BlueLinx Holdings Inc. - Annual Report: 2022 (Form 10-K)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
| ☑ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the fiscal year ended January 1, 2022
OR
| ☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
Commission file number: 001-32383
| BlueLinx Holdings Inc. | ||
| (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) | ||
| Delaware | 77-0627356 | |||||||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |||||||
| 1950 Spectrum Circle, Suite 300 | ||||||||
| Marietta | GA | 30067 | ||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | |||||||
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 770-953-7000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
| Common stock, par value $0.01 per share | BXC | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No ☑
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No ☑
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☑ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☑ | Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☑ | ||||||||||||||||
| Emerging growth company | ☐ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☑
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☑
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of July 3, 2021, was $441,000,220, based on the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange of $46.51 per share on July 2, 2021.
As of February 18, 2022, the registrant had 9,731,459 shares of common stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporates by reference to the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the close of the fiscal year ended January 1, 2022.
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
For the fiscal year ended January 1, 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, “BlueLinx,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Reference to “fiscal 2021” refers to the 52-week period ending January 1, 2022. Reference to “fiscal 2020” refers to the 53-week period ended January 2, 2021.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statements that predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance, liquidity levels or achievements, and may contain the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project,” “plan,” “will be,” “will likely continue,” “will likely result” or words or phrases of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by our management that, although believed by us to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause our business, strategy, or actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A, those discussed under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II, Item 7, and those discussed elsewhere in this report and in future reports that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We operate in a changing environment in which new risks can emerge from time to time. It is not possible for management to predict all of these risks, nor can it assess the extent to which any factor, or a combination of factors, may cause our business, strategy, or actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, we caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General
BlueLinx is a leading wholesale distributor of residential and commercial building products in the United States. We are a “two-step” distributor. Two-step distributors purchase products from manufacturers and distribute those products to dealers and other suppliers in local markets, who then sell those products to end users. We carry a broad portfolio of both branded and private-label stock keeping units (“SKUs”) across two principal product categories: specialty products and structural products. Specialty products include items such as engineered wood, industrial products, cedar, moulding, siding, metal products, and insulation. Structural products include items such as lumber, plywood, oriented strand board, rebar, and remesh. We also provide a wide range of value-added services and solutions aimed at relieving distribution and logistics challenges for our customers and suppliers, while enhancing their marketing and inventory management capabilities.
With a strong market position, broad geographic coverage footprint servicing over 40 states, and the strength of a locally focused sales force, we distribute a comprehensive range of products from over 750 suppliers, including some of the leading manufacturers in the industry, such as Ply Gem, Huber Engineered Woods, Georgia-Pacific, Allura, James Hardie, Fiberon, Royal, Oldcastle APG, Louisiana-Pacific, and Weyerhaeuser. We supply products to a broad base of over 15,000 national, regional, and local dealers, specialty distributors, national home centers, and manufactured housing customers, many whom serve residential and commercial builders and contractors in their respective geographic areas and local markets.
As a value-added partner in a complex and demanding building products supply chain, we play a critical role in enabling our customers to offer a broad range of products and brands, as most of our customers do not have the capability to purchase and warehouse products directly from manufacturers for such a large set of SKUs. The depth of our geographic footprint supports meaningful customer proximity across the markets in which we operate, enabling faster and more efficient service. Similarly, we provide value to our supplier partners by enabling access to the large and fragmented network of lumber yards and dealers that those suppliers could not adequately serve directly. Our position in this distribution model for building products provides easy access to the marketplace for our suppliers and the value proposition of rapid delivery on an as-needed basis to our customers from our network of warehouse facilities.
Our Strategy
We remain committed to driving a culture of profitable growth within new and existing product lines and geographies, while positioning the company for long-term value creation. The following strategic initiatives represent key areas of our management team’s focus:
1.Foster a performance-driven culture committed to profitable growth. This includes enhancing the customer experience; accelerating organic growth within specific product and solutions offerings where the company is uniquely advantaged; and deploying capital to drive sustained margin expansion, grow cash flow and maintain continued profitable growth.
2.Migrate sales mix toward higher-margin specialty product categories. The company intends to pursue a revenue mix increasingly weighted toward higher-margin, specialty product categories such as engineered wood, moulding, millwork, decking and industrial products. Additionally, the company intends to expand its value-added service offerings designed to simplify complex customer sourcing requirements, together with marketing, inventory and pricing services afforded by the company’s national platform.
3.Maintain a disciplined capital structure and pursue high-return investments that increase the value of the company. The company intends to maintain a disciplined capital structure while prudently investing in its business to modernize its trailer fleet and distribution facilities and to improve operational performance. The company also continues to evaluate potential acquisition targets that complement its existing capabilities, grow its specialty products business, increase customer exposure, expand its geographic reach, or a combination thereof. To improve operational performance and productivity, we invested $14.4 million in cash during fiscal 2021. Of the $14.4 million in cash invested in fiscal 2021, $9.0 million was invested in the fourth quarter.
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Products and Services
We distribute products in two principal categories: specialty products and structural products. Specialty products, which represented approximately 59 percent and 60 percent of our fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020 net sales, respectively, include primarily engineered wood products, moulding, siding and trim, cedar, metal products (excluding rebar and remesh) and insulation. Structural products, which represented approximately 41 percent and 40 percent of our fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020 net sales, respectively, include plywood, oriented strand board, rebar and remesh, lumber, spruce and other wood products primarily used for structural support in construction projects. In some cases, these products are branded by us.
We also provide a wide range of value-added services and solutions to our customers and suppliers including:
•providing “less-than-truckload” delivery services;
•pre-negotiated program pricing plans;
•inventory stocking;
•automated order processing through an electronic data interchange, or “EDI,” that provides a direct link between us and our customers;
•intermodal distribution services, including railcar unloading and cargo reloading onto customers’ trucks;
•milling and fabrication services; and
•backhaul services, when otherwise empty trucks are returning from customer deliveries.
Distribution Channels
We sell products through three main distribution channels: warehouse sales, reload sales, and direct sales.
Warehouse sales are delivered from our warehouses to our customers. Reload sales are similar to warehouse sales, but are delivered from third-party warehouses where we store owned products to enhance operating efficiencies. This channel is employed primarily to service strategic customers that would be less economical to service from our warehouses, and to distribute large volumes of imported products from port facilities. Together, warehouse and reload sales accounted for approximately 81 percent and 83 percent of our fiscal 2021 and 2020 gross sales, respectively.
Direct sales are shipped from the manufacturer to the customer without our taking physical possession of the inventory and, as a result, typically generate lower margins than our warehouse and reload distribution channels. This distribution channel requires the lowest amount of committed capital and fixed costs. Direct sales accounted for approximately 19 percent and 17 percent of our fiscal 2021 and 2020 gross sales, respectively.
Human Capital
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We are committed to diversifying our workforce to ensure that our associates feel like they belong. We realize the value that diversity, equity and inclusion bring to our business. As of January 1, 2022, women represented 14 percent of our associate population, 20 percent of our executive leadership team, and 29 percent of our Board of Directors, and minorities represented 27 percent of our associate population, 40 percent of our executive leadership team, and 14 percent of our Board of Directors. We will continue to monitor and seek to increase our diversity.
We also use our compensation review process, our compensation framework, and third-party compensation data in an effort to compensate associates in the same job, level and location fairly regardless of gender, race and ethnicity. Where we have identified discrepancies between actual compensation and our policies, we have taken action to make pay adjustments to close identified gaps. In addition, we are actively creating employee resource groups, which are designed to facilitate more social and community interaction in our workforce, to foster a more inclusive culture.
Our Associates
Our associates are the foundation of our business. BlueLinx has an entrepreneurial and high-performance culture where associates are expected to live by our core values of teamwork, continuous improvement and integrity each and every day. As of January 1, 2022, we employed approximately 2,055 associates, and less than one percent of our associates are employed on a part-time basis. Approximately 21 percent of our associates were represented by various local labor unions with terms and conditions of employment subject to collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”) negotiated between the Company and the local unions. Six CBAs covering approximately six percent of our associates were up for renewal in fiscal 2021. Four of those CBAs were successfully renewed, and another is expected to be completed before the end of the first quarter 2022. The remaining
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CBA was terminated as a result of the local union disclaiming interest in continuing to represent the associates at the particular location. Two CBAs covering approximately four percent of our associates are up for renewal in fiscal 2022.
We strongly believe that our corporate culture depends on our associates’ engagement and understanding of their contribution to the achievement of our strategic imperatives, vision, and mission. We also seek to connect our leaders across regions and provide them with opportunities to enable collaboration and to connect with the larger organization. In addition to prioritizing regular communications, we are conducting regular employee surveys to monitor our culture and employee engagement, while seeking feedback on what is going well and where we can focus our efforts to do more. Our annual company survey had participation from approximately 72 percent of our associates in fiscal 2021, representing a wide cross section of our associate population.
We also conduct periodic leadership town halls where associates are invited to engage with senior leadership. Our CEO and other executives engage directly with associates by visiting branches and participating in team and other meetings.
During fiscal 2021, we continued to invest in our people, and in programs and systems designed to meet the increased demand for talent in a dynamic marketplace. For instance, we are increasing our investments in our benefits programs, which included approving expanded medical coverage for infertility, and new adoption assistance and loan repayment assistance benefits for 2022. Also, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we have actively promoted and encouraged the use of our mental health benefits, which include certain free in-person mental health visits and unlimited online mental health sessions. We also launched quarterly talent reviews to further our succession planning and career development objectives.
As a part of our investment in the company’s associates, in December 2021 and in recognition of our performance and the contribution of our associates, we announced that all eligible hourly and salaried employees would receive a discretionary year-end bonus consisting of a combination of cash and/or time-based restricted stock units with a one year vesting period.
Safety
We are committed to fostering a safe working environment for our associates. In addition to implementing COVID-19 protocols during the pandemic, we have established uniform safety and compliance procedures for our operations, and implemented measures designed to prevent workplace injuries. Our safety programs focus on job hazard identification and prevention, coupled with extensive on-going job-specific training. For example, material handlers and Department of Transportation (“DOT”)-registered drivers follow a monthly individualized training curriculum, with knowledge testing, for injury and accident prevention. In addition, depending on the nature and requirements of their role, new hires and contract employees undergo safety training during their initial onboarding. We also administer post injury/accident corrective action supplemental training as needed and dictated by our investigations. To help prevent future occurrences, accidents and injuries are investigated with corrective actions implemented locally and communicated to key operations personnel across the enterprise. To enhance the safety of our fleet, we are making a significant investment in “curtainside” trailers that cover and enclose the materials inside. Our newest tractors are equipped with collision avoidance systems, blind spot detection and lane departure warning technology, and our newest tractors and trailers are equipped with disc-type brakes to improve stopping distance and driver control.
Seasonality
We are exposed to fluctuations in quarterly sales volumes and expenses due to seasonal factors common in the building products distribution industry. The first and fourth quarters are typically our lower volume quarters due to the impact of unfavorable weather on the construction market. Our second and third quarters are typically our higher volume quarters, reflecting an increase in construction, due to more favorable weather conditions. In past years, assuming no change in underlying inventory costs, our working capital has increased in the second and third quarters, reflecting general increases in seasonal demand.
During the ongoing novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic, our typical patterns of seasonality changed, largely due to increased demand for our products. Milder weather in the latter part of 2021 also contributed to our traditional summer patterns continuing into the fourth quarter. While uncertain, it remains a possibility that changes to our typical seasonality trends could continue during fiscal 2022 should similar market conditions continue.
Climate Change
Climate change presents potential risks and uncertainties for us. Weather-related events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes or extreme temperature changes, can impact our operations and result in lost production, supply chain disruptions and increased
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material costs. In addition, the availability and price of the products we buy and sell may fluctuate during prolonged periods of heavy rain or drought, fires or other unpredictable weather events. While unpredictable weather and other changes in climate can have a negative impact on our business, changes in climate also could result in more accommodating weather patterns for longer periods of time in certain areas. Extended periods of favorable weather can result in an increase in construction, and a corresponding increase in the demand for our products. In addition, our operations could in the future be subject to regulations related to climate change. To the extent that climate-related risks materialize, and if we are unprepared for them, we may incur unexpected costs, which could have a material effect on our financial results of operations. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for further discussion of the risks posed by climate change.
Sustainability
In addition to participating in the Forestry Stewardship Council, an organization promoting environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests, we are purchasing electric forklifts to use in certain locations. We also are focused on utilizing more fuel-efficient vehicles in our fleet, replacing our warehouse lighting systems with more environmentally friendly lighting solutions, and reducing our landfill waste by prioritizing recycling options, where available.
Competition
The U.S. building products distribution market is a highly fragmented market, served by national and multi-regional distributors, regionally focused distributors, and independent local distributors. Local and regional distributors tend to be closely held and often specialize in a limited number of product segments, in which they may offer a broader selection of products. Some of our national and multi-regional competitors are part of larger companies and, therefore, may have access to greater financial and other resources than those to which we have access. We compete on the basis of breadth of product offering, consistent availability of product, product price and quality, reputation, service, and distribution facility location.
Three of our largest competitors are Boise Cascade Company, Weyerhaeuser Company, and Specialty Building Products. Most major markets in which we operate are served by the distribution arm of at least one of these companies.
Governmental Regulations
The Company is subject to various federal, state, provincial, and local laws, rules, and regulations. We are subject to the requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”). In order to maintain compliance with applicable OSHA requirements, we have established uniform safety and compliance procedures for our operations, and implemented measures designed to prevent workplace injuries. Our safety programs focus on job hazard identification and prevention, coupled with extensive on-going job-specific training. For example, material handlers and DOT-registered drivers follow a monthly individualized training curriculum, with knowledge testing, for injury and accident prevention. In addition, new hires and contract employees undergo safety training during their initial onboarding. We also administer post injury/accident corrective action supplemental training as needed and dictated by our investigations. To help prevent future occurrences, accidents and injuries are investigated with corrective actions implemented locally and communicated to key operations personnel across the enterprise. To enhance the safety of our fleet, we are making a significant investment in “curtainside” trailers that cover and enclose the materials inside. Our newest tractors are equipped with collision avoidance systems, blind spot detection and lane departure warning technology, and our newest tractors and trailers are equipped with disc-type brakes to improve stopping distance and driver control.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) regulates our operations in domestic interstate commerce. We are subject to safety requirements governing interstate operations prescribed by the DOT. We are also subject to the oversight of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”). Additionally, among other things, vehicle dimensions and driver hours of service are subject to both federal and state regulation. Through a partnership with their local DOT enforcement agencies, our branches continue to host DOT troopers to conduct training walk-around inspections of our equipment to supplement our internal driver training efforts. The Troopers cover all dimensions DOT compliance with specific focus on vehicle maintenance and load securement safety requirements.
We also are subject to environmental laws, rules, and regulations that limit discharges into the environment, establish standards for the handling, generation, emission, release, discharge, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, substances, and wastes, and require cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater. These laws, ordinances, and regulations are complex, change frequently, and have tended to become more stringent over time. Many of them provide for substantial fines and penalties, orders (including orders to cease operations), and criminal sanctions for violations. They may also impose liability for property damage and personal injury stemming from the presence of, or exposure to, hazardous substances. In addition, certain
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of our operations require us to obtain, maintain compliance with, and periodically renew, environmental permits. We are proactively replacing our diesel underground storage tanks based on their age to prevent fuel releases to the environment.
Certain of these environmental laws, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), may require the investigation and cleanup of an entity’s or its predecessor’s current or former properties, even if the associated contamination was caused by the operations of a third party. These laws also may require the investigation and cleanup of third-party sites at which an entity or its predecessor sent hazardous wastes for disposal, notwithstanding that the original disposal activity accorded with applicable requirements. Liability under such laws may be imposed jointly and severally, and regardless of fault. In addition, our operations could in the future be subject to regulations related to climate change.
We have incurred and will continue to incur costs to comply with the requirements of health and safety, transportation, and environmental laws, ordinances, and regulations. These requirements could become more stringent in the future, and we cannot make assurances that compliance costs may not become material.
Significant Recent Transactions and Developments
Term Loan Facility
As of January 2, 2021, we had outstanding borrowings of $43.2 million under our senior secured term loan facility. On April 2, 2021, we repaid the remaining outstanding principal balance under the facility and the facility was terminated. As a result, as of January 1, 2022, we had no outstanding borrowings under the term loan facility. In connection with our repayment of the facility, we expensed $5.8 million of debt issuance costs during the first quarter of fiscal 2021 that we had been amortizing in connection with the facility. These costs are included within interest expense, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and reported separately as an adjustment to net income in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. While the facility was paid in full as of April 2, 2021, our average interest rate under the facility, exclusive of fees and prepayment premiums, was 8.2 percent and 8.0 percent for the years ended January 2, 2021 and January 1, 2022, respectively.
Amendment of our Revolving Credit Facility
On August 2, 2021, we amended our revolving credit facility to, among other things, (i) extend the maturity date of the facility from October 10, 2022, to August 2, 2026, (ii) amend the Borrowing Base (as such term is defined under the facility) to include a certain portion of the assets of acquired companies prior to the conduct of a field exam or appraisals thereof by the agent, (iii) modify certain definitions and various affirmative and negative covenants to provide additional flexibility for the Company, and (iv) add customary LIBOR replacement language.
In addition, the amended revolving credit facility now provides for interest on borrowings at a rate per annum equal to (i) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.25 percent to 1.75 percent, with the amount of such margin determined based upon the average of our excess availability for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter as calculated by the agent, for loans based on LIBOR, or (ii) the base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25 percent to 0.75 percent, with the amount of such margin determined based upon the average of our excess availability for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter as calculated by the agent, for loans based on the base rate, reflecting a decrease of 0.50 percent to the upper limit of each respective margin tier.
As of January 1, 2022, we had zero outstanding borrowings on our revolving credit facility.
Share Repurchase Program
On August 23, 2021, we announced our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program pursuant to which we may repurchase up to $25 million of our common stock. Under the program, we may repurchase our common stock at any time or from time to time, without prior notice, subject to prevailing market conditions and other considerations. Our repurchases may be made through a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to a trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b5-1. As of the date of this filing, we have repurchased no shares under this program.
Senior Secured Notes Transaction
During the fourth quarter of 2021, we completed a private offering of $300 million of our six percent senior secured notes due 2029 (the “2029 Notes”). The 2029 Notes were issued to investors at 98.625 percent of their principal amount and will mature
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on November 15, 2029. The majority of net proceeds from the offering of the 2029 Notes were used to repay borrowings under our revolving credit facility. In conjunction with this offering, we also amended the revolving credit facility to reduce the credit limit from $600 million to $350 million. In conjunction with the reduction of the credit limit of our revolving credit facility, we expensed approximately $1.6 million of debt issuance costs during the fourth quarter of 2021. These costs are included within interest expense, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and reported separately as an adjustment to net income in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Real Estate Transactions
During fiscal 2021, we sold two non-operating facilities that were previously identified as “held for sale”. During the first quarter, we sold our non-operating facility located in Birmingham, Alabama, and recognized a gain of $1.3 million in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income, as a result of this sale. Proceeds from this transaction were used to pay down our term loan facility. Additionally, during the fourth quarter, we sold our non-operating facility located in Houston, Texas. We recognized a gain of $7.1 million in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income as a result of this sale.
Securities Exchange Act Reports
The Company maintains a website at www.BlueLinxCo.com. The information on the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We make available on or through our website certain reports, and amendments to those reports, that we file with or furnish to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These include our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and proxy statements. Additionally, our code of ethical conduct, the board committee charter for each of our audit committee, compensation committee, and nominating and governance committee, and our corporate governance guidelines are available on our website. If we amend our code of ethical conduct, or grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, for any board member, our chief executive officer, our chief financial officer, or any other executive officer, we will disclose such amendment or waiver on our website.
We make information available on our website free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file the information with, or furnish it to, the SEC. In addition, copies of this information will be made available, free of charge, on written request, by writing to BlueLinx Holdings Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, 1950 Spectrum Circle, Suite 300, Marietta, Georgia, 30067.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information contained in this Form 10-K, including the information set forth in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements and related notes, the following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating our business. Our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business and operations.
Industry Risks
We may experience pricing and product cost variability.
Our business has experienced, and is likely to continue experiencing, cycles relating to industry capacity and general economic conditions. During 2021, availability of certain building products we distribute was impacted by supply constraints driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and affected the market price of the commodity and commodity-based specialty products we buy and distribute. The length and magnitude of these cycles can vary over time and by product. Prices for our products are driven by many factors, including general economic conditions, demand for our products and competitive conditions in the industries within which we compete, and we have little influence over the timing and extent of price changes, which may be unpredictable and volatile. If supply exceeds demand, prices for our products could decline, and our results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition could be adversely affected. Certain published indices (including those published by Random Lengths (“RL”)) contribute to the setting of selling prices for some of our products. Although RL is a widely circulated source of information for the wood products industry, it may not accurately reflect changes in market conditions for our products. Changes in how RL is maintained, or other indices are established or maintained, could adversely impact the selling prices for these products.
Many of the building products that we distribute, including oriented strand board (“OSB”), plywood, lumber, and rebar, are commodities that are widely available from other distributors or manufacturers, with prices and volumes determined frequently in an auction market based on participants’ perceptions of short-term supply and demand factors. Prices of commodity products can also change as a result of national and international economic conditions, labor and freight costs, competition, market speculation, government regulation, and trade policies, as well as from periodic delays in the delivery of products. Short-term increases in the cost of these materials, some of which are subject to significant fluctuations, are sometimes passed on to our customers, but our pricing quotation periods and pricing pressure from our competitors may limit our ability to pass on such price changes. We may also be limited in our ability to pass on increases in freight costs on our products.
At times, the sale price for any one or more of the products we produce or distribute may fall below our purchase costs, requiring us to incur losses on product sales. Therefore, our profitability with respect to these commodity products depends, in significant part, on managing our cost structure. Commodity product prices could be volatile in response to operating rates and inventory levels in various distribution channels. Commodity price volatility affects our distribution business, with falling price environments generally causing reduced revenues and margins, potentially resulting in substantial declines in profitability and possible net losses.
Large customers have historically been able to exert pressure on their outside suppliers and distributors to keep prices low in the highly fragmented building materials distribution industry. In addition, continued consolidation among our customers, particularly dealers, and their customers (i.e., home builders), and changes in their respective purchasing policies and payment practices, could result in even further pricing pressure. A decline in the prices of the products we distribute could adversely impact our operating results. When the prices of the products we distribute decline, customer demand for lower prices could result in lower sales prices and, to the extent that our inventory at the time was purchased at higher costs, lower margins. Alternatively, in a rising price environment, our suppliers may increase prices or reduce discounts on the products we distribute, and we may be unable to pass on any cost increase to our customers, thereby resulting in reduced margins and profits. Furthermore, continued consolidation among our suppliers makes it more difficult for us to negotiate favorable pricing, consignment arrangements, and discount programs with our suppliers, thereby resulting in reduced margins and profits. Overall, these pricing pressures may adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.
Although the rate of inflation has been low in recent years, we are currently experiencing a significant rise in inflation. An inflationary environment can increase the cost of products we purchase. However, economic conditions and market factors may make it difficult for us to raise our prices enough to keep up with the rate of inflation, which could reduce our profit margins or reduce the number of customers who can purchase our products. If the current inflationary environment continues or worsens, we may not be able to adjust the pricing we charge for our products to offset increasing product costs, which would adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows.
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Our earnings are highly dependent on volumes.
Our earnings are highly dependent on volumes, which fluctuate. Commodity price inflation can increase our gross margins on relatively consistent or even lower year over year sales volumes, depending on the degree of commodity price inflation. Fluctuations in commodity prices make it difficult to predict our financial results with any degree of certainty. Volumes for certain of the products that we distribute were significantly impacted in fiscal 2021 by COVID-19. The pandemic has affected our operational and financial performance and the extent of its effect on our operational and financial performance will continue to depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the duration, scope, and severity of the pandemic, the actions taken to contain or mitigate its impact, and the direct and indirect economic efforts of the pandemic and related containment measures, among others. Any failure to maintain, or increase volumes, alone or combined with fluctuations, such as commodity price inflation or deflation, which would impact the purchase and/or selling price of our products, could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.
Our industry is highly fragmented and competitive. If we are unable to compete effectively, our net sales and operating results may be reduced.
The building and industrial products distribution industry is highly fragmented and competitive, and the barriers to entry for local competitors are relatively low. Competitive factors in our industry include pricing, availability of product, service, delivery capabilities, customer relationships, geographic coverage, and breadth of product offerings. Also, financial stability is important to suppliers and customers in choosing distributors for their products, and affects the favorability of the terms on which we are able to obtain our products from our suppliers and sell our products to our customers.
Some of our competitors may have less financial leverage or are part of larger companies, and, therefore, may have access to greater financial and other resources than those to which we have access. Finally, we may not be able to maintain our costs at a level sufficiently low for us to compete effectively. If we are unable to compete effectively, our net sales and net income may be reduced.
Our industry is highly cyclical, and prolonged periods of weak demand or excess supply may reduce our net sales and/or margins, which may cause us to incur losses or reduce our net income.
The building products distribution industry is subject to cyclical market pressures. Prices of building products are determined by overall supply and demand in the market. Market prices of building products historically have been volatile and cyclical, and we have limited ability to control the timing and amount of pricing changes. Demand for building products is driven mainly by factors outside of our control, such as general economic and political conditions, interest rates, availability of mortgage financing, inflation, the construction, repair and remodeling markets, industrial markets, housing supply, weather, and population growth. The supply of building products fluctuates based on available manufacturing capacity, and excess capacity in the industry can result in significant declines in market prices for those products. To the extent that prices and volumes experience a sustained or sharp decline, our net sales and margins likely would decline as well. Because we have substantial fixed costs, a decrease in sales and margin generally may have a significant adverse impact on our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
Adverse housing market conditions may negatively impact our business, liquidity, and results of operations, and increase the credit risk from our customers.
Our business depends to a significant degree on the new residential construction market and, in particular, single family home construction. The home building industry peaked in 2005, and then underwent a significant decline. Although the home building industry has improved and continues to improve, it is still far below its peak in 2005. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, actual single-family housing starts in the United States during 2021 increased from 2020 levels but remain below their peak in 2005. The multi-year downturn in the home building industry resulted in a substantial reduction in demand for the products we provide. We cannot predict the duration of the current housing industry market conditions or the timing or strength of any continued recovery of housing activity in our markets. The home building industry also may not recover to historical levels. Continued weakness in the new residential construction market would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results. Factors impacting the level of activity in the residential new construction markets include changes in interest rates, inflation, unemployment rates, housing inventory, high foreclosure rates and unsold/foreclosure inventory, availability of financing, labor costs and availability, vacancy rates, local, state and federal government regulation (including mortgage interest deductibility and other tax laws), weakening in the U.S. economy or of any regional or local economy in which we operate, availability of supplies, the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the economy and consumer demand and preferences, and shifts in populations away from the markets that we serve. In addition, the mortgage markets periodically experience disruption and reduced availability of mortgages for potential homebuyers due to more restrictive
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standards to qualify for mortgages, including with respect to new home construction loans. Because of these factors, there may be fluctuations in our operating results, and the results for any historical period may not be indicative of results for any future period.
We also rely on residential repair and remodel activity levels. Historically, residential repair and remodeling activity has decreased in slow economic periods. General economic weakness, elevated unemployment levels, mortgage delinquency and foreclosure rates, limitations in the availability of mortgage and home improvement financing, and lower housing turnover all limit consumers’ spending, particularly on discretionary items, and affect their confidence level leading to reduced spending on home improvement projects. Depressed activity levels in consumer spending for home improvement construction would adversely affect our business, liquidity, results of operations, and financial position. Furthermore, economic weakness causes unanticipated shifts in consumer preferences and purchasing practices, and in the business models and strategies of our customers. Such shifts may alter the nature and prices of products demanded by the end consumer, and, in turn, our customers and could adversely affect our operating performance.
In addition, we extend credit to numerous customers who are generally susceptible to the same economic business risks that we are. Unfavorable housing market conditions could result in financial failures of one or more of our significant customers. Furthermore, we may not necessarily be aware of any deterioration in our customers’ financial position. If our larger customers’ financial positions were to become impaired, our ability to fully collect receivables from such customers could be impaired and negatively affect our operating results, cash flows, and liquidity.
Consolidation among competitors, suppliers, and customers could negatively impact our business.
Our competitors continue to consolidate. Among other things, this consolidation is being driven by customer needs and supplier capabilities, which could cause markets to become more competitive as greater economies of scale are achieved by distributors. Customers are increasingly aware of the total costs of fulfillment and of the need to have consistent sources of supply at multiple locations. We believe these customer needs could result in fewer distributors as the remaining distributors become larger and capable of being consistent sources of supply. There can be no assurance that we will be able to take advantage effectively of this trend toward consolidation. The trend in our industry toward consolidation could make it more difficult for us to maintain operating margins.
Our customers and suppliers also continue to consolidate, and this consolidation could result in the loss of existing customers and suppliers to our competitors. We typically do not enter into minimum purchase contracts with our customers or suppliers. The loss of one or more of our significant customers or suppliers, or their decision to purchase or sell our products in significantly lower quantities than they have in the past, could significantly affect our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
We are subject to disintermediation risk.
As customers continue to consolidate or otherwise increase their purchasing power, they are better able, and may choose, to purchase products directly from the same suppliers that use us for distribution. In addition, our suppliers may elect to distribute some or all of their products directly to end-customers in one or more markets. This process of disintermediation can put us at risk of losing business from a customer, or of losing entire product lines or categories, or distribution territories, from suppliers. Disintermediation also adversely impacts our ability to obtain favorable pricing from suppliers and optimize margins and revenue with respect to our customers. As a result, continued disintermediation could have a negative impact on our financial condition and operating results.
Loss of key products or key suppliers and manufacturers could affect our financial health.
Our ability to offer a wide variety of products to our customers is dependent upon our ability to obtain adequate product supply from manufacturers and other suppliers. Generally, our products are obtainable from various sources and in sufficient quantities subject to then current market conditions. However, the loss of, or a substantial decrease in the availability of, key products from our suppliers, or the loss of key supplier arrangements, could adversely impact our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows. Although in many instances we have agreements with our suppliers, these agreements are generally terminable by either party on limited notice. Failure by our suppliers to continue to supply us with products on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
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Our dependence on international suppliers and manufacturers for certain products exposes us to risks that could affect our financial condition.
Many of our suppliers and manufacturers are located outside of the United States. Thus, import taxes or costs, including new or increased tariffs, anti-dumping duties, countervailing duties, or similar duties, some of which could be applied retroactively, could increase the cost of the products that we distribute. In addition, quotas, embargoes, sanctions, safeguards, and customs restrictions, as well as foreign labor strikes, work stoppages, or boycotts, could reduce the supply of the products available to us. If we become subject to a reduction in available supply of imported products and we are unable to mitigate that reduction through alternative sources, or if the costs of our imported products increase and we are not able to pass along those increased costs to our customers, then our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Operating Risks
Our strategy includes pursuing acquisitions. We may be unsuccessful in making and integrating mergers, acquisitions and investments, and completing divestitures.
The integration of acquisitions can involve significant anticipated and unanticipated operational challenges, including integrating different computer, enterprise resource planning, and accounting systems, integrating physical facilities and inventories, and integrating acquired personnel and corporate cultures into our business. Addressing these challenges requires the attention of management and the diversion of resources from existing operations. Our failure to manage these operational challenges effectively and at anticipated costs could result in disruptions in overall operating performance and deficiencies in customer service of the combined business. These disruptions and deficiencies could lead to increased costs, order and delivery errors, inventory and billing errors, the loss of employees, or the loss of customers, suppliers, or products either overall or in certain markets, which could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
As part of our overall strategy, we may make additional acquisitions or investments in the future. These acquisitions or investments would be subject to the same risks and uncertainties described above. If we do not effectively manage those risks and uncertainties, our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows may be negatively affected.
We may incur business disruptions resulting from a variety of possible causes.
The operations at our distribution facilities may be interrupted or impaired by various operating risks, including, but not limited to, risks associated with catastrophic events, such as fires, floods, earthquakes, explosions, natural disasters, severe weather, including hurricanes, tornados and droughts, whether a result of climate change or otherwise, pandemics, including COVID-19, or other similar occurrences; interruptions in the delivery of products via railroad or other inbound transportation means; adverse government regulations; equipment breakdowns or failures; prolonged power failures; unscheduled maintenance outages; information system disruptions or failures due to any number of causes, including cyber-attacks; violations of our permit requirements or revocation of permits; releases of pollutants and hazardous substances to air, soil, surface water or ground water; disruptions in transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, railroad tracks and tunnels; shortages of equipment or spare parts; and labor disputes and shortages.
We may be unable to effectively manage our inventory relative to our sales volume or as the prices of the products we distribute fluctuate, which could affect our business, financial condition, and operating results.
We purchase many of our products directly from manufacturers, which are then sold and distributed to customers. We must maintain, and have adequate working capital to purchase sufficient inventory to meet customer demand. Due to the lead times required by our suppliers, we order products in advance of expected sales. As a result, we are required to forecast our sales and purchases accordingly. In periods characterized by significant changes in the overall economy and activity in the residential and commercial building and home repair and remodel industries, it can be especially difficult to forecast our sales accurately. We must also manage our working capital to fund our inventory purchases. Such issues and risks can be magnified by the diversity of product mix our business units carry across multiple major product categories. Excessive increases in the market prices of certain building products can put negative pressure on our operating cash flows by requiring us to invest more in inventory. In the future, if we are unable to effectively manage our inventory, our cash flows may be negatively affected, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.
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We are subject to information technology security risks and business interruption risks and may incur increasing costs in an effort to minimize and/or respond to those risks.
Our business employs information technology systems to secure confidential information, such as employee data, including social security numbers and personal health data. We may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate or prevent rapidly evolving types of cyber-attacks. Any compromise of our security could result in a loss or misuse of our confidential information, violation of applicable privacy and other laws, significant legal and financial exposure, theft, damage to our reputation, interruption of our business operations, and a loss of confidence in our security measures; any of which could harm our business. We may also be subject to phishing attacks, wherein individuals may fraudulently purport to be an agent of a reputable company in order to engage in theft or induce our employees to reveal confidential and other information or provide unauthorized resources. We are also susceptible to malware, ransomware, denial of service, and other attacks that could adversely affect our information technology systems. Although we utilize various procedures and controls to monitor and mitigate these threats, there can be no assurance that these procedures and controls will be sufficient to prevent security threats from materializing. As cyber-attacks become more sophisticated generally, we may incur significant costs to strengthen our systems from outside intrusions, and/or obtain insurance coverage related to the threat of such attacks.
Additionally, our business is reliant upon information technology systems to, among other things, manage and route our sales calls, manage inventories and accounts receivable, make purchasing decisions, monitor our results of operations, and place orders with our vendors and process orders from our customers. These systems may be vulnerable to natural disasters, telecommunications failures and similar events, employee errors or to intentional acts of misconduct, such as security breaches or attacks. The occurrence of any of these events or acts, or any other unanticipated problems, could result in damage to or the unavailability of these systems. Such damage or unavailability could, despite any existing disaster recovery and business continuity arrangements, interrupt the availability of one or more of our information technology systems. We have from time to time experienced such disruptions and they may occur in the future. Disruptions in these systems could materially impact our ability to buy and sell our products, as well as generally operate our business, which could reduce our revenue.
Our success depends on our ability to attract, train, and retain highly qualified associates and other key personnel while controlling related labor costs.
In order to be successful, we must attract, train, and retain a large number of highly qualified associates while controlling related labor costs. Our ability to control labor costs is subject to numerous external factors, including prevailing wage rates and health and other insurance costs.
In many of our markets, highly qualified associates are in high demand and we compete with other businesses for these associates and invest resources in training and incentivizing them. In particular, there is significant competition for qualified drivers in the transportation industry. And interventions and enforcement under the FMCSA Compliance, Safety, and Accountability program may shrink the industry’s pool of drivers as those drivers with unfavorable scores may no longer be eligible to drive. There can be no assurance that we will be able to attract or retain highly qualified associates in the future, including those employed by companies we may acquire.
As a result of labor shortages, particularly among our drivers and material handlers, we could be required to utilize temporary or contract labor. Using temporary or contract labor typically requires higher cost, and temporary or contract labor may be less productive than full-time associates. In addition, a shortage of qualified drivers could require us to increase driver compensation, let trucks sit idle, utilize common carriers, utilize less experienced drivers, or face difficulty meeting customer demands, all of which could adversely affect our growth and profitability.
Furthermore, our success is highly dependent on the continued services of our management team. The loss of services of one or more key members of our senior management team could have a material adverse effect on us.
We are exposed to product liability and other claims and legal proceedings related to our business and the products we distribute, which may exceed the coverage of our insurance.
The building products industry has been subject to personal injury and property damage claims arising from alleged exposure to raw materials contained in building products as well as claims for incidents of catastrophic loss, such as building fires. As a distributor of building materials, we face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the use of the products we have distributed in the past or may in the future distribute is alleged to have resulted in economic loss, personal injury or property damage, or violated environmental, health or safety, or other laws. Such product liability claims may include allegations of defects in manufacturing, defects in design, a failure to warn of dangers inherent in the product, negligence, strict liability, or a breach of warranties. We are also from time to time subject to casualty, contract, tort, and other claims relating to
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our business, the products we have distributed in the past or may in the future distribute, and the services we have provided in the past or may in the future provide, either directly or through third parties. We rely on manufacturers and other suppliers, including manufacturers and suppliers located outside of the United States, to provide us with the products we sell or distribute. Since we do not have direct control over the quality of products that are manufactured or supplied to us by third parties, we are particularly vulnerable to risks relating to the quality of such products. In addition, operating hazards, such as unloading heavy products, operating large machinery and driving hazards, which are inherent in our business and some of which may be outside of our control, can cause personal injury and loss of life, damage to or destruction of property, plant, and equipment and environmental damage.
We cannot predict or, in some cases, control the costs to defend or resolve such claims. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain suitable and adequate insurance on acceptable terms or that such insurance will provide adequate protection against potential liabilities, and the cost of any product liability or other proceeding, even if resolved in our favor, could be substantial. Additionally, we do not carry insurance for all categories of risk that our business may encounter. Any significant uninsured liability may require us to pay substantial amounts. There can be no assurance that any current or future claims will not adversely affect our financial position, cash flows, or results of operations.
Our business operations could suffer significant losses from climate changes, natural disasters, catastrophes, fire, or other unexpected events.
While we maintain insurance covering our facilities and equipment, including business interruption insurance, our warehouse facilities could be materially damaged by natural disasters, such as floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes, or by fire, adverse weather conditions, civil unrest, condemnation, or other unexpected events or disruptions to our facilities. We could incur uninsured losses and liabilities arising from such events, including damage to our reputation, and/or suffer material losses in operational capacity, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, war, terrorism, geopolitical uncertainties, and public health issues could cause damage or disruption to the global economy, and thus could have a material adverse effect on us, our suppliers and our customers.
Our operating results depend on the successful implementation of our strategy. We may not be able to implement our strategic initiatives successfully, on a timely basis, or at all.
We regularly evaluate the performance of our business and, as a result of such evaluations, we have in the past undertaken and may in the future undertake strategic initiatives within our businesses. Strategic initiatives that we may implement now or in the future may not result in improvements in future financial performance and could result in additional unanticipated costs. If we are unable to realize the benefits of our strategic initiatives, our business, financial condition, cash flows, or results of operations could be adversely affected.
A significant percentage of our employees are unionized. Wage increases or work stoppages by our unionized employees may reduce our results of operations.
As of January 1, 2022, we employed approximately 2,055 employees and less than one percent of our employees are employed on a part-time basis. Approximately 21 percent of our employees were represented by various local labor unions with terms and conditions of employment governed by collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”). Six CBAs covering approximately six percent of our employees were up for renewal in fiscal 2021. Four of those CBAs were successfully renewed, and another is expected to be completed before the end of the first quarter 2022. The remaining CBA was terminated as a result of the local union disclaiming interest in continuing to represent the employees at the particular location. Two CBAs covering approximately four percent of our employees are up for renewal in fiscal 2022.
Although we have generally had good relations with our unionized employees, and expect to renew collective bargaining agreements as they expire, no assurances can be provided that we will be able to reach a timely agreement as to the renewal of the agreements, and their expiration or continued work under an expired agreement, as applicable, could result in a work stoppage. In addition, we may become subject to material wage increases, or additional work rules imposed by agreements with labor unions. The foregoing could increase our selling, general, and administrative expenses in absolute terms and/or as a percentage of net sales. In addition, work stoppages or other labor disturbances may occur in the future, which could adversely impact our net sales and/or selling, general, and administrative expenses. Wage increases could also be significant in an inflationary environment even in our non-unionized locations. All or some of these factors could negatively impact our operating results and cash flows.
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Federal, state, local, and other regulations could impose substantial costs and restrictions on our operations that would reduce our net income.
We are subject to various federal, state, local, and other laws and regulations, including, among other things, transportation regulations promulgated by the DOT, work safety regulations promulgated by OSHA, employment regulations promulgated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, regulations of the U.S. Department of Labor, regulations issued by the SEC, accounting standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) or similar entities, and state and local zoning restrictions, building codes and contractors’ licensing regulations. More burdensome regulatory requirements in these or other areas may increase our general and administrative costs and adversely affect our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows. Moreover, failure to comply with the regulatory requirements applicable to our business could expose us to litigation and substantial fines and penalties that could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
Our transportation operations, upon which we depend to distribute products from our distribution centers, are subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the DOT and the FMCSA, which have broad administrative powers with respect to our transportation operations. Vehicle dimensions and driver hours of service also are subject to both federal and state regulation. More restrictive limitations, including those on vehicle weight and size, trailer length and configuration, or driver hours of service would increase our costs, which, if we are unable to pass these cost increases on to our customers, may increase our selling, general and administrative expenses and adversely affect our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows. If we fail to comply adequately with the DOT and FMCSA regulations or such regulations become more stringent, we could experience increased inspections, regulatory authorities could take remedial action, including imposing fines or shutting down our operations, or we could be subject to increased audit and compliance costs. If any of these events were to occur, our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows could be adversely affected.
In addition, the residential and commercial construction industries are subject to various local, state and federal statutes, ordinances, codes, rules and regulations concerning zoning, building design and safety, construction, contractor licensing, energy conservation, and similar matters, including regulations that impose restrictive zoning and density requirements on the residential new construction industry or that limit the number of homes or other buildings that can be built within the boundaries of a particular area. Regulatory restrictions may increase our operating expenses and limit the availability of suitable building lots for our customers, any of which could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental protection laws and may have to incur significant costs to comply with these laws and regulations in the future.
Environmental liabilities could arise on the land that we have owned, own or lease, including as a result of the use of underground fuel storage tanks, and these liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and performance. Federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including those regulating the use and maintenance of underground storage tanks, may require a current or previous owner or operator of real estate to investigate and remediate hazardous materials, substances and waste releases at or from the property. They may also impose liability for property damage and personal injury stemming from the presence of, or exposure to, hazardous substances. In addition, we could incur costs to comply with such environmental laws and regulations, the violation of which could lead to substantial fines and penalties. Our operations could also in the future be subject to regulations related to climate change.
The ongoing effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and other widespread public health crises may adversely affect our business and results from operations.
Public health crises, pandemics, and epidemics, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, have impacted, and could continue to impact, our operations and financial performance. The extent of the effect of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on our operational and financial performance in future periods will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the duration, scope and severity of the pandemic and the spread of COVID-19 variants, the actions taken to contain or mitigate its impact, and the direct and indirect economic effects of the pandemic and related containment measures, among others.
In response to the spread of COVID-19, governmental authorities implemented numerous measures to try to contain the virus, including travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, shelter-in-place and work from home orders, and shutdowns of “non-essential” businesses. While we were deemed an “essential” business at the time, this status may not be the case again, which could adversely impact our ability to operate in the markets we serve. Governmental measures have impacted, and may further impact, our workforce and operations, as well as those of our customers, vendors and suppliers. We have distribution operations across the United States, and each state in which we operate has been affected by the outbreak of COVID-19 and taken various
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measures to try to contain it. Varying levels of regulatory, legal and other measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, and associated variants, in states across the United States could impact our operations in varying degrees, the impact of which we cannot reasonably predict. Among other impacts to our business from the outbreak of COVID-19:
•We have experienced higher overall demand for our products due to economic conditions and changing consumer
behaviors driven by COVID-19, which may or may not continue;
•Our supply chain may be disrupted due to government restrictions or if our suppliers or vendors have raw material and/or labor disruptions as a result of the pandemic that cause us to experience disruptions in product availability;
•Our distribution capabilities may be disrupted if we are unable to secure sufficient supplies of products, if significant portions of our workforce are unable to work effectively, including because of illness, government actions or other restrictions, or if we have periods of disruptions due to deep cleaning and sanitizing our facilities. In addition, we have incurred additional expense for cleaning, safety supplies and equipment, screening resources and other items and expect these costs to continue to some degree in the future although we may choose not to report them separately;
•We may experience an increase or decrease in commodity and other input costs due to market volatility and product availability;
•We may experience an increase in our working capital needs or an increase in our trade accounts receivable write-offs as a result of increased financial pressures on our suppliers and customers; and,
•We may experience changes to our internal controls over financial reporting as a result of changes in working environments, such as shelter-in-place and similar orders, as well as the potential for staffing limitations.
Our vaccination policies and governmental regulations concerning mandatory COVID-19 vaccination of employees could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
During 2021, we implemented a mandatory vaccination policy for our corporate-based workforce and new hires joining our Company. Our policy did not and does not extend to hourly employees working outside our corporate office who joined our Company prior to the implementation of our policy. In September 2021, President Biden issued an executive order directing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) to create rules requiring U.S. employers with 100 or more employees to require COVID-19 vaccinations or weekly employee testing before coming to work. On January 13, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an order that halted implementation of President Biden’s vaccine and testing requirement aimed at large businesses and sent the case back to the U.S. Court of Appeals. On January 26, 2022, OSHA announced a withdrawal of the vaccination and testing requirement for businesses. Although OSHA withdrew the vaccination and testing requirement as an enforceable emergency temporary standard (“ETS”), OSHA intends to continue moving the ETS forward through the rule-making process as a proposed rule. Accordingly, it is possible that the company may be subject to the specific policies outlined in the ETS if it becomes a final rule under OSHA’s rule-making authority.
Implementation of these rules, future rules, or our own vaccination policies, as well as navigating conflicts between state, local and federal rules, could cause us to experience additional challenges in retaining our employees. Regulatory impacts from these rules, or future rules, requiring company-wide vaccination could impact us in a significant way if we are required to apply vaccination requirements to our entire employee population. We expect that the market for both hourly workers and professional workers will remain challenging at least through fiscal 2022. If we fail to attract, motivate, train and retain qualified personnel, or if we experience excessive turnover, we may experience declining sales, manufacturing delays or other operating inefficiencies, increased recruiting, training and relocation costs and other difficulties, and our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our common stock may be adversely impacted.
Financial Risks
Our future operating results may fluctuate significantly, and our current operating results may not be a good indication of our future performance. Fluctuations in our quarterly financial results could affect our stock price in the future.
Our revenues and operating results have historically varied from period-to-period and we expect that they will continue to do so as a result of a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control. If our quarterly financial results or our predictions of future financial results fail to meet the expectations of securities analysts and investors, our stock price could be negatively affected. Any volatility in our quarterly financial results may make it more difficult for us to raise capital in the future or pursue acquisitions that involve issuances of our stock. In addition, because of this variability, our operating results for prior periods may not be effective predictors of future performance.
Factors associated with our industry, the operation of our business, and the markets for our products may cause our quarterly financial results to fluctuate, including:
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•the commodity nature of many of our products and their price movements, which are driven largely by capacity utilization rates and industry cycles that affect supply and demand;
•general economic conditions, including but not limited to housing starts, construction labor shortages, repair and remodel activity and commercial construction, foreclosure rates, interest rates, unemployment rates, and mortgage availability and pricing, as well as other consumer financing mechanisms, that ultimately affect demand for our products;
•supply chain disruptions, including those caused by the spread of contagious illness;
•the highly competitive nature of our industry;
•disintermediation;
•the impact of actuarial assumptions and regulatory activity on pension costs and pension funding requirements;
•our creditworthiness in addition to the financial condition and creditworthiness of our customers;
•our substantial indebtedness, including the possibility that we may not generate sufficient cash flows from operations or that future borrowings may not be available in amounts sufficient to fulfill our debt obligations and fund other liquidity needs;
•cost of compliance with government regulations;
•adverse customs and tariff rulings including those relating to anti-dumping, countervailing duty, or circumvention investigations;
•protectionist trade policies and import tariffs;
•labor disruptions, shortages of skilled and technical labor, or increased labor costs;
•the impact of cost inflation, which may arise from changes in the economic environment, such as potential litigation;
•increased healthcare costs;
•the need to successfully implement succession plans for our senior managers and other associates;
•our ability to successfully complete potential acquisitions, achieve expected synergies from acquisitions, or efficiently integrate acquired operations;
•disruption in our information technology systems;
•significant maintenance issues or failures with respect to our tractors, trailers, forklifts, and other major equipment;
•severe weather phenomena such as drought, hurricanes, tornadoes, and fire;
•condemnations of all or part of our real property; and
•fluctuations in the market for our equity.
Any one of the factors above or the cumulative effect of some of the factors referred to above may result in significant fluctuations in our quarterly financial and other operating results, including fluctuations in our key metrics. The variability and unpredictability could result in our failing to meet our internal operating plan or the expectations of securities analysts or investors for any period. If we fail to meet or exceed such expectations for these or any other reasons, the market price of our shares could fall substantially and we could face costly lawsuits, including securities class action suits.
Our level of indebtedness could limit our financial and operating activities and adversely affect our ability to incur additional debt to fund future needs.
At January 1, 2022, we had no outstanding debt under our revolving credit facility, and approximately $300 million of debt outstanding under our senior secured notes. Additionally, as of January 1, 2022, outstanding commitments under finance leases were $275 million. Our level of indebtedness could still have considerable consequences for us. For example, our substantial indebtedness could:
•make us more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
•limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, and other general corporate requirements;
•expose us to interest rate fluctuations because the interest rate on the debt under our revolving credit facility is variable;
•require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows to payments on our debt, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flows for operations and other purposes;
•limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business, and the industry in which we operate; and
•place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that may have proportionately less debt, and therefore may be in a better position to obtain more favorable credit terms.
If compliance with our debt obligations materially limits our financial or operating activities, or hinders our ability to adapt to changing industry conditions, we may lose market share, our revenue may decline and our operating results may be negatively affected.
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The instruments governing our indebtedness contain various covenants limiting the discretion of our management in operating our business, including requiring us to maintain a minimum level of excess liquidity.
Our revolving credit facility and senior secured notes contain various covenants and restrictions, including customary financial covenants that limit management’s discretion in operating our business. In particular, these instruments limit our ability to, among other things:
•incur additional debt;
•grant liens on assets;
•make investments;
•repurchase stock;
•pay dividends and make distributions;
•sell or acquire assets, including certain real estate assets, outside the ordinary course of business;
•engage in transactions with affiliates; and
•make fundamental business changes.
These covenants and restrictions could affect our ability to operate our business, and may limit our ability to react to market conditions or take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise. Additionally, our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, including general economic and credit conditions and industry downturns.
If we fail to comply with these covenants and restrictions, a default may allow the creditors under the relevant instruments to accelerate the related debts and to exercise their remedies under these agreements, which typically will include the right to declare the principal amount of that debt, together with accrued and unpaid interest, and other related amounts, immediately due and payable, to exercise any remedies the creditors may have to foreclose on assets that are subject to liens securing that debt, and to terminate any commitments they had made to supply further funds. Refer to Note 6, Long-Term Debt, for further details.
Borrowings under our revolving credit facility bears interest at a variable rate, which subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly.
Borrowings under our revolving credit facility is at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on this variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same. Although we may elect in the future to take certain actions to reduce interest rate volatility in connection with our variable rate borrowings, we cannot provide assurances that we will be able to do so or that those actions will be effective. Our revolving credit facility includes available interest rate options based on the London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). It is widely expected that LIBOR will be discontinued after June 30, 2023, and the U.S. and other countries are currently working to replace LIBOR with alternative reference rates. Our revolving credit facility provides procedures for determining an alternative base rate in the event that LIBOR is discontinued. Regardless, there can be no assurances as to what alternative base rates may be and whether such base rate will be more or less favorable than LIBOR. The consequences of these developments with respect to LIBOR cannot be entirely predicted; however, we do not believe that the discontinuation of LIBOR as a reference rate in our loan agreements will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or materially affect our interest expense.
Despite our current levels of debt, we may still incur more debt, which would increase the risks described in these risk factors relating to indebtedness.
The agreements relating to our debt significantly limit, but do not prohibit, our ability to incur additional debt. In addition, certain types of liabilities are not considered “Indebtedness” under the agreements relating to our debt. Accordingly, we could incur additional debt or similar liabilities in the future. If new debt or similar liabilities are added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could increase.
We have sold and leased back certain of our distribution centers under long-term non-cancelable leases, and may enter into similar transactions in the future. All of these leases are (or will be) finance leases, and our debt and interest expense may increase as a result.
As a result of real estate financing transactions through sale-leaseback arrangements, a substantial number of our distribution centers are leased under non-cancelable leases. These leases typically have initial terms of approximately fifteen years, and
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most provide options to renew for specified periods of time. We may enter into additional sale and lease-back transactions in the future. The leases resulting from these transactions are generally recognized and accounted for as finance leases, which may be counted as indebtedness, including for purposes of financial covenants in the agreements governing our debt, and may significantly increase the stated interest expense that is recognized in our income statements.
Many of our distribution centers are leased, and if we close a leased distribution center before expiration of the lease, we will still be obligated under the applicable lease. In addition, we may be unable to renew the leases at the end of their terms.
If we close a distribution center that is subject to a non-cancelable lease, we would remain committed to perform our obligations under the applicable lease, which would include, among other things, payment of the base rent, insurance, taxes, and other expenses on the leased property for the balance of the lease term. Management may explore offsets to remaining obligations, such as subleasing opportunities or negotiated lease terminations, but there can be no assurance that we can offset remaining obligations on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Our obligation to continue making rental payments with respect to leases for closed distribution centers could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
In addition, at the end of a lease term and any renewal period for a leased distribution center, or for those locations where we have no renewal options remaining, we may be unable to renew the lease without additional cost, if at all. If we are unable to renew our distribution center leases, we may close or, if possible, relocate the distribution center, which could subject us to additional costs and risks which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Additionally, the revenue and profit generated at a relocated distribution center may not equal the revenue and profit generated at the previous location.
We may not have or be able to raise the funds necessary to finance a required repurchase of our senior secured notes.
Subject to certain exceptions, upon the occurrence of a change in control under the indenture governing our senior secured notes, we are required to offer to repurchase all of the outstanding notes. It is possible that we would not have sufficient funds at the time that we are required to make any such repurchase of our senior secured notes, and we cannot assure the holders of the senior secured notes that we will have sufficient financial resources, or will be able to arrange financing, to pay the repurchase price in cash with respect to any such notes upon a change in control. Our failure to repurchase the senior secured notes when required would result in an event of default with respect to such notes which could, in turn, constitute a default under the terms of our other indebtedness, if any.
Certain important corporate events, such as leveraged recapitalizations that would increase the level of our indebtedness, may not constitute a change in control under the indenture governing our senior secured notes.
A lowering or withdrawal of the ratings assigned to our debt securities by rating agencies may increase our future borrowing costs and reduce our access to capital.
Any rating assigned to our debt could be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency if, in that rating agency’s judgment, future circumstances relating to the basis of the rating, such as adverse changes, so warrant. Any future lowering of our ratings likely would make it more difficult or more expensive for us to obtain additional debt financing.
A change in our product mix could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our results may be affected by a change in our product mix. Our outlook, budgeting, and strategic planning assume a certain mix of product sales. If actual results vary from this projected mix of product sales, our financial results could be negatively impacted. Additionally, gross margins vary across our product lines. If the mix of products shifts from higher margin product categories to lower margin product categories, our overall gross margins and profitability may be adversely affected. Consequently, changes in our product mix could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results.
Relatedly, our product sales to a customer may be dependent on the supplier and the brands we distribute. If we are unable to supply certain brands to our customers, then our ability to sell to existing customers and acquire new customers will be difficult to accomplish. As a result, our revenue, operating performance, cash flows, and net income may be adversely affected.
If petroleum or energy prices increase, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
Petroleum and energy prices and availability of petroleum products are subject to political, economic, and market factors that are outside our control. Political events in petroleum-producing regions as well as hurricanes and other weather-related events
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or natural disasters may cause the price of fuel to increase or the availability of fuel to decrease. Within our business units, we deliver products to our customers primarily via our fleet of trucks, which we fuel both onsite and through street fuel programs. Our operating profit may be adversely affected if we are unable to obtain the fuel we require or to fully offset the anticipated impact of higher fuel prices through increased prices or fuel surcharges to our customers. Besides passing fuel costs on to customers, we have at times entered into forward purchase contracts for fuel used at some of our facilities that protect against fuel price increases. If shortages occur in the supply of necessary petroleum products and we are not able to pass along the full impact of increased petroleum prices to our customers or otherwise protect ourselves by entering into forward purchase contracts, then our results of operations would be adversely affected.
We establish insurance-related deductible/retention reserves based on historical loss development factors, which could lead to adjustments in the future based on actual development experience.
We retain a significant portion of the accident risk under our vehicle liability and workers’ compensation insurance programs; and we are self-insured for health insurance, the exposure of which is limited by stop-loss coverage. Our self-insurance accruals are based on actuarial estimated, undiscounted cost of claims, which includes claims incurred but not reported. While we believe our estimation processes are well designed, every estimation process is inherently subject to limitations. Fluctuations in the frequency or amount of claims make it difficult to precisely predict the ultimate cost of claims. The actual cost of claims can be different than the historical selected loss development factors because of safety performance, payment patterns, and settlement patterns.
The value of our deferred tax assets could become impaired, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results.
As of January 1, 2022, we had approximately $60 million in net deferred tax assets. These deferred tax assets include temporary differences arising from such items as property, plant and equipment, accrued compensation, and accounting reserves related to inventory and other items in conjunction with net state operating loss carryovers that can be used to offset taxable income in future periods and reduce income taxes payable in those future periods. Each quarter, we determine the probability of the realization of deferred tax assets, using significant judgments and estimates with respect to, among other things, historical operating results, expectations of future earnings, and tax planning strategies. For example, we were required to evaluate and maintain reasonable valuation allowances against our remaining state net operating loss carryforwards against our U.S. deferred tax assets as of January 1, 2022. These valuation allowances are calculated based on the probability that we will not realize taxable income in the states in which we carry net operating loss carryforwards in a time suitable to take advantage of them. If we determine in the future that there is not sufficient positive evidence to support the remaining valuation of our deferred tax assets, either due to the risk factors described herein or other factors which may impact our net operating carryforwards or other components of our deferred tax assets such as our temporary differences which may arise from tax legislation which we cannot foresee, we may be required to further adjust the valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets, in specific areas or in total. Such a reduction could result in material non-cash expenses in the period in which the valuation allowance is adjusted and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our expected annual effective tax rate could be volatile and materially change as a result of changes in mix of earnings and other factors.
Our overall effective tax rate is equal to our total income tax expense, also referred to as provision for income taxes, as a percentage of our income or loss before provision for income taxes. However, tax expenses and benefits are determined separately for each tax paying entity or group of entities that is consolidated for tax purposes in each jurisdiction. Losses in certain jurisdictions may provide no current financial statement tax benefit. As a result, changes in the mix of profits and losses between jurisdictions, among other factors, could have a significant impact on our overall effective tax rate. New and unforeseen changes in tax legislation may impact our effective tax rate in future periods, both on a federal and state level, which may have an impact on our net income and result in material non-cash expenses in the relevant period.
Changes in actuarial assumptions for our pension plan could impact our financial results, and funding requirements are mandated by the Federal government.
We sponsor a defined benefit pension plan. Most of the participants in our pension plan are inactive, with all remaining active participants no longer accruing benefits, and the pension plan is closed to new entrants. However, unfavorable changes in various assumptions underlying the pension benefit obligation could adversely impact our financial results. Significant assumptions include, but are not limited to, the discount rate, projected return on plan assets, and mortality rates. In addition, the amount and timing of our pension funding obligations are influenced by funding requirements that are established by the
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Employee Retirement Income and Security Act of 1974, the Pension Protection Act, Congressional Acts, or other governing bodies.
Costs and liabilities related to our participation in multi-employer pension plans could increase.
We are involved in various multi-employer pension plans in the U.S. based on obligations arising under collective bargaining agreements. Some of these plans are significantly underfunded and may require increased contributions in the future. The amount of any increase or decrease in our required contributions to these multi-employer pension plans will depend upon the outcome of collective bargaining, actions taken by trustees who manage the plan, governmental regulations, the actual return on assets held in the plan, the continued viability and contributions of other employers which contribute to the plan, and the potential payment of a withdrawal liability, among other factors.
Our cash flows and capital resources may be insufficient to make required payments on our indebtedness or future indebtedness.
Our ability to make scheduled payments under our revolving credit facility and senior secured notes depends on our successful financial and operating performance, cash flows, and capital resources, which in turn depend upon prevailing economic conditions and certain financial, business, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include, among others:
•economic and demand factors affecting the building products distribution industry;
•external factors affecting availability of credit;
•pricing pressures;
•increased operating costs;
•competitive conditions; and
•other operating difficulties.
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell material assets or operations, obtain additional capital, or restructure our debt. There is no assurance that we could obtain additional capital or refinance our debt on terms acceptable to us, or at all. If we are required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations, the value realized on the disposition of such assets or operations will depend on market conditions and the availability of buyers. Accordingly, any such sale may not, among other things, be for a sufficient dollar amount to repay our indebtedness. If we do not make scheduled payments on our debt, we will be in default and the outstanding principal and interest on our debt could be declared to be due and payable, in which case we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation or required to substantially restructure or alter our business operations or debt obligations.
Risks Relating to Our Common Stock
We could be the subject of securities class action litigation due to stock price volatility, which could divert management’s attention and adversely affect our results of operations.
The stock market in general, and market prices for the securities of companies like ours in particular, have from time to time experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the operating performance of the underlying companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. In certain situations in which the market price of a stock has been volatile, holders of that stock have instituted securities class action litigation against the company that issued the stock. If any of our stockholders were to bring a similar lawsuit against us, the defense and disposition of the lawsuit could be costly and divert the time and attention of our management and harm our operating results.
The activities of activist stockholders could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.
While we seek to actively engage with stockholders and consider their views on business and strategy, we could be subject to actions or proposals from stockholders or others that do not align with our business strategies or the interests of our other stockholders. Responding to these stockholders could be costly and time-consuming, disrupt our business and operations, and divert the attention of our Board of Directors and senior management. Uncertainties associated with such activities could interfere with our ability to effectively execute our strategic plan, impact long-term growth, and limit our ability to hire and retain personnel. In addition, actions of these stockholders may cause periods of fluctuation in our stock price based on
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temporary or speculative market perceptions or other factors that do not necessarily reflect the underlying fundamentals and prospects of our business.
The terms of our revolving credit facility and senior secured notes place restrictions on our ability to pay dividends on our common stock, so any returns to stockholders may be limited to the value of their stock.
We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock since 2007, and we are subject to certain condition in order to do so under the terms of our revolving credit facility and senior secured notes. As we have no current intention of paying dividends, unless we should decide to do so in the future, any return to stockholders may be limited to the appreciation in their stock.
General Risk Factors
Changes in, or interpretation of, accounting principles could result in unfavorable accounting changes.
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and accompanying accounting pronouncements, implementation guidelines, and interpretations. These rules are subject to interpretation by the SEC and various bodies formed to interpret and create appropriate accounting principles. Changes in these rules or their interpretation, such as recent changes regarding lease accounting standards, could significantly change our reported results and may even retroactively affect previously reported transactions. Changes resulting from the adoption of new or revised accounting principles may result in materially different financial results and may require that we make changes to our systems, processes, and controls.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We operate our business out of 64 office and warehouse facilities, 55 of which are leased, and nine of which are owned. The total square footage of our owned real property is approximately 0.9 million square feet, and the total square footage of our leased real property is approximately 9.8 million square feet.
The following table summarizes our real estate facilities as of January 1, 2022, including their inside square footage, where applicable:
| Property Type | Number | Owned facilities (sq. ft.) | Leased facilities (sq. ft.) | |||||||||||||||||
Office Space (1) | 1 | — | 68,023 | |||||||||||||||||
| Warehouses and other real property | 64 | 858,896 | 9,774,955 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | 65 | 858,896 | 9,842,978 | |||||||||||||||||
(1)Consists of our corporate headquarters in Marietta, Georgia.
Additionally, we lease two warehouse facilities owned by our pension plan. We also store materials in secured outdoor areas at many of our warehouse locations, which increases warehouse distribution and storage capacity. We believe that, collectively, our facilities have sufficient capacity to meet current and projected distribution needs.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are, and from time to time may be, a party to routine legal proceedings incidental to the operation of our business, including liability claims, premises claims, environmental claims, and employment-related claims, among others. The outcome of any pending or threatened proceedings is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, operating results, or cash flows, based on our current understanding of the relevant facts. Legal expenses incurred related to these contingencies generally are expensed as incurred. We record receivables from expected settlements and establish reserves for pending or threatened proceedings when the receipts or costs associated with such proceedings become probable and can be reasonably estimated.
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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our equity securities consist of one class of common stock, which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BXC”.
As of January 1, 2022, there were twelve shareowner accounts of record, and, as of that date, we estimate that there were approximately 8,336 beneficial owners holding our common stock in nominee or “street” name.
We have not historically paid dividends on our common stock. Any future dividend payments would be subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and contractual restrictions under our revolving credit facility and the terms of the indenture for our senior secured notes.
On August 23, 2021, we announced our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program, with no expiration from the date of authorization, for the repurchase up to $25 million of our common stock. As of January 1, 2022, $25 million was available for repurchases under this program. The timing and amount of any repurchases under this program depend upon market conditions and may be made at any time or from time to time, without prior notice, through a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to a trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b5-1.
The Company occasionally withholds shares of common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations of employees upon the vesting of such employees’ restricted stock unit awards.
The following table summarizes the Company’s common stock repurchase activity for each month of the quarter ended January 1, 2022:
Total Number Shares Purchased(1) | Average Price Paid Per Share | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Period | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| October 3 - November 6 | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
| November 7 - December 4 | 432 | $ | 71.55 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| December 5, 2021 - January 1, 2022 | 402 | $ | 82.73 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 834 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) | The Company did not repurchase any of its equity securities during the period covered by this report pursuant its August 2021 stock repurchase program. All purchases reflected in the table above pertain to purchases of common stock by the Company in connection with tax withholding obligations of the Company’s employees upon the vesting of such employees’ restricted stock unit awards. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. In addition to historical information, the following discussion and other parts of this Form 10-K contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by this forward-looking information due to the factors discussed under “Risk Factors,” “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements,” and elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
This section of this Form 10-K does not address certain items regarding the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 (“fiscal 2019”). Discussion and analysis of fiscal 2019 and year-to-year comparisons between fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 not included in this Form 10-K can be found in “Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2021.
Executive Level Overview
Company Background
BlueLinx is a leading wholesale distributor of residential and commercial building products in the United States. We are a “two-step” distributor. Two-step distributors purchase products from manufacturers and distribute those products to dealers and other suppliers in local markets, who then sell those products to end users. We carry a broad portfolio of both branded and private-label stock keeping units (“SKUs”) across two principal product categories: specialty products and structural products. Specialty products include items such as engineered wood, industrial products, cedar, moulding, siding, metal products, and insulation. Structural products include items such as lumber, plywood, oriented strand board, rebar, and remesh. We also provide a wide range of value-added services and solutions aimed at relieving distribution and logistics challenges for our customers and suppliers, while enhancing their marketing and inventory management capabilities.
We sell products through three main distribution channels, consisting of warehouse sales, reload sales, and direct sales. Warehouse sales, which generate the majority of our sales, are delivered from our warehouses to our customers. Reload sales are similar to warehouse sales but are shipped from warehouses, most of which are operated by third-parties, where we store owned products to enhance operating efficiencies. This channel is employed primarily to service strategic customers that would be less economical to service from our warehouses, and to distribute large volumes of imported products from port facilities.
Direct sales are shipped from the manufacturer to the customer without our taking physical possession of the inventory and, as a result, typically generate lower margins than our warehouse and reload distribution channels. This distribution channel, however, requires the lowest amount of committed capital and fixed costs.
With a strong market position, broad geographic coverage footprint servicing over 40 states, and the strength of a locally focused sales force, as a two-step wholesale distributor, we distribute a comprehensive range of products from over 750 suppliers, including some of the leading manufacturers in the industry, such as Ply Gem, Huber Engineered Woods, Georgia-Pacific, Allura, James Hardie, Fiberon, Royal, Oldcastle APG, Louisiana-Pacific, and Weyerhaeuser. We supply products to a broad base of over 15,000 national, regional, and local dealers, specialty distributors, national home centers, and manufactured housing customers, many of whom then serve residential and commercial builders and contractors in their respective geographic areas and local markets.
As a value-added partner in a complex and demanding building products supply chain, we play a critical role in enabling our customers to offer a broad range of products and brands, as most of our customers do not have the capability to purchase and warehouse products directly from manufacturers for such a large set of SKUs. The depth of our geographic footprint supports meaningful customer proximity across all the markets in which we operate, enabling faster and more efficient service. Similarly, we provide value to our supplier partners by enabling access to the large and fragmented network of lumber yards and dealers that those suppliers could not adequately serve directly. Our position in this distribution model for building products provides easy access to the marketplace for our suppliers and the value proposition of rapid delivery on an as-needed basis to our customers from our network of warehouse facilities.
Significant Recent Transactions and Developments
Term Loan Facility
As of January 2, 2021, we had outstanding borrowings of $43.2 million under our senior secured term loan facility. On April 2, 2021, we repaid the remaining outstanding principal balance under the facility and the facility was terminated. As a result, as of January 1, 2022, we had no outstanding borrowings under the term loan facility. In connection with our repayment of the
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facility, we expensed $5.8 million of debt issuance costs during the first quarter of fiscal 2021 that we had been amortizing in connection with the facility. These costs are included within interest expense, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and reported separately as an adjustment to net income in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. While the facility was paid in full as of April 2, 2021, our average interest rate under the facility, exclusive of fees and prepayment premiums, was 8.2 percent and 8.0 percent for the years ended January 2, 2021 and January 1, 2022, respectively.
Amendment of our Revolving Credit Facility
On August 2, 2021, we amended our revolving credit facility to, among other things, (i) extend the maturity date of the facility from October 10, 2022, to August 2, 2026, (ii) amend the Borrowing Base (as such term is defined under the facility) to include a certain portion of the assets of acquired companies prior to the conduct of a field exam or appraisals thereof by the agent, (iii) modify certain definitions and various affirmative and negative covenants to provide additional flexibility for the Company, and (iv) add customary LIBOR replacement language.
In addition, the amended revolving credit facility now provides for interest on borrowings at a rate per annum equal to (i) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.25 percent to 1.75 percent, with the amount of such margin determined based upon the average of our excess availability for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter as calculated by the agent, for loans based on LIBOR, or (ii) the base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25 percent to 0.75 percent, with the amount of such margin determined based upon the average of our excess availability for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter as calculated by the agent, for loans based on the base rate, reflecting a decrease of 0.50 percent to the upper limit of each respective margin tier.
As of January 1, 2022, we had zero outstanding borrowings on our revolving credit facility.
Share Repurchase Program
On August 23, 2021, we announced our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program pursuant to which we may repurchase up to $25 million of our common stock. Under the program, we may repurchase our common stock at any time or from time to time, without prior notice, subject to prevailing market conditions and other considerations. Our repurchases may be made through a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to a trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b5-1. As of the date of this filing, we have repurchased no shares under this program.
Senior Secured Notes Transaction
During the fourth quarter of 2021, we completed a private offering of $300 million of our six percent senior secured notes due 2029 (the “2029 Notes”). The 2029 Notes were issued to investors at 98.625 percent of their principal amount and will mature on November 15, 2029. The majority of net proceeds from the offering of the 2029 Notes were used to repay borrowings under our revolving credit facility. In conjunction with this offering, we also amended the revolving credit facility to reduce the credit limit from $600 million to $350 million. In conjunction with the reduction of the credit limit of our revolving credit facility, we expensed approximately $1.6 million of debt issuance costs during the fourth quarter of 2021. These costs are included within interest expense, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and reported separately as an adjustment to net income in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Real Estate Transactions
During fiscal 2021, we sold two non-operating facilities that were previously identified as “held for sale”. During the first quarter, we sold our non-operating facility located in Birmingham, Alabama, and recognized a gain of $1.3 million in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income, as a result of this sale. Proceeds from this transaction was used to pay down our term loan facility. Additionally, during the fourth quarter, we sold our non-operating facility located in Houston, Texas. We recognized a gain of $7.1 million in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income as a result of this sale.
Factors That Affect Our Operating Results and Trends
Our results of operations and financial performance are influenced by a variety of factors, including: (i) the commodity nature of the products we manufacture and distribute; (ii) general economic and industry conditions affecting demand in the housing
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market; and (iii) cost and availability of the products we distribute. These factors have historically produced cyclicality in our results of operations, and we expect this cyclicality to continue in future periods.
Commodity Nature of Our Products
Many of the building products we distribute, including OSB, plywood, and lumber, are commodities that are widely available from various suppliers with prices and volumes determined frequently in a market based on participants' perceptions and expectations of short-term supply and demand factors. The selling price of our commodity products is based on the current market purchase price to replace those products in our inventory, plus adders for our shipping, handling, overhead costs, and our profit margin. At certain times, the selling price for any one or more of the products we distribute, especially those of a commodity nature, may well exceed our purchase price because our prices are based on current replacement cost which, in a dynamic inflationary commodity market, may at times well exceed our purchase price. At certain other times, the selling price for any one or more of the products we distribute, especially those of a commodity nature, may fall below our purchase costs for the same reasons, requiring us to incur short-term losses on specific sales transactions. Therefore, our profitability with respect to these commodity products depends, in significant part, on commodity prices in addition to managing our cost structure, particularly shipping and handling costs, which represent significant components of our operating costs. Composite structural panel and lumber prices have been historically volatile.
The following table represents the percentage price changes on a year-over-year basis of the average monthly composite prices for lumber, including certain lumber subcategories, and average monthly composite prices for panels, including certain panel subcategories, as reflected by Random Lengths, an industry publication, for the periods noted below. In addition to the year-over-year average monthly price changes, 2020 and 2021 were years of exceptional price volatility when compared to historical prices over the last seven years. During 2021, both composite lumber and composite panel prices experienced the largest difference between high and low price levels within a calendar year than any year in the last seven years.
| Calendar Year Ended | |||||||||||
| December 31 | |||||||||||
| 2021 versus 2020 | 2020 versus 2019 | ||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in composite lumber prices | 50% | 59% | |||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in Western SPF lumber prices | 57% | 53% | |||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in Southern pine lumber prices | 43% | 45% | |||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in composite panel prices | 85% | 56% | |||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in Western fir plywood prices | 83% | 22% | |||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in Southern pine plywood prices | 73% | 29% | |||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in OSB prices | 94% | 99% | |||||||||
During 2020, pricing for these products declined starting in March 2020, but rebounded during the remaining portion of the second quarter, significantly increasing during most of the third quarter. A two-month decline began in the final weeks of the third quarter and lasted until December 2020. In December 2020, pricing began to rapidly increase towards all-time highs. These market trends resulted in substantial favorable revenue and gross margin comparisons for fiscal 2020 for our structural products and our business as a whole. In 2021, wood-based commodity index prices began January at record or near-record highs and remained at elevated levels through the first quarter and in to the second quarter. Prices continued to increase to a historical peak in May 2021 and then began to decline through the end of the second quarter and throughout the third quarter of 2021. During the fourth quarter, prices began to rise again ending 2021, and beginning 2022, at historically elevated levels. There is much uncertainty regarding future trends in lumber and panel index prices. We continue to closely monitor these pricing trends, and work to manage our business, inventory levels, and costs accordingly.
General Economic and Industry Conditions Affecting Demand
Many of the factors that cause our operations to fluctuate are seasonal or cyclical in nature. Historically, our operating results have also been correlated with the level of single-family residential housing starts in the U.S. The demand for new homes is dependent on a variety of factors, including job growth, changes in population and demographics, the availability and cost of mortgage financing, the supply of new and existing homes, and consumer confidence. Favorable interest rates, shortages in existing home inventory, expanding use of telework and a potential growing trend toward relocating away from populated
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metropolitan areas to areas with single-family homes may help sustain the improvement in single-family housing starts. We believe the housing market improvement trend will continue in the long term, and that we are well-positioned to support our customers. For additional information regarding the risk factors impacting our business, please refer to Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors.
Cost and Availability of the Products We Distribute
The specialty products we distribute are available from select suppliers from which we have established and cultivated relationships in the specific markets we serve. The structural products we distribute are available from a variety of suppliers. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturing output was impacted on both the specialty and structural sides of our business. Supply constraints which arose from reduced mill output as a result of the pandemic had an impact on both the availability and pricing of our structural products which contributed to increased market prices throughout the year. Reduced manufacturing capacity combined with increased demand for our specialty products also had an impact on the products we distribute in this category, namely vinyl siding. The continued availability of both specialty and structural products may have an impact on our operating results and are discussed in more detail in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors.
COVID-19 Pandemic
We began preparations for the COVID-19 pandemic in late February 2020, and in early March 2020 we implemented policies and procedures to protect our associates, serve our customers, and support our suppliers. We also moved quickly to develop and execute plans and take actions designed to give financial and operating flexibility during the pandemic.
During fiscal 2021, we continued to practice safety and hygiene protocols consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and local guidance. We also continued our efforts to reduce operating costs and optimize liquidity and took actions designed to sustain many of our first and second quarter cost reduction actions long-term. Our cost structure and liquidity have and will remain areas of acute focus for us as the pandemic continues.
While the pandemic impacted many aspects of our business and operations during fiscal 2021, that impact was offset by the recovery in single-family residential housing starts, supply and demand imbalances for the products we distribute, and the escalation in wood-based commodity pricing.
The extent of the impact of the pandemic on our business for fiscal 2021 will depend on future developments, including, among others, the duration of the pandemic, the success of actions taken by governmental authorities to contain the pandemic and address its impact, the success of local return to work and business continuity plans, stabilizing in the labor markets and the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has on the supply chain, pricing, and demand in the markets we service. The trajectory of the pandemic continues to evolve rapidly, and we cannot predict the extent to which our financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows will ultimately be impacted. We are closely monitoring the impact of the pandemic on industry conditions, the labor markets, and any pandemic related restrictions that may have an impact on our business.
CARES Act
In an attempt to assist businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act contained several provisions, including tax-based measures, meant to counteract the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. After review of the many provisions, we took advantage of several of the provisions, including the deferral of our defined benefit plan pension contribution, deferral of the payment of employer payroll taxes, and the increase in the percentage of allowable percentage of interest expense under Section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”).
During fiscal 2020, as a result of the CARES Act, we elected to defer the payment of employer payroll taxes that would normally be paid during fiscal 2020. The total amount of our payroll tax deferral under the CARES Act was approximately $7.3 million. These taxes are required to be paid in two tranches, with 50 percent due by the end of 2021 and 50 percent due by the end of 2022. We made payments of approximately $3.2 million in December 2021 and will make payments for the remaining $3.1 million by December 2022.
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Results of Operations
Fiscal 2021 Compared to Fiscal 2020
The following table sets forth our results of operations for fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, which were comprised of 52 weeks and 53 weeks, respectively.
| Fiscal 2021 | % of Net Sales | Fiscal 2020 | % of Net Sales | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 4,277,178 | 100.0% | $ | 3,097,328 | 100.0% | |||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 778,427 | 18.2% | 477,734 | 15.4% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative | 322,205 | 7.5% | 314,228 | 10.1% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 28,192 | 0.7% | 28,901 | 0.9% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of deferred gains on real estate | (3,935) | (0.1)% | (4,008) | (0.1)% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gains from sales of property | (8,427) | (0.2)% | (10,529) | (0.3)% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 2,315 | 0.1% | 6,901 | 0.2% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 438,077 | 10.2% | 142,241 | 4.6% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 45,507 | 1.1% | 47,414 | 1.5% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other (income) expense, net | (1,306) | 0.0% | (254) | 0.0% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income before provision for income taxes | 393,876 | 9.2% | 95,081 | 3.1% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 97,743 | 2.3% | 14,199 | 0.5% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 296,133 | 6.9% | $ | 80,882 | 2.6% | |||||||||||||||||
The following table sets forth changes in net sales by product category.
| Fiscal 2021 | Fiscal 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales by category | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty products | $ | 2,520,305 | 58.9 | % | $ | 1,865,125 | 60.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Structural products | 1,756,873 | 41.1 | % | 1,232,203 | 39.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Total net sales | $ | 4,277,178 | 100.0 | % | $ | 3,097,328 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
The following table sets forth gross margin dollars and percentages by product category versus comparable prior periods.
| Fiscal 2021 | Fiscal 2020 | ||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Gross profit $ by category: | |||||||||||
| Specialty products | $ | 561,520 | $ | 319,577 | |||||||
| Structural products | 216,907 | 158,157 | |||||||||
| Total gross profit | $ | 778,427 | $ | 477,734 | |||||||
| Gross margin % by category | |||||||||||
| Specialty products | 22.3 | % | 17.1 | % | |||||||
| Structural products | 12.3 | % | 12.8 | % | |||||||
| Total gross margin % | 18.2 | % | 15.4 | % | |||||||
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Discussion of Results of Operations
Net sales of $4.3 billion in fiscal 2021, an increase of 38.1 percent, or $1.2 billion, from fiscal 2020. When normalized for the additional week in our fiscal year 2020, our fiscal year 2021 sales increased 40.7 percent. This increase was driven by robust demand for home building products amid broad-based supply constraints across the U.S. home building products industry, significant year-over-year inflation in the average price of wood-based commodity products, and disciplined pricing strategies. Total volume decreased modestly year-over-year reflecting the impact of supply constraints offset by strategic actions we implemented to emphasize growth in higher value specialty product categories. Our fiscal 2021 results also reflect a more disciplined approach to structural inventory purchases in order to manage risk associated with fluctuations in wood-based commodity prices. This approach resulted in less on-hand market-sensitive inventory for our structural products category which impacted the volume of structural products we had available to sell throughout the year.
Net sales of specialty products, which includes engineered wood, industrial products, cedar, moulding, siding, metal products and insulation, increased $655.2 million to $2.5 billion in fiscal year 2021. This increase was primarily driven by favorable
demand and strategic pricing actions. Gross profit within our specialty products, increased $241.9 million to $561.5 million, with a year-over-year improvement of approximately 75.7 percent. The increase in our specialty products gross margin percentages during fiscal 2021 was the result of substantial increases in pricing, driven by an increased demand paired with the supply constrained environment, although overall volume was down compared to fiscal year 2020.
Net sales of structural products, which includes products such as lumber, plywood, oriented strand board, rebar, and remesh, increased $524.7 million to $1.8 billion during fiscal 2021 due to commodity wood products price inflation. Structural sales volumes declined overall versus the prior-year period given our reduction in purchases in response to historic fluctuations in the wood-based commodity markets. Our structural gross margin percentage for fiscal 2021 was 12.3%, slightly down from 12.8% in the prior year period.
Fiscal 2021, selling, general, and administrative expenses increased 2.5 percent, or $8.0 million, compared to fiscal 2020. The increase in sales, general, and administrative expenses is due to net increases in our variable compensation, such as sales commissions and incentives of approximately $5.9 million, general and administration cost of approximately $4.5 million. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in payroll and related cost of approximately $1.4 million and logistics decrease of approximately $1.0 million. When normalized for the additional operating week in fiscal 2020, our fiscal 2021 selling, general and administrative expenses increased $13.9 million. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased 2.5 percent, or $0.7 million, compared to 2020. The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense is due to a lower base of amortizable and depreciable assets throughout fiscal 2021 when compared to the prior year period.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we completed the sale leaseback of one of our Denver facilities which resulted in a gain from the sale of property of $10.5 million during the fourth quarter. During fiscal year 2021, we completed the sale of two non-operational properties resulting in a gain of $8.4 million. Our Birmingham property, which we sold in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, resulted in a gain of $1.3 million, and our Houston property, which we sold in the fourth quarter, resulted in a gain from the sale of $7.1 million. Other operating expenses decreased 66.5 percent, or $4.6 million, compared to fiscal 2020 primarily due to a decrease in spending related to integration and restructuring related costs reported during fiscal 2021.
Our interest expense, net, for fiscal 2021, decreased by 4.0 percent, or $1.9 million, compared to the prior year period. The decrease is primarily due to the repayment in full of our former term loan facility at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2021, under which borrowings bore a higher interest rate than under either our revolving credit facility or our senior secured notes. Interest savings were further driven by lower interest costs resulting from the renegotiation of our revolving credit facility in the third quarter of fiscal 2021. This was offset by the $7.4 million in debt issuance costs expensed during the first and third quarters of fiscal 2021 related to the extinguishment of our former term loan facility and credit limit reduction of our revolving credit facility.
Our effective tax rate was 24.8 percent and 14.9 percent for fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively. Our effective tax rate for both periods was impacted by the permanent addback of certain nondeductible expenses, including meals and entertainment and executive compensation, and the effect of our partial release of our valuation allowance for separate company state income tax losses. Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2020 was additionally impacted by a tax benefit resulting from the effect of the partial release of our valuation allowance for previously nondeductible interest resulting from changes allowed under Section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act that was enacted on March 27, 2020 which raised the allowable percentage of deductible interest from 30 percent to 50 percent of adjusted taxable income.
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Our net income for fiscal 2021 increased $215.3 million from the prior year period primarily due to the increase in gross profit resulting from substantial price increases benefiting our specialty products combined with benefits from commodity price inflation when compared to prior year. Increases in gross profit were further supported by gains from the sales of non-operational property, our former Birmingham and Houston properties, during the fiscal year 2021 offset by an increase in our selling, general and administrative expense resulting primarily from higher commissions arising from our higher gross profit during the year. Additionally, net income benefited from slightly lower interest expense offset by higher income tax expense resulting from our higher effective tax rate.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We expect our material cash requirements for the next twelve months will be for our:
•Periodic estimated income tax payments, as required;
•Periodic interest payments associated with our senior secured notes, as discussed in Note 6;
•Lease agreements which have fixed lease payment obligations, as discussed in Note 11.
We expect our primary sources of liquidity to be cash flows from sales and operating activities in the normal course of our operations and availability from our revolving credit facility, as needed. We expect that these sources will be sufficient to fund our ongoing cash requirements for the foreseeable future, including at least the next twelve months.
Sources and Uses of Cash
Operating Activities
Fiscal 2021 cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $145.0 million. This cash activity was primarily driven by net income of $296.1 million, which included a non-cash charge for debt-issuance costs expensed during the period for our extinguished term loan facility and reduced revolving credit facility of $7.4 million in addition to a non-cash adjustment for our gains on sales of property of $8.4 million combined with changes in our working capital components. The changes in working capital components resulted in a decrease in cash due to an increase in accounts receivables of $46.0 million and an increase inventory of $146.4 million offset by an increase in cash due to an increase in accounts payable of $14.8 million.
Fiscal 2020 cash flows used in operating activities totaled $55.0 million. This cash activity was primarily driven by net income of $80.9 million, which included a non-cash adjustment for our gains on sale of properties of $10.5 million and changes in working capital components. The changes in working capital components included a decrease in cash due to an increase in accounts receivable of $100.8 million offset by an increase in cash due to a decrease in inventory of $3.7 million and an increase in accounts payable of $32.8 million.
Investing Activities
During fiscal 2021, our net cash used by investing activities was $4.1 million, which was substantially driven by cash received from the sale of real estate of $10.3 million, offset by cash paid for investments in property and equipment of $14.4 million. In 2021, $9.0 million in cash was invested in the fourth quarter and of that $9.0 million, approximately $6.4 million was for new curtain side trailers for our delivery fleet.
During fiscal 2020, our net cash provided by investing activities was $9.2 million, which was substantially driven by cash received from the sale of real estate of $12.8 million, offset by cash paid for investments in equipment of $3.7 million.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $55.8 million during fiscal 2021, which primarily reflected the repayments of the remaining $43.2 million balance on our term loan and net repayments on our revolving credit facility of $286.6 million, in addition to payments on finance leases of $11.2 million, debt financing costs of $5.5 million and repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings on the vesting of restricted stock units of $5.2 million, all of which were offset by proceeds from the sale of our senior secured notes, net of discount, of $295.9 million.
Net cash used in financing activities was $75.7 million during fiscal 2020, which primarily reflected repayments on our term loan of $103.5 million and net repayments on our revolving credit facility of $38.3 million, in addition to payments on our finance leases of $8.7 million and debt financing costs of $3.4 million, all of which were partially offset by proceeds from real estate financing transactions of $78.3 million.
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Operating Working Capital
Operating working capital is an important measurement we use to determine the efficiencies of our operations and our ability to readily convert assets into cash. Operating working capital is defined as the sum of cash, receivables, and inventory less accounts payable. Management of operating working capital helps us monitor our progress in meeting our goals to enhance our return on working capital assets.
| Selected financial information | |||||||||||
| January 1, 2022 | January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 85,203 | $ | 82 | |||||||
| Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts | 339,637 | 293,643 | |||||||||
| Inventories, net | 488,458 | 342,108 | |||||||||
| $ | 913,298 | $ | 635,833 | ||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 180,000 | $ | 165,163 | |||||||
| $ | 180,000 | $ | 165,163 | ||||||||
| Operating working capital | $ | 733,298 | $ | 470,670 | |||||||
Operating working capital increased to $733.3 million as of January 1, 2022, from $470.7 million as of January 2, 2021. The increase in operating working capital is primarily due to an increase in cash of $85.1 million, accounts receivable of $46.0 million, and inventory of $146.4 million, offset by an increase in accounts payable of $14.8 million. The increases in cash resulted from primarily from the issuance of our senior secured notes in October 2021. Accounts receivable increases were attributable to our higher sales. Inventory and accounts payable increases were driven largely by increases in the cost of our inventory in addition to year-end inventory build-up activities in preparation for 2022.
Debt and Credit Sources
As of January 1, 2022, and January 2, 2021, long-term debt consisted of the following:
January 1, 2022 | January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
Senior secured notes (1) | $ | 300,000 | $ | — | |||||||
Revolving credit facility (2) | — | 288,247 | |||||||||
Term loan facility (3) | — | 43,204 | |||||||||
Finance lease obligations (4) | 274,717 | 273,118 | |||||||||
| 574,717 | 604,569 | ||||||||||
| Unamortized debt issuance costs | (4,701) | (9,010) | |||||||||
| Unamortized bond discount costs | (4,028) | — | |||||||||
| 565,988 | 595,559 | ||||||||||
| Less: current maturities of long-term debt | 7,864 | 6,846 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt, net of current maturities | $ | 558,124 | $ | 588,713 | |||||||
(1) For the twelve months ended January 1, 2022, our long-term debt was comprised of $300 million of senior secured notes issued in October 2021. These notes are presented under the long-term debt caption of our balance sheet at $291.3 million which is net of their discount of $4.0 million and the combined carrying value of our debt issuance costs of $4.7 million. Our senior secured notes are presented in this table at their face value.
(2) The average effective interest rate was 2.5 percent and 3.3 percent for the years ended January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021, respectively.
(3) The average interest rate, exclusive of fees and prepayment penalties, was 8.0 percent and 8.2 percent for the years ended January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021, respectively.
(4) Refer to Note 11, Lease Commitments, for interest rates associated with finance lease obligations.
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Term Loan Facility
As of January 2, 2021, we had outstanding borrowings of $43.2 million under our senior secured term loan facility. On April 2, 2021, we repaid the remaining outstanding principal balance under the facility and the facility was terminated. As a result, as of January 1, 2022, we had no outstanding borrowings under the term loan facility. In connection with our repayment of the facility, we expensed $5.8 million of debt issuance costs during the first quarter of fiscal 2021 that we had been amortizing in connection with the facility. These costs are included within interest expense, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and reported separately as an adjustment to net income in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. While the facility was paid in full as of April 2, 2021, our average interest rate under the facility, exclusive of fees and prepayment premiums, was 8.2 percent and 8.0 percent for the years ended January 2, 2021 and January 1, 2022, respectively.
Amendment of our Revolving Credit Facility
On August 2, 2021, we amended our revolving credit facility to, among other things, (i) extend the maturity date of the facility from October 10, 2022, to August 2, 2026, (ii) amend the Borrowing Base (as such term is defined under the facility) to include a certain portion of the assets of acquired companies prior to the conduct of a field exam or appraisals thereof by the agent, (iii) modify certain definitions and various affirmative and negative covenants to provide additional flexibility for the Company, and (iv) add customary LIBOR replacement language.
In addition, the amended revolving credit facility now provides for interest on borrowings at a rate per annum equal to (i) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.25 percent to 1.75 percent, with the amount of such margin determined based upon the average of our excess availability for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter as calculated by the agent, for loans based on LIBOR, or (ii) the base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25 percent to 0.75 percent, with the amount of such margin determined based upon the average of our excess availability for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter as calculated by the agent, for loans based on the base rate, reflecting a decrease of 0.50 percent to the upper limit of each respective margin tier.
As of January 1, 2022, we had zero outstanding borrowings on our revolving credit facility.
Senior Secured Notes Transaction
During the fourth quarter of 2021, we completed a private offering of $300 million of our six percent senior secured notes due 2029 (the “2029 Notes”). The 2029 Notes were issued to investors at 98.625 percent of their principal amount and will mature on November 15, 2029. The majority of net proceeds from the offering of the 2029 Notes were used to repay borrowings under our revolving credit facility. In conjunction with this offering, we also amended the revolving credit facility to reduce the credit limit from $600 million to $350 million. In conjunction with the reduction of the credit limit of our revolving credit facility, we expensed approximately $1.6 million of debt issuance costs during the fourth quarter of 2021. These costs are included within interest expense, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and reported separately as an adjustment to net income in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Finance Lease Commitments
Our finance lease liabilities consist of leases related to equipment and vehicles, and to real estate, with the majority of those finance lease commitments relating to the real estate financing transactions that we completed in recent years. During fiscal 2020, we completed real estate financing transactions on two warehouse facilities; and during fiscal 2021, we completed real estate financing transactions on fourteen warehouse facilities. We recognized financing lease assets and obligations as a result of each of these real estate transactions. We also entered into new finance lease agreements for new tractors for our fleet totaling $3.8 million and $10.5 million during fiscal 2020 and 2021, respectively. Our total finance lease commitments, including the properties associated with these transactions, totaled $274.7 million and $273.1 million as of January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021, respectively. Of the $274.7 million of finance lease commitments as of January 1, 2022, $244.0 million related to real estate and $30.7 million related to equipment. Of the $273.1 million of finance lease commitments as of January 2, 2021, $243.7 million related to real estate and $29.4 million related to equipment.
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Investments in Property and Equipment
Our investments in property and equipment consist of cash paid for owned assets and the inception of financing lease arrangements for long-lived assets to support our distribution infrastructure. The gross value of these assets are included in their respective category in the “Property and equipment, at cost” section on our consolidated balance sheet. For fiscal 2021, we invested $14.4 million in cash related to investments in long-lived assets and entered into finance leases totaling $10.5 million, for a total investment of $24.9 million. For fiscal 2020, we invested $3.7 million in cash related to investments in long-lived assets and entered into finance lease agreements totaling $3.8 million, for a total investments of $7.5 million.
Pension Funding Obligations
We were required to make cash contributions during 2021 and 2020 totaling approximately $0.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, relating to our fiscal 2021 and also fiscal 2020 funding year pension contributions. We continue to evaluate pension funding obligations and requirements in order to meet our obligations while maintaining flexibility for working capital requirements. See Note 8, Employee Benefits, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Interest Rates
Our revolving credit facility includes available interest rate options based on LIBOR. It is widely expected that LIBOR will be discontinued after June 30, 2023, and the U.S. and other countries are currently working to replace LIBOR with alternative reference rates. The consequences of these development with respect to LIBOR cannot be entirely predicted; however, we do not believe that the discontinuation of LIBOR as a reference rate in our loan agreements will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or materially affect our interest expense.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of January 1, 2022, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., which require management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. We believe that our most critical accounting policies and estimates relate to: (1) pension benefit obligation; (2) revenue recognition; (3) goodwill; and (4) income taxes.
Accounting estimates and assumptions discussed in this section are those that we consider to be the most critical to an understanding of our financial statements because they involve significant judgments and uncertainties. All of these estimates reflect our best judgment about current, and for some estimates future, economic and market conditions and their potential effects based on information available as of the date of these financial statements. If these conditions change from those expected, it is reasonably possible that the judgments and estimates described below could change, which may result in our recording additional pension liabilities, or increased tax liabilities, among other effects.
Management has discussed the development, selection, and disclosure of critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. While our estimates and assumptions are based on our knowledge of current events and actions we may undertake in the future, actual results ultimately may differ from these estimates and assumptions. For a discussion of the Company’s significant accounting policies, see Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Pension Benefit Obligation
As discussed in Note 8 of the consolidated financial statements, our pension benefit obligation was $105.9 million and exceeded the fair value of pension plan assets of $94.3 million, resulting in an unfunded obligation of $11.6 million. The estimation of the pension benefit obligation is dependent on actuarial methods and the selection of assumptions, such as the applicable discount rate and mortality rates. These assumptions have a significant effect on the projected benefit obligation.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when the following criteria are met: (1) Contract with the customer has been identified; (2) Performance obligations in the contract have been identified; (3) Transaction price has been determined; (4) The transaction price has been allocated to the performance obligations; and (5) When (or as) performance obligations are satisfied. For us, this generally means that we recognize revenue when title to our products is transferred to our customers. Title usually transfers upon shipment to, or receipt at, our customers’ locations, as determined by the specific sales terms of each transaction. Our customers
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can earn certain incentives including, but not limited to, cash discounts and rebates. These incentives are deducted from revenue recognized. In preparing the financial statements, management must make estimates related to the contractual terms, customer performance, and sales volume to determine the total amounts recorded as deductions from revenue. Management also considers past results in making such estimates. The actual amounts ultimately paid may be different from our estimates, and recorded once they have been determined.
Goodwill
Goodwill is not subject to amortization, and is tested for impairment at least annually. We perform our annual goodwill impairment test as of the first day of our fiscal fourth quarter. This test requires us to assign goodwill to a reporting unit and to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is less than its carrying amount. We have identified that we have a single reporting unit and we assign our goodwill to that reporting unit. As of January 1, 2022, our goodwill was $47.8 million.
We also evaluate goodwill for impairment between annual impairment tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amounts may be impaired. Such events and indicators may include, without limitation, significant declines in the industries in which our products are used, significant changes in capital market conditions, and significant changes in our market capitalization.
Income Taxes
Our annual tax rate is based on our income, statutory tax rates, and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our annual tax expense and in evaluating our tax positions. We establish reserves to remove some or all of the tax benefit of any of our tax positions at the time we determine that the positions become uncertain based upon one of the following: (1) the tax position is not “more likely than not” to be sustained; (2) the tax position is “more likely than not” to be sustained, but for a lesser amount; or (3) the tax position is “more likely than not” to be sustained, but not in the financial period in which the tax position was originally taken. For purposes of evaluating whether or not a tax position is uncertain, (1) we presume the tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information, (2) the technical merits of a tax position are derived from authorities such as legislation and statutes, legislative intent, regulations, rulings, and case law and their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the tax position, and (3) each tax position is evaluated without considerations of the possibility of offset or aggregation with other tax positions taken. We adjust these reserves, including any impact on the related interest and penalties, in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of a tax audit. Refer to Note 5, Income Taxes, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
A number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which we have established a reserve is audited and finally resolved. The number of years with open tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. The tax benefit that has been previously reserved because of a failure to meet the “more likely than not” recognition threshold would be recognized in our income tax expense in the first interim period when the uncertainty disappears under any one of the following conditions: (1) the tax position is “more likely than not” to be sustained; (2) the tax position, amount, and/or timing is ultimately settled through negotiation or litigation; or (3) the statute of limitations for the tax position has expired. Settlement of any particular issue would usually require the use of cash.
On March 27, 2020, the U.S. government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, which contained a tax provision that increased the allowable deductible percentage of interest expense from 30 percent to 50 percent. This resulted in the company being able to immediately recognize a $3.9 million benefit in the first quarter of 2020. As a result of our income in 2020, we were able to release the remaining valuation allowance at year end. During fiscal year 2021, we had no impact to our income tax provision resulting from the CARES Act.
Tax law requires items to be included in the tax return at different times than when these items are reflected in the consolidated financial statements. As a result, the annual tax rate reflected in our consolidated financial statements is different from that reported in our tax return (our cash tax rate). Some of these differences are permanent, such as expenses that are not deductible in our tax return, and some differences reverse over time, such as depreciation expense. These timing differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. The tax rates used to determine deferred tax assets or liabilities are the enacted tax rates in effect for the year and manner in which the differences are expected to reverse. Based on the evaluation of available information, we recognize future tax benefits, such as net operating loss carryforwards, to the extent that realizing these benefits is considered more likely than not.
We evaluate our ability to realize the tax benefits associated with deferred tax assets by analyzing our forecasted taxable income using both historical and projected future operating results, the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable
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income in prior carryback years (if permitted), and the availability of tax planning strategies. A valuation allowance is required to be established unless management determines that it is more likely than not that we will ultimately realize the tax benefit associated with a deferred tax asset. As of January 1, 2022, positive evidence continued to outweigh negative evidence, as such no valuation allowance was deemed necessary except to the extent of certain state net operating losses. The valuation allowances related to our net operating losses as of January 1, 2022 was approximately $4.3 million. See Note 5, Income Taxes, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
For a summary of recent accounting pronouncements applicable to our consolidated financial statements, see Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide this information.
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms (PCAOB ID: 42) (PCAOB ID: 243) | ||||||||
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of BlueLinx Holdings Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. (the Company) as of January 1, 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity (deficit) and cash flows for the fiscal year then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at January 1, 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of January 1, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 22, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Valuation of the Pension Benefit Obligation | |||||
Description of the Matter | As discussed in Note 8 of the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s pension benefit obligation was $105.9 million and exceeded the fair value of pension plan assets of $94.3 million, resulting in an unfunded obligation of $11.6 million. The estimation of the pension benefit obligation is dependent on actuarial methods and the selection of assumptions, such as the applicable discount rate and mortality rates. Auditing the valuation of the pension benefit obligation was complex due to the judgmental nature of the actuarial assumptions used in the valuation process. These assumptions have a significant effect on the pension benefit obligation. | ||||
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How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit | We tested controls that address the risks of material misstatements related to the valuation of the pension benefit obligations. For example, we tested controls over management’s review of the methodology used, significant actuarial assumptions, including management’s review of the selected discount and mortality rates with the Company’s external actuary, and the completeness and accuracy of the data inputs provided to the external actuary. To test the pension benefit obligation, our audit procedures included, among others, evaluating the methodology used, the significant actuarial assumptions discussed above, and the underlying data used by the Company. We compared the actuarial assumptions used by management to its historical accounting practices and evaluated the change in the pension benefit obligation from the prior year due to the change in interest cost, actuarial loss and benefits paid. In addition, we involved an actuarial specialist to assist with our procedures. For example, the discount rate reflects the rates at which benefits could effectively be settled and is based on current investment yields of high-quality corporate bonds. The Company uses an actuarially-developed full yield curve approach in establishing its discount rate. We evaluated management’s methodology for determining the discount rate that reflects the maturity and duration of the benefit payments. As part of this assessment, we developed an upper and lower yield curve using high quality bonds with characteristics appropriate for testing the development of the Company’s yield curve to evaluate its reasonability. To evaluate the mortality rate, we assessed whether the information was consistent with publicly available information, and whether any entity-specific adjustments were applied. We also tested the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data, including the participant data provided to management’s actuarial specialists. | ||||
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2021.
Atlanta, Georgia
February 22, 2022
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries
Marietta, Georgia
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of January 2, 2021, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at January 2, 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audit provided a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the audit of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 2, 2021 that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Assessment of the Realizability of Deferred Tax Assets
As described in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has recognized net deferred tax assets of $62.9 million as of January 2, 2021. The Company evaluates its ability to realize the tax benefits associated with deferred tax assets by analyzing the forecasted future taxable income using both historical and projected future operating results, the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income from prior carryback years and the availability of tax planning strategies. A valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax balance is required to be established unless management determines it is more likely than not that the tax benefit associated with the deferred tax asset will be realized. Realization is dependent upon the existence of sufficient future taxable income of an appropriate character within the carryforward periods. The Company's forecasted future taxable income requires significant management judgment.
We identified the assessment of the realizability of deferred tax assets as a critical audit matter. The development of management’s forecasted future taxable income involves significant judgment and assumptions, including the complexities related to the assessment of weighting relevant positive and negative evidence. Auditing these elements involved especially challenging auditor judgment due to the nature and extent of audit effort required to address these matters, including the need for specialized knowledge and skill in assessing these elements.
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The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:
•Evaluating the reasonableness of the assumptions and evidence to support the assumptions used by the Company to develop projections of forecasted future taxable income considering:
(i) the current and past performance of the Company;
(ii) the consistency with external market and industry data, and
(iii) the consistency of the assumptions with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit.
•Utilizing personnel with specialized knowledge and skill to assist in evaluating the Company’s application of the relevant tax regulations to the assumptions used in the determination of forecasted future taxable income.
/s/ BDO USA, LLP
We served as the Company's auditor from 2015 until 2021.
Atlanta, Georgia
March 3, 2021
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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
| Fiscal Year Ended January 1, 2022 | Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands, except per share data) | |||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 4,277,178 | $ | 3,097,328 | |||||||
| Cost of sales | 3,498,751 | 2,619,594 | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 778,427 | 477,734 | |||||||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative | 322,205 | 314,228 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 28,192 | 28,901 | |||||||||
| Amortization of deferred gains on real estate | (3,935) | (4,008) | |||||||||
| Gains from sales of property | (8,427) | (10,529) | |||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 2,315 | 6,901 | |||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 340,350 | 335,493 | |||||||||
| Operating income | 438,077 | 142,241 | |||||||||
| Non-operating expenses (income): | |||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 45,507 | 47,414 | |||||||||
| Other (income) expense, net | (1,306) | (254) | |||||||||
| Income before provision for income taxes | 393,876 | 95,081 | |||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 97,743 | 14,199 | |||||||||
| Net income | $ | 296,133 | $ | 80,882 | |||||||
| Basic income per share | $ | 30.80 | $ | 8.58 | |||||||
| Diluted income per share | $ | 29.99 | $ | 8.55 | |||||||
| Comprehensive income: | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 296,133 | $ | 80,882 | |||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income: | |||||||||||
| Actuarial gain (loss) on defined benefit plan, net of tax | 5,546 | (2,202) | |||||||||
| Amortization of unrecognized pension gain, net of tax | 1,064 | 788 | |||||||||
| Other | 22 | (15) | |||||||||
| Total other comprehensive (loss) income | 6,632 | (1,429) | |||||||||
| Comprehensive income | $ | 302,765 | $ | 79,453 | |||||||
See the accompanying Notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| January 1, 2022 | January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands, except share data) | |||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 85,203 | $ | 82 | |||||||
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $4,024 and $4,123, respectively | 339,637 | 293,643 | |||||||||
| Inventories, net | 488,458 | 342,108 | |||||||||
| Other current assets | 31,869 | 32,581 | |||||||||
| Total current assets | 945,167 | 668,414 | |||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 181,154 | 178,712 | |||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 49,568 | 51,142 | |||||||||
| Goodwill | 47,772 | 47,772 | |||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | 13,603 | 18,889 | |||||||||
| Deferred tax assets | 60,285 | 62,899 | |||||||||
| Other non-current assets | 19,905 | 20,302 | |||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 1,317,454 | $ | 1,048,130 | |||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 180,000 | $ | 165,163 | |||||||
| Accrued compensation | 22,363 | 24,751 | |||||||||
| Taxes payable | 6,138 | 7,847 | |||||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs of $— and $74, respectively | — | 1,171 | |||||||||
| Finance lease liabilities - short-term | 7,864 | 5,675 | |||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities - short-term | 5,145 | 6,076 | |||||||||
| Real estate deferred gains - short-term | 3,934 | 4,040 | |||||||||
| Other current liabilities | 18,347 | 14,309 | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 243,791 | 229,032 | |||||||||
| Non-current liabilities: | |||||||||||
Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs of $4,701 and $8,936, respectively | 291,271 | 321,270 | |||||||||
| Finance lease liabilities - long-term | 266,853 | 267,443 | |||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities - long-term | 44,526 | 44,965 | |||||||||
| Real estate deferred gains - long-term | 74,206 | 78,009 | |||||||||
| Pension benefit obligation | 11,605 | 22,684 | |||||||||
| Other non-current liabilities | 21,953 | 25,635 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities | 954,205 | 989,038 | |||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies | |||||||||||
| STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||
Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 9,725,760 and 9,462,774 outstanding on January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021, respectively | 97 | 95 | |||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 268,085 | 266,695 | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (29,360) | (35,992) | |||||||||
| Accumulated stockholders’ equity (deficit) | 124,427 | (171,706) | |||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 363,249 | 59,092 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 1,317,454 | $ | 1,048,130 | |||||||
See the accompanying Notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Accumulated Deficit | Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 28, 2019 | 9,366 | 94 | $ | 260,974 | $ | (34,563) | $ | (252,588) | $ | (26,083) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | 80,882 | 80,882 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation, net of tax | — | — | — | (6) | — | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impact of defined pension plan, net of tax | — | — | — | (1,414) | — | (1,414) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vesting of restricted stock units | 127 | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation related to share-based grants | — | — | 5,992 | — | — | 5,992 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings | (30) | — | (271) | — | — | (271) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | — | — | (9) | — | (9) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, January 2, 2021 | 9,463 | $ | 95 | $ | 266,695 | $ | (35,992) | $ | (171,706) | $ | 59,092 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | 296,133 | 296,133 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation, net of tax | — | — | — | 5 | — | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impact of defined pension plan, net of tax | — | — | — | 6,610 | — | 6,610 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vesting of restricted stock units | 379 | 2 | — | — | — | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation related to share-based grants | — | — | 6,590 | — | — | 6,590 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings | (116) | — | (5,193) | — | — | (5,193) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | — | (7) | 17 | — | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, January 1, 2022 | 9,726 | $ | 97 | $ | 268,085 | $ | (29,360) | $ | 124,427 | $ | 363,249 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
See the accompanying Notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| Fiscal Year Ended January 1, 2022 | Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 296,133 | $ | 80,882 | |||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operations: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 28,192 | 28,901 | |||||||||
| Amortization of debt issuance costs | 1,411 | 3,881 | |||||||||
| Adjustment to debt issuance cost associated with term loan/revolver | 7,394 | — | |||||||||
| Gains from sales of property | (8,427) | (10,529) | |||||||||
| Deferred income tax | 356 | (8,420) | |||||||||
| Share-based compensation | 6,590 | 5,992 | |||||||||
| Amortization of deferred gain from real estate | (3,935) | (4,008) | |||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | (45,994) | (100,771) | |||||||||
| Inventories | (146,350) | 3,698 | |||||||||
| Accounts payable | 14,837 | 32,815 | |||||||||
| Other current assets | 712 | (9,546) | |||||||||
| Taxes payable | (1,709) | 10,156 | |||||||||
| Other assets and liabilities | (4,187) | 21,968 | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 145,023 | 55,019 | |||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of assets | 10,327 | 12,849 | |||||||||
| Property and equipment investments | (14,415) | (3,689) | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (4,088) | 9,160 | |||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||
| Borrowings on revolving credit facilities | 949,080 | 843,905 | |||||||||
| Repayments on revolving credit facilities | (1,235,724) | (882,155) | |||||||||
| Repayments on term loan | (43,204) | (103,470) | |||||||||
| Proceeds from senior secured notes | 295,861 | — | |||||||||
| Proceeds from real estate financing transactions | — | 78,263 | |||||||||
| Debt financing costs | (5,459) | (3,350) | |||||||||
| Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings | (5,193) | (271) | |||||||||
| Principal payments on finance lease liabilities | (11,175) | (8,662) | |||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (55,814) | (75,740) | |||||||||
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 85,121 | (11,561) | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 82 | 11,643 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 85,203 | $ | 82 | |||||||
| Supplemental Cash Flow Information | |||||||||||
| Net income tax payments during the period | $ | 98,855 | $ | 14,377 | |||||||
| Interest paid during the period | $ | 33,236 | $ | 43,502 | |||||||
| Noncash transactions: | |||||||||||
| Additions of fleet assets under finance leases | $ | 10,549 | $ | 3,833 | |||||||
See the accompanying Notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
BlueLinx is a leading wholesale distributor of residential and commercial building products in the United States. We are a “two-step” distributor. Two-step distributors purchase products from manufacturers and distribute those products to dealers and other suppliers in local markets, who then sell those products to end users. We carry a broad portfolio of both branded and private-label stock keeping units (“SKUs”) across two principal product categories: specialty products and structural products. Specialty products include items such as engineered wood, industrial products, cedar, moulding, siding, metal products, and insulation. Structural products include items such as lumber, plywood, oriented strand board, rebar, and remesh. We also provide a wide range of value-added services and solutions aimed at relieving distribution and logistics challenges for our customers and suppliers, while enhancing their marketing and inventory management capabilities. Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
We operate on a 5-4-4 fiscal calendar. Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to December 31 of that fiscal year and may comprise 53 weeks in certain years. Our 2021 fiscal year contained 52 weeks and ended on January 1, 2022. Fiscal 2020 contained 53 weeks and ended on January 2, 2021.
Reclassification of Prior Period Presentation
We have reclassified certain payables within the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the year ended January 2, 2021, from other current liabilities to taxes payable. These payables relate to amounts due to various tax authorities.
For the year ended January 2, 2021, we have reclassified certain items within the presentation of our statement of cash flows to align with our statement of cash flows presentation for the year ended January 1, 2022. Our reclassifications are limited to the operating activities section and include presenting only the impact of deferred income taxes, instead of our full provision for income taxes, as a reconciling item for net income to cash provided by operating activities. We have also reclassified certain items previously presented individually, such as pension expense and pension contributions, to be included in the change of other assets and liabilities. In addition, we are presenting the change in taxes payable, previously included in other assets and liabilities, as a distinct line item in our reconciliation of net income to cash provided by operating activities. These reclassifications, we believe, provide an enhanced level of transparency with regards to the presentation of our statement of cash flows.
Use of Estimates
Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates based on assumptions about current, and for some estimates, future economic and market conditions, including the effects of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”), which affect reported amounts and related disclosures in our financial statements. Although our current estimates contemplate current and expected future conditions, as applicable, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could differ from our expectations, which could materially affect our results of operations and financial position.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the Company’s customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expected to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The timing of revenue recognition largely is dependent on shipping terms. Revenue is recorded at the time of shipment for terms designated free on board (“FOB”) shipping point. For sales transactions designated FOB destination, revenue is recorded when the product is delivered to the customer’s delivery site.
All revenues recognized are net of trade allowances, cash discounts, and sales returns. Cash discounts and sales returns are estimated using historical experience. Trade allowances are based on the estimated obligations and historical experience. Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to estimates on discounts and returns have been immaterial for each of the reported periods.
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In addition, we provide inventory to certain customers through pre-arranged agreements on a consignment basis. Customer consigned inventory is maintained and stored by certain customers; however, ownership and risk of loss remains with us.
Shipping and Handling
Outbound shipping and handling costs included in “Selling, general, and administrative” expenses were $149.2 million and $151.2 million for fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, respectively. Shipping and handling costs include amounts related to the administration of our logistical infrastructure, handling of material in our warehouses, and amounts pertaining to the delivery of products to our customers, such as fuel and maintenance costs for our mobile fleet, wages for our drivers, and third party freight charges.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are stated at net realizable value, do not bear interest, and consist of amounts owed for orders shipped to customers. Management establishes an overall credit policy for sales to customers. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on a number of factors including specific customer account reviews, historical loss experience, current economic trends, and the creditworthiness of significant customers based on ongoing credit evaluations.
Inventory Valuation
The cost of all inventories is determined by the moving average cost method. We have included all material charges directly or indirectly incurred in bringing inventory to its existing condition and location. We evaluate our inventory value at the end of each quarter to ensure that inventory, when viewed by category, is carried at the lower of cost and net realizable value, which also considers items that may be damaged, excess, and obsolete inventory.
Consideration Received from Vendors and Paid to Customers
Each year, we enter into agreements with many of our vendors providing for inventory purchase rebates, generally based on achievement of specified volume purchasing levels. We also receive rebates related to price protection and various marketing allowances that are common industry practice. We accrue for the receipt of vendor rebates based on purchases, and also reduce inventory to reflect the net acquisition cost (purchase price less expected purchase rebates).
In addition, we enter into agreements with many of our customers to offer customer rebates, generally based on achievement of specified sales levels and various marketing allowances that are common industry practice. We accrue for the payment of customer rebates based on sales to the customer, and also reduce sales to reflect the net sales (sales price less expected customer rebates). Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to rebate estimates have been immaterial.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Lease obligations for which we assume or retain substantially all the property rights and risks of ownership are capitalized. Amortization of assets recorded under finance leases is included in “Depreciation and amortization” expense. Replacements of major units of property are capitalized and the replaced properties are retired. Replacements of minor components of property and repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets included in the table below. Upon retirement or disposition of assets, cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the related accounts and any gain or loss is included in income.
Property and equipment consisted of the following asset classes with the following general range of estimated useful lives:
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| General Range of Estimated Useful Lives in Years | January 1, 2022 | January 2, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Land and land improvements | 7 - 15(1) | $ | 19,679 | $ | 18,808 | ||||||||||||
| Buildings | 15 - 33 | 169,730 | 165,541 | ||||||||||||||
| Machinery and equipment | 3 - 7 | 120,091 | 113,364 | ||||||||||||||
| Construction in progress | 8,753 | 2,222 | |||||||||||||||
| 318,253 | 299,935 | ||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation | (137,099) | (121,223) | |||||||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | $ | 181,154 | $ | 178,712 | |||||||||||||
(1) The range of estimated useful lives for the “Land and land improvements” asset class applies only to land improvements.
As of January 1, 2022, and January 2, 2021, the net book value of total assets classified as “held for sale” was $2.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively, and was included in “Other current assets” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The book value of total liabilities classified as “held for sale” as of January 1, 2022, and January 2, 2021, was $1.9 million and $0 million, respectively, and was included in “Other current liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Assets held for sale as of January 1, 2022, consisted of fixed assets, at net book value, and current assets, including raw material and work in process inventory, affiliated with one of our business locations in the Midwest. Liabilities classified as held for sale included current liabilities, such as accounts payable, directly associated with those assets held for sale that will be transferred with the assets held for sale. We plan to sell these assets and transfer these liabilities within the next 12 months. Assets held for sale as of January 2, 2021, consisted of two former distribution facilities located in Birmingham, Alabama, and Houston, Texas which were sold throughout 2021. At the time of designation, we ceased recognizing depreciation expense on these assets. We continue to actively market all assets that are designated as “held for sale.
During the year ended January 2, 2021, we sold two non-operating facilities that were previously identified as “held for sale”. We recognized a gain of $8.4 million in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a result of these sales.
Insurance and Self-Insurance
For fiscal 2021 and 2020, the Company was insured for its non-union and certain unionized employee health benefits. Health benefits for some unionized employees for fiscal 2021 and 2020 were paid directly to a union trust, depending upon the union-negotiated benefit arrangement.
For fiscal 2021 and 2020, the Company was self-insured, up to certain limits, for workers’ compensation losses, general liability, and automotive liability losses, all subject to varying “per occurrence” retentions or deductible limits. The Company provides for estimated costs to settle both known claims and claims incurred but not yet reported by making periodic prepayments, considering our retention and stop loss limits. Liabilities of the Company associated with these claims are estimated, in part, by considering the frequency and severity of historical claims, both specific to us, as well as industry-wide loss experience and other actuarial assumptions. We determine our insurance obligations with the assistance of actuarial firms. Since there are many estimates and assumptions involved in recording insurance liabilities, and in the case of workers’ compensation, a significant period of time elapses before the ultimate resolution of claims, differences between actual future events, and prior estimates and assumptions could result in adjustments to these liabilities. The Company has deposits on hand with certain third-party insurance administrators and insurance carriers to cover its obligation for future payment of claims. These deposits are recorded in other current and non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
Leases
We are the lessee in a lease contract when we obtain the right to control an asset associated with a particular lease. For operating leases, we record a right-of-use ("ROU") asset that represents our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and a corresponding lease liability that represents our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease, both of which are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. Financing ROU assets associated with finance leases are included in property and equipment. Leases with a lease term of 12 months or less at inception are not recorded on our consolidated balance sheet and are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term in our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income. We determine the lease term by assuming the exercise of renewal options that are reasonably certain. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value
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of future lease payments. When our contracts contain lease and non-lease components, we account for both components as a single lease component. See Note 11, Lease Commitments, for further discussion.
Income Taxes
We account for deferred income taxes using the liability method. Accordingly, we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as measured by current enacted tax rates. All deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as noncurrent in our consolidated balance sheet. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when necessary. For additional information about our income taxes, see Note 5, Income Taxes.
Pension
We sponsor a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan administered solely by us (the “pension plan”). Most of the participants in the plan are inactive, with all remaining active participants no longer accruing benefits, and the plan is closed to new entrants. Our funding policy for the pension plan is based on actuarial calculations and the applicable requirements of federal law. Benefits under the pension plan primarily are related to years of service.
We are involved in various multiemployer pension plans (“MEPPs”) that provide retirement benefits to certain union employees in accordance with certain collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”). As one of many participating employers in these MEPPs, we are generally responsible with the other participating employers for any plan underfunding. Our contributions to a particular MEPP are established by the applicable CBAs; however, our required contributions may increase based on the funded status of an MEPP and legal requirements such as those of the Pension Act, which requires substantially underfunded MEPPs to implement a funding improvement plan (“FIP”) or a rehabilitation plan (“RP”) to improve their funded status.
Recent Accounting Standards - Adopted
Income Taxes. In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2019-12, “Income taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.” This ASU simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The amendments in this standard are effective for interim periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. We adopted this standard effective for fiscal year 2021. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Defined Benefit Pension Plan. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, “Compensation-Retirement-Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20).” The amendments in this ASU modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans by removing six previously required disclosures and adding two. The ASU eliminates the requirement to disclose the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as part of net periodic benefit cost over the next year. The ASU also removes the disclosure requirements for the effects of a one-percentage-point change on the assumed health care costs and the effect of this change in rates on service cost, interest cost and the benefit obligation for postretirement health care benefits. We adopted this standard effective for fiscal year 2020. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Fair Value Measurement. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Fair Value (“FV”) Measurement (Topic 820).” In addition to making certain modifications, the standard removes the requirements to disclose: (i) the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the FV hierarchy; (ii) the policy for timing transfers between levels; and (iii) the valuation process for Level 3 FV measurements. The standard will require public entities to disclose: (a) the changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 FV measurements held at the end of the reporting period; and (b) the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. For certain unobservable inputs, an entity may disclose other quantitative information in lieu of the weighted average if the entity determines that other quantitative information would be a more reasonable and rational method to reflect the distribution of unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 FV measurements. The additional disclosure requirements should be applied prospectively for the most recent interim or annual period presented in the fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. We adopted this standard effective December 29, 2019, the first day of our 2020 fiscal year. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
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Recent Accounting Standards - Not Yet Adopted
Credit Impairment Losses. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326).” This ASU sets forth a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model which requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial instruments or other assets (e.g., trade receivables), held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model, is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost, and applies to some off-balance sheet credit exposures. The standard also requires enhanced disclosures to help financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an entity's portfolio. ASU 2019-10 extended the effective date to interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022, for certain public business entities, including smaller reporting companies. We have completed our assessment of the standard and determined from our assessment that the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
2. Inventories
Our inventories consist almost entirely of finished goods inventory, with an immaterial amount of work-in-process inventory. The cost of all inventories is determined by the moving average cost method. We have included all material charges directly incurred in bringing inventory to its existing condition and location. We evaluate our inventory value at the end of each quarter to ensure that inventory, when viewed by category, is carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which also considers items that may be considered damaged, excess, and obsolete inventory. At the end of fiscal 2021, we assessed the carrying value of our inventory and determined it was presented at the lower of cost or net realizable value and that an additional reserve was not necessary.
3. Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when the following criteria are met: (1) Contract with the customer has been identified; (2) Performance obligations in the contract have been identified; (3) Transaction price has been determined; (4) The transaction price has been allocated to the performance obligations; and (5) When (or as) performance obligations are satisfied.
Contracts with our customers are generally in the form of standard terms and conditions of sale. From time to time, we may enter into specific contracts with some of our larger customers, which may affect delivery terms. Performance obligations in our contracts generally consist solely of delivery of goods. For all sales channel types, consisting of warehouse, direct, and reload sales, we typically satisfy our performance obligations upon shipment. Our customer payment terms are typical for our industry, and may vary by the type and location of our customer and the products or services offered. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not deemed to be significant by us. For certain sales channels and/or products, our standard terms of payment may be as early as ten days.
In addition, we provide inventory to certain customers through pre-arranged agreements on a consignment basis. Customer consigned inventory is maintained and stored by certain customers; however, ownership and risk of loss remains with us.
All revenues recognized are net of trade allowances (i.e., rebates), cash discounts and sales returns. Cash discounts and sales returns are estimated using historical experience. Trade allowances are based on the estimated obligations and historical experience. Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to estimates on discounts and returns have been insignificant for each of the reported periods. Certain customers may receive cash-based incentives or credits, which are accounted for as variable consideration. We estimate these amounts based on the expected amount to be provided to customers and reduce revenues recognized. We believe that there will not be significant changes to our estimates of variable consideration.
The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by revenue source. Sales and usage-based taxes are excluded from revenues.
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| Fiscal Year Ended | |||||||||||
| January 1, 2022 | January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Specialty products | $ | 2,520,305 | $ | 1,865,125 | |||||||
| Structural products | 1,756,873 | 1,232,203 | |||||||||
| Total net sales | $ | 4,277,178 | $ | 3,097,328 | |||||||
The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by sales channel. Warehouse sales are delivered from our warehouses to our customers. Reload sales are similar to warehouse sales but are delivered from third-party warehouses where we store owned products to enhance operating efficiencies. This channel is employed primarily to service strategic customers that would be less economical to service from our warehouses, and to distribute large volumes of imported products from port facilities. Direct sales are shipped from the manufacturer to the customer without our taking physical possession of the inventory and, as a result, typically generate lower margins than our warehouse and reload distribution channels. This distribution channel requires the lowest amount of committed capital and fixed costs. In addition, from time to time, we may also make changes to certain intercompany allocations amongst sales channels. Sales and usage-based taxes are excluded from revenues.
| Fiscal Year Ended | |||||||||||
| January 1, 2022 | January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Warehouse and reload | $ | 3,513,277 | $ | 2,617,850 | |||||||
| Direct | 832,871 | 525,650 | |||||||||
| Cash discounts and rebates | (68,970) | (46,172) | |||||||||
| Total net sales | $ | 4,277,178 | $ | 3,097,328 | |||||||
Practical Expedients and Exemptions
We generally expense sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within selling, general, and administrative expense.
We have made an accounting policy election to treat outbound shipping and handling activities as a selling, general and administrative expense.
4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
As of January 1, 2022, our intangible assets consist of goodwill and other intangible assets including customer relationships, noncompete agreements, and trade names.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the fair value of tangible and intangible assets (including customer relationships, noncompete agreements, and trade names) acquired and liabilities assumed under acquisition accounting for business combinations.
Goodwill is not subject to amortization but must be tested for impairment at least annually. This test requires us to assign goodwill to a reporting unit and to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is less than its carrying amount. We evaluate goodwill for impairment as the first day of our fourth quarter, which was October 3, 2021 for fiscal 2021. We performed a quantitative analysis of our goodwill using a combined discounted cash flow and guideline public company approach. Based on our assessment, no impairment was indicated.
In addition, we will evaluate the carrying value of goodwill for impairment between annual impairment tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amounts may be impaired. Such events and indicators may include, without limitation, significant declines in the industries in which our products are used, significant changes in capital market conditions, and significant changes in our market capitalization. No such indicators were present in fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020.
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Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
The gross carrying amounts, accumulated amortization, and net carrying amounts of our definite-lived intangible assets at January 1, 2022 were as follows:
| Weighted Average Remaining Useful Lives | Gross Carrying Amounts | Accumulated Amortization | (1) | Net Carrying Amounts | |||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Customer relationships | 8 | $ | 25,500 | $ | (12,492) | $ | 13,008 | ||||||||||||||||
| Noncompete agreements | 1 | 8,254 | (7,659) | 595 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trade names | — | 6,826 | (6,826) | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 40,580 | $ | (26,977) | $ | 13,603 | |||||||||||||||||
(1) Intangible assets except customer relationships are amortized on straight line basis. Customer relationships are amortized on a double declining balance
method.
The gross carrying amounts, accumulated amortization, and net carrying amounts of our definite-lived intangible assets at January 2, 2021 were as follows:
| Weighted Average Remaining Useful Lives | Gross Carrying Amounts | Accumulated Amortization | (1) | Net Carrying Amounts | |||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Customer relationships | 9 | $ | 25,500 | $ | (9,926) | $ | 15,574 | ||||||||||||||||
| Noncompete agreements | 1 | 8,254 | (5,595) | 2,659 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trade names | 1 | 6,826 | (6,170) | 656 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 40,580 | $ | (21,691) | $ | 18,889 | |||||||||||||||||
(1) Intangible assets except customer relationships are amortized on straight line basis. Customer relationships are amortized on a double declining balance
method.
Amortization Expense
Amortization expense for the definite-lived intangible assets was $5.3 million and $7.5 million for the years ended January 1, 2022, and January 2, 2021, respectively.
Estimated annual amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets over the next five fiscal years is as follows:
| Fiscal Year Ended | Estimated Amortization | |||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||
| 2022 | $ | 2,763 | ||||||
| 2023 | 1,807 | |||||||
| 2024 | 1,505 | |||||||
| 2025 | 1,423 | |||||||
| 2026 | 1,423 | |||||||
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5. Income Taxes
In fiscal 2021, our statutory rate was 25.8 percent which was comprised of the federal statutory income tax rate of 21.0 percent and our blended state statutory rate of 4.8 percent. In fiscal 2020, our statutory rate was 25.8 percent which was comprised of the federal statutory income tax rate of 21.0 percent and our blended state statutory rate of 4.8 percent. Our blended state rate is impacted by the mix of our income earned in various states and our federal taxable income, both of which may differ from year to year. Our effective tax rate is impacted by the effects of permanent differences occurring throughout our fiscal year.
For fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, our effective tax was 24.8 percent and 14.9 percent, respectively.
| Fiscal Year Ended January 1, 2022 | Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Income before provision for income taxes | $ | 393,876 | $ | 95,081 | |||||||
| Federal income taxes: | |||||||||||
| Current | $ | 78,005 | $ | 19,673 | |||||||
| Deferred | (1,585) | (9,038) | |||||||||
| State income taxes: | |||||||||||
| Current | 19,382 | 2,946 | |||||||||
| Deferred | 1,941 | 618 | |||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | $ | 97,743 | $ | 14,199 | |||||||
| Effective tax rate | 24.8 | % | 14.9 | % | |||||||
Our provision for income taxes is reconciled to the federal statutory amount as follows:
| Fiscal Year Ended January 1, 2022 | Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Federal income taxes computed at the federal statutory tax rate | $ | 82,628 | $ | 19,967 | |||||||
| State income taxes, net of federal benefit | 18,970 | 4,636 | |||||||||
| Valuation allowance change arising from state net operating losses | (3,018) | (4,101) | |||||||||
| Valuation allowance change arising from interest deduction limitation | — | (4,806) | |||||||||
| Uncertain tax positions | 91 | (1,879) | |||||||||
| Permanent differences arising from compensation | 686 | 500 | |||||||||
| Other | (1,614) | (118) | |||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | $ | 97,743 | $ | 14,199 | |||||||
Our financial statements contain certain deferred tax assets which primarily result from other temporary differences related to certain reserves, pension obligations, differences between book and tax depreciation and amortization, and state net operating losses. We record a valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets when we determine that, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that our net deferred tax assets will not be realized. For fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, the components of our net deferred income tax assets are as follows:
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| January 1, 2022 | January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Deferred income tax assets: | |||||||||||
| Inventory reserves | $ | 4,283 | $ | 2,896 | |||||||
| Compensation-related accruals | 6,457 | 6,524 | |||||||||
| Accounts receivable | 632 | 704 | |||||||||
| Property and equipment | 47,857 | 50,117 | |||||||||
| Operating lease liability | 13,087 | 13,266 | |||||||||
| Pension | 4,415 | 7,374 | |||||||||
Benefit from net operating loss carryovers | 5,408 | 8,010 | |||||||||
| Other | 251 | 585 | |||||||||
| Total gross deferred income tax assets | 82,390 | 89,476 | |||||||||
| Less: valuation allowances | (4,269) | (7,287) | |||||||||
| Total net deferred income tax assets | $ | 78,121 | $ | 82,189 | |||||||
| Deferred income tax liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Intangible assets | $ | (4,749) | $ | (5,688) | |||||||
| Operating lease asset | (12,611) | (12,848) | |||||||||
| Other | (476) | (754) | |||||||||
| Total deferred income tax liabilities | (17,836) | (19,290) | |||||||||
| Deferred income tax asset, net | $ | 60,285 | $ | 62,899 | |||||||
Activity in our deferred tax asset valuation allowance for fiscal 2021 and 2020 was as follows:
| January 1, 2022 | January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Balance as of beginning of the fiscal year | $ | 7,287 | $ | 16,194 | |||||||
| Valuation allowance provided for taxes related to: | |||||||||||
| State net operating loss carryforwards | (3,018) | (4,101) | |||||||||
Disallowed interest limitation under the Tax Act and CARES | — | (4,806) | |||||||||
| Balance as of end of the fiscal year | $ | 4,269 | $ | 7,287 | |||||||
We have recorded income tax and related interest liabilities where we believe certain of our tax positions are not more likely than not to be sustained if challenged. These balances are included in other noncurrent liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits:
| January 1, 2022 | January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of the fiscal year | $ | 2,262 | $ | 4,245 | |||||||
| Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations | (57) | (1,983) | |||||||||
| Balance at end of the fiscal year | $ | 2,205 | $ | 2,262 | |||||||
Included in the unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021, were approximately $2.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively of tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce our annual effective tax rate for fiscal 2021 and 2020. No penalties were accrued for either 2021 or 2020. We have accrued interest associated with our unrecognized tax benefits which we release as those benefits are realized due to the lapse of applicable statute of limitations. Interest expense associate with our unrecognized tax benefits is reported as interest expense, net in our Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
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Impacts of the Tax Act and CARES
In December of 2017, the U.S. enacted comprehensive tax legislation under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, (“The Tax Act”), which made broad and complex changes to the tax code. During fiscal 2019, we recorded a valuation allowance of $4.8 million primarily related to interest disallowed for deduction related to changes included in the Tax Act. In March of 2020, the U.S. enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES” Act). CARES included a provision which raised the level of deductibility for previously disallowed interest which had been enacted under the Tax Act. During fiscal 2020, because of the provision included in CARES, we benefited from the release of the $4.8 million in valuation allowance which we had recorded during fiscal 2019 under the provisions of the Tax Act. We had no impact to our income tax provision in fiscal 2021 from either The Tax Act nor CARES.
Net Operating Losses
At the end of fiscal 2020, our gross state net operating loss carryovers are $162.6 million and our tax-effected state net operating loss carryovers are $8.0 million, of which $7.3 million was subject to a valuation allowance arising from expiration date when considered conjunction with state limitations related to Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 382. At the end of fiscal 2021, our gross state net operating loss carryovers are $98.6 million and our tax-effected state net operating loss carryovers are $5.4 million, of which $4.3 million is subject to a valuation allowance arising from expiration dates when considered in conjunction with state limitation related to IRC Section 382. Our state net operating loss carryovers will expire in 1 to 20 years. For fiscal 2021, we reversed $3.0 million in valuation allowance against our state net operating losses. Based on our taxable income for 2021 in the states where we have net operating loss carryforwards, we believe we will be able to utilize this amount of state net operating losses that were previously reserved by this valuation allowance. We file U.S. federal and state income tax returns in jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations and may be subject to audit based on periods that are not limited by applicable statutes. Our U.S. federal income tax returns for tax years 2018, 2019 and 2020 remain subject to audit under the federal statute of limitations. Our auditable state income tax returns vary depending on the jurisdiction and its applicable statute of limitations.
Although we believe our estimates are reasonable in the carrying value of our valuation allowances against our deferred tax items, the ultimate determination of the appropriate amounts of valuation allowance involves significant judgement.
Assessing our Deferred Tax Assets
Quarterly, we assess the carrying value of our deferred tax assets for impairment by evaluating the weight of available evidence at the end of each fiscal quarter. In our evaluation of the weight of available evidence at the end of fiscal 2021, we considered the recent reported income in the current year, as well as the reported income for 2020 and reported loss for 2019, which resulted in a three-year cumulative income situation as positive evidence which carried substantial weight. While this was substantial, it was not the only evidence we evaluated. We also considered evidence related to the four sources of taxable income, to determine whether such positive evidence outweighed the negative evidence. The evidence considered included:
•future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences;
•future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards;
•taxable income in prior carryback years, if carryback is permitted under the tax law; and
•tax planning strategies.
In addition to the positive evidence discussed above, we considered as positive evidence forecasted future taxable income, the future timing of the reversal of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the evidence from business and tax planning strategies. At the end of fiscal 2021 and 2020, in our evaluation of the weight of available evidence, we concluded that our deferred tax assets were not impaired other than $4.3 million of the state net operating losses.
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6. Long-Term Debt
As of January 1, 2022, and January 2, 2021, long-term debt consisted of the following:
| January 1, 2022 | January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
Senior secured notes (1) | $ | 300,000 | $ | — | |||||||
Revolving credit facility (2) | — | 288,247 | |||||||||
Term loan facility (3) | — | 43,204 | |||||||||
Finance lease obligations (4) | 274,717 | 273,118 | |||||||||
| 574,717 | 604,569 | ||||||||||
| Unamortized debt issuance costs | (4,701) | (9,010) | |||||||||
| Unamortized bond discount costs | (4,028) | — | |||||||||
| 565,988 | 595,559 | ||||||||||
| Less: current maturities of long-term debt | 7,864 | 6,846 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt, net of current maturities | $ | 558,124 | $ | 588,713 | |||||||
(1) As of January 1, 2022, our long-term debt was comprised of $300 million of senior secured notes issued in October 2021. These notes are presented under the long-term debt caption of our balance sheet at $291.3 million which is net of their discount of $4.0 million and the combined carrying value of our debt issuance costs of $4.7 million. Our senior secured notes are presented in this table at their face value.
(2) The average effective interest rate was 2.5 percent and 3.3 percent for the years ended January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021, respectively.
(3) The average interest rate, exclusive of fees and prepayment penalties, was 8.0 percent and 8.2 percent for the years ended January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021, respectively.
(4) Refer to Note 11, Lease Commitments, for interest rates associated with finance lease obligations.
Revolving Credit Facility
In April 2018, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement, with certain of our subsidiaries as borrowers (together with us, the “Borrowers”) or guarantors thereunder, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent (“Agent”), and certain other financial institutions party thereto. The amended and restated credit agreement was amended in January 2020 to provide that (i) the “Seasonal Period” run from November 15, 2019, through July 15, 2020, for the calendar year 2019, and from December 15 of each calendar year through April 15 of each immediately succeeding calendar year for the calendar year 2020 and thereafter, and (ii) the measurement period in the definition of “Cash Dominion Event” will be five consecutive business days instead of three consecutive business days. The amended and restated credit agreement was further amended in August 2021 to, among other things, (i) extend the maturity date of the revolving credit facility from October 10, 2022, to August 2, 2026, (ii) amend the Borrowing Base (as such term is defined under the amended and restated credit agreement) to include a certain portion of the assets of acquired companies prior to the conduct of a field exam or appraisals thereof by the Agent, (iii) modify certain definitions and various affirmative and negative covenants in the amended and restated credit agreement to provide additional flexibility for the Company, and (iv) add customary LIBOR replacement language (as amended, the “Revolving Credit Agreement”).
The revolving credit agreement provided for a senior secured asset-based revolving loan and letter of credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) of up to $600 million and an uncommitted accordion feature that permits the Borrowers, with consent of the lenders, to increase the facility by an aggregate additional principal amount of up to $150 million, which will allow borrowings of up to $750 million under the revolving credit facility. Letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $30 million are also available under the revolving credit agreement, which would reduce the amount of the revolving loans available under the revolving credit facility. The maturity date of the revolving credit agreement is August 2, 2026. The Borrowers’ obligations under the revolving credit agreement are secured by a security interest in substantially all of our and our subsidiaries’ assets (other than real property), including inventories, accounts receivable, and proceeds from those items.
Borrowings under the revolving credit agreement are subject to availability under the Borrowing Base (as that term is defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement). The Borrowers are required to repay revolving loans thereunder to the extent that such revolving loans exceed the Borrowing Base then in effect. The revolving credit facility may be prepaid in whole or in part from time to time without penalty or premium, but including all breakage costs incurred by any lender thereunder.
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The revolving credit agreement provides for interest on borrowings under the revolving credit facility at a rate per annum equal to (i) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.25 percent to 1.75 percent, with the amount of such margin determined based upon the average of the Borrowers’ excess availability for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter as calculated by the Agent, for loans based on LIBOR, or (ii) the base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25 percent to 0.75 percent, with the amount of such margin determined based upon the average of the Borrowers’ excess availability for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter as calculated by the Agent, for loans based on the base rate.
All other material terms of the Credit Agreement, as amended, remained unchanged. The revolving credit agreement also contains representations and warranties and affirmative and negative covenants customary for financings of this type as well as customary events of default. In conjunction with our offering of senior secured notes, we amended the revolving credit facility to reduce the credit limit from $600 million to $350 million. In conjunction with the reduction of the credit limit of our revolving credit facility, we expensed approximately $1.6 million of debt issuance costs during the fourth quarter of 2021. These costs are included within interest expense, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and reported separately as an adjustment to net income in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
As of January 1, 2022, we had zero outstanding borrowings on our revolving credit facility. As of January 2, 2021, we had outstanding borrowings of $288.2 million and excess availability of $184.3 million under our revolving credit facility. For the years ended January 2, 2021 and January 1, 2022, our effective interest rate on our revolving credit facility was 3.3 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively.
We were in compliance with all covenants under the revolving credit agreement as of January 1, 2022.
Senior Secured Notes
In October 2021, we entered into an indenture (the “Indenture”) with the guarantors party thereto and Truist Bank, as trustee and collateral agent, in connection with a private offering of $300 million of our six percent senior secured notes due 2029 (the “2029 Notes”). The 2029 Notes were issued to investors at 98.625 percent of their principal amount and will mature on November 15, 2029. The majority of net proceeds from the offering of the 2029 Notes were used to repay borrowings under our revolving credit facility. In conjunction with this offering, we also amended the revolving credit facility to reduce the credit limit from $600 million to $350 million. In conjunction with the reduction of the credit limit of our revolving credit facility, we expensed approximately $1.6 million of debt issuance costs during the fourth quarter of 2021. These costs are included within interest expense, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and reported separately as an adjustment to net income in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
The Company’s obligations under the 2029 Notes are guaranteed by the Company’s domestic subsidiaries that are co-borrowers under or guarantee the Company’s revolving credit facility. The 2029 Notes and the related guarantees are secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the Company’s and each guarantor’s existing and future assets (other than receivables, inventory, deposit accounts, securities accounts, business interruption insurance and other related assets (the “ABL Collateral”)), subject to certain exceptions and customary permitted liens. The 2029 Notes and the related guarantees are also secured on a second-priority basis by a lien on the ABL Collateral. Interest on the 2029 Notes will be payable on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on May 15, 2022.
The 2029 Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after November 15, 2024 at certain redemption prices. The redemption price for the 2029 Notes if redeemed during the twelve months beginning (i) November 15, 2024 is 103.000%, (ii) November 15, 2025 is 101.500%, and (iii) November 15, 2026 and thereafter is 100.000%. The Company may also redeem some or all of the 2029 Notes before November 15, 2024 at a redemption price of 100.0% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date, plus a “make-whole” premium. In addition, the Company may redeem up to 40.0% of the outstanding 2029 Notes before November 15, 2024 with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings at a price equal to 106.000% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued but unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date. Furthermore, the Company may redeem the 2029 Notes at any time and from time to time prior to November 15, 2024 during each of the three consecutive twelve month periods commencing on October 25, 2021 in an aggregate principal amount equal to up to 10.0% of the original aggregate principal amount of the 2029 Notes at a redemption price of 103.0%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date. In addition, the Company may be required to make an offer to purchase the 2029 Notes upon the sale of certain assets or upon a change of control.
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Term Loan Facility
In April 2018, in connection with the acquisition of Cedar Creek, we entered into a Credit and Guaranty Agreement by and among the Company, as borrower, certain of our subsidiaries, as guarantors, HPS Investment Partners, LLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent (“HPS”) and certain other financial institutions as parties thereto. In October 2019, the Credit and Guaranty Agreement was amended to, among other things, permit real estate sale leaseback transactions. The Credit and Guaranty Agreement was amended in October 2019, January 2020, and February 2020 (as amended, the “Term Loan Agreement”). The Term Loan Agreement provided for a senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $180 million (the “Term Loan Facility”). The proceeds from the term loan facility were used to fund a portion of the cash consideration payable in connection with the acquisition of Cedar Creek and to fund transaction costs in connection with the acquisition and the term loan facility. The obligations under the Term Loan Agreement were secured by a security interest in substantially all of our and our subsidiaries’ assets, including inventories, accounts receivable, real property, and proceeds from those items.
As of January 2, 2021, we had outstanding borrowings of $43.2 million under our term loan facility. On April 2, 2021, we repaid the remaining outstanding principal balance under the term loan facility and the facility was terminated. As a result, as of January 1, 2022, we had no outstanding borrowings under the term loan facility. In connection with our repayment of the term loan facility, we expensed $5.8 million of debt issuance costs during the first quarter of fiscal 2021 that we had been amortizing in connection the term loan facility. These costs are included within interest expense, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and reported separately as an adjustment to net income in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. While the facility was paid in full as of April 2, 2021, our average interest rate under the facility, exclusive of fees and prepayment premiums, was 8.2 percent and 8.0 percent for the years ended January 2, 2021 and January 1, 2022, respectively.
Finance Lease Obligations
Our finance lease liabilities consist of leases related to equipment and vehicles, and to real estate, with the majority of those finance lease commitments relating to the real estate financing transactions that we completed in recent years. During fiscal 2020, we completed real estate financing transactions on two warehouse facilities; and during fiscal 2021, we completed real estate financing transactions on fourteen warehouse facilities. We recognized financing lease assets and obligations as a result of each of these real estate transactions. We also entered into new finance lease agreements for new tractors for our fleet totaling $3.8 million and $10.5 million during fiscal 2020 and 2021, respectively. Our total finance lease commitments, including the properties associated with these transactions, totaled $274.7 million and $273.1 million as of January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021, respectively. Of the $274.7 million of finance lease commitments as of January 1, 2022, $244.0 million related to real estate and $30.7 million related to equipment. Of the $273.1 million of finance lease commitments as of January 2, 2021, $243.7 million related to real estate and $29.4 million related to equipment.
For more information on our finance lease obligations, refer to Note 11, Lease Commitments.
7. Fair Value Measurements
We determine a fair value measurement based on the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability, in accordance with ASC 820 - Fair Value Measurement. The fair value measurement guidance established a three level hierarchy making a distinction between market participant assumptions based on (i) unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market (Level 1), (ii) quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (Level 2), and (iii) prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement (Level 3). The fair value measurement guidance also establishes, as a practical expedient, that certain investments are not to be classified in the fair value hierarchy when they are measured at fair value using net asset value ("NAV").
Fair value measurements for defined benefit pension plan
The fair value hierarchy discussed above not only is applicable to assets and liabilities that are included in our consolidated balance sheets, but also is applied to certain other assets that indirectly impact our consolidated financial statements. For example, we sponsor and contribute to a single-employer defined benefit pension plan (see Note 8, Employee Benefits). Assets contributed by us become the property of the pension plan. Even though the Company no longer has control over these assets, we are indirectly impacted by subsequent fair value adjustments to these assets. The actual return on these assets impacts our future net periodic benefit cost, as well as amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheets. The Company uses the fair value hierarchy to measure the fair value of assets held by our pension plan where applicable. Certain investments are measured using the net asset value ("NAV") per share as a practical expedient and have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
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8. Employee Benefits
Single-Employer Defined Benefit Pension Plan
We sponsor a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan administered solely by us (the “pension plan”). Most of the participants in the plan are inactive, with all remaining active participants no longer accruing benefits, and the plan is closed to new entrants. Our funding policy for the pension plan is based on actuarial calculations and the applicable requirements of federal law. Benefits under the pension plan primarily are related to years of service.
The following tables set forth the change in projected benefit obligation and the change in plan assets for the pension plan:
| January 1, 2022 | January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Change in projected benefit obligation: | |||||||||||
| Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period | $ | 113,827 | $ | 107,026 | |||||||
| Interest cost | 2,019 | 2,892 | |||||||||
| Actuarial (gain) loss | (4,106) | 9,813 | |||||||||
| Benefits paid | (5,866) | (5,904) | |||||||||
| Projected benefit obligation at end of period | $ | 105,874 | $ | 113,827 | |||||||
| Change in plan assets: | |||||||||||
| Fair value of assets at beginning of period | $ | 91,143 | $ | 83,606 | |||||||
| Actual return on plan assets | 7,892 | 11,948 | |||||||||
| Employer contributions | 1,100 | 1,493 | |||||||||
| Benefits paid | (5,866) | (5,904) | |||||||||
| Fair value of assets at end of period | 94,269 | 91,143 | |||||||||
| Net unfunded status of plan | $ | (11,605) | $ | (22,684) | |||||||
The accumulated benefit obligation for the pension plan was $105.9 million and $113.8 million at January 1, 2022, and January 2, 2021, respectively. We recognize the unfunded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligations) of our pension plan in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, with a corresponding adjustment to AOCI, net of tax. On January 1, 2022, we measured the fair value of our plan assets and benefit obligations. As of January 1, 2022, and January 2, 2021, the net unfunded status of our benefit plan was $11.6 million and $22.7 million, respectively.
We have elected to utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation service and interest cost components for pension (income)/expense recognized during the fiscal year by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows.
Actuarial gains and losses occur when actual experience differs from the estimates used to determine the components of net periodic pension cost, and when certain assumptions used to determine the fair value of the plan assets or projected benefit obligation are updated, including but not limited to, changes in the discount rate, plan amendments, differences between actual and expected returns on plan assets, mortality assumptions, and plan re-measurement.
We amortize a portion of unrecognized actuarial gains and losses for the pension plan into our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The amount recognized in the current year’s operations is based on amortizing the unrecognized gains or losses for the pension plan that exceed the larger of 10% of the projected benefit obligation or the fair value of plan assets, also known as the corridor. In the current fiscal year, the amount representing the unrecognized gain or loss that exceeds the corridor is amortized over the estimated average remaining life expectancy of participants, as almost all the participants in the plan are inactive.
The net adjustment to other comprehensive income (loss) for fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, was a $6.6 million net of tax gain and a $1.4 million net of tax loss, respectively. The adjustments in both fiscal years are primarily due to a combination of actuarial adjustments at year-end in addition to the amortization of unrealized gain and/or losses throughout the fiscal year.
The decrease in the unfunded obligation for the fiscal year was approximately $11.1 million and was primarily comprised of $7.4 million of actuarial gain, $4.6 million of investment gains, $1.1 million of pension contributions (comprised of cash contributions and lease payments for the properties contributed to the pension plan in 2013), and a charge of $2.0 million due to
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current year interest cost. The net periodic pension credit was $1.3 million in fiscal 2021 compared to $0.9 million in fiscal 2020, driven primarily by a reduction in the interest cost on the projected benefit obligation.
The unfunded status recorded as Pension Benefit Obligation on our Consolidated Balance Sheets for the pension plan is set forth in the following table, along with the unrecognized actuarial loss, which is presented as part of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:
| January 1, 2022 | January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Unfunded status | $ | (11,605) | $ | (22,684) | |||||||
| Unrecognized actuarial loss | 24,200 | 32,921 | |||||||||
| Net amount recognized | $ | 12,595 | $ | 10,237 | |||||||
| Amounts recognized on the balance sheet consist of: | |||||||||||
| Accrued pension liability | $ | (11,605) | $ | (22,684) | |||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss (pre-tax) | 24,200 | 32,921 | |||||||||
| Net amount recognized | $ | 12,595 | $ | 10,237 | |||||||
The net periodic pension credit for the pension plan included the following:
| Fiscal Year Ended January 1, 2022 | Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||
| Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 2,019 | 2,892 | |||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | (4,560) | (4,840) | |||||||||
| Amortization of unrecognized loss | 1,283 | 1,052 | |||||||||
| Net periodic pension credit for the pension plan | $ | (1,258) | $ | (896) | |||||||
The following assumptions were used to determine the projected benefit obligation at the measurement date and the net periodic pension cost:
| January 1, 2022 | January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| Projected benefit obligation: | |||||||||||
| Discount rate | 2.90 | % | 2.51 | % | |||||||
| Average rate of increase in future compensation levels | N/A | N/A | |||||||||
| Net periodic pension: | |||||||||||
| Discount rate | 1.84 | % | 2.79 | % | |||||||
| Average rate of increase in future compensation levels | N/A | N/A | |||||||||
| Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets | 5.20 | % | 6.00 | % | |||||||
Our estimates of the amount and timing of our future funding obligations for our defined benefit pension plan are based upon various assumptions specified above. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the discount rate, projected return on plan assets, and mortality rates. The rate of increase in future compensation levels has a minimal effect on both the projected benefit obligation and net periodic pension cost, as almost all the participants in the plan are inactive, the majority of the remaining active participants are no longer accruing benefits, and the plan is closed to new entrants.
Projected return on plan assets. Pension plan assets are managed under a balanced portfolio allocation policy comprised of two major components: a return-seeking portion and a liability-matching portion. The expected role of return-seeking investments is to achieve a reasonable long-term growth of pension assets with a prudent level of risk, while the role of liability-matching investments is to provide a partial hedge against liability performance associated with changes in interest rates. The objective
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within return-seeking investments is to achieve asset diversity in order to balance return and volatility. We employ a designated fiduciary to manage the day-to-day investment responsibilities for pension plan assets and relationships with certain agents, advisors, and other fiduciaries.
The discount rate. We utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation of these components by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve of high-quality corporate bonds used in determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. We have made this change to provide a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by improving the correlation between projected benefit cash flows to the corresponding spot yield curve rates.
Mortality rates. The valuations and assumptions reflect adoption of the Society of Actuaries updated RP-2014 mortality tables, with a “blue collar employee” adjustment for non-annuitants and a BlueLinx custom adjustment projected from 2015 for annuitants. Additionally, we use the most current generational projection scales, which were MP-2021 as of January 1, 2022, and MP-2020 as of January 2, 2021.
Plan Assets and Long-Term Rate of Return
Fiscal 2021
We base the asset return assumption on current and expected asset allocations, as well as historical and expected returns on the plan asset categories. The allocation of the plan’s assets impacts our expected return on plan assets. The expected return on plan assets is based on a targeted allocation consisting of return-seeking securities (including public equity, real assets, and diversified credit investment strategies), liability-matching securities (fixed income), and cash and cash equivalents. Our net benefit cost increases as the expected return on plan assets decreases. We believe that our actual long-term asset allocations on average will approximate our targeted allocation. Our targeted allocation is driven by our investment strategy to earn a reasonable rate of return while maintaining risk at acceptable levels through the diversification of investments across and within various asset categories. For fiscal 2021, we used a 5.20% expected rate of return on plan assets.
The investment policy for the pension plan, in general, is to achieve a reasonable long-term rate of return on plan assets with an acceptable level of risk in order to maintain adequate funding levels. The pension plan’s Investment Committee establishes risk mitigation policies and regularly monitors investment performance and investment allocation policies, with a third-party investment advisor executing on these strategies. We employ a designated fiduciary to manage the day to day investment responsibilities for pension plan assets and relationships with certain agents, advisors, and other fiduciaries.
The current targets, adjusted to exclude non-GAAP BlueLinx real-estate holdings, and actual investment allocation, by asset category as of January 1, 2022, consisted of the following:
| Type | Current Target Allocation | Actual Allocation, January 1, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Global equity | 44.4 | % | 47.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Diversified credit | 16.7 | % | 16.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Real assets | 8.9 | % | 10.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Liability-hedging | 27.8 | % | 23.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Cash | 2.2 | % | 2.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Total | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||||||||||
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The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy (as defined in Note 7, Fair Value Measurements), pension plan assets at their fair values as of January 1, 2022:
| Type | Quoted prices in active markets of identical assets (Level 1) | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Significant other unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Assets measured at net asset value (NAV)(3) | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Return-seeking securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investments in trusts and funds(1) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 69,397 | $ | 69,397 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities-matching securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investments in trusts and funds(2) | — | — | — | 22,473 | 22,473 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 2,399 | — | — | — | 2,399 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,399 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 91,870 | $ | 94,269 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) This category is comprised of a collective investment trust of equity funds that track the MCSI World Index, a collective investment trust that holds publicly traded listed infrastructure securities, and a pooled investment fund.
(2) This category consists of a collective investment trust investing in Treasury STRIPS, in addition to a collective investment fund that tracks to U.S. government bond indexes, and a pooled investment fund.
(3) Investments that are measured at net asset value (“NAV”) (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of the Level 1 assets was based on quoted prices in active markets for the identical assets. Certain investments are measured at fair value using the net asset value ("NAV") per share as a practical expedient and have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. Investment objectives for our pension plan assets are:
•Matching plan liability performance
•Diversifying risk
•Achieving a target investment return
We believe that there are no significant concentrations of risk within our plan assets as of January 1, 2022. We comply with the rules and regulations promulgated under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and we prohibit investments and investment strategies not allowed by ERISA.
Fiscal 2020
The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, pension plan assets at their fair values as of January 2, 2021:
| Type | Quoted prices in active markets of identical assets (Level 1) | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Significant other unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Assets measured at net asset value (NAV)(3) | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Return-seeking securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investments in trusts and funds(1) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 64,870 | $ | 64,870 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities-matching securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investments in trusts and funds(2) | — | — | — | 23,905 | 23,905 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 2,371 | — | — | — | 2,371 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total: | $ | 2,371 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 88,775 | $ | 91,146 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) This category is comprised of a collective investment trust of equity funds that track the MCSI World Index, a collective investment trust that holds publicly traded listed infrastructure securities, and a pooled investment fund.
(2) This category consists of a collective investment trust investing in Treasury STRIPS, in addition to a collective investment fund that tracks to U.S. government bond indexes, and a pooled investment fund.
(3) Investments that are measured at net asset value (“NAV”) (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. In
our fiscal 2020 10-K, we presented investments measured at net asset value (NAV) as Level 2 investments in the fair value hierarchy. The presentation has
been adjusted to show those investments measured at NAV in the table above.
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Pension Plan Cash Flows
Our estimated normal future benefit payments to pension plan participants are as follows:
| Fiscal Year Ended | (In thousands) | ||||
| 2022 | $ | 6,943 | |||
| 2023 | 6,602 | ||||
| 2024 | 6,644 | ||||
| 2025 | 6,671 | ||||
| 2026 | 6,647 | ||||
| Thereafter | 31,723 | ||||
We fund the pension plan liability in accordance with the limits imposed by ERISA, federal income tax laws, and the funding requirements of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (“Pension Act”). We are not required to make any cash contributions to the pension plan for fiscal funding year 2022.
Multiemployer Pension Plans
We are involved in various multiemployer pension plans (“MEPPs”) that provide retirement benefits to certain union employees in accordance with certain collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”). As one of many participating employers in these MEPPs, we are generally responsible with the other participating employers for any plan underfunding. Our contributions to a particular MEPP are established by the applicable CBAs; however, our required contributions may increase based on the funded status of an MEPP and legal requirements such as those of the Pension Act, which requires substantially underfunded MEPPs to implement a funding improvement plan (“FIP”) or a rehabilitation plan (“RP”) to improve their funded status. Factors that could impact funded status of an MEPP include, without limitation, investment performance, changes in the participant demographics, decline in the number of contributing employers, changes in actuarial assumptions, and the utilization of extended amortization provisions. A FIP or RP requires a particular MEPP to adopt measures to correct its underfunded status. These measures may include, but are not limited to: an increase in our contribution rate to the applicable CBA, a reallocation of the contributions already being made by participating employers for various benefits to individuals participating in the MEPP, and/or a reduction in the benefits to be paid to future and/or current retirees.
We could also be obligated to make future payments to MEPPs if we either cease to have an obligation to contribute to the MEPP or significantly reduce our contributions to the MEPP because we reduce our number of employees who are covered by the relevant MEPP for various reasons, including, but not limited to, layoffs or closures, assuming the MEPP has unfunded vested benefits. The amount of such payments (known as a complete or partial withdrawal liability) generally would equal our proportionate share of the plan’s unfunded vested benefits.
The following table lists our participation in our multiemployer plans which we deem significant. “Contributions” represent the amounts contributed to the plan during the fiscal years presented:
| Contributions (In millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pension Fund: | EIN/Pension Plan Number | Pension Act Zone Status | FIP/RP Status | Surcharge | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund | 366044243 | Critical and Declining (January 1, 2020) | RP | No | $ | 0.6 | $ | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 0.6 | $ | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Our contributions to this plan are approximately 0.1 percent of total contributions, which is less than the required disclosure threshold of five percent of total plan contributions. However, this plan is deemed significant for disclosure as it is severely underfunded. Our current CBA that requires contributions to the plan expires on December 31, 2022. In May 2020, we received a demand letter for payment resulting from our partial withdrawal in 2018 from the Central States Plan and started making payments in June 2020. These payments are payable monthly for a period of 20 years. Our liability for the remainder of these
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payments was $7.3 million as of January 1, 2022. We may, in the future, record an additional liability if required by an event of our complete withdrawal from the plan or a mass withdrawal. Our most recent contingent withdrawal liability was estimated at approximately $59.2 million, for a complete withdrawal occurring in 2022. In the case of a complete withdrawal or a mass withdrawal, the Central States Plan could demand yearly payments of approximately $1.1 million, which do not include payments for the partial withdrawal of approximately $0.6 million annually. In a complete withdrawal, the payments would not amortize the liability fully; however, payments for a complete withdrawal are limited to a 20-year period. In the case of a mass withdrawal, the liability would not amortize fully under current government regulations, and payments would continue indefinitely.
Defined Contribution Plans
Our employees also participate in two defined contribution plans: the BlueLinx Corporation Hourly Savings Plan covering hourly employees, and the BlueLinx Corporation Salaried Savings Plan covering salaried employees. Discretionary contributions to the plans are based on employee contributions and compensation, and, in certain cases, participants in the hourly savings plan also receive employer contributions based on union negotiated match amounts. Employer contributions to the hourly savings plan for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 were approximately $0.7 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
Employer contributions to the salaried savings plan for fiscal 2020 of approximately $1.8 million were deferred and paid in the first quarter of 2021. Employer contributions to the salaried savings plan for fiscal 2021 of approximately $2.0 million were deferred and will be paid in the first quarter of 2022.
9. Share-Based Compensation
We have four stock-based compensation plans covering officers, directors, certain employees, and consultants: the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”), the 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”), the 2016 Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”) and the 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”). The plans are designed to motivate and retain individuals who are responsible for the attainment of our primary long-term performance goals. The plans provide a means whereby the participants develop a further sense of proprietorship and personal involvement in our development and financial success, thereby advancing the interests of the Company and its stockholders. Although we do not have a formal policy on the matter, we issue new shares of our common stock to participants upon the exercise of options or upon the vesting of restricted stock, restricted stock units, or performance shares, out of the total amount of common shares applicable for issuance or vesting under the aforementioned plans. Shares are available for new issuance only under the 2021 Plan. The 2004, 2006 and 2016 Plans have no shares remaining for issuance. Remaining 2006 and 2016 Plan shares are outstanding only for the vesting of outstanding equity awards.
On May 20, 2021 at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, our stockholders approved the BlueLinx Holding, Inc. 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”), which the Board of Directors had previously approved. The 2021 Plan permits the grant of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, cash-based awards, and other share-based awards to participants of the 2021 Plan selected by our Board of Directors or a committee of the Board that administers the 2021 Plan. We reserved 750,000 shares of our common stock for issuance under the 2021 Plan. The terms and conditions of awards under the 2021 Plan are determined by the Compensation Committee. Some of the awards issued under both the 2006 and 2016 Plans are subject to accelerated vesting in the event of a change in control as such an event is defined in the respective Plan documents.
For all awards designated as equity awards, we recognize compensation expense equal to the grant-date fair value for all share-based payment awards that are expected to vest, as described further below, in “Compensation Expense.” This expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the entire award, unless the awards are subject to market or performance conditions, in which case we recognize compensation expense over the requisite service period of each separate vesting tranche, to the extent the occurrence of such conditions are probable.
All compensation expense related to our share-based payment awards is recorded in “Selling, general, and administrative” expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
Restricted Stock Units
During fiscal 2021 and in prior years, the Board of Directors were granted restricted stock units with a one-year vesting period, although a pro-rated portion could vest prior to the one-year period, with the remainder forfeited, if a director chose not to stand for re-election before the one-year vesting period elapsed. All vested director grants prior to May 20, 2021 settle at the earlier of ten years from the vesting date or retirement from the Board of Directors, whichever comes first. These awards are time-based and are not based upon attainment of performance goals. Grants to directors made after May 20, 2021 from the 2021 Plan share
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pool will vest and settle after one year, although a pro-rated portion of the award may vest prior to the one year period, with the remainder forfeited if the director is not standing for re-election or upon retirement from the Board of Directors.
During fiscal 2020 and 2021, the Board of Directors granted restricted stock units to certain of our employees and executive officers. Certain of the restricted stock units granted in fiscal 2020 and 2021 vest in equal annual increments over the three years after the date of grant. Certain restricted stock units granted in fiscal 2019 vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant if certain performance conditions are met prior to the vesting date, and the remaining restricted stock units granted in fiscal 2019 vest at the end of the Company’s second fiscal quarter in 2022 if certain performance conditions are met as of the vesting date.
As of January 1, 2022, there was approximately $7.6 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock units. The unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average term of 1.3 years. As of January 1, 2022, the weighted average remaining contractual term for our restricted stock units was 1.3 years, and the maximum contractual term was 3.0 years.
The following table summarizes activity for our restricted stock units during fiscal 2021:
| Restricted Stock Units | |||||||||||
| Number of Awards | Weighted Average Fair Value | ||||||||||
| Outstanding as of January 2, 2021 | 725,483 | $ | 15.61 | ||||||||
Granted(1) | 214,040 | 42.25 | |||||||||
Vested(2) | (379,371) | 16.87 | |||||||||
| Forfeited | (71,546) | 16.76 | |||||||||
| Outstanding as of January 1, 2022 | 488,606 | $ | 26.13 | ||||||||
(1)Granted shares in fiscal 2021 include approximately 27,677 shares associated with grants issued in fiscal 2019 that include performance criteria granting additional shares for which we believe the performance criteria will be achieved.
(2)The total fair value of restricted stock units vested in fiscal 2021 and 2020 was $6.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
For fiscal 2020, the weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted was $8.52.
Compensation Expense
Total share-based compensation expense from our share-based awards was as follows:
| January 1, 2022 | January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Restricted Stock Units | $ | 6,590 | $ | 5,992 | |||||||
| Total | $ | 6,590 | $ | 5,992 | |||||||
We do not estimate forfeitures but adjust for them as they occur.
We recognized related income tax benefits in fiscal years 2021 and 2020 of $1.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively, which were fully realized in fiscal 2021 and 2020. We include the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation expense as a component of our provision for income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income when present. There were $0.9 million of excess tax benefits in fiscal 2021 and no excess tax benefits in fiscal 2020.
10. Income per Common Share
We calculate basic income per share by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, excluding unvested restricted stock units. We calculate diluted income per share using the treasury stock method, by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of outstanding share-based awards, including restricted stock units. The following table shows the computation of basic and diluted income per share:
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| Fiscal Year Ended | |||||||||||
| January 1, 2022 | January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| ($ in thousands, except per share data) | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 296,133 | $ | 80,882 | |||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding - basic | 9,615 | 9,422 | |||||||||
| Dilutive effect of share-based awards | 261 | 41 | |||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted | 9,876 | 9,463 | |||||||||
| Basic income per share | $ | 30.80 | $ | 8.58 | |||||||
| Diluted income per share | $ | 29.99 | $ | 8.55 | |||||||
For fiscal years 2021 and 2020, we excluded approximately 128,206 and 725,483 unvested share-based awards, respectively, from the diluted income per share calculation because they were either anti-dilutive or “out of the money.” Outstanding share-based awards not included in diluted loss per share consisted of restricted stock units.
11. Lease Commitments
We have operating and finance leases for certain of our distribution facilities, office space, land, mobile fleet, and equipment. Many of our leases are non-cancelable and typically have a defined initial lease term, and some provide options to renew at our election for specified periods of time. The majority of our leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 15 years, some of which include one or more options to extend the leases for 5 years. Our leases generally provide for fixed annual rentals. Certain of our leases include provisions for escalating rent based on, among other things, contractually defined increases and/or changes in the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”). The known changes to lease payments are included in the lease liability at lease commencement. Unknown changes related to CPI are treated as variable lease payments and recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments was incurred. In addition, a subset of our vehicle lease cost is considered variable. Some of our leases require us to pay taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses associated with the leased assets. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception and assess lease classification as either operating or finance at lease inception or modification. Operating lease right-of use (“ROU”) assets and liabilities are presented separately on the consolidated balance sheets. Finance lease ROU assets are included in property and equipment and the finance lease obligations are presented separately in the consolidated balance sheet. When a lease does not provide an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. We have also made the accounting policy election to not separate lease components from non-lease components related to our mobile fleet asset class.
Finance Lease Liabilities
Our finance lease liabilities consist of leases related to equipment and vehicles, and real estate. As noted in the table below, a majority of our finance leases, formally known as capital leases, relate to real estate.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we completed several real estate financing transactions. On December 31, 2019, we completed real estate financing transactions on warehouse facilities in Madison, TN; Kansas City, MO; Richmond, VA; and Bridgeton, MO for aggregate net proceeds of $27.2 million. On January 31, 2020, we completed real estate financing transactions on warehouse facilities in Charlotte, NC; Memphis, TN; Independence, KY; San Antonio, TX; Portland, ME; Denville, NJ; Yaphank, NY; Pensacola, FL; and Tallmadge, OH for aggregate net proceeds of $34.1 million. On February 28, 2020, we completed a real estate financing transaction on a warehouse facility in Elkhart, IN for net proceeds of $7.5 million. These transactions were completed pursuant to sale-leaseback arrangements, and upon their completion, we entered into long-term leases on the properties for initial terms from 15 years to 18 years with multiple 5-year renewal options. Gross proceeds of these transactions were $78.3 million.
We determined that the transactions in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 did not qualify as sales in accordance with ASC 842. Therefore, for accounting purposes, the transactions were not accounted for as sale-leaseback transactions, and no gain or loss was recorded. We determined that these leases qualified for finance lease treatment and recorded them accordingly. The net
67
book value of the assets related to these transactions remains on our books as property and equipment and we continue to depreciate the assets over their remaining useful lives.
On August 14, 2020, we entered into a sale-leaseback arrangement on our warehouse facility in Denver, CO. We determined that this transaction qualified as a sale in accordance with ASC 842 and the lease qualified for operating lease treatment. Gross proceeds of this transaction were $11.0 million and we recognized a related gain of $8.7 million. Upon completion of the transaction, we entered into a long-term lease on the property for an initial term of five years with multiple 5-year renewal options. Net proceeds of the transaction were $10.6 million, which were used to pay down our term loan facility.
During fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2021, we entered in to equipment finance leases totaling $3.8 million and $10.5 million, respectively, for tractors added to our delivery fleet.
The following table presents our assets and liabilities related to our leases as of January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021:
| January 1, 2022 | January 2, 2021 | |||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||
| Assets | Classification | |||||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | Operating lease right-of-use assets | $ | 49,568 | $ | 51,142 | |||||||||
Finance lease right-of-use assets (1) | 143,851 | 148,561 | ||||||||||||
| Total lease right-of-use assets | $ | 193,419 | $ | 199,703 | ||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Current portion | ||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | Operating lease liabilities - short term | $ | 5,145 | $ | 6,076 | |||||||||
| Finance lease liabilities | Finance lease liabilities - short term | 7,864 | 5,675 | |||||||||||
| Non-current portion | ||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | Operating lease liabilities - long term | 44,526 | 44,965 | |||||||||||
| Finance lease liabilities | Finance lease liabilities - long term | 266,853 | 267,443 | |||||||||||
| Total lease liabilities | $ | 324,388 | $ | 324,159 | ||||||||||
(1) Finance lease right-of-use assets are presented net of accumulated amortization of $73.7 million and $58.6 million as of January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021, respectively.
The components of lease expense were as follows:
| Fiscal Year Ended January 1, 2022 | Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Operating lease cost: | $ | 11,626 | $ | 12,634 | |||||||
| Finance lease cost: | |||||||||||
| Amortization of right-of-use assets | $ | 15,183 | $ | 14,193 | |||||||
| Interest on lease liabilities | 24,847 | 23,809 | |||||||||
| Total finance lease costs | $ | 40,030 | $ | 38,002 | |||||||
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Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
| Fiscal Year Ended January 1, 2022 | Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Operating cash flows from operating leases | $ | 10,782 | $ | 12,256 | |||||||
| Operating cash flows from finance leases | 24,847 | 23,809 | |||||||||
| Financing cash flows from finance leases | $ | 11,175 | $ | 8,662 | |||||||
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations | |||||||||||
| Operating leases | $ | 5,663 | $ | 4,442 | |||||||
| Finance leases | $ | 10,549 | $ | 3,833 | |||||||
Supplemental balance sheet information for right-of-use assets related to leases was as follows:
| January 1, 2022 | January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Finance leases | |||||||||||
| Property and equipment | $ | 217,592 | $ | 207,147 | |||||||
| Accumulated depreciation | (73,741) | (58,586) | |||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | $ | 143,851 | $ | 148,561 | |||||||
| Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (in years) | |||||||||||
| Operating leases | 10.75 | 11.14 | |||||||||
| Finance leases | 15.06 | 16.08 | |||||||||
| Weighted Average Discount Rate | |||||||||||
| Operating leases | 9.01 | % | 9.28 | % | |||||||
| Finance leases | 10.00 | % | 9.87 | % | |||||||
The major categories of our finance lease liabilities as of January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021 are as follows:
| January 1, 2022 | January 2, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Equipment and vehicles | $ | 30,710 | $ | 29,434 | |||||||
| Real estate | 244,007 | 243,684 | |||||||||
| Total finance leases | $ | 274,717 | $ | 273,118 | |||||||
As of January 1, 2022, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:
| Operating leases | Finance leases | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| 2022 | $ | 9,376 | $ | 32,495 | |||||||
| 2023 | 9,134 | 32,115 | |||||||||
| 2024 | 8,329 | 31,521 | |||||||||
| 2025 | 8,329 | 27,994 | |||||||||
| 2026 | 6,050 | 31,439 | |||||||||
| Thereafter | 40,711 | 348,149 | |||||||||
| Total lease payments | $ | 81,929 | $ | 503,713 | |||||||
| Less: imputed interest | (32,258) | (228,996) | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 49,671 | $ | 274,717 | |||||||
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On January 2, 2021, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:
| Operating leases | Finance leases | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| 2021 | $ | 11,215 | $ | 30,159 | |||||||
| 2022 | 9,161 | 29,453 | |||||||||
| 2023 | 8,400 | 29,189 | |||||||||
| 2024 | 7,283 | 28,649 | |||||||||
| 2025 | 7,392 | 28,102 | |||||||||
| Thereafter | 44,092 | 380,511 | |||||||||
| Total lease payments | $ | 87,543 | $ | 526,063 | |||||||
| Less: imputed interest | (36,502) | (252,945) | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 51,041 | $ | 273,118 | |||||||
12. Commitments and Contingencies
Environmental and Legal Matters
From time to time, we are involved in various proceedings incidental to our businesses, and we are subject to a variety of environmental and pollution control laws and regulations in all jurisdictions in which we operate. Although the ultimate outcome of these proceedings cannot be determined with certainty, based on presently available information, management believes that adequate reserves have been established for probable losses with respect thereto and receivables recorded for expected receipts from settlements. Management further believes that, while the ultimate outcome of these matters could be material to operating results in any given quarter, they will not have a materially adverse effect on our long-term financial condition, our results of operations, or our cash flows.
Collective Bargaining Agreements
As of January 1, 2022, we employed approximately 2,055 employees and less than one percent of our employees are employed on a part-time basis. Approximately 21 percent of our employees were represented by various local labor unions with terms and conditions of employment governed by CBAs. Six CBAs covering approximately six percent of our employees were up for renewal in fiscal 2021. Four of those CBAs were successfully renewed, and another is expected to be completed before the end of the first quarter 2022. The remaining CBA was terminated as a result of the local union disclaiming interest in continuing to represent the employees at the particular location. Two CBAs covering approximately four percent of our employees are up for renewal in fiscal 2022.
13. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is a measure of income which includes both net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). Our other comprehensive income (loss) results from items deferred from recognition into our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is separately presented on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as part of common stockholders’ equity (deficit). Other comprehensive income (loss) was $6.6 million and $(1.4) million for fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, respectively.
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The changes in accumulated balances for each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for fiscal 2020 and 2021 were as follows:
Foreign currency translation, net of tax | Impact of defined benefit pension, net of tax | Other, net of tax | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 28, 2019, ending balance, net of tax | $ | 666 | $ | (35,441) | $ | 212 | $ | (34,563) | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (1) | (6) | (1,414) | (9) | (1,429) | |||||||||||||||||||
| January 2, 2021, ending balance, net of tax | $ | 660 | $ | (36,855) | $ | 203 | $ | (35,992) | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (2) | 5 | 6,610 | 17 | 6,632 | |||||||||||||||||||
| January 1, 2022, ending balance, net of tax | $ | 665 | $ | (30,245) | $ | 220 | $ | (29,360) | |||||||||||||||
(1) For fiscal 2020, there was $1.7 million of impact related to our defined pension for related actuarial adjustments and amortization of unrecognized amounts from the prior year, net of taxes of $0.3 million. There was a tax benefit of $0.4 million allocated to the loss from continuing operations and tax expense allocated to the income from other comprehensive income.
(2) For fiscal 2021, there was $6.6 million of impact related to our defined pension for related actuarial adjustments and amortization of unrecognized amounts from the prior year, net of taxes of $2.1 million.
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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, performed an evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this report, of our disclosure controls and procedures, which have been designed to permit us to record, process, summarize, and report, within time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms, information required to be disclosed. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the controls and procedures were effective as of January 1, 2022, to ensure that material information was accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control
During the fiscal year ended January 1, 2022, we did not make any changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies may deteriorate.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 1, 2022, using the criteria issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on that evaluation, management believes that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of January 1, 2022.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 1, 2022, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, which also audited our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended January 1, 2022.
Ernst & Young LLP’s report on our internal control over financial reporting is set forth below.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of BlueLinx Holdings Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited BlueLinx Holdings Inc. internal control over financial reporting as of January 1, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, BlueLinx Holdings Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 1, 2022, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheet of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. as of January 1, 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity (deficit) and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes and our report dated February 22, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 22, 2022
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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
None.
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PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Certain information required by this Item will be set forth in our definitive proxy statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. (the “Proxy Statement”) to be filed within 120 days after the end of our 2021 fiscal year and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information regarding compensation of officers and directors of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. will be set forth under the captions entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation Committee Report,” “Compensation of Executive Officers” and “Director Compensation for 2021” in the Proxy Statement, to be filed within 120 days after the end of our 2021 fiscal year and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners, Management, and Related Stockholders Matters Information regarding ownership of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. common stock will be set forth under the captions entitled “Security Ownership of Management and Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” (if applicable) in the Proxy Statement, to be filed within 120 days after the end of our 2021 fiscal year and is incorporated herein by reference.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information about the shares of our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options and other awards under our existing equity compensation plans as of January 1, 2022. Our stockholder-approved equity compensation plans consist of the 2021 Plan. Shares are available for issuance under the 2021 Plan. We do not have any non-stockholder approved equity compensation plans.
| (a) | (b) | (c) | ||||||||||||||||||
Plan Category | Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights | Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights | Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)) | |||||||||||||||||
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | — | $ | — | 745,837 | ||||||||||||||||
| Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | — | n/a | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | — | $ | — | 745,837 | ||||||||||||||||
Other information required by this item is set forth under the heading “Security Ownership of Management and Certain Beneficial Owners” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Certain Relationships, Related Transactions, and Director Independence Information regarding certain relationships, and related transactions with BlueLinx Holdings Inc., and director independence will be set forth under the captions entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” and “More Information About the Board of Directors” in the Proxy Statement, to be filed within 120 days after the end of our 2021 fiscal year and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information required by this item will be set forth under the heading “Proposal 2 - Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement, to be filed within 120 days after the end of our 2021 fiscal year and is incorporated by reference.
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PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Financial Statements, Schedules, and Exhibits
1. Financial Statements. The Financial Statements of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are presented under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
2. Financial Statement Schedules. Not applicable.
3. Exhibits.
| Exhibit Number | Item | |||||||
| 2.1 | ||||||||
| 3.1 | ||||||||
| 3.2 | ||||||||
| 3.3 | ||||||||
| 4.1 | ||||||||
| 4.2 | ||||||||
| 10.1 | Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 12, 2004, by and among Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Georgia-Pacific Building Materials Sales, Ltd. and BlueLinx Corporation (A) | |||||||
| 10.2 | First Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2004, by and among Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Georgia-Pacific Building Materials Sales, Ltd. and BlueLinx Corporation (A) | |||||||
| 10.3 | ||||||||
| 10.4 | BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2004 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan (A) ± | |||||||
| 10.5 | Amended and Restated BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (as amended through May 17, 2012 and restated solely for purposes of filing pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K) (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 16, 2012) ± | |||||||
| 10.6 | ||||||||
| 10.7 | ||||||||
| 10.8 | ||||||||
| 10.9 | ||||||||
| 10.10 | ||||||||
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| Exhibit Number | Item | |||||||
| 10.11 | ||||||||
| 10.12 | ||||||||
| 10.13 | ||||||||
| 10.14 | ||||||||
| 10.15 | ||||||||
| 10.16 | ||||||||
| 10.17 | ||||||||
| 10.18 | ||||||||
| 10.19 | ||||||||
| 10.20 | ||||||||
| 10.21 | ||||||||
| 10.22 | ||||||||
| 10.23 | ||||||||
| 10.24 | ||||||||
| 10.25 | ||||||||
| 10.26 | ||||||||
| 10.27 | ||||||||
77
| Exhibit Number | Item | |||||||
| 10.28 | ||||||||
| 10.29 | ||||||||
| 10.30 | ||||||||
| 10.31 | ||||||||
| 10.32 | ||||||||
| 10.33 | ||||||||
| 10.34 | ||||||||
| 10.35 | ||||||||
| 10.36 | ||||||||
| 10.37 | ||||||||
| 10.38 | ||||||||
| 10.39 | ||||||||
| 10.40 | ||||||||
| 10.41 | ||||||||
| 10.42 | ||||||||
| 10.43 | ||||||||
| 10.44 | ||||||||
| 10.45 | ||||||||
| 10.46 | ||||||||
78
| Exhibit Number | Item | |||||||
| 10.47 | ||||||||
| 10.48 | ||||||||
| 10.49 | ||||||||
| 10.50 | ||||||||
| 10.51 | ||||||||
| 10.52 | ||||||||
| 10.53 | ||||||||
| 10.54 | ||||||||
| 10.55 | ||||||||
| 10.56 | ||||||||
| 10.57 | ||||||||
| 10.58 | ||||||||
| 10.59 | ||||||||
| 10.60 | ||||||||
79
| Exhibit Number | Item | |||||||
| 10.61 | ||||||||
| 10.62 | ||||||||
| 10.63 | ||||||||
| 10.64 | ||||||||
| 16.1 | ||||||||
| 21.1 | ||||||||
| 23.1 | ||||||||
| 23.2 | ||||||||
| 31.1 | ||||||||
| 31.2 | ||||||||
| 32.1 | ||||||||
| 32.2 | ||||||||
| 101.Def | Definition Linkbase Document* | |||||||
| 101.Pre | Presentation Linkbase Document* | |||||||
| 101.Lab | Labels Linkbase Document* | |||||||
| 101.Cal | Calculation Linkbase Document* | |||||||
| 101.Sch | Schema Document* | |||||||
| 101.Ins | Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | |||||||
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| † | Portions of this document were omitted and filed separately with the SEC pursuant to a request for confidential treatment in accordance with Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act. | ||||
| * | Filed herewith. | ||||
| ** | Exhibit is being furnished and shall not deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subjected to liability under that Section. this exhibit shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference. | ||||
± | Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. | ||||
| (A) | Previously filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-118750) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 1, 2004. | ||||
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ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
BlueLinx Holdings Inc.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Dwight Gibson
Dwight Gibson
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: February 22, 2022
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| Signature | Capacity | Date | ||||||
| Name | ||||||||
| /s/ Dwight Gibson | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | February 22, 2022 | ||||||
| Dwight Gibson | ||||||||
| /s/ Kelly C. Janzen | Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) | February 22, 2022 | ||||||
| Kelly C. Janzen | ||||||||
| /s/ Kim S. Fennebresque | Chairman | February 22, 2022 | ||||||
| Kim S. Fennebresque | ||||||||
| /s/ Karel K. Czanderna | Director | February 22, 2022 | ||||||
| Karel K. Czanderna | ||||||||
| /s/ Dominic DiNapoli | Director | February 22, 2022 | ||||||
| Dominic DiNapoli | ||||||||
| /s/ Mitchell B. Lewis | Director | February 22, 2022 | ||||||
| Mitchell B. Lewis | ||||||||
| /s/ J. David Smith | Director | February 22, 2022 | ||||||
| J. David Smith | ||||||||
| /s/ Carol B. Yancey | Director | February 22, 2022 | ||||||
| Carol B. Yancey | ||||||||
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