UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024
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: 001-38990
Advantage Solutions Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
83-4629508
(State or other jurisdiction ofincorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. EmployerIdentification Number)
8001 Forsyth Blvd, Suite 1025
Clayton, Missouri 63105
(Address of principal executive offices)
(314) 655-9333
(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
Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value per share
ADV
Nasdaq Global Select Market
Warrants exercisable for one share of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share
ADVWW
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
f
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 definition 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
As of November 8, 2024, the registrant had 320,753,749 shares of Class A common stock outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
3
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
7
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
8
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
26
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
52
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
53
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 1A. Risk Factors
54
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits
55
Signatures
56
2
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ADVANTAGE SOLUTIONS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
September 30,
December 31,
(in thousands, except share data)
2024
2023
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
196,098
120,839
Restricted cash
16,372
16,363
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for expected credit losses of $16,532 and $29,294, respectively
667,441
659,499
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
95,286
115,921
Current assets of discontinued operations
—
99,412
Total current assets
975,197
1,012,034
Property and equipment, net
90,080
64,708
Goodwill
610,532
710,191
Other intangible assets, net
1,419,000
1,551,828
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
234,008
210,829
Other assets
62,541
43,543
Other assets of discontinued operations
186,190
Total assets
3,391,358
3,779,323
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt
13,250
13,274
Accounts payable
197,898
172,894
Accrued compensation and benefits
117,103
161,447
Other accrued expenses
155,182
144,415
Deferred revenues
29,500
26,598
Current liabilities of discontinued operations
22,669
Total current liabilities
512,933
541,297
Long-term debt, net of current portion
1,688,213
1,848,118
Deferred income tax liabilities
187,742
204,136
Other long-term liabilities
69,939
74,555
Other liabilities of discontinued operations
7,140
Total liabilities
2,458,827
2,675,246
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Equity attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc.
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 3,290,000,000 shares authorized; 320,418,083 and 322,235,261 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively
32
Additional paid in capital
3,459,252
3,449,261
Accumulated deficit
(2,463,568
)
(2,314,650
Loans to Karman Topco L.P.
(6,868
(6,387
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(3,301
(3,945
Treasury stock, at cost; 12,400,075 and 3,600,075 shares as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively
(53,016
(18,949
Total equity attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc.
932,531
1,105,362
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interest
(1,285
Total stockholders' equity
1,104,077
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Revenues
939,270
1,019,706
2,674,039
2,908,177
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)
794,958
892,347
2,298,139
2,552,642
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
98,438
68,291
250,377
172,172
Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets
99,670
Depreciation and amortization
51,866
52,415
152,931
157,436
Loss from equity method investments
(2,815
(2,692
Total operating expenses
942,447
1,013,053
2,798,425
2,882,250
Operating (loss) income from continuing operations
(3,177
6,653
(124,386
25,927
Other expenses (income):
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities
40
587
(359
Interest expense, net
38,969
42,275
114,484
119,883
Total other expenses, net
39,009
42,862
114,125
120,470
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
(42,186
(36,209
(238,511
(94,543
Benefit from income taxes from continuing operations
(4,866
(6,577
(38,042
(15,994
Net loss from continuing operations
(37,320
(29,632
(200,469
(78,549
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax
(5,456
7,050
53,743
443
Net loss
(42,776
(22,582
(146,726
(78,106
Less: net (loss) from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax
1,437
2,346
Less: net (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax
319
2,192
235
Net loss attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc.
(24,338
(148,918
(80,687
Net loss per common share:
Basic loss per common share from continuing operations
(0.12
(0.09
(0.62
(0.24
Basic (loss) earnings per common share from discontinued operations
(0.02
0.02
0.17
0.00
Basic loss per common share attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc.
(0.13
(0.07
(0.46
(0.25
Diluted net loss per share:
Diluted loss per common share from continuing operations
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share from discontinued operations
Diluted loss per common share attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc.
Weighted-average number of common shares:
Basic
321,080,571
324,706,866
321,774,115
323,353,308
Diluted
Comprehensive Loss:
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments
8,132
(5,709
3,075
(463
Total comprehensive loss attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc.
(34,644
(30,047
(145,843
(81,150
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accumulated
Additional
Other
Total
Common Stock
Treasury Stock
Paid-in
Loans to
Comprehensive
Stockholders'
Shares
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Topco
Income (Loss)
Equity
Balance at July 1, 2024
323,020,596
8,875,170
(39,724
3,452,358
(2,420,792
(6,707
(11,433
973,734
Comprehensive loss
Total comprehensive loss
Interest on loans to Karman Topco L.P.
(161
Purchase of treasury stock
(3,524,905
3,524,905
(13,292
Equity-based compensation of Karman Topco L.P.
(178
Shares issued under 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
401,854
1,123
Payments for taxes related to net share settlement under 2020 Incentive Award Plan
(550
Shares issued under 2020 Incentive Award Plan
520,538
Stock-based compensation expense
6,499
Balance at September 30, 2024
320,418,083
12,400,075
Advantage
Solutions Inc.
Noncontrolling
Interest
Balance at July 1, 2023
324,481,143
1,610,014
(12,567
3,427,490
(2,303,458
(6,375
(13,603
1,091,519
106,087
1,197,606
Net (loss) income
1,622
(22,716
(3,727
(9,436
(2,105
(32,152
(6
209
566,464
1,055
727,030
9,588
Balance at September 30, 2023
325,774,637
3,438,342
(2,327,796
(6,381
(19,312
1,072,318
103,982
1,176,300
Balance at January 1, 2024
322,235,261
3,600,075
Comprehensive (loss) income
73
3,148
Total comprehensive (loss) income
2,265
(143,578
(481
(8,800,000
8,800,000
(34,067
(658
983,808
2,294
(11,663
5,999,014
Sale of a business
(2,431
(980
(3,411
20,018
Balance at January 1, 2023
319,690,300
3,408,836
(2,247,109
(6,363
(18,849
1,123,980
101,744
1,225,724
2,280
(78,407
(42
(505
2,238
(78,912
(18
(3,278
1,241,440
2,248
(1,277
4,842,897
31,813
6
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities
Noncash interest income (expense)
1,664
(12,699
Deferred financing fees related to repricing of long-term debt
1,079
Amortization of deferred financing fees
5,137
6,387
Change in fair value of warrant liability
Fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration
1,678
10,487
Deferred income taxes
(16,241
(56,986
Stock-based compensation
24,224
29,401
(4,132
Distribution received from equity method investments
3,289
1,611
Gain on repurchases of Senior Secured Notes and Term Loan Facility debt
(9,141
(5,241
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
775
782
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from divestitures:
Accounts receivable, net
(9,550
19,816
Prepaid expenses and other assets
30,567
87,368
25,435
(1,883
(43,849
(13,511
2,992
14,686
Other accrued expenses and other liabilities
11,527
20,294
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations
78,009
172,576
Net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations
6,437
8,227
Net cash provided by operating activities
84,446
180,803
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of investments in unconsolidated affiliates
(13,932
(3,023
Purchase of property and equipment
(50,358
(24,424
Proceeds from divestitures, net of cash
275,717
12,763
Proceeds from sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates
4,428
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from continuing operations
211,427
(10,256
Net cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations
(7,304
(5,234
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
204,123
(15,490
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under lines of credit
77,884
Payments on lines of credit
(77,222
Principal payments on long-term debt
(9,938
(10,172
Repurchases of Senior Secured Notes and Term Loan Facility debt
(147,122
(103,954
Debt issuance costs
(971
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Contingent consideration payments
(5,655
(1,867
Holdback payments
(656
Redemption of noncontrolling interest
(154
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations
(207,122
(115,170
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities from discontinued operations
(4,362
397
Net cash used in financing activities
(211,484
(114,773
Net effect of foreign currency changes on cash from continuing operations
(1,405
655
Net effect of foreign currency changes on cash from discontinued operations
(412
(2,017
Net effect of foreign currency changes on cash
(1,817
(1,362
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
75,268
49,178
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period
137,202
138,532
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period
212,470
187,710
Less: Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of discontinued operations
4,024
183,686
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Gain on divestitures from discontinued operations
95,260
Noncash consideration for purchases of investments in unconsolidated affiliates
2,000
Noncash proceeds from divestitures
45,056
Purchase of property and equipment recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses
4,650
437
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Advantage Solutions Inc. (the “Company”) is a provider of outsourced solutions to consumer goods companies and retailers. The Company’s Class A common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “ADV” and warrants to purchase the Class A common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “ADVWW”.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2023 was derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet at that date and does not include all the disclosures required by GAAP. In the opinion of management, all adjustments which are of a normal recurring nature and necessary for a fair statement of the results as of September 30, 2024 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 have been reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the related footnotes thereto. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected during the remainder of the current year or for any future period.
The Company has reorganized its portfolio of businesses into a new, simplified structure that more closely aligns its business capabilities with economic buyers. As a result of this reorganization, the Company revised its reportable segments and identified non-core businesses for disposition (“Divestiture plan”). In the first quarter of 2024, the Company determined its Divestiture plan met the criteria for discontinued operations as it represented a strategic shift that had a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results. As such, the results of businesses meeting the criteria to be classified as held for sale or disposed of in the current or prior periods in accordance with the Company’s Divestiture plan have been reclassified to discontinued operations. Refer to Note 2—Held for Sale, Divestitures and Discontinued Operations for additional information on the Company’s assets and liabilities classified as held for sale and the Company's discontinued operations.
Certain prior period balances related to the Company's reportable segments and discontinued operations have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements are presented on a continuing operations basis unless otherwise noted. Refer to Note 8—Segments for additional information on the Company’s reportable segments. Refer to Note 2—Held for Sale, Divestitures and Discontinued Operations for additional information on the Company’s discontinued operations.
Reportable Segments
Effective January 1, 2024, Advantage Solutions Inc. revised its reportable segments to align with the Company's business strategy, and the manner in which the Chief Executive Officer, the Company's chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), assesses performance and makes decisions regarding the allocation of resources for the Company. The Company’s revised operating and reportable segments consist of Branded Services, Experiential Services, and Retailer Services. This change had no impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Prior period segment results have been reclassified to reflect the Company’s new reportable segments on a continuing operations basis. Refer to Note 8—Segments for additional information on the Company’s reportable segments.
Discontinued Operations
The Company presents discontinued operations when there is a disposal of a component or a group of components that represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on operations and financial results. The results of discontinued operations are reported in net income (loss) from discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented, commencing in the period in which the business is either disposed of or is classified as held for sale, including any gain or loss recognized on closing or adjustment of the carrying amount to fair value less costs to sell. Assets and liabilities related to a business classified as held for sale which also meets the criteria for discontinued operations are segregated in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for the current and prior periods presented. Cash flows for continuing and discontinued operations are segregated in the condensed consolidated cash flows for the current and prior periods. When proceeds are not utilized to paydown long-term debt, the assets and liabilities associated with discontinued operations in the current period balance sheet are classified as current.
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired in an acquisition. The Company tests for impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit level. The Company generally combines components that have similar economic characteristics, nature of services, types of clients, distribution methods and regulatory environment. In connection with the Company’s reorganization and the associated change in operating segments, the Company reassessed its reporting units and concluded that it has five reporting units (Branded Services, Branded Agencies, Experiential Services, Merchandising and Retailer Agencies). As a result, the Company performed the required impairment assessments directly before and immediately after the change in reporting units as of January 1, 2024. The assets and liabilities were reassigned to the applicable reporting units and allocated goodwill using the relative fair value approach. The estimated fair value of the underlying reporting units was determined based on a combination of the income and market approaches. The income approach utilizes estimates of discounted cash flows for the underlying business, which requires assumptions for growth rates, EBITDA margins, terminal growth rate, discount rate, and incremental net working capital, all of which require significant management judgment. The market approach applies market multiples derived from historical earnings data of selected guideline publicly traded companies that are first screened by industry group and then further narrowed on the reporting units' business descriptions, markets served, competitors, EBITDA margins and revenue size. The Company compared a weighted average of the output from the income and market approaches to compute the fair value of the reporting units. The assumptions in the income and market approach are based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. The uncertainty and volatility in the economic environment in which the Company operates could have an impact on the Company's future growth and could result in future impairment charges. There is no assurance that actual future earnings, cash flows or other assumptions for the reporting units will not significantly decline from these projections.
In conjunction with the tests performed as of January 1, 2024, each of the fair values for the reporting units tested was in excess of its carrying amount. The fair values of the Branded Agencies and Experiential Services reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values by less than 20%.
During the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, the Company determined a triggering event occurred and an impairment assessment was warranted for the Branded Agencies reporting unit goodwill due to the pending sale of one of the businesses that comprised a substantial portion of the assets, liabilities and prospective cash flows of the Branded Agencies reporting unit. As a result of the impairment test performed, the Company recognized a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $99.7 million related to the Company's Branded Agencies reporting unit goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, which has been reflected in “Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. As a result of this charge, an immaterial amount of goodwill remains in this reporting unit.
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets
Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but tested annually for impairment, at the beginning of the fourth quarter, or more often if events occur or circumstances change that would create a triggering event. Prior to the segment change, the Company went to market with the Advantage Trade Name being specifically used and assessed for impairment in the Sales and Marketing businesses. As a result of the change in the Company's reportable segments effective as of January 1, 2024, the Company determined, based on the change in the planned use of the
9
Advantage Trade Name intangible asset, that the Advantage Trade Name should be considered an entity-wide asset for reporting and impairment testing purposes. As of January 1, 2024, the Company concluded there was a triggering event for an interim impairment assessment due to the change in unit of account of the indefinite-lived intangible assets. Based on the interim impairment assessment, the estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value by approximately 6%, thus no impairment was recorded. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, no events or circumstances were noted that would indicate a triggering event for the Company’s intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. The uncertainty and volatility in the economic environment in which the Company operates could have an impact on the Company’s future growth and could result in future impairment charges. There is no assurance that actual cash flows or other assumptions will not significantly decline from these projections.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when control of promised goods or services is transferred to the client in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for such goods or services. Substantially all of the Company’s contracts with clients involve the transfer of a service to the client, which represents a performance obligation that is satisfied over time because the client simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of the services provided. In most cases, the contracts provide for a performance obligation that is comprised of a series of distinct services that are substantially the same and that have the same pattern of transfer (i.e., distinct days of service). For these contracts, the Company allocates the ratable portion of the consideration based on the services provided in each period of service to such period.
Revenues related to the Branded Services segment are primarily recognized in the form of commissions, fee-for-service and cost-plus fees for providing headquarter relationship management, execution of merchandising strategies and omni-commerce marketing services.
Revenues within the Branded Services segment are further disaggregated between brokerage services, branded merchandising services, omni-commerce marketing services, and revenues related to the Company's international joint venture (prior to the deconsolidation during fiscal year 2023). Brokerage services revenues are primarily outsourced sales and services for branded consumer goods manufacturers at retailer headquarters, in-store and online. Branded merchandising services relate to merchandising in-store and online for branded consumer goods manufacturers. Omni-commerce marketing services primarily relate to digital and field marketing services.
Experiential Services segment revenues are primarily recognized in the form of fee-for-service and cost-plus fees for providing in-store, digital sampling and demonstrations, where the Company manages highly customized, large-scale sampling programs for leading brands and retailers.
Retailer Services segment revenues are primarily recognized in the form of commissions, fee-for-service and cost-plus fees for providing consulting services related to private brand development, the execution of merchandising strategies and marketing strategies within retailer locations, including retail media networks and analyzing shopper behavior.
Revenues within the Retailer Services segment are further disaggregated between advisory services, retailer merchandising services and agency services to retailers. Advisory services primarily consist of consulting services related to private brand development. Retailer merchandising services primarily relate to the execution of merchandising strategies. Agency services primarily consist of providing marketing strategies within retail locations.
10
Disaggregated revenues were as follows:
Branded Services
Brokerage services
123,965
133,766
373,961
396,829
Branded merchandising services
106,018
110,284
319,791
328,716
Omni-commerce marketing services
101,374
102,334
289,000
302,773
International joint venture
104,789
298,817
Total Branded Services revenue
331,357
451,173
982,752
1,327,135
Experiential Services
Experiential services
342,731
308,381
969,590
850,722
Total Experiential Services revenue
Retailer Services
Retail merchandising services
189,002
181,445
543,700
555,080
Advisory services
59,039
60,612
129,831
131,872
Agency services
17,141
18,095
48,166
43,368
Total Retailer Services revenue
265,182
260,152
721,697
730,320
Total revenues
Contract liabilities represent deferred revenues, which are cash payments that are received in advance of the Company’s satisfaction of the applicable obligation and are included in Deferred revenues in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Deferred revenues are recognized as revenues when the related services are performed for the client. Revenues recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 that were included in Deferred revenues as of December 31, 2023 were $1.3 million and $18.1 million, respectively. Revenues recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 included in Deferred revenues as of December 31, 2022 were $3.4 million and $18.0 million, respectively.
Accounting Standards Recently Issued but Not Yet Adopted by the Company
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires entities to expand their existing income tax disclosures, specifically related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2025, with early adoption permitted. The new standard is expected to be applied prospectively, but retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-09 on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires entities to disclose incremental segment information on an annual and interim basis, including significant segment expenses and measures of profit or loss that are regularly provided to the CODM. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2024 and interim periods within fiscal year 2025 and it will be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-07 on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In March 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted final climate-related disclosure rules under SEC Release Nos. 33-11275 and 34-99678, The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors. The rules require disclosure of governance, risk management and strategy related to material climate-related risks as well as disclosure of material greenhouse gas emissions in registration statements and annual reports. In addition, the rules require presentation of certain material climate-related disclosures in the annual consolidated financial statements. On April 4, 2024, the SEC voluntarily stayed the effective date of the final rules pending completion of judicial review following legal challenges. The disclosure requirements will apply to the Company's fiscal year reporting beginning October 4, 2025, pending resolution of the stay. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the rules on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
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In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (“ASU 2024-03”), which requires public entities to disclose additional information about specific expense categories in the notes to the financial statements on an interim and annual basis. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2026 and interim periods within fiscal year 2027, with early adoption permitted. The new standard is expected to be applied prospectively, but retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2024-03 on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Other new accounting pronouncements recently issued or newly effective were not applicable to the Company, did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements or are not expected to have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
2. Held for Sale, Divestitures and Discontinued Operations
Held for Sale
As of December 31, 2023, the Company classified certain assets and liabilities as held for sale in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, primarily related to assets and liabilities to be disposed of by sale (“disposal groups”). The fair value of a disposal group, less any costs to sell, is assessed each reporting period it remains classified as held for sale and any remeasurement to the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell is reported as an adjustment to the carrying value of the disposal group. The assets and liabilities related to these businesses are included in the discontinued operations captions in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for all periods presented.
2023 Divestitures
In 2023, the Company entered into an agreement to sell certain assets and liabilities (collectively, the “2023 Divestitures”). The Company determined that the disposal groups did not meet the criteria for classification as discontinued operations as of September 30, 2023. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recorded a loss of $2.6 million and $20.2 million, respectively, on divestitures as a component of “Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
2024 Divestitures
On January 31, 2024, the Company sold a collection of foodservice businesses, previously classified as held for sale (as current assets) as of December 31, 2023 (collectively with the other businesses disposed during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the “2024 Divestitures”). As part of the sale, the foodservice businesses were combined with an entity owned by the buyer, with the Company receiving approximately $91.0 million, subject to working capital adjustments and an ongoing 7.5% interest in the combined business. The ongoing ownership interest represents a continuing involvement which the Company has determined represents an equity method investment. Upon the close of the transaction, the retained 7.5% interest was recognized at fair value of $8.4 million, valued using unobservable inputs (i.e., Level 3 inputs), primarily discounted cash flow.
The investment is reported in “Investments in unconsolidated affiliates” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and an immaterial amount of equity income (loss) reported in “Income from equity method investments” on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. Transactions between the Company and the combined foodservice entity are considered to be related-party transactions subsequent to the divesture.
During the second quarter of 2024, the Company sold two agencies in the Branded Services segment, one agency in the Experiential Services segment and one agency in the Retailer Services segment (collectively with the other businesses disposed during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the “2024 Divestitures”). The Company received $65.2 million including estimated working capital adjustments.
On July 31, 2024, the Company completed the sale of the Jun Group business in exchange for proceeds of approximately $185.0 million less any adjustments. The Company received approximately $130.0 million in cash upon completion of the sale. As part of the purchase agreement, the buyer has agreed to remit the remaining consideration to
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the Company in two additional installments of $22.5 million ($27.5 million less $5 million estimated adjustments) and $27.5 million, 12 and 18 months, respectively, after the completion of the sale.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded a gain from the 2024 Divestitures of $25.1 million and $95.3 million, respectively, as a component of “Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. Proceeds from the sales were classified as cash provided by investing activities from continuing operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
The Company classifies a business that has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale as a discontinued operation when the criteria prescribed by the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 205, Presentation of Financial Statements are met. While the 2023 Divestitures did not previously qualify for presentation as discontinued operations, the Company concluded that, in the aggregate, the sales of these businesses along with the 2024 Divestitures (collectively, the “discontinued operations” that are all part of the divestiture plan) met the criteria for discontinued operations presentation as their dispositions represent a strategic shift that has had a major effect on the Company's operations and financial results. As a result, each of these businesses has been reclassified to discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss, Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for all periods presented.
As part of the agreements for certain of the divestitures the Company has agreed to provide certain transitional services as detailed within respective transition services agreements for a period of time after sale. Income and expenses related to these transitional services are immaterial and are reported in “Net loss from continuing operations” on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
The following table presents the summarized balance sheet of discontinued operations. As of September 30, 2024, all businesses that were previously classified as discontinued operations had been fully divested.
December 31, 2023
Carrying amounts of major classes of assets
5,641
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for expected credit losses of $2,834
56,848
Prepaid and other current assets
6,839
10,245
160,400
41,025
564
4,040
Total assets of discontinued operations (1)
285,602
Carrying amounts of major classes of liabilities
306
9,737
5,729
3,210
3,137
4,666
Other liabilities
3,024
Total liabilities of discontinued operations (1)
29,809
Total net assets of the disposal group classified as discontinued operations
255,793
(1) Certain assets and liabilities from discontinued operations are classified as noncurrent at December 31, 2023 as they did not previously meet the held-for-sale criteria at that date.
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The following table presents the summarized statements of operations of discontinued operations.
6,509
76,353
80,017
236,920
4,077
55,199
59,605
187,705
3,238
5,221
15,816
12,065
(Gain) loss on divestiture
(25,065
2,553
(95,261
20,208
204
4,050
4,695
12,871
(17,546
67,023
(15,145
232,849
Operating income from discontinued operations
24,055
9,330
95,162
4,071
Other expenses:
Interest expense
48
69
Total other expenses
Income before income taxes from discontinued operations
9,304
95,114
4,002
Provision for income taxes from discontinued operations
29,511
2,254
41,371
3,559
Less: net income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc.
6,731
51,551
208
3. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The following tables set forth information for goodwill by reportable segment:
Balance at December 31, 2023
252,809
217,955
239,427
Impairment charge
(99,670
Foreign exchange translation effects
153,150
Accumulated impairment losses related to goodwill were $2.1 billion and $2.0 billion as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
The following tables set forth information for intangible assets:
September 30, 2024
(amounts in thousands)
Weighted Average Useful Life
Gross CarryingValue
AccumulatedAmortization
AccumulatedImpairment Charges
Net Carrying Value
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Client relationships
14 years
2,282,703
1,543,665
739,038
Trade names
10 years
88,600
60,138
28,462
Total finite-lived intangible assets
2,371,303
1,603,803
767,500
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Trade name
1,480,000
828,500
651,500
Total other intangible assets
3,851,303
14
2,282,792
1,417,570
865,222
53,493
35,107
2,371,392
1,471,063
900,329
3,851,392
1,551,829
Amortization of intangible assets was $44.5 million and $46.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $133.0 million and $140.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
As of September 30, 2024, estimated future amortization expense of the Company’s finite-lived intangible assets are as follows:
Remainder of 2024
44,130
2025
171,719
2026
169,231
2027
167,540
2028
133,089
Thereafter
81,791
Total amortization expense
4. Debt
Term Loan Facility
1,109,308
1,149,057
Senior Secured Notes
615,087
743,000
Other notes
426
Total long-term debt
1,724,395
1,892,483
Less: current portion
Less: debt issuance costs
22,932
31,091
As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $1.1 billion of debt outstanding under the Term Loan Facility (as defined below) and $615.1 million of debt outstanding under the Notes (both as defined in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 1, 2024 for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 Annual Report”)) with maturity dates of October 28, 2027 and November 15, 2028, respectively. In April 2024 (the “Third Lien Amendment Effective Date”), the Company amended the Term Loan Facility to (i) reduce the applicable interest rate margin (a) from 4.50% to 4.25% for SOFR loans or (b) from 3.50% to 3.25% for base rate loans; and (ii) reset the period for six months following the Third Lien Amendment Effective Date in which a 1.00% prepayment premium shall apply to any prepayment of the term loans in connection with a Repricing Event (as defined in the amended First Lien Credit Agreement). The Term Loan Facility bears interest at a floating rate of Term SOFR plus an applicable margin of 4.25% per annum, subject to an additional spread adjustment on SOFR ranging from 0.11% to 0.26%. Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears at a rate of 6.50% per annum.
The Company was in compliance with all of its affirmative and negative covenants under the Term Loan Facility and Notes as of September 30, 2024. In addition, the Company is required to repay the principal under the Term Loan
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Facility in the greater amount of its excess cash flow, as such term is defined in the agreement governing the Term Loan Facility, or $13.3 million, per annum, in quarterly payments. The Company made the minimum quarterly principal payments of $3.3 million and $9.9 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. No payments under the excess cash flow calculation were required in such periods. In May 2023 (the “Second Lien Amendment Effective Date”), the Company amended the Term Loan Facility to replace the U.S. Dollar LIBOR provisions with SOFR, effective June 30, 2023.
The Company voluntarily repurchased an aggregate of $50.4 million and $127.9 million principal amount of its Senior Secured Notes during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. The Company recognized a gain on the repurchase of the Senior Secured Notes of $3.5 million and $8.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as a component of “Interest expense, net” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
The Company voluntarily repurchased an aggregate of $29.8 million principal amount of its Term Loan Facility during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. The Company recognized a gain on the repurchases of $0.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 as a component of “Interest expense, net” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. The Company voluntarily repurchased an aggregate of $56.8 million and $111.2 million principal amount of its Term Loan Facility during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. The Company recognized a gain on the repurchases of an immaterial amount and $5.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as a component of “Interest expense, net” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
As of September 30, 2024, the Company had no borrowings under its senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $500.0 million, subject to borrowing base capacity (as may be amended from time to time, the “Revolving Credit Facility”). All borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are subject to the satisfaction of certain customary conditions. Borrowings under the credit agreement bear interest at a floating rate, which at the option of the Company may be either (i) a base rate or Canadian Prime Rate plus an applicable margin of 0.75%, 1.00%, or 1.25% per annum or (ii) Term SOFR or Alternative Currency Spread plus an applicable margin of 1.75%, 2.00% or 2.25% per annum. The Company is required to pay a commitment fee ranging from 0.250% to 0.375% per annum in respect of the average daily unused commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility.
5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company measures fair value based on the prices that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements are based on a three-tier hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.
The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at fair value, categorized by input level within the fair value hierarchy.
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets measured at fair value
Derivative financial instruments
6,751
Total assets measured at fair value
Liabilities measured at fair value
2,620
Warrant liability
308
Total liabilities measured at fair value
2,928
16
26,344
667
Contingent consideration liabilities
18,355
19,022
Interest Rate Cap Agreements
The Company had interest rate cap and collar contracts with an aggregate notional value of principal of $1,350.0 million and $950.0 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, from various financial institutions to manage the Company’s exposure to interest rate movements on variable rate credit facilities. The interest rate cap and collar contracts will mature on December 16, 2024 and April 5, 2026, respectively. In July 2024, the Company entered into two interest rate collar contracts with a notional value of principal of $200.0 million each. The interest rate collar contracts are effective December 16, 2024 and will mature on April 5, 2027 and 2028.
As of September 30, 2024, the fair value of the Company’s outstanding interest rate caps and collars of $4.1 million was included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and “Other long-term liabilities” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of December 31, 2023 the fair value of the Company’s outstanding interest rate caps and collars of $26.3 million was included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and “Other assets” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Changes in fair value of the Company's outstanding interest rate caps and collars are recognized as a component of “Interest expense, net” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded a loss of $3.7 million and a gain of $3.2 million, respectively, within “Interest expense, net,” related to changes in the fair value of its derivative instruments. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded a gain of $1.7 million and $12.6 million, respectively, within “Interest expense,” net, related to changes in the fair value of its derivative instruments.
Contingent Consideration Liabilities
During each reporting period, the Company measures the fair value of its contingent consideration liabilities by evaluating the significant unobservable inputs and probability weightings using Monte Carlo simulations. Any resulting decreases or increases in the fair value result in a corresponding gain or loss reported in “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying value of estimated contingent consideration liabilities:
Beginning of the period
14,629
Changes in fair value
Payments
(20,033
(7,133
End of the period
17,983
17
Long-term Debt
The following tables set forth the carrying values and fair values of the Company’s financial liabilities measured on a recurring basis, categorized by input level within the fair value hierarchy:
Carrying Value
Fair Value(Level 2)
1,148,499
633,691
1,782,190
1,221,012
745,223
100
1,966,335
6. Related Party Transactions
Beginning February 2023, an officer of the Company has served as a member of the board of directors of a client of the Company. The Company recognized $1.3 million and $1.2 million of revenues from such client during the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company recognized $3.9 million and $3.2 million of revenues from such client during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Accounts receivable from this client were $0.8 million and $0.6 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Beginning February 2023, an officer of the Company has served as a member of the board of directors of a consultant of the Company. The Company recognized $0.2 million of expense from such consultant during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. The Company did not owe any amounts to this consultant as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Beginning July 2023, a member of the board of directors of the Company has served as an officer of a client of the Company. The Company recognized $2.0 million and $5.9 million of revenues from such client during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. The Company recognized $4.0 million of revenues from such client during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. Accounts receivable from this client were $0.1 million and $0.5 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Unconsolidated Affiliates
During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized revenues of $2.7 million and $6.9 million, respectively, from unconsolidated affiliates. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized revenues of $14.0 million and $15.2 million, respectively, from transactions with unconsolidated affiliates. Accounts receivable from transactions with unconsolidated affiliates were $1.3 million and $3.7 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
7. Income Taxes
The Company’s effective tax rates were 11.5% and 18.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The effective tax rate is based upon the estimated income or loss before taxes for the year, by jurisdiction, and adjusted for estimated permanent tax adjustments. The fluctuation in the Company’s effective tax rate was primarily due to $2.6 million of tax expense resulting from return to provision adjustments during the three months ended September 30, 2024 and a difference in the stock-based compensation shortfall of $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to a $1.0 million shortfall for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
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The Company’s effective tax rates were 15.9% and 16.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The effective tax rate is based upon the estimated income or loss before taxes for the year, by jurisdiction, and adjusted for estimated permanent tax adjustments. The fluctuation in the Company’s effective tax rate was primarily due to additional tax expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 due to a goodwill impairment which the Company treated as nondeductible, $2.6 million of tax expense resulting from return to provision adjustments during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, a difference in the windfall of $0.8 million of stock-based compensation for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to a $4.1 million shortfall for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and the release of the valuation allowance of $1.1 million on deferred tax assets that were determined to be realizable for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Income tax expense from discontinued operations was $29.5 million and $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was impacted primarily by the sale of the divested entities and changes in the income (loss) before income taxes from discontinued operations.
Income tax expense from discontinued operations was $41.4 million and $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was impacted primarily by the sale of the divested entities and changes in the income (loss) before income taxes from discontinued operations.
8. Segments
Effective January 1, 2024, the Company revised its reportable segments to align with the Company’s business strategy, and the manner in which the Chief Executive Officer, the Company's CODM, assesses the performance and makes decisions regarding the allocation of resources for the Company. The Company’s revised reportable segments consist of Branded Services, Experiential Services, and Retailer Services. The reportable segments reported below are the segments of the Company for which separate financial information is available and for which segment results are evaluated regularly by the CODM in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Through the Company's Branded Services segment, the Company offers capabilities in brokerage, branded merchandising and omni-commerce marketing services to consumer goods manufacturers. Through the Company's Experiential Services segment, the Company expands the reach of consumer brands and retailer products to convert shoppers into buyers through sampling and product demonstration programs executed in-store and online. Through the Company's Retailer Services segment, the Company provides retailers with end-to-end advisory, retailer merchandising, and agency expertise to drive sales. The assets and liabilities of the Company are managed centrally and are reported internally in the same manner as the consolidated financial statements; therefore, no additional information is produced or included herein. The Company and its CODM evaluate performance based on revenues and operating (loss) income.
Discontinued operations are not included in the applicable reportable segments. Refer to Note 2—Held for Sale, Divestitures and Discontinued Operations.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
33,087
10,289
8,490
(12,210
8,446
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
35,369
9,221
7,825
(599
1,971
5,281
19
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
97,401
31,224
24,306
(141,608
3,398
13,824
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
106,550
27,286
23,600
Operating income from continuing operations
11,607
2,450
11,870
9. Restructuring
In the third quarter of 2024, the Company implemented restructuring plans as a result of the overall reorganization.
Voluntary Early Retirement Program
During the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, the Company offered a Voluntary Early Retirement Program (“VERP”) to certain eligible U.S.-based associates. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded $20.5 million of settlement charges and special termination benefits in “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
2024 Restructuring Program (“2024 RIF”)
In September 2024, the Company announced a cost savings program to improve operational performance and align cost structures consistent with revenue levels associated with business changes, which includes employee termination benefits associated with a reduction-in-force expected to be completed in fiscal year 2024. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded $3.6 million of settlement charges and special termination benefits in “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
As of September 30, 2024, $21.1 million of the Company’s restructuring charges were included in “Other accrued expenses” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
Restructuring expenses:
2024 RIF
3,607
2024 VERP
20,511
Total restructuring expenses
24,118
The following table summarizes the Company’s restructuring activity:
Charges
Cash payments
(3,061
17,450
21,057
20
The following table summarizes the Company’s restructuring expense by segment:
15,392
3,430
5,296
10. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
The Company is involved in various legal matters that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Some of these legal matters purport or may be determined to be class and/or representative actions, or seek substantial damages, or penalties. The Company has accrued amounts in connection with certain legal matters, including with respect to certain of the matters described below. There can be no assurance, however, that these accruals will be sufficient to cover such matters or other legal matters or that such matters or other legal matters will not materially or adversely affect the Company’s financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.
The Company is involved in various litigation and arbitration matters, including purported class or representative actions with respect to matters arising under the California Labor Code and Private Attorneys General Act, and commercial disputes with clients, vendors and third-party sellers of businesses.
In April 2018, the Company acquired the business of Take 5 Media Group (“Take 5”). As a result of an investigation into that business in 2019 that identified certain misconduct, the Company terminated all operations of Take 5 in July 2019 and offered refunds to clients of collected revenues attributable to the period after the Company’s acquisition. The Company refers to the foregoing as the “Take 5 Matter.” The Company voluntarily disclosed to the United States Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation certain misconduct occurring at Take 5. The Company intends to cooperate in this and any other governmental investigations that may arise in connection with the Take 5 Matter. In October 2022, an arbitrator made a final award in favor of the Company. The Company is actively pursuing the collection of this award in state court in Florida. The Company is currently unable to estimate if or when it will be able to collect any amounts associated with this arbitration. The Take 5 Matter may result in additional litigation against the Company, including lawsuits from clients, or governmental investigations, which may expose the Company to potential liability in excess of the amounts being offered by the Company as refunds to Take 5 clients. The Company is currently unable to determine the amount of any potential liability, costs or expenses (above the amounts already being offered as refunds) that may result from any lawsuits or investigations associated with the Take 5 Matter or determine whether any such issues will have any future material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, liquidity, or results of operations. Although the Company has insurance covering certain liabilities, the Company cannot be certain that the insurance will be sufficient to cover any potential liability or expenses associated with the Take 5 Matter.
11. Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has issued nonqualified stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and performance restricted stock units (“PSUs”) under the Advantage Solutions Inc. 2020 Incentive Award Plan (the “Plan”). The Company’s restricted stock units and performance restricted stock units, as described below, are expensed based on the fair value at the grant date. The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense and equity-based compensation expense associated with the Common Series C Units of Karman Topco L.P. as follows:
21
Restricted stock-based unit awards
5,121
5,900
14,265
16,982
Other share-based awards
3,022
3,083
9,959
8,751
Total stock-based compensation before tax
8,143
8,983
25,733
Tax benefit
(1,429
(2,102
(4,038
(6,660
Total stock-based compensation expense included in net income
6,714
6,881
20,186
19,073
Performance Restricted Stock Units
PSUs granted in 2024 are subject to achievement of certain performance conditions based on measurements of the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA margin and cash earnings. The Company’s Adjusted EBITDA margin and cash earnings relative to specified targets will be measured each year over the three-year period of 2024, 2025 and 2026, and an annual achievement percentage will be determined. The annual achievement percentages for each of 2024, 2025 and 2026 will be averaged following the completion of the three-year performance period to determine the final achievement percentage. In addition, the earned PSUs are subject to further adjustment depending on the Company’s performance against a specified peer group for total stockholder return during the three-year performance period. This adjustment can either put a floor or a cap on the calculation of the final PSUs value. Subject to certain termination events, these PSUs are scheduled to cliff-vest on the third-year anniversary of the date of grant and may vest from 0% to 200% of the “target” number of PSUs specified in the table below.
PSUs are subject to the recipient's continued service to the Company. PSUs granted in 2023, 2022 and 2021 are subject to achievement of certain performance conditions based on the Company’s revenues (“PSU Revenues”) and Adjusted EBITDA (“PSU EBITDA”) targets in the respective measurement period and the recipient’s continued service to the Company. The measurement period is based on the twelve months of the respective fiscal year. The PSUs are scheduled to vest over a three-year period from the date of grant and may vest from 0% to 150% of the number of shares set forth in the table below. The number of PSUs earned shall be adjusted to be proportional to the partial performance between the Threshold Goals, Target Goals and Maximum Goals.
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, the Human Capital Committee determined that the achievement of the performance objectives applicable to the 2023 PSU EBITDA and 2023 PSU Revenues objectives were 150% of Target Goals. The value of these PSU awards above the Target Goals remain subject to additional performance requirements (i.e., the above target performance must be maintained in 2024 and 2025, respectively) and service-based vesting conditions. The performance period for those PSU awards up to the Target Goals ended on December 31, 2023, but remain subject to service-based vesting conditions.
The fair value of PSU grants was equal to the closing price of the Company's stock on the date of the applicable grant. The maximum potential expense if the Maximum Goals were met for these awards has been provided in the table below. Recognition of expense associated with performance-based stock is not permitted until achievement of the performance targets are probable of occurring.
Measurement Period
Number ofSharesThreshold
Number ofSharesTarget
Number ofSharesMaximum
WeightedAverage FairValue perShare
Maximum Remaining Unrecognized Compensation Expense
Weighted-average remaining requisite service periods
133,111
1,064,885
2,129,770
4.33
4,196,829
2.6 years
1,733,416
3,466,832
5,200,248
2.10
5,633,029
1.7 years
2022
75,118
150,236
5.51
140,490
0.7 years
22
The following table summarizes the PSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2024:
Performance Share Units
Weighted Average GrantDate Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2024
7,339,129
2.60
Granted
Distributed
(2,405,453
3.34
Forfeited
(1,903,495
2.12
PSU performance adjustment
2,326,312
2.08
Outstanding at September 30, 2024
6,421,378
2.55
Restricted Stock Units
RSUs are subject to the recipient’s continued service to the Company. RSUs are generally scheduled to vest over three years and are subject to the provisions of the agreement under the Plan.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the following activities involving RSUs occurred under the Plan:
Number of RSUs
18,238,623
2.92
5,872,921
4.27
(6,586,358
3.54
(3,727,959
2.84
13,797,227
3.22
As of September 30, 2024, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs amounted to $23.1 million, which is expected to be amortized over the weighted-average remaining requisite service periods of 2.2 years.
Stock Options
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the following activities involving stock options occurred under the Plan:
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
17,375,000
6.00
3,058,018
Cancelled/Expired
20,433,018
5.75
7.8 years
5,886,000
Exercisable at September 30, 2024
3,280,000
2.33
8.6 years
5,514,000
As of September 30, 2024, the Company had approximately $8.0 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options, net of forfeitures, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.5 years. There were no options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
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12. Earnings Per Share
The Company calculates earnings per share using a dual presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to stockholders of the Company by the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding without the consideration for potential dilutive shares of common stock. Diluted earnings per share represents basic earnings per share adjusted to include the potentially dilutive effect of performance stock units, restricted stock units, public and private placement warrants, the employee stock purchase plan and stock options. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding and the potential dilutive shares of common stock for the period determined using the treasury stock method. During periods of net loss, diluted loss per share is equal to basic loss per share because the antidilutive effect of potential common shares is disregarded.
The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted net earnings per common share:
(in thousands, except share and earnings per share data)
Basic earnings per share computation:
Numerator:
Less: net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc.
(31,069
(80,895
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax
Less: net income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc.
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares - basic
Basic earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operations
Basic earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc.
(0.10
Basic earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operations attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc.
0.16
Diluted earnings per share computation:
Weighted average common shares - diluted
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operations
Diluted loss per common share from continuing operations attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc.
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operations attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc.
The Company had 18,578,321 warrants to purchase Class A common stock at $11.50 per share outstanding at September 30, 2024 and 2023, which have been excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share, as
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the weighted average market price of the common stock during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 did not exceed the exercise price of the warrants.
In accordance with the treasury stock method the weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution include the incremental effect of stock-based awards, except when such effect would be antidilutive. Stock-based awards of 13.9 million and 16.6 million weighted-average shares were outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted (loss) earnings per common share because the net loss position of the Company made them antidilutive. Stock-based awards of 8.7 million and 4.0 million weighted-average shares were outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted loss per common share because the net loss position of the Company made them antidilutive. In addition, PSUs related to 6.0 million shares assuming achievement of the target level performance were outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, but were not included in the computation of diluted loss per common share, as the performance targets were not yet met during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. In addition, PSUs related to 7.3 million shares assuming achievement of the Target Goals were outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, but were not included in the computation of diluted (loss) earnings per common share, as the performance targets were not yet met during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Quarterly Report”), including the section titled “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") including statements that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about us, our future performance, our business, our beliefs and our management’s assumptions. Such words as “expect,” “anticipate,” “outlook,” “could,” “target,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “should,” “may,” “assume” and “continue” as well as variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such terms. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and they involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. We have based our forward-looking statements on our management’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available to our management at the time the statements are made. We caution you that actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted by our forward-looking statements. More information regarding these risks and uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is set forth in “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2024. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements after the distribution of this report, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.
Executive Overview
We are a leading business solutions provider to consumer goods manufacturers and retailers. We have a strong platform of essential, business critical services like headquarter sales, retail merchandising, in-store sampling, digital commerce, and shopper marketing. We generate demand for brands and retailers of all sizes, helping get the right products on the shelf — whether physical or digital — and into the hands of consumers in every way they shop. We use a scaled platform to innovate as a trusted partner with our clients, solving problems to increase their efficiency and effectiveness across a broad range of channels.
Effective January 1, 2024, we revised our reportable segments to align our business strategy, and the manner in which the Chief Executive Officer, our chief operating decision maker, manages and assesses the performance and makes decisions regarding the allocation of resources for us. Our revised reportable segments consist of Branded Services, Experiential Services, and Retailer Services.
We have reorganized our portfolio of businesses into a new, simplified structure that more closely aligns our business capabilities with economic buyers. As a result of this reorganization, we have formally disposed of certain business units. In addition to the business units already disposed of, there are certain other business units which are part of the overall reorganization plan that have not yet been disposed of or abandoned. We have determined that the business units disposed of met the discontinued operations accounting criteria as their dispositions represent a strategic shift that has had a major effect on our operations and financial results. Refer to Note 2—Held for Sale, Divestitures and Discontinued Operations. We continue to evaluate opportunities to further simplify our operations so we can focus more resources on our core businesses.
Through our Branded Services segment, which generated approximately 36.8% and 45.6% of our revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, we provide services to branded consumer goods manufacturers through three main categories: brokerage, branded merchandising and omni-commerce marketing services. Brokerage services is primarily an outsourced sales and services agency for branded consumer goods manufacturers at retailer headquarters, in-store and online. Additionally, we lead with insights to execute branded merchandising strategies for branded consumer goods manufacturers related to merchandising in-store and online to drive product sales. Our omni-commerce marketing services primarily relate to digital and field marketing services,
including shopper marketing, targeted advertising, interactive design and development, inventory management, application development and content management solutions.
Through our Experiential Services segment, which generated approximately 36.3% and 29.3% of our revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, we help brands and retailers reach consumers and convert shoppers into buyers through in-store and online sampling and demonstrations. We manage highly customized, large-scale sampling programs for leading brands and retailers. We also manage, organize and execute special events for brands and retailers, including large-scale meetings, mobile tours, summits and festivals.
Through our Retailer Services segment, which generated approximately 27.0% and 25.1% of our revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, we provide end-to-end advisory, retailer merchandising and agency services to retailers. Advisory services primarily consist of consulting services related to private brand development, including coordination related to the sourcing, manufacturing, branding and distribution of private label products to the end retailer. Retailer merchandising services primarily relate to the execution of merchandising strategies, including traditional services such as interior store construction, store resets, category updates and new item implementation. Agency services primarily consist of providing marketing strategies within retail locations, including retail media networks, and analyzing shopper behavior to offer planning, execution and measurement of insight-based, retailer-specific promotions that target retailers' specific shopper base to drive product sales.
Summary
Our financial performance for the three months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023 includes:
Our financial performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023 includes:
Factors Affecting Our Business and Financial Reporting
There are a number of factors, in addition to the deconsolidation of our European joint venture in December 2023 and inflation, that affect the performance of our business and the comparability of our results from period to period including:
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How We Assess the Performance of Our Business
28
We analyze our financial performance, in part, by measuring revenue growth in two ways—revenue growth attributable to organic activities and revenue growth and declines attributable to acquisitions and divestitures, which we refer to as organic revenues and acquired revenues, respectively.
We define organic revenues as any revenues that are not acquired revenues. Our organic revenues exclude the impacts of acquisitions and divestitures, when applicable, which improves comparability of our results from period to period.
In general, when we acquire a business, the acquisition includes a contingent consideration arrangement (e.g., an earn-out provision) and, accordingly, we separately track the financial performance of the acquired business. In such cases, we consider revenues generated by such a business during the 12 months following its acquisition to be acquired revenues. For example, if we completed an acquisition on July 1, 2023 for a business that included a contingent consideration arrangement, we would consider revenues from the acquired business from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024 to be acquired revenues. We generally consider growth attributable to the financial performance of an acquired business after the 12-month anniversary of the date of acquisition to be organic.
If an acquisition of an acquired business does not include a contingent consideration arrangement, or we otherwise do not separately track the financial performance of the acquired business due to operational integration, we consider the revenues that the business generated in the 12 months prior to its acquisition to be our acquired revenues for the 12 months following its acquisition, and any differences in revenues actually generated during the 12 months after its acquisition to be organic. For example, if we completed an acquisition on October 1, 2023 for a business that did not include a contingent consideration arrangement, we would consider the amount of revenues from the acquired business from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023 to be acquired revenues during the period from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024, with any differences from that amount actually generated during the latter period to be organic revenues.
All revenues generated by our acquired businesses are considered to be organic revenues after the 12-month anniversary of the date of acquisition.
When we divest a business, unless otherwise presented as discontinued operations, we consider the revenues that the divested business generated in the 12 months prior to its divestiture to be subtracted from acquired revenues for the 12 months following its divestiture. For example, if we completed a divestiture on October 1, 2023 for a business, we would consider the amount of revenues from the divested business from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023 to be subtracted from acquired revenues during the period from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024.
We measure organic revenue growth and acquired revenue growth by comparing the organic revenues or acquired revenues, respectively, period over period, net of any divestitures.
Cost of Revenues
Our cost of revenues consists of both fixed and variable expenses primarily attributable to the hiring, training, compensation and benefits provided to both full-time and part-time associates, as well as other project-related expenses. A number of costs associated with our associates are subject to external factors, including inflation, increases in market specific wages and minimum wage rates at federal, state and municipal levels and minimum pay levels for exempt roles. Additionally, when we enter into certain new client relationships, we may experience an initial increase in expenses associated with hiring, training and other items needed to launch the new relationship.
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Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general, and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries, payroll taxes and benefits for corporate personnel. Other overhead costs include information technology, professional services fees, including accounting and legal services, and other general corporate expenses. We also incur expenses operating as a public company, including expenses necessary to comply with the rules and regulations applicable to companies listed on a national securities exchange and related to compliance and reporting obligations pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), as well as higher expenses for general and director and officer insurance, investor relations, and related professional services. Additionally, included in selling, general, and administrative expenses are costs associated with the changes in fair value of the contingent consideration of acquisitions and other costs related to our internal reorganization activities, including our restructuring plan, acquisition and divestiture transactions. These transaction-related costs are comprised of fees related to change of equity ownership, professional fees, due diligence and integration or divestitures activities.
Impairment of Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired in an acquisition. We test for impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit level. We generally combine components that have similar economic characteristics, nature of services, types of clients, distribution methods and regulatory environment. Changes to our operating segments effective January 1, 2024, as described in Note 8—Segments, resulted in a change to our reporting units (Branded Services, Branded Agencies, Experiential Services, Merchandising and Retailer Agencies). As a result, the Company performed the required impairment assessments directly before and immediately after the change in reporting units as of January 1, 2024. The assets and liabilities were reassigned to the applicable reporting units and allocated goodwill using the relative fair value approach. The estimated fair values of the underlying reporting units were determined based on a combination of the income and market approaches. The income approach utilizes estimates of discounted cash flows for the underlying business, which requires assumptions for growth rates, EBITDA margins, terminal growth rate, discount rate, and incremental net working capital, all of which require significant management judgment. The market approach applies market multiples derived from historical earnings data of selected guideline publicly traded companies that are first screened by industry group and then further narrowed on the reporting units' business descriptions, markets served, competitors, EBITDA margins and revenue size. The Company compared a weighted average of the output from the income and market approaches to compute the fair value of the reporting units. The assumptions in the income and market approach are based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. We based our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable but which are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. A change in these underlying assumptions would cause a change in the results of the tests and, as such, could cause fair value to be less than the carrying amounts and result in an impairment of goodwill in the future. Additionally, if actual results are not consistent with the estimates and assumptions or if there are significant changes to our planned strategy, it may cause fair value to be less than the carrying amounts and result in an impairment of goodwill in the future.
During the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, the Company determined a triggering event occurred and an impairment assessment was warranted for the Branded Agencies reporting unit goodwill due to the pending sale of one of the businesses that comprised a substantial portion of the Branded Agencies reporting unit. As a result, the Company recognized a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $99.7 million related to the Company's Branded Agencies reporting unit goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, which has been reflected in “Impairment of goodwill” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
Other (Income) Expenses
Change in Fair Value of Warrant Liability
Change in fair value of warrant liability represents a non-cash (income) expense resulting from a fair value adjustment to warrant liability with respect to the private placement warrants. Based on the availability of sufficient
30
observable information, we determine the fair value of the liability classified private placement warrants by approximating the value with the price of the public warrants at the respective period end, which is inherently less subjective and judgmental given it is based on observable inputs.
Interest Expense
Interest expense relates primarily to borrowings under our material debt agreements as described below. See “ —Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Depreciation and Amortization
Amortization Expense
As a result of the 2014 Topco Acquisition, we acquired significant intangible assets, the value of which is amortized, on a straight-line basis, over 15 years from the date of the 2014 Topco Acquisition, unless determined to be indefinite-lived. Included in our depreciation and amortization expense is amortization of acquired intangible assets. We have ascribed value to identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill in our purchase price allocations for companies we have acquired. These assets include, but are not limited to, client relationships and trade names. To the extent we ascribe value to identifiable intangible assets that have finite lives, we amortize those values over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Such amortization expense, although non-cash in the period expensed, directly impacts our results of operations. It is difficult to predict with any precision the amount of expense we may record relating to future acquired intangible assets.
Depreciation Expense
Depreciation expense relates to the property and equipment that we own, which represented less than 1% of our total assets at September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense and our effective tax rates can be affected by many factors, including state apportionment factors, our acquisition and divestiture strategy, tax incentives and credits available to us, changes in judgment regarding our ability to realize our deferred tax assets, changes in our worldwide mix of pre-tax losses or earnings, changes in existing tax laws and our assessment of uncertain tax positions.
Cash Flows
We have positive cash flow characteristics, as described below, due to the limited required capital investment in the fixed assets and working capital needs to operate our business in the normal course. See “ —Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, divestitures and other debt. Our principal uses of cash are operating expenses, working capital requirements, investments in our technology platforms, acquisitions and repayment of debt.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we sold five businesses. Additionally, we classified certain assets and liabilities which are expected to be recovered through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use as held for sale as of September 30, 2024. We expect to use the divestiture proceeds to invest in our business, reduce debt, create financial flexibility for opportunistic share repurchases or potential future acquisitions.
Adjusted Net Income
Adjusted Net Income is a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted Net Income means net (loss) income before (i) net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, (ii) impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets, (iii) gain on deconsolidation of subsidiaries, (iv) equity-based compensation of Karman Topco L.P., (v) changes in fair value of warrant liability, (vi) fair value adjustments of contingent consideration related to acquisitions, (vii) acquisition and
31
divestiture related expenses, (viii) restructuring expenses, (ix) reorganization expenses, (x) litigation expenses, (xi) amortization of intangible assets, (xii) costs associated with COVID-19, net of benefits received, (xiii) gain on repurchases of Term Loan Facility and Senior Secured Notes debt, (xiv) costs associated with (recovery from) the Take 5 Matter, (xv) other adjustments that management believes are helpful in evaluating our operating performance, and (xvi) related tax adjustments.
We present Adjusted Net Income because we use it as a supplemental measure to evaluate the performance of our business in a way that also considers our ability to generate profit without the impact of items that we do not believe are indicative of our operating performance or are unusual or infrequent in nature and aid in the comparability of our performance from period to period. Adjusted Net Income should not be considered as an alternative for Net (loss) income, our most directly comparable measure presented on a GAAP basis.
Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations, Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations and Adjusted EBITDA by Segment
Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations, Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations and Adjusted EBITDA by Segment are supplemental non-GAAP financial measures of our operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations and Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations means net (loss) income before (i) interest expense (net), (ii) provision for (benefit from) income taxes, (iii) depreciation, (iv) amortization of intangible assets, (v) impairment of goodwill, (vi) changes in fair value of warrant liability, (vii) stock-based compensation expense, (viii) equity-based compensation of Karman Topco L.P., (ix) fair value adjustments of contingent consideration related to acquisitions, (x) acquisition and divestiture related expenses, (xi) (gain) loss on divestitures, (xii) restructuring expenses, (xiii) reorganization expenses, (xiv) litigation expenses (recovery), (xv) costs associated with COVID-19, net of benefits received, (xvi) costs associated with (recovery from) the Take 5 Matter, (xvii) EBITDA for economic interests in investments and (xviii) other adjustments that management believes are helpful in evaluating our operating performance.
Adjusted EBITDA by Segment means, with respect to each segment, operating income (loss) from continuing operations before (i) depreciation, (ii) amortization of intangible assets, (iii) impairment of goodwill, (iv) stock based compensation expense, (v) equity-based compensation of Karman Topco L.P., (vi) fair value adjustments of contingent consideration related to acquisitions, (vii) acquisition and divestiture related expenses, (viii) restructuring expenses, (ix) reorganization expenses, (x) litigation expenses (recovery), (xi) costs associated with COVID-19, net of benefits received, (xii) costs associated with (recovery from) the Take 5 Matter, (xiii) EBITDA for economic interests in investments and (xiv) other adjustments that management believes are helpful in evaluating our operating performance, in each case, attributable to such segment.
We present Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations, Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations and Adjusted EBITDA by Segment because they are key operating measures used by us to assess our financial performance. These measures adjust for items that we believe do not reflect the ongoing operating performance of our business, such as certain non-cash items, unusual or infrequent items or items that change from period to period without any material relevance to our operating performance. We evaluate these measures in conjunction with our results according to GAAP because we believe they provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business than GAAP measures alone. Furthermore, the agreements governing our indebtedness contain covenants and other tests based on measures substantially similar to Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations and Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations. None of Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations, Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations nor Adjusted EBITDA by Segment should be considered as an alternative for Net (loss) income or operating income (loss), our most directly comparable measures presented on a GAAP basis. Non-GAAP financial measures are subject to inherent limitations as they reflect the exercise of judgments by management about which expense and income are excluded or included in determining these non-GAAP financial measures. Additionally, other companies may calculate non-GAAP measures differently, or may use other measures to calculate their financial performance, and therefore our non-GAAP measures may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
Transformation Strategy
In July 2024, we announced a restructuring plan as part of our continued transformation strategy to improve our cost structure and intend to implement various other efforts to improve operating efficiency. The restructuring plan was designed to simplify the organization that supports the new segments after the divestitures and related transitions. The overall project is expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2024.
Reorganization expenses
Beginning in the first quarter of 2023, the Company engaged third-party professional service consultants to assist in identifying and implementing operational efficiencies and cost-saving strategies. These efforts focused on internal process optimization and workforce alignment to the Company’s cost structure with current business needs. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company incurred $18.6 million and $74.0 million, respectively, in reorganization expenses related to various internal reorganization activities, including professional fees, lease exit costs, severance, and nonrecurring compensation costs, compared to $21.4 million and $38.3 million during three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. These amounts were recognized in "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. The reorganization plan was designed to simplify the organization that supports the new segments after the divestitures and related transitions.
Restructuring expenses
During the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, the Company offered a Voluntary Early Retirement Program (“VERP”) to certain eligible U.S.-based associates. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded $21.4 million of settlement charges and special termination benefits in “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
In connection with our reorganization initiatives, in September 2024, the Company announced a cost savings program to improve operational performance and align cost structures consistent with revenue levels associated with business changes, which includes employee termination benefits associated with a reduction-in-force (“2024 RIF”) and other optimization initiatives expected to be completed in Fiscal 2024.
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Results of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
The following table sets forth items derived from the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 in dollars and as a percentage of total revenues.
100.0
%
Cost of revenues
84.6
87.5
85.9
87.8
10.5
6.7
9.4
5.9
0.0
3.7
5.5
5.1
5.7
5.4
(0.3
)%
(0.1
100.3
99.3
104.7
99.1
0.7
(4.7
0.9
0.1
4.1
4.3
4.2
(4.5
(3.6
(8.9
(3.3
(0.5
(0.6
(1.4
(4.0
(2.9
(7.5
(2.7
2.0
(4.6
(2.2
(5.5
(2.4
(5.6
(2.8
Other Financial Data
Adjusted Net Income(1)
23,667
2.5
24,775
2.4
54,889
2.1
63,952
2.2
Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations(1)
100,920
10.7
93,317
9.2
261,459
9.8
265,423
9.1
Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
Change
(119,816
(26.6
34,350
11.1
5,030
1.9
(80,436
(7.9
Total revenues decreased by $80.4 million, or 7.9%, during the three months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. Excluding $104.8 million revenues from the deconsolidation of our European joint venture, revenues increased 2.4%.
The Branded Services segment revenues decreased $119.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. Excluding $104.8 million revenues from the
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deconsolidation of our European joint venture, the segment experienced a decrease of $15.0 million in revenues primarily due to an intentional client resignation and a weaker economic environment for our consumer packaged goods clients.
The Experiential Services segment revenues increased $34.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in revenues was primarily due to an increase in our events per day volume.
The Retailer Services segment revenues remained relatively unchanged during the three months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023.
Cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was 84.6%, as compared to 87.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease as a percentage of revenues was largely attributable to the change in the revenue mix of our services primarily related to the deconsolidation of our European joint venture, one time litigation expense in the prior year with recovery in the current year and decreased incentive compensation expense.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was 10.5%, compared to 6.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase as a percentage of revenues was primarily due to a $21.2 million increase in costs associated with our internal reorganization and restructuring activities, largely related to professional fees and severance and continued investment in our support services, including our technology solutions.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense was $51.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $52.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
(11,611
Not Meaningful
(1,384
(70.2
3,165
59.9
Total operating (loss) income from continuing operations
(9,830
(147.8
In the Branded Services segment, the decrease in operating income during the three months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily due to the decrease in revenue noted above combined with an increase in costs associated with our internal reorganization activities and continued investment in our support services, including our technology solutions.
In the Experiential Services segment, the decrease in operating income during the three months ended September 30, 2024 was due to the increase in revenues as described above, partially offset by an increase in costs associated with our internal reorganization activities and continued investment in our support services, including our technology solutions.
In the Retailer Services segment, the increase in operating income during the three months ended September 30, 2024 was due to improved margins in our services, partially offset by an increase in costs associated with our internal reorganization activities and continued investment in our support services, including our technology solutions.
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Change in fair value of warrant liability was an immaterial non-cash expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $0.6 million of non-cash expense resulting from a fair value adjustment to warrant liability with respect to the private placement warrants for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net decreased by $3.3 million, or 7.8%, to $39.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $42.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to lower debt balance as a result of repurchases of Term Loan Facility and Senior Secured Notes as further described in “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Description of Credit Facilities—Senior Secured Notes.”
Benefit from Income Taxes
Benefit from income taxes was $4.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to $6.6 million of benefit from income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The fluctuation was primarily attributable to the application of a shortfall of $0.3 million of stock-based compensation for the three months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to a $1.0 million shortfall for stock-based compensation for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and $2.6 million of tax expense from return to provision adjustments during the three months ended September 30, 2024.
Provision for income taxes from discontinued operations was $29.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, while the income tax provision from discontinued operations was $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was impacted primarily by the result of pre-tax income and divested entities.
Net Loss from Continuing Operations
Net loss from continuing operations was $37.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net loss from continuing operations of $29.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in net loss from continuing operations was primarily driven by a reduction in cost of sales as a percentage of revenue and a $3.3 million decrease in interest expense, partially offset by a $21.2 million increase in costs associated with our internal reorganization and restructuring activities, largely related to professional fees and severance and a $1.7 million decrease in the benefit from income taxes from continuing operations.
Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations
Net loss from discontinued operations was $5.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net income from discontinued operations of $7.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
Adjusted Net Income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 remained relatively unchanged from the three months ended September 30, 2023. For a reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income to Net income, see “ —Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations and Adjusted EBITDA by Segment
48,796
50,710
(1,914
(3.8
23,299
16,584
6,715
40.5
28,825
26,023
2,802
10.8
Total Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations
7,603
8.1
36
Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations was $100.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $93.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily attributable to an increase in the Experiential Services segment. In the Branded Services segment, the decrease was primarily attributable to the decline in revenues offset by the decline in cost of revenues as described above. In the Experiential Services segment, the increase was driven largely by the growth in revenues from the in-store sampling and demonstration services as described above offset by continued investment in our support services including our technology solutions. In the Retailer Services segment, the increase was primarily attributable to increase in margins driven by price. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations to Net income, see “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
(344,383
(25.9
118,868
14.0
(8,623
(1.2
(234,138
(8.1
Total revenues decreased by $234.2 million, or 8.1%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Excluding revenues from the deconsolidation of our European joint venture, revenues increased 2.2%.
The Branded Services segment revenues decreased by $344.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Excluding $298.8 million revenues from the deconsolidation of our European joint venture, the segment experienced a decrease of $45.6 million in revenues primarily due to an intentional client resignation and a weaker economic environment for our consumer package goods clients.
The Experiential Services segment revenues increased by $118.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in revenues was primarily due to an increase in our events per day volume.
The Retailer Services segment revenues remained relatively unchanged during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was 85.9%, as compared to 87.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease as a percentage of revenues was largely attributable to the change in the revenue mix of our services primarily the related to the deconsolidation of our European joint venture, one time litigation expense in the prior year with recovery in the current year and decreased incentive compensation expense.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was 9.4%, compared to 5.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase as a percentage of revenues was primarily due to a $57.4 million increase in costs associated with our internal reorganization activities, largely related to professional fees and severance and the continued investment in our support services including our technology solutions.
37
We recognized a $99.7 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The impairment charges were due to the pending sale of one of the businesses that comprised a substantial portion of the Branded Agencies reporting unit.
Depreciation and amortization expense was $152.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $157.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease is largely attributable to a decrease in the depreciation and amortization from the deconsolidation of our European joint venture.
(153,215
948
38.7
1,954
16.5
(150,313
(579.8
In the Branded Services segment, the decrease in operating income during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily due to the goodwill impairment and the decrease in revenue noted above and an increase in costs associated with our internal reorganization activities combined with continued investment in our support services including our technology solutions.
In the Experiential Services segment, the increase in operating income during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was due to the increase in revenues as described above, partially offset by an increase in costs associated with our internal reorganization activities combined with continued investment in our support services including our technology solutions.
In the Retailer Services segment, the increase in operating income during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was due to improved margins in our services partially offset by an increase in costs associated with our internal reorganization activities and continued investment in our support services including our technology solutions.
Change in fair value of warrant liability was $0.4 million of non-cash gain for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, whereas the nine months ended September 30, 2023 had a non-cash loss of $0.6 million.
Interest expense, net decreased by $5.4 million, or 4.5%, to $114.5million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, from $119.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to lower debt balances as a result of repurchases of Term Loan Facility and Senior Secured Notes as further described in “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Description of Credit Facilities—Senior Secured Notes”, partially offset by changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Benefit from income taxes was $38.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to $16.0 million of benefit from income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The fluctuation was primarily attributable to a larger pre-tax loss during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to a smaller pre-tax loss during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and $2.6 million of tax expense from return to provision adjustments during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Also contributing to the variance was the application of the windfall of $0.8 million of stock-based compensation for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to a $4.1
38
million shortfall for stock-based compensation for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and the release of the valuation allowance of $1.1 million that was determined not to be necessary for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Provision for income taxes from discontinued operations was $41.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, while the income tax provision from discontinued operations was $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was impacted primarily by the result of pre-tax income and divested entities.
Net loss from continuing operations was $200.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net loss from continuing operations of $78.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in net loss from continuing operations was primarily driven by goodwill impairment recorded in 2024.
Net income from discontinued operations was $53.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net loss from discontinued operations of $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in net income from discontinued operations was primarily driven by the $95.3 million gain on divestitures for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
The decrease in Adjusted Net Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily attributable to increases in selling, general, and administrative expenses, partially offset by an increase in the benefit from income taxes. For a reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income to Net income, see “ —Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
125,987
154,298
(28,311
(18.3
62,603
39,792
22,811
57.3
72,869
71,333
1,536
(3,964
(1.5
Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations decreased by $3.9 million, or 1.5%, to $261.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, from $265.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. In the Branded Services segment, the decrease was primarily attributable to the decline in revenues as described above. In the Experiential Services segment, the increase was driven largely by the growth in revenues from the in-store sampling and demonstration services as described above. In the Retailer Services segment, Adjusted EBITDA was relatively unchanged. All three of our segments experienced increased costs from continued investment in our support services including our technology solutions. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations to Net income, see “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
39
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted Net Income is a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted Net Income means net (loss) income before (i) net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, (ii) impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets, (iii) gain on deconsolidation of subsidiaries, (iv) equity-based compensation of Karman Topco L.P., (v) changes in fair value of warrant liability, (vi) fair value adjustments of contingent consideration related to acquisitions, (vii) acquisition and divestiture related expenses, (viii) restructuring expenses, (ix) reorganization expenses, (x) litigation expenses, (xi) amortization of intangible assets, (xii) costs associated with COVID-19, net of benefits received, (xiii) gain on repurchases of Term Loan Facility and Senior Secured Notes debt, (xiv) costs associated with (recovery from) the Take 5 Matter, (xv) other adjustments that management believes are helpful in evaluating our operating performance, and (xvi) related tax adjustments.
We present Adjusted Net Income because we use it as a supplemental measure to evaluate the performance of our business in a way that also considers our ability to generate profit without the impact of items that we do not believe are indicative of our operating performance or are unusual or infrequent in nature and aid in the comparability of our performance from period to period. Adjusted Net Income should not be considered as an alternative for Net income, our most directly comparable measure presented on a GAAP basis.
A reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income to Net loss is provided in the following table:
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Add:
Equity-based compensation of Karman Topco L.P. (a)
Changes in fair value of warrant liability
Fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration related to acquisitions (b)
1,518
Acquisition and divestiture related expenses (c)
127
332
(1,207
3,064
Restructuring expenses (d)
Reorganization expenses (e)
18,637
21,372
73,980
38,304
Litigation expenses (recovery) (f)
(1,713
4,314
(2,422
8,664
Amortization of intangible assets (g)
44,529
46,851
132,988
140,861
Costs associated with COVID-19, net of benefits received (h)
(49
3,285
Gain on repurchases of Term Loan Facility and Senior Secured Notes debt (i)
(272
(7,091
Costs associated with the Take 5 Matter, net of (recoveries) (j)
385
1,081
(1,443
Tax adjustments related to non-GAAP adjustments (k)
(20,920
(19,071
(66,420
(50,443
__________________
(a)
Represents expenses related to (i) equity-based compensation expense associated with grants of Common Series D Units of Topco made to one of the Advantage Sponsors and (ii) equity-based compensation expense associated with the Common Series C Units of Topco.
(b)
Represents adjustments to the estimated fair value of our contingent consideration liabilities related to our acquisitions, for the applicable periods.
(c)
Represents fees and costs associated with activities related to our acquisitions, divestitures, and related reorganization activities, including professional fees, due diligence, and integration activities.
(d)
Restructuring charges including programs designed to integrate and reduce costs intended to further improve efficiencies in operational activities and align cost structures consistent with revenue levels associated with business changes. Restructuring expenses include costs associated with the Voluntary Early Retirement Program (“VERP”) and employee termination benefits associated with a reduction-in-force ("2024 RIF") and other optimization initiatives.
(e)
Represents fees and costs associated with various internal reorganization activities, including professional fees, lease exit costs, severance, and nonrecurring compensation costs.
(f)
Represents legal settlements, reserves, and expenses that are unusual or infrequent costs associated with our operating activities.
(g)
Represents the amortization of intangible assets recorded in connection with the 2014 Topco Acquisition and our other acquisitions.
(h)
Represents (i) costs related to implementation of strategies for workplace safety in response to COVID-19, including employee-relief fund, additional sick pay for front-line associates, medical benefit payments for furloughed associates, and personal protective equipment; and (ii) benefits received from government grants for COVID-19 relief.
(i)
Represents a gain associated with the repurchases of Term Loan Facility and Senior Secured Notes, net of deferred financing fees related to repricing of Term Loan Facility. For additional information, refer to Note 4—Debt to our unaudited condensed financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
(j)
Represents cash receipts from an insurance policy for claims related to the Take 5 Matter and costs associated with investigation and remediation activities related to the Take 5 Matter, primarily professional fees and other related costs.
(k)
Represents the tax provision or benefit associated with the adjustments above, taking into account the Company’s applicable tax rates, after excluding adjustments related to items that do not have a related tax impact
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations, Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations and Adjusted EBITDA by Segment are supplemental non-GAAP financial measures of our operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations and Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations mean net (loss) income before (i) interest expense (net), (ii) provision for (benefit from) income taxes, (iii) depreciation, (iv) amortization of intangible assets, (v) impairment of goodwill, (vi) changes in fair value of warrant liability, (vii) stock-based compensation expense, (viii) equity-based compensation of Karman Topco L.P., (ix) fair value adjustments of contingent consideration related to acquisitions, (x) acquisition and divestiture related expenses, (xi) (gain) loss on divestitures, (xii) restructuring expenses, (xiii) reorganization expenses, (xiv) litigation expenses (recovery), (xv) costs associated with COVID-19, net of benefits received, (xvi) costs associated with (recovery from) the Take 5 Matter, (xvii) EBITDA for economic interests in investments and (xviii) other adjustments that management believes are helpful in evaluating our operating performance.
Adjusted EBITDA by Segment means, with respect to each segment, operating income (loss) from continuing operations before (i) depreciation, (ii) amortization of intangible assets, (iii) impairment of goodwill, (iv) stock-based compensation expense, (v) equity-based compensation of Karman Topco L.P., (vi) fair value adjustments of contingent consideration related to acquisitions, (vii) acquisition and divestiture related expenses, (viii) restructuring expenses, (ix) reorganization expenses, (x) litigation expenses (recovery), (xi) costs associated with COVID-19, net of benefits received, (xii) costs associated with (recovery from) the Take 5 Matter, (xiii) EBITDA for economic interests in investments and (xiv) other adjustments that management believes are helpful in evaluating our operating performance, in each case, attributable to such segment.
Unallocated shared costs associated with discontinued operations from certain shared administrative functions, through the close of the discontinued operations; excluded from income from discontinued operations as they are not a direct cost of the discontinued business but a result of indirect allocations, including but not limited to, information technology, human resources, finance and accounting, supply chain, and commercial operations. Subsequent to the close of the divestitures, amounts attributable to unallocated shared costs would be mitigated through income from transition services agreements, subsequent strategic or restructuring initiatives, elimination of extraneous costs, or re-allocations or absorption of existing continuing operations. See Note 2 – Held for Sale, Divestitures and Discontinued Operations in Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for further details.
We present Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations, Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations and Adjusted EBITDA by Segment because they are key operating measures used by us to assess our financial performance. These measures adjust for items that we believe do not reflect the ongoing operating performance of our
41
business, such as certain noncash items, unusual or infrequent items or items that change from period to period without any material relevance to our operating performance. We evaluate these measures in conjunction with our results according to GAAP because we believe they provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business than GAAP measures alone. Furthermore, the agreements governing our indebtedness contain covenants and other tests based on measures substantially similar to Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations and Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations. None of Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations, Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations nor Adjusted EBITDA by Segment should be considered as an alternative for our Net income, our most directly comparable measure presented on a GAAP basis. Non-GAAP financial measures are subject to inherent limitations as they reflect the exercise of judgments by management about which expense and income are excluded or included in determining these non-GAAP financial measures. Additionally, other companies may calculate non-GAAP measures differently, or may use other measures to calculate their financial performance, and therefore our non-GAAP measures may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
Reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations to Net loss from continuing operations is provided in the following table:
Continuing Operations
Stock-based compensation expense (a)
24,225
29,400
Equity-based compensation of Karman Topco L.P. (b)
Fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration related to acquisitions (c)
Acquisition and divestiture related expenses (d)
Restructuring expenses (e)
Reorganization expenses (f)
Litigation (recovery) expenses (g)
Costs associated with the Take 5 Matter, net of (recoveries) (i)
EBITDA for economic interests in investments (j)
2,712
(2,483
12,449
(6,423
Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations
Reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations to Net income (loss) from discontinued operations is provided in the following table:
(Gain) loss on divestitures (k)
(1,576
1,091
(2,808
3,109
713
1,883
1,104
2,434
1,259
5,537
1,456
2,250
1,044
9,535
1,099
(208
(384
89
Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations
2,302
19,832
18,359
44,007
42
Financial information by segment, including a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA by Segment to operating income, the closest GAAP financial measure, is provided in the following table:
Branded Services segment
Operating (loss) income
Impairment of goodwill
1,829
3,689
8,552
11,309
402
275
924
(1,209
10,471
49
159
153
1,484
6,959
10,730
29,863
20,280
Litigation expenses (g)
191
1,994
432
(326
(2,484
(6,419
Branded Services segment Adjusted EBITDA
Experiential Services segment
Operating income
3,371
(778
7,469
(1,860
(281
(29
(783
(934
441
5,670
4,960
17,394
8,230
201
1,276
434
(56
2,896
Experiential Services segment Adjusted EBITDA
43
Retailer Services segment
2,943
6,072
8,204
19,951
(299
(37
(799
(1,135
46
154
(1,397
1,139
6,008
5,682
26,723
9,794
(3,288
5,394
1
715
(4
Retailer Services segment Adjusted EBITDA
Represents non-cash compensation expense related to performance stock units, restricted stock units, and stock options under the 2020 Advantage Solutions Incentive Award Plan and the Advantage Solutions 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Represents additions to reflect our proportional share of Adjusted EBITDA related to our equity method investments and reductions to remove the Adjusted EBITDA related to the minority ownership percentage of the entities that we fully consolidate in our financial statements.
Represents gains and losses on disposal of assets related to divestitures and losses on sale of businesses and assets held for sale, less cost to sell.
44
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, and other debt. Our principal uses of cash are operating expenses, working capital requirements, acquisitions, interest on debt and repayment of debt. Principal uses of cash used in investing activities includes our enterprise resource planning initiative, which includes upgrading our information system platform.
A summary of our cash operating, investing and financing activities from continuing operations are shown in the following table:
80,909
47,805
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 consisted of net loss of $200.5 million adjusted for certain non-cash items, including impairment of goodwill of $99.7 million, gain on repurchases of Senior Secured Notes and Term Loan Facility, net of cost of extinguishments, of $9.1 million, depreciation and amortization of $152.9 million, stock-based compensation of $24.2 million and effects of changes in working capital. Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 consisted of net loss of $78.5 million adjusted for certain non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization of $157.4 million, stock-based compensation of $29.4 million and effects of changes in working capital. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 relative to the same period in 2023 was primarily due to an increase in one-time transformation costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities from continuing operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 primarily consisted of the proceeds from divestitures of $275.7 million, partially offset by the purchase of property and equipment of $50.4 million, primarily related to our ERP initiative, which includes upgrading our information system platform, and the purchase of investments in unconsolidated affiliates of $13.9 million. Net cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 primarily consisted of the purchase of property and equipment of $24.4 million and proceeds from divestitures of $12.8 million.
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
Cash flows used in financing activities from continuing operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were primarily related to repurchases of Senior Secured Notes and Term Loan Facility of $147.1 million, repayment of principal on our Term Loan Facility of $9.9 million\, payments for taxes related to net share settlement of $11.7 million, payments of contingent consideration of $5.7 million and payments related to the share repurchase program of $34.1 million.
Cash flows used in financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 were primarily related to repurchases of the Term Loan Facility of $104.0 million, repayment of principal on our Term Loan Facility of $10.2 million, payments of contingent consideration and holdback payments of $1.9 million, payments for taxes related to net share settlement of $1.3 million, partially offset by $2.2 million related to proceeds from the issuance of Class A common stock.
45
Description of Credit Facilities
Senior Secured Credit Facilities
Advantage Sales & Marketing Inc. (the “Borrower”), our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, has (i) a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $500.0 million, subject to borrowing base capacity (as may be amended from time to time, the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and (ii) a secured first lien term loan credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.1 billion (as may be amended from time to time, the “Term Loan Facility” and together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”).
Revolving Credit Facility
Our Revolving Credit Facility provides for revolving loans and letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $500.0 million, subject to borrowing base capacity. Letters of credit are limited to the lesser of (a) $150.0 million and (b) the aggregate unused amount of commitments under our Revolving Credit Facility then in effect. Loans under the Revolving Credit Facility may be denominated in either U.S. dollars or Canadian dollars. Bank of America, N.A., is administrative agent and ABL Collateral Agent. The Revolving Credit Facility is scheduled to mature in December 2027. We may use borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility to fund working capital and for other general corporate purposes, including permitted acquisitions and other investments. As of September 30, 2024, we had unused capacity under our Revolving Credit Facility available to us of $500.0 million, subject to borrowing base limitations (without giving effect to approximately $44.1 million of outstanding letters of credit and the borrowing base limitations for additional borrowings).
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are limited by borrowing base calculations based on the sum of specified percentages of eligible accounts receivable plus specified percentages of qualified cash, minus the amount of any applicable reserves. Borrowings will bear interest at a floating rate, which can be either an adjusted Term SOFR or Alternative Currency Spread rate plus an applicable margin or, at the Borrower’s option, a base rate or Canadian Prime Rate plus an applicable margin. The applicable margins for the Revolving Credit Facility are 1.75%, 2.00% or 2.25%, with respect to Term SOFR or Alternative Currency Spread rate borrowings and 0.75%, 1.00%, or 1.25%, with respect to base rate or Canadian Prime Rate borrowings, in each case depending on average excess availability under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Borrower’s ability to draw under the Revolving Credit Facility or issue letters of credit thereunder will be conditioned upon, among other things, the Borrower’s delivery of prior written notice of a borrowing or issuance, as applicable, the Borrower’s ability to reaffirm the representations and warranties contained in the credit agreement governing the Revolving Credit Facility and the absence of any default or event of default thereunder.
The Borrower’s obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are guaranteed by Karman Intermediate Corp. (“Holdings”) and all of the Borrower’s direct and indirect wholly owned material U.S. subsidiaries (subject to certain permitted exceptions) and Canadian subsidiaries (subject to certain permitted exceptions, including exceptions based on immateriality thresholds of aggregate assets and revenues of Canadian subsidiaries) (the “Guarantors”). The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a lien on substantially all of Holdings’, the Borrower’s and the Guarantors’ assets (subject to certain permitted exceptions). The Borrower’s Revolving Credit Facility has a first-priority lien on the current asset collateral and a second-priority lien on security interests in the fixed asset collateral (second in priority to the liens securing the Notes and the Term Loan Facility discussed below), in each case, subject to other permitted liens.
The Revolving Credit Facility has the following fees: (i) an unused line fee of 0.375% or 0.250% per annum of the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility, depending on average excess availability under the Revolving Credit Facility; (ii) a letter of credit participation fee on the aggregate stated amount of each letter of credit equal to the applicable margin for adjusted Eurodollar rate loans, as applicable; and (iii) certain other customary fees and expenses of the lenders and agents thereunder.
The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary covenants, including, but not limited to, restrictions on the Borrower’s ability and that of our subsidiaries to merge and consolidate with other companies, incur indebtedness, grant liens or security interests on assets, make acquisitions, loans, advances or investments, pay dividends, sell or otherwise transfer assets, optionally prepay or modify terms of any junior indebtedness, enter into transactions with affiliates or change our line of business. The Revolving Credit Facility will require the maintenance of a fixed charge coverage ratio (as set forth in the credit agreement governing the Revolving Credit Facility) of 1.00 to 1.00 at the end of each fiscal quarter when excess availability is less than the greater of $25.0 million and 10% of the lesser of the borrowing base and
maximum borrowing capacity. Such fixed charge coverage ratio will be tested at the end of each quarter until such time as excess availability exceeds the level set forth above.
The Revolving Credit Facility provides that, upon the occurrence of certain events of default, the Borrower’s obligations thereunder may be accelerated and the lending commitments terminated. Such events of default include payment defaults to the lenders thereunder, material inaccuracies of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, voluntary and involuntary bankruptcy, insolvency, corporate arrangement, winding-up, liquidation or similar proceedings, material money judgments, material pension-plan events, certain change of control events and other customary events of default.
The Term Loan Facility is a term loan facility denominated in U.S. dollars in an aggregate principal amount of $1.1 billion as of September 30, 2024. Borrowings under the Term Loan Facility amortize in equal quarterly installments in an amount equal to 1.00% per annum of the original issued amount of $1.3 billion principal amount. Borrowings will bear interest at a floating rate of Term SOFR plus an applicable margin of 4.25% per annum, subject to additional spread adjustment on SOFR ranging from 0.11% to 0.26%.
The Borrower may voluntarily prepay loans or reduce commitments under the Term Loan Facility, in whole or in part, subject to minimum amounts, with prior notice but without premium or penalty. The Company voluntarily repurchased an aggregate of $29.8 million principal amount of its Term Loan Facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The Company recognized a gain on the repurchases of $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as a component of “Interest expense, net” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
The Borrower will be required to prepay the Term Loan Facility with 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales (such percentage subject to reduction based on the achievement of specific first lien net leverage ratios) and subject to certain reinvestment rights, 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain debt issuances and 50% of excess cash flow (such percentage subject to reduction based on the achievement of specific first lien net leverage ratios).
The Borrower’s obligations under the Term Loan Facility are guaranteed by Holdings and the Guarantors. Our Term Loan Facility is secured by a lien on substantially all of Holdings’, the Borrower’s and the Guarantors’ assets (subject to certain permitted exceptions). The Term Loan Facility has a first-priority lien on the fixed asset collateral (equal in priority with the liens securing the Notes) and a second-priority lien on security interests in the current asset collateral (second in priority to the liens securing the Revolving Credit Facility), in each case, subject to other permitted liens.
The Term Loan Facility contains certain customary negative covenants, including, but not limited to, restrictions on the Borrower’s ability and that of our restricted subsidiaries to merge and consolidate with other companies, incur indebtedness, grant liens or security interests on assets, pay dividends or make other restricted payments, sell or otherwise transfer assets or enter into transactions with affiliates.
The Term Loan Facility provides that, upon the occurrence of certain events of default, the Borrower’s obligations thereunder may be accelerated. Such events of default will include payment defaults to the lenders thereunder, material inaccuracies of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, voluntary and involuntary bankruptcy, insolvency, corporate arrangement, winding-up, liquidation or similar proceedings, material money judgments, change of control and other customary events of default.
On October 28, 2020, Advantage Solutions FinCo LLC (“Finco”) issued $775.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (the “Notes”). Immediately following such issuance, Finco merged with and into Advantage Sales & Marketing Inc. (in its capacity as the issuer of the Notes, the “Issuer”), with the Issuer continuing as the surviving entity and assuming the obligations of Finco. The Notes were sold to BofA Securities, Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Apollo Global Securities, LLC. The Notes were resold to certain non-U.S. persons pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
47
Act”), and to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act at a purchase price equal to 100% of their principal amount. The terms of the Notes are governed by an Indenture, dated as of October 28, 2020 (the “Indenture”), among Finco, the Issuer, the guarantors named therein (the “Notes Guarantors”) and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent.
The Borrower may voluntarily prepay loans or reduce commitments under the Senior Secured Notes, in whole or in part, subject to minimum amounts, with prior notice but without premium or penalty. The Company voluntarily repurchased an aggregate of $127.9 million principal amount of its Senior Secured Notes during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The Company recognized a gain on the repurchase of $8.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as a component of “Interest expense, net” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. There were no repurchases of Senior Secured Notes during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Interest and maturity
Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 at a rate of 6.50% per annum. The Notes will mature on November 15, 2028.
Guarantees
The Notes are guaranteed by Holdings and each of the Issuer’s direct and indirect wholly owned material U.S. subsidiaries (subject to certain permitted exceptions) and Canadian subsidiaries (subject to certain permitted exceptions, including exceptions based on immateriality thresholds of aggregate assets and revenues of Canadian subsidiaries) that is a borrower or guarantor under the Term Loan Facility.
Security and Ranking
The Notes and the related guarantees are the general, senior secured obligations of the Issuer and the Notes Guarantors, are secured on a first-priority pari passu basis by security interests on the fixed asset collateral (equal in priority with liens securing the Term Loan Facility), and are secured on a second-priority basis by security interests on the current asset collateral (second in priority to the liens securing the Revolving Credit Facility and equal in priority with liens securing the Term Loan Facility), in each case, subject to certain limitations and exceptions and permitted liens.
The Notes and related guarantees rank (i) equally in right of payment with all of the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ senior indebtedness, without giving effect to collateral arrangements (including the Senior Secured Credit Facilities) and effectively equal to all of the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ senior indebtedness secured on the same priority basis as the Notes, including the Term Loan Facility, (ii) effectively subordinated to any of the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ indebtedness that is secured by assets that do not constitute collateral for the Notes to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness and to indebtedness that is secured by a senior-priority lien, including the Revolving Credit Facility to the extent of the value of the current asset collateral and (iii) structurally subordinated to the liabilities of the Issuer’s non-Guarantor subsidiaries.
Optional redemption for the Notes
The Notes are redeemable at the applicable redemption prices specified in the Indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest. If the Issuer or its restricted subsidiaries sell certain of their respective assets or experience specific kinds of changes of control, subject to certain exceptions, the Issuer must offer to purchase the Notes at par. In connection with any offer to purchase all Notes, if holders of no less than 90% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes validly tender their Notes, the Issuer is entitled to redeem any remaining Notes at the price offered to each holder. The Issuer may voluntarily prepay loans or reduce commitments under the Notes, in whole or in part without premium or penalty.
Restrictive covenants
The Notes are subject to covenants that, among other things limit the Issuer’s ability and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to: incur additional indebtedness or guarantee indebtedness; pay dividends or make other distributions in respect
of, or repurchase or redeem, the Issuer’s or a parent entity’s capital stock; prepay, redeem or repurchase certain indebtedness; issue certain preferred stock or similar equity securities; make loans and investments; sell or otherwise dispose of assets; incur liens; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into agreements restricting the Issuer’s subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends; and consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of the Issuer’s assets. Most of these covenants will be suspended on the Notes so long as they have investment grade ratings from both Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and S&P Global Ratings and so long as no default or event of default under the Indenture has occurred and is continuing.
Events of default
The following constitute events of default under the Notes, among others: default in the payment of interest; default in the payment of principal; failure to comply with covenants; failure to pay other indebtedness after final maturity or acceleration of other indebtedness exceeding a specified amount; certain events of bankruptcy; failure to pay a judgment for payment of money exceeding a specified aggregate amount; voidance of subsidiary guarantees; failure of any material provision of any security document or intercreditor agreement to be in full force and effect; and lack of perfection of liens on a material portion of the collateral, in each case subject to applicable grace periods.
Future Cash Requirement
There were no material changes to our contractual future cash requirements from those disclosed in our 2023 Annual Report.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Held Outside the United States
As of September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, $64.7 million and $43.8 million, respectively, of our cash and cash equivalents were held by foreign subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, $23.7 million and $30.4 million, respectively, of our cash and cash equivalents were held by foreign branches.
We assessed our determination as to our indefinite reinvestment intent for certain of our foreign subsidiaries and recorded a deferred tax liability of approximately $0.5 million of withholding tax as of September 30, 2024 for unremitted earnings in Canada with respect to which we do not have an indefinite reinvestment assertion. We will continue to evaluate our cash needs, however we currently do not intend, nor do we foresee a need, to repatriate funds from the foreign subsidiaries except for Canada. We have continued to assert indefinite reinvestment on all other earnings as it is necessary for continuing operations and to grow the business. If at a point in the future our assertion changes, we will evaluate tax-efficient means to repatriate the income. In addition, we expect existing domestic cash and cash flows from operations to continue to be sufficient to fund our domestic operating activities and cash commitments for investing and financing activities, such as debt repayment and capital expenditures, for at least the next 12 months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. If we should require more capital in the United States than is generated by our domestic operations, for example, to fund significant discretionary activities such as business acquisitions or to settle debt, we could elect to repatriate future earnings from foreign jurisdictions. These alternatives could result in higher income tax expense or increased interest expense. We consider the majority of the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, as of September 30, 2024, to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no provision has been made for taxes in excess of the $0.5 million noted above.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements or liabilities, guarantee contracts, retained or contingent interests in transferred assets or any obligation arising out of a material variable interest in an unconsolidated entity. We do not have any majority-owned subsidiaries that are not included in our consolidated financial statements. Additionally, we do not have an interest in, or relationships with, any special-purpose entities.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our critical accounting policies and estimates are included in our 2023 Annual Report and did not materially change during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 except as included below.
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired in an acquisition. We test for impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit level. We generally combine components that have similar economic characteristics, nature of services, types of client, distribution methods and regulatory environment. In connection with the Company’s reorganization and the associated change in operating segments, the Company reassessed its reporting units and concluded that it has five reporting units (Branded Services, Branded Agencies, Experiential Services, Merchandising and Retailer Agencies). As a result, the Company performed the required impairment assessments directly before and immediately after the change in reporting units as of January 1, 2024. In conjunction with the tests performed as of January 1, 2024, each of the fair values for the reporting units tested was in excess of its carrying amount. The fair values of the Branded Agencies and Experiential Services reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values by less than 20%.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, we determined a triggering event occurred and an impairment assessment was warranted for the Branded Agencies reporting unit goodwill due to the pending sale of one of the businesses that comprised a substantial portion of the assets, liabilities, and prospective cash flows of the Branded Agencies reporting unit.
We utilize a combination of income and market approaches to estimate the fair value of our reporting units. The income approach utilizes estimates of discounted cash flows of the reporting units, which requires assumptions for, the reporting units’ revenue growth rates, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) margins, terminal growth rates, discount rates, and incremental net working capital, all of which require significant management judgment.
The market approach applies market multiples derived from the historical earnings data of selected guideline publicly-traded companies to our reporting units’ businesses to yield a second assumed value of each reporting unit, which requires significant management judgment. The guideline companies are first screened by industry group and then further narrowed based on the reporting units’ business descriptions, markets served, competitors, EBITDA margins and revenue size. Market multiples are then selected from within the range of these guideline companies’ multiples based on the subject reporting unit. We compare a weighted average of the output from the income and market approaches to the carrying value of each reporting unit. We also compare the aggregate estimated fair value of our reporting units to the estimated value of our total market capitalization. The assumptions in the income and market approach are based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. We based our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable but which are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. A change in these underlying assumptions would cause a change in the results of the tests and, as such, could cause fair value to be less than the carrying amounts and result in an impairment of goodwill in the future. Additionally, if actual results are not consistent with the estimates and assumptions or if there are significant changes to our planned strategy, it may cause fair value to be less than the carrying amounts and result in an impairment of goodwill in the future.
As a result of the impairment test performed, we recognized a goodwill impairment charge of $99.7 million related to the Company's Branded Agencies reporting unit goodwill during the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, which has been reflected in “Impairment of goodwill” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. As a result of this charge, an immaterial amount of goodwill remains in this reporting unit.
The uncertainty and volatility in the economic environment which we operate could have an impact on our future growth and could result in future impairment charges. There is no assurance that actual future earnings, cash flows or other assumptions for the reporting units will not significantly decline from these projections.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires entities to expand their existing income tax disclosures, specifically related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The standard is effective for us beginning in fiscal year 2025, with early adoption permitted. The new standard is expected to
50
be applied prospectively, but retrospective application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-09 on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires entities to disclose incremental segment information on an annual and interim basis, including significant segment expenses and measures of profit or loss that are regularly provided to the CODM. The standard is effective for us beginning in fiscal year 2024 and interim periods within fiscal year 2025. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-07 on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign Currency Risk
Our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations is primarily the result of foreign subsidiaries and foreign branches primarily domiciled in Canada. We use financial derivative instruments to hedge foreign currency exchange rate risks associated with our Canadian operations.
The assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries and foreign branches, whose functional currencies are primarily Canadian dollars, are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period. The cumulative translation effects for subsidiaries using a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. We estimate that had the exchange rate in each country unfavorably changed by ten percent relative to the U.S. dollar, our consolidated loss before taxes would have decreased by approximately $3.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate exposure relates primarily to the effect of interest rate changes on borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan Facility, Revolving Credit Facility and Notes.
We manage our interest rate risk through the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, we have entered into interest rate cap and collar agreements to manage our exposure to potential interest rate increases that may result from fluctuations in SOFR. We do not designate these derivatives as hedges for accounting purposes, and as a result, all changes in the fair value of derivatives, used to hedge interest rates, are recorded in “Interest expense, net” in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
We had interest rate cap and collar contracts with an aggregate notional value of principal of $1,350.0 million and $950.0 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, from various financial institutions to manage our exposure to interest rate movements on variable rate credit facilities. The interest rate cap and collar contracts will mature on December 16, 2024 and April 5, 2026, respectively. In July 2024, we entered into two interest rate collar contracts with a notional value of principal of $200.0 million each. The interest rate collar contracts are effective December 16, 2024 and will mature on April 5, 2027 and 2028. The aggregate fair value of our interest rate caps and collars represented an outstanding net asset of $4.1 million as of September 30, 2024.
Holding other variables constant, a change of one-eighth percentage point in the weighted average interest rate above the floor of 0.75% on the Term Loan Facility and Revolving Credit Facility would have resulted in an increase of $0.6 million in interest expense, net of gains from interest rate caps and collars, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
In the future, in order to manage our interest rate risk, we may refinance our existing debt, enter into additional interest rate cap agreements or modify our existing interest rate cap agreement. However, we do not intend or expect to enter into derivative or interest rate cap transactions for speculative purposes.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report. Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2024, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are involved in various legal matters that arise in the ordinary course of our business. Some of these legal matters purport or may be determined to be class and/or representative actions, or seek substantial damages or penalties. Some of these legal matters relate to disputes regarding acquisitions. In connection with certain of the below matters and other legal matters, we have accrued amounts that we believe are appropriate. There can be no assurance, however, that the below matters and other legal matters will not result in us having to make payments in excess of such accruals or that the below matters or other legal matters will not materially or adversely affect our business, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Commercial Matters
We have been involved in various litigation matters and arbitrations with respect to commercial matters arising with clients, vendors and third-party sellers of businesses. We have retained outside counsel to represent us in these matters and we are vigorously defending our interests.
Employment-Related Matters
We have also been involved in various litigation, including purported class or representative actions with respect to matters arising under the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act, California Labor Code and Private Attorneys General Act. Many involve allegations for allegedly failing to pay wages and/or overtime, failing to provide meal and rest breaks and failing to pay reporting time pay, waiting time penalties and other penalties.
Legal Matters Related to Take 5
In April 2018, the Company acquired the business of Take 5 Media Group (“Take 5”). As a result of an investigation into that business in 2019 that identified certain misconduct, the Company terminated all operations of Take 5 in July 2019 and offered refunds to clients of collected revenues attributable to the period after the Company’s acquisition. The Company refers to the foregoing as the Take 5 Matter. The Company voluntarily disclosed to the United States Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation certain misconduct occurring at Take 5. The Company intends to cooperate in this and any other governmental investigations that may arise in connection with the Take 5 Matter. In October 2022, an arbitrator made a final award in favor of the Company. The Company is actively pursuing the collection of this award in state court in Florida. The Company is currently unable to estimate if or when it will be able to collect any amounts associated with this arbitration. The Take 5 Matter may result in additional litigation against the Company, including lawsuits from clients, or governmental investigations, which may expose the Company to potential liability in excess of the amounts being offered by the Company as refunds to Take 5 clients. The Company is currently unable to determine the amount of any potential liability, costs or expenses (above the amounts already being offered as refunds) that may result from any lawsuits or investigations associated with the Take 5 Matter or determine whether any such issues will have any future material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, liquidity, or results of operations. Although the Company has insurance covering certain liabilities, the Company cannot be certain that the insurance will be sufficient to cover any potential liability or expenses associated with the Take 5 Matter.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed under Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in the 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the current effects of which are discussed in more detail in Part I, Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. These risks are not the only risks that may affect us. Additional risks that we are not aware of or do not believe are material at the time of this filing may also become important factors that adversely affect our business.
On November 9, 2021, we announced that our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program (the “2021 Share Repurchase Program”) pursuant to which we may repurchase up to $100.0 million of our Class A common stock.
The 2021 Share Repurchase Program does not have an expiration date but provides for suspension or discontinuation at any time. The 2021 Share Repurchase Program permits the repurchase of our Class A common stock on the open market and by other means, including plans complying with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act. The timing and amount of any share repurchase is subject to prevailing market conditions, relevant securities laws and other considerations, and we are under no obligation to repurchase any specific number of shares.
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, we executed open market purchases of $13.3 million of our Class A common stock under the 2021 Share Repurchase Program. As of September 30, 2024, there remained $48.6 million of share repurchase availability under the 2021 Share Repurchase Program.
The following tables sets forth repurchases of our Class A common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2024:
Period
Total number of shares purchased
Average price paid per share
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans
Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plan (in thousands)
July 1, 2024 to July 31, 2024
2,485,948
3.71
10,886,023
52,404
August 1, 2024 to August 31, 2024
1,038,957
3.67
11,924,980
48,590
September 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024
None.
Not applicable.
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, none of our directors and executive officers adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
ITEM 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed with this Report:
ExhibitNumber
Description
31.1+
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
31.2+
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
32.1**
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
32.2**
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
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.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
+ Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith and not “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
***
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
By:
/s/ David Peacock
David Peacock
Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Date:
November 12, 2024
/s/ Christopher Growe
Christopher Growe
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)