the Company is obligated to pay cannot be reasonably estimated. Lease obligations are described in Note M - Leases to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 2022 COMPARED TO 2021

 Cash provided by operating activities was $8,768,000 during 2022 as compared to $34,688,000 during 2021. The principal factors behind the decrease in cash provided can be found in the changes in the components of working capital within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Of particular note during 2022 were net earnings of $20,699,000, which included a non-cash loss on impairment of goodwill and intangible assets of $5,295,000 and total non-cash depreciation and amortization expenses of $3,347,000. These were partially offset by a non-cash deferred income tax benefit of $2,311,000 and increases in accounts receivable and inventory levels. Of particular note during 2021 were net earnings of $25,654,000, which included a non-cash provision for doubtful notes and accounts receivable of $7,665,000, total non-cash depreciation and amortization expenses of $2,978,000, a non-cash deferred income tax benefit of $1,612,000, and net decreases in deposits made to vendors included in other assets and current assets and accounts receivable. These were partially offset by an increase in inventory levels and a net decrease in payable and accrual levels.

 Net cash used in investing activities was $16,436,000 during 2022 as compared to $32,548,000 provided by investing activities during 2021. During 2022 the Company acquired two businesses for $24,683,000 net of cash acquired, and purchased plant and equipment for $1,030,000. These were partially offset by net sales and maturities of marketable securities of $9,171,000. Of note during 2021 were net sales and maturities of marketable securities of $34,621,000 offset by the purchase of plant and equipment of $2,866,000, which primarily included expenditures to augment the Company's production facilities in the Defense segment.

 Based on the accounting profession's 2005 interpretation of cash equivalents under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") 230, the Company's variable rate demand notes have been classified as marketable securities. This interpretation, which is contrary to the interpretation that the Company's representative received directly from the FASB (which indicated it would not object to the Company's classification of variable rate demand notes as cash equivalents), has resulted in a presentation of the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets that the Company believes understates the true liquidity of the Company's income portfolio. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, $3,638,000 and $25,427,000, respectively, of variable rate demand notes are classified as marketable securities. These notes have structural features that allow the Company to tender them at par plus interest within any 7-day period for cash to the notes' trustees or remarketers and thus provide the liquidity of cash equivalents.

 Cash flows from financing activities for 2022 and 2021 primarily differed as a result of the $1.75 per share decrease in the extra dividend paid during these years. Cash flows for both years also reflected the proceeds from the sale of treasury stock to a Company sponsored retirement plan.

 As a result of the foregoing factors, cash and cash equivalents decreased in 2022 by $39,094,000 to $70,711,000.

 Working capital decreased by $21,903,000 to $272,991,000 at December 31, 2022 for the reasons stated above. The Company's current ratio was 6.1 to 1.0 at December 31, 2022 and 6.6 to 1.0 at December 31, 2021.

 DEFENSE SEGMENT BACKLOG

 The Company's Defense segment contract backlog was approximately $564,005,000 at December 31, 2023, and $505,069,000 at December 31, 2022. Backlog is defined as the value of orders from the customer less the amount of sales recognized against the orders. It is anticipated that the backlog will be produced and shipped during an 18- to 36-month period.

 Critical accounting ESTIMATES

 The Company's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon its Consolidated Financial Statements. The preparation of the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amount of reported assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. The estimates are based on experience and other assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances, and these estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

 The Company's critical accounting policies are those that materially affect its Consolidated Financial Statements and involve difficult, subjective, or complex judgments by management. The Company reviewed the development and selection of the critical accounting policies and believes the following are the most critical accounting policies that could have an effect on the Company's reported results as they involve the use of significant estimates and assumptions as described above. These critical accounting policies and estimates have been reviewed with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. See Note A - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more detailed information regarding the Company's critical accounting policies.

 Inventories

 New Housewares/Small Appliance and Safety product introductions are an important part of the Company's sales. In the case of the Housewares/Small Appliance segment, the introductions are important to offset the morbidity rate of other products and/or the effect of lowered acceptance of seasonal products due to weather conditions. New products entail unusual risks and have occasionally, in the past, resulted in losses related to obsolete or excess inventory as a result of low or diminishing demand for a product. The Housewares/Small Appliance segment recorded impairments related to such losses of $1,216,000 and $3,613,000 in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Safety segment recorded impairments of $1,822,000 and $3,090,000 in 2022 and 2021, respectively, largely due to aged Rusoh extinguisher inventory. Fire safety regulations require fire extinguishers to be replaced or torn down every 12 years after the date of manufacture. There were no other obsolescence issues that had a material effect during the current year. In the future should product demand issues arise, the Company may incur losses related to the obsolescence of the related inventory. Inventory risk for the Company's Defense segment is not deemed to be significant, as products are largely built pursuant to customers' specific orders.

 Self-Insured Product Liability & Health Insurance

 The Company is subject to product liability claims in the normal course of business and is self-insured for health care costs, although it does carry stop loss and other insurance to cover claims once a health care claim reaches a specified threshold. The Company's insurance coverage varies from policy year to policy year, and there are typically limits on all types of insurance coverage, which also vary from policy year to policy year. Accordingly, the Company records an accrual for known claims and incurred but not reported claims, including an estimate for related legal fees in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company utilizes historical trends and other analysis to assist in determining the appropriate accrual. There are no known claims that would have a material adverse impact on the Company beyond the reserve levels that have been accrued and recorded on the Company's books and records. An increase in the number or magnitude of claims could have a material impact on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

 Revenues

 Sales are recorded net of discounts and returns for the Housewares/Small Appliance segment. Sales discounts and returns are key aspects of variable consideration, which is a significant estimate utilized in revenue recognition. Sales returns pertain primarily to warranty returns, returns of seasonal items, and returns of those newly introduced products sold with a return privilege. The calculation of warranty returns is based in large part on historical data, while seasonal and new product returns are primarily developed using customer provided information.

 Impairment and Valuation of Long-lived Assets and Goodwill

 The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, including the value of contracts/customer relationships, trademarks and safety certifications, trade secrets, and technology software. Determining whether an impairment has occurred typically requires various estimates and assumptions, including determining which cash flows are directly related to the potentially impaired asset, the useful life over which cash flows will occur, the amounts of the cash flows and the asset's residual value, if any. In turn, measurement of an impairment loss requires a determination of fair value, which is based on the best information available. The Company uses internal discounted cash flows estimates, quoted market prices when available and independent appraisals, as appropriate, to determine fair value. The Company derives the required cash flow estimates from its historical experience and its internal business plans.

 The Company recognizes the excess cost of acquired entities over the net amount assigned to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as goodwill. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis at the start of the fourth quarter and between annual tests whenever an impairment is indicated. The impairment test for goodwill requires the determination of fair value of the reporting unit. The Company uses multiples of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA"), sales, and discounted cash flow models, which are described above, to determine the reporting unit's fair value, as appropriate.

 NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 Please refer to Note A(18) to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to the effect of adopting new accounting pronouncements on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

 ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 The Company's interest income on cash equivalents and marketable securities is affected by changes in interest rates in the United States. Cash equivalents primarily consist of money market funds. Based on the accounting profession's interpretation of cash equivalents under FASB ASC 230, the Company's seven-day variable rate demand notes are classified as marketable securities rather than as cash equivalents. The demand notes are highly liquid instruments with interest rates set every seven days that can be tendered to the trustee or remarketer upon seven days notice for payment of principal and accrued interest amounts. The seven-day tender feature of these variable rate demand notes is further supported by an irrevocable letter of credit from highly rated U.S. banks. To the extent a bond is not remarketed at par plus accrued interest, the difference is drawn from the bank's letter of credit. The Company has had no issues tendering these notes to the trustees or remarketers. Other than a failure of a major U.S. bank, there are no known risks of which the Company is aware that relate to these notes in the current market. The balance of the Company's investments is held primarily in fixed rate municipal bonds and certificates of deposits with an average life of 0.8 years. Accordingly, changes in interest rates have not had a material effect on the Company, and the Company does not anticipate that future exposure to interest rate market risk will be material. The Company uses sensitivity analysis to determine its exposure to changes in interest rates.

 The Company has no history of, and does not anticipate in the future, investing in derivative financial instruments. Most transactions with international customers are entered into in U.S. dollars, precluding the need for foreign currency cash flow hedges. As the majority of the Housewares/Small Appliance segment's suppliers are located in China, periodic changes in the U.S. dollar and Chinese Renminbi (RMB) exchange rates do have an impact on that segment's product costs. It is anticipated that any potential material impact from fluctuations in the exchange rate will be to the cost of products secured via purchase orders issued subsequent to the revaluation.

 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 A.

 The Consolidated Financial Statements of National Presto Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries and the related Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm can be found on pages F-1 through F-22.

 B.

 Quarterly financial data is contained in Note N to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 None.

 ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 The Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer (principal financial officer), conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act") as of December 31, 2023. Based on that evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer (principal financial officer) concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date.

 There were no changes to internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 The management of National Presto Industries, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the 1934 Act. The Company's internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company's management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

 All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

 Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this assessment and those criteria, management concluded that as of December 31, 2023, the Company's internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the 1934 Act, was effective.

 The Company's independent registered public accounting firm has issued its report on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. The report appears below.

 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of National Presto Industries, Inc.

 Opinion on the Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 We have audited National Presto Industries, Inc.'s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.

 We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements of the Company and our report dated March 15, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion.

 Basis for Opinion

 The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 /s/ RSM US LLP

 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 March 15, 2024

 ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 Insider Trading Arrangement

 No officers or directors, as defined in Rule 16a - 1 (f), adopted or terminated a "Rule 10b5 - 1 trading arrangement" or a "non-Rule 10b5 - 1 trading arrangement," as defined in Regulation S-K Item 408, during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2023.

 ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURES REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS

 None.

 ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 The following information is provided with regard to the executive officers of the registrant:

 (All terms for elected officers are one year or until their respective successors are elected.)

 NAME

 TITLE

 AGE

 Maryjo Cohen

 Chair of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer

 Douglas J. Frederick

 Chief Operating Officer, Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel

 Jeffery A. Morgan

 Vice President, Engineering

 David J. Peuse

 Director of Financial Reporting and Treasurer

 John R. MacKenzie

 Vice President of Sales

 Ms. Cohen became Chair of the Board on January 1, 2002. Prior to that date she had been elected Treasurer in September 1983, Vice President in May 1986, President in May 1989 and Chief Executive Officer in May 1994. She has been associated with the registrant since 1976. Prior to becoming an officer, she was Associate Resident Counsel and Assistant to the Treasurer.

 Mr. Frederick was appointed a Board Director on May 16, 2023. Prior to that date he had been elected Corporate Secretary on November 17, 2009, Vice President on May 15, 2018, and Chief Operating Officer on December 11, 2018. He has been associated with the registrant since 2007 as an in-house attorney with expertise in litigation and intellectual property matters and in the capacity of General Counsel since January 2009. Prior to his employment with the registrant, Mr. Frederick was a litigation attorney with the firm Rider Bennett, LLP.

 Mr. Morgan was elected Vice President of Engineering in November 2015. He has been associated with the registrant since 2010. Prior to becoming an officer, he was Director of Engineering and Chief Engineer. Prior to his employment with the registrant, Mr. Morgan had worked 21 years at Hoover Company, a division of Maytag, and three years at Hoover's successor, Techtronic Industries, in engineering and engineering management capacities.

 Mr. Peuse was elected Treasurer in May 2019. Prior to becoming an officer, he served the registrant as Controller, and in other capacities as Manager of General Accounting, Costing Manager, Business Systems Analyst, and Internal Auditor. Mr. Peuse has been associated with the registrant since 1996.

 Mr. MacKenzie was elected Vice President of sales on February 17, 2023. He has over 20-years of experience in the housewares/small appliance industry, and has held sales and management positions at Applica (Black & Decker), Focus Products, and Joseph Joseph. Prior to becoming an officer, he had most recently served the Company as its Director of Sales and in other capacities as its National Sales Manager and District Sales Manager. Mr. MacKenzie has been associated with the Company since 2016.

 The information under the headings "Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports," "Information Concerning Directors and Nominees" and "Corporate Governance" in the Company's Proxy Statement for its 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated by reference.

 The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to all Company employees, entitled the "Corporate Code of Conduct," which is set forth in the Corporate Governance section of the Company's website located at www.gopresto.com. The Company intends to make all required disclosures concerning any amendments to, or waivers from, its Corporate Code of Conduct by the posting of such information on that section of its website.

 ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 The information under the headings "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation," "Director Compensation," "Executive Compensation and Other Information" and "Summary Compensation Table" in the Company's Proxy Statement for its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated by reference.

 ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 The security ownership and related stockholder matters information set forth under the heading "Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof" in the Company's Proxy Statement for its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated by reference.

 ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 The certain relationships and related transactions and director independence information set forth under the heading "Corporate Governance" in the Company's Proxy Statement for its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated by reference.

 ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 The principal accountant fees and services information set forth under the heading "Independent Registered Public Accountants" in the Company's Proxy Statement for its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated by reference.

 ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 (a)

 Documents filed as part of this Form 10-K:

 Form 10-K

 Page Reference

 1.

 Consolidated Financial Statements:

 a.

 Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2023 and 2022

 F-1 & F-2

 b.

 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

 c.

 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

 d.

 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

 e.

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 F-6 through F-20

 f.

 Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

 RSM US LLP, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, PCAOB ID # 49

 2.

 Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule:

 Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 (b) Exhibits:

 Exhibit Number

 Description

 Exhibit 3(i)

 Restated Articles of Incorporation – incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3(i) of the Company's report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2005

 Exhibit 3(ii)

 By-Laws - incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3(ii) of the Company's current report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2007

 Exhibit 4

 Description of Registrant's Securities - Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4 of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019

 Exhibit 9.1

 Voting Trust Agreement - incorporated by reference from Exhibit 9 of the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 6, 1997

 Exhibit 9.2

 Voting Trust Agreement Amendment – incorporated by reference from Exhibit 9.2 of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008

 Exhibit Number

 Description

 Exhibit 10.1*

 Incentive Compensation Plan – incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 2010

 Exhibit 10.2*

 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement – incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 2010

 Exhibit 10.3*

 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan – incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 2, 2017

 Exhibit 10.4*

 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement – 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan - incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 2, 2017

 Exhibit 21

 Subsidiaries of the Registrant

 Exhibit 23.1

 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - RSM US LLP

 Exhibit 31.1

 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 Exhibit 31.2

 Certification of the Treasurer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 Exhibit 32.1

 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 Exhibit 32.2

 Certification of the Treasurer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 Exhibit 97

 Policy for the Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation

 Exhibit 101.INS

 Exhibit 101.SCH

 Exhibit 101.CAL

 Exhibit 101.DEF

 Exhibit 101.LAB

 Exhibit 101.PRE

 Exhibit 104

 * Compensatory Plans

 (c) Schedules:

 Reference is made to Item 15(a)2 of this Form 10-K.

 ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

 None.

 SIGNATURES

 Pursuant to the Requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 (registrant)

 By:

 /S/ Maryjo Cohen

 Maryjo Cohen

 President and Chief Executive Officer

 Date: March 15, 2024

 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 By:

 /S/ Douglas J. Frederick

 By:

 /S/ Patrick J. Quinn

 Douglas J. Frederick

 Patrick J. Quinn

 Chief Operating Officer, Vice President,

 Secretary, General Counsel, and Director

 Director

 By:

 /S/ Maryjo Cohen

 By:

 /S/ Joseph G. Stienessen

 Maryjo Cohen

 Joseph G. Stienessen

 Chair of the Board, President,

 Director

 Chief Executive Officer (Principal

 Executive Officer), and Director

 By:

 /S/ Randy F. Lieble

 By:

 /S/ David J. Peuse

 Randy F. Lieble

 David J. Peuse

 Director

 Director of Financial Reporting and

 Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)

 Date:

 March 15, 2024

 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 (Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 December 31

 2023

 2022

 ASSETS

 CURRENT ASSETS:

 Cash and cash equivalents

 $
 87,657

 $
 70,711

 Marketable securities

 26,454

 24,863

 Accounts receivable

 $
 49,323

 $
 71,362

 Less allowance for doubtful accounts

 48,727

 71,024

 Inventories:

 Finished goods

 31,815

 36,249

 Work in process

 144,684

 105,564

 Raw materials and supplies

 13,921

 190,420

 10,324

 152,137

 Notes receivable, current

 1,629

 2,226

 Other current assets

 5,223

 5,671

 Total current assets

 360,110

 326,632

 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

 Land and land improvements

 3,107

 4,542

 Buildings

 52,182

 50,904

 Machinery and equipment

 51,721

 49,979

 107,010

 105,425

 Less allowance for depreciation and amortization

 67,774

 39,236

 63,634

 41,791

 GOODWILL

 19,433

 18,573

 INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net

 5,290

 6,926

 RIGHT-OF-USE LEASE ASSETS

 10,664

 10,731

 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

 5,803

 5,506

 OTHER ASSETS

 -

 1,688

 $
 440,536

 $
 411,847

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 (Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 December 31

 2023

 2022

 LIABILITIES

 CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 Accounts payable

 $
 38,232

 $
 28,944

 Federal and state income taxes

 2,539

 2,552

 Lease liabilities

 Accrued liabilities

 30,570

 21,568

 Total current liabilities

 72,019

 53,641

 LEASE LIABILITIES - NON-CURRENT

 9,986

 10,154

 FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAXES - NON-CURRENT

 2,275

 -

 Total liabilities

 84,280

 63,795

 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 Common stock, $ 1 par value:

 Authorized: 12,000,000 shares at December 31, 2023 and 2022

 Issued: 7,440,518 shares at December 31, 2023 and 2022

 Outstanding: 7,084,384 and 7,062,872 shares at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively

 $
 7,441

 $
 7,441

 Paid-in capital

 16,031

 14,799

 Retained earnings

 344,245

 338,071

 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 ( 103
)

 367,739

 360,208

 Less treasury stock, at cost, 356,134 and 377,646 shares at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively

 11,483

 12,156

 Total stockholders' equity

 356,256

 348,052

 $
 440,536

 $
 411,847

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 (In thousands except per share data)

 For the years ended December 31,

 2023

 2022

 2021

 Net sales

 $
 340,912

 $
 321,623

 $
 355,777

 Cost of sales

 273,460

 266,498

 291,381

 Gross profit

 67,452

 55,125

 64,396

 Selling and general expenses

 30,784

 27,121

 34,153

 Intangibles amortization

 1,635

 Impairments - goodwill and intangible assets

 -

 5,295

 -

 Operating profit

 35,033

 22,127

 30,029

 Other income

 7,398

 3,817

 2,430

 Earnings before provision for income taxes

 42,431

 25,944

 32,459

 Provision for income taxes

 7,872

 5,245

 6,805

 $

 $

 $

 Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 Basic and diluted

 7,106

 7,081

 7,060

 Earnings per share, basic and diluted:

 Net earnings per share

 $
 4.86

 $
 2.92

 $
 3.63

 Comprehensive income:

 $

 $

 $

 Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

 Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities

 ( 123
)

 ( 134
)

 Comprehensive income

 $
 34,684

 $
 20,576

 $
 25,520

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 (In Thousands)

 For the years ended December 31,

 2023

 2022

 2021

 Cash flows from operating activities:

 $

 $

 $

 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

 Provision for depreciation

 4,372

 2,765

 2,764

 Intangibles amortization

 1,635

 Deferred income tax (benefit)

 ( 1,190
)

 ( 2,311
)

 ( 1,612
)

 Provision for doubtful notes and accounts receivable

 -

 7,665

 (Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

 ( 7
)

 Loss on impairment

 -

 5,295

 -

 Proceeds from insurance claim

 -

 Noncash retirement plan expense

 Gain on bargain purchase

 -

 ( 492
)

 -

 Gain on sale of subsidiary

 ( 351
)

 -

 -

 Other

 Changes in operating accounts, net of effects of acquisition:

 Accounts receivable, net

 20,337

 ( 12,903
)

 1,083

 Inventories

 ( 38,627
)

 ( 5,620
)

 ( 10,139
)

 Other assets and current assets

 2,137

 9,737

 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 18,288

 ( 676
)

 ( 1,232
)

 Federal and state income taxes payable

 2,497

 ( 649
)

 ( 1,614
)

 Net cash provided by operating activities

 45,389

 8,768

 34,688

 Cash flows from investing activities:

 Marketable securities purchased

 ( 47,709
)

 ( 20,024
)

 ( 3,918
)

 Marketable securities - maturities and sales

 46,243

 29,195

 38,539

 Purchase of property, plant and equipment

 ( 1,840
)

 ( 1,030
)

 ( 2,866
)

 Proceeds from notes receivable

 Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

 -

 ( 24,683
)

 -

 Proceeds from sale of subsidiary

 2,000

 -

 -

 Proceeds from insurance claim

 -

 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 ( 447
)

 ( 16,436
)

 32,548

 Cash flows from financing activities:

 Dividends paid

 ( 28,385
)

 ( 31,826
)

 ( 44,083
)

 Proceeds from sale of treasury stock

 Other

 ( 40
)

 ( 36
)

 Net cash used in financing activities

 ( 27,996
)

 ( 31,426
)

 ( 43,467
)

 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 16,946

 ( 39,094
)

 23,769

 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 70,711

 109,805

 86,036

 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 $
 87,657

 $
 70,711

 $
 109,805

 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 Cash paid during the year for:

 Income taxes

 $
 6,843

 $
 8,208

 $
 10,071

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 (In thousands except per share data)

 Shares of Common Stock Outstanding

 Common Stock

 Paid-in Capital

 Retained Earnings

 Accumulated Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 Treasury Stock

 Total

 Balance December 31, 2020

 7,025

 $
 7,441

 $
 12,438

 $
 367,627

 $

 $
 ( 13,312
)

 $
 374,348

 Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

 ( 134
)

 ( 134
)

 Dividends paid March 13, $ 1.00 per share regular, $ 5.25 per share extra

 ( 44,083
)

 ( 44,083
)

 Other

 1,305

 -

 1,838

 Balance December 31, 2021

 7,042

 7,441

 13,743

 349,198

 ( 12,779
)

 357,623

 Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

 ( 123
)

 ( 123
)

 Dividends paid March 15, $ 1.00 per share regular, $ 3.50 per share extra

 ( 31,826
)

 ( 31,826
)

 Other

 1,056

 -

 1,679

 Balance December 31, 2022

 7,063

 7,441

 14,799

 338,071

 ( 103
)

 ( 12,156
)

 348,052

 Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

 Dividends paid March 15, $ 1.00 per share regular, $ 3.00 per share extra

 ( 28,385
)

 ( 28,385
)

 Other

 1,232

 1,905

 Balance December 31, 2023

 7,082

 $
 7,441

 $
 16,031

 $
 344,245

 $

 $
 ( 11,483
)

 $
 356,256

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

 ( 1) USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: In preparation of the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from the estimates used by management.

 ( 2) BASIS OF PRESENTATION: The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of National Presto Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. For a further discussion of the Company's business and the segments in which it operates, please refer to Note L.

 ( 3) GENERAL: All of the Company's businesses were deemed essential and as a result, all operated during the COVID- 19 shutdowns. Distribution systems of customers that survived the shutdowns are largely intact as most key retail customers' outlets have been open since third quarter 2020. Although many employees continue to work from home, customer offices are open and trade shows have resumed. As a result of government COVID- 19 policies, labor and material costs have materially increased. Labor shortages continue. Due to the Company's historical conservative practices, it has no debt and has adequate balances to fund its operations."

 ( 4) RECLASSIFICATIONS: Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior periods' financial statements to conform to the current period's financial statement presentation. These reclassifications did not affect net earnings or stockholder' equity as previously reported.

 ( 5) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: The Company utilizes the methods of determining fair value as described in Financial Accounting Standard Board ("FASB") Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures to value its financial assets and liabilities. ASC 820 utilizes a three -tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

 The carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximates fair value due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair value of marketable securities are discussed in Note A( 6).

 ( 6) CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES:

 Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company considers all highly liquid marketable securities with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents include money market funds. The Company deposits its cash in high quality financial institutions. The balances, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. Money market funds are reported at fair value determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities (Level 1, as defined by FASB ASC 820).

 The Company's cash management policy provides for its bank disbursement accounts to be reimbursed on a daily basis. Checks issued but not presented to the bank for payment of $ 5,471,000 and $ 5,454,000 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, are included as reductions of cash and cash equivalents or book overdrafts in accounts payable, as appropriate.

 Marketable Securities: The Company has classified all marketable securities as available-for-sale which requires the securities to be reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Highly liquid, tax-exempt variable rate demand notes with put options exercisable in three months or less are classified as marketable securities. Due to the Company's ability to liquidate its available-for-sale securities for potential capital needs, they are classified as current assets.

 F-

 At December 31, 2023 and 2022, cost for marketable securities was determined using the specific identification method. A summary of the amortized costs and fair values of the Company's marketable securities at December 31 is shown in the following table. All of the Company's marketable securities are classified as Level 2, as defined by FASB ASC 820, with fair values determined using significant other observable inputs, which include quoted prices in markets that are not active, quoted prices of similar securities, recently executed transactions, broker quotations, and other inputs that are observable.

 MARKETABLE SECURITIES

 Amortized Cost

 Fair Value

 Gross Unrealized Gains

 Gross Unrealized Losses

 December 31, 2023

 Certificates of Deposit

 21,305

 21,331

 Variable Rate Demand Notes

 5,123

 5,123

 -

 -

 Total Marketable Securities

 $
 26,428

 $
 26,454

 $

 $

 December 31, 2022

 Fixed Rate Municipal Bonds

 $
 11,460

 $
 11,405

 $
 -

 $

 Certificates of Deposit

 9,895

 9,820

 Variable Rate Demand Notes

 3,638

 3,638

 -

 -

 Total Marketable Securities

 $
 24,993

 $
 24,863

 $

 $

 Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities totaled $ 46,243,000 in 2023, $ 29,195,000 in 2022, and $ 38,539,000 in 2021. There were no realized gross gains or losses related to sales of marketable securities during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income were $ 158,000, ($ 156,000) and ($ 170,000) before taxes for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. No unrealized gains or losses were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income during the same periods.

 The contractual maturities of the marketable securities held at December 31, 2023 are as follows: $ 16,330,000 within one year; $ 7,536,000 beyond one year to five years; and $ 2,562,000 beyond five years to ten years. All of the instruments in the beyond five year range are variable rate demand notes which, as noted above, can be tendered for cash at par plus interest within seven days. Despite the stated contractual maturity date, to the extent a tender is not honored, the notes become immediately due and payable.

 ( 7) ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE: The Company's accounts receivable is related to sales of products. Credit is extended based on prior experience with the customer and evaluation of customers' financial condition. Accounts receivable are primarily due within 25 to 60 days. The Company does not accrue interest on past due accounts receivable. Receivables are written off only after all collection attempts have failed and are based on individual credit evaluation and the specific circumstances of the customer. The Company maintains an allowance for estimated expected credit losses resulting from the inability of customers to meet their financial obligations to the Company. The allowance is determined based on the Company's historical collection experience, adverse situations that may affect the customer's ability to pay, and prevailing economic conditions. The Company also maintains an allowance for customer chargebacks, which is determined based on the Company's historical experience with customers.

 ( 8) INVENTORIES: Housewares/Small Appliance segment inventories and certain Safety segment inventory items are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost being determined principally on the last-in, first -out (LIFO) method. Defense segment inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value determined principally on the first -in, first -out (FIFO) method. Inventoried costs relating to contracts in progress are stated at actual production costs, including factory overhead, initial tooling, and other related costs incurred to date, reduced by amounts associated with recognized sales, utilizing a standard costing type method. The Company evaluates inventories to determine if there are any excess or obsolete inventories on hand.

 ( 9) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Straight-line depreciation is primarily provided in amounts sufficient to charge the costs of depreciable assets to operations over their service lives which are estimated at 15 to 40 years for buildings, 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment, and 15 to 20 years for land improvements. The Company reviews long-lived assets consisting principally of property, plant, and equipment, for impairment when material events and changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. As of December 31, 2023, net property, plant and equipment included $ 6,223,000 related to leased manufacturing and office space. See Note M. Approximately $ 642,000 of construction in progress in the Company's Defense segment is presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as Buildings, at December 31, 2023.

 F-

 ( 10) GOODWILL: The Company recognizes the excess cost of acquired entities over the net amount assigned to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as goodwill. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis at the start of the fourth quarter and between annual tests whenever an impairment is indicated, such as the occurrence of an event that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. Impairment losses are recognized when the carrying value of the reporting unit is greater than the fair value of the reporting unit. During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company assessed the poor historical performance and outlook for one of the reporting units in its Safety segment and opted to perform a quantitative assessment for impairment. The Company utilized discounted cash flow models to determine the reporting unit's fair value. There was no goodwill impairment recognized during 2023 or 2021. A goodwill impairment of $ 3,832,000 was recognized during 2022.

 The Company's goodwill was $ 19,433,000 and $ 18,573,000 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, all of which related to the Defense segment. There have been no impairments recognized for goodwill in the Defense segment. During 2022, all of the Safety segment's goodwill was deemed impaired.

 GOODWILL

 Defense

 Safety

 Balance at December 31, 2021

 $
 11,485

 $
 3,832

 Additions

 7,088

 -

 Less: Impairments

 -

 ( 3,832
)

 Balance at December 31, 2022

 $
 18,573

 $
 -

 Additions

 -

 Balance at December 31, 2023

 $
 19,433

 $
 -

 ( 11) INTANGIBLE ASSETS: Intangible assets are attributable to the Defense and Safety segments, primarily consist of the value of contracts/customer relationships, trademarks and safety certifications, trade secrets, and technology software, and are amortized on a straight-line basis that approximates economic use, over periods ranging from 2 to 15 years with the exception of trade secrets which have an indefinite life.

 Intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company utilized discounted cash flow models to determine its fair value. There was no impairment of intangible assets recognized during 2023 or 2021. During 2022, the Company recognized an impairment of technology software of $ 1,463,000 that pertains to the Safety segment.

 The following shows the gross carrying amounts of the intangible assets and accumulated amortization at December 31, 2023 and 2022:

 INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 Technology Software and Other

 Contracts/ Customer Relationships

 Trade Secrets

 Total

 December 31, 2023

 Gross Carrying Amount

 $

 $
 6,058

 $
 1,000

 $
 7,348

 Accumulated Amortization

 ( 290
)

 ( 1,768
)

 -

 ( 2,058
)

 Net intangible assets

 $
 -

 $
 4,290

 $
 1,000

 $
 5,290

 December 31, 2022

 Gross Carrying Amount

 $

 $
 6,058

 $
 1,000

 $
 7,348

 Accumulated Amortization

 ( 97
)

 ( 325
)

 -

 ( 422
)

 Net intangible assets

 $

 $
 5,733

 $
 1,000

 $
 6,926

 The Company estimates it will record amortization expense for the succeeding years as follows:

 Years ending December 31:

 2024

 $
 1,515

 2025

 1,515

 2026

 1,260

 $
 4,290

 Amortization expense was $ 1,635,000, $ 582,000, and $ 214,000 during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

 ( 12) OTHER ASSETS: Other assets includes prepayments and deposits that are made from time to time by the Company for certain materials used in the manufacturing process in the Housewares/Small Appliance and Safety segments. The Company expects to utilize the prepayments and related materials remaining as of December 31, 2023 over an estimated period of one year. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, $ 5,018,000 and $ 7,578,000 of such prepayments, respectively, remained unused and outstanding. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, $ 5,018,000 and $ 5,890,000 of these amounts, respectively, are included in Other Current Assets, representing the Company's best estimate of the expected utilization of the prepayments and related materials during the twelve -month periods following those dates.

 ( 13) REVENUES: The Company's revenues are derived from short-term contracts and programs that are typically completed within 3 to 24 months and are recognized in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Company's contracts generally contain one or more performance obligations: the physical delivery of distinct ordered product or products. The Company provides an assurance type product warranty on its products to the original owner. In addition, for the Housewares/Small Appliances segment, the Company estimates returns of seasonal products and returns of newly introduced products sold with a return privilege. Stand-alone selling prices are set forth in each contract and are used to allocate revenue to the corresponding performance obligations. For the Housewares/Small Appliances segment, contracts include variable consideration, as the prices are subject to customer allowances, which principally consist of allowances for cooperative advertising, defective product, and trade discounts. Customer allowances are generally allocated to the performance obligations based on budgeted rates agreed upon with customers, as well as historical experience, and yield the Company's best estimate of the expected value for the variable consideration.

 F-

 The Company's contracts in the Defense segment are primarily with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and DOD prime contractors. As a consequence, this segment's business essentially depends on the product needs and governmental funding of the DOD. Substantially all of the work performed by the Defense segment directly or indirectly for the DOD is performed on a fixed-price basis. Under fixed-price contracts, the price paid to the contractor is awarded based on competition or negotiation at the outset of the contract and therefore, with the exception of limited escalation provisions on specific materials, is generally not subject to any adjustments reflecting the actual costs incurred by the contractor.

 For the Housewares/Small Appliance segment, revenue is generally recognized as the completed, ordered product is shipped to the customer from the Company's warehouses. For the situations in which revenue should be recognized when product is received by the customer, the Company adjusts revenue accordingly. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company reduced revenue by $ 2,073,000 for estimated customer refunds related to a product recall of which $ 1,530,000 was reversed during the year ended December 31, 2021 as actual refunds were lower than initially expected. For the Defense segment, revenue is primarily recognized when the customer has legal title and formally documents that it has accepted the products. There are also certain termination clauses in Defense segment contracts that may give rise to an over-time pattern of recognition of revenue in the absence of alternative use of the product.

 The timing of revenue recognition, billings, and cash collections results in billed accounts receivable, and customer advances and deposits (contract liabilities) on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the Defense segment, the Company occasionally receives advances or deposits from certain customers before revenue is recognized, resulting in contract liabilities. These advances or deposits do not represent a significant financing component. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, $ 13,666,000 and $ 5,660,000, respectively, of contract liabilities were included in Accrued Liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. During 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company recognized revenue of $ 326,000, $ 0 and $ 3,208,000, respectively, that was included in the Defense segment contract liability at the beginning of those respective years. The Company monitors its estimates of variable consideration, which includes customer allowances for cooperative advertising, defective product, and trade discounts, and returns of seasonal and newly introduced product, all of which pertain to the Housewares/Small Appliances segment, and periodically makes cumulative adjustments to the carrying amounts of these contract liabilities as appropriate. During 2023, 2022, and 2021, there were no material adjustments to the aforementioned estimates. There were no material amounts of revenue recognized during the same periods related to performance obligations satisfied in a previous period. The portion of contract transaction prices allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations, also known as the contract backlog, in the Company's Defense segment were $ 564,005,000 and $ 505,069,000 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company anticipates that the unsatisfied performance obligations will be fulfilled in an 18 - to 36 -month period. The performance obligations in the Housewares/Small Appliances and Safety segments have original expected durations of less than one year.

 The Company's principal sources of revenue are derived from two segments: Housewares/Small Appliance and Defense, as shown in Note L. Management utilizes the performance measures by segment to evaluate the financial performance of and make operating decisions for the Company.

 ( 14) ADVERTISING: The Company's policy is to expense advertising as incurred and include it in selling and general expenses. Advertising expense was $ 226,000, $ 209,000 and $ 150,000 in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

 ( 15) PRODUCT WARRANTY: The Company's Housewares/Small Appliance segment's products are generally warranted to the original owner to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 to 12 years from date of purchase. The Company allows a 60 -day over-the-counter initial return privilege through cooperating dealers. The Company services its products through a corporate service repair operation. The Company estimates its product warranty liability based on historical percentages which have remained relatively consistent over the years.

 F-

 The product warranty liability is included in accounts payable on the balance sheet. The following table shows the changes in product warranty liability for the period:

 Year Ended December 31

 2023

 2022

 Beginning balance January 1

 $

 $

 Accruals during the period

 1,548

 3,026

 Charges / payments made under the warranties

 ( 1,703
)

 ( 2,723
)

 Balance December 31

 $

 $

 ( 16) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION: The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. Under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures. As more fully described in Note F, the Company awards non-vested restricted stock to employees and executive officers.

 ( 17) INCOME TAXES: Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the differences between the financial and income tax reporting bases of assets and liabilities based on enacted tax rates and laws. The deferred income tax provision or benefit generally reflects the net change in deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the year. The current income tax provision reflects the tax consequences of revenues and expenses currently taxable or deductible on various income tax returns for the year reported. Valuation allowances are provided for deferred tax assets when it is considered more likely than not that the Company will not realize the benefit of such assets. Income tax contingencies are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes. See Note H for summaries of the provision, the effective tax rates, and the tax effects of the cumulative temporary differences resulting in deferred tax assets and liabilities. The Company evaluates its uncertain tax positions as new information becomes available.

 ( 18) RECENTLY ISSUED AND ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS: The Company assesses the impacts of adopting recently issued accounting standards by the Financial Accounting Standards Board on the Company's financial statements, and updates previous assessments, as necessary, from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10 -Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 2, 2023.

 In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023 - 09 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires disaggregated information about a company's effective tax rate reconciliation and provision for income taxes, as well as information on income taxes paid. ASU 2023 - 09 is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. As this update relates to disclosures only, the Company does not expect ASU 2023 - 09 will have an impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

 F-

 B. INVENTORIES:

 The amount of inventories valued on the LIFO basis was $ 29,627,000 and $ 32,994,000 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and consists of housewares/small appliance finished goods, as well as, certain Safety segment inventories as of December 31, 2022. Under LIFO, inventories are valued at approximately $ 9,477,000 and $ 9,249,000 below current cost determined on a first -in, first -out (FIFO) basis at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, $ 3,575,000, $ 2,180,000, and $ 0, respectively, of LIFO layers were liquidated. The Company uses the LIFO method of inventory accounting to improve the matching of costs and revenues for the Housewares/Small Appliance and Safety segments.

 The following table describes that which would have occurred if LIFO inventories had been valued at current cost determined on a FIFO basis:

 Increase (Decrease) – (In thousands, except per share data)

 Year

 Cost of Sales

 Net Earnings

 Earnings Per Share

 2023

 $
 ( 228
)

 $

 $
 0.03

 2022

 $
 4,925

 $
 ( 3,925
)

 $
 ( 0.55
)

 2021

 $
 ( 9,745
)

 $
 7,698

 $
 1.09

 This information is provided for comparison with companies using the FIFO basis.

 Inventory for the Defense segment, certain products for the Safety segment, and raw materials and certain prepaid products of the Housewares/Small Appliance segment are valued under the FIFO method and total $ 160,793,000 and $ 119,114,000 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. At December 31, 2023, the FIFO total was comprised of $ 2,188,000 of finished goods, $ 144,684,000 of work in process, and $ 13,921,000 of raw material. At December 31, 2022, the FIFO total was comprised of $ 3,255,000 of finished goods, $ 105,564,000 of work in process, and $ 10,324,000 of raw material.

 C. ACCRUED LIABILITIES:

 At December 31, 2023, accrued liabilities consisted of contract liabilities $ 13,666,000 (see Note A( 13)), payroll $ 8,167,000, product liability $ 5,065,000, payroll taxes $ 330,000, environmental $ 900,000, and other $ 2,441,000. At December 31, 2022, accrued liabilities consisted of payroll $ 7,631,000, contract liabilities $ 5,660,000 (see Note A( 13)), product liability $ 5,407,000, payroll taxes of $ 309,000, environmental $ 921,000, and other $ 1,640,000.

 The Company is self-insured for health care costs, although it does carry stop loss and other insurance to cover health care claims once they reach a specified threshold. The Company is also subject to product liability claims in the normal course of business. It is partly self-insured for product liability claims, and therefore records an accrual for known claims and estimated incurred but unreported claims in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company utilizes historical trends and other analysis to assist in determining the appropriate accrual. An increase in the number or magnitude of claims could have a material impact on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. The Company's policy is to accrue for legal fees expected to be incurred in connection with loss contingencies. See Note K for a discussion of environmental remediation liabilities.

 D. TREASURY STOCK:

 As of December 31, 2023, the Company has authority from the Board of Directors to reacquire an additional 497,012 shares. During 2023, 2022, and 2021, 569, 510, and 292 shares, respectively, were acquired from participants in the Company's Incentive Compensation Plans described in Note F to cover those participants' tax withholding obligations related to vested stock grants in accordance with the Plans' rules. Treasury shares have been used for stock based compensation and to fund a portion of the Company's 401 (k) contributions.

 E. NET EARNINGS PER SHARE:

 Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares and participating securities outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share also includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable. Unvested stock awards, which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, whether paid or unpaid ("participating securities"), are included in the number of shares outstanding for both basic and diluted earnings per share calculations.

 F-

 F. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:

 The Company, from time to time, enters into separate non-vested share-based payment arrangements with employees and executive officers under the Incentive Compensation Plan approved by stockholders on May 18, 2010 and the 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan approved by shareholders on May 16, 2017, which authorized 50,000 and 150,000 shares, respectively, to be available for grants. The 2017 plan replaced the original 2010 plan, and the shares remaining under the 2010 plan are no longer available for grant. The Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors approves all stock-based compensation awards for employees and executive officers of the Company. The Company grants restricted stock that is subject to continued employment and vesting conditions, but has dividend and voting rights, and uses the fair-market value of the Company's common stock on the grant date to measure the fair value of the awards. The fair value of restricted stock is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures.

 During 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company granted 1,487 shares, 7,271 shares, and 9,238 shares of restricted stock, respectively, to 40 employees and executive officers of the Company. Unless otherwise vested early in accordance with the Incentive Compensation Plans, the restricted stock vests on specified dates in 2024 through 2028, subject to the recipients' continued employment or service through each applicable vesting date.

 The Company recognized pre-tax compensation expense in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income related to stock-based compensation of $ 512,000, $ 476,000, and $ 469,000 in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, there was approximately $ 1,132,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to the restricted stock awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.1 years. There were 4,109, 3,482, and 2,981 shares of restricted stock that vested during 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

 The following table summarizes the activity for non-vested restricted stock:

 2023

 2022

 2021

 Shares

 Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date

 Shares

 Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date

 Shares

 Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date

 Non-vested at beginning of period

 32,336

 $
 89.49

 28,934

 $
 95.54

 22,721

 $
 96.82

 Granted

 1,487

 77.03

 7,271

 70.72

 9,238

 90.01

 Vested

 ( 4,109
)

 68.46

 ( 3,482
)

 100.05

 ( 2,981
)

 88.23

 Forfeited

 ( 43
)

 93.29

 ( 387
)

 93.91

 ( 44
)

 88.41

 Non-vested at end of period

 29,671

 $
 88.37

 32,336

 $
 89.49

 28,934

 $
 95.54

 G. 401 (K) PLAN:

 The Company sponsors a 401 (k) retirement plan that covers substantially all non-union employees. Historically, the Company matched up to 50 % of the first 4 % of salary contributed by employees to the plan. This matching contribution was made with common stock. Starting in 2004, the Company began to match, in cash, an additional 50 % of the first 4 % of salary contributed by employees plus 3 % of total compensation for certain employees. Contributions made from treasury stock, including the Company's related cash dividends, totaled $ 1,292,000 in 2023, $ 1,238,000 in 2022, and $ 1,324,000 in 2021. In addition, the Company made cash contributions of $ 936,000 in 2023, $ 884,000 in 2022, and $ 859,000 in 2021 to the 401 (k) Plan. The Company also contributed $ 417,000, $ 427,000, and $ 465,000 to the 401 (k) retirement plan covering its union employees at the Amron Division of the AMTEC subsidiary during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

 F-

 H. INCOME TAXES:

 The following table summarizes the provision for income taxes:

 For Years Ended December 31 (in thousands)

 2023

 2022

 2021

 Current:

 Federal

 $
 9,314

 $
 7,389

 $
 6,675

 State

 ( 252
)

 1,742

 9,062

 7,556

 8,417

 Deferred:

 Federal

 ( 1,509
)

 ( 2,157
)

 ( 819
)

 State

 ( 154
)

 ( 793
)

 ( 1,190
)

 ( 2,311
)

 ( 1,612
)

 Total tax provision

 $
 7,872

 $
 5,245

 $
 6,805

 The effective rate of the provision for income taxes on earnings before income taxes as shown in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income differs from the applicable statutory federal income tax rate for the following reasons:

 Percent of Pre-tax Income

 2023

 2022

 2021

 Statutory rate

 21.0
 %

 21.0
 %

 21.0
 %

 State tax, net of federal benefit

 0.1
 %

 0.0
 %

 2.3
 %

 Research and development credit

 ( 1.8
 %)

 ( 2.1
 %)

 ( 2.0
 %)

 Adjustment for prior year estimates

 ( 0.6
 %)

 1.2
 %

 0.1
 %

 Foreign-derived intangible income

 ( 0.3
 %)

 ( 0.2
 %)

 ( 0.2
 %)

 Tax exempt interest and dividends

 0.0
 %

 ( 0.1
 %)

 ( 0.1
 %)

 Other

 0.2
 %

 0.4
 %

 ( 0.1
 %)

 Effective rate

 18.6
 %

 20.2
 %

 21.0
 %

 Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. The tax effects of the cumulative temporary differences resulting in deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows at December 31:

 2023

 2022

 Deferred tax assets

 Research and development expenses

 $
 3,215

 $
 1,284

 State NOL and tax credit carryforwards

 1,534

 2,336

 Insurance (primarily product liability)

 1,128

 1,142

 Other

 1,654

 1,457

 Inventory

 1,095

 Vacation

 Doubtful accounts

 1,933

 Subtotal

 9,544

 10,155

 Less: valuation allowance

 1,960

 Total deferred tax assets

 8,590

 8,195

 Deferred tax liabilities

 Goodwill and other intangibles

 1,921

 2,157

 Depreciation

 Deferred revenue

 -

 Total deferred tax liabilities

 2,787

 2,689

 Net deferred tax assets

 $
 5,803

 $
 5,506

 Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to permit use of the existing deferred tax assets. The Company believes it is more likely than not that the benefit from certain state NOL and tax credit carryforwards will not be realized. A significant factor of objective negative evidence evaluated was the cumulative losses incurred in the Safety segment over the three -year period ended December 31, 2023. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider subjective evidence, such as projections for future growth.

 On the basis of this evaluation, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, valuation allowances of $ 954,000 and $ 1,960,000, respectively, have been provided on the deferred tax assets related to these state NOL and tax credit carryforwards, which will expire between 2034 and 2043. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced or increased, or if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and additional weight is given to subjective evidence such as projections for growth.

 F-

 The Company establishes tax reserves in accordance with FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes. The following is a reconciliation of the Company's unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:

 2023

 2022

 Balance at January 1

 $
 2,458

 $
 2,375

 Increases for tax positions taken related to the current year

 Increases for tax positions taken related to prior years

 Lapse of statute of limitations

 ( 530
)

 ( 577
)

 Settlements

 ( 61
)

 -

 Balance at December 31

 $
 2,481

 $
 2,458

 The ending net unrecognized tax benefits results from adjusting the gross balance for deferred tax items, interest and penalties, and deductible taxes. The net unrecognized tax benefits are included in Deferred Income Taxes and Federal and State Income Taxes - Non-current within the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 It is the Company's practice to include tax related interest expense, interest income, and penalties in tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company accrued approximately $ 166,000, $ 169,000 and $ 169,000 in interest expense, respectively.

 The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income taxes of multiple states. Tax years 2020 through 2022 are currently open for examination. For all states in which it does business, the Company is subject to state audit statutes.

 I. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

 The Company is involved in largely routine litigation incidental to its business. Management believes the ultimate outcome of this litigation will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.

 J. CONCENTRATIONS:

 In the Housewares/Small Appliance segment, there was one customer that accounted for 11 % of consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2023. There were no customer concentrations over 10 % for the year ended December 31, 2022. There was one customer that accounted for 10 % of consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 The Company sources most of its housewares/small appliances and certain safety products from vendors in the Orient and, as a result, risks deliveries from the Orient being disrupted by labor or supply problems at the vendors, or transportation delays. Should such problems or delays materialize, products might not be available in sufficient quantities during prime selling periods. The Company has made and will continue to make every reasonable effort to prevent these problems; however, there is no assurance that its efforts will be totally effective. As the majority of the Housewares/Small Appliance segment's and certain Safety segment's suppliers are located in China, periodic changes in the U.S. dollar and Chinese Renminbi (RMB) exchange rates do have an impact on the segment's product costs. To date, any material impact from fluctuations in the exchange rate has been to the cost of products secured via purchase orders issued subsequent to the currency value change. Foreign transaction gains/losses are immaterial to the financial statements for all years presented.

 The Company's Defense segment manufactures products primarily for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and DOD prime contractors. As a consequence, this segment's future business essentially depends on the product needs and governmental funding of the DOD. During 2023, 2022, and 2021, substantially all of the work performed by this segment directly or indirectly for the DOD was performed on a fixed-price basis. Under fixed-price contracts, the price paid to the contractor is awarded based on competition or negotiation at the outset of the contract and therefore, with the exception of limited escalation provisions on specific materials, is generally not subject to any adjustments reflecting the actual costs incurred by the contractor. In addition, in the case of the 40mm systems contract, key components and services are provided by third party subcontractors, several of which the segment is required to work with by government edict. Under the contract, the segment is responsible for the performance of those subcontractors, many of which it does not control. The Defense segment's contracts and subcontracts contain the customary provision permitting termination at any time for the convenience of the government, with payment for any work completed, associated profit, and inventory/work in process at the time of termination. Materials used in the Defense segment are available from multiple sources. As of December 31, 2023, 191 employees of Amron, or 19 % of the Company's and its subsidiaries' total workforce, are members of the United Steel Workers union. The most recent contract between Amron and the union is effective through February 28, 2025.

 F-

 K. ENVIRONMENTAL

 In May 1986, the Company's Eau Claire, Wisconsin site was placed on the United States Environmental Protection Agency's National Priorities List under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 because of hazardous waste deposited on the property. As of December 31, 1998, all remediation projects required at the Company's Eau Claire, Wisconsin site had been installed, were fully operational, and restoration activities had been completed. In addition, the Company is a member of a group of companies that may have disposed of waste into an Eau Claire area landfill in the 1960s and 1970s. After the landfill was closed, elevated volatile organic compounds were discovered in the groundwater. Remediation plans were established, and the costs associated with remediation and monitoring at the landfill are split evenly between the group and the city of Eau Claire. As of December 31, 2023, there does not appear to be exposure related to this site that would have a material impact on the operations or financial condition of the Company.

 Based on factors known as of December 31, 2023, it is believed that the Company's existing environmental accrued liability reserve will be adequate to satisfy on-going remediation operations and monitoring activities both on- and off-site; however, should environmental agencies require additional studies, extended monitoring, or remediation projects, it is possible that the existing accrual could be inadequate. Management believes that in the absence of any unforeseen future developments, known environmental matters will not have any material effect on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company. The Company's environmental accrued liability on an undiscounted basis was $ 900,000 and $ 921,000 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and is included in accrued liabilities on its balance sheet.

 Expected future payments for environmental matters are as follows:

 Years Ending December 31:

 2024

 $

 2025

 2026

 2027

 2028

 Thereafter

 $

 L. BUSINESS SEGMENTS:

 The Company operates in three business segments. The Company identifies its segments based on the Company's organization structure, which is primarily by principal products. The principal product groups are Housewares/Small Appliance, Defense, and Safety. Sales for all segments are primarily to customers in North America.

 The Housewares/Small Appliance segment designs, markets, and distributes housewares and small appliances. The housewares/small appliance products are sold primarily in the United States and Canada directly to retail outlets and also through independent distributors. As more fully described in Note J, the Company primarily sources its Housewares/Small Appliance products from non-affiliated suppliers located in the Orient. Sales are seasonal, with the normal peak sales period occurring in the fourth quarter of the year prior to the holiday season.

 F-

 The Defense segment was started in 2001 with the acquisition of AMTEC Corporation, which manufactures precision mechanical and electromechanical assemblies for the U.S. Government and prime contractors. During 2005, and again during 2010, AMTEC Corporation was one of two prime contractors selected by the Army to supply all requirements for the 40mm family of practice and tactical ammunition cartridges for a period of five years. In 2016, AMTEC was awarded a one -year contract, and in 2017 and 2022, it was awarded third and fourth five -year contracts, respectively as the sole prime contractor. AMTEC's manufacturing plant is located in Janesville, Wisconsin. Since the inception of the Defense segment in 2001, the Company has expanded the segment by making several strategic business acquisitions, and has additional facilities located in East Camden, Arkansas; Antigo, Wisconsin; Clear Lake, South Dakota, and Marshall, Texas. During 2003, the segment was expanded with the acquisition of Spectra Technologies, LLC of East Camden, Arkansas. This facility performs Load, Assemble, and Pack (LAP) operations on ordnance-related products for the U.S. Government and prime contractors. During 2006, the segment was expanded again with the acquisition of certain assets of Amron, LLC of Antigo, Wisconsin, which primarily manufactures cartridge cases used in medium caliber ( 20 - 50mm) ammunition. In 2011 the segment was further augmented with the purchase of certain assets of ALS Technologies, Inc. of Bull Shoals, Arkansas, which manufactured less lethal ammunitions. The Company subsequently relocated this operation to Perry, Florida, and in October of 2018, divested itself of the less lethal business. During 2014, the Company continued the expansion of the Defense segment with the purchase of substantially all of the assets of Chemring Energetic Devices, Inc. located in Clear Lake, South Dakota, and all of the real property owned by Technical Ordnance Realty, LLC. The Clear Lake facility manufactures detonators, booster pellets, release cartridges, lead azide, and other military energetic devices and materials. During 2022, the Company again expanded the Defense segment by acquiring the equity interests of Woodlawn Manufacturing, Ltd. Woodlawn Manufacturing, Ltd, is a high volume manufacturer of precision metal parts and assemblies primarily for the defense and aerospace industry. See Note P. The Defense segment's collection of facilities enables the Company to deliver in virtually all aspects of the manufacture of medium caliber training and tactical rounds. Those aspects include the fuze, the detonator, the metal parts (including the cartridge case), and load, assemble and pack of the final round.

 The Safety segment was started in 2019 with the acquisition of OneEvent Technologies, Inc., which focuses on protection for buildings, homes, assets, and occupants. The company is located in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin and was established in 2014. OneEvent's cloud-based learning and analytics engine utilizes a series of sensing devices integrated with a cellular gateway to predict, alert, and prevent. Sensors measure a variety of environmental data including temperature, smoke, carbon monoxide, motion, humidity, water, and more. On purchase, it was combined with Rusoh, Inc. which designed and marketed fire extinguishers. Previous to 2019, Rusoh Inc. had been in included in the Company's Housewares/Small Appliance segment. The Company divested of Rusoh, Inc. on November 14, 2023, and recognized proceeds of $ 2,000,000 and a gain on sale before taxes of $ 351,000. On July 29, 2022, certain assets were purchased and certain liabilities were assumed of Knox Safety, Inc., a company formed in 2019 with operations in Illinois and North Carolina. Knox Safety is a startup company that designs and sells carbon monoxide detectors for residential use. Subsequent to the acquisition, the company legally adopted the corporate name Rely Innovations, Inc. See Note P.

 (in thousands)

 Housewares / Small Appliance

 Defense

 Safety

 Total

 Year ended December 31, 2023

 External net sales

 $
 97,619

 $
 241,703

 1,590

 $
 340,912

 Gross profit (loss)

 19,867

 52,003

 ( 4,418
)

 67,452

 Operating profit (loss)

 7,352

 38,286

 ( 10,605
)

 35,033

 Total assets

 191,902

 242,272

 6,362

 440,536

 Depreciation and amortization

 1,030

 4,635

 6,007

 Capital expenditures

 1,168

 1,840

 Year ended December 31, 2022

 External net sales

 $
 118,347

 $
 202,483

 $
 321,623

 Gross profit (loss)

 17,422

 42,638

 ( 4,935
)

 55,125

 Operating profit (loss)

 5,262

 31,644

 ( 14,779
)

 22,127

 Total assets

 211,804

 194,422

 5,621

 411,847

 Depreciation and amortization

 1,613

 2,979

 Capital expenditures

 1,030

 Year ended December 31, 2021

 External net sales

 $
 115,924

 $
 239,514

 $
 355,777

 Gross profit (loss)

 9,974

 61,205

 ( 6,783
)

 64,396

 Operating profit (loss)

 ( 2,631
)

 51,216

 ( 18,556
)

 30,029

 Total assets

 242,456

 168,296

 9,646

 420,398

 Depreciation and amortization

 1,215

 1,530

 2,978

 Capital expenditures

 1,966

 2,866

 In the above summary, operating profit represents earnings before other income, income taxes. The Company's segments operate discretely from each other with no shared owned or leased manufacturing facilities. Costs associated with corporate activities (such as cash and marketable securities management) and the assets associated with such activities are included within the Housewares/Small Appliance segment for all periods presented.

 F-

 M. LEASES

 The Company accounts for leases under ASC Topic 842, Leases. The Company's leasing activities include roles as both lessee and lessor. As lessee, the Company's primary leasing activities include buildings and structures to support its manufacturing operations at one location in its Defense segment, warehouse space and equipment to support its distribution center operations in its Housewares/Small Appliances segment, and office space to support its Safety segment's operations. As lessor, the Company's primary leasing activity is comprised of manufacturing and office space located adjacent to its corporate offices. All of the Company's leases are classified as operating leases.

 The Company's leases as lessee in its Defense segment provide for variable lease payments that are based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. As lessor, the Company's primary lease also provides for variable lease payments that are also based on changes in the Consumer Price Index, as well as on increases in costs of insurance, real estate taxes, and utilities related to the leased space. Generally, all of the Company's lease contracts provide for options to extend and terminate them. The majority of lease terms of the Company's lease contracts recognized on the balance sheet reflect extension options, while none reflect early termination options.

 The Company has determined that the incremental borrowing rates implicit in its leases are not readily determinable and estimates those rates utilizing quotes from financial institutions for real estate and equipment, as applicable, over periods of time similar to the terms of its leases. The Company has entered into various short-term leases as lessee and has elected a non-recognition accounting policy, as permitted by ASC Topic 842.

 Years Ending

 Summary of Lease Cost

 2023

 2022

 2021

 Operating lease cost

 $
 1,215

 $
 1,079

 $

 Short-term and variable lease cost

 Total lease cost

 $
 1,421

 $
 1,248

 $
 1,190

 Rent expense was approximately $ 1,348,000, $ 1,129,000, and $ 1,076,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Operating cash used for operating leases was $ 1,421,000, $ 1,248,000, and $ 1,190,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The weighted-average remaining lease term was 19.5 years, and the weighted-average discount rate was 4.8 % as of December 31, 2023.

 Maturities of operating lease liabilities are as follows:

 Years ending December 31:

 2024

 $
 1,005

 2025

 2026

 2027

 2028

 Thereafter

 13,009

 Total lease payments

 $
 17,322

 Less: future interest expense

 6,658

 Lease liabilities

 $
 10,664

 F-

 Lease income from operating lease payments was $ 2,281,000, $ 2,195,000, $ 1,971,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively and is included in Other income on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Undiscounted cash flows provided by lease payments are expected as follows:

 Years ending December 31:

 2024

 $
 2,186

 2025

 2,186

 2026

 2,186

 2027

 2,186

 2028

 2,186

 Thereafter

 6,558

 Total lease payments

 $
 17,488

 The Company considers risk associated with the residual value of its leased real property to be low, given the nature of the long-term lease agreement, the Company's ability to control the maintenance of the property, and the creditworthiness of the lessee. The residual value risk is further mitigated by the long-lived nature of the property, and the propensity of such assets to hold their value or, in some cases, appreciate in value.

 N. INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED):

 The following represents quarterly unaudited financial information for 2023 and 2022:

 (In thousands, except per share data)

 Per Share (basic and diluted)

 Quarter

 Net Sales

 Gross Profit

 Net Earnings

 Net Earnings

 2023

 First

 $
 80,409

 $
 18,020

 $
 8,878

 $
 1.25

 Second

 78,946

 13,380

 5,503

 0.77

 Third

 83,141

 15,399

 7,019

 0.99

 Fourth

 98,416

 20,653

 13,159

 1.85

 Total

 $
 340,912

 $
 67,452

 $

 $
 4.86

 2022

 First

 $
 60,754

 $
 9,711

 $
 2,915

 $
 0.41

 Second

 77,138

 15,038

 $
 6,684

 $
 0.94

 Third

 69,683

 17,062

 $
 8,927

 $
 1.26

 Fourth

 114,048

 13,314

 2,173

 0.31

 Total

 $
 321,623

 $
 55,125

 $

 $
 2.92

 Fourth quarter sales are impacted by the holiday driven seasonality of the Housewares/Small Appliance segment. This segment typically orders/purchases inventory during the first three quarters to meet the sales demand of the fourth quarter. The Defense and Safety segments are typically non-seasonal.

 O. LINE OF CREDIT AND COMMERCIAL LETTERS OF CREDIT

 The Company maintained an unsecured line of credit for short term operating cash needs of $ 5,000,000 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. There were no amounts outstanding under this line of credit as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, which expires September 30, 2024. The interest rate on the line of credit is reset monthly to the 30 -day Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus one half of one percent. In addition, the Company did not issue commercial letters of credit as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 F-

 P. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

 On July 29, 2022, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, UESCO, Inc., purchased with cash on hand of $ 3,125,000 certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Knox Safety, Inc., a company formed in 2019 with operations in Illinois and North Carolina. In addition, upon closing the Company paid a deposit of $ 500,000 and, subsequently in the first fiscal quarter of 2023, an additional deposit of $ 1,000,000 to a vendor that had previously been a supplier of Knox Safety. Knox Safety is a startup company that designs and sells carbon monoxide detectors for residential use, the acquisition of which should complement the product lines currently offered by the Company's Safety segment. Subsequent to the acquisition of Knox Safety, UESCO legally adopted the corporate name Rely Innovations, Inc.

 The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting with the Company treated as the acquiring entity. Accordingly, the consideration paid by the Company to complete the acquisition was recorded to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. The carrying values for current assets and liabilities were deemed to approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities. The following table shows the amounts recorded as of their acquisition date.

 (in thousands)

 Accounts receivable

 1,832

 Inventories

 1,274

 Other current assets

 Property, plant and equipment

 Intangible assets

 Right-of-use lease assets

 1,126

 Total assets acquired

 5,397

 Less: Current liabilities assumed

 (776
)

 Less: Lease liability - noncurrent

 (1,004
)

 Net assets acquired

 $
 3,617

 F-

 The acquired intangibles primarily included trademarks and safety certifications that will be amortized over a period of two years. Due to its startup nature and history of operating losses, the acquisition of Knox Safety resulted in a bargain purchase gain of $ 492,000, which was included with Selling and general expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. There was no material tax impact from the acquisition on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company's results of operations for 2022 included revenue of $ 265,000 and loss of ($ 1,546,000) from the acquired facility from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2022.

 On October 26, 2022, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, National Defense Corporation, and newly formed subsidiary Woodlawn Manufacturing, LLC, acquired with cash on hand of $ 21,558,000 the equity interests of Woodlawn Manufacturing, Ltd. Woodlawn Manufacturing, Ltd, is a high volume manufacturer of precision metal parts and assemblies primarily for the defense and aerospace industry.

 The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting with the Company treated as the acquiring entity. Accordingly, the consideration paid by the Company to complete the acquisition was recorded to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. The carrying values for current assets and liabilities were deemed to approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities. The following table shows the amounts recorded as of their acquisition date. During the quarter ended April 2, 2023, $ 860,000 of additional deferred tax liabilities were identified that would have existed as of the date of acquisition. Accordingly, both Goodwill and Deferred tax liability balances were increased during that quarter. Additionally, the Company reclassed land assets to land improvement assets during 2023. The reclass had no net effect on property, plant, and equipment. The table below reflects those adjustments.

 (in thousands)

 Accounts receivable

 2,136

 Inventories

 2,309

 Other current assets

 Property, plant and equipment

 6,400

 Intangible assets

 6,058

 Goodwill

 7,948

 Total assets acquired

 24,981

 Less: Current liabilities assumed

 ( 1,084
)

 Less: Deferred tax liability

 ( 2,339
)

 Net assets acquired

 $
 21,558

 The acquired intangible assets primarily include customer contracts and will be amortized over a period of four years. The amount of goodwill recorded reflects expected earning potential and synergies with other operations in the Defense segment. The recorded goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes. The Company's results of operations for 2022 included revenue of $ 3,219,000 and net earnings of $ 101,000 from the acquired facility from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2022.

 The following pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations has been prepared as if the acquisitions had occurred as of January 1, 2021.

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (in thousands, except per share data)

 (in thousands, except per share data)

 Year Ended

 Year Ended

 12/31/2022

 12/31/2021

 Net sales

 $
 340,140

 $
 371,058

 19,299

 24,088

 Net earnings per share (basic and diluted)

 $
 2.92

 $
 3.63

 Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted)

 7,081

 7,060

 The unaudited pro forma financial information presented above is not intended to represent or be indicative of what would have occurred if the transactions had taken place on the dates presented and is not indicative of what the Company's actual results of operations would have been had the acquisition been completed at the beginning of the periods indicated above. The pro forma combined results reflect one -time costs to fully merge and operate the combined organization more efficiently, but do not reflect anticipated synergies expected to result from the combination and should not be relied upon as being indicative of the future results that the Company will experience.

 Q. OTHER

 The Company had entered into a licensing agreement with another firm that holds intellectual property in the Rusoh self-service/self-reloadable fire extinguisher. Under the agreement, the Company had advanced the entity funds and agreed to pay royalties to the entity on the commercial sales of the developed products. The fire extinguisher was introduced to the commercial market in 2017 and the retail market in 2021, and experienced several obstacles in both markets. As the promisor's ability to pay had been hindered by lack of royalties earned and projected to be earned under the agreement, repayment of the notes was doubtful. Accordingly, at December 31, 2021, the Company fully reserved both the notes and accrued interest receivable. Notes receivable plus accrued interest of $ 7,615,000 related to the license agreement were previously classified as non-current Notes Receivable on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The charge related to the impairment was included in the Selling and general expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company terminated its agreement with the other firm on November 14, 2023, upon the sale of Rusoh, Inc. to the firm. (See Note L.)

 R. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 The Company evaluates events that occur through the filing date and discloses any material events or transactions.

 On February 16, 2024, the Company's Board of Directors announced a regular dividend of $ 1.00 per share, plus an extra dividend of $ 3.50. On March 15, 2024, a payment of $ 32,029,000 was made to stockholders of record as of March 1, 2024.

 F-

 Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

 To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of National Presto Industries, Inc.

 Opinion on the Financial Statements

 We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of National Presto Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements and schedule II (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013, and our report dated March 15, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 Basis for Opinion

 These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 Critical Audit Matter

 The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that is communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

 Revenue Recognition – Defense Segment Contracts

 As described in Note A (13) and L to the financial statements, the Company's external net sales recognized for its Defense segment amounted to $242 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company's contracts in the Defense segment are primarily with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and DOD prime contractors. The Company generally recognized revenue on these contracts at a point in time when the customer obtains legal title and formally documents that it has accepted the products. There are certain termination clauses in Defense segment contracts that could give rise to an over-time pattern of recognition of revenue in the absence of alternative use of the product. Significant judgment is required by management to conclude whether or not (i) the Company has an enforceable right to payment for its performance to date under the contract and (ii) the asset created by the Company's performance under the contract has an alternative use to the Company.

 We identified the determination of whether control in Defense segment sales contracts transfers to the customer at a point in time or over time as a critical audit matter because of the significant assumptions and judgments made by management. Auditing management's assumptions and judgements regarding when control transfers involved a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased effort.

 Our audit procedures related to management's determination of when control transfers to the customer in Defense segment sales contracts included the following, among others:

 We obtained an understanding of the relevant controls related to the timing of revenue recognition on Defense contracts and tested such controls for design and operating effectiveness, including management review controls related to the evaluation of relevant contract terms and conditions impacting whether revenue is recognized over time or at a point in time.

 We assessed the reasonableness of the timing of revenue recognition for a sample of revenue contracts through:

 -

 Reviewing contract terms, including evaluating whether the Company has an enforceable right to payment for its performance to date under the contract and whether contractual restrictions prohibit the Company from redirecting a completed asset to another customer.

 -

 Evaluating evidence that the assets created by the Company's performance under the contract have an alternative use by verifying sales of the same or similar products to other customers.

 We reviewed government contracts under ASC 606 to assist in the evaluation of management's assessment of positive and negative evidence and their conclusions of the timing of when control has been transferred to its customers under the contract.

 /s/ RSM US LLP

 We have served as the Company's auditor since 2021.

 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 March 15, 2024

 NATIONAL PRESTO INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 For the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

 Column A

 Column B

 Column C

 Column D

 Column E

 Description

 Balance at Beginning of Period

 Additions - Charged to Costs and Expenses (A)

 Additions - Charged to Other Accounts (B)

 Deductions (C)

 Balance at End of Period

 Deducted from assets:

 Allowance for doubtful accounts:

 Year ended December 31, 2023

 $

 $

 $
 -

 $

 $

 Year ended December 31, 2022

 $

 $
 -

 $
 -

 $
 -

 $

 Year ended December 31, 2021

 $

 $

 $
 -

 $

 $

 Allowance for doubtful note receivable:

 Year ended December 31, 2023

 $
 7,615

 $
 -

 $
 7,615

 $
 -

 $
 -

 Year ended December 31, 2022

 $
 7,615

 $
 -

 $
 -

 $
 -

 $
 7,615

 Year ended December 31, 2021

 $
 -

 $
 7,615

 $
 -

 $
 -

 $
 7,615

 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets:

 Year ended December 31, 2023

 $
 1,960

 $

 $
 -

 $
 1,404

 $

 Year ended December 31, 2022

 $
 1,695

 $

 $
 -

 $
 -

 $
 1,960

 Year ended December 31, 2021

 $

 $
 1,175

 $
 -

 $
 -

 $
 1,695

 Notes:

 (A) Amounts charged to selling and general expenses or provision for income taxes from continuing operations.

 (B) Amounts charged to other accounts. Charged to Gain on sale of assets, net of outstanding balance due. See Note L.

 (C) Principally bad debts written off, net of recoveries.