LIFETIME BRANDS, INC - Quarter Report: 2021 March (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
__________________________
FORM 10-Q
__________________________
(Mark One)
☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended: March 31, 2021
or
☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 0-19254
__________________________
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
__________________________
Delaware | 11-2682486 | ||||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
1000 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York, 11530
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(516) 683-6000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
__________________________
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, $.01 par value | LCUT | The Nasdaq Global Select Market |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 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 is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of April 30, 2021 was 21,979,942.
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2021
INDEX
Page No. | ||||||||
Part I. | ||||||||
Item 1. | ||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – March 31, 2021 (unaudited) and December 31, 2020 | ||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) – Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 | ||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (loss) (unaudited) – Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 | ||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited) –Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 | ||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) – Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 | ||||||||
Item 2. | ||||||||
Item 3. | ||||||||
Item 4. | ||||||||
Part II. | ||||||||
Item 1. | ||||||||
Item 2 | ||||||||
Item 6. | ||||||||
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data)
March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
(unaudited) | |||||||||||
ASSETS | |||||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 30,641 | $ | 35,963 | |||||||
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $18,333 at March 31, 2021 and $17,013 at December 31, 2020 | 131,251 | 170,037 | |||||||||
Inventory | 210,265 | 203,164 | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 10,128 | 12,129 | |||||||||
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | 382,285 | 421,293 | |||||||||
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net | 22,168 | 23,120 | |||||||||
OPERATING LEASE RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS | 94,804 | 96,543 | |||||||||
INVESTMENTS | 21,135 | 20,032 | |||||||||
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net | 239,927 | 244,025 | |||||||||
OTHER ASSETS | 2,109 | 2,468 | |||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 762,428 | $ | 807,481 | |||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | |||||||||||
Current maturity of term loan | $ | 11,569 | $ | 17,657 | |||||||
Accounts payable | 60,570 | 66,095 | |||||||||
Accrued expenses | 74,625 | 80,050 | |||||||||
Income taxes payable | 6,948 | 4,788 | |||||||||
Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 12,141 | 11,480 | |||||||||
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES | 165,853 | 180,070 | |||||||||
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES | 15,694 | 16,483 | |||||||||
INCOME TAXES PAYABLE, LONG-TERM | 1,444 | 1,444 | |||||||||
OPERATING LEASE LIABILITIES | 100,349 | 102,355 | |||||||||
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES | 10,714 | 10,714 | |||||||||
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY | — | 27,302 | |||||||||
TERM LOAN | 234,968 | 238,977 | |||||||||
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, shares authorized: 100 shares of Series A and 2,000,000 shares of Series B; none issued and outstanding | — | — | |||||||||
Common stock, $0.01 par value, shares authorized: 50,000,000 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020; shares issued and outstanding: 21,979,942 at March 31, 2021 and 21,755,195 at December 31, 2020 | 220 | 218 | |||||||||
Paid-in capital | 268,127 | 268,666 | |||||||||
Retained earnings | 2,548 | 424 | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (37,489) | (39,172) | |||||||||
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | 233,406 | 230,136 | |||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | $ | 762,428 | $ | 807,481 | |||||||
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 195,653 | $ | 145,070 | |||||||
Cost of sales | 129,653 | 92,136 | |||||||||
Gross margin | 66,000 | 52,934 | |||||||||
Distribution expenses | 18,646 | 16,557 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 38,108 | 41,522 | |||||||||
Goodwill and other impairments | — | 20,100 | |||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 9,246 | (25,245) | |||||||||
Interest expense | (4,014) | (4,736) | |||||||||
Mark to market gain (loss) on interest rate derivatives | 498 | (2,251) | |||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in (losses) earnings | 5,730 | (32,232) | |||||||||
Income tax (provision) benefit | (2,416) | 3,729 | |||||||||
Equity in (losses) earnings, net of taxes | (247) | 339 | |||||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | 3,067 | $ | (28,164) | |||||||
BASIC INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE | $ | 0.15 | $ | (1.36) | |||||||
DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE | $ | 0.14 | $ | (1.36) | |||||||
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 3,067 | $ | (28,164) | |||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes: | |||||||||||
Translation adjustment | 1,829 | (4,458) | |||||||||
Net change in cash flow hedges | (173) | (2,877) | |||||||||
Effect of retirement benefit obligations | 27 | 20 | |||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes | 1,683 | (7,315) | |||||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 4,750 | $ | (35,479) | |||||||
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Common stock | Paid-in capital | Retained earnings | Accumulated other comprehensive loss | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 21,755 | $ | 218 | $ | 268,666 | $ | 424 | $ | (39,172) | $ | 230,136 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income (loss): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 3,067 | — | 3,067 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Translation adjustment | — | — | — | — | 1,829 | 1,829 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net change in cash flow hedges | — | — | — | — | (173) | (173) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effect of retirement benefit obligations | — | — | — | — | 27 | 27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income | 4,750 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance shares issued to employees | 150 | 1 | (1) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net issuance of restricted shares granted to employees | 177 | 2 | (2) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock compensation expense | — | — | 1,439 | — | — | 1,439 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net exercise of stock options | 44 | — | 184 | — | — | 184 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares effectively repurchased for required employee withholding taxes | (146) | (1) | (2,159) | — | — | (2,160) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends (1) | — | — | — | (943) | — | (943) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2021 | 21,980 | $ | 220 | $ | 268,127 | $ | 2,548 | $ | (37,489) | $ | 233,406 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock | Paid-in capital | Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) | Accumulated other comprehensive loss | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2019 | 21,256 | $ | 213 | $ | 263,386 | $ | 7,173 | $ | (34,455) | $ | 236,317 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive (loss) income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | (28,164) | — | (28,164) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Translation adjustment | — | — | — | — | (4,458) | (4,458) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net change in cash flow hedges | — | — | — | — | (2,877) | (2,877) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effect of retirement benefit obligations | — | — | — | — | 20 | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss | (35,479) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance shares issued to employees | 62 | 1 | (1) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net issuance of restricted shares granted to employees and directors | 220 | 2 | (2) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock compensation expense | — | — | 1,320 | — | — | 1,320 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares effectively repurchased for required employee withholding taxes | (52) | (1) | (298) | — | — | (299) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends (1) | — | — | — | (932) | — | (932) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2020 | 21,486 | $ | 215 | $ | 264,405 | $ | (21,923) | $ | (41,770) | $ | 200,927 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Cash dividends declared per share of common stock were $0.0425 and $0.0425 in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 3,067 | $ | (28,164) | |||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 5,958 | 6,234 | |||||||||
Goodwill and other impairments | — | 20,100 | |||||||||
Amortization of financing costs | 443 | 441 | |||||||||
Mark to market (gain) loss on interest rate derivatives | (498) | 2,251 | |||||||||
Non-cash lease expense | (409) | 702 | |||||||||
Provision for doubtful accounts | 17 | 2,844 | |||||||||
Stock compensation expense | 1,444 | 1,326 | |||||||||
Undistributed equity in losses (earnings), net of taxes | 247 | (339) | |||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities | |||||||||||
Accounts receivable | 38,961 | 43,957 | |||||||||
Inventory | (6,479) | 6,788 | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses, other current assets and other assets | 2,121 | (401) | |||||||||
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | (10,746) | (18,148) | |||||||||
Income taxes receivable | — | (3,904) | |||||||||
Income taxes payable | 2,156 | — | |||||||||
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES | 36,282 | 33,687 | |||||||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||||
Purchases of property and equipment | (674) | (1,222) | |||||||||
Acquisition | (178) | — | |||||||||
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES | (852) | (1,222) | |||||||||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||||
Proceeds from revolving credit facility | 7,845 | 67,115 | |||||||||
Repayments of revolving credit facility | (35,131) | (23,436) | |||||||||
Repayments of term loan | (10,477) | (688) | |||||||||
Payments for finance lease obligations | (45) | (25) | |||||||||
Payments of tax withholding for stock based compensation | (2,160) | (299) | |||||||||
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options | 184 | — | |||||||||
Cash dividends paid | (1,010) | (934) | |||||||||
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES | (40,794) | 41,733 | |||||||||
Effect of foreign exchange on cash | 42 | (285) | |||||||||
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (5,322) | 73,913 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 35,963 | 11,370 | |||||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD | $ | 30,641 | $ | 85,283 | |||||||
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
NOTE 1 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Organization and business
The Company designs, sources and sells branded kitchenware, tableware and other products used in the home and markets its products under a number of widely-recognized brand names and trademarks, which are either owned or licensed by the Company or through retailers’ private labels and their licensed brands. The Company’s products, which are targeted primarily towards consumers purchasing moderately priced kitchenware, tableware and housewares, are sold through virtually every major level of trade. The Company generally markets several lines within each of its product categories under more than one brand. The Company sells its products directly to retailers (who may resell the Company’s products through their websites) and, to a lesser extent, to distributors. The Company also sells a limited selection of its products directly to consumers through its own websites.
Basis of presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist of normal recurring accruals and non-recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.
These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2021.
The Company’s business and working capital needs are highly seasonal, with a majority of sales occurring in the third and fourth quarters. In 2020 and 2019, net sales for the third and fourth quarters accounted for 62% and 60% of total annual net sales, respectively. In anticipation of the pre-holiday shipping season, inventory levels increase primarily in the June through October time period. The Company's inventory levels at March 31, 2021, did not decrease from the previous two quarters. The higher inventory levels are a result of increased inventory purchases to meet higher expected demand in 2021.
The Company’s current estimates contemplate current and expected future conditions, as applicable, however it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could differ from expectations, which could materially affect the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
Revenue recognition
The Company sells products wholesale, to retailers and distributors, and retail, directly to the consumer. Wholesale sales and retail sales are primarily recognized at the point in time the customer obtains control of the products, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those products.
The Company offers various sales incentives and promotional programs to its customers in the normal course of business. These incentives and promotions typically include arrangements such as cooperative advertising, buydowns, volume rebates and discounts. These arrangements and an estimate for products expected to be returned are reflected as reductions of revenue at the time of sale. See NOTE 2 —REVENUE to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information.
Cost of sales
Cost of sales consist primarily of costs associated with the production and procurement of product, inbound freight costs, purchasing costs, royalties, tooling, and other product procurement related charges.
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LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Distribution expenses
Distribution expenses consist primarily of warehousing expenses and freight-out expenses. Handling costs of products sold are included in cost of sales.
Accounts receivable
The Company periodically reviews the collectability of its accounts receivable and establishes allowances for estimated losses that could result from the inability of its customers to make required payments, taking into consideration customer credit history and financial condition, industry and market segment information, credit reports, and economic trends and conditions such as the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. A considerable amount of judgment is required to assess the ultimate realization of these receivables, including assessing the initial and on-going creditworthiness of the Company’s customers.
The Company also maintains an allowance for anticipated customer deductions. The allowances for deductions are primarily based on contracts with customers. However, in certain cases, the Company does not have a formal contract and, therefore, customer deductions are non-contractual. To evaluate the reasonableness of non-contractual customer deductions, the Company analyzes currently available information and historical trends of deductions.
Receivable purchase agreement
The Company has an uncommitted Receivables Purchase Agreement with HSBC Bank USA, National Association (“HSBC”) as Purchaser (the “Receivables Purchase Agreement”). The sale of accounts receivable, under the Receivables Purchase Agreement with HSBC, is excluded from the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets at the time of sale and the related sale expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Pursuant to this agreement, the Company sold to HSBC $40.6 million and $37.9 million of receivables during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Charges of $0.1 million and $0.2 million related to the sale of the receivables are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. At March 31, 2021 and 2020, $25.6 million and $23.2 million, respectively, of receivables sold were outstanding and due to HSBC from customers.
Inventory
Inventory consists principally of finished goods sourced from third-party suppliers. Inventory also includes finished goods, work in process and raw materials related to the Company’s manufacture of sterling silver products. Inventory is priced using the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value. The Company estimates the selling price of its inventory on a product by product basis based on the current selling environment. If the estimated selling price is lower than the inventory’s cost, the Company reduces the value of the inventory to its net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable cost of completion, disposal and transportation.
The components of inventory were as follows (in thousands):
March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
Finished goods | $ | 201,226 | $ | 194,209 | |||||||
Work in process | 185 | 45 | |||||||||
Raw materials | 8,854 | 8,910 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 210,265 | $ | 203,164 | |||||||
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LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Fair value of financial instruments
The Company determined that the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are reasonable estimates of their fair values because of their short-term nature. The Company determined that the carrying amounts of borrowings outstanding under its ABL Agreement and Term Loan (each as defined in NOTE 7 — DEBT to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q) approximate fair value since such borrowings bear interest at variable market rates.
Derivatives
The Company accounts for derivative instruments in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"). ASC 815 requires that all derivative instruments be recognized on the balance sheet at fair value as either an asset or liability. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that qualify as hedges and have been designated as part of a hedging relationship for accounting purposes have no net impact on earnings until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The changes in the fair value of hedges are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss and is subsequently recognized in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations to mirror the location of the hedged items impacting earnings. Changes in fair value of derivatives that do not qualify as hedging instruments for accounting purposes are recorded in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Goodwill, intangible assets and long-lived assets
Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized but, instead, are subject to an annual impairment assessment. Additionally, if events or conditions were to indicate the carrying value of a reporting unit may not be recoverable, the Company would evaluate goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment at that time.
As it relates to the goodwill assessment, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment testing described in the FASB's Accounting Standards Update No. (“ASU”) Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. If, after assessing qualitative factors, the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the quantitative test is unnecessary and the Company’s goodwill is considered to be unimpaired. However, if based on the Company’s qualitative assessment it concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or if the Company elects to bypass the qualitative assessment, the Company will proceed with performing the quantitative impairment test.
The Company reviews goodwill and other intangibles that have indefinite lives for impairment annually as of October 1 or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets might exceed their current fair values. Impairment testing is based upon the best information available, including estimates of fair value which incorporate assumptions marketplace participants would use in making their estimates of fair value. The significant assumptions used under the income approach, or discounted cash flow method, are projected net sales, projected earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), terminal growth rates, and the cost of capital. Projected net sales, projected EBITDA and terminal growth rates were determined to be significant assumptions because they are three primary drivers of the projected cash flows in the discounted cash flow fair value model. Cost of capital was also determined to be a significant assumption as it is the discount rate used to calculate the current fair value of those projected cash flows. For the guideline public company method, significant assumptions relate to the selection of appropriate guideline companies and related valuation multiples used in the market analysis.
Although the Company believes the assumptions and estimates made are reasonable and appropriate, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact its reported financial results. In addition, sustained declines in the Company's stock price and related market capitalization could impact key assumptions in the overall estimated fair values of its reporting units and could result in non-cash impairment charges that could be material to the Company's consolidated balance sheet or results of operations. Should the carrying value of a reporting unit be in excess of the estimated fair value of that reporting unit, an impairment charge will be recorded to reduce the reporting unit to fair value.
The Company also evaluates qualitative factors to determine whether or not its indefinite lived intangibles have been impaired and then performs quantitative tests if required. These tests can include the relief from royalty model or other valuation models.
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LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Long-lived assets, including intangible assets deemed to have finite lives, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Impairment indicators include, among other conditions, cash flow deficits, historic or anticipated declines in revenue or operating profit or material adverse changes in the business climate that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may be impaired. When impairment indicators are present, the recoverability of the asset is measured by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of each long-lived asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. See NOTE 6 — INTANGIBLE ASSETS.
Leases
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at the inception of a contract. Operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets are included in operating lease right-of-use assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The current and long-term components of operating lease liabilities are included in the current portion of operating lease liability and operating lease liabilities, respectively, on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, net, accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities. The Company's finance leases are not material to the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The operating lease ROU asset may also include any lease payments made, adjusted for any prepaid or accrued rent payments, lease incentives, and initial direct costs incurred. Certain leases may include options to extend or terminate the lease. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
For certain equipment leases, the Company applies a portfolio approach to effectively account for any ROU assets and lease liabilities. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet.
The Company has elected the practical expedient to account for each separate lease component of a contract and its associated non-lease components as a single lease component, thus causing all fixed payments to be capitalized.
Employee healthcare
The Company self-insures certain portions of its health insurance plan. The Company maintains an accrual for estimated unpaid claims and claims incurred but not yet reported (“IBNR”). Although management believes that it uses the best information available to estimate IBNR claims, actual claims may vary significantly from estimated claims.
Restructuring expenses
Costs associated with restructuring activities are recorded at fair value when a liability has been incurred. A liability has been incurred at the communication date for severance. Charges associated with lease terminations, related to restructuring activities, are recognized at the effective date of the lease modification.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company did not incur any restructuring expenses.
Adoption of new accounting pronouncements
Effective January 1, 2021, the Company adopted ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles and simplifies the application of U.S. GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending the existing guidance. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
New accounting pronouncements
Updates not listed below were assessed and either determined to not be applicable or are expected to have a minimal effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and disclosures.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This guidance introduces a new model for recognizing credit losses on financial instruments based on an estimate of current expected credit
- 10 -
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
losses. The ASU also provides updated guidance regarding the impairment of available-for-sale debt securities and includes additional disclosure requirements. The new guidance is effective for public business entities that meet the definition of a Smaller Reporting Company as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides optional expedients and exceptions to account for contract modifications, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate that is expected to be discontinued as a result of reference rate reform. The guidance in the ASU may be applied to contract modifications and hedging relationships as of any date from March 12, 2020 but no later than December 31, 2022 and should be applied on a prospective basis. The Company has not yet applied the guidance in this ASU and is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
NOTE 2 —REVENUE
The Company sells products wholesale, to retailers and distributors, and sells products retail, directly to consumers. Wholesale sales and retail sales are recognized at the point in time the customer obtains control of the products in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those products. To indicate the transfer of control, the Company must have a present right to payment, legal title must have passed to the customer, the customer must have the significant risks and rewards of ownership, and where acceptance is not a formality, the customer must have accepted the product or service. The Company’s principal terms of sale are Free On Board (“FOB”) Shipping Point, or equivalent, and, as such, the Company primarily transfers control and records revenue for product sales upon shipment. Sales arrangements with delivery terms that are not FOB Shipping Point are not recognized upon shipment and the transfer of control for revenue recognition is evaluated based on the associated shipping terms and customer obligations. Shipping and handling fees that are billed to customers in sales transactions are included in net sales and amounted to $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. Net sales exclude taxes that are collected from customers and remitted to the taxing authorities.
The Company offers various sales incentives and promotional programs to its wholesale customers from time to time in the normal course of business. These incentives and promotions typically include arrangements such as cooperative advertising, buydowns, volume rebates and discounts. These arrangements represent forms of variable consideration and an estimate of sales returns are reflected as reductions in net sales in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. These estimates are based on historical experience and other known factors or as the most likely amount in a range of possible outcomes. On a quarterly basis, variable consideration is assessed on a portfolio approach in estimating the extent to which the components of variable consideration are constrained. Payment terms vary by customer, but generally range from 30 to 90 days or at the point of sale for the Company’s retail direct sales.
The Company incurs certain direct incremental costs to obtain contracts with customers, such as sales-related commissions, where the recognition period for the related revenue is less than one year. These costs are expensed as incurred and recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Incidental items that are immaterial in the context of the contract are expensed as incurred.
- 11 -
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
The following tables present the Company’s net sales disaggregated by segment, product category and geographic region for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
March 31, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
U.S. segment | |||||||||||
Kitchenware | $ | 119,995 | $ | 79,274 | |||||||
Tableware | 30,232 | 23,644 | |||||||||
Home Solutions | 25,954 | 26,290 | |||||||||
Total U.S. segment | 176,181 | 129,208 | |||||||||
International segment | 19,472 | 15,862 | |||||||||
Total net sales | $ | 195,653 | $ | 145,070 | |||||||
United States | $ | 170,768 | $ | 124,727 | |||||||
United Kingdom | 12,780 | 9,099 | |||||||||
Rest of World | 12,105 | 11,244 | |||||||||
Total net sales | $ | 195,653 | $ | 145,070 | |||||||
NOTE 3 —ACQUISITION
On February 26, 2021, the Company acquired the business and certain assets of Year & Day, a designer and distributor of ceramic dinnerware, stainless steel flatware and Italian glassware, for cash in the amount of $0.2 million. The assets and operating results of the Year & Day brand are reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with ASC Topic No. 805, Business Combinations, commencing from the acquisition date. The purchase price was allocated based on the Company’s preliminary estimate of the fair values of the assets acquired which consistent of inventory $0.3 million and liabilities assumed of $0.1 million. The Year & Day acquisition did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
NOTE 4 — LEASES
The Company has operating leases for corporate offices, distribution facilities, manufacturing plants, and certain vehicles.
The components of lease expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
Operating lease expenses(1): | |||||||||||
Fixed lease expense | $ | 4,495 | $ | 4,814 | |||||||
Variable lease expense | 978 | 995 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 5,473 | $ | 5,809 |
(1) Expenses are recorded within distribution expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses on the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations.
- 12 -
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Supplemental cash flow information for lease related liabilities and assets for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | |||||||||||
Operating cash flows for operating leases | $ | 4,904 | $ | 4,112 |
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: | |||||||||||
Operating leases | $ | 847 | $ | 437 |
The aggregate future lease payments for operating leases as of March 31, 2021 were as follows (in thousands):
Operating | |||||
2021 (excluding the three months ending March 31, 2021) | $ | 14,035 | |||
2022 | 18,394 | ||||
2023 | 18,408 | ||||
2024 | 18,098 | ||||
2025 | 18,076 | ||||
2026 | 17,503 | ||||
Thereafter | 38,912 | ||||
Total lease payments | 143,426 | ||||
Less: Interest | (30,936) | ||||
Present value of lease payments | $ | 112,490 |
At March 31, 2021, the deferred rent payments received for COVID-19 relief, were $0.2 million and were recorded in accrued expenses in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2021. These deferred rent payments are due in 2021, per the updated terms of the applicable lease agreements.
Average lease terms and discount rates were as follows:
March 31, 2021 | |||||
Operating leases: | |||||
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) | 8.0 | ||||
Weighted-average discount rate | 6.2 | % |
NOTE 5 —INVESTMENTS
The Company owns approximately 30% of the outstanding capital stock of Grupo Vasconia S.A.B. (“Vasconia”), an integrated manufacturer of aluminum products and one of Mexico’s largest housewares companies. Shares of Vasconia’s capital stock are traded on the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores, the Mexican Stock Exchange. The Quotation Key is VASCONI. The Company accounts for its investment in Vasconia using the equity method of accounting and records its proportionate share of Vasconia’s net income in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. Accordingly, the Company has recorded its proportionate share of Vasconia’s net income (reduced for amortization expense related to the customer relationships acquired)
- 13 -
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
The value of the Company's investment balance has been translated from Mexican Pesos ("MXN") to U.S. Dollars ("USD") using the spot rates of MXN 20.51 and MXN 19.88 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
The Company's proportionate share of Vasconia's net (loss) income has been translated from MXN to USD using the following exchange rates:
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
Average exchange rate (USD to MXN) | 20.33 | 19.91 |
The effect of the translation of the Company’s investment, as well as the translation of Vasconia's balance sheet, resulted in an increase to the investment of $1.3 million and a decrease of $(1.5) million during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These translation effects are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Summarized income statement information for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 for Vasconia in USD and MXN is as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
USD | MXN | USD | MXN | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 53,606 | $ | 1,089,817 | $ | 31,795 | $ | 633,036 | |||||||||||||||
Gross profit | 11,958 | 243,103 | 5,407 | 107,657 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 3,784 | 76,933 | (550) | (10,948) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net (loss) income | (770) | (15,661) | 1,422 | 28,303 |
The Company recorded equity in (losses) eanings of Vasconia, net of taxes, of $(0.2) million and $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Included within the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets were the following amounts due to and due from Vasconia (in thousands):
Vasconia due to and due from balances | Balance Sheet Location | March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||
Amounts due from Vasconia | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | $ | 56 | $ | 55 | ||||||||||||
Amounts due to Vasconia | Accrued expenses and Accounts payable | (243) | (91) |
As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the fair value (based on Level 1 inputs using the quoted stock price) of the Company’s investment in Vasconia was $31.8 million and $32.8 million, respectively. The carrying value of the Company’s investment in Vasconia was $21.1 million and $20.0 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
- 14 -
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
NOTE 6 — INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets consisted of the following as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):
March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross | Accumulated Amortization | Net | Gross | Impairment | Accumulated Amortization | Net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill | $ | 30,271 | — | $ | 30,271 | $ | 49,371 | $ | (19,100) | $ | — | $ | 30,271 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Indefinite-lived intangible assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trade names | 49,600 | — | 49,600 | 50,600 | (1,000) | — | 49,600 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Finite-lived intangible assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Licenses | 15,847 | (10,856) | 4,991 | 15,847 | — | (10,742) | 5,105 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trade names | 52,126 | (21,720) | 30,406 | 52,030 | — | (20,874) | 31,156 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer relationships | 178,075 | (57,371) | 120,704 | 177,801 | — | (54,008) | 123,793 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 6,592 | (2,637) | 3,955 | 6,582 | — | (2,482) | 4,100 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 332,511 | $ | (92,584) | $ | 239,927 | $ | 352,231 | $ | (20,100) | $ | (88,106) | $ | 244,025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In the first quarter of 2020, as a result of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company concluded that a triggering event had occurred and performed an interim impairment test of goodwill and certain intangible assets as of March 31, 2020. The Company performed the first quarter 2020 interim impairment test of goodwill by comparing its fair value with its carrying value. The analysis was performed by using a discounted cash flow method and market multiple method. For goodwill, the outcome of the valuation is largely dependent upon estimates made by the Company with respect to significant assumptions, including projected net sales, projected earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), terminal growth rates, and the cost of capital under the discounted cash flow method.
NOTE 7 — DEBT
The Company’s credit agreement, dated as of March 2, 2018 (the “ABL Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”), includes a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $150.0 million, which facility will mature on March 2, 2023, and a loan agreement (the “Term Loan” and together with the ABL Agreement, the “Debt Agreements”) that provides for a senior secured term loan credit facility in the original principal amount of $275.0 million, which matures on February 28, 2025. The Term Loan requires the Company to make an annual prepayment of principal based upon a percentage of the Company's excess cash flow, (“Excess Cash Flow”), if any. The percentage applied to the Company's excess cash flow is based on the Company's Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in our debt agreements). When an Excess Cash Flow payment is required, lenders have the option to decline a portion or all of the prepayment amount. This estimated amount is recorded in current maturity of term loan on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, the Term Loan facility requires quarterly payments, which commenced on June 30, 2018, of principal equal to 0.25% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Term Loan facility. Per the Debt Agreements, when the Company makes an Excess Cash Flow payment, the payment is first applied to satisfy the future quarterly required payments in order of maturity. The quarterly principal payments have been satisfied through maturity of the Term Loan by the annual Excess Cash Flow payments.
The maximum borrowing amount under the ABL Agreement may be increased to up to $200.0 million if certain conditions are met. One or more tranches of additional term loans (the “Incremental Facilities”) may be added under the Term Loan if certain conditions are met. The Incremental Facilities may not exceed the sum of (i) $50.0 million plus (ii) an unlimited amount so long as, in the case of (ii) only, the Company’s secured net leverage ratio, as defined in and computed pursuant to the Term Loan, is no greater than 3.75 to 1.00, subject to certain limitations and for the period defined pursuant to the Term Loan.
- 15 -
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the total availability under the ABL Agreement was as follows (in thousands):
March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||
Maximum aggregate principal allowed | $ | 150,000 | $ | 150,000 | ||||||||||
Outstanding borrowings under the ABL Agreement | — | (27,302) | ||||||||||||
Standby letters of credit | (3,391) | (2,698) | ||||||||||||
Total availability under the ABL Agreement | $ | 146,609 | $ | 120,000 | ||||||||||
Availability under the ABL Agreement depends on the valuation of certain current assets comprising the borrowing base. The borrowing capacity under the ABL Agreement will depend, in part, on eligible levels of accounts receivable and inventory that fluctuate regularly. Due to the seasonality of the Company’s business, this may mean that the Company will have greater borrowing availability during the third and fourth quarters of each year. Consequently, the $150.0 million commitment thereunder may not represent actual borrowing capacity.
The current and non-current portions of the Company’s Term Loan facility included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in thousands):
March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||
Current portion of Term Loan facility: | ||||||||||||||
Term Loan facility payment | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||
Estimated Excess Cash Flow principal payment | 13,000 | 19,120 | ||||||||||||
Estimated unamortized debt issuance costs | (1,431) | (1,463) | ||||||||||||
Total Current portion of Term Loan facility | $ | 11,569 | $ | 17,657 | ||||||||||
Non-current portion of Term Loan facility: | ||||||||||||||
Term Loan facility, net of current portion | 239,128 | $ | 243,485 | |||||||||||
Estimated unamortized debt issuance costs | (4,160) | (4,508) | ||||||||||||
Total Non-current portion of Term Loan facility | $ | 234,968 | $ | 238,977 | ||||||||||
The estimated Excess Cash Flow principal payment recorded at March 31, 2021 represents the Company's estimate for the 2022 Excess Cash Flow payment. The 2021 Excess Cash Flow payment, paid on March 30, 2021, totaled $10.5 million. The Excess Cash Flow payment differs from the estimated amount at December 31, 2020 of $19.1 million as certain lenders opted to not require payment per the terms of the debt agreements.
The Company’s payment obligations under its Debt Agreements are unconditionally guaranteed by its existing and future U.S. subsidiaries with certain minor exceptions. Certain payment obligations under the ABL Agreement are also direct obligations of its foreign subsidiary borrowers designated as such under the ABL Agreement and, subject to limitations on such guaranty, are guaranteed by the foreign subsidiary borrowers, as well as by the Company. The obligations of the Company under the Debt Agreements and any hedging arrangements and cash management services and the guarantees by its domestic subsidiaries in respect of those obligations are secured by substantially all of the assets and stock (but in the case of foreign subsidiaries, limited to 65% of the capital stock in first-tier foreign subsidiaries and not including the stock of subsidiaries of such first-tier foreign subsidiaries) owned by the Company and the U.S. subsidiary guarantors, subject to certain exceptions. Such security interest consists of (1) a first-priority lien, subject to certain permitted liens, with respect to certain assets of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries (the “ABL Collateral”) pledged as collateral in favor of lenders under the ABL Agreement and a second-priority lien in the ABL Collateral in favor of the lenders under the Term Loan and (2) a first-priority lien, subject to certain permitted liens, with respect to certain assets of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries (the “Term Loan Collateral”) pledged as collateral in favor of lenders under the Term Loan and a second-priority lien in the Term Loan Collateral in favor of the lenders under the ABL Agreement.
Borrowings under the ABL Agreement bear interest, at the Company’s option, at one of the following rates: (i) alternate base rate, defined, for any day, as the greater of the prime rate, a federal funds and overnight bank funding based rate plus 0.5% or
- 16 -
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%, plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, or (ii) LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.75%. The respective margins are based upon the Company’s total leverage ratio, as defined in and computed pursuant to the ABL Agreement. There were no outstanding borrowings under the ABL Agreement at March 31, 2021. In addition, the Company pays a commitment fee of 0.375% on the unused portion of the ABL Agreement.
The Term Loan facility bears interest, at the Company’s option, at one of the following rates: (i) alternate base rate, defined, for any day, as the greater of (x) the prime rate, (y) a federal funds and overnight bank funding based rate plus 0.5% or (z) one-month LIBOR, but not less than 1.0%, plus 1.0%, which alternate base rate shall not be less than 2%, plus a margin of 2.5% or (ii) LIBOR, but not less than 1.0%, plus a margin of 3.5%. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan at March 31, 2021 was 4.5%.
The Debt Agreements provide for customary restrictions and events of default. Restrictions include limitations on additional indebtedness, acquisitions, investments and payment of dividends, among other things. Further, the ABL Agreement provides that during any period (a) commencing on the last day of the most recently ended four consecutive fiscal quarters on or prior to the date availability under the ABL Agreement is less than the greater of $15.0 million and 10% of the aggregate commitment under the ABL Agreement at any time and (b) ending on the day after such availability has exceeded the greater of $15.0 million and 10% of the aggregate commitment under the ABL Agreement for 45 consecutive days, the Company is required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10 to 1.00 as of the last day of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters.
The Company was in compliance with the covenants of the Debt Agreements at March 31, 2021.
The Company expects that it will continue to borrow, subject to availability, and repay funds under the ABL Agreement based on working capital and other corporate needs.
NOTE 8 — DERIVATIVES
Interest Rate Swap Agreements
The Company's total outstanding notional value of interest rate swaps was $94.0 million at March 31, 2021.
The Company designated a portion of these interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of the Company's exposure to the variability of the payment of interest on a portion of its Term Loan borrowings. The hedge periods of these agreements commenced in April 2018 and expire in March 2023. The original notional values are reduced over these periods. The aggregate notional value of designated interest rate swaps were $69.0 million at March 31, 2021.
In June 2019, the Company entered into additional interest rate swap agreements, with an aggregate notional value of $25.0 million at March 31, 2021. These non-designated interest rate swaps serve as cash flow hedges of the Company’s exposure to the variability of the payment of interest on a portion of its Term Loan borrowings and expire in February 2025.
Foreign Exchange Contracts
The Company is a party from time to time to certain foreign exchange contracts, primarily to offset the earnings impact related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with inventory purchases denominated in foreign currencies. Fluctuations in the value of certain foreign currencies as compared to the U.S. dollar may positively or negatively affect the Company’s revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, and retained earnings, all of which are expressed in USD. Where the Company deems it prudent, the Company engages in hedging programs using foreign currency forward contracts aimed at limiting the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on earnings. The Company purchases short-term (i.e., 12 months or less) foreign currency forward contracts to protect against currency exchange risks associated with the payment of merchandise purchases to foreign suppliers. The Company does not hedge the translation of foreign currency profits into USD, as the Company regards this as an accounting exposure rather than an economic exposure.
The aggregate gross notional values of foreign exchange contracts at March 31, 2021 was $18.7 million. These foreign exchange contracts have been designated as hedges in order to apply hedge accounting.
The Company is exposed to market risks as well as changes in foreign currency exchange rates as measured against the USD and each other, and to changes to the credit risk of derivative counterparties. The Company attempts to minimize these risks primarily by using foreign currency forward contracts and by maintaining counterparty credit limits. These hedging activities provide only limited protection against currency exchange and credit risk. Factors that could influence the effectiveness of the
- 17 -
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Company’s hedging programs include those impacting currency markets and the availability of hedging instruments and liquidity of the credit markets. All foreign currency forward contracts that the Company enters into are components of hedging programs and are entered into for the sole purpose of hedging an existing or anticipated currency exposure. The Company does not enter into such contracts for speculative purposes and as of March 31, 2021, the Company does not have any foreign currency forward contract derivatives that are not designated as hedges.
The fair values of the Company’s derivative financial instruments included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are presented as follows (in thousands):
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Balance Sheet Location | March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | Accrued expenses | 449 | 504 | ||||||||||||||
Other Long-Term Liabilities | 794 | 1,034 | |||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange contracts | Accrued expenses | 432 | — | ||||||||||||||
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Balance Sheet Location | March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | Other Long-Term Liabilities | 1,243 | 1,742 |
The fair values of the interest rate swaps have been obtained from the counterparties to the agreements and were based on Level 2 observable inputs using proprietary models and estimates about relevant future market conditions. The fair values of the foreign exchange contracts were based on Level 2 observable inputs using quoted market prices for similar assets in an active market. The counterparties to the derivative financial instruments are major international financial institutions. The Company is exposed to credit risk for the net exchanges under these agreements, but not for the notional amounts. The Company does not anticipate non-performance by any of its counterparties.
The amounts of gains and losses, realized and unrealized, related to the Company’s derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
Interest rate swaps | $ | 222 | $ | (3,094) | |||||||
Foreign exchange contracts | (395) | 217 | |||||||||
$ | (173) | $ | (2,877) | ||||||||
Realized gains and losses on the interest rate swaps are reclassified into earnings as the interest expense on the debt is recognized. The Company had no terminated or matured interest rate swaps during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Realized gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts that are reported in other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified into cost of sales as the underlying inventory purchased is sold.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company reclassified $0.4 million of cash flow hedges in other comprehensive losses to earnings. This was comprised of $0.3 million related to realized interest rate swap losses and a loss of $0.1 million related to foreign exchange contracts recognized in cost of sales. At March 31, 2021, the estimated amount of existing losses expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months was $1.3 million.
During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company reclassified $0.1 million of cash flow hedges in other comprehensive losses to earnings. This was comprised of $0.2 million related to realized interest rate swap losses and a gain of $0.1 million related to foreign exchange contracts recognized in cost of sales.
- 18 -
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Interest and mark to market gains (losses) related to the Company’s derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments that were recognized in earnings are as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Location of gain (loss) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | Mark to market gain (loss) on interest rate derivatives | $ | 498 | $ | (2,251) | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | (111) | (15) | |||||||||||||||
$ | 387 | $ | (2,266) | ||||||||||||||
NOTE 9 — STOCK COMPENSATION
Option Awards
A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information for the three months ended March 31, 2021 is as follows:
Options | Weighted- average exercise price | Weighted- average remaining contractual life (years) | Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Options outstanding, January 1, 2021 | 1,286,900 | $ | 13.28 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Grants | 48,000 | 14.18 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Exercises | (166,400) | 11.68 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Expirations | (2,400) | 19.10 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Options outstanding, March 31, 2021 | 1,166,100 | 13.54 | 5.4 | $ | 2,666 | ||||||||||||||||||
Options exercisable, March 31, 2021 | 867,807 | $ | 14.72 | 4.3 | $ | 1,269 | |||||||||||||||||
Total unrecognized stock option expense remaining (in thousands) | $ | 762 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted-average years expected to be recognized over | 1.7 |
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their stock options on March 31, 2021. The intrinsic value is calculated for each in-the-money stock option as the difference between the closing price of the Company’s common stock on March 31, 2021 and the exercise price.
- 19 -
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Restricted Stock
A summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity and related information for the three months ended March 31, 2021 is as follows:
Restricted Shares | Weighted- average grant date fair value | ||||||||||
Non-vested restricted shares, January 1, 2021 | 795,587 | $ | 7.54 | ||||||||
Grants | 176,914 | 14.18 | |||||||||
Vested | (246,952) | 7.03 | |||||||||
Cancellations | (250) | 9.76 | |||||||||
Non-vested restricted shares, March 31, 2021 | 725,299 | $ | 9.33 | ||||||||
Total unrecognized compensation expense remaining (in thousands) | $ | 4,943 | |||||||||
Weighted-average years expected to be recognized over | 1.9 |
The total fair value of restricted stock that vested during the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $3.7 million
Performance shares
Each performance award represents the right to receive up to 150% of the target number of shares of common stock. The number of shares of common stock earned will be determined based on the attainment of specified performance goals at the end of the performance period, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The shares are subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s Plan.
A summary of the Company’s performance-based award activity and related information for the three months ended March 31, 2021 is as follows:
Performance- based stock awards (1) | Weighted- average grant date fair value | ||||||||||
Non-vested performance-based awards, January 1, 2021 | 431,046 | $ | 9.94 | ||||||||
Grants | 176,915 | 14.18 | |||||||||
Vested | (150,273) | 12.79 | |||||||||
Cancellations | (21,208) | 12.75 | |||||||||
Non-vested performance-based awards, March 31, 2021 | 436,480 | $ | 10.54 | ||||||||
Total unrecognized compensation expense remaining (in thousands) | $ | 3,441 | |||||||||
Weighted-average years expected to be recognized over | 2.3 |
(1)Represents the target number of shares to be issued for each performance-based award.
The total fair value of performance-based awards that vested during the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $2.1 million.
At March 31, 2021, there were 399,327 shares available for awards that could be granted under the Plan, assuming maximum performance of performance-based awards.
- 20 -
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
The Company recorded stock compensation expense as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
Stock Compensation Expense Components | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
Equity based stock option expense | $ | 124 | $ | 146 | |||||||
Restricted and performance-based stock awards expense | 1,315 | 1,174 | |||||||||
Stock compensation expense for equity based awards | $ | 1,439 | $ | 1,320 | |||||||
Liability based stock option expense | 5 | 6 | |||||||||
Total Stock Compensation Expense | $ | 1,444 | $ | 1,326 | |||||||
- 21 -
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
NOTE 10 —INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
Basic income (loss) per common share has been computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding during the relevant period. Diluted income (loss) per common share adjusts net income (loss) and basic income (loss) per common share for the effect of all potentially dilutive shares of the Company’s common stock. Anti-dilutive securities are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share under the treasury stock method.
The calculations of basic and diluted income (loss) per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) – Basic and Diluted | $ | 3,067 | $ | (28,164) | |||||||
Weighted-average shares outstanding – Basic | 21,086 | 20,745 | |||||||||
Effect of dilutive securities: | |||||||||||
Stock options and other stock awards | 685 | — | |||||||||
Weighted-average shares outstanding – Diluted | 21,771 | $ | 20,745 | ||||||||
Basic income (loss) per common share | $ | 0.15 | $ | (1.36) | |||||||
Diluted income (loss) per common share | $ | 0.14 | $ | (1.36) | |||||||
Antidilutive Securities(1) | 421 | 2,158 | |||||||||
(1) Stock options and other stock awards that have been excluded from the denominator as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
NOTE 11— INCOME TAXES
Income tax provision of $2.4 million and an income tax benefit of $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, represent taxes on both U.S. and foreign earnings at combined effective income tax provision rates of 42.2% and an income tax benefit rate of 11.6%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2021 differs from the federal statutory income tax rate of 21% primarily due to state and local tax expense, and foreign losses for which no tax benefit is recognized as such amounts are fully offset with a valuation allowance. The effective rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 differs from the federal statutory income tax rate primarily due to the impact of the non-deductible portion of the goodwill impairment charge recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2020.
The Company has identified the following jurisdictions as “major” tax jurisdictions: U.S. Federal, California, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and the United Kingdom. The Company's New York State tax returns for years 2015 and 2016 remain under audit with no material assessments as of March 31, 2021.
The Company evaluates its tax positions on a quarterly basis and revises its estimates accordingly. There were no material changes to the Company’s uncertain tax positions, interest, or penalties during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020.
- 22 -
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
NOTE 12 – BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The Company has two reportable segments, U.S. and International. The Company has segmented its operations to reflect the manner in which management reviews and evaluates the results of its operations. The U.S. segment includes the Company’s primary domestic business that designs, markets and distributes its products to retailers, distributors and directly to consumers through its own websites. The International segment consists of certain business operations conducted outside the U.S. Management evaluates the performance of the U.S. and International segments based on net sales and income from operations. Such measures give recognition to specifically identifiable operating costs such as cost of sales, distribution expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses. Certain general and administrative expenses, such as senior executive salaries and benefits, stock compensation, director fees, and accounting, legal and consulting fees, are not allocated to the specific segments and are reflected as unallocated corporate expenses.
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||
Net sales | |||||||||||
U.S. | $ | 176,181 | $ | 129,208 | |||||||
International | 19,472 | 15,862 | |||||||||
Total net sales | $ | 195,653 | $ | 145,070 | |||||||
Income (loss) from operations | |||||||||||
U.S. | $ | 17,107 | $ | (13,880) | |||||||
International | (2,150) | (6,734) | |||||||||
Unallocated corporate expenses | (5,711) | (4,631) | |||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | $ | 9,246 | $ | (25,245) | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||
U.S. | $ | 4,750 | $ | 5,062 | |||||||
International | 1,208 | 1,172 | |||||||||
Total depreciation and amortization | $ | 5,958 | $ | 6,234 | |||||||
March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||
U.S. | $ | 632,780 | $ | 661,321 | |||||||
International | 99,089 | 110,222 | |||||||||
Unallocated corporate | 30,559 | 35,938 | |||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 762,428 | $ | 807,481 | |||||||
- 23 -
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
NOTE 13 — CONTINGENCIES
Wallace EPA Matter
Wallace Silversmiths de Puerto Rico, Ltd. (“WSPR”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, operates a manufacturing facility in San Germán, Puerto Rico that is leased from the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (“PRIDCO”). In March 2008, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) announced that the San Germán Ground Water Contamination site in Puerto Rico (the “Site”) had been added to the Superfund National Priorities List due to contamination present in the local drinking water supply.
In May 2008, WSPR received from the EPA a Notice of Potential Liability and Request for Information pursuant to 42 U.S.C.
Sections 9607(a) and 9604(e) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”). In July 2011, WSPR received a letter from the EPA requesting access to the property that it leases from PRIDCO to conduct an environmental investigation, and the Company granted such access. In February 2013, the EPA requested access to conduct a further environmental investigation at the property. PRIDCO agreed to such access and the Company consented. The EPA conducted a further investigation during 2013 and, in April 2015, notified the Company and PRIDCO that the results from vapor intrusion sampling may warrant the implementation of measures to mitigate potential exposure to sub-slab soil gas. The Company reviewed the information provided by the EPA and requested that PRIDCO, as the property owner, find and implement a solution acceptable to the EPA. While WSPR did not cause the sub-surface condition that resulted in the potential for vapor intrusion, in order to protect the health of its employees and continue its business operations, it has nevertheless implemented corrective action measures to prevent vapor intrusion, such as sealing the floors of the building and conducting periodic air monitoring to address potential exposure.
On August 13, 2015, the EPA released its remedial investigation and feasibility study (“RI/FS”) for the Site. On December 11, 2015, the EPA issued the Record of Decision (“ROD”) for an initial operable unit, electing to implement its preferred remedy which consists of soil vapor extraction and dual-phase extraction/in-situ treatment. This selected remedy includes soil vapor extraction (“SVE”) to address soil (vadose zone) source areas at the Site, impermeable cover as necessary for the implementation of SVE, dual phase extraction in the shallow saprolite zone, and in-situ treatment as needed to address residual sources. The EPA’s total net present worth estimated cost for its selected remedy is $7.3 million. The EPA also designated a second operable unit under which the EPA has and will continue to conduct further investigations to determine the nature and extent of groundwater contamination, as well as a determination by the EPA on the necessity of any further response actions to address groundwater contamination. In February 2017, the EPA indicated that it planned to expand its field investigation for the RI/FS to a second operable unit to further determine the nature and extent of the groundwater contamination at and from the Site and to determine the nature of the remedial action needed to address the contamination. The EPA has requested access to the property occupied by WSPR to install monitoring wells and to undertake groundwater sampling as part of this expanded investigation. WSPR has consented to the EPA’s access request, provided that the EPA receives PRIDCO’s consent, as the property owner. WSPR never used the primary contaminant of concern and did not take up its tenancy at the Site until after the EPA had discovered the contamination in the local water supply. The EPA has also issued notices of potential liability to a number of other entities affiliated with the Site, which used the contaminants of concern.
In December 2018, the Company, WSPR, and other identified Potentially Responsible Parties affiliated with the Site entered into tolling agreements to extend the statute of limitations for potential claims for the recovery of response costs for the initial operable unit under Section 107 of CERCLA. In February 2020, the tolling agreements were extended to November 2020. In November 2020, the tolling agreements were extended to November 2021. The tolling agreements do not constitute in any way an admission or acknowledgment of any fact, conclusion of law or liability by the parties to the agreements.
The EPA released its proposed plan for a second operable unit in July 2019. The public comment period for the proposed plan ended on September 10, 2019. On September 30, 2019, the EPA issued the ROD for operable unit 2 (“OU-2”), electing to implement its preferred remedy which consists of in-situ treatment of groundwater and a monitored natural attenuation program including monitoring of the plume fringe at the Site. The EPA’s estimated total net present worth cost for its selected remedy is $17.3 million.
Accordingly, based on the above uncertainties and variables, it is not possible at this time for the Company to estimate its share of liability, if any, related to this matter. However, in the event of one or more adverse determinations related to this matter, it is possible that the ultimate liability resulting from this matter and the impact on the Company’s results of operations could be material.
- 24 -
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection matter
By letter dated August 26, 2019, the Company was advised that U.S. Customs and Border Protection ("CBP") had commenced an investigation, pursuant to 19 U.S.C. §1592, regarding the Company’s tariff classification of certain tableware and kitchenware. The issue centers on whether such merchandise meets the criteria for reduced duty rates as specified sets as those terms are defined in Chapter 69, Note 6(b), Harmonized Tariff System of the United States. The period of investigation is stated to be from August 26, 2014 to the present. Since being notified of the investigation, the Company has obtained a significant amount of evidence that, the Company believes, supports that the imported products were properly classified as specified sets. The Company's counsel filed a Lead Protest and Application for Further Review with CBP on February 5, 2020 (the "Lead Protest") relating to a single shipment made during the investigation period.
CBP approved the Company’s Lead Protest on June 8, 2020 stating that the specified set requirement was fulfilled with respect to the protested shipment based on information provided by the Company. Based on this decision, no additional duties will be owed for the seven tableware collections imported in this shipment.
The Company also compiled and submitted to CBP a complete set of supporting documents for three additional protests (for the remaining 29 tableware collections that were imported by the Company under the protested shipments). One of these three was approved on October 15, 2020; the other two remain pending. If the CBP approves these additional claims and accepts the evidence presented as it did with the Lead Protest, then no additional duties will be owed for the remaining protested shipments.
Because the period of investigation covers a five-year period, the Company is compiling supporting documentation packages for all tableware collections imported during this period.
In the event CBP accepts the evidence presented, then no additional duties or penalties will be owed. If CBP rejects the Company’s position, then the estimated amount of duties that could be owed is $2.5 million. In such event, it is reasonably possible that additional penalties could be assessed, depending upon the level of culpability found, of up to $5.0 million for negligence and up to $10.0 million for gross negligence. In the event penalties are assessed, the Company will have the opportunity to further contest CBP’s findings and seek cancellation or mitigation of such assessments.
Accordingly, based on the above uncertainties and variables, the Company considers the potential losses related to this matter to be reasonably possible, but not probable. However, in the event of one or more adverse determinations related to this matter, it is possible that the ultimate liability resulting from this matter and the impact on the Company’s results of operations could be material.
Other
The Company is, from time to time, involved in other legal proceedings. The Company believes that other current litigation is routine in nature and incidental to the conduct of the Company’s business and that none of this litigation, individually or collectively, would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
- 25 -
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
NOTE 14 — OTHER
Cash dividends
Dividends declared in the three months ended March 31, 2021 were as follows:
Dividend per share | Date declared | Date of record | Payment date | |||||||||||||||||
$0.0425 | 3/9/2021 | 5/3/2021 | 5/17/2021 | |||||||||||||||||
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company paid dividends of $1.0 million. This included the payment made on February 12, 2021 of $0.9 million to shareholders of record on January 29, 2021 and payments of $0.1 million for dividends payable upon the vesting of restricted shares and performance shares.
In the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company reduced retained earnings for the accrual of $0.9 million relating to the dividend payable on May 17, 2021.
Supplemental cash flow information
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | |||||||||||
Cash paid for interest | $ | 2,472 | $ | 4,154 | |||||||
Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds | 260 | 175 | |||||||||
Non-cash investing activities: | |||||||||||
Translation gain (loss) adjustment | $ | 1,829 | $ | (4,458) |
- 26 -
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||
Accumulated translation adjustment: | |||||||||||
Balance at beginning of period | $ | (35,846) | $ | (34,019) | |||||||
Translation income (loss) during period | 1,829 | (4,458) | |||||||||
Balance at end of period | $ | (34,017) | $ | (38,477) | |||||||
Accumulated deferred losses on cash flow hedges: | |||||||||||
Balance at beginning of period | $ | (1,125) | $ | 1,164 | |||||||
Change in unrealized losses | (554) | (2,996) | |||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss: | |||||||||||
Settlement of cash flow hedge (1) | 381 | 119 | |||||||||
Net change in cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $(19) and $(998) | (173) | (2,877) | |||||||||
Balance at end of period | $ | (1,298) | $ | (1,713) | |||||||
Accumulated effect of retirement benefit obligations: | |||||||||||
Balance at beginning of period | $ | (2,201) | $ | (1,600) | |||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss: (2) | |||||||||||
Amortization of actuarial loss, net of taxes | 27 | 20 | |||||||||
Balance at end of period | $ | (2,174) | $ | (1,580) | |||||||
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period | $ | (37,489) | $ | (41,770) | |||||||
(1)Amounts reclassified are recorded in interest expense and cost of sales on the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations.
(2)Amounts are recorded in selling, general and administrative expense on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
- 27 -
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Lifetime Brands, Inc. (the “Company” and, unless the context otherwise requires, references to the “Company” shall include its consolidated subsidiaries), contains “forward-looking statements” as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include information concerning the Company’s plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues, performance, capital expenditures, financing needs and other information that is not historical information. Many of these statements appear, in particular, in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. When used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the words “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “predicts,” “plans,” “believes,” “may,” “should,” “would,” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those based on the Company’s examination of historical operating trends, are based upon the Company’s current expectations and various assumptions. The Company believes there is a reasonable basis for its expectations and assumptions, but there can be no assurance that the Company will realize its expectations or that the Company’s assumptions will prove correct.
There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report. Important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed as forward-looking statements are set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (the “2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K”) in Part I, Item 1A under the heading Risk Factors. Such risks, uncertainties and other important factors include, among others, risks related to:
•General economic factors and political conditions;
•Exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union;
•Tariffs;
•Port disruptions and higher transportation costs;
•Indebtedness and compliance with credit agreements;
•Access to the capital markets and credit markets;
•The credit-worthiness of our customers and the counterparties to our derivatives;
•Seasonality;
•Liquidity;
•Interest rates;
•Competition;
•Customer practices;
•Intellectual property, brands and licenses;
•Goodwill;
•International operations;
•Supply chain;
•Foreign exchange rates;
•International trade, including trade negotiations;
•Transportation;
•Product liability;
•Regulatory matters;
•Product development;
•Reputation;
•Technology;
•Cyber security;
•Personnel;
- 28 -
•Price fluctuations;
•Business interruptions;
•Projections;
•Fixed costs;
•Governance;
•Acquisition integration;
•Acquisitions and investments;
•Public health pandemics and related effects, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; and
•Social unrest, including related protests or disturbances.
There may be other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Except as may be required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
The Company is required to file its Annual Reports on Forms 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other reports and documents as required from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Company also maintains a website at http://www.lifetimebrands.com. Information contained on this website is not a part of or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report. The Company makes available on its website the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to these reports as soon as reasonably practicable after these reports are filed with or furnished to the SEC. Users can access these reports free of charge on the Company’s website. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding the Company’s electronic filings with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
The Company intends to use its website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Such disclosures will be included on the Company’s website in the ‘Investor Relations’ section. Accordingly, investors should monitor such portion of the Company's website, in addition to following the Company's press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
The Company designs, sources and sells branded kitchenware, tableware and other products used in the home. The Company’s product categories include two categories of products used to prepare, serve, and consume foods: Kitchenware (kitchen tools and gadgets, cutlery, kitchen scales, thermometers, cutting boards, shears, cookware, pantryware, spice racks, and bakeware) and Tableware (dinnerware, stemware, flatware, and giftware); and one category, Home Solutions, which comprises other products used in the home (thermal beverageware, bath scales, weather and outdoor household products, food storage, neoprene travel products and home décor). In 2020, Kitchenware products and Tableware products accounted for approximately 83% of the Company’s U.S. segment’s net sales and 85% of the Company’s consolidated net sales.
The Company markets several product lines within each of its product categories and under most of the Company’s brands, primarily targeting moderate price points through virtually every major level of trade. The Company believes it possesses certain competitive advantages based on its brands, its emphasis on innovation and new product development, and its sourcing capabilities. The Company owns or licenses a number of leading brands in its industry, including Farberware®, Mikasa®, Taylor®, KitchenAid®, KitchenCraft®, Pfaltzgraff®, Built NY®, Rabbit®, Kamenstein®, and MasterClass®. Historically, the Company’s sales growth has come from expanding product offerings within its product categories, by developing existing brands, acquiring new brands (including complementary brands in markets outside the U.S.), and establishing new product categories. Key factors in the Company’s growth strategy have been the selective use and management of the Company’s brands and the Company’s ability to provide a stream of new products and designs. A significant element of this strategy is the Company’s in-house design and development teams that create new products, packaging and merchandising concepts.
- 29 -
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The Company has two reportable segments, U.S. and International. The Company has segmented its operations to reflect the manner in which management reviews and evaluates the results of its operations. The U.S. segment includes the Company’s primary domestic business that designs, markets and distributes its products to retailers, distributors and directly to consumers through its own websites. The International segment consists of certain business operations conducted outside the U.S. Management evaluates the performance of the U.S. and International segments based on net sales and income from operations. Such measures give recognition to specifically identifiable operating costs such as cost of sales, distribution expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses. Certain general and administrative expenses, such as senior executive salaries and benefits, stock compensation, director fees, and accounting, legal and consulting fees, are not allocated to the specific segments and are reflected as unallocated corporate expenses.
EQUITY INVESTMENTS
The Company owns approximately 30% of the outstanding capital stock of Grupo Vasconia S.A.B. (“Vasconia”), an integrated manufacturer of aluminum products and one of Mexico’s largest housewares companies. Shares of Vasconia’s capital stock are traded on the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores, the Mexican Stock Exchange. The Quotation Key is VASCONI. The Company accounts for its investment in Vasconia using the equity method of accounting and records its proportionate share of Vasconia’s net income in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. Accordingly, the Company has recorded its proportionate share of Vasconia’s net income (reduced for amortization expense related to the customer relationships acquired) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Pursuant to a Shares Subscription Agreement, the Company may designate four persons to be nominated as members of Vasconia’s Board of Directors. As of March 31, 2021, Vasconia’s Board of Directors is comprised of fourteen members of whom the Company has designated three members.
SEASONALITY
The Company’s business and working capital needs are highly seasonal, with a majority of sales occurring in the third and fourth quarters. In 2020 and 2019, net sales for the third and fourth quarters accounted for 62% and 60% of total annual net sales, respectively. In anticipation of the pre-holiday shipping season, inventory levels increase primarily in the June through October time period. The Company's inventory levels at March 31, 2021, did not decrease from the previous two quarters. The higher inventory levels are a result of increased inventory purchases to meet higher expected demand in 2021.
Consistent with the seasonality of the Company’s net sales and inventory levels, the Company also experiences seasonality in its inventory turnover and turnover days from one quarter to the next.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused, and may continue to cause, shifts in some of the Company's selling and purchasing cycles as customers deviate from their historical ordering patterns.
RESTRUCTURING
During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company did not incur any restructuring expenses.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The Company has not experienced significant disruptions in its supply chain related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In limited instances and categories, increased demand has strained the manufacturing capacity of certain of the Company’s suppliers. The Company expects, in the short term, higher inbound freight cost to import inventory as a result of expected higher demand of the Company's products and broader macroeconomic demand for ocean freight. Additionally, in the U.S., the Company has experienced instances of trucking availability shortages, resulting in delays of shipments to certain of its customers.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
There have been no material changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates discussed in the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K in Item 7 under the heading Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.
- 30 -
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth statements of operations data of the Company as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
Net sales | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | |||||||
Cost of sales | 66.3 | 63.5 | |||||||||
Gross margin | 33.7 | 36.5 | |||||||||
Distribution expenses | 9.5 | 11.4 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 19.5 | 28.6 | |||||||||
Goodwill and other impairments | — | 13.9 | |||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 4.7 | (17.4) | |||||||||
Interest expense | (2.1) | (3.2) | |||||||||
Mark to market gain (loss) on interest rate derivatives | 0.3 | (1.6) | |||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in (losses) earnings | 2.9 | (22.2) | |||||||||
Income tax (provision) benefit | (1.2) | 2.6 | |||||||||
Equity in (losses) earnings, net of taxes | (0.1) | 0.2 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) | 1.6 | % | (19.4) | % | |||||||
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2021 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, 2020
Net Sales
Consolidated net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $195.7 million, representing an increase of $50.6 million, or 34.9%, as compared to net sales of $145.1 million for the corresponding period in 2020. In constant currency, a non-GAAP financial measure, which excludes the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations and was determined by applying 2021 average rates to 2020 local currency amounts, consolidated net sales increased by $49.6 million, or 34.0%, as compared to consolidated net sales in the corresponding period in 2020.
Net sales for the U.S. segment for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $176.2 million, an increase of $47.0 million, or 36.4%, as compared to net sales of $129.2 million for the corresponding period in 2020.
Net sales for the U.S. segment’s Kitchenware product category were $120.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of $40.7 million, or 51.3%, as compared to $79.3 million for the corresponding period in 2020. The increase was mainly driven by higher consumer demand, in both e-commerce and wholesale channels, for essential kitchen tools and gadgets, cutlery and board and bakeware products. The strong demand for these products have been a result of shifts in consumer purchasing patterns.
Net sales for the U.S. segment’s Tableware product category were $30.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of $6.6 million , or 28.0%, as compared to $23.6 million for the corresponding period in 2020. The increase came from all product lines most notably on flatware sales from warehouse club programs and dinnerware sales from higher e-commerce sales.
Net sales for the U.S. segment’s Home Solutions product category were $26.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 1.1%, as compared to $26.3 million for the corresponding period in 2020. The decrease was primarily driven by lower sales in the hydration product category due to a warehouse club program not repeating in 2021, partially offset by an increase in home décor and measurement product sales.
Net sales for the International segment were $19.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of $3.6 million, or 22.6%, as compared to net sales of $15.9 million for the corresponding period in 2020. In constant currency, which excludes the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, net sales increased $2.7 million, or 15.8%, as compared to consolidated net sales in the corresponding period in 2020. The increase in sales was primarily attributable to the continued recovery of sales to brick-and-mortar retailers to pre-pandemic levels, and an increase in e-commerce sales.
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Gross margin
Gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $66.0 million, or 33.7%, as compared to $52.9 million, or 36.5%, for the corresponding period in 2020.
Gross margin for the U.S. segment was $59.8 million, or 33.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to $49.3 million, or 38.2%, for the corresponding period in 2020. The decrease in gross margin was primarily due to higher inbound freight costs, product mix and the 2020 quarter reflected a benefit from a duty exclusion on certain products.
Gross margin for the International segment was $6.2 million, or 31.8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to $3.6 million, or 22.9%, for the corresponding period in 2020. The increase in gross margin was driven by the comparable period being negatively impacted by higher sales allowances and allowances for excess inventory.
Distribution expenses
Distribution expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $18.6 million, as compared to $16.6 million for the corresponding period in 2020. Distribution expenses as a percentage of net sales were 9.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to 11.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2020.
Distribution expenses as a percentage of net sales for the U.S. segment were approximately 8.7% and 9.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As a percentage of sales shipped from the Company’s U.S. warehouses distribution expenses were 8.9% and 9.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The improvement was a result of the leverage benefit of fixed costs on higher sales volume, partially offset by higher hourly labor rates.
Distribution expenses as a percentage of net sales for the International segment were 17.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to 24.7% for the corresponding period in 2020. Distribution expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2020 include $0.8 million for the Company’s facility relocation costs. As a percentage of sales shipped from the Company’s U.K. warehouses, excluding the moving and relocation costs for U.K. operations, distribution expenses were 14.4% and 15.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The decrease was primarily attributed to an improvement in labor efficiencies as the prior period experienced inefficiencies associated with the setting up of the new U.K. warehouse.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $38.1 million, a decrease of $3.4 million, or 8.2%, as compared to $41.5 million for the corresponding period in 2020.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the U.S. segment were $27.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to $30.4 million for the corresponding period in 2020. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were 15.6% and 23.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower estimates for bad debt expense and selling and facility expenses which was partially offset by an increase in incentive compensation.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the International segment were $5.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to $6.5 million for the corresponding period in 2020. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower estimates for bad debt expense, and lower employee expenses due to a reduction in headcount.
Unallocated corporate expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $5.7 million, as compared to $4.6 million for the corresponding period in 2020. The increase was driven by higher incentive compensation expense.
Goodwill and infinite-lived intangible asset impairment
During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company recorded a $20.1 million non-cash goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge related to the U.S. reporting unit. The impairment charge resulted from, among other factors, more conservative estimated future cash flows in light of the uncertain market conditions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interest expense
Interest expense was $4.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and $4.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The decrease in expense was a result of less debt outstanding.
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Mark to market gain (loss) on interest rate derivatives
Mark to market gain on interest rate derivatives was $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to a mark to market loss on interest rate derivatives of $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The mark to market amount represents the change in fair value on the Company's interest rate derivatives that have not been designated as hedging instruments. These derivatives were entered into for purposes of locking-in a fixed interest rate on a portion of the Company's variable interest rate debt. The prior period loss was a result of significant declines in interest rates during that period. The intent of the Company is to hold these derivative contracts until their maturity. Therefore, the Company expects that this loss will reverse over time.
Income taxes
Income tax provision of $2.4 million and an income tax benefit of $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, represent taxes on both U.S. and foreign earnings at combined effective income tax provision rate of 42.2% and an income tax benefit rate of 11.6%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2021 differs from the federal statutory income tax rate of 21% primarily due to state and local tax expense, and foreign losses for which no tax benefit is recognized as such amounts are fully offset with a valuation allowance. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 differs from the federal statutory income tax rate primarily due to the impact of the non-deductible portion of the goodwill impairment charge recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2020.
Equity in (losses) earnings
Equity in losses of Vasconia, net of taxes, was $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to equity in earnings of Vasconia, net of taxes, of $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. Vasconia reported income from operations of $3.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to loss from operations of $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase in income from operations was primarily attributable to improved operating results in the current period in both Vasconia's kitchenware and aluminum divisions.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Historically, the Company’s principal sources of cash to fund liquidity needs were: (i) cash provided by operating activities and (ii) borrowings available under its revolving credit facility under the ABL Agreement, as defined below. The Company’s primary uses of funds consist of working capital requirements, capital expenditures, acquisitions and investments, and payments of principal and interest on its debt.
At March 31, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $30.6 million, compared to $36.0 million at December 31, 2020. Working capital was $216.4 million at March 31, 2021, compared to $241.2 million at December 31, 2020. Liquidity, which includes cash and cash equivalents and availability under the ABL Agreement, was approximately $177.2 million at March 31, 2021.
Inventory, a large component of the Company’s working capital, is expected to fluctuate from period to period, with inventory levels higher primarily in the June through October time period. The Company's inventory levels at March 31, 2021, did not decrease from the previous two quarters. The higher inventory levels are a result of increased inventory purchases to meet higher expected demand in 2021. The Company also expects inventory turnover to fluctuate from period to period based on product and customer mix. Certain product categories have lower inventory turnover rates as a result of minimum order quantities from the Company’s vendors or customer replenishment needs. Certain other product categories experience higher inventory turns due to lower minimum order quantities or trending sale demands. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, inventory turnover was 2.6 times, or 143 days, as compared to 2.2 times, or 167 days, for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The improvement was a result of an increase in consumer demand for certain products.
The Company believes that availability under the revolving credit facility under its ABL Agreement, cash on hand and cash flows from operations are sufficient to fund the Company’s operations for the next twelve months. However, if circumstances were to adversely change, the Company may seek alternative sources of liquidity including debt and/or equity financing. However, there can be no assurance that any such alternative sources would be available or sufficient.
The Company closely monitors the creditworthiness of its customers. Based upon its evaluation of changes in customers’ creditworthiness, the Company may modify credit limits and/or terms of sale. However, notwithstanding the Company’s efforts to monitor its customers’ financial condition, the Company could be materially adversely affected by changes in customers' creditworthiness in the future. Some of the Company’s customers may be adversely and materially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Credit Facilities
The Company’s credit agreement, dated as of March 2, 2018 (the “ABL Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”), includes a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $150.0 million, which facility will mature on March 2, 2023, and a loan agreement (the “Term Loan” and together with the ABL Agreement, the “Debt Agreements”) that provides for a senior secured term loan credit facility in the original principal amount of $275.0 million, which matures on February 28, 2025. The Term Loan requires the Company to make an annual prepayment of principal based upon a percentage of the Company's excess cash flow, (“Excess Cash Flow”), if any. The percentage applied to the Company's excess cash flow is based on the Company's Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in our debt agreements). When an Excess Cash Flow payment is required, lenders have the option to decline a portion or all of the prepayment amount. This estimated amount is recorded in current maturity of term loan on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, the Term Loan facility requires quarterly payments, which commenced on June 30, 2018, of principal equal to 0.25% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Term Loan facility. Per the Debt Agreements, when the Company makes an Excess Cash Flow payment, the payment is first applied to satisfy the future quarterly required payments in order of maturity. The quarterly principal payments have been satisfied through maturity of the Term Loan by the annual Excess Cash Flow payments.
The maximum borrowing amount under the ABL Agreement may be increased to up to $200.0 million if certain conditions are met. One or more tranches of additional term loans (the “Incremental Facilities”) may be added under the Term Loan if certain conditions are met. The Incremental Facilities may not exceed the sum of (i) $50.0 million plus (ii) an unlimited amount so long as, in the case of (ii) only, the Company’s secured net leverage ratio, as defined in and computed pursuant to the Term Loan, is no greater than 3.75 to 1.00, subject to certain limitations and for the period defined pursuant to the Term Loan.
As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the total availability under the ABL Agreement was as follows (in thousands):
March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||
Maximum aggregate principal allowed | $ | 150,000 | $ | 150,000 | ||||||||||
Outstanding borrowings under the ABL Agreement | — | (27,302) | ||||||||||||
Standby letters of credit | (3,391) | (2,698) | ||||||||||||
Total availability under the ABL Agreement | $ | 146,609 | $ | 120,000 | ||||||||||
Availability under the ABL Agreement depends on the valuation of certain current assets comprising the borrowing base. The borrowing capacity under the ABL Agreement will depend, in part, on eligible levels of accounts receivable and inventory that fluctuate regularly. Due to the seasonality of the Company’s business, this may mean that the Company will have greater borrowing availability during the third and fourth quarters of each year. Consequently, the $150.0 million commitment thereunder may not represent actual borrowing capacity.
The current and non-current portions of the Company’s Term Loan facility included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in thousands):
March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||
Current portion of Term Loan facility: | ||||||||||||||
Term Loan facility payment | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||
Estimated Excess Cash Flow principal payment | 13,000 | 19,120 | ||||||||||||
Estimated unamortized debt issuance costs | (1,431) | (1,463) | ||||||||||||
Total Current portion of Term Loan facility | $ | 11,569 | $ | 17,657 | ||||||||||
Non-current portion of Term Loan facility: | ||||||||||||||
Term Loan facility, net of current portion | $ | 239,128 | $ | 243,485 | ||||||||||
Estimated unamortized debt issuance costs | (4,160) | (4,508) | ||||||||||||
Total Non-current portion of Term Loan facility | $ | 234,968 | $ | 238,977 | ||||||||||
The estimated Excess Cash Flow principal payment recorded at March 31, 2021 represents the Company's estimate for the 2022 Excess Cash Flow payment. The 2021 Excess Cash Flow payment, paid on March 30, 2021, totaled $10.5 million. The Excess Cash Flow payment differs from the estimated amount at December 31, 2020 of $19.1 million as certain lenders opted to not require payment per the terms of the debt agreements.
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The Company’s payment obligations under its Debt Agreements are unconditionally guaranteed by its existing and future U.S. subsidiaries with certain minor exceptions. Certain payment obligations under the ABL Agreement are also direct obligations of its foreign subsidiary borrowers designated as such under the ABL Agreement and, subject to limitations on such guaranty, are guaranteed by the foreign subsidiary borrowers, as well as by the Company. The obligations of the Company under the Debt Agreements and any hedging arrangements and cash management services and the guarantees by its domestic subsidiaries in respect of those obligations are secured by substantially all of the assets and stock (but in the case of foreign subsidiaries, limited to 65% of the capital stock in first-tier foreign subsidiaries and not including the stock of subsidiaries of such first-tier foreign subsidiaries) owned by the Company and the U.S. subsidiary guarantors, subject to certain exceptions. Such security interest consists of (1) a first-priority lien, subject to certain permitted liens, with respect to certain assets of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries (the “ABL Collateral”) pledged as collateral in favor of lenders under the ABL Agreement and a second-priority lien in the ABL Collateral in favor of the lenders under the Term Loan and (2) a first-priority lien, subject to certain permitted liens, with respect to certain assets of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries (the “Term Loan Collateral”) pledged as collateral in favor of lenders under the Term Loan and a second-priority lien in the Term Loan Collateral in favor of the lenders under the ABL Agreement.
Borrowings under the ABL Agreement bear interest, at the Company’s option, at one of the following rates: (i) alternate base rate, defined, for any day, as the greater of the prime rate, a federal funds and overnight bank funding based rate plus 0.5% or one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%, plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, or (ii) LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.75%. The respective margins are based upon the Company’s total leverage ratio, as defined in and computed pursuant to the ABL Agreement. There were no outstanding borrowings under the ABL Agreement at March 31, 2021. In addition, the Company pays a commitment fee of 0.375% on the unused portion of the ABL Agreement.
The Term Loan facility bears interest, at the Company’s option, at one of the following rates: (i) alternate base rate, defined, for any day, as the greater of (x) the prime rate, (y) a federal funds and overnight bank funding based rate plus 0.5% or (z) one-month LIBOR, but not less than 1.0%, plus 1.0%, which alternate base rate shall not be less than 2%, plus a margin of 2.5% or (ii) LIBOR, but not less than 1%, plus a margin of 3.5%. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan at March 31, 2021 was 4.5%.
The Debt Agreements provide for customary restrictions and events of default. Restrictions include limitations on additional indebtedness, acquisitions, investments and payment of dividends, among other things. Further, the ABL Agreement provides that during any period (a) commencing on the last day of the most recently ended four consecutive fiscal quarters on or prior to the date availability under the ABL Agreement is less than the greater of $15.0 million and 10% of the aggregate commitment under the ABL Agreement at any time and (b) ending on the day after such availability has exceeded the greater of $15.0 million and 10% of the aggregate commitment under the ABL Agreement for 45 consecutive days, the Company is required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10 to 1.00 as of the last day of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters.
The Company was in compliance with the covenants of the Debt Agreements at March 31, 2021.
The Company expects that it will continue to borrow, subject to availability, and repay funds under the ABL Agreement based on working capital and other corporate needs.
Covenant Calculations
Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure), which is defined in the Company’s Debt Agreements, is used in the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, Secured Net Leverage Ratio, Total Leverage Ratio and Total Net Leverage Ratio, which are required to be provided to the Company’s lenders pursuant to its Debt Agreements.
The following is the Company’s adjusted EBITDA, for the last four fiscal quarters:
Adjusted EBITDA for the Four Quarters Ended March 31, 2021 | |||||
(in thousands) | |||||
Three months ended March 31, 2021 | $ | 16,830 | |||
Three months ended December 31, 2020 | 32,458 | ||||
Three months ended September 30, 2020 | 29,228 | ||||
Three months ended June 30, 2020 | 12,388 | ||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 90,904 | |||
Capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $0.7 million.
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Non-GAAP financial measure
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K, each promulgated by the SEC. This measure is provided because management of the Company uses this financial measure in evaluating the Company’s on-going financial results and trends, and management believes that exclusion of certain items allows for more accurate period-to-period comparison of the Company’s operating performance by investors and analysts. Management also uses this non-GAAP information as an indicator of business performance. Adjusted EBITDA, as discussed above, is also one of the measures used to calculate financial covenants required to be provided to the Company’s lenders pursuant to its Debt Agreements.
Investors should consider this non-GAAP financial measure in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the Company’s financial performance measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Further, the Company’s non-GAAP information may be different from the non-GAAP information provided by other companies including other companies within the home retail industry.
The following is a reconciliation of the net (loss) income, as reported, to adjusted EBITDA, for each of the last four quarters and the 12 months ended March 31, 2021:
Three Months Ended | Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
June 30, 2020 | September 30, 2020 | December 31, 2020 | March 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net (loss) income as reported | $ | (3,977) | $ | 13,913 | $ | 15,221 | $ | 3,067 | $ | 28,224 | |||||||||||||||||||
Undistributed equity losses (earnings), net | 848 | (147) | (1,620) | 247 | (672) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax provision | 3,031 | 3,711 | 6,853 | 2,416 | 16,011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 4,230 | 4,128 | 4,183 | 4,014 | 16,555 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mark to market loss (gain) on interest rate derivatives | 164 | (99) | (172) | (498) | (605) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 6,061 | 6,090 | 6,279 | 5,958 | 24,388 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock compensation expense | 1,420 | 1,575 | 1,630 | 1,444 | 6,069 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition related expenses | 55 | 57 | 126 | 182 | 420 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring expenses (benefit) | 253 | — | (42) | — | 211 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Warehouse relocation expenses | 303 | — | — | — | 303 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 12,388 | $ | 29,228 | $ | 32,458 | $ | 16,830 | $ | 90,904 | |||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure which is defined in the Company’s debt agreements. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net (loss) income, adjusted to exclude undistributed equity in losses (earnings), income tax provision, interest expense, mark to market loss (gain) on interest rate derivatives, depreciation and amortization, stock compensation expense, and other items detailed in the table above that are consistent with exclusions permitted by our debt agreements.
Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement
To improve its liquidity during seasonally high working capital periods, the Company has an uncommitted Receivables Purchase Agreement with HSBC Bank USA, National Association (“HSBC”) as Purchaser (the “Receivables Purchase Agreement”). Under the Receivables Purchase Agreement, the Company may offer to sell certain eligible accounts receivable (the “Receivables”) to HSBC, which may accept such offer, and purchase the offered Receivables. Under the Receivables Purchase Agreement, following each purchase of Receivables, the outstanding aggregate purchased Receivables shall not exceed $30.0 million. HSBC will assume the credit risk of the Receivables purchased, and the Company will continue to be responsible for all non-credit risk matters. The Company will service the Receivables, and as such servicer, collect and otherwise enforce the Receivables on behalf of HSBC. The term of the agreement is for 364 days and shall automatically be extended for annual successive terms unless terminated. Either party may terminate the agreement at any time upon sixty days’ prior written notice to the other party.
Pursuant to this agreement, the Company sold to HSBC $40.6 million and $37.9 million of receivables during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Charges of $0.1 million and $0.2 million related to the sale of the receivables are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. At March 31, 2021 and 2020, $25.6 million and $23.2 million, respectively, of receivables sold were outstanding and due to HSBC from customers.
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Derivatives
Interest Rate Swaps
The Company's total outstanding notional value of interest rate swaps was $94.0 million at March 31, 2021.
The Company designated a portion of these interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of the Company's exposure to the variability of the payment of interest on a portion of its Term Loan borrowings. The hedge periods of these agreements commenced in April 2018 and expire in March 2023. The original notional values are reduced over these periods. The aggregate notional value of designated interest rate swaps were $69.0 million at March 31, 2021.
In June 2019, the Company entered into additional interest rate swap agreements, with an aggregate notional value of $25.0 million at March 31, 2021. These non-designated interest rate swaps serve as cash flow hedges of the Company’s exposure to the variability of the payment of interest on a portion of its Term Loan borrowings and expire in February 2025.
Foreign Exchange Contracts
The Company is a party from time to time to certain foreign exchange contracts, primarily to offset the earnings impact related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with inventory purchases denominated in foreign currencies. Fluctuations in the value of certain foreign currencies as compared to the U.S. dollar may positively or negatively affect the Company’s revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, and retained earnings, all of which are expressed in USD. Where the Company deems it prudent, the Company engages in hedging programs using foreign currency forward contracts aimed at limiting the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on earnings. The Company purchases short-term (i.e., 12 months or less) foreign currency forward contracts to protect against currency exchange risks associated with the payment of merchandise purchases to foreign suppliers. The Company does not hedge the translation of foreign currency profits into USD, as the Company regards this as an accounting exposure rather than an economic exposure.
The aggregate gross notional values of foreign exchange contracts at March 31, 2021 was $18.7 million. These foreign exchange contracts have been designated as hedges in order to apply hedge accounting.
The Company is exposed to market risks as well as changes in foreign currency exchange rates as measured against the USD and each other, and to changes to the credit risk of derivative counterparties. The Company attempts to minimize these risks primarily by using foreign currency forward contracts and by maintaining counterparty credit limits. These hedging activities provide only limited protection against currency exchange and credit risk. Factors that could influence the effectiveness of the Company’s hedging programs include those impacting currency markets and the availability of hedging instruments and liquidity of the credit markets. All foreign currency forward contracts that the Company enters into are components of hedging programs and are entered into for the sole purpose of hedging an existing or anticipated currency exposure. The Company does not enter into such contracts for speculative purposes and as of March 31, 2021, the Company does not have any foreign currency forward contract derivatives that are not designated as hedges.
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $36.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $33.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase from 2021 compared to 2020 was attributable to an increase in net income, most significantly before goodwill impairment, partially offset by a higher investment in inventory and timing of collections related to accounts receivables.
Investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $0.9 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $40.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to net cash provided by of $41.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The change was mainly attributable to repayments on the Company's revolving credit facility under its ABL Agreement in the 2021 period compared to proceeds received in the 2020 period, and the timing of the Company's term loan excess cash flow payment.
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There were no material changes in market risk for changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates from the information provided in Item 7A – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
(a)Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company (its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively) have concluded, based on their evaluation as of March 31, 2021, that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed by it under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b)Changes in Internal Controls
There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
For a description of our legal proceedings, please see NOTE 13 — CONTINGENCIES, to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period | Total number of shares purchased(1) | Average price paid per share | Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs(2) | Maximum approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs subsequent to end of period (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
February 1 - February 28, 2021 | 132,081 | $ | 14.37 | — | $ | 6,771,467 | ||||||||||||||||||||
March 1 - March 31, 2021 | 136,506 | $ | 14.81 | — | 6,771,467 | |||||||||||||||||||||
(1)The repurchased shares were acquired other than as part of a publicly announced plan or program. The Company repurchased these securities in connection with its Amended and Restated 2000 Long Term Incentive Plan, which allows participants to use shares to satisfy the exercise price of options exercised, certain tax liabilities arising from the exercise of options, and certain tax liabilities arising from the vesting of restricted stock. The number above does not include unvested shares forfeited back to us pursuant to the terms of our stock compensation plans.
(2)On April 30, 2013, the Board of Directors of Lifetime Brands, Inc. authorized the repurchase of up to $10.0 million of the Company’s common stock. The repurchase authorization permits the Company to effect the repurchases from time to time through open market purchases and privately negotiated transactions. No repurchases occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
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Item 6. Exhibits
See the Exhibit Index below, which is incorporated by reference herein.
Exhibit Index
Exhibit No. | ||||||||
31.1 | ||||||||
31.2 | ||||||||
32.1 | ||||||||
101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | |||||||
101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |||||||
101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |||||||
101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |||||||
101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document | |||||||
101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |||||||
104 | The cover page from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101 |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
Lifetime Brands, Inc. | ||||||||
/s/ Robert B. Kay | May 6, 2021 | |||||||
Robert B. Kay | ||||||||
Chief Executive Officer and Director | ||||||||
(Principal Executive Officer) | ||||||||
/s/ Laurence Winoker | May 6, 2021 | |||||||
Laurence Winoker | ||||||||
Senior Vice President – Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
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