TILE SHOP HOLDINGS, INC. - Quarter Report: 2016 June (Form 10-Q)





UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 

Washington, D.C. 20549

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FORM 10-Q

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(Mark One)



For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016



OR





 For the transition period from – to –

 

Commission file number: 001-35629

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TILE SHOP HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

_____________________________









(763) 852-2988 

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

_____________________________



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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). ☒ Yes    ☐ No



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



As of July 29, 2016, there were 51,517,238 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, outstanding.





 

 

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TILE SHOP HOLDINGS, INC.

Table of Contents

 



 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  

Tile Shop Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 





See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Tile Shop Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)







See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Tile Shop Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income

(dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)







See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Tile Shop Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

(dollars in thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)





 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Tile Shop Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 (dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)



 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

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Note 1: Background



The Tile Shop, LLC (“The Tile Shop”) was formed on December 30, 2002, as a Delaware limited liability company and began operations on January 1, 2003. Tile Shop Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings,” and together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware in June 2012 to become the parent company of The Tile Shop, LLC.



The Company is a specialty retailer of manufactured and natural stone tiles, setting and maintenance materials, and related accessories in the United States.  The Company manufactures its own setting and maintenance materials, such as thinset, grout, and sealers. The Company’s primary market is retail sales to consumers, contractors, designers and home builders. As of June 30, 2016, the Company had 117 stores in 31 states and an on-line retail operation. The Company also has distribution centers located in Michigan, Virginia, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. The Company has a sourcing operation located in China.



The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10‑Q. Accordingly, they do not include certain information and disclosures required for comprehensive financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included and are of a normal recurring nature, including the elimination of all intercompany transactions. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.



These statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. The accounting policies used in preparing these Consolidated Financial Statements are the same as those described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in such Form 10-K. Dbt issuance costs presented in the prior year balance sheet have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.



Change in Accounting Principle



In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a standard that requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. 



The Company historically presented debt issuance costs, or fees paid to third party advisors related to directly issuing debt, as assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  The guidance simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs to be presented as a deduction from the corresponding liability, consistent with debt discounts. This guidance gives entities the ability to make a policy election regarding the classification of debt issuance costs associated with revolving line of credit agreements.  The Company has elected to present the unamortized debt issuance costs associated with its revolving line of credit as other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  Unamortized deferred financing costs attributable to the new market tax credit program are also classified as other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company has applied this guidance retrospectively to the prior period Consolidated Balance Sheet.



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The reclassification did not impact net income previously reported or any prior amounts reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The following table presents the effect of the retrospective application of this change in accounting principle on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015:















Note 2: Inventories



Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined on the weighted average cost method) or market. Inventories consist primarily of merchandise held for sale. Inventories were comprised of the following as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015:







The Company records provisions for losses related to shrinkage and other amounts that are otherwise not expected to be fully recoverable. These provisions are calculated based on historical shrinkage, selling price, margin and current business trends.

 

Note 3: Income taxes



The Company’s effective tax rate on net income before income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was 39.4% and 41.5%, respectively. The improvement in the effective tax rate is due to a decrease in non-deductible incentive stock-based compensation expense in 2016 combined with a reduction in the level of state tax rate changes that triggered unfavorable deferred tax adjustments in 2015. For the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $4.4 million and $3.2 million, respectively.



The Company's effective tax rate on net income before income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was 39.6% and 42.2%, respectively. The improvement in the effective tax rate is due to a decrease in non-deductible incentive stock-based compensation expense in 2016 combined with a reduction in the level of state tax rate changes that triggered unfavorable deferred tax adjustments in 2015. For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $8.9 million and $5.9 million, respectively.

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The Company records interest and penalties relating to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of June 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company has not recognized any liabilities for uncertain tax positions nor have interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions been accrued.

 

Note 4: Earnings Per Share



Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, after taking into consideration all dilutive potential shares outstanding during the period.



Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows:







 

Note 5: Other Accrued Liabilities



Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following:







 

Note 6: Long-term Debt



On June 2, 2015, the Company and its operating subsidiary, The Tile Shop, LLC, entered into a credit agreement with Fifth Third Bank, Bank of America, N.A., and Huntington National Bank (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement provides the Company with a $125.0 million senior secured credit facility, comprised of a five-year $50.0 million term loan and a $75.0 million revolving line of credit. The Credit Agreement is secured by virtually all of the assets of the Company, including but not limited to, inventory, receivables, equipment and real property. Borrowings pursuant to the Credit Agreement bear interest at either a base rate or a LIBOR-based rate, at the option of the Company. The LIBOR-based rate will range from LIBOR plus 1.50% to 2.00%, depending on The Tile Shop’s leverage ratio. The base rate is equal to the greatest of: (a) the Federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (b) the Fifth Third Bank “prime rate,” and (c) the Eurodollar rate plus 1.00%, in each case plus 0.50% to 1.00% depending on The Tile Shop’s leverage ratio. At June 30, 2016 the base interest rate was 4.00% and the LIBOR-based interest rate was 1.97%. Borrowings outstanding consisted of $29.2 million on the term loan as of June 30, 2016. The Company can elect to prepay the term loan without incurring a

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penalty. Additional borrowings pursuant to the Credit Agreement may be used to support the Company’s growth and for working capital purposes. The Company incurred $1.0 million of debt issuance costs in connection with the Credit Agreement, which will be amortized over the five-year life of the Credit Agreement. Debt issuance costs attributable to the term loan are classified as a reduction of debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Debt issuance costs attributable to the revolving line of credit are classified as assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The term loan requires quarterly principal payments as follows (in thousands):

  





The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, conditions to borrowings, and restrictive covenants, including restrictions on the Company’s ability to dispose of assets, make acquisitions, incur additional debt, incur liens, make investments, or enter into transactions with affiliates on other than terms that could be obtained in an arm’s length transaction. The Credit Agreement also includes financial and other covenants including covenants to maintain certain fixed charge coverage ratios and rent adjusted leverage ratios. In addition, except with respect to pro rata payments made by The Tile Shop or other subsidiaries to Holdings or any other equity owner of such entity, the Credit Agreement prohibits the payments of cash dividends. The Company was in compliance with the covenants as of June 30, 2016.



Long-term debt consisted of the following at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):





 



Note 7: Fair Value of Financial Instruments



These consolidated financial statements include the following financial instruments: cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses, capital leases, notes payable, and debt. At June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the carrying amount of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximated their fair values due to their short-term maturities. The carrying value of the Company’s borrowings and capital lease obligation approximates fair value based upon the market interest rates available to the Company for debt and capital lease obligations with similar risk and maturities.



Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. To measure fair value, the Company uses a three-tier valuation hierarchy based upon observable and non-observable inputs:



Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for the identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.



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Level 2 – Significant other observable inputs available at the measurement date, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, either directly or indirectly, including:



Level 3 – Significant unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data and reflect the use of significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management’s estimates of market participant assumptions.

 

Note 8: Equity Incentive Plans



Stock options:



The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all stock-based awards at fair value. The financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 include compensation cost for the portion of outstanding awards that vested during those periods. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the option vesting term. Total stock-based compensation expense related to stock options was $0.9 million for both the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015.  Total stock-based compensation expense related to stock options was $1.9 million and $1.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.



As of June 30, 2016, the Company had outstanding stock options to purchase 2,817,763 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $13.22.



Restricted stock:



The Company awards restricted common shares to selected employees, and non-employee directors. Recipients are not required to provide any consideration other than continued service. Restricted share awards are subject to certain restrictions on transfer, and all or part of the shares awarded may be subject to forfeiture upon the occurrence of certain events, including employment termination. The restricted stock is valued at its grant date fair value and expensed over the requisite service period or the vesting term of the awards. Total stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock was $0.3 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Total stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock was $0.6 million and $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.



As of June 30, 2016, the Company had 118,236 outstanding restricted common shares.

 

Note 9: New Market Tax Credit



In July 2013 the Company entered into a financing transaction with Chase Community Equity (“Chase”), and U.S. Bank Community, LLC (“U.S. Bank”, and, collectively with Chase, the “investors”) related to a $19.1 million acquisition, rehabilitation and construction of the Company’s new distribution and manufacturing center in Durant, Oklahoma. The investors made a capital contribution to, and Tile Shop Lending made a loan to Chase New Market Tax Credit, The Tile Shop of Oklahoma Investment Fund, LLC, and The Tile Shop Investment Fund LLC (the “Investment Funds”) under a qualified New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) program. The NMTC program was provided for in the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 (the “Act”) and is intended to induce capital investment in qualified lower income communities. The Act permits taxpayers to claim credits against their Federal income taxes for up to 39% of qualified investments in the equity of community development entities (“CDEs”). CDEs are privately managed investment institutions that are certified to make qualified low-income community investments.



In July 2013, Tile Shop Lending loaned $13.5 million to the Investment Funds at an interest rate of 1.35% per year and with a maturity of September 30, 2043. The Investment Funds then contributed the loan to certain CDEs, which, in turn, loaned the funds on similar terms to Tile Shop of Oklahoma, LLC, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The proceeds of the loans from

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the CDEs (including loans representing the capital contribution made by the investors, net of syndication fees) were used to partially fund the new manufacturing and distribution center project.



In July 2013, the investors also contributed $5.6 million to the Investment Funds and, by virtue of such contribution, are entitled to substantially all of the tax benefits derived from the NMTCs, while the Company effectively received net loan proceeds equal to the investors’ contributions to the Investment Fund. This transaction includes a put/call provision whereby the Company may be obligated or entitled to repurchase the investors’ interest. The Company believes that the investors will exercise the put option in September 2020 at the end of the recapture period. The value attributed to the put/call is de minimis. The NMTC is subject to 100% recapture for a period of seven years as provided in the Internal Revenue Code. The Company is required to be in compliance with various regulations and contractual provisions that apply to the NMTC arrangement. Non-compliance with applicable requirements could result in projected tax benefits not being realized and, therefore, could require the Company to indemnify the investors for any loss or recapture of NMTCs related to the financing until such time as the obligation to deliver tax benefits is relieved. The Company does not anticipate any credit recaptures will be required in connection with this arrangement.



The Company has determined that the financing arrangement with the Investment Funds and CDEs contains a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The ongoing activities of the Investment Funds – collecting and remitting interest and fees and NMTC compliance – were all considered in the initial design and are not expected to significantly affect economic performance throughout the life of the Investment Funds. Management considered the contractual arrangements that obligate the Company to deliver tax benefits and provide various other guarantees to the structure; Chase’s and U.S. Bank’s lack of a material interest in the underling economics of the project; and the fact that the Company is obligated to absorb losses of the Investment Fund. The Company concluded that it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE and consolidated the Investment Funds, as a VIE, in accordance with the accounting standards for consolidation. Chase’s and U.S. Bank’s contributions of $4.4 million, net of syndication fees, are included in cash and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet. The benefit of this net $4.4 million contribution is recognized as a decrease in depreciation expense as the Company amortizes the contribution liability over the seven-year compliance period as it is being earned through the on-going compliance with the conditions of the NMTC program. As of June 30, 2016, the balance of the contribution liability was $2.8 million and is classified as other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

Note 10: Commitments and Contingencies



The Company, two of its former executive officers, five of its outside directors, and certain companies affiliated with the directors, are defendants in a consolidated class action brought under the federal securities laws and now pending in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota under the caption Beaver County Employees’ Retirement Fund, et al. v. Tile Shop Holdings, Inc., et al. Several related actions were filed in 2013, and then consolidated. The plaintiffs are three investors who represent a class or classes consisting of (1) all purchasers of Tile Shop common stock between August 22, 2012 and January 28, 2014 (the “alleged class period”), seeking to pursue remedies under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) all purchasers of Tile Shop common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the Company’s December 2012 registration statements, seeking to pursue remedies under the Securities Act of 1933. Six firms who were underwriters in the December 2012 secondary public offering are also named as defendants. In their consolidated amended complaint (the “complaint”), the plaintiffs allege that during the alleged class period, certain defendants made false or misleading statements of material fact in press releases and SEC filings about the Company’s relationships with its vendors, its gross margins, and its supply chain and producer relationships, and that defendants failed to disclose certain related party transactions. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 11, 12(a)(2), and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, and under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition to attorney’s fees and costs, the plaintiffs seek to recover damages on behalf of the members of the purported classes.  The defendants are vigorously defending the matter. The parties are now providing expert reports and conducting expert discovery.



The Company also is a Defendant in a consolidated action brought derivatively on behalf of the Company by two shareholders of the Company. One action was first filed in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, and then voluntarily dismissed and re-filed in the Court of Chancery for the State of Delaware (“Delaware Chancery Court”). The second action was filed in Delaware Chancery Court. The two actions have since been consolidated by the Delaware Chancery Court under the caption In re Tile Shop Holdings, Inc. Stockholder Derivative Litigation. On July 31, 2015, the plaintiff-shareholders filed their Verified Consolidated Stockholder Derivative Complaint (“complaint”). The complaint names as defendants six members of the Company’s Board of Directors, and a former employee of the Company. The complaint tracks many of the same factual allegations as have been made in the above-described federal securities class action. It alleges that the defendant-directors breached their fiduciary duties by failing to adopt adequate internal controls for the Company, by approving false and misleading statements issued by the Company, by causing the Company to violate generally accepted accounting principles and SEC regulations, by engaging in or approving alleged insider trading, and by permitting the Company’s primary product to contain illegal amounts of lead. The complaint also alleges claims for insider trading and unjust enrichment. The complaint seeks damages, disgorgement, an award of attorneys’ fees and other expenses, and an order compelling changes to the Company’s corporate governance and internal procedures. On November 2, 2015, defendants

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filed a motion to dismiss the derivative action, or in the alternative, to stay it pending resolution of the Beaver County Employees’ Retirement Fund action described above.  Subsequently, the parties entered into a stipulation, and the Court entered an Order, staying the derivative action until resolution of the Beaver County Employees’ Retirement Fund action described above, or until a mutually agreeable resolution of the derivative action. 



By letter dated May 19, 2016, a shareholder of the Company demanded that the Board of Directors investigate alleged breaches of fiduciary duty related to the same matters as alleged in the Verified Consolidated Stockholder Derivative Complaint, and take action against certain present and former officers and directors of the Company. The Board has not yet responded to the shareholder demand letter.



Given the uncertainty of litigation and the preliminary stage of these cases, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may result from these actions. The Company maintains directors and officers liability insurance policies that may reduce the Company’s exposure, if any. In the event the Company incurs a loss, the Company will pursue recoveries to the maximum extent available under these policies. 



The Company is also, from time to time, subject to claims and disputes arising in the normal course of business.  In the opinion of management, while the outcome of such claims and disputes cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company’s ultimate liability in connection with these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

 

Note 11: New Accounting Pronouncements



In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a final standard on revenue from contracts with customers. The new standard sets forth a single comprehensive model for recognizing and reporting revenue. The new standard is effective for the Company in fiscal year 2018, and permits the use of either a retrospective or a cumulative effect transition method. The Company is currently assessing the impact of implementing the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued a standard requiring an entity’s management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date of the financial statements. The guidance also sets forth a series of disclosures that are required in the event the entity’s management concludes that there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The new standard becomes effective for the Company in the annual financial statements for fiscal 2016 and requires an ongoing evaluation at each interim and annual period thereafter. The Company is currently assessing the effect the new standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.



In April 2015, the FASB issued a standard that requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The Company adopted the provisions of this statement in the first quarter of 2016 and prior periods have been retrospectively adjusted (see “Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements”).



In February 2015, the FASB issued a new accounting standard that will modify current consolidation guidance. The standard makes changes to both the variable interest entity model and the voting interest entity model, including modifying the evaluation of whether limited partnerships or similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities and amending the guidance for assessing how relationships of related parties affect the consolidation analysis of VIEs. The standard was effective for the Company as of the beginning of fiscal 2016. The adoption of this new standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.



In July 2015, the FASB issued a standard which simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventory. Currently, an entity is required to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market, whereby market can be replacement cost, net realizable value, or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin. The changes require that inventory be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby eliminating the use of the other two market methodologies. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Currently, the Company applies the net realizable value market option to measure inventories at the lower of cost or market. These changes become effective for the Company in fiscal 2017. The Company is currently assessing the effect the new standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.



In February 2016, the FASB issued a standard that primarily requires organizations that lease assets to recognize the rights and obligations created by those leases on the balance sheet.  The standard is effective in 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the effect the new standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.



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In March 2016, the FASB issued a standard that changes the accounting for certain aspects of share-based payments to employees. The guidance requires the recognition of the income tax effects of awards in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled, thus eliminating additional paid-in capital tax pools. The guidance also allows for the employer to repurchase more of an employee’s shares for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting. In addition, the guidance allows for a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur rather than on an estimated basis. The guidance is effective in 2017 with early adoption permitted.  The Company is currently assessing the effect the new standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q .



Forward-Looking Statements



This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as, but not limited to, “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “will likely result,” “would,” and similar expressions or variations intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of our management based on information currently available to management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results and the timing of certain events to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, unexpected delays or expenses related to opening new stores and maintaining, renovating or relocating existing stores, changes to economic conditions and customer preferences, disruptions in our supply chain, or inventory management, competitive factors, increases to interest rates or other impacts on our ability to obtain or maintain financing, unanticipated expenses related to operating as a public company including but not limited to litigation-related expenses, and those factors disclosed in the section captioned “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Furthermore, such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

 

Overview and Recent Trends



We are a specialty retailer of manufactured and natural stone tiles, setting and maintenance materials, and related accessories in the United States. We offer a wide selection of products, attractive prices, and exceptional customer service in an extensive showroom setting. As of June 30, 2016, we operated 117 stores in 31 states, with an average size of 21,600 square feet. We also sell our products on our website.



We purchase our tile products and accessories directly from suppliers and manufacture our own setting and maintenance materials, such as thinset, grout, and sealers. We believe that our long-term supplier relationships, together with our design, manufacturing and distribution capabilities, enable us to offer a broad assortment of high-quality products to our customers, who are primarily homeowners and professionals, at competitive prices. We have invested significant resources to develop our proprietary brands and product sources, and believe that we are a leading retailer of manufactured and natural stone tiles, accessories, and related materials in the United States.



We believe that the highly-fragmented United States retail tile market provides us with a significant opportunity to expand our store base. We opened 4 new stores in the first six months of 2016, and opened 7 new stores in 2015. We plan to open an additional 6 to 8 new stores in 2016 and relocate 2 stores during 2016. We believe that there will continue to be additional expansion opportunities in the United States and Canada. We expect store base growth will drive productivity and operational efficiencies. Our growth plans also require us to maintain significant inventory on-hand in order to fulfill transactions at these new locations.



For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, we reported net sales of $84.3 million and $169.0 million, respectively, and income from operations of $11.7 million and $23.5 million respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, we reported net sales of $75.7 million and $148.7 million, respectively, and income from operations of $8.4 million and $15.6 million, respectively. The increase in sales and income from operations was primarily due to same store sales growth of 8.2% and 10.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.



Net cash provided by operating activities was $40.8 million and $38.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which was used to fund operations, new store construction activities, and debt repayments. We expect to continue to fund our capital expenditures and daily operations from our operating cash flows. As of June 30, 2016, we had cash of $13.4 million and working capital of $39.3 million.

 

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Key Components of our Consolidated Statements of Operations



Net Sales Net sales represents total charges to customers, net of returns, and includes freight charged to customers. We recognize sales at the time that the customer takes possession of the merchandise or final delivery of the product has occurred. We recognize service revenue, which consists primarily of freight charges for home delivery, when the service has been rendered. We are required to charge and collect sales and other taxes on sales to our customers and remit these taxes back to government authorities. Total revenues do not include sales tax because we are a pass-through conduit for collecting and remitting sales tax.



Comparable store sales for the three months ended June 30, 2016 increased $6.2 million, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2015.  Comparable store sales for the six months ended June 30, 2016 increased $15.8 million, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2015.  The table below sets forth information about our same store sales growth for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015.  







Our increase in same store sales growth is primarily attributable to an increase in the volume of transactions, as well as increases in average transaction size. Same store sale amounts include total charges to customers less any actual returns, and the change in the returns provision related to comparable stores. In general, we consider a store comparable on the first day of the 13th full month of operation.



Between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016, we opened 9 new store locations. Incremental net sales of $2.4 million and $4.5 million occurred in the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 respectively, from stores not included in the comparable store base.



Cost of Sales Cost of sales consists primarily of material costs, freight, duties, and storage and delivery of product to the customers, as well as costs associated with manufacturing of setting and maintenance materials. For the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, our cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was 30.3% and 32.2%, respectively. The decrease was primarily attributable to less discounts and improved freight collection. For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, our cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was 29.9% and 31.2%,  respectively. The decrease was primarily attributable to less discounts, improved freight collection, and inventory control process improvements.



Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses For the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, our selling, general, and administrative expenses a percentage of net sales were 55.8% and 56.7%, respectively. The decrease was primarily attributable to an increase in same store sales, which outpaced the growth of selling, general, and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2016.  For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, our selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 56.2% and 58.3%, respectively.  The decrease was primarily attributable to an increase in same store sales, which outpaced the growth of selling, general, and administrative expense for the six months ended June 30, 2016.



Provision for Income Taxes We are subject to income tax in the United States as well as other tax jurisdictions in which we conduct business. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was 39.4% and 41.5%, respectively. Our effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was 39.6% and 42.2%, respectively. The improvement in the three and six month effective tax rate is due to a decrease in non-deductible incentive stock-based compensation expense in 2016 combined with a reduction in the level of state tax rate changes that triggered unfavorable deferred tax adjustments in 2015.



Non-GAAP Measures



We calculate Adjusted EBITDA by taking net income calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP, and adjusting for interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock based compensation expense, and special charges consisting of litigation costs,  which are primarily related to shareholder litigation, and losses incurred with the renegotiation of debt. Adjusted EBITDA margin is equal to Adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales. Free cash flows is calculated by taking net cash provided by operating activities and subtracting net cash used for capital expenditures. Non-GAAP net income excludes the special charges consisting of litigation costs and losses incurred in connection with the renegotiation of debt, and is net of tax.



We believe that these non-GAAP measures of financial results provide useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to our financial condition and results of operations. Our management uses these non-GAAP measures to compare our performance to that of prior periods for trend analyses, for purposes of determining management incentive compensation, and for budgeting and planning purposes. These measures are used in monthly financial reports prepared

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for management and our board of directors. We believe that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating ongoing operating results and trends and in comparing our financial measures with other specialty retailers, many of which present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors.



The reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:







The reconciliation of free cash flows to net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:







The reconciliation of Non-GAAP net income to GAAP net income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:



(1) Amounts may not foot due to rounding.





(1) Amounts may not foot due to rounding.







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Our management does not consider these non-GAAP measures in isolation or as an alternative to financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. The principal limitations of these non-GAAP financial measures are that they exclude significant expenses and income that are required by GAAP to be recognized in our consolidated financial statements. In addition, they are subject to inherent limitations as they reflect the exercise of judgments by management about which expenses and income are excluded or included in determining these non-GAAP financial measures. In order to compensate for these limitations, management presents non-GAAP financial measures in connection with GAAP results. We urge investors to review the reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

 

Results of Operations



Comparison of the three months ended June 30, 2016 to the three months ended June 30, 2015







Net Sales Net sales for the second quarter of 2016 increased $8.6 million, or 11.3%, over the second quarter of 2015. Comparable store sales increased $6.2 million due to an increase in the volume of transactions, as well as an increase in the average transaction size. Net sales for the 9 new stores open less than twelve months were $2.4 million during the second quarter of 2016. 



Gross profit Gross profit for the second quarter of 2016 increased $7.4 million, or 14.4%, compared to the second quarter of 2015, primarily due to the increase in net sales. The gross margin rate increased from 67.8% for the second quarter of 2015 to 69.7% for the second quarter of 2016. The increase in the gross margin rate was primarily attributable to improved collection of customer delivery revenue, and a decrease in the level of discounting in 2016.



Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2016 increased $4.1 million, or 9.6%, compared to the second quarter of 2015. The increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses was primarily due to an increase in compensation and benefit costs of $2.0 million and occupancy costs of $0.5 million as a result of opening 9 new stores during the period from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, and an increase in variable compensation associated with an 8.2% increase in comparable store sales for the second quarter of 2016. Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 55.8% for the second quarter of 2016 compared to 56.7% for the second quarter of 2015. The decrease in selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to a maturing store base that has higher net sales levels, which outpaced the growth of selling, general, and administrative expenses.



Selling, general, and administrative expenses include costs of $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the second quarter of 2016 and 2015, respectively, which relate to special charges consisting of litigation expenses.



Pre-opening Costs Our pre-opening costs are those typically associated with the opening of a new store and generally include rent expense, payroll costs and promotional costs. We expense pre-opening costs as incurred and include these costs in selling, general and administrative expenses. During the second quarter of 2016 and 2015, we incurred pre-opening costs of $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.



Interest Expense Interest expense decreased $0.3 million for the second quarter of 2016 compared to the second quarter of 2015. The decrease is primarily due to the decrease in the debt balance over the last twelve months.



Provision for Income Taxes Income tax provision increased $1.3 million for the second quarter of 2016 compared to the second quarter of 2015 due to higher income before income taxes in the second quarter of 2016. Our effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2016 and 2015 was 39.4% and 41.5%, respectively. The improvement in the three month effective tax rate is due to a decrease in

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non-deductible incentive stock-based compensation expense in 2016 combined with a reduction in the level of state tax rate changes that triggered unfavorable deferred tax adjustments in 2015.



Comparison of the six months ended June 30, 2016 to the six months ended June 30, 2015









 (1) Amounts may not foot due to rounding.





Net Sales Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2016 increased $20.3 million, or 13.7%, over the six months ended June 30, 2015.  Comparable store sales increased $15.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2016 due to an increase in the volume of transactions, as well as an increase in the average transaction size. Net sales for the 9 new stores open less than twelve months were $4.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2016. 



Gross profit Gross profit for the six months ended June 30, 2016 increased $16.1 million, or 15.8%, compared to six months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to the increase in net sales. The gross margin rate increased from 68.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2015 to 70.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The increase in the gross margin rate was primarily attributable to improved collection of customer delivery revenue, a decrease in the level of discounting, and inventory control process improvements.



Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2016 increased $8.3 million, or 9.6%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2015. The increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses was primarily due to an increase in compensation and benefit costs of $5.4 million and occupancy costs of $1.2 million as a result of opening 9 new stores during the period from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, and an increase in variable compensation associated with a 10.6% increase in comparable store sales for the six months ended June 30, 2016. Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 56.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to 58.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2015. The decrease in selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to a maturing store base that has higher net sales levels, which outpaced the growth of selling, general, and administrative expenses.



Selling, general, and administrative expenses include costs of $1.1 million and $0.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which relate to special charges consisting of litigation expenses.



Pre-opening Costs Our pre-opening costs are those typically associated with the opening of a new store and generally include rent expense, payroll costs and promotional costs. We expense pre-opening costs as incurred and include these costs in selling, general and admisix months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, we incurred pre-opening costs of $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively.



Interest Expense Interest expense decreased $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2015. The decrease is primarily due to the decrease in the debt balance in 2016.



Provision for Income Taxes Income tax provision increased $3.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2015 due to higher income before income taxes in the six months ended June 30, 2016. Our effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was 39.6% and 42.2%, respectively. The improvement in the six month effective tax rate is due to a decrease in non-deductible incentive stock-based compensation expense in 2016 combined with a reduction in the level of state tax rate changes that triggered unfavorable deferred tax adjustments in 2015.

 

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources



Our principal uses of liquidity have been investments in working capital and capital expenditures. Our principal sources of liquidity are $13.4 million of cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2016, our cash flow from operations, and borrowings available under our credit facility. We expect to use this liquidity for opening new stores, purchasing additional merchandise inventory, maintaining our existing stores, reducing outstanding debt, and general corporate purposes.



On June 2, 2015, we and our operating subsidiary, The Tile Shop, LLC, entered into a credit agreement with Fifth Third Bank, Bank of America, N.A., and Huntington National Bank (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement provides us with a $125.0 million senior secured credit facility, comprised of a five-year $50.0 million term loan and a $75.0 million revolving line of credit. The Credit Agreement is secured by virtually all of our assets, including but not limited to, inventory, receivables, equipment and real property. Borrowings pursuant to the Credit Agreement bear interest at either a base rate or a LIBOR-based rate, at our option. The LIBOR-based rate will range from LIBOR plus 1.50% to 2.00%, depending on The Tile Shop’s leverage ratio. The base rate is equal to the greatest of: (a) the Federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (b) the Fifth Third Bank “prime rate,” and (c) the Eurodollar rate plus 1.00%, in each case plus 0.50% to 1.00% depending on The Tile Shop’s leverage ratio. At June 30, 2016 the base interest rate was 4.00% and the LIBOR-based interest rate was 1.97%. Borrowings outstanding $29.2 million on the term loan as of June 30, 2016. We can elect to prepay the term loan without incurring a penalty. The term loan requires quarterly principal payments as follows (in thousands):







The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, conditions to borrowings, and restrictive covenants, including restrictions on our ability to dispose of assets, make acquisitions, incur additional debt, incur liens, make investments, or enter into transactions with affiliates on other than terms that could be obtained in an arm’s length transaction. The Credit Agreement also includes financial and other covenants including covenants to maintain certain fixed charge coverage ratios and rent adjusted leverage ratios. In addition, except with respect to pro rata payments made by The Tile Shop or other subsidiaries to Holdings or any other equity owner of such entity, the Credit Agreement prohibits the payments of cash dividends. We were in compliance with the covenants as of June 30, 2016.



We believe that our cash flow from operations, together with our existing cash and cash equivalents, and borrowings available under our credit facility will be sufficient to fund our operations and anticipated capital expenditures over at least the next 12 months.



Capital expenditures paid in the six months ended June 30, 2016 were $11.7 million. Approximately $7.0 million was for new store build-out, remodels of existing stores, and merchandising projects, and approximately $3.0 million was for our information technology infrastructure. The remainder was for general corporate purposes.



Our future capital requirements will vary based on the number of additional stores, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities that we open and the number of stores that we choose to renovate. Our decisions regarding opening, relocating, or renovating stores, and whether to engage in strategic acquisitions, will be based in part on macroeconomic factors and the general state of the U.S. economy, as well as the local economies in the markets in which our stores are located. We intend to open an additional 6 to 8 stores and relocate 2 stores during 2016.  Total capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $30 million in 2016.



Cash flows



The following table summarizes our cash flow data for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015.







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Operating activities



Cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $40.8 million, compared to $38.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015. The increase is attributable to an increase in net income.



Investing activities



Net cash used in investing activities totaled $11.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016, compared to $7.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015. Net cash used in investing activities in each period was primarily for capital purchases of store fixtures, equipment, building improvements and leasehold improvements for stores opened or remodeled, asset additions in our distribution and manufacturing facilities, and general corporate information technology assets.



Financing activities



Net cash used in financing activities was $26.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016, compared to $24.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015. Cash used in financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2016 was primarily for payments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations of $26.3 million. At June 30, 2016, we were in compliance with our debt covenants. We intend to make principal payments due in future periods using cash from operations.



Cash and cash equivalents totaled $13.4 million at June 30, 2016, versus $10.3 million at December 31, 2015. We have working capital of $39.3 million at June 30, 2016, compared to working capital of $47.5 million at December 31, 2015.



Off-balance sheet arrangements



As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we did not have any “off-balance sheet arrangements” (as such term is defined in Item 303 of Regulation S-K) that could have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, net sales or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.



Contractual arrangements



As of June 30, 2016, there were no material changes to our contractual obligations outside the ordinary course of business.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements



In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a final standard on revenue from contracts with customers. The new standard sets forth a single comprehensive model for recognizing and reporting revenue. The new standard is effective in fiscal year 2018, and permits the use of either a retrospective or a cumulative effect transition method. We are currently assessing the impact of implementing the new guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued a standard requiring an entity’s management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date of the financial statements. The guidance also sets forth a series of disclosures that are required in the event the entity’s management concludes that there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The new standard becomes effective in the annual financial statements for fiscal 2016 and requires an ongoing evaluation at each interim and annual period thereafter. We are currently assessing the effect the new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.



In April 2015, the FASB issued a standard that requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. We adopted the provisions of this statement in the first quarter of 2016 and prior periods have been retrospectively adjusted (see “Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements”).



In February 2015, the FASB issued a new accounting standard that will modify current consolidation guidance. The standard makes changes to both the variable interest entity model and the voting interest entity model, including modifying the evaluation of whether limited partnerships or similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities and amending the guidance for assessing how relationships of related parties affect the consolidation analysis of VIEs. The standard was effective as of the beginning of fiscal year 2016. The adoption of this new standard did not have a material effect on our financial statements.



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In July 2015, the FASB issued a standard which simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventory. Currently, an entity is required to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market, whereby market can be replacement cost, net realizable value, or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin. The changes require that inventory be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby eliminating the use of the other two market methodologies. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Currently, we apply the net realizable value market option to measure inventories at the lower of cost or market. These changes become effective in fiscal 2017. We are currently assessing the effect the new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.



In February 2016, the FASB issued a standard that primarily requires organizations that lease assets to recognize the rights and obligations created by those leases on the balance sheet.  The standard is effective in 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the effect the new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.



In March 2016, the FASB issued a standard that changes the accounting for certain aspects of share-based payments to employees. The guidance requires the recognition of the income tax effects of awards in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled, thus eliminating additional paid-in capital tax pools. The guidance also allows for the employer to repurchase more of an employee’s shares for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting. In addition, the guidance allows for a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur rather than on an estimated basis. The guidance is effective in 2017 with early adoption permitted.  We are currently assessing the effect the new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.



ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK



There have been no material changes in our primary risk exposures or management of market risks from those disclosed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES



Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures



We have established disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and that information relating to the Company is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal officers as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June  30, 2016 and have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.



Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting



No changes to our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act).

 



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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION



ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS



The Company, two of its former executive officers, five of its outside directors, and certain companies affiliated with the directors, are defendants in a consolidated class action brought under the federal securities laws and now pending in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota under the caption Beaver County Employees’ Retirement Fund, et al. v. Tile Shop Holdings, Inc., et al. Several related actions were filed in 2013, and then consolidated. The plaintiffs are three investors who represent a class or classes consisting of (1) all purchasers of Tile Shop common stock between August 22, 2012 and January 28, 2014 (the “alleged class period”), seeking to pursue remedies under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) all purchasers of Tile Shop common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the Company’s December 2012 registration statements, seeking to pursue remedies under the Securities Act of 1933. Six firms who were underwriters in the December 2012 secondary public offering are also named as defendants. In their consolidated amended complaint (the “complaint”), the plaintiffs allege that during the alleged class period, certain defendants made false or misleading statements of material fact in press releases and SEC filings about the Company’s relationships with its vendors, its gross margins, and its supply chain and producer relationships, and that defendants failed to disclose certain related party transactions. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 11, 12(a)(2), and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, and under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition to attorney’s fees and costs, the plaintiffs seek to recover damages on behalf of the members of the purported classes.  The defendants are vigorously defending the matter. The parties now are providing expert reports and conducting expert discovery.



The Company also is a Defendant in a consolidated action brought derivatively on behalf of the Company by two shareholders of the Company. One action was first filed in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, and then voluntarily dismissed and re-filed in the Court of Chancery for the State of Delaware (“Delaware Chancery Court”). The second action was filed in Delaware Chancery Court. The two actions have since been consolidated by the Delaware Chancery Court under the caption In re Tile Shop Holdings, Inc. Stockholder Derivative Litigation. On July 31, 2015, the plaintiff-shareholders filed their Verified Consolidated Stockholder Derivative Complaint (“complaint”). The complaint names as defendants six members of the Company’s Board of Directors, and a former employee of the Company. The complaint tracks many of the same factual allegations as have been made in the above-described federal securities class action. It alleges that the defendant-directors breached their fiduciary duties by failing to adopt adequate internal controls for the Company, by approving false and misleading statements issued by the Company, by causing the Company to violate generally accepted accounting principles and SEC regulations, by engaging in or approving alleged insider trading, and by permitting the Company’s primary product to contain illegal amounts of lead. The complaint also alleges claims for insider trading and unjust enrichment. The complaint seeks damages, disgorgement, an award of attorneys’ fees and other expenses, and an order compelling changes to the Company’s corporate governance and internal procedures. On November 2, 2015, defendants filed a motion to dismiss the derivative action, or in the alternative, to stay it pending resolution of the Beaver County Employees’ Retirement Fund action described above.  Subsequently, the parties entered into a stipulation, and the Court entered an Order, staying the derivative action until resolution of the Beaver County Employees’ Retirement Fund action described above, or until a mutually agreeable resolution of the derivative action. 



By letter dated May 19, 2016, a shareholder of the Company demanded that the Board of Directors investigate alleged breaches of fiduciary duty related to the same matters as alleged in the Verified Consolidated Stock holder Derivative Complaint, and take action against certain present and former officers and directors of the Company. The Board has not yet responded to the shareholder demand letter.



Given the uncertainty of litigation and the preliminary stage of these cases, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may result from these actions. The Company maintains directors and officers liability insurance policies that may reduce the Company’s exposure, if any. In the event the Company incurs a loss, the Company will pursue recoveries to the maximum extent available under these policies. 



The Company is also, from time to time, subject to claims and disputes arising in the normal course of business.  In the opinion of management, while the outcome of such claims and disputes cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company’s ultimate liability in connection with these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.



ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS



There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.



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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS



None.



ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES



Not Applicable.



ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES



Not Applicable.



ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION



None.



ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 



*    Filed herewith

**  Furnished herewith



 

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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.

 

 



 



 

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TILE SHOP HOLDINGS, INC.

EXHIBIT INDEX



  

*    Filed herewith

**  Furnished herewith

 

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