•risks associated with heightened geopolitical instability due to the conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe;
•the outbreak of viruses or widespread illness, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters or other highly disruptive events and regulatory responses thereto; and
•other factors set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 8, 2024.
These risks are not exhaustive. Other sections of this Quarterly Report include additional factors that could adversely affect our business and financial performance.
Any forward-looking statement made by us in this Quarterly Report speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and while we believe that information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, that information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. Moreover, factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We are not under any obligation (and we specifically disclaim any such obligation) to update or alter these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Note 1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of business
Savers Value Village, Inc., a Washington State based company, together with its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”), sells second-hand merchandise primarily in retail stores located in the United States (“U.S.”), Canada and Australia.
Basis of presentation
The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 28, 2024 and for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, have not been audited but, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 30, 2023, has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, and related notes included in the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 8, 2024. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year, which ends on the Saturday nearest to December 31.
All dollar and share amounts in the notes to these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements, with the exception of per share amounts, are rounded to the nearest thousand unless otherwise indicated.
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
There have been no material changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies as described in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023.
Use of estimates
The preparation of these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. These estimates are based on available information and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Certain items subject to such estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, the valuation of insurance reserves, impairment assessments associated with our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, income taxes and stock-based compensation. Actual results could vary from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Revenue recognition
The following table disaggregates our revenue by retail and wholesale during each of the periods presented:
Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The amendments in this update require enhanced disclosures about significant expenses on an annual and interim basis for all public entities. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. This guidance is expected to impact the Company’s disclosures only with no impact to its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The amendments in this update require that public business entities on an annual basis disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation table, provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold and provide additional information about income taxes paid. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. This guidance is expected to impact the Company’s disclosures only with no impact to its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
Note 3. 2 Peaches Acquisition
On May 6, 2024, the Company acquired all of the equity of 2 Peaches Group, LLC (“2 Peaches”) for $5.4 million, which is comprised of cash consideration of $3.5 million, including a holdback of $0.5 million, and acquisition-related contingent consideration with an initial fair value of $1.9 million (the “2 Peaches Acquisition”). 2 Peaches is a thrift store chain with seven locations in the Atlanta, Georgia, metropolitan area. The acquired stores are the Company’s first locations in the state of Georgia and will serve as a base for the Company’s entrance and expansion into the southeast region of the U.S.
The 2 Peaches Acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Topic 805, Business Combinations, and the purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their fair value at the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill, which is deductible for income tax purposes. Under the acquisition method, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company include the operations of 2 Peaches from the acquisition date. Measurement period adjustments to preliminary fair values, with a corresponding offset to goodwill, are permitted up to one year from the acquisition date.
Goodwill arising from the acquisition amounted to less than $0.1 million. Goodwill was allocated to the U.S. Retail reporting unit. The preliminary fair value of assets acquired was $12.5 million, which primarily comprised $8.5 million for right-of-use assets, $2.9 million for a charity licensing agreement, $0.5 million for inventory, $0.4 million for property and equipment, and $0.1 million of cash. The charity licensing agreement will be amortized on a straight-line basis over its remaining useful life, which is expected to be through the end of fiscal 2024. The preliminary fair value of liabilities assumed was $7.1 million.
The acquisition-related contingent consideration arrangement with an initial fair value of $1.9 million requires us to make a future cash payment of up to $2.7 million upon achievement of specific milestones; the associated liability is classified in other liabilities in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 5. Fair Value Measurements, for information related to the fair value of the contingent consideration.
We have not presented pro forma results of operations including 2 Peaches since their results of operations are not material to our consolidated financial results.
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs and debt discount
21,407
27,663
Long-term debt, net
$
735,349
$
784,593
On January 30, 2024, the Company entered into an amendment (the “Third Amendment”) to its Senior Secured Credit Facilities. Among other things, the Third Amendment (i) removed the SOFR adjustment margin, (ii) reduced the margin on existing borrowings under the Term Loan Facility from a range of 4.25% to 5.50% to a range of 2.75% to 4.00%, (iii) revised the leverage-based pricing grid applicable to borrowings under the Term Loan Facility such that, among other things, a lower leverage ratio than was previously required is needed to obtain a 0.25% reduction in margin, (iv) provided for a 0.25% reduction of the margin applicable to term loan borrowings if the Company achieves certain public corporate family ratings and (v) increased the limit on the customary incremental uncommitted revolving credit facility that does not require consent of the required lenders to the greater of (a) $102.0 million and (b) 50% of EBITDA for the prior four quarters. The Third Amendment resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $0.7 million.
On February 9, 2024, the Company achieved the public corporate family ratings required for a 0.25% reduction of the margin applicable to its term loan borrowings.
On March 4, 2024, the Company redeemed $49.5 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured Notes, equal to 10% of the outstanding balance at December 30, 2023. In addition to paying accrued interest, the Company paid a premium of 3%, or $1.5 million, on the partial redemption. This transaction resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $3.4 million.
On June 27, 2024, the Company entered into another amendment to its Senior Secured Credit Facilities (the “Fourth Amendment”). Among other things, the Fourth Amendment (i) increased the maximum amount available under the Revolving Credit Facility by $50.0 million to $125.0 million, and (ii) extended the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility from April 26, 2026 to April 26, 2027.
As of September 28, 2024, there were no advances on the Revolving Credit Facility, there were $1.2 million of letters of credit outstanding and $123.8 million was available to borrow.
Note 5. Fair Value Measurements
The Company utilizes fair value measurements for its financial assets and financial liabilities and fair value measurements of nonfinancial items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. Fair value is based upon a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to measurements involving significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
•Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
•Level 2 inputs are inputs other than unadjusted quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
•Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
The level in the fair value hierarchy within which a fair value measurement in its entirety falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
The following table presents financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 28, 2024:
Fair Value Hierarchy
(in thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
Money market funds
$
38,000
$
—
$
—
$
38,000
Total
$
38,000
$
—
$
—
$
38,000
Liabilities:
Forward contracts
$
—
$
1,225
$
—
$
1,225
Acquisition-related contingent consideration
—
—
453
453
Total
$
—
$
1,225
$
453
$
1,678
The following table presents financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 30, 2023:
Fair Value Hierarchy
(in thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
Money market funds
$
90,000
$
—
$
—
$
90,000
Interest rate swaps
—
10,379
—
10,379
Cross currency swaps
—
20,831
—
20,831
Total
$
90,000
$
31,210
$
—
$
121,210
Liabilities:
Cross currency swaps
$
—
$
466
$
—
$
466
Forward contracts
—
384
—
384
Total
$
—
$
850
$
—
$
850
Money market funds consist of short-term deposits with an original maturity of three months or less. Interest rate swaps, cross currency swaps and forward contracts are fair valued using independent pricing services and the Company obtains an understanding of the methods used in pricing. As such, these derivative instruments are classified within Level 2.
The fair value of the Company’s Senior Secured Notes, based on Level 1 inputs, was $471.2 million and $525.5 million at September 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. The fair value of borrowings under the Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities approximate their carrying value as the current rates approximate rates on similar debt and were based on rate notices provided by the Administrative Agent (Level 2 inputs) at September 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023.
The fair value of the acquisition-related contingent consideration liability is based on significant unobservable inputs, including management estimates and assumptions, and is measured based on the probability-weighted present value of the potential payment. Accordingly, the fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration has been classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
The following table provides quantitative information regarding Level 3 inputs used in the fair value measurement of the acquisition-related contingent consideration liability as of September 28, 2024:
The following table provides a reconciliation of the acquisition-related contingent consideration liability measured at fair value using Level 3 significant unobservable inputs:
(in thousands)
Balance at May 6, 2024(1)
$
1,898
Change in fair value recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses
73
Balance at June 29, 2024
1,971
Change in fair value recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses
(1,518)
Balance at September 28, 2024
$
453
(1)May 6, 2024 reflects the acquisition date of 2 Peaches.
Note 6. Derivative Financial Instruments
As a result of its operating and financing activities, the Company is exposed to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. These market risks may adversely affect the Company’s operating results, cash flows and financial position. The Company seeks to manage the risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates through the use of forward contracts or cross currency swaps or both, and from time to time, may use interest rate swaps to manage the risk of changes in interest rates. The Company’s forward contracts are not collateralized and are entered into with large, reputable financial institutions that are monitored for counterparty risk. Refer to Note 5 for information on the fair value of our derivative financial instruments.
Foreign currency contracts
The Company operates in foreign countries, which exposes it to market risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The Company uses forward contracts to manage its exposure to fluctuations in the U.S. Dollar (“USD”) – Canadian Dollar (“CAD”) and may also use cross currency swaps for the same reason. Forward contracts lock in the exchange rate for a portion of the estimated cash flows of the Company’s Canadian operations. As of September 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, the Company’s forward contracts had USD-equivalent gross notional amounts of $139.5 million and $33.2 million, respectively. In April 2024, the Company terminated its cross currency swaps, resulting in net proceeds of $28.1 million. These cross currency swaps were not designated in hedging relationships. Cross currency swaps with notional amounts of $275.0 million were outstanding as of December 30, 2023.
Interest rate swap contracts
The Company’s market risk is affected by changes in interest rates. The Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities bear interest based on market rates plus an applicable margin. Because the interest rate on the Company’s floating-rate debt is tied to market rates, the Company may from time to time manage its exposure to interest rate movements by effectively converting a portion of its floating-rate debt to fixed-rate debt using interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps, as used by the Company, involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreement without exchange of the underlying notional amount. The Company previously entered into two interest rate swaps that were designated as cash flow hedges. In April 2024, the Company terminated its interest rate swaps, resulting in net proceeds of $10.3 million. All amounts deferred into other comprehensive loss prior to termination will be amortized to interest expense through May 2025, being the original maturity date of the interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps with notional amounts of $275.0 million were outstanding at December 30, 2023.
The fair values of cross currency swap contracts, forward contracts and interest rate swap contracts were as follows:
(in thousands)
Balance Sheet Location
September 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Cross currency swaps
Derivative asset – non-current
$
—
$
20,831
Total derivatives in an asset position
$
—
$
20,831
Forward contracts
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$
1,225
$
384
Cross currency swaps
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
—
466
Total derivatives in a liability position
$
1,225
$
850
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swaps
Derivative asset – current
$
—
$
7,691
Interest rate swaps
Derivative asset – non-current
—
2,688
Total derivatives in an asset position
$
—
$
10,379
Total deferred gain
Accumulated other comprehensive income
$
7,068
$
13,045
The impact of derivative financial instruments on the unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) was as follows:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
(Loss) gain on forward contracts recognized in gain (loss) on foreign currency, net
$
(1,193)
$
555
$
(733)
$
(134)
Gain on cross currency swaps recognized in gain (loss) on foreign currency, net
$
—
$
6,933
$
7,647
$
3,003
Gain on interest rate swaps recognized in interest expense, net
$
2,637
$
2,961
$
8,341
$
8,084
The table below presents the effect of cash flow hedge accounting on other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
Gain recognized in other comprehensive loss
$
—
$
1,655
$
2,364
$
5,170
Gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income (loss)
$
2,637
$
2,962
$
8,341
$
8,085
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income (loss) are recognized in interest expense, net. Within the next 12 months, the Company estimates that an additional $7.1 million of gains currently recognized within accumulated other comprehensive income will be reclassified as a decrease in interest expense, net.
The Company has two reportable segments: U.S. Retail and Canada Retail. In addition to its two reportable segments, the Company has retail stores in Australia and wholesale operations, both of which are classified within Other.
The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based on Segment Profit, which it defines as operating income, exclusive of corporate overhead and allocations, asset impairments as applicable, and certain separately disclosed unusual or infrequent items. Segment Profit, as defined herein, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other entities. These measures should not be considered as alternatives to our GAAP measures of Operating income, Net income (loss), or cash flows from operating activities as an indicator of the Company’s performance or as a measure of its liquidity.
Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by giving effect to all potentially dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding for the period using the treasury stock method.
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share were as follows:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
(in thousands, except per share data)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
Numerator
Net income (loss)
$
21,681
$
(15,612)
$
30,926
$
9,243
Denominator
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
160,856
160,247
161,301
147,885
Dilutive effect of employee stock options and awards
4,815
—
5,940
5,249
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (1)
165,671
160,247
167,241
153,134
Net income (loss) per share (2)
Basic
$
0.13
$
(0.10)
$
0.19
$
0.06
Diluted
$
0.13
$
(0.10)
$
0.18
$
0.06
(1)For the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, the calculation of diluted net income per share excludes the effect of 3.9 million and 2.9 million, respectively, of potential shares of common stock relating to awards of stock options and restricted stock units that, if exercised or vested, would have been antidilutive. For the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023, the calculation of diluted net loss per share excludes the effect of 6.6 million potential shares of common stock relating to awards of stock options and restricted stock units that would have been antidilutive. For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023, there were no stock awards that would have had an antidilutive impact on net income per share.
(2)Due to the differences between quarterly and year-to-date weighted average share counts and the effect of quarterly rounding to the nearest cent per share, the year-to-date calculation of net income (loss) per share may not equal the sum of the quarters.
Stock-based compensation expense for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023 was $51.1 million and $51.0 million, respectively.
Time-based options
Stock option awards containing only a service condition (“time-based options”) generally vest in equal annual installments over a three-year or five-year period from the date of grant provided the participant continues to be employed by, or provide service to, the Company through each vesting date.
The following table summarizes activity related to time-based options:
(in thousands, except per share and remaining term amounts)
Number of options
Weighted average exercise price per share
Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)
Aggregate intrinsic value
Outstanding at December 30, 2023
7,530
$
5.99
6.93
$
85,774
Granted
520
19.18
Exercised
(1,305)
2.29
Forfeited or expired
(426)
14.66
Outstanding at September 28, 2024
6,319
7.25
6.23
32,306
Exercisable at September 28, 2024
3,646
4.42
5.22
25,157
Performance-based options
Stock option awards containing a performance condition (“performance-based options”) vest in 25% increments as performance conditions are achieved through the term of the options. Twenty-five percent of the outstanding performance-based options vested upon completion of the Company's initial public offering (“IPO”), with the remainder scheduled to vest in equal increments over three years starting on June 30, 2024 provided market-specific conditions are achieved. The vesting of performance-based options is subject to continued employment through the vesting date. To the extent that the requisite service is rendered, compensation cost for accounting purposes is not reversed; rather, it is recognized regardless of whether or not the market-specific conditions are achieved.
Upon completion of our IPO on July 3, 2023, we commenced recognition of stock-based compensation for our performance-based options as the underlying performance-based condition was satisfied. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, we recognized $43.4 million and $19.2 million, respectively, of expense related to amortization of the remaining outstanding performance-based options that are recognized on a graded vesting basis over their expected vesting period. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023, we also recognized $28.0 million of expense related to performance-based options that vested upon completion of our IPO.
The following table summarizes activity related to performance-based options:
(in thousands, except per share and remaining term amounts)
Number of Options
Weighted average exercise price per share
Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)
Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) contain a service condition and generally vest in equal annual installments over a one-year or three-year period from the date of grant, provided the participant continues to be employed by, or provide service to, the Company through each vesting date.
The following table summarizes activity related to RSUs:
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Number of units
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share
Unvested at December 30, 2023
547
$
22.81
Granted
557
18.70
Vested
(186)
22.67
Forfeited
(73)
21.73
Unvested at September 28, 2024
845
20.23
Note 10. Share Repurchases
During the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, under our share repurchase program announced in November 2023, we repurchased 1.8 million and 2.1 million shares, respectively, at a total cost of $17.6 million and $20.9 million, respectively. As of September 28, 2024, the Company had $29.1 million remaining under the share repurchase program. The share repurchase program does not obligate us to purchase any minimum number of shares, and the program may be suspended, modified, or discontinued at any time without prior notice. The timing, actual number and value of any additional shares purchased will depend on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the market price of the Company’s common stock, general business and market conditions, other investment opportunities, and applicable regulatory requirements.
We have elected to retire shares repurchased to date and record the excess of cost over par value as an increase in accumulated deficit.
Note 11. Income Taxes
The income tax provision for interim periods is generally determined using an estimate of the Company’s annual effective tax rate adjusted for discrete items. Each quarter the estimate of the annual effective tax rate is updated, and if the Company’s estimated tax rate changes, a cumulative adjustment is made.
The effective tax rate for the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023 was 38.8% and (69.4)%, respectively. The effective tax rates differed from the federal statutory rate primarily due to Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) (“Section 162(m)”) excess compensation, changes in the valuation allowance, Foreign Derived Intangible Income (“FDII”), tax credits, withholding taxes and stock-based compensation.
The effective tax rate for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023 was 33.5% and 60.2%, respectively. The effective tax rates differed from the federal statutory rate primarily due to Section 162(m) excess compensation, changes in the valuation allowance, FDII, tax credits, withholding taxes and stock-based compensation.
In the normal course of business, the Company is required to make estimated tax payments throughout the year based on the expected tax liability for the full year. This results in a prepaid balance during the first half of the year, as the Company earns most of its profit in the second half of the year. As of September 28, 2024, the Company had a $7.6 million balance in prepaid income taxes, which is classified in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”) proposed model rules to ensure a minimal level of taxation (commonly referred to as Pillar II) and the European Union member states have agreed to implement Pillar II’s proposed global corporate minimum tax rate of 15%. Many countries are actively considering, have proposed or have enacted, changes to their tax laws based upon the Pillar II proposals, which could increase our tax obligations in countries where we do business or cause us to change the way we operate our business. To mitigate the administrative burden for multinational enterprises in complying with the OECD Global Anti-Base Erosion rules during the initial years of implementation, the OECD developed the temporary “Transitional Country-by-Country Safe Harbor.” We considered the applicable tax law changes from Pillar II implementation in the relevant countries in which we operate, and there is no material impact to our tax provision for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024. We will continue to evaluate the impact of these tax law changes in future reporting periods.
Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation and regulatory matters
The Company is involved from time to time in claims, proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company has made accruals with respect to these matters, where appropriate, which are reflected in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements. For some matters, the amount of liability is not probable or the amount cannot be reasonably estimated and therefore accruals have not been made. The Company may enter into discussions regarding settlement of these matters and may enter into settlement agreements, if in the best interest of the Company. From time to time, the Company is involved in routine litigation that arises in the ordinary course of business. There are no pending significant legal proceedings to which the Company is a party for which management believes the ultimate outcome would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Savers Value Village, Inc. in conjunction with the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 30, 2023 and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 8, 2024 (our “Annual Report”). Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this section to “Savers Value Village”, ”the Company”, “we”, “us” or “our” refer to the business of Savers Value Village, Inc..
This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties about our business and operations and reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results and the timing of selected events may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report or in other parts of this Quarterly Report.
Overview
We are the largest for-profit thrift operator in the United States (“U.S.”) and Canada and operate a total of 344 stores under the Savers®, Value Village®, Value Village Boutique™, Village des Valeurs™, Unique®, and 2nd Ave.® banners. We are committed to redefining secondhand shopping by providing one-of-a-kind, low-priced merchandise ranging from quality clothing to home goods in an exciting treasure-hunt shopping environment. We purchase secondhand textiles (e.g., clothing, bedding and bath items), shoes, accessories, housewares, books and other goods from our non-profit partners (“NPPs”) either directly from them or via on-site donations (“OSDs”) at Community Donation Centers (“CDCs”) at our stores as well as through GreenDrop’s mobile donation stations. We then process, select, price, merchandise and sell these items in our stores. Items that are not sold to our retail customers are marketed to wholesale customers, who reuse or repurpose the items they purchase from us. We believe our hyper-local and socially responsible procurement model, industry-leading and innovative operations, differentiated value proposition and deep relationships with our customers distinguish us from other secondhand and value-based retailers. Our business model is rooted in ESG principles, with a mission to positively impact our stakeholders: thrifters, NPPs and their donors, our team members and our stockholders. As a leader and pioneer of the for-profit thrift category, we seek to positively impact the environment by reducing waste and extending the life of reusable goods. The vast majority of the clothing and textiles we source are sold to our retail or wholesale customers.
We offer a dynamic, ever-changing selection of items, with an average unit retail (“AUR”) price of approximately $5. Our most engaged customers are members of our Super Savers Club® loyalty program. As of September 28, 2024, we had 5.8 million total active members enrolled in our U.S. and Canadian loyalty programs each of whom have made a purchase within the last 12 months, compared to 5.2 million total active members as of September 30, 2023. Active members drove 71.9% of point-of-sale transaction value during the twelve months ended September 28, 2024, compared to 69.9% of point-of-sale transaction value during the twelve months ended September 30, 2023.
We have innovated and invested in the development of significant operational expertise in order to integrate the three highly-complex parts of thrift operations—supply and processing, retail, and sales to wholesale markets. Our business model enables us to provide value to our NPPs and our customers, while driving attractive profitability and cash flow.
While purchases made by our customers in our stores do not directly benefit any NPP, we pay our NPPs a contracted rate for all donations. Our subsidiaries are registered professional fundraisers where required.
We source our merchandise locally by purchasing secondhand items donated to our NPPs primarily through three distinct and strategic procurement models:
•OSDs: donations of items by individuals to our local NPPs made at CDCs located at our stores;
•GreenDrop locations: mobile donation stations placed in convenient, attractive and high-traffic locations that offer a fast and friendly experience to donors in the communities surrounding our stores; and
•delivered supply: items donated to and collected by our NPPs through a variety of methods, such as neighborhood collections and donation drives.
We purchase merchandise from our NPPs which provides them with revenue to support their community-focused missions. From 2018 to 2023, over 90% of our supply was locally sourced, delivering a broad and diverse selection to our customers and fostering a sense of community. Our stores deliver a broad selection for our customers and at the same time reduce transportation costs and emissions typically associated with the production and distribution of new merchandise.
Our continued investment in our stores has both elevated and modernized the thrift shopping experience, transforming our stores into a thrift destination for all generations with increasing traffic from younger generations. To maximize traffic, we leverage data to drive merchandising decisions. For each store, we closely track what is being sold to inform how we optimize our merchandising mix, including by leveraging data analytics. We have also implemented self-checkout kiosks to significantly enhance store efficiency and shorten lines, thereby further improving the shopping experience.
We display approximately 50% of all textile items we receive on our retail sales floors, approximately 50% of which are sold to thrifters. In support of our efforts to extend the life of reusable goods and recover a portion of the cost of acquiring our supply of secondhand items, we sell the majority of textiles, shoes and books unsold at retail to our wholesale customers (predominantly comprised of textile graders and small business owners) who supply local communities across the globe with gently used, affordable items like clothing, housewares, toys and shoes. Textiles not suitable for reuse as secondhand clothing can be repurposed into other textile items (e.g., wiping rags) and post-consumer fibers (e.g., insulation, carpet padding), further reducing waste.
Business Highlights
The following highlights our financial results for the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024 (the “third quarter”) (comparisons are to the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023):
•Net sales increased0.5% to $394.8 million, with the U.S. up 6.2% and Canada down 7.1%. Constant currency net sales increased 1.2% to $397.3 million.
•Comparable store sales decreased 2.4%, with the U.S. increasing 1.6% and Canada decreasing 7.5%. A timing shift in the Canada Day holiday negatively impacted Canadian comparable store sales by approximately 100 basis points in the third quarter.
•The Company opened nine new stores, ending the third quarter with 344 stores.
•Net income and Adjusted net income were $21.7 million and $25.1 million, respectively. Net income per diluted share and Adjusted net income per diluted share were $0.13 and $0.15, respectively. Net income margin was 5.5%.
•Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”) was $82.0 million and Adjusted EBITDA margin was 20.8%. Changes in foreign currency rates negatively impacted Adjusted EBITDA by $0.8 million during the third quarter.
•Total active members enrolled in our U.S. and Canadian loyalty programs increased 11.5% to 5.8 million.
Adjusted net income, Adjusted net income per diluted share, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, as well as amounts presented on a constant currency basis, are not measures recognized under U.S. GAAP. For additional information on our use of non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to the nearest GAAP measure, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
The macroeconomic environment in Canada remains challenging, with elevated levels of unemployment and a high cost of living that is especially hard on low-income consumers. In periods of perceived or actual unfavorable economic conditions, consumers may reallocate their discretionary spending, which may adversely impact demand for the Company’ products and our profitability.
In response to the macroeconomic pressures in Canada, we have been actively testing different approaches to improve our Canadian business, particularly in the areas of selection and pricing, to drive foot traffic, increase conversion and improve our overall value perception among consumers at existing stores.
2 Peaches Acquisition
On May 6, 2024, the Company acquired all of the equity of 2 Peaches Group, LLC (“2 Peaches”) for $5.4 million, which is comprised of cash consideration of $3.5 million, including a holdback of $0.5 million, and acquisition-related contingent consideration with an initial fair value of $1.9 million (the “2 Peaches Acquisition”). 2 Peaches is a thrift store chain with seven locations in the Atlanta, Georgia, metropolitan area. The acquired stores are the Company’s first locations in the state of Georgia and will serve as a base for the Company’s entrance and expansion into the southeast region of the U.S. Goodwill arising from the acquisition amounted to less than $0.1 million.
Derivative Financial Instruments
In April 2024, we terminated our interest rate swaps and cross currency swaps realizing net proceeds of $38.4 million.
Revolver Upsizing
On June 27, 2024, the Company entered into a fourth amendment to its Senior Secured Credit Facilities that, among other things, increased the maximum amount available under the Revolving Credit Facility by $50.0 million to $125.0 million, and extended the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility from April 26, 2026 to April 26, 2027.
Share Repurchases
During the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, under our share repurchase program announced in November 2023, we repurchased 1.8 million and 2.1 million shares, respectively, at a total cost of $17.6 million and $20.9 million, respectively. As of September 28, 2024, the Company had $29.1 million remaining under the share repurchase program.
We use the key performance indicators below to evaluate the performance of our business, identify trends, formulate financial projections and make strategic decisions. We believe these metrics provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our results of operations in the same manner as our management team.
The following table summarizes our key performance indicators for the periods indicated:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
Comparable Store Sales (1)
United States
1.6
%
3.3
%
2.0
%
4.8
%
Canada
(7.5)
%
4.3
%
(4.5)
%
6.1
%
Total (2)
(2.4)
%
3.7
%
(0.7)
%
5.4
%
Number of Stores
United States
167
152
167
152
Canada
164
157
164
157
Total (2)
344
321
344
321
Other Metrics
Pounds processed (lbs mm)
261
249
753
734
Sales yield (3)
$
1.45
$
1.50
$
1.44
$
1.46
Cost of merchandise sold per pound processed
$
0.65
$
0.64
$
0.65
$
0.63
(1)Comparable store sales is the percentage change in comparable store sales over the comparable period in the prior fiscal year. We define comparable store sales to be sales by stores that have been in operation for all or a portion of two consecutive fiscal years, or, in other words, stores that are starting their third fiscal year of operation. In fiscal year 2024, comparable store sales excludes stores acquired in the 2 Peaches Acquisition. In fiscal year 2023, comparable store sales excludes stores acquired in the 2nd Ave. acquisition because those stores were not yet fully integrated during the prior year comparative period. Comparable store sales is measured in local currency for Canada, while total comparable store sales is measured on a constant currency basis.
(2)Total comparable store sales and total number of stores include our Australia retail locations, in addition to retail stores in the U.S. and Canada.
(3)We define sales yield as retail sales generated per pound processed on a currency neutral and comparable store basis.
Comparable store sales
Comparable store sales provides us with visibility into top-line performance on a like-for-like basis excluding new stores opened in the current or previous reporting period and excluding all closed stores as of the end of the current reporting period. We believe investors can use this metric to assess our ability to increase comparable store sales over time.
During the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, our comparable store sales declined 2.4%, primarily reflecting a decrease in transactions in our Canada Retail segment, partially offset by higher transactions and average basket in our U.S. Retail segment. During the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023, our comparable store sales increased 3.7%, primarily reflecting growth in transactions.
During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, our comparable store sales declined 0.7%, primarily reflecting a decrease in transactions in our Canada Retail segment, partially offset by higher transactions and average basket in our U.S. Retail segment. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023, our comparable store sales increased 5.4%, primarily reflecting growth in transactions.
Our number of stores provides us visibility into the scale of our operations and is viewed as a key driver of long-term growth. We believe investors can use this metric to assess our ability to open new stores, especially in in high-growth markets.
Our number of stores increased to 344 stores as of September 28, 2024, from 321 stores as of September 30, 2023. The increase in stores resulted from the opening of eight net new stores in the U.S., seven net new stores in Canada and one new store in Australia, as well as the addition of seven stores through the 2 Peaches Acquisition.
Pounds processed
We define pounds processed as the total number of pounds of goods processed during the period, excluding furniture and other large items. We process inventory by receiving goods directly from our NPPs or through OSDs and GreenDrop, sorting them, and placing them on the sales floor. From 2019 to 2023, we have found that items sourced through OSDs have a cost per pound that is on average less than one-third that of delivered supply from our NPPs. This metric is an indicator of the amount of secondhand goods processed during the period and is typically a key driver of top-line sales growth. We believe investors can use this metric to assist in their evaluation of our sales growth and sales yield.
During the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, we processed 261 million pounds of supply, of which 79.8% was comprised of supply from OSDs and GreenDrop. During the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023, we processed 249 million pounds of supply, of which 77.9% was comprised of supply from OSDs and GreenDrop.
During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, we processed 753 million pounds of supply, of which 76.8% was comprised of supply from OSDs and GreenDrop. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023, we processed 734 million pounds of supply, of which 74.4% was comprised of supply from OSDs and GreenDrop.
Sales yield
We define sales yield as retail sales generated per pound processed on a currency neutral and comparable store basis. We believe investors can use this metric as an indicator of the quality of goods we source, because when the quality is high, we are able to sell more items and/or sell items at higher prices from the volume we process than we would otherwise.
Our sales yield for the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024 was $1.45, compared to $1.50 for the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023. The 3.3% decline in sales yield primarily reflects a decrease in items sold per pound processed in Canada and the U.S., partially offset by higher price points on items sold in the U.S.
Our sales yield for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024 was $1.44, compared to $1.46 for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023. The 1.4% decline in sales yield primarily reflects a decrease in items sold per pound processed in Canada.
Cost of merchandise sold per pound processed
We define cost of merchandise sold per pound processed as cost of merchandise sold, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, on a reported basis, divided by total pounds of goods processed. We believe investors can use this metric to determine our ability to cost-effectively purchase and process supply items, and determine the value of incremental sales.
Cost of merchandise sold per pound processed during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024 was $0.65, compared to $0.64 for the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023.
Cost of merchandise sold per pound processed during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024 was $0.65, compared to $0.63 for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023.
The following table sets forth our results of operations for each of the periods presented:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
Net sales
$
394,797
100.0%
$
392,698
100.0%
$
1,135,632
100.0%
$
1,117,484
100.0%
Operating expenses:
Cost of merchandise sold, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
170,776
43.3
158,252
40.3
491,566
43.3
458,950
41.1
Salaries, wages and benefits
74,189
18.8
116,114
29.6
248,841
21.9
276,088
24.7
Selling, general and administrative
83,897
21.3
82,076
20.8
245,126
21.6
232,380
20.8
Depreciation and amortization
17,297
4.3
15,911
4.1
52,978
4.6
45,088
4.0
Total operating expenses
346,159
87.7
372,353
94.8
1,038,511
91.4
1,012,506
90.6
Operating income
48,638
12.3
20,345
5.2
97,121
8.6
104,978
9.4
Other (expense) income:
Interest expense, net
(15,466)
(3.9)
(18,708)
(4.8)
(47,309)
(4.2)
(70,912)
(6.3)
Gain (loss) on foreign currency, net
2,443
0.6
(195)
—
547
—
5,587
0.5
Other (expense) income, net
(168)
—
(45)
—
222
—
173
—
Loss on extinguishment of debt
—
—
(10,615)
(2.7)
(4,088)
(0.3)
(16,626)
(1.5)
Other expense, net
(13,191)
(3.3)
(29,563)
(7.5)
(50,628)
(4.5)
(81,778)
(7.3)
Income (loss) before income taxes
35,447
9.0
(9,218)
(2.3)
46,493
4.1
23,200
2.1
Income tax expense
13,766
3.5
6,394
1.7
15,567
1.4
13,957
1.3
Net income (loss)
$
21,681
5.5%
$
(15,612)
(4.0)%
$
30,926
2.7%
$
9,243
0.8%
Thirteen Weeks Ended September 28, 2024 compared to the Thirteen Weeks Ended September 30, 2023
Net sales
The following table presents net sales:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Retail sales
$
375,587
$
373,982
$
1,605
0.4
%
Wholesale sales
19,210
18,716
494
2.6
%
Total net sales
$
394,797
$
392,698
$
2,099
0.5
%
Retail net sales increased by $1.6 million, or 0.4%, during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023. The 0.4% increase in retail sales resulted from the opening of 16 net new stores year-over-year, offset by a 2.4% decrease in comparable store sales and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency.
Cost of merchandise sold, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
The following table presents cost of merchandise sold, exclusive of depreciation and amortization (“cost of merchandise sold”):
Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Cost of merchandise sold, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
$
170,776
$
158,252
$
12,524
7.9
%
Cost of merchandise sold increased by $12.5 million, or 7.9%, during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023.
Cost of merchandise sold increased 300 basis points to 43.3% of net sales during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024. The 300 basis point increase primarily reflects deleverage of cost of merchandise sold as a percentage of net sales on comparable store sales and the impact of new stores.
Personnel costs classified within cost of merchandise sold were $99.8 million during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to $96.4 million during the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023. As a percentage of net sales, personnel costs classified within cost of merchandise sold was 25.3% during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to 24.5% during the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023. The $3.4 million increase in personnel costs resulted primarily from 16 net new stores year-over-year, the opening of new offsite processing facilities and higher wages.
Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2024, we have updated the way we define personnel costs classified within cost of merchandise sold and have recast the prior period accordingly. This update had no impact on the total cost of merchandise sold. Specifically, we have updated personnel costs classified within cost of merchandise sold to include offsite processing production labor due to the continued growth of offsite processing. Historically, these costs were included in other costs classified within cost of merchandise sold.
Salaries, wages and benefits
The following table presents salaries, wages and benefits expense:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Retail and wholesale
$
50,210
$
49,101
$
1,109
2.3
%
Corporate
23,979
67,013
(43,034)
(64.2)
%
Total salaries, wages and benefits
$
74,189
$
116,114
$
(41,925)
(36.1)
%
Salaries, wages and benefits expense decreased by $41.9 million, or 36.1%, during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023.
Personnel costs for our retail and wholesale operations increased by $1.1 million, or 2.3%,during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023.
Personnel costs for our corporate employees decreased by $43.0 million during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023, primarily reflecting a $39.8 million decrease in IPO-related stock-based compensation expense. The remaining $3.2 million decrease primarily reflects a reduction to annual incentive plan expense, partially offset by higher non-IPO-related stock-based compensation expense and higher wages.
The following table presents selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”):
Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Rent and utilities
$
51,720
$
46,217
$
5,503
11.9
%
Repairs and maintenance
6,740
8,298
(1,558)
(18.8)
%
Information technology
4,767
4,210
557
13.2
%
Supplies
4,383
4,704
(321)
(6.8)
%
Marketing
3,113
3,188
(75)
(2.4)
%
Professional service fees
2,256
3,741
(1,485)
(39.7)
%
Other expenses
10,918
11,718
(800)
(6.8)
%
Total selling, general and administrative
$
83,897
$
82,076
$
1,821
2.2
%
SG&A increased by $1.8 million, or 2.2%, during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023. The increase in SG&A resulted primarily from a $5.5 million increase in rent and utilities that was driven by growth in our store base and store preopening expenses, partially offset by reduced expenditures on repairs and maintenance and professional services of $1.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively.
Depreciation and amortization
The following table presents depreciation and amortization expense:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Depreciation and amortization
$
17,297
$
15,911
$
1,386
8.7
%
Depreciation and amortization during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024 increased by $1.4 million, or 8.7%, compared to the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023. The increase in depreciation and amortization resulted primarily from investments in our store build-outs, Centralized Processing Centers (“CPCs”) and Automatic Book Processing systems (“ABPs”), as well as capital expenditures related to capital maintenance.
Interest expense, net
The following table presents interest expense, net:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Interest expense, net
$
(16,689)
$
(20,261)
$
3,572
(17.6)
%
Amortization of debt issuance cost and debt discount
(1,414)
(1,408)
(6)
0.4
%
Gain on interest rate swaps
2,637
2,961
(324)
(10.9)
%
Total interest expense, net
$
(15,466)
$
(18,708)
$
3,242
(17.3)
%
Total interest expense, net decreased $3.2 million, or 17.3%, during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023. This $3.2 million decrease resulted primarily from a $3.6 million decrease in interest expense, net, which was primarily due to a lower weighted average face value of debt and a decrease in the weighted average interest rate. The weighted average face value of debt decreased 7.8% from $828.7 million during the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023 to $764.2 million during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024 due to debt repayments. Over the same period, the weighted average interest rate decreased 69 basis points from 10.16% to 9.47%. This decrease was primarily due to the execution of the Third Amendment to our Senior Secured Credit Facilities on January 30, 2024, which lowered the total margin on existing borrowings under the Term Loan Facility by 151 basis points.
The following table presents gain (loss) on foreign currency, net:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Gain (loss) on foreign currency remeasurement
$
3,636
$
(7,683)
$
11,319
n/m
(Loss) gain on derivative instruments
(1,193)
7,488
(8,681)
n/m
Total gain (loss) on foreign currency, net
$
2,443
$
(195)
$
2,638
n/m
____________
n/m – not meaningful
Gains and losses on foreign currency relate primarily to movements in the Canadian Dollar (“CAD”) relative to the U.S. Dollar (“USD”). During the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, the USD weakened against CAD resulting in remeasurement gains of $3.6 million arising primarily on USD-denominated debt held by one of our Canadian entities. These gains were partially offset by a $1.2 million loss on derivative instruments used to manage foreign currency exchange rate risk.
During the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023, the USD strengthened against CAD resulting in remeasurement losses of $7.7 million arising primarily on USD-denominated debt held by one of our Canadian entities, which was largely offset by $7.5 million in gains on derivative instruments that we used to manage foreign currency exchange rate risk.
Other expense, net
The following table presents other expense, net:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Other expense, net
$
(168)
$
(45)
$
(123)
n/m
____________
n/m – not meaningful
We did not incur material amounts of miscellaneous income or expenses during either the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024 or the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023.
The following table presents loss on extinguishment of debt:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Loss on extinguishment of debt
$
—
$
(10,615)
$
10,615
n/m
____________
n/m – not meaningful
During the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023, we used the net proceeds from our IPO and cash on our balance sheet to redeem $55.0 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured Notes and to repay $252.4 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan Facility, resulting in a loss on debt extinguishment of $10.6 million.
Income tax expense
The following table presents income tax expense:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Income tax expense
$
13,766
$
6,394
$
7,372
115.3
%
During the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, we recorded income tax expense of $13.8 million on income before income taxes of $35.4 million, resulting in an effective tax rate of 38.8%. For the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023, we recorded $6.4 million of income tax expense on loss before income taxes of $9.2 million, resulting in an effective income tax rate of (69.4)%.
We estimate an annual projected effective tax rate for the fiscal year to determine income tax expense or benefit in the interim periods. As such, the increase in our effective income tax rate during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024 compared to the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023 resulted primarily from an increase in income before income taxes to which the annual effective tax rate is applied.
Segment results
The following table presents net sales and profit by segment:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Net sales:
U.S. Retail
$
212,470
$
200,127
$
12,343
6.2
%
Canada Retail
151,886
163,518
(11,632)
(7.1)
%
Other
30,441
29,053
1,388
4.8
%
Total net sales
$
394,797
$
392,698
$
2,099
0.5
%
Segment profit:
U.S. Retail
$
43,754
$
52,262
$
(8,508)
(16.3)
%
Canada Retail
$
45,354
$
56,404
$
(11,050)
(19.6)
%
Other
$
11,895
$
10,061
$
1,834
18.2
%
U.S. Retail
U.S. Retail net sales increased by $12.3 million, or 6.2%, during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023. The increase in U.S. Retail net sales resulted primarily from the opening of eight net new stores year-over-year and a 1.6% increase in comparable store sales. The increase in comparable store sales was driven by higher transactions and average basket.
U.S. Retail segment profit decreased by $8.5 million, or 16.3%, during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in segment profit primarily reflects the impact of new stores, including salaries, wages and benefits and store preopening expenses, as well as deleverage of cost of merchandise sold as a percentage of net sales on comparable store sales, partially offset by an increase in net sales.
Canada Retail
Canada Retail net sales decreased by $11.6 million, or 7.1%, during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in Canada Retail net sales resulted primarily from a 7.5% decline in comparable store sales and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency, partially offset by the opening of seven net new stores since September 30, 2023. The decline in comparable store sales was primarily driven by a decrease in transactions and was negatively impacted by a timing shift in the Canada Day holiday by approximately 100 basis points during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024.
Canada Retail segment profit decreased by $11.1 million, or 19.6%, during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in segment profit primarily reflects a decline in net sales and deleverage of cost of merchandise sold as a percentage of net sales on comparable store sales.
Other
Other includes our Australian retail stores and our wholesale operations. Net sales and segment profit for our other business increased $1.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively, during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023.
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2024 compared to the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 30, 2023
Net sales
The following table presents net sales:
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Retail sales
$
1,080,304
$
1,061,831
$
18,473
1.7
%
Wholesale sales
55,328
55,653
(325)
(0.6)
%
Total net sales
$
1,135,632
$
1,117,484
$
18,148
1.6
%
Retail sales increased by $18.5 million, or 1.7%, during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023. The 1.7% increase in retail sales resulted from the opening of 16 net new stores year-over-year, partially offset by a 0.7% decrease in comparable store sales and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency.
Cost of merchandise sold, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
The following table presents cost of merchandise sold, exclusive of depreciation and amortization:
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Cost of merchandise sold, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
$
491,566
$
458,950
$
32,616
7.1
%
Cost of merchandise sold increased by $32.6 million, or 7.1%, during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023.
Cost of merchandise sold increased 220 basis points to 43.3% of net sales during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024. The 220 basis point increase primarily reflects deleverage of cost of merchandise sold as a percentage of net sales on comparable store sales, and the impact of new stores and new offsite processing facilities.
Personnel costs classified within cost of merchandise sold were $292.2 million during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to $281.7 million during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023. As a percentage of net sales, personnel costs classified within cost of merchandise sold was 25.7% during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to 25.2% during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023. The $10.5 million increase in personnel costs resulted primarily from 16 net new stores year-over-year, the opening of new offsite processing facilities and higher wages.
Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2024, we have updated the way we define personnel costs classified within cost of merchandise sold and have recast the prior period accordingly. This update had no impact on the total cost of merchandise sold. Specifically, we have updated personnel costs classified within cost of merchandise sold to include offsite processing production labor due to the continued growth of offsite processing. Historically, these costs were included in other costs classified within cost of merchandise sold.
Salaries, wages and benefits
The following table presents salaries, wages and benefits expense:
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Retail and wholesale
$
148,911
$
145,190
$
3,721
2.6
%
Corporate
99,930
130,898
(30,968)
(23.7)
%
Total salaries, wages and benefits
$
248,841
$
276,088
$
(27,247)
(9.9)
%
Salaries, wages and benefits expense decreased by $27.2 million, or 9.9%, during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023.
Personnel costs for our retail and wholesale operations increased by $3.7 million, or 2.6%, during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023. The increase primarily reflects growth in our store base year-over-year, as well as higher wages and benefits, partially offset by a reduction to annual incentive plan expense.
Personnel costs for our corporate employees decreased by $31.0 million, or 23.7%. Adjusting for the $24.1 million special one-time bonus and related taxes incurred during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023 in relation to the issuance of our Senior Secured Notes, personnel costs for our corporate employees decreased $6.9 million primarily reflecting a reduction to annual incentive plan expense, partially offset by higher wages.
SG&A increased by $12.7 million, or 5.5%, during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023. The increase in SG&A resulted primarily from a $12.6 million increase in rent and utilities driven by growth in our store base and store preopening expenses, and a $3.7 million increase in information technology expenses. These increases were partially offset by reduced expenditures on repairs and maintenance of $4.6 million.
Depreciation and amortization
The following table presents depreciation and amortization expense:
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Depreciation and amortization
$
52,978
$
45,088
$
7,890
17.5
%
Depreciation and amortization during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024 increased by $7.9 million, or 17.5%, compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023. The increase in depreciation and amortization resulted primarily from investments in our store build-outs, CPCs and ABPs, as well as capital expenditures related to capital maintenance.
Interest expense, net
The following table presents interest expense, net:
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Interest expense, net
$
(51,481)
$
(74,365)
$
22,884
(30.8)
%
Amortization of debt issuance cost and debt discount
(4,169)
(4,631)
462
(10.0)
%
Gain on interest rate swaps
8,341
8,084
257
3.2
%
Total interest expense, net
$
(47,309)
$
(70,912)
$
23,603
(33.3)
%
Total interest expense, net decreased $23.6 million, or 33.3%, during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023. This $23.6 million decrease resulted primarily from a $22.9 million decrease in interest expense, net, which was primarily due to a lower weighted average face value of debt and to a lesser extent, a decrease in the weighted average interest rate. The weighted average face value of debt decreased 21.2% from $986.8 million during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023 to $777.5 million during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024 primarily due to the timing of debt issuance and debt repayments. Over the same period, the weighted average interest rate decreased 62 basis points from 10.18% to 9.56%. This decrease was primarily due to the execution of the Third Amendment to our Senior Secured Credit Facilities on January 30, 2024, which lowered the total margin on existing borrowings under the Term Loan Facility by 151 basis points.
The following table presents gain on foreign currency, net:
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
(Loss) gain on foreign currency remeasurement
$
(6,367)
$
2,718
$
(9,085)
n/m
Gain on derivative instruments
6,914
2,869
4,045
141.0
%
Total gain on foreign currency, net
$
547
$
5,587
$
(5,040)
(90.2)
%
__________
n/m – not meaningful
Gains and losses on foreign currency relate primarily to movements in CAD relative to the USD. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, the USD strengthened against CAD resulting in remeasurement losses of $6.4 million arising primarily on USD-denominated debt held by one of our Canadian entities. These losses were largely offset by a $6.9 million gain on derivative instruments used to manage foreign currency exchange rate risk, substantially all of which arose on cross currency swaps prior to their termination in April 2024.
Although the USD strengthened marginally against CAD during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023, remeasurement gains recorded during the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2023 more than offset remeasurement losses recorded in the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023. This dynamic reflects the repayments of principal totaling $269.2 million that we made during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023 on our USD-denominated debt held by one of our Canadian entities - which is the primary driver of foreign currency remeasurement gains and losses. We also recorded $2.9 million in gains on derivative instruments that we use to manage foreign currency exchange rate risk.
Other income, net
The following table presents other income, net:
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Other income, net
$
222
$
173
$
49
28.3
%
We did not incur material amounts of miscellaneous income or expenses during either the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024 or the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023.
Loss on extinguishment of debt
The following table presents loss on extinguishment of debt:
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Loss on extinguishment of debt
$
(4,088)
$
(16,626)
$
12,538
(75.4)
%
During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, loss on extinguishment of debt of $4.1 million comprised $0.7 million associated with the repricing of outstanding borrowings under our Term Loan Facility on January 30, 2024 and $3.4 million associated with the redemption of $49.5 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured Notes on March 4, 2024.
During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023, the Company used net proceeds from its IPO and net proceeds from issuing $550.0 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured Notes and cash on hand to repay $485.8 million in outstanding borrowings on its Term Loan Facility and $55.0 million aggregate principal amount of its Senior Secured Notes, resulting in a loss on debt extinguishment of $16.6 million.
During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, we recorded income tax expenseof $15.6 million on income before income taxes of $46.5 million, resulting in an effective tax rate of 33.5%. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023, we recorded $14.0 million of income tax expense on income before income taxes of $23.2 million, resulting in an effective income tax rate of 60.2%. The decrease in our effective income tax rate resulted primarily from a decrease to executive compensation subject to limitation under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) (“Section 162(m)”), and a decrease in Global Intangible Low Taxed Income, with a corresponding decrease to Foreign Derived Intangible Income deductions and foreign tax credits. Executive compensation deduction limitations under Section 162(m) are imposed on publicly held corporations and therefore did not apply to the Company prior to the completion of its IPO on July 3, 2023.
Segment results
The following table presents net sales and profit by segment:
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Net sales:
U.S. Retail
$
612,118
$
580,648
$
31,470
5.4
%
Canada Retail
435,841
450,280
(14,439)
(3.2)
%
Other
87,673
86,556
1,117
1.3
%
Total net sales
$
1,135,632
$
1,117,484
$
18,148
1.6
%
Segment profit:
U.S. Retail
$
137,400
$
147,062
$
(9,662)
(6.6)
%
Canada Retail
$
124,852
$
140,888
$
(16,036)
(11.4)
%
Other
$
27,234
$
29,913
$
(2,679)
(9.0)
%
U.S. Retail
U.S. Retail net sales increased by $31.5 million, or 5.4%, during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023. The increase in U.S. Retail net sales resulted primarily from the opening of eight net new stores year-over-year and a 2.0% increase in comparable store sales. The increase in comparable store sales was driven by higher transactions and average basket.
U.S. Retail segment profit decreased by $9.7 million, or 6.6%, during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in segment profit primarily reflects the impact of new stores, including salaries, wages and benefits and store preopening expenses, deleverage of cost of merchandise sold as a percentage of net sales on comparable store sales, the impact of new offsite processing facilities, as well as an increase in occupancy costs, partially offset by an increase in net sales and reduced expenditures on repairs and maintenance.
Canada Retail
Canada Retail net sales decreased by $14.4 million, or 3.2%, during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in Canada Retail net sales resulted primarily from a 4.5% decrease in comparable store sales and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency, partially offset by the opening of seven net new stores since September 30, 2023. The decline in comparable store sales was primarily driven by a decrease in transactions.
Canada Retail segment profit decreased by $16.0 million, or 11.4%, during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in segment profit primarily reflects a decline in net sales and deleverage of cost of merchandise sold as a percentage of net sales on comparable store sales.
Other
Other net sales include our Australian retail stores and our wholesale operations. Net sales for our other businesses increased $1.1 million while other segment profit decreased $2.7 million during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Company reports its financial results in accordance with GAAP. We also present the following non-GAAP financial measures: Adjusted net income, Adjusted net income per diluted share, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin and Constant-currency net sales. In the discussion that follows, we provide definitions and reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. We have provided this non-GAAP financial information, which is not calculated or presented in accordance with GAAP, as information supplemental and in addition to the financial measures presented in this Quarterly Report that are calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered superior to, as a substitute for, or an alternative to, and should be considered in conjunction with, the GAAP financial measures presented elsewhere in this Quarterly Report. These non-GAAP financial measures may differ from, and therefore may not be directly comparable to, similarly-titled measures used by other companies.
Adjusted net income, Adjusted net income per diluted share, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin
Adjusted net income, Adjusted net income per diluted share, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP financial measures. We have included these non-GAAP financial measures as these are key measures used by our management and our board of directors to evaluate our operating performance and the effectiveness of our business strategies, make budgeting decisions, and evaluate compensation decisions. They also best allow comparison of the performance of one period with that of another period.
Adjusted net income is defined as net income (loss) excluding the impact of loss on extinguishment of debt, IPO-related stock-based compensation expense, transaction costs, dividend-related bonus, (gain) loss on foreign currency, net, executive transition costs, certain other adjustments, the tax effect on the above adjustments, and the excess tax shortfall (benefit) from stock-based compensation. We define Adjusted net income per diluted share as Adjusted net income divided by diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.
We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) excluding the impact of interest expense, net, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, loss on extinguishment of debt, stock-based compensation expense, non-cash occupancy-related costs, lease intangible asset expense, pre-opening expenses, store closing expenses, executive transition costs, transaction costs, dividend-related bonus, (gain) loss on foreign currency, net, and certain other adjustments. We define Adjusted EBITDA margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales, expressed as a percentage.
A reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) and GAAP net income (loss) per diluted share to Adjusted net income and Adjusted net income per diluted share is presented in the table below:
Excess tax shortfall (benefit) from stock-based compensation
—
—
(0.01)
—
Adjusted net income per diluted share*
$
0.15
$
0.16
$
0.37
$
0.45
*May not foot due to rounding
(1)Presented pre-tax.
(2)Removes the effects of the loss on extinguishment of debt in relation to the repricing of outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan Facility on January 30, 2024, the partial redemption of our Senior Secured Notes on July 3, 2023 and March 4, 2024, and the partial repayment of outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan Facility on February 6, 2023 and July 5, 2023.
(3)Reflects stock-based compensation expense for performance-based options triggered by completion of our IPO and expense related to restricted stock units issued in connection with the Company’s IPO.
(4)Transaction costs are comprised of non-capitalizable expenses related to offering costs, debt transactions and acquisitions.
(5)Represents dividend-related bonus and related payroll taxes paid in conjunction with our February 2023 dividend.
(6)Represents severance costs associated with executive leadership changes and retention costs associated with the 2 Peaches Acquisition.
(7)The thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024 include a change in the fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration of $1.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024 further includes insurance proceeds of $0.7 million. The thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023 include legal and insurance proceeds of $0.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
(8)Tax effect on adjustments is calculated based on the forecasted effective tax rate for the fiscal year.
(9)For the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023, Adjusted net income per diluted share includes 6.6 million potential shares of common stock relating to awards of stock options and restricted stock units that were excluded from the calculation of GAAP diluted net loss per share as their inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect.
A reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023 is presented in the table below:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
(dollars in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
Net income (loss)
$
21,681
$
(15,612)
$
30,926
$
9,243
Interest expense, net
15,466
18,708
47,309
70,912
Income tax expense
13,766
6,394
15,567
13,957
Depreciation and amortization
17,297
15,911
52,978
45,088
Loss on extinguishment of debt(1)
—
10,615
4,088
16,626
Stock-based compensation expense(2)
10,328
49,113
51,107
50,970
Non-cash occupancy-related costs(3)
1,929
1,654
5,663
3,065
Lease intangible asset expense(4)
882
1,001
2,663
3,154
Pre-opening expenses(5)
4,149
2,635
10,906
5,227
Store closing expenses(6)
356
164
563
1,031
Executive transition costs(7)
79
—
689
—
Transaction costs(8)
14
613
2,621
2,333
Dividend-related bonus(9)
—
—
—
24,097
(Gain) loss on foreign currency, net
(2,443)
195
(547)
(5,587)
Other adjustments(10)
(1,506)
(381)
(2,217)
(845)
Adjusted EBITDA
$
81,998
$
91,010
$
222,316
$
239,271
Net income (loss) margin
5.5%
(4.0)%
2.7%
0.8%
Adjusted EBITDA margin
20.8%
23.2%
19.6%
21.4%
(1)Removes the effects of the loss on extinguishment of debt in relation to the repricing of outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan Facility on January 30, 2024, the partial redemption of our Senior Secured Notes on July 3, 2023 and March 4, 2024, and the partial repayment of outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan Facility on February 6, 2023 and July 5, 2023.
(2)Represents non-cash stock-based compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock units granted to certain of our employees and directors.
(3)Represents the difference between cash and straight-line lease expense.
(4)Represents lease expense associated with acquired lease intangibles. Prior to the adoption of Topic 842, this expense was included within depreciation and amortization.
(5)Pre-opening expenses include expenses incurred in the preparation and opening of new stores and processing locations, such as payroll, training, travel, occupancy and supplies.
(6)Costs associated with the closing of certain retail locations, including lease termination costs, amounts paid to third parties for rent reduction negotiations, and fees paid to landlords for store closings.
(7)Represents severance costs associated with executive leadership changes and retention costs associated with the 2 Peaches Acquisition.
(8)Transaction costs are comprised of non-capitalizable expenses related to offering costs, debt transactions and acquisitions.
(9)Represents dividend-related bonus and related taxes paid in conjunction with our February 2023 dividend.
(10)The thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024 include a change in the fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration of $1.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024 further includes insurance proceeds of $0.7 million. The thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023 include legal and insurance settlement proceeds of $0.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
The Company reports certain operating results on a constant-currency basis in order to facilitate period-to-period comparisons of its results without regard to the impact of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates. The term foreign currency exchange rates refers to the exchange rates used to translate the Company's operating results for all countries where the functional currency is not the U.S. Dollar into U.S. Dollars. Because the Company is a global company, foreign currency exchange rates used for translation may have a significant effect on its reported results.In general, given the Company's significant operations in Canada, the Company's financial results are affected positively by a weakening of the U.S. Dollar against the Canadian Dollar and are affected negatively by a strengthening of the U.S. Dollar against the Canadian Dollar. References to operating results on a constant-currency basis mean operating results without the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
The Company believes disclosure of constant-currency net sales is helpful to investors because it facilitates period-to-period comparisons of its results by increasing the transparency of its underlying performance by excluding the impact of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates.
Constant currency information compares results between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant period-over-period. During the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, as compared to the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2023, the U.S. Dollar was stronger relative to the Canadian Dollar but weaker relative to the Australian Dollar, which overall resulted in an unfavorable impact on our operating results. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, as compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023, the U.S. Dollar was stronger relative to both the Canadian Dollar and the Australian Dollar, which resulted in an unfavorable foreign currency impact on our operating results.
The Company calculates constant-currency net sales by translating current-period net sales using the average exchange rates from the comparative prior period rather than the actual average exchange rates in effect.
A reconciliation of GAAP net sales to constant-currency net sales is presented in the table below:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
(dollars in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Net sales
$
394,797
$
392,698
$
2,099
0.5
%
Impact of foreign currency
2,518
n/a
2,518
n/m
Constant-currency net sales
$
397,315
$
392,698
$
4,617
1.2
%
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
(dollars in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ Change
% Change
Net sales
$
1,135,632
$
1,117,484
$
18,148
1.6
%
Impact of foreign currency
5,445
n/a
5,445
n/m
Constant-currency net sales
$
1,141,077
$
1,117,484
$
23,593
2.1
%
n/a - not applicable
n/m - not meaningful
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
We have historically financed our operations primarily with cash generated by operating activities and proceeds from debt issuances. We funded the dividend payment of $262.2 million during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023 with the issuance of debt. Although we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future, any future determination relating to dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on a number of factors, including restrictions in our current and future debt instruments, our future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, and applicable Delaware law, which provides that dividends are only payable out of surplus or current net profits.
Our primary short-term requirements for liquidity and capital are to meet general working capital needs, fund capital expenditures and to make interest payments on our debt. Our primary long-term liquidity and capital needs relate to repaying the principal balance on our debt and making lease payments on our retail stores and processing facilities. We may also use cash on our balance sheet, cash generated from operations or proceeds from new borrowings, or any combination of these sources of liquidity and capital, to pay for acquisitions, to fund growth initiatives, to pay down debt or to conduct repurchases of our common stock under our share repurchase program, or any combination of the foregoing. Our primary sources of liquidity and capital are cash generated from operations and proceeds from borrowings, including borrowings on our Revolving Credit Facility. As of September 28, 2024, $123.8 million was available to borrow under the Revolving Credit Facility.
We believe our existing cash and cash equivalents and cash provided by our operating activities are sufficient to fund our liquidity needs for the next 12 months. We may supplement our liquidity needs with borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility.
See Note 4 to our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for details of our indebtedness.
Cash Flows
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2024 compared to the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 30, 2023
The following table summarizes our cash flows:
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
78,443
$
104,402
Net cash used in investing activities
(55,141)
(75,428)
Net cash used in financing activities
(64,145)
(16,111)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(1,393)
312
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
$
(42,236)
$
13,175
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024 was $78.4 million, compared to $104.4 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023, a decrease of $26.0 million. This $26.0 million decrease is primarily due to an $18.6 million increase in income taxes paid, net and a $7.9 million decrease in operating income.
Net cash used in changes in operating assets and liabilities during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024 consisted primarily of a $91.3 million change in operating lease liabilities, an $18.8 million change in accrued payroll and related taxes, and a $13.0 million change in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The change in operating lease liabilities resulted from lease payments. The change in accrued payroll and related taxes resulted primarily from the annual payment of incentive compensation to our employees. As of December 30, 2023, we had accrued $24.4 million for employee incentive compensation which was paid during the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. As of September 28, 2024, we had accrued $4.2 million for employee incentive compensation, the majority of which we plan to pay during the first quarter of fiscal year 2025. The change in accounts payable and accrued liabilities resulted primarily from interest payments on the Senior Secured Notes, which are due every February 15 and August 15 through maturity. As of December 30, 2023, we had an interest accrual of $18.1 million on the Senior Secured Notes which was paid on February 15, 2024. As of September 28, 2024, we had accrued $5.3 million which will be paid on February 15, 2025.
Net cash used in changes in operating assets and liabilities during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023 consisted primarily of a $84.1 million change in operating lease liabilities, a $14.2 million change in inventory, and a $5.5 million change in accrued payroll and related taxes. The change in operating lease liabilities resulted from lease payments. The change in inventories is primarily due to seasonality and the timing of processing. The change in accrued payroll and related taxes resulted primarily from the payment of incentive compensation to our employees. As of December 31, 2022, we had accrued $25.0 million for employee incentive compensation which was paid during the first quarter of fiscal year 2023. As of September 30, 2023, we had accrued $19.0 million for employee incentive compensation, the majority of which was paid during the first quarter of fiscal year 2024.
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $55.1 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024 and $75.4 millionfor the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023. Expenditure in both periods consisted primarily of investments in our store build-outs, CPCs and ABPs, as well as capital expenditures related to capital maintenance, all of which are reported as purchases of property and equipment. In the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, we also received proceeds of $28.1 million related to the April 2024 termination of the Company’s cross currency swaps and made a net payment of $3.2 million related to the 2 Peaches Acquisition.
Net cash used in financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $64.1 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024 and consisted primarily of $54.0 million of principal payments on our long-term debt and $20.9 million of share repurchases under our share repurchase program, partially offset by proceeds of $11.9 million related to the settlement of an interest rate swap with an other-than-insignificant financing element at inception.
Net cash used in financing activities was $16.1 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2023 and consisted primarily of $524.9 million of net proceeds from issuance of the Senior Secured Notes and $306.0 million of net proceeds from our IPO, offset by $546.4 million in principal payments on our long-term debt, the payment of $262.2 million in dividends and a net repayment of $42.0 million on our Revolving Credit Facility.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report are prepared in accordance with GAAP. Preparation of our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and to make various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from our estimates under different assumptions or conditions. To the extent that there are differences between our estimates and actual results, our future financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows will be affected. We believe that the assumptions and estimates, as set forth in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, associated with the impairment assessments of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, income taxes and stock-based compensation have the greatest potential impact on our consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, these are the policies we believe are the most critical to fully understanding and evaluating our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates as disclosed in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to various market risks. Our primary market risks are interest rate risk associated with our variable rate debt and foreign currency exchange risk associated with our operations in Canada and Australia. We continually monitor these risks, regularly consider which risks need active management and, when appropriate, develop targeted risk management strategies. We may manage our exposure to changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates through the use of derivative financial instruments with the objective of reducing potential income statement, cash flow, and market exposures. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Refer to “Note 6. Derivative Financial Instruments” for additional information.
In April 2024, the Company terminated its interest rate swaps and cross currency swaps realizing net proceeds of $38.4 million. In light of the Company’s historical and expected future de-leveraging, the cross currency swaps no longer provided meaningful benefit to the Company’s leverage and equity value at risk. The interest rate swaps were opportunistically terminated as the benefit of the swaps will diminish over time as we expect to continue to pay down debt.
Interest rate risk
Changes in interest rates affect the amount of interest due on our variable rate debt. As of September 28, 2024, we had variable rate borrowings on the Term Loan Facility of $317.3 million and no advances under our Revolving Credit Facility. We currently use Term SOFR as the reference rate for our variable rate debt and any future increases in Term SOFR will inherently result in an increase in interest expense and cash paid toward interest.
We performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the effect of interest rate fluctuations on our interest expense. A hypothetical 1 percentage point increase in Term SOFR would result in an increase to interest expense of $3.2 million over 12 months based on amounts outstanding and interest rates in effect as of September 28, 2024.
To reduce our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, from time to time we enter into interest rate swaps. In the past we have used interest rate swaps to reduce our exposure to increases in interest rates and effectively convert a portion of our floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis. Our interest rate swaps were scheduled to mature on May 31, 2025 but were terminated by the Company in April 2024.
Foreign currency exchange risk
In addition to our U.S. business, we operate in Canada and Australia. Operations conducted entirely in each jurisdiction use that jurisdiction’s currency as their functional currency and changes in foreign exchange rates affect the translation of the results of these businesses into U.S. Dollars (“USD”), the reporting currency of the Company. For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, approximately 43.6% of our net sales were denominated in a currency other than USD. For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, a hypothetical 10% strengthening of USD to the Canadian Dollar (“CAD”) would decrease our net sales by $46.1 million (and vice versa). A hypothetical 10% change in the relative fair value of USD to the Australian Dollar (“AUD”) would not have a material impact on our operations. We will be susceptible to fluctuations in USD compared to CAD and AUD if we do not hedge our exchange rate exposure. As such, we seek to manage the risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates through the use of forward contracts or cross currency swaps or both. Forward contracts are maintained on a rolling 12-month basis and in June 2024 we considerably increased our portfolio of such instruments. Our cross currency swaps were scheduled to mature on May 31, 2025 but were terminated by the Company in April 2024.
At September 28, 2024, the entire $317.3 million balance on our variable rate borrowings is USD-denominated and is owed by one of our Canadian subsidiaries whose functional currency is CAD. These variable rate borrowings expose the Company to remeasurement risk. For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, a hypothetical 10% strengthening of USD to CAD would decrease net income or increase net loss by $28.8 million. For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2024, a hypothetical 10% weakening of USD to CAD would increase net income or decrease net loss by $35.3 million.
(a)Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the 1934 Act) as of September 28, 2024. Based on the evaluation of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of September 28, 2024 due to certain material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as described below. In light of this fact, our management has performed additional analyses, reconciliations, and other post-closing procedures and has concluded that, notwithstanding the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, the financial statements for the periods covered by and included in this Quarterly Report fairly present, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with GAAP.
(b)Material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting
As a public company, we are required to maintain internal control over financial reporting in accordance with applicable rules and guidance and to report any material weaknesses in such internal control over financial reporting. Prior to our IPO, we were a private company with limited accounting personnel and other resources with which to address internal control over financial reporting.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. In connection with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we identified deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting, which in the aggregate, constitute material weaknesses related to (i) the sufficiency of technical accounting and SEC reporting expertise within our accounting and financial reporting function, (ii) the establishment and documentation of clearly defined roles within our finance and accounting functions and (iii) our ability to evidence the design and implementation of effective information technology general controls (“ITGCs”) for information systems and applications that are relevant to the preparation of our financial statements.
To address these material weaknesses, we have implemented a plan to hire additional qualified personnel and establish more robust processes to support our internal control over financial reporting, including the documentation of clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and the design and implementation of effective ITGCs. To date, we have hired a director of internal audit, a manager of internal audit and a director of SEC reporting. In addition, we have engaged external advisors who are providing financial accounting assistance and are assisting in evaluating the design, implementation and operating effectiveness of our system of internal control over financial reporting.
If our steps are insufficient to successfully remediate the material weaknesses and otherwise establish and maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, the reliability of our financial reporting, investor confidence in us, and the value of our common stock could be materially and adversely affected. We may not be able to remediate the identified material weaknesses, and additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting may be identified in the future. Effective internal control over financial reporting is necessary for us to provide reliable and timely financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, are designed to reasonably detect and prevent fraud. Our failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, to remedy identified material weaknesses or significant deficiencies or to implement required new or improved controls could result in errors in our financial statements that could result in a restatement of our financial statements or cause us to fail to timely meet our financial and other reporting obligations.
(c)Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Other than the changes intended to remediate the material weaknesses noted above, there was no change in our internal controls over financial reporting, as defined under Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
Information regarding legal proceedings is incorporated by reference from Note 12 to our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q under the heading “Commitments and Contingencies.”
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in this report are any of the risks disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on March 8, 2024. There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed. Any of these factors could result in a significant or material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Additional risk factors not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business or results of operations.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
(a)Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
(b)Use of Proceeds
None.
(c)Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table sets forth information concerning our purchases of common stock for the periods indicated (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased (a)
Average Price Paid Per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (b)
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs as of the End of Period
June 30, 2024 to July 27, 2024
628,920
$
10.40
628,920
$
40,129
July 28, 2024 to August 24, 2024
635,513
9.95
635,513
33,791
August 25, 2024 to September 28, 2024
521,273
9.08
519,116
29,066
Total
1,785,706
9.86
1,783,549
(a) Total number of shares purchased includes 2,157 shares of restricted stock repurchased in connection with employee tax withholding obligations under employee compensation plans, which are not purchases under any publicly announced plan.
(b) On November 9, 2023, the Company announced the authorization of a share repurchase program of up to $50 million of the Company’s common stock. Under the program, Savers may purchase shares from time to time in compliance with applicable securities laws, that may include Securities Act Rule 10b-18. The program is currently set to expire on November 8, 2025. There was $29.1 million remaining under the share repurchase program as of September 28, 2024.
During the third quarter of 2024, the adoption or termination of contracts, instructions or written plans for the purchase or sale of our securities by our executive officers and directors, each of which is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act (“Rule 10b5-1 Plan”), were as follows:
Mark Walsh, our CEO and a member of our Board of Directors, entered into a pre-arranged stock trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 on September 11, 2024. Mr. Walsh’s plan provides for the potential exercise of vested stock options and the associated sale of up to 300,000 shares of Savers common stock. The plan expires on June 30, 2025, or upon earlier completion of all authorized transactions under the plan.
Mindy Geisser, Chief People Services Officer, entered into a pre-arranged stock trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 on September 13, 2024. Ms. Geisser’s plan provides for the potential exercise of vested stock options and the associated sale of up to 100,800 shares of Savers common stock. The plan expires on July 2, 2025, or upon earlier completion of all authorized transactions under the plan.
Richard Medway, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Sustainability Officer and Secretary, entered into a pre-arranged stock trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 on September 13, 2024. Mr. Medway’s plan provides for the potential exercise of vested stock options and the associated sale of up to 178,600 shares of Savers common stock. The plan expires on July 15, 2025, or upon earlier completion of all authorized transactions under the plan.
Jubran Tanious, President and Chief Operating Officer, entered into a pre-arranged stock trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 on September 13, 2024. Mr. Tanious’ plan provides for the potential exercise of vested stock options and the associated sale of up to 358,105 shares of Savers common stock. The plan expires on June 30, 2025, or upon earlier completion of all authorized transactions under the plan.
Scott Estes, Vice President of Operations Finance, entered into a pre-arranged stock trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 on September 10, 2024. Mr. Estes’ plan provides for the potential exercise of vested stock options and the associated sale of up to 320,000 shares of Savers common stock. The plan expires on September 5, 2025, or upon earlier completion of all authorized transactions under the plan.
The following financial statements from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 28, 2024, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit), (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and including detailed tags.
Exhibit 104
The cover page from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 28, 2024, formatted in Inline XBRL (included within Exhibit 101).
____________
# Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date:
November 08, 2024
By:
/s/ Michael W. Maher
Michael W. Maher
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)