Biggest changeYear ended March 31, 2023 2022 2021 Net sales $ 578,844 $ 392,155 $ 318,110 Cost of sales 188,448 140,423 111,912 Gross profit 390,396 251,732 206,198 Selling, general and administrative expenses 322,253 221,912 194,157 Restructuring expense — 50 2,641 Operating income 68,143 29,770 9,400 Other expense, net (1,875) (1,438) (1,620) Interest expense, net (2,018) (2,441) (4,090) Loss on extinguishment of debt (176) (460) — Income before provision for income taxes 64,074 25,431 3,690 Income tax (provision) benefit (2,544) (3,661) 2,542 Net income $ 61,530 $ 21,770 $ 6,232 Comprehensive income $ 61,530 $ 21,770 $ 6,232 Year ended March 31, (percentage of net sales) 2023 2022 2021 Net sales 100 % 100 % 100 % Cost of sales 33 % 36 % 35 % Gross profit 67 % 64 % 65 % Selling, general and administrative expenses 56 % 57 % 61 % Restructuring expense — % — % 1 % Operating income 12 % 8 % 3 % Other expense, net — % — % (1) % Interest expense, net — % (1) % (1) % Loss on extinguishment of debt — % — % — % Income before provision for income taxes 11 % 6 % 1 % Income tax (provision) benefit — % (1) % 1 % Net income 11 % 6 % 2 % Comprehensive income 11 % 6 % 2 % Comparison of the year ended March 31, 2023 to the year ended March 31, 2022 Net sales Net sales increased $186.6 million, or 48%, to $578.8 million in the year ended March 31, 2023, from $392.2 million in the year ended March 31, 2022.
Biggest changeFiscal year ended March 31, 2024 2023 2022 Net sales $ 1,023,932 $ 578,844 $ 392,155 Cost of sales 299,836 188,448 140,423 Gross profit 724,096 390,396 251,732 Selling, general and administrative expenses 574,418 322,253 221,912 Restructuring expense — — 50 Operating income 149,678 68,143 29,770 Other income (expense), net 1,210 (1,875) (1,438) Impairment of equity investment (2,875) — — Interest expense, net (7,023) (2,018) (2,441) Loss on extinguishment of debt — (176) (460) Income before provision for income taxes 140,990 64,074 25,431 Income tax provision (13,327) (2,544) (3,661) Net income $ 127,663 $ 61,530 $ 21,770 Fiscal year ended March 31, (percentage of net sales) 2024 2023 2022 Net sales 100 % 100 % 100 % Cost of sales 29 % 33 % 36 % Gross profit 71 % 67 % 64 % Selling, general and administrative expenses 56 % 56 % 57 % Operating income 15 % 12 % 8 % Other income (expense), net — % — % — % Impairment of equity investment — % — % — % Interest expense, net (1) % — % (1) % Loss on extinguishment of debt — % — % — % Income before provision for income taxes 14 % 11 % 6 % Income tax provision (1) % — % (1) % Net income 12 % 11 % 6 % Comparison of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 Net sales Net sales increased $445.1 million, or 77%, to $1,023.9 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, from $578.8 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.
The Amended Credit Agreement contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to (subject to certain exceptions) pay dividends and distributions or repurchase our capital stock, incur additional indebtedness, create liens on assets, engage in mergers or consolidations and sell or otherwise dispose of assets.
The Amended Credit Agreement contains a number of covenants that, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, restrict our ability to pay dividends and distributions or repurchase our capital stock, incur additional indebtedness, create liens on assets, engage in mergers or consolidations and sell or otherwise dispose of assets.
Our family of brands includes e.l.f. Cosmetics, e.l.f. SKIN, Well People and Keys Soulcare. Our brands are available online and across leading beauty, mass-market, and specialty retailers. We have strong relationships with our retail customers such as Target, Walmart, Ulta Beauty and other leading retailers that have enabled us to expand distribution both domestically and internationally.
Our family of brands includes e.l.f. Cosmetics, e.l.f. SKIN, Naturium, Well People and Keys Soulcare. Our brands are available online and across leading beauty, mass-market, and specialty retailers. We have strong relationships with our retail customers such as Target, Walmart, Ulta Beauty and other leading retailers that have enabled us to expand distribution both domestically and internationally.
Interest expense, net Interest expense decreased $0.4 million, or 17%, to $2.0 million in the year ended March 31, 2023, as compared to $2.4 million in the year ended March 31, 2022. This decrease was due to increased interest earned on our cash balances and a lower average loan balance, offsetting higher interest rates.
Interest expense, net Interest expense decreased $0.4 million, or 17%, to $2.0 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, as compared to $2.4 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. This decrease was due to increased interest earned on our cash balances and a lower average loan balance, offsetting higher interest rates.
Other drivers of changes in gross margin, which could have a positive or negative impact, include fluctuations in exchange rates, certain costs related to space expansion and retailer activity, changes in customer mix, and changes in the balance of reserves for excess and obsolete inventory, among other things.
Other drivers of changes in gross margin, which could have a positive or negative impact, include fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, certain costs related to space expansion and retailer activity, changes in customer mix, and changes in the balance of reserves for excess and obsolete inventory, among other things.
For the year ended March 31, 2022, net cash provided by operating activities was $19.5 million. This included net income, before deducting depreciation, amortization and other non-cash items, of $66.2 million and an increase in net working capital of $46.7 million.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, net cash provided by operating activities was $19.5 million. This included net income, before deducting depreciation, amortization and other non-cash items, of $66.2 million and an increase in net working capital of $46.7 million.
Factors that determine the specific point in time a customer obtains 48 control and a performance obligation is satisfied are when we have a present right to payment for the goods, whether the customer has physical possession and title to the goods, and whether significant risks and rewards of ownership have transferred.
Factors that determine the specific point in time a customer obtains control and a performance obligation is satisfied are when we have a present right to payment for the goods, whether the customer has physical possession and title to the goods, and whether significant risks and rewards of ownership have transferred.
For the year ended March 31, 2022, net cash used in financing activities was $29.1 million, driven by $54.5 million of repayment of the revolving line of credit and the term loan facility, offset by $25.6 million of cash received from net of proceeds from the amended revolving line of credit and the Amended term loan facility.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, net cash used in financing activities was $29.1 million, driven by $54.5 million of repayment of the revolving line of credit and the term loan facility, offset by $25.6 million of cash received from net of proceeds from the Amended Revolving Credit Facility and the Amended Term Loan Facility.
Other expense, net is primarily related to foreign exchange rate movements. Income tax (provision) benefit The provision for income taxes represents federal, foreign, state and local income taxes. The effective rate differs from statutory rates due to the effect of state and local income taxes and certain permanent tax adjustments.
Other income (expense), net is primarily related to foreign exchange rate movements. Income tax provision The provision for income taxes represents federal, foreign, state and local income taxes. The effective rate differs from statutory rates due to the effect of state and local income taxes and certain permanent tax adjustments.
The increase on a dollar basis was primarily related to increased marketing and digital spend of $62.8 million, increased compensation and benefits of $19.4 million, increased operations costs of $9.6 million, and increased retail fixturing and visual merchandising costs of $5.6 million.
The increase on a dollar basis was primarily related to increased marketing and digital spend of $62.8 million, increased compensation and benefits expense of $19.4 million, increased operations costs of $9.6 million, and increased retail fixturing and visual merchandising costs of $5.6 million.
Income tax (provision) benefit The provision for income taxes was $2.5 million, or an effective rate of 4% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to a provision of $3.7 million, or an effective rate of 14% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2022.
Income tax provision The provision for income taxes was $2.5 million, or an effective rate of 4% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to a provision of $3.7 million, or an effective rate of 14% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2022.
We comply with any new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for publicly traded companies that are not emerging growth companies. 49
We comply with any new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for publicly traded companies that are not emerging growth companies.
SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 56% for the year ended March 31, 2023 from 57% in the year ended March 31, 2022.
SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 56% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 from 57% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022.
Other expense, net Other expense, net was $1.9 million of expense in the year ended March 31, 2023, as compared to $1.4 million of expense in the year ended March 31, 2022. The change was primarily related to unfavorable foreign exchange rate movements, impacting cash and receivables, driving an unrealized loss in the period.
Other income (expense), net Other income (expense), net was $1.9 million of expense in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, as compared to $1.4 million of expense in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. The change was primarily related to unfavorable foreign exchange rate movements, impacting cash and receivables, driving an unrealized loss in the period.
Prior to the First Amendment (as defined below), both the Amended Revolving Credit Facility and the Amended Term Loan Facility bore interest, at the borrowers’ option, at either (i) a rate per annum equal to an adjusted LIBOR rate determined by reference to the cost of funds for the United States dollar deposits for the applicable interest period (subject to a minimum floor of 0%) plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.25% to 2.125% based on our consolidated total net leverage ratio (the "Applicable Margin") or (ii) a floating base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.125% based on our consolidated total net leverage ratio.
Prior to the Second Amendment (as defined below), both the Amended Revolving Credit Facility and the Amended Term Loan Facility bore interest, at the borrowers’ option, at either (i) a rate per annum equal to an adjusted LIBOR rate determined by reference to the cost of funds for the US dollar deposits for the applicable interest period (subject to a minimum floor of 0%) plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.25% to 2.125% based on our consolidated total net leverage ratio or (ii) a floating base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.125% based on our consolidated total net leverage ratio.
Our primary working capital requirements are for product and product-related costs, payroll, rent, distribution costs and advertising and marketing. Fluctuations in working capital are primarily driven by the timing of when a retailer rearranges or restocks its products, expansion of space within our existing retailer base and the general seasonality of our business.
Our primary working capital requirements are for product and product-related costs, payroll, rent, distribution costs and marketing. Fluctuations in working capital are primarily driven by the timing of when a retailer rearranges or restocks its products, expansion of space within our existing retailer base, expansion to new retailers, and the general seasonality of our business.
The increase in gross margin rate was primarily driven by pricing, cost savings and product mix, partially offset by inventory adjustments. Selling, general and administrative expenses SG&A expenses were $322.3 million in the year ended March 31, 2023, an increase of $100.4 million, or 45%, from $221.9 million in the year ended March 31, 2022.
The increase in gross margin rate was primarily driven by pricing, cost savings and product mix, partially offset by inventory adjustments. 48 Table of C ontents Selling, general and administrative expenses SG&A expenses were $322.3 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, an increase of $100.4 million, or 45%, from $221.9 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022.
Description of indebtedness Amended Credit Agreement On April 30, 2021, we amended and restated the prior credit agreement (as further amended, supplemented or modified from time to time, the "Amended Credit Agreement") and refinanced all loans under the prior credit agreement.
Description of indebtedness Amended Credit Agreement On April 30, 2021, we amended and restated our prior credit agreement (as further amended, supplemented or modified from time to time, the “Amended Credit Agreement”) and refinanced all loans under the prior credit agreement.
The Amended Revolving Credit Facility also provides for sub-facilities in the form of a $7 million letter of credit and a $5 million swing line loan; however, all amounts drawn under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility cannot exceed $100 million. The unused balance of the Amended Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2023 was $100.0 million.
The Amended Revolving Credit Facility also provides for sub-facilities in the form of a $7 million letter of credit and a $5 million swing line loan; however, all amounts drawn under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility cannot exceed $100 million. The unused balance of the Amended Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2024 was $10.5 million.
Our ability to meet our operating, investing and financing needs depends to a significant extent on our future financial performance, which will be subject in part to general economic, competitive, financial, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control, including those described elsewhere in Part I, Item 1A “Risk factors”.
Our ability to meet our operating, investing and financing needs depends to a significant extent on our future financial performance, which will be subject in part to general economic, competitive, financial, regulatory and other factors that are 49 Table of C ontents beyond our control, including those described elsewhere in Part I, Item 1A “Risk factors”.
Net income Our net income for future periods will be affected by the various factors described above. 43 Results of operations The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations data in dollars and as a percentage of net sales for the periods presented.
Net income Our net income for future periods will be affected by the various factors described above. 46 Table of C ontents Results of operations The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations data in dollars and as a percentage of net sales for the periods presented.
See “Financial condition, liquidity and capital resources” below and a description of our indebtedness in Note 8 to the Notes to consolidated financial statements in Part IV, Item 15. “Exhibits, financial statement schedules”. Other expense, net We are exposed to periodic currency fluctuations given our purchasing and selling activities in various countries.
See “Financial condition, liquidity and capital resources” below and a description of our indebtedness in Note 9 to the Notes to consolidated financial statements in Part IV, Item 15 “Exhibits, financial statement schedules.” Other income (expense), net We are exposed to periodic currency fluctuations given our purchasing and selling activities in various countries.
The Amended Credit Agreement also includes reporting, financial and maintenance covenants that require us to, among other things, comply with certain consolidated total net leverage ratios and consolidated fixed charge coverage ratios. As of March 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all financial covenants under the Amended Credit Agreement.
The Amended Credit Agreement 51 Table of C ontents also includes reporting, financial and maintenance covenants that require us to, among other things, comply with certain consolidated total net leverage ratios and consolidated fixed charge coverage ratios. As of March 31, 2024, we were in compliance with all financial covenants under the Amended Credit Agreement.
The indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of each asset with its carrying value, with any excess of carrying value over fair value being recognized as an impairment loss.
The indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of each asset with its carrying value, with any 52 Table of C ontents excess of carrying value over fair value being recognized as an impairment loss.
The 47 Amended Credit Agreement has a five year term and consists of (i) a $100 million revolving credit facility (the “Amended Revolving Credit Facility”) and (ii) a $100 million term loan facility (the "Amended Term Loan Facility"). All amounts under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility are available for draw until the maturity date on April 30, 2026.
The Amended Credit Agreement has a five year term and consists of a revolving credit facility (the “Amended Revolving Credit Facility”) and a term loan facility (the “Amended Term Loan Facility”). All amounts under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility are available for draw until the maturity date on April 30, 2026.
We account for stock based compensation under ASC 718, "Compensation-Stock Compensation." We recognize expense over the requisite service period of the award, net of an estimate for the impact of award forfeitures. We have no current plans to pay a regular dividend.
“Exhibits, financial statement schedules.” We account for stock based compensation under ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.” We recognize expense over the requisite service period of the award, net of an estimate for the impact of award forfeitures. We have no current plans to pay a regular dividend.
Our largest three customers, Target, Walmart and Ulta Beauty, accounted for 25%, 20% and 15%, respectively, of our net sales in the year ended March 31, 2023. No other individual customer accounted for 10% or more of our net sales in the year ended March 31, 2023. National and international retailers comprised 88% of our net sales.
Our largest three customers, Target, Walmart and Ulta Beauty, accounted for 25%, 17% and 16%, respectively, of our net sales in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. No other individual customer accounted for 10% or more of our net sales in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. National and international retailers comprised 84% of our net sales.
The remaining 12% came from e-commerce channels in the year ended March 31, 2023. The primary market for our products is in the United States, which accounted for 88% of our net sales in the year ended March 31, 2023.
The remaining 16% came from e-commerce channels in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. The primary market for our products is in the United States, which accounted for 85% of our net sales in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.
Cash used in financing activities For the year ended March 31, 2023, net cash used in financing activities was $22.7 million, primarily driven by prepayment on the Amended Term Loan Facility of $25.0 million and quarterly debt payments, partially offset by cash received from the exercise of stock options to purchase common stock.
This was partially offset by repayment on the Amended Term Loan Facility of $7.9 million and payment of debt issuance costs of $0.7 million associated with the Second Amendment. 50 Table of C ontents For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, net cash used in financing activities was $22.7 million, primarily driven by prepayment on the Amended Term Loan Facility of $25.0 million and quarterly debt payments, partially offset by cash received from the exercise of stock options to purchase common stock.
The remaining 12% was attributable to international markets, primarily Canada and the UK. 42 Gross profit Gross profit is our net sales less cost of sales.
The remaining 15% was attributable to international markets, primarily the UK and Canada. 45 Table of C ontents Gross profit Gross profit is our net sales less cost of sales.
No impairment of goodwill or our indefinite-lived intangible asset was recorded during the years ended March 31, 2023 or March 31, 2022. Stock based compensation We have several stock award plans, which are described in detail in Note 12.
No impairment of goodwill or our indefinite-lived intangible asset was recorded during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024, March 31, 2023 or March 31, 2022. Stock based compensation We have several stock award plans, which are described in detail in Note 13 to consolidated financial statements in Part IV, Item 15.
Cash used in investing activities For the years ended March 31, 2023, March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, net cash used in investing activities was $1.7 million, $4.8 million and $6.5 million, respectively, which was primarily driven by capital expenditures related to new customer fixture programs.
For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, net cash used in investing activities was $1.7 million and $4.8 million, respectively, which was primarily driven by capital expenditures related to fixturing, equipment and software.
Higher average item price and mix accounted for approximately $75.9 million of the increase to gross profit, with the remaining $62.8 million driven by volume. Gross margin increased from 64% in the year ended March 31, 2022 to 67% in the year ended March 31, 2023.
Gross profit Gross profit increased $138.7 million, or 55%, to $390.4 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, compared to $251.7 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. Higher average item price and mix accounted for approximately $75.9 million of the increase to gross profit, with the remaining $62.8 million driven by volume.
As of March 31, 2023, we had working capital, excluding cash, of $74.6 million, compared to $84.7 million as of March 31, 2022. Working capital, excluding cash and debt, was $80.1 million and $90.4 million as of March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, respectively.
As of March 31, 2024, we had working capital, excluding cash, of $69.8 million, compared to $74.6 million as of March 31, 2023. Working capital, excluding cash and debt, was $170.1 million and $80.1 million as of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, respectively.
Our net sales are derived from sales of these beauty products, net of provisions for sales discounts and allowances, product returns, markdowns and price adjustments. Year over year changes in net sales is driven by a number of factors, including beauty category performance, levels of consumer spending, and our ability to drive awareness of and demand for our products.
Year over year changes in net sales is driven by a number of factors, including beauty category performance, levels of consumer spending, and our ability to drive awareness of and demand for our products.
In addition, as of March 31, 2023, we had borrowing capacity of $100.0 million under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility. Our primary cash needs are for working capital, fixturing, retail product displays and digital investment.
Financial condition, liquidity and capital resources Overview As of March 31, 2024, we had $108.2 million of cash and cash equivalents. In addition, as of March 31, 2024, we had borrowing capacity of $10.5 million under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility. Our primary cash needs are for working capital, fixturing, retail product displays and digital investment.
Item 7. Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations. You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations and our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Item 7. Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations. You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report. Overview and Business Trends e.l.f. Beauty, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“e.l.f.
Overview and Business Trends We are a multi-brand beauty company that offers inclusive, accessible, clean, vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics and skincare products. Our mission is to make the best of beauty accessible to every eye, lip, face and skin concern.
Beauty” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” or “we”), is a multi-brand beauty company that offers inclusive, accessible, clean, vegan and cruelty free cosmetics and skin care products. Our mission is to make the best of beauty accessible to every eye, lip, face and skin concern.
The all-in interest rate as of March 31, 2023 for the Amended Term Loan Facility was approximately 6.2%. On March 29, 2023, we amended the Amended Credit Agreement to transition the benchmark from LIBOR to an adjusted Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) (which is equal to the applicable SOFR plus 0.10%) (such transaction, the “First Amendment”).
On March 29, 2023, we amended the Amended Credit Agreement to transition the benchmark from LIBOR to an adjusted Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) (which is equal to the applicable SOFR plus 0.10%) (such transaction, the “First Amendment”). In connection with the First Amendment, all outstanding LIBOR loans were converted to SOFR loans.
From a price and volume perspective, a higher volume of units sold drove $59.4 million of the increase in net sales and a higher average item price within retailer and e-commerce orders drove the remaining $14.6 million increase in net sales as compared to the year ended March 31, 2021.
A higher average item price and mix within retailer and e-commerce orders drove the remaining $88.9 million increase in net sales as compared to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022.
If the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. There were no impairment charges recorded on long-lived assets during the years ended March 31, 2023 or March 31, 2022.
If the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.
From a price and volume perspective, a higher volume of units sold drove $97.7 million of the increase in net sales and a higher average item price within retailer and e-commerce orders drove the remaining $88.9 million increase in net sales as compared to the year ended March 31, 2022. 44 Gross profit Gross profit increased $138.7 million, or 55%, to $390.4 million in the year ended March 31, 2023, compared to $251.7 million in the year ended March 31, 2022.
A higher average item price and mix within retailer and e-commerce orders drove the remaining $124.7 million increase in net sales as compared to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. 47 Table of C ontents Gross profit Gross profit increased $333.7 million, or 85%, to $724.1 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, compared to $390.4 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.
We evaluate our indefinite-lived intangible asset to determine whether current events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. In addition, our indefinite-lived intangible asset is tested for impairment annually.
There were no impairment charges recorded on long-lived assets during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024, March 31, 2023 or March 31, 2022. We evaluate our indefinite-lived intangible asset to determine whether current events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. In addition, our indefinite-lived intangible asset is tested for impairment annually.
We believe that our operating cash flow, cash on hand and available financing under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility will be adequate to meet our planned operating, investing and financing needs for the next twelve months. If necessary, we can borrow funds under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility to finance our liquidity requirements, subject to customary borrowing conditions.
We believe that our operating cash flow, cash on hand and available financing under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility will be adequate to meet our planned operating, investing and financing needs for the next twelve months. The unused balance of the Amended Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2024 was $10.5 million.
The increase was driven by strength across our retailer and e-commerce channels. Net sales increased $158.0 million, or 45%, in our retailer channels and $28.6 million, or 71%, in our e-commerce channels.
Net sales increased $158.0 million, or 45%, in our retailer channels and $28.6 million, or 71%, in our e-commerce channels. From a price and volume perspective, a higher volume of units sold drove $97.7 million of the increase in net sales.
Comparison of the year ended March 31, 2022 to the year ended March 31, 2021 Net sales Net sales increased $74.0 million, or 23%, to $392.2 million in the year ended March 31, 2022, from $318.1 million in the year ended March 31, 2021. The increase was driven primarily by strength in our national and international retailers.
Comparison of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 Net sales Net sales increased $186.6 million, or 48%, to $578.8 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, from $392.2 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. The increase was driven by strength across our retailer and e-commerce channels.
Income tax (provision) benefit The provision for income taxes increased from a benefit of $2.5 million, or an effective tax rate of (69)%, for the year ended March 31, 2021, to an expense of $3.7 million, or an effective tax rate of 14%, for the year ended March 31, 2022.
Income tax provision The provision for income taxes was $13.3 million, or an effective rate of 9% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to a provision of $2.5 million, or an effective rate of 4% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2023.
In connection with the First Amendment, all outstanding LIBOR loans were converted to SOFR loans. The annual interest rate for SOFR borrowings will be equal to term SOFR, subject to a floor of 0%, plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 2.125%.
The annual interest rate for SOFR borrowings will be equal to term SOFR, subject to a floor of 0%, plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 2.125%. The interest rate as of March 31, 2024 for the Amended Revolving Credit Facility and the Amended Term Loan Facility was approximately 6.7%.
Other expense, net Other expense, net was $1.4 million of expense in the year ended March 31, 2022, as compared to $1.6 million of expense in the year ended March 31, 2021. The change was primarily related to foreign exchange rate movements.
Other income (expense), net Other income (expense), net was $1.2 million of income in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, as compared to $1.9 million of expense in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.
The change in net working capital was driven by a $10.5 million increase in accounts receivable, a $10.9 million increase in inventory, a $9.7 million increase in prepaid and other assets and a $3.3 million decrease of other liabilities, partially offset by a $17.5 million increase of accounts payable and accrued expenses.
Additional changes in working capital include a $49.6 million increase in accounts receivable, a $55.2 million increase in prepaid and other assets, and a $6.3 million decrease in other liabilities, partially offset by an $81.2 million increase of accounts payable and accrued expenses. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, net cash provided by operating activities was $101.9 million.
For the year ended March 31, 2021, net cash used in financing activities was $11.4 million, driven by $11.8 million in mandatory principal payments under the prior term loan facility. This was partially offset by $1.5 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options to purchase common stock.
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, net cash provided by financing activities was $200.9 million and was primarily driven by proceeds from the Amended Term Loan Facility of $115.0 million and Amended Revolving Credit Facility of $89.5 million and cash received from the exercise of stock options of $5.6 million.
Additionally, delays or further disruption to the global supply chain could cause lost sales due to unavailability of inventory, unfavorably impacting our ability to service consumer demand. Components of our results of operations and trends affecting our business Net sales We develop, market and sell beauty products under the e.l.f. Cosmetics, e.l.f. SKIN, Well People and Keys Soulcare brands.
Components of our results of operations and trends affecting our business Net sales We develop, market and sell beauty products under the e.l.f. Cosmetics, e.l.f. SKIN, Naturium, Well People and Keys Soulcare brands. Our net sales are derived from sales of these beauty products, net of provisions for sales discounts and allowances, product returns, markdowns and price adjustments.
Selling, general and administrative expenses SG&A expenses were $221.9 million in the year ended March 31, 2022, an increase of $27.8 million, or 14%, from $194.2 million in the year ended March 31, 2021.
Selling, general and administrative expenses SG&A expenses were $574.4 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, an increase of $252.2 million, or 78%, from $322.3 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales was 56% for each of the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023.
For the year ended March 31, 2021, net cash provided by operating activities was $29.5 million. This included net income, before deducting depreciation, amortization and other non-cash items, of $46.4 million and an increase in net working capital of $16.9 million.
This included net income, before deducting depreciation, amortization and other non-cash items of $205.5 million, partially offset by an increase in net working capital of $123.8 million and payment of acquisition-related seller expenses of $10.5 million in connection with the Acquisition. The increase in net working capital was primarily driven by a $93.9 million increase in inventory.
Increased volume accounted for approximately $48.0 million of the increase in gross profit, offset by a $2.5 million decline related to the decrease in gross margin rate. The decrease in gross margin rate was primarily driven by unfavorable foreign exchange rates and elevated transportation costs. These items were partially offset by price increases, cost savings and margin accretive mix.
The increase in gross margin rate was primarily driven by favorable foreign exchange impacts, cost savings and mix, improved transportation costs, inventory adjustments, and international price increases, partially offset by costs related to retailer activity.
A provision for unclaimed customer incentives and allowances is included on the consolidated balance sheet, net against accounts receivable.
A provision for customer incentives and allowances is included on the consolidated balance sheet, net against accounts receivable. Business Combinations We allocate the purchase price of a business acquisition to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the business combination date.
Gross profit Gross profit increased $45.5 million, or 22%, to $251.7 million in the year ended March 31, 2022, compared to $206.2 million in the year ended March 31, 2021. Gross margin decreased from 65% in the year ended March 31, 2021 to 64% in the year ended March 31, 2022.
Gross margin increased from 64% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 to 67% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.
In addition to these general economic and industry factors, the principal factors in determining whether our cash flows will be sufficient to meet our liquidity requirements will rely on our ability to provide innovative products to our consumers, manage production and our supply chain. 46 Cash flows Year ended March 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Net cash provided by (used in): Operating activities $ 101,883 $ 19,513 $ 29,475 Investing activities (1,723) (4,818) (6,474) Financing activities (22,735) (29,110) (11,400) Net increase (decrease) in cash: $ 77,425 $ (14,415) $ 11,601 Cash provided by operating activities For the year ended March 31, 2023, net cash provided by operating activities was $101.9 million.
In addition to these general economic and industry factors, the principal factors in determining whether our cash flows will be sufficient to meet our liquidity requirements will rely on our ability to provide innovative products to our consumers, manage production and our supply chain.
The change in the provision for income taxes was primarily driven by an increase in income before taxes of $21.7 million. One-time tax benefits related to stock based compensation were consistent between periods. Financial condition, liquidity and capital resources Overview As of March 31, 2023, we held $120.8 million of cash and cash equivalents.
The change in the provision was primarily driven by an increase in income before taxes of $76.9 million, partially offset by an increase in discrete tax benefits of $14.4 million, primarily related to stock-based compensation.