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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
iClass A Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share
iDTC
iNew
York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ iNo ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file
reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ iNo ☒
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. iYes ☒ No ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). iYes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated
filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,”“accelerated filer,”“smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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. i☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. i☐
If
securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. i☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s
executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No i☒
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price of the shares of Class A common stock
on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2023, was $i158.3 million.
As of March 11, 2024, there were i58,106,957
shares of the registrant’s Class A common stock, $0.001 par value per share, outstanding and i33,069,023 shares of the registrant’s Class B common stock, $0.001 par value per share, outstanding.
Portions
of the Proxy Statement for the registrant’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates, are incorporated by reference herein.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,”“will,”“should,”“expects,”“plans,”“anticipates,”“could,”“intends,”“targets,”“projects,”“contemplates,”“believes,”“estimates,”“forecasts,”“predicts,”“potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K include, but are not limited to statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, industry and business trends, business strategy, plans, market growth, cost mitigation strategy and our objectives for future operations.
The forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are only predictions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the important factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. The forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are based upon information available to us as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements
are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements.
You should read this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the documents that we reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and have filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K with the understanding that our actual future results, performance and achievements may be materially different from what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Except as required by applicable law, we do not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise.
Where You
Can Find More Information
We may use our website as a distribution channel of material information about the Company including through press releases, investor presentations, and notices of upcoming events. We intend to utilize the investor relations section of our website at https://investors.solobrands.com as a channel
of distribution to reach public investors and as a means of disclosing material non-public information for complying with disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. We also intend to use certain social media channels, including, but not limited to, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, as a means of communicating with the public, our customers and investors about our Company, our products, and other matters. While not all the information that the Company posts to its website and brand related social media channels may be deemed to be of a material nature, some information may be and we therefore encourage investors, the media, and others interested in our
Company to review the information we make public in these locations.
All periodic and current reports, registration statements and other filings that we have filed or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act, are available free of charge from the SEC’s website(www.sec.gov) and on our website at https://investors.solobrands.com.
Such documents are available as soon as reasonably practicable after electronic filing of the material with the SEC.
Any reference to our website or social media channels does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on or available through our website, and you should not consider such information to be a part of the periodic and current reports, registration statements or other filings that we file or furnish with the SEC from time to time.
As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless the context otherwise requires, references to:
•“we,”“us,”“our,” “the “Company,”“Solo Brands, Inc.” and similar references refer: (i) following the consummation of the Reorganization Transactions (as defined below), including the initial public offering (“IPO”) on October 28, 2021, to Solo Brands, Inc., and, unless otherwise stated, all of its subsidiaries, Solo Stove Holdings, LLC (“Holdings”), and, unless otherwise stated,
all of its subsidiaries, and (ii) on or prior to the completion of the Reorganization Transactions, including the IPO, to Holdings and, unless otherwise stated, all of its subsidiaries. In each case, such references include the companies acquired in the acquisitions made in 2021 and 2023, from the date of the applicable acquisition. Unless otherwise indicated, (i) information presented for a period entirely preceding an acquisition does not give effect to the consummation of such acquisition and reflects only the subsidiaries and brands owned prior to such acquisition and (ii) information presented for a period following an acquisition or during which an acquisition occurred includes the impact of
the acquisition from the date of such acquisition.
•“Reorganization Transactions” refers to certain reorganization transactions effected in connection with the completion of our IPO. See “Initial Public Offering and Reorganization Transactions” in Item 7 of the 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details of the related transactions.
•“LLC Interests”refer to a single class of common membership interests of Holdings.
•“Original LLC Owners”refer to the direct and certain indirect owners of Holdings, collectively, prior to the Reorganization Transactions.
•“Continuing
LLC Owners”refers to Original LLC Owners who continue to own LLC Interests after the Reorganization Transactions and who may, following the completion of the IPO, exchange their LLC Interests for shares of DTC Class A common stock or a cash payment, in each case, together with a cancellation of the same number of its shares of Class B common stock.
•“Former LLC Owners”refers to all of the Original LLC Owners (excluding the Continuing LLC Owners) who exchanged their indirect ownership interests in Holdings for shares of DTC Class A common stock and cash in connection with the completion of the IPO.
•“Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Solo Brands, Inc.,”“Net income (loss) attributable to Solo Brands, Inc.,”“net income (loss) per Class A common stock,”“controlling interest” and similar references refer to amounts attributable to Solo Brands, Inc.
Our business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should carefully consider these risks and uncertainties when investing in our Class A common stock. The
principal risks and uncertainties affecting our business include the following:
•Our business depends on maintaining and strengthening our brand and generating and maintaining ongoing demand for our products, and a significant reduction in such demand could harm our results of operations.
•If we are unable to successfully design and develop new products, our business may be harmed.
•Our historic growth rates may not be sustainable or indicative of future growth and we may not be able to effectively manage our growth.
•Our business could be harmed if we are unable to accurately forecast demand for our products or our results of operations.
•Our
marketing strategy may not be successful with existing and future customers.
•If we fail to attract new customers in a cost-effective manner, our business may be harmed.
•Our net sales and profits depend on the level of customer spending for our products, which is sensitive to general economic conditions and other factors.
•The markets in which we compete are highly competitive and we could lose our market positions.
•Competitors have imitated and will likely continue to imitate our products. If we are unable to protect or preserve our brand image and proprietary rights, our business may be harmed.
•We rely on third-party manufacturers
and problems with, or the loss of, our suppliers or an inability to obtain raw materials could harm our business and results of operations.
•Our business relies on cooperation of our suppliers, but not all relationships include written exclusivity agreements. If they produce similar products for our competitors, it could harm our results of operations.
•Fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw materials, equipment, labor, and transportation could cause manufacturing delays or increase our costs.
•If we fail to timely and effectively obtain shipments of products from our manufacturers and deliver products to our retail partners and customers, our business and results of operations could be harmed.
•We
may acquire or invest in other companies, which could divert our management’s attention, result in dilution to our stockholders, and otherwise disrupt our operations, harm our results of operations and negatively impact our financial condition.
•Our collection, use, storage, disclosure, transfer and other processing of personal information could give rise to significant costs and liabilities, including as a result of governmental regulation, uncertain or inconsistent interpretation and enforcement of legal requirements or differing views of personal privacy rights, which may have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
•We rely significantly on the use of information technology, as well as those of our third party service providers. Any significant failure, inadequacy, interruption
or data security incident of our information technology systems, or those of our third-party service providers, could disrupt our business operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows.
•Government regulation of the Internet and e-commerce is evolving, and unfavorable changes or failure by us to comply with these regulations could substantially harm our business and results of operations.
•Our indebtedness may limit our ability to invest in the ongoing needs of our business and if we are unable to comply with the covenants in our current Revolving Credit Facility, our liquidity and results of operations could be harmed.
•Our results of operations are subject to seasonal
and quarterly variations, which could cause the price of our common stock to decline.
•Our plans for continuing operations in international markets may not be successful.
•An adverse determination in any material product liability related claim against us could adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.
•Our business depends substantially on our ability to attract and retain experienced and qualified talent, including our senior management team.
•We may become involved in legal or regulatory proceedings and audits.
•Our adoption of environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) initiatives and frameworks may
impose additional costs and expose us to emerging areas of risk.
•The impacts of risks associated with international geopolitical conflicts, including continued tensions between Taiwan and China and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, on the global economy, energy supplies and raw materials are uncertain, but may prove to negatively impact our business and operations.
We aim to help the customers in our communities live a good life by inspiring moments that create lasting memories. When we are at our best, our products serve as the centerpiece of awesome experiences and unlock nostalgia for past ones. We own and operate premium authentic outdoor brands with ingenious products influenced by customer feedback. We consistently deliver innovative, high-quality products that are loved by our customers and revolutionize the outdoor experience, build community and help everyday people reconnect with what matters most.
Who We Are
Solo Brands operates six premium outdoor brands: Solo Stove, Oru Kayak, Inc. (“Oru”), International Surf Ventures, Inc. (“ISLE”),
Chubbies, Inc. (“Chubbies”), Sconberg, LLC (“TerraFlame”) and IcyBreeze Cooling, LLC (“IcyBreeze”). Our brands develop innovative products and market them directly to customers primarily through e-commerce channels, as well as wholesale partnerships with key retailers. Our platform is led by our largest brand, Solo Stove, which was founded in 2011 by two brothers seeking to bring family together in the outdoors. Our founders combined their passion for e-commerce with their love of the outdoors to create a digitally-native platform to market the revolutionary Solo Stove Lite (“Lite”), an ultralight portable backpacking camp stove that can boil water in under 10 minutes using just twigs, sticks, and leaves. Solo Stove followed the success of the Lite with the launch of its iconic, stainless steel, virtually smokeless fire pits in 2016, pioneering a new product category that has helped foster a loyal community of enthusiasts and furthers our
efforts to bring people together.
Since its inception in 2011, Solo Stove’s growth and free cash flow allowed us to make significant investments in our global supply chain and bring fulfillment, research and development, sales and marketing, and customer service in-house. This infrastructure provides an authentic end-to-end customer experience, expedited delivery, greater cost efficiencies, and redundancy in manufacturing. It also laid the groundwork for the creation of Solo Brands, Inc. and acquisition of additional brands.
Our business provides distinct competitive advantages, including an attractive financial profile and a unique ability to acquire and operate outdoor brands that broaden our product assortment and share our values of authenticity, product quality, and community. Through our DTC and wholesale channels, we develop connections with
our customers, receive real-time feedback that informs our product development roadmap and digital marketing decisions, and enhance our brands. This deep connection with our customers helps to drive favorable return on marketing spend and positions us to capitalize on a significant runway of future expansion. We believe that our model creates a flywheel effect of rapid growth, scalability, and robust free cash flow generation which, in turn, enables us to re-invest in product innovation, strategic acquisitions, marketing and global infrastructure.
Product Design and Development
Solo Brands and its products are driven by the “create good” philosophy and are designed to get you in touch with whatever “good” is for you. We create good products that foster good moments and memories, so our customers can create a good life.
Our
products undergo a rigorous development process designed to maximize performance while minimizing complexity, delivering a superior degree of quality, functionality, portability, style, and ease-of-use. The Solo Stove Lite set the standard, and we have continued to design and develop groundbreaking, high-performance products engineered with purposeful simplicity. We carefully design and engineer every product for immediate enjoyment, free of complexity and intimidating learning curves often found in engineered outdoor and lifestyle products. While employing the same approach that led to the success of our stoves, we have successfully broadened our product line to include virtually smokeless fire pits, cooking systems, pizza ovens, patio heaters, and storage units, and added portable kayaks and paddle boards, lifestyle apparel, portable a/c coolers and other accessories.
At Solo Brands, not only are our products
innovative, but we believe our approach to innovation stands apart from the competition. We don’t believe in behind-the-curtain intuition-driven design, but rather customer-driven product development. We employ a data-driven approach to portfolio expansion opportunities and a product development process that is guided by direct customer feedback and is designed to allow for exceptionally fast development time from idea to product delivery. Our approach includes digesting data our customers share with us and incrementally enhancing our offerings to drive customer satisfaction and love of our products and brands. We have continued to expand our product lines by designing solutions grounded in customer insights and requests, including new products and accessories and additional sizes of existing product lines, and through strategic acquisitions that complement the Solo Brands platform.
The Solo Brands product
design teams control every aspect of our innovation, including design, construction, material performance requirements, manufacturing protocols, supplier selection, packaging specifications, and quality plans. Utilizing our state-of-the-art research and development center at our headquarters, the product development team is able to ensure continued design, testing, and quality control while optimizing speed-to-market. Once we approve the final design and specifications of a new product, depending on the product, we either source materials directly or partner with specialized third-party manufacturers to produce our products according to our performance and quality standards. Each of our brands has established deep relationships with trusted third-party manufacturers—predominantly in China and Southeast Asia, as well as in Mexico through a dedicated facility operated by a manufacturing labor outsourcing company.
We have recently upgraded Oru’s manufacturing operations in Mexico by moving to a newer and more sophisticated facility. Additionally, through the acquisition activity undertaken in 2023, we added manufacturing capabilities in Mexico for indoor fire features and outdoor fixtures.
Products
We offer wide-ranging and high-quality products directly to our customers through our platform. Our products are carefully designed to maximize performance while minimizing complexity. We create highly functional, yet simple products that are both durable and easy-to-use.
Camping Stoves. We revolutionized the camp stove category with the launch of our Solo Stove Lite
in 2011. This ultralight and portable product does not require synthetic fuel and can boil water in under 10 minutes using just twigs, sticks, and leaves found outside. Today, our Stoves include the Lite, Titan, and Campfire, each of which is wood burning and incorporates our secondary burn technology, creating a hotter flame great for cooking. Each Stove also has a variety of cooking pots and accessories.
Fire Pits. We created a new fire pit category in late 2016 with our portable, low smoke product offerings. Solo Stove fire pits provide a mesmerizing, virtually smokeless fire experience in minutes, anywhere our customers want to be—in the mountains under the stars, on the beach, at the campground, tailgating at the game, or at home in the backyard—our products are designed to go where you go. The Solo Stove fire pit product offering includes the new tabletop Mesa, Ranger, Bonfire,
Yukon, and Canyon, each of which burns wood fuel to a fine ash for easy cleaning. Made of lightweight, durable stainless steel, our fire pits epitomize the Solo Stove brand promise of uncompromising quality, portability, and function.
Cooking. In 2023 we continued to lean into expanding the cooking category by launching Pi Prime, an easy-to-use standalone durable stainless steel pizza oven with a lower entry price than our original pizza oven. We continue to see opportunity for expansion in the cooking category, have teamed with prominent influencers in the social media space and offer ingredients for one-time delivery or subscription.
Outdoor Heating. In 2022, we disrupted the outdoor heating market by launching a wood-pellet burning patio heater. Virtually smokeless, and easy to use with a small
bag of wooden pellets rather than an expensive and heavy propane tank, our patio heater provides head to toe warmth.
Storage. Launched in 2021, the Station provides an optimized storage solution for fire pits, firewood, and other accessories. The Station provides highly functional storage that enables our customers to keep their outdoor products in one convenient location. Built to withstand ice, rain, and snow with a powder-coated aluminum frame and a UV-coated cover, the Station’s dual shelf design supports a carrying weight of up to 250 pounds. The Station has broadened our consumer reach and was designed in response to real-time consumer feedback.
Consumables. Consumables provide a high margin, recurring revenue stream that increases customer lifetime value and supports repeat purchases and engagement
with our community. The consumables category includes fun products that enhance the Solo Brands experience, such as Color Packs, and exciting add-ons, including Starters, All-Natural Charcoal, firewood, fuel, and pellets.
Indoor Fire Products. Through our acquisition activity in 2023, we “brought the fire inside” with indoor fire products that allow our customers to enjoy the warmth and comfort of a fire year-round. Utilizing our proprietary fire burning gel and bioethanol, multi-hour burns with the familiar crackle and flame of a traditional wood fire can now be enjoyed anywhere.
Recreation. Oru Kayak is the original origami kayak that allows users to go from box to boat in a matter of minutes. Oru offers premier kayaks that require minimal storage space, are portable,
and easy-to-use. The Oru brand includes five kayak models, the Inlet, Beach LT, Bay ST, Coast XT, and Haven. Built with durable, corrugated OruPlast™ technology, our kayaks offer premium quality, exceptional control and stability, and starting at just 20 pounds, they are highly portable and can be transported in the trunk of a small car or carried on public transportation. ISLE produces high-quality stand-up paddle boards and a hybrid kayak with colorful designs that are engineered to accommodate every skill level, style, and interest. ISLE offers ten models across seven product categories—Inflatables, Yoga, Fishing, All Around, Touring, Surf, and Epoxy. With an emphasis on form and function, ISLE’s products are intended to help users reconnect with the simple joy of getting outside, and their innovative portable designs allow users take them anywhere they can find floatable water.
Lifestyle Apparel.
Chubbies is a fun-loving, premium apparel brand that offers well-fitted comfortable clothing with unique style. The Chubbies brand has historically had five main product lines—Swim Trunks, Casual Shorts, Sport, Polos + Shirts, and Lounge. In 2022, Chubbies launched multiple pant styles ranging from business performance pants to joggers and sweats. Created with high performance stretch fabric, Chubbies offers premium quality with a lightweight and breathable design that can be worn anywhere and anytime.
Accessories. Our Accessories are designed to make the Solo Brands experience easier and more memorable. Many accessories are the product of direct customer feedback, satisfying a specific need our community has highlighted. They deepen our relationship with customers, increase order values, and support repeat engagement. The Accessories category spans the Solo Stove, Oru, and ISLE brands
and includes products such as the Shelter, Shield, Roasting Sticks, Tools, Paddles, and Pumps.
Portable Air Conditioning Cooler. Through our acquisition activity in 2023, we added the next level of consumer comfort to our already strong portfolio of products with the addition of portable air conditioning units. Easily transportable and able to be powered by multiple sources, including a long-lived battery, the portable air conditioner allows our customers to experience another level of comfort in the outdoors when the weather conditions do not favor a fire.
Our
multifaceted marketing strategy engages existing and new customers and has proven instrumental in driving sales and building brand awareness and affinity. We utilize data-driven performance marketing tactics to engage with our targeted customer base and create differentiated brand marketing content designed to drive an authentic customer experience and fuel brand awareness and loyalty for each of our brands independently.
We employ a wide range of marketing tactics and outlets to cultivate our relationships with experts, enthusiasts, and everyday consumers. Our in-house marketing team actively utilizes a combination of digital, social media, traditional, and grass-roots initiatives to support our brand. Our in-house marketing team is a major differentiator and strength for the Company as it allows us to execute quickly,
pivot when needed, and do both at a cost far below what it would cost to outsource to marketing agencies. While our in-house marketing team remains the primary focus, we have leveraged the expertise and enhanced penetration available through external marketing agencies, which led to increased brand awareness from campaigns in 2023, such as Snoop Dogg and the Macy’s Day Parade. With loyal customers already rooted with each of our brands, we also believe a large opportunity exists for effective cross-marketing.
Sales Channels
We are an omni-channel company that leverages the power of both e-commerce as well as physical retail stores. In addition to our strong DTC execution, we are strategically expanding our wholesale channel through retail partners that support our brand image and share our passion and dedication for innovative, best-in-class
products of uncompromising design and performance. Our net sales are concentrated in the United States, though we have a growing international presence.
Direct-to-Consumer (“DTC”). We follow a digital-first strategy which prioritizes a direct connection with customers through e-commerce channels. Our currently owned brands generate the majority of sales online, including through owned social channels such as Facebook and Instagram that route visitors to our sites. This is supplemented by our DTC business via relationships with select third-party e-commerce marketplaces, such as Amazon. We believe these sales channels provide incremental sales reach for our business and opportunities to increase awareness for our brands. In fiscal year 2023, DTC sales accounted for 72.4% of Solo Brands sales. In 2023, we have continued to make meaningful investments in our e-commerce and digital
platform to drive growth, including the implementation of cutting-edge technology, marketing, and analytics to increase speed and ease of use on both our desktop and mobile sites.
Through our owned brand websites, we offer our entire product portfolio and create a unique experience for our customers that reflects some of the same design principles that we incorporate into our products—simple, elegant and high performance. Our sites provide a content-rich and educational shopping experience, inviting customers to experience our brands, learn about our products through extensive overviews, specifications and intuitive FAQs, discover ways to enjoy our products, and hear firsthand from our customers’ experiences with our brands. Customers can access blogs through our websites,
where we publish premium digital content, share customer stories and information on products, and further cultivate our community. With continuous improvement of our existing websites and a shift to increasingly scalable platforms, enhancement of the customer experience is ever evolving in a positive direction. We believe our digital expertise provides us a competitive advantage and is replicable and extendible across other brands.
Our owned brand websites are also where we engage with our corporate customers, which represent a rapidly growing customer segment, particularly as we introduce additional customization options such as logo etchings to our fire pits.
We believe our corporate customers and organizations appreciate our authentic brands and product quality and value the opportunity to attach their brands to Solo Brands products, including to provide valued gifts. Our customized products and corporate sales have meaningfully contributed to sales growth while generating attractive margins. The corporate customers represent opportunities for substantial repeat business.
We also operate seven Chubbies retail stores with plans to continue expanding, and one ISLE surf pro-shop, which provide additional opportunities to interact directly with our customers in person and strengthen customer relationships.
Wholesale. We have built relationships with well-known outdoor products and sporting goods retailers. We choose our retail partners carefully based on their reputation, demographic,
and commitment to appropriately learn and showcase Solo Brands’ portfolio of products, provide hands-on customer service, and willingness to abide by our terms and conditions, including consistent adherence to our minimum-advertised price (“MAP”) policy. We also sell products on websites of retailers. These sites give Solo Brands even more online presence in our effort to ensure customers find us wherever they choose to shop for outdoor and recreation products. Our strategic retail channel distribution is supported by our dedicated sales and account management team. As an added benefit to our strategic retail partners, we provide the opportunity to leverage a variety of our products, including specialized items specific to certain of these partners, further demonstrating our desire to operate as a value adding partner. This team serves our retail
partner base and identifies potential new wholesalers to expand our geographic footprint.
Seasonality
We believe that our sales include a seasonal component. Historically, our net sales have been highest in our second and fourth quarters, with the first quarter typically generating the lowest sales. This historical sales trend is supported by the demand for our products at the beginning of the summer and holiday shopping seasons. We expect that this seasonality will continue to be a factor in our results of operations and sales.
We operate as one reportable segment composed of five reporting units, comprised of our six brands. The Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) is the chief operating decision maker of the Company and makes operating decisions, assesses financial performance, and allocates resources based upon discrete financial information at a consolidated level.
Supply Chain and Quality Assurance
We manage a supply chain of third-party manufacturing and logistics partners to produce and distribute our products. We work with partners who allow for production flexibility, efficiency and scalability, possess capabilities to support new products, meet our expanding sales channel strategies and
other required operational needs. We currently have a number of manufacturing partners located in various countries including the United States, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Mexico, with the majority of our manufacturing concentrated with a single manufacturer in China.
Our supply chain management team researches materials and equipment, vets potential manufacturing partners, directs our internal demand and production planning, approves and manages product purchasing plans, and oversees product transportation. While we have selected our current manufacturers for commercial and operational reasons, there are currently alternative suppliers that we believe we can qualify and engage to supply products and materials of the same quality, in similar quantities, and on substantially similar terms as our current providers if needed. From time to time, we source new suppliers
and manufacturers to support our ongoing innovation and growth, particularly in our more recently introduced product categories, and we carefully evaluate all new suppliers and manufacturers to ensure they share our standards for quality of manufacturing, ethical working conditions and environmental sustainability practices.
Quality is critically important to us and we work closely with our manufacturing partners with respect to product quality and manufacturing process efficiency. As part of our quality assurance program, we have developed and implemented comprehensive product inspection and facility oversight processes that are performed by our employees and third-party resources. They work closely with our suppliers to assist them in meeting our quality standards, as well as improving their production yields and throughput. While we do not directly source significant amounts of raw materials and components
for most of our products, we control the specifications for key raw materials used in our products.
Distribution and Inventory Management
A majority of our products are shipped from our manufacturers to one of our three United States distribution centers in Grapevine, Texas; Manchester, Pennsylvania; and Salt Lake City, Utah. These distribution centers, which we operate, are strategically located across the United States, allowing us to provide faster delivery throughout the United States. Certain of our products are distributed directly from our manufacturing facilities in Mexicali, Mexico and Baja California, Mexico. The remaining portion of our products are shipped directly to one of our National Retail Partners or one of our distributors.
We manage inventory by analyzing product
sell-through, forecasting demand, and working with our supply chain to ensure sufficient availability. Additionally, we leased a 20,000 square foot facility in Canada and a 72,000 square foot facility in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Our domestic and international warehouses position Solo Brands to reach customers quickly and position us to realize immediate cost savings. We use a warehouse management system at these distribution centers that interfaces with our ERP system so that we can maintain visibility and control over inventory levels and customer shipments. We believe our domestic capacity and the capacity of international providers is sufficient to meet our future needs.
Intellectual Property and Brand Protection
We take the protection of our intellectual property very seriously and have taken a variety of operational and legal measures
to protect our distinctive brand, designs, and inventions. Our engineering and industrial design teams collaborate at our Grapevine, Texas headquarters to create new products, and are supported by individual product design teams at the various brand levels. As part of this process, all product designs, specifications, and performance characteristics are developed and designed. After these aspects of the process are complete, we seek intellectual property protection, including applying for patents and for registration of trademarks for new classes where applicable.
We own the patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade dress, and other intellectual property rights that relate to our brands and to key aspects of certain of our products. We have sought to protect these intellectual property rights in the United States as well as in other countries where our products are manufactured and/or sold. We believe these intellectual
property rights, combined with our innovation and distinctive product design, performance, and brand name reputation, provide us with a competitive advantage.
We aggressively pursue and defend intellectual property rights to protect our distinctive brand, designs, and inventions. We use third-party enforcement agencies, and have processes and procedures in place to identify, protect, and optimize our IP assets on a global basis. Our experienced legal and brand protection teams initiate claims against those offering infringing products to protect our intellectual property assets, including our distinctive designs, copyrights, and trade dress. In the future, we intend to continue to seek intellectual property protection for our new products and prosecute those who infringe against these valuable assets.
Information technology, or IT, systems are integral to our ability to operate, analyze and manage our business, research and develop new products, enhance our customers’ experience, and optimize our operating costs. Our infrastructure is cloud-first, as we believe it provides the most flexibility, scalability, and is inherently resilient with platform level redundancy in networking and computer hardware. We leverage third-party components and software to enhance our platform capabilities and ERP and e-commerce systems to improve our operations and manage our growing company. We utilize leading software solutions for key aspects of our information systems. We believe our planned systems infrastructure will be sufficient to support our expected growth for the foreseeable future.
Competition
We
compete in the large outdoor, leisure, recreation, and lifestyle apparel markets and may compete in other addressable lifestyle markets. Competition in our markets is based on a number of factors including product quality, performance, durability, styling, ease-of-use, and price, as well as brand image and recognition. We believe that we have been able to compete successfully on the basis of our superior design capabilities and product development, brands, customer service, and our DTC capabilities. We operate in a category of one and believe that our value proposition and unique branded digital strategy creates a competitive moat which sets us apart from competition in the broader fragmented outdoor, leisure, recreation, and lifestyle apparel markets.
Human Capital Management
Solo Brands has a seasoned management team with extensive industry experience
and a dedicated focus on developing a strong, intentional company culture. We continue to invest in our people, adding key management personnel to our platform with the goal to accelerate our profitable growth, strengthen and complement our existing leadership team, and leverage the sharing of best practices across the platform. Our increasingly well-known portfolio of brands and our culture of innovation, collaboration and personal development enables us to recruit top talent in all areas of our business.
We are focused on recruitment, retention, diversity and training, all areas where we see significant opportunity as we scale and bring on new team members. We believe the dedicated team of Solo Brands employees is a critical factor to our past and future success and intend to continue investing in our team’s well-being. None of our employees are currently covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We
have experienced no labor-related work stoppages and employee relations are considered to be good. As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately 400 employees.
Environmental, Social, and Governance
Solo Brands believes in creating good and giving back to the communities that have supported our growth. We are committed to making a long-term impact through our initiatives which cover a broad range of ESG-related topics, including: environmental sustainability, water conservation, diversity, equity, inclusion, and mental health.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our business
involves significant risks, some of which are described below. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risk and uncertainties that we are unaware of or that we deem immaterial may also become important factors that adversely affect our business. The realization of any of these risks and uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In that event, the trading price and value of our Class A common stock could decline, and you may lose part or all of your investment.
Risks Related to our Business and Industry
Our business depends on maintaining and strengthening our brand and generating and maintaining
ongoing demand for our products, and a significant reduction in such demand could harm our results of operations.
We have developed a strong and trusted brand that we believe has contributed significantly to the success of our business, and we believe our continued success depends on our ability to maintain and grow the value and reputation of Solo Brands. Maintaining, promoting and positioning our brand and reputation will depend on, among other factors, the success of our product offerings, quality assurance, marketing and merchandising efforts, the reliability and reputation of our supply chain, our ability to grow and capture share of the outdoor lifestyle category, and our ability to provide a consistent, high-quality consumer experience. We have made substantial investments in these areas in order to maintain and enhance our brand and these experiences, but such investments may not be successful. Any
negative publicity, regardless of its accuracy, could materially adversely affect our business. For example, our business depends in part on our ability to maintain a strong community of engaged customers and social media influencers. We may not be able to maintain and enhance a loyal customer base if we receive customer complaints, negative publicity or otherwise fail to live up to consumers’ expectations, which could materially adversely affect our business, operating results and growth prospects.
The growing use of social and digital media by us, our consumers and third parties increases the speed and extent that information or misinformation and opinions can be shared. Negative publicity about us, our brand or our products on social or digital media could seriously damage our brand and reputation. For example, consumer perception could be influenced by negative media attention regarding any
consumer complaints about our
products, our management team, ownership structure, sourcing practices and supply chain partners, employment practices, ability to execute against our mission and values, and our products or brand, such as any advertising campaigns or media allegations that challenge the sustainability of our products and our supply chain, or that challenge our marketing efforts regarding the quality of our products, which could have an adverse effect on our business, brand and reputation. Similar factors or events could impact the success of any brands or products we introduce in the future.
Our
company image and brand are very important to our vision and growth strategies, particularly our focus on being a “good company” and operating consistent with our mission and values. We will need to continue to invest in actions that support our mission and values and adjust our offerings to appeal to a broader audience in the future in order to sustain our business and to achieve growth, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so. If we do not maintain the favorable perception of our company and our brand, our sales and results of operations could be negatively impacted. Our brand and company image is based on perceptions of subjective qualities, and any incident that erodes the loyalty of our consumers, customers, suppliers or manufacturers, including adverse publicity or a governmental investigation or litigation, could significantly reduce the value
of our brand and significantly damage our business, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
If we are unable to successfully design and develop new products, our business may be harmed.
Solo Stove made up the majority of our total revenue in the year ended December 31, 2023. Our future growth depends in part on our ability to expand sales of our other existing products and to introduce new and enhanced products. The success of our new and enhanced products depends on many factors, including anticipating consumer preferences, finding innovative solutions to consumer problems, differentiating our products from those of our competitors, and maintaining the strength of our brand while also expanding our brand beyond the categories
of products we currently sell. The design and development of our products is costly and we typically have several products in development at the same time. If we misjudge or fail to anticipate consumer preferences or there are problems in the design or quality of our products, or delays in product introduction, our brand, business, financial condition, and results of operations could be harmed.
Our historic growth rates may not be sustainable or indicative of future growth and we may not be able to effectively manage our growth.
We have expanded our operations rapidly, especially over the last few years. The expansion of our operations was primarily due to our digital marketing strategy and by increased demand for outdoor recreation and leisure lifestyle products, as well as acquisition of additional companies. However, our historical
growth rates are likely not sustainable or indicative of future growth. We believe that revenue growth will depend upon, among other factors:
•Increasing U.S. brand awareness;
•Our ability to obtain adequate protections for our intellectual property; and
•Product innovation to expand our total addressable market.
We have a limited history operating our business at its current scale. As a result of our growth to date, our employee headcount and the scope and complexity of our business have increased substantially, and we are continuing to implement policies and procedures that we believe are appropriate for a company of our size and operating as a public company. With recent changes to our management
team, renewed focus has been applied to investment in the overall infrastructure of the business in order to support future growth. However, we may experience difficulties as we continue to implement changes to our business and related policies and procedures to keep pace with our historical growth and, if our operations continue to grow at a rapid pace, in managing such growth and building the appropriate processes and controls in the future. Continued growth may increase the strain on our resources, and we could experience operating difficulties, including difficulties in sourcing, logistics, recruiting, maintaining internal controls, marketing, designing innovative products, and meeting consumer needs. If we do not adapt to meet these evolving challenges, the strength of our brand may erode, the quality of our products may suffer, we may not be able to deliver products on a timely basis to our customers, and our corporate culture may be harmed.
In
addition, we expect to continue to make significant investments in our research and development and sales and marketing organizations, expand our operations and infrastructure both domestically and internationally, design and develop new products, and enhance our existing products with newly developed products and through acquisitions. If our sales do not increase at a sufficient rate to offset these increases in our operating expenses, our profitability may decline in future periods.
Our business could be harmed if we are unable to accurately forecast demand for our products or our results of operations.
To ensure adequate inventory supply, we forecast inventory needs and place orders with our manufacturers before we receive firm orders from our retail partners or customers and we may not be able to do so accurately. If we fail to accurately forecast
demand, we may experience excess inventory levels or a shortage of product and delays in delivering to our retail partners and through our DTC channel, particularly due to uncertainty and delays related to global supply chain challenges.
If we underestimate the demand for our products, our manufacturers may not be able to scale quickly enough to meet demands, and this could result in delays in the shipment of our products and our failure to satisfy demand, as well as damage to our reputation and retail partner relationships. If we overestimate the demand for our products, we could face inventory levels in excess of demand, which could result in inventory write-downs or write-offs and the sale of excess inventory at discounted prices, which would harm our gross margins. In addition, failure to accurately predict the level of demand for our products could cause a decline in sales and harm our results
of operations and financial condition. Factors that may impact our ability
to forecast demand for our products include shifting consumer trends, unforeseen supply chain delays, global economic conditions, increased competition and our limited operating experience.
In addition, we may not be able to accurately forecast our results of operations and growth rate. Forecasts may be particularly challenging as we expand into new markets and geographies, and develop and market new products. Our historical sales, expense levels, and profitability may not be an appropriate basis
for forecasting future results in these new markets and with new products.
Failure to accurately forecast our results of operations and growth rate could cause us to make incorrect operating decisions and we may not be able to adjust in a timely manner. Consequently, actual results could be materially lower than anticipated. Even if the markets in which we compete expand, we cannot assure you that our business or profitability will grow at similar rates, if at all.
Our marketing strategy may not be successful with existing and future customers.
We believe that we have been successful in marketing our products by associating our brand and products with indoor and outdoor activities to be experienced with family and friends, as well as other influencer and product-related
campaigns. To sustain long-term growth, we must not only continue to successfully promote our products to consumers who identify with or aspire to these activities, as well as to individuals who value the differentiated function, high quality, and specialized design of our products, but also promote new products with which we may not have experience and attract more customers to our existing products. If we fail to successfully market and sell our products to our existing customers or expand our customer base, our sales could decline or we may be unable to grow our business.
If we fail to attract new customers in a cost-effective manner, our business may be harmed.
A large part of our success depends on our ability to attract new customers in a cost-effective manner. We have made, and may continue to make, significant investments in
attracting new customers through increased advertising spends on social media, influencers and brand affiliates, radio, podcasts, linear television, and targeted email communications. Marketing campaigns can be expensive and may not result in the cost-effective acquisition of customers. Further, as our brand becomes more widely known, future marketing campaigns may not attract new customers at the same rate as past campaigns and the cost of acquiring new customers may increase over time. If we are unable to attract new customers, or fail to do so in a cost-effective manner, our business may be harmed.
Our growth depends, in part, on expanding into additional consumer markets, and we may not be successful in doing so.
We believe that our future growth depends not only on continuing to provide our current customers with new products, but
also continuing to enlarge our customer base. The growth of our business will depend, in part, on our ability to continue to expand in the United States, as well as into international markets. We are investing significant resources in these areas, and although we hope that our products will gain popularity, we may face challenges that are different from those we currently encounter, including competitive, merchandising, distribution, hiring, and other difficulties. We may also encounter difficulties in attracting customers due to a lack of consumer familiarity with or acceptance of our brand, or a resistance to paying for premium products, particularly in international markets. In addition, although we are investing in sales and marketing activities to further penetrate newer regions, including expansion of our dedicated sales force, we may not be successful. If we are not successful, our business and results of operations may be harmed.
Our
net sales and profits depend on the level of customer spending for our products, which is sensitive to general economic conditions and other factors.
Our products are discretionary items for customers. Therefore, the success of our business depends significantly on economic factors and trends in consumer spending. There are a number of factors that influence consumer spending, including actual and perceived economic conditions, consumer confidence, disposable consumer income, consumer credit availability, unemployment, inflation, and tax rates in the markets where we sell our products. Consumers also have discretion as to where to spend their disposable income and may choose to purchase other items or services. As global economic conditions continue to be volatile, and economic uncertainty remains, trends in consumer discretionary spending also remain unpredictable and subject to declines. Any of these factors
could harm discretionary consumer spending, resulting in a reduction in demand for our products, decreased prices, increased costs to make sales, and harm to our business and results of operations. Moreover, consumer purchases of discretionary items, such as our products, tend to decline during recessionary periods when disposable income is lower or during other periods of economic instability or uncertainty, which may slow our growth more than we anticipate. A downturn in the economies in markets in which we sell our products, particularly in the United States, may materially harm our sales, profitability, and financial condition.
The markets in which we compete are highly competitive and we could lose our market positions.
The markets in which we compete are highly competitive, typically with low barriers to entry. The number of competing
companies continues to increase. Competition in these product markets is based on a number of factors including product quality, performance, durability, availability, styling, brand image and recognition, and price. Our competitors may be able to develop and market similar products that compete with our products, sell their products for lower prices, offer their products for sale in more areas, adapt to changes in consumers’ needs and preferences more quickly, devote greater resources to the design, sourcing, distribution, marketing, and sale of their products, or generate greater brand recognition than us. In addition, as we expand into new areas and new product categories we will continue to face, different and, in some cases, more formidable competition. Many of our competitors and potential competitors have significant competitive advantages, including learning from our experiences
and taking advantage of new product popularity, greater financial strength, larger research and development teams, larger marketing budgets, and more distribution and other resources than we do. Some of our competitors may aggressively discount their products or offer other attractive sales terms in order to gain market share, which could result in pricing pressures, reduced profit margins, or lost market share. If we are not able to overcome these potential competitive challenges, effectively market our current and future products, and otherwise compete effectively against our current or potential competitors, our prospects, results of operations, and financial condition could be harmed.
Competitors have imitated and will likely continue to imitate our products. We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual
property, and if we are unable to protect or preserve our brand image and proprietary rights, our business may be harmed.
We attempt to protect our intellectual property rights, both in the United States and in foreign countries, through a combination of patent, trademark, copyright, design, and trade secret laws, as well as licensing, assignment, and confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants, suppliers and manufacturers. While it is our policy to protect and defend our intellectual property, we cannot be sure that the actions we have taken to establish and protect our patents, trademarks and other proprietary rights will be adequate to protect us, or that any of our intellectual property will not be challenged or held invalid or unenforceable.
Our success depends in large part on our brand image and, in particular, on
the strength of our Solo Stove, ISLE, Oru, Chubbies, TerraFlame and IcyBreeze trademarks. We rely on trademark protection to protect our brands, and we have registered or applied to register many of these trademarks. While we have registered or applied to register our material trademarks in the United States and several other markets, we have not registered all of our marks in all of the jurisdictions in which we currently conduct or intend to conduct business. Further, even if we seek to register these trademarks, we cannot be sure that our trademark applications will be successful. These applications may also be challenged or opposed by third parties. In the event that our trademarks are successfully challenged and we lose the rights to use those trademarks, we could be forced to rebrand our products, requiring us to devote resources to advertising and marketing new brands.
In addition, we rely
on design patents, as well as registered designs, to protect our products and designs. We have also applied for, and expect to continue to apply for, utility patent and design protection relating to proprietary aspects of existing and proposed products. We cannot be sure that any of our patent or design applications will result in issued patents or registered designs, or that any patents issued as a result of our patent applications will be of sufficient scope or strength to provide us with any meaningful protection or commercial advantage. Third parties may challenge the validity and enforceability of certain of our patents, including through patent office ex parte reexamination, inter partes review or post-grant proceedings. Regardless of outcome, such challenges may result in substantial legal expenses and diversion of management’s time and attention from our other business
operations. In some instances, our patent claims could be substantially narrowed or declared invalid or unenforceable. Any significant adverse finding by a patent office or adverse verdict of a court as to the validity, enforceability, or scope of certain of our patents could adversely affect our competitive position and otherwise harm our business.
We regard our intellectual property rights as critical to our success. We regularly monitor for infringement, and we employ third-party watch services in support of these efforts and have from time to time instituted litigation to enforce our trademarks, patents and other intellectual property, and we expect to do so in the future. Nevertheless, the steps we take to protect our proprietary rights against infringement or other violation may be inadequate and we may experience difficulty in effectively limiting the unauthorized use of our patents, trademarks,
trade dress, and other intellectual property and proprietary rights worldwide. As our business continues to expand, some of our competitors have imitated, and will likely continue to imitate, our product designs and branding, which could harm our business and results of operations. In addition, our use of third-party suppliers and manufacturers presents a risk of counterfeit goods entering the marketplace. Because our products are manufactured overseas in countries where counterfeiting is more prevalent, and we intend to increase our sales overseas over the long term, we may experience increased copying of our products. Certain foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights as fully as they are protected in the United States and, accordingly, intellectual property protection may be limited or unavailable in some foreign countries where we choose to do business. It may therefore be more difficult for us to successfully challenge the use of our intellectual
property rights by other parties in these countries, which could diminish the value of our brands or products and cause our competitive position and growth to suffer.
As we develop new products and seek to expand internationally, we will continue to incur greater costs in connection with securing the issuance or registration of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights. This increased intellectual property activity will also increase our costs to monitor and enforce our intellectual property rights. While we actively seek to secure and protect our intellectual property rights, there can be no assurance that we will be adequately protected in all countries in which we conduct our business or that we will prevail when defending our patent, trademark, and proprietary rights. If difficulties arise securing such rights or protracted litigation is necessary to enforce such rights, our
business and financial condition could be harmed.
Additionally, we could incur significant costs and management distraction in pursuing claims to enforce our intellectual property rights through litigation, and defending any alleged counterclaims. If we are unable to protect or preserve the value of our patents, trade dress, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights for any reason, or if we fail to maintain our brand image due to actual or perceived product or service quality issues, adverse publicity, governmental investigations or litigation, or other reasons, our brand and reputation could be damaged and our business may be harmed.
We may be subject to liability if we infringe upon the intellectual property rights of third parties and have increased costs protecting our intellectual property rights.
Third parties may sue us for alleged infringement of their intellectual property rights. The party claiming infringement might have greater resources than we do to pursue its claims, and we could be forced to incur substantial costs and devote significant management resources to defend against such litigation, even if the claims are meritless and even if we ultimately prevail. Also third parties may make infringement claims against us that relate to technology developed or used by one of our manufacturers for which our manufacturers may or may not indemnify us. Even if we are indemnified against such costs, the indemnifying party may be unable to comply with
its contractual obligations and disputes over the scope of these obligations could require additional litigation. If the party claiming infringement were to prevail, we could be forced to modify or discontinue our products, pay significant damages, or enter into expensive royalty or licensing arrangements with the prevailing party, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, we cannot guarantee that a license from the prevailing party would be available on acceptable terms, or at all.
We rely on third-party manufacturers and problems with, or the loss of, our suppliers or an inability to obtain raw materials could harm our business and results of operations.
Our products are produced by third-party manufacturers. We face the risk that these third-party manufacturers
may not produce and deliver our products on a timely basis, or at all. We have experienced, and could experience in the future, operational difficulties with our manufacturers and we may face similar or unknown operational difficulties or other risks with respect to future manufacturers, including with respect to new products. These difficulties include reductions in the availability of production capacity, errors in complying with product specifications and regulatory and customer requirements, insufficient quality control, failures to meet production deadlines, failure to achieve our product quality standards, increases in costs of manufacturing and materials, and manufacturing or other business interruptions. The ability of our manufacturers to effectively satisfy our production requirements could also be impacted by manufacturer financial difficulty or damage to their operations caused by fire, terrorist attack, riots, natural disaster, public health issues, pandemics,
or other events. The failure of any manufacturer to perform to our expectations could result in supply shortages or delays for certain products and harm our business. If we develop new products with significantly increased or new manufacturing requirements, otherwise experience significantly increased demand, or need to replace an existing manufacturer due to lack of performance, we may be unable to supplement or replace our manufacturing capacity on a timely basis or on terms that are acceptable to us, which may increase our costs, reduce our margins, and harm our ability to deliver our products on time. Additionally, we do not have long-term agreements in place with most of our third-party manufacturers, and such manufacturers could decide to stop working with us, which would require us to identify and qualify new manufacturers. For certain of our products, it may take a significant amount of time to identify and qualify a manufacturer that has the capability and resources
to produce our products to our specifications in sufficient volume and satisfy our service and quality control standards.
The capacity of our manufacturers to produce our products is also dependent upon the availability of raw materials at a competitive rate. Our manufacturers may not be able to obtain sufficient supply of raw materials or do so at a competitive price, which could result in delays in deliveries of our products by our manufacturers or significantly increased costs. Any shortage of raw materials or inability of a manufacturer to produce or ship our products in a timely manner, or at all, could impair our ability to ship orders of our products in a cost-efficient, timely manner and could cause us to miss the delivery requirements of our customers. As a result, we could experience cancellations of orders, refusals to accept deliveries, or reductions in our prices and margins, any of
which could harm our financial performance, reputation, and results of operations.
We also depend on a limited number of third-party manufacturers for the sourcing of our products. We currently have a number of manufacturing partners located in various locations, including China, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, United States and Mexico. The majority of our fire pits, our highest grossing product, are currently made by a single manufacturer in China, with additional limited production in China, India and Vietnam. We have attempted to increase manufacturing capacity and diversity by contracting with manufacturers outside of China, but new suppliers outside of China make up a small percentage of goods and may not be able to take on more production. As a result of this concentration in our supply chain, our business and operations would be negatively affected if our key manufacturer or suppliers were to experience
significant disruption affecting the price, quality, availability, or timely delivery of products or were to refuse to supply us. The partial or complete loss of these manufacturers or suppliers, or a significant adverse change in our relationship with any of these manufacturers or suppliers, could result in lost sales, added costs, and distribution delays that could harm our business and customer relationships.
Our business relies on cooperation of our suppliers, but not all relationships include written exclusivity agreements, which means that they could produce similar products for our competitors. If they produce similar products for our competitors, it could harm our results of operations.
With all of our suppliers and manufacturers, we face the risk that they may fail to produce and deliver supplies or our products on a timely
basis, or at all, or comply with our quality standards. In addition, they may decide to raise prices in the future, which would increase our costs and harm our margins. Those with whom we have executed supply contracts may still breach these agreements, and we may not be able to enforce our rights under these agreements or may incur significant costs attempting to do so. As a result, we cannot predict our ability to obtain supplies and finished products in adequate quantities, of required quality and at acceptable prices from our suppliers and manufacturers in the future. Any one of these risks could harm our ability to deliver our products on time, or at all, damage our reputation and our relationships with our retail partners and customers, and increase our product costs thereby reducing our margins.
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addition, we do not have written agreements requiring exclusivity with all of our manufacturers and suppliers. As a result, they could produce similar products for our competitors, some of which could potentially purchase products in significantly greater volume. Further, while certain of our contracts stipulate contractual exclusivity against production of similar products to ours, those suppliers or manufacturers could choose to breach our
agreements and work with our competitors. Our competitors could enter into restrictive or exclusive arrangements
with our manufacturers or suppliers that could impair or eliminate our access to manufacturing capacity or supplies. Our manufacturers or suppliers could also be acquired by our competitors, and may become our direct competitors, thus limiting or eliminating our access to supplies or manufacturing capacity.
In addition, a former supplier holds certain intellectual property in China related to certain products manufactured there. If that manufacturer attempted to revoke or block the production of those products, or began to produce those products for one or more of our competitors, it would likely result in protracted litigation and could harm our other manufacturer relationships, increase our costs, and harm our business, including potentially forcing us to manufacture certain products outside of China.
Fluctuations in the
cost and availability of raw materials, equipment, labor, and transportation could cause manufacturing delays or increase our costs.
The price and availability of key components used to manufacture our products have fluctuated significantly during our limited operating history and could continue to do so in the future. In addition, the cost of labor at our third-party manufacturers could increase significantly. For example, manufacturers in China have experienced increased costs in recent years due to shortages of labor and fluctuations of the Chinese Yuan in relation to the U.S. dollar. Additionally, the cost of logistics and transportation fluctuates in large part due to the price of oil, and availability can be limited as a result of political and economic issues. Any fluctuations in the cost and availability of any of our raw materials or other sourcing or transportation costs has in the past, and could
in the future, harm our gross margins and our ability to meet customer demand. If we are unable to successfully mitigate a significant portion of these product cost increases or fluctuations, our results of operations could be harmed.
Our products are manufactured by third parties outside of the United States, and our business may be harmed by legal, regulatory, economic, societal, and political risks associated with those markets.
Our products are manufactured outside of the United States, and we sell a small percentage of our products outside of the United States. Our reliance on suppliers and manufacturers in foreign markets, as well as our sales in non-U.S. markets, creates risks inherent in doing business in foreign jurisdictions, including: (a) the burdens of complying with a variety of foreign laws and regulations, including trade
and labor restrictions and laws relating to the importation and taxation of goods; (b) weaker protection for intellectual property and other legal rights than in the United States, and practical difficulties in enforcing intellectual property and other rights outside of the United States; (c) compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, the UK Bribery Act 2010, or the Bribery Act, and other applicable anti-corruption laws, which generally prohibit companies from making improper payments to government officials (or in some cases commercial counterparties) for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or securing an improper business advantage; (d) compliance with the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Controls, or OFAC, which prohibit transacting with persons in certain territories as well as other sanctioned persons; (e) compliance with U.S. anti-money laundering regulations; (f) economic and political instability and acts of terrorism in the countries
where our suppliers are located; (g) transportation interruptions or increases in transportation costs; (h) public health crises, such as pandemics and epidemics; and (i) the imposition of tariffs on components and products that we import into the United States or other markets. We cannot assure you that our directors, officers, employees, representatives, manufacturers, or suppliers have not engaged and will not engage in conduct for which we may be held responsible, nor can we assure you that our manufacturers, suppliers, or other business partners have not engaged and will not engage in conduct that could materially harm their ability to perform their contractual obligations to us or even result in our being held liable for such conduct. Violations of the FCPA, the Bribery Act, OFAC restrictions, or other export control, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, and anti-terrorism laws, or allegations of such acts, could damage our reputation and subject us to civil
or criminal investigations in the United States and in other jurisdictions and related shareholder lawsuits, could lead to substantial civil and criminal, monetary and nonmonetary penalties and could cause us to incur significant legal and investigatory fees, which could harm our business, financial condition, cash flows, and results of operations.
If tariffs or other restrictions are placed on foreign imports or any related counter-measures are taken by other countries, our business and results of operations could be harmed.
Geopolitical uncertainties and events could cause damage or disruption to international commerce and the global economy, and thus could have a material adverse effect on us, our suppliers, logistics providers, manufacturing vendors and customers. Changes in commodity prices may also cause political uncertainty and increase
currency volatility that can affect economic activity. During 2023, the majority of our products that were imported into the United States from China were subject to tariffs that were as high as 25%. The progress and continuation of trade negotiations between the United States and China continues to be uncertain and a further escalation of the trade war remains a possibility. These tariffs have, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on our results of operations and margins. We are unable to predict the magnitude, scope or duration of the imposed tariffs or the magnitude, scope or duration from any relief in increases to such tariffs, or the potential for additional tariffs or trade barriers by the United States, China or other countries, and any strategies we may implement to mitigate the impact of such tariffs or other trade actions may not be successful.
Changes in domestic social, political,
regulatory and economic conditions or in laws and policies governing foreign trade, manufacturing, development and investment in the territories and countries where we currently develop and sell products, and any negative sentiments towards the United States as a result of such changes, could also adversely affect our business. For example, if the United States government withdraws or materially modifies existing or proposed trade agreements, places greater restriction on free trade generally or imposes increases on tariffs on goods imported into the United States, particularly from China, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, negative sentiments towards the United States among non-U.S. customers and among non-U.S. employees or prospective employees could adversely affect sales or hiring and retention, respectively.
The foreign policies of governments may be volatile, and may result in rapid changes to import and export requirements, customs classifications, tariffs, trade sanctions and embargoes or other retaliatory trade measures that may cause us to raise prices, prevent us from offering products or providing services to particular entities or markets, may cause us to make changes to our operations, or create delays and inefficiencies in our supply chain. Furthermore, if the U.S. government imposes new sanctions against certain countries or entities, such sanctions could sufficiently restrict our ability to market and sell our products and may materially adversely affect our results of operations.
If we fail to timely and effectively obtain shipments of products from our manufacturers
and deliver products to our retail partners and customers, our business and results of operations could be harmed.
Our business depends on our ability to source and distribute products in a timely manner. However, we cannot control all of the factors that might affect the timely and effective procurement of our products from our third-party manufacturers and the delivery of our products to our retail partners and customers.
Our third-party manufacturers ship most of our products to our distribution centers in the United States, the largest of which is in Texas. Our large reliance on our one distribution center in Texas makes us vulnerable to natural disasters, weather-related disruptions, accidents, system failures, public health issues, or other unforeseen events that could delay or impair our ability to fulfill retailer orders and/or
ship merchandise purchased on our website, which could harm our sales. We import our products, and thus we are also vulnerable to risks associated with products manufactured abroad, including, among other things: (a) risks of damage, destruction, or confiscation of products while in transit to our distribution centers; and (b) transportation and other delays in shipments, including as a result of heightened security screening, port congestion, and inspection processes or other port-of-entry limitations or restrictions in the United States. In order to meet demand for a product, we may choose in the future to arrange for additional quantities of the product, if available, to be delivered through air freight, which is significantly more expensive than standard shipping by sea and, consequently, could harm our gross margins. Failure to procure our products
from our third-party manufacturers and deliver merchandise to our retail partners and DTC channels in a timely, effective, and economically viable manner could reduce our sales and gross margins, damage our brand, and harm our business.
We also rely on the timely and free flow of goods through open and operational international shipping lanes and ports from our suppliers and manufacturers. Labor disputes or disruptions of shipping lanes, such as the Suez Canal blockage in 2021 or increased or continued delays at ports, our common carriers, or our suppliers or manufacturers could create significant risks for our business, particularly if these disputes result in work slowdowns, lockouts, strikes, or other disruptions during periods of significant importing or manufacturing, potentially resulting in delayed or cancelled orders by customers, unanticipated inventory accumulation or shortages, and harm
to our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
In addition, we rely upon independent land-based and air freight carriers for product shipments from our distribution centers to our retail partners and customers who purchase through our DTC channel. We may not be able to obtain sufficient freight capacity on a timely basis or at favorable shipping rates and, therefore, may not be able to receive products from suppliers or deliver products to retail partners or customers in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Accordingly, we are subject to the risks, including labor disputes, union organizing activity, inclement weather, public health issues, and increased transportation costs, associated with our third-party manufacturers’ and carriers’ ability to provide products and services to meet our requirements. In addition, if
the cost of fuel rises, the cost to deliver products may rise, which could harm our profitability.
We depend in part on our retail partners to display and present our products to customers, and our failure to maintain and further develop our relationships with our domestic retail partners could harm our business.
The physical placement of our products at our selected retail partners plays an important part in our sales strategy. Our wholesale retail sales are also increasing. These retail partners may decide to emphasize products from our competitors, to redeploy their retail floor space to other product categories, or to take other actions that reduce their purchases and visibility of our products. We do not receive long-term purchase commitments from our retail partners, and orders received are often cancellable. Factors that could
affect our ability to maintain or expand our sales to these retail partners include: (a) failure to accurately identify the needs of our customers; (b) a lack of customer acceptance of new products or product expansions; (c) unwillingness of our retail partners and customers to attribute premium value to our new or existing products or product expansions relative to competing products; (d) failure to obtain shelf space from our retail partners; (e) new, well-received product introductions by competitors; (f) damage to our relationships with retail partners; (g) delays or defaults on our retail partners’ payment obligations to us; and (h) store closures, decreased foot traffic, recession or other adverse effects resulting from public health crises such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic (or other future pandemics or epidemics).
We cannot assure you that our retail partners will continue to carry our
current products or carry any new products that we develop. If we lose any of our key retail partners or any key retail partner reduces its purchases of our existing or new products or its number of stores or operations or promotes products of our competitors over ours, our brand, as well as our results of operations and financial condition, could be harmed. Because we are a premium brand, our sales depend, in part, on retail partners effectively displaying our products, including providing attractive space and point of purchase displays in their stores, and training their sales personnel to sell our products. If our retail partners reduce or terminate those activities, we may experience reduced sales of our products, resulting in lower gross margins, which would harm our results of operations. In addition, any store
closures, decreased foot traffic and recession may adversely affect the performance and the financial condition of many of these customers. The foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Insolvency, credit problems or other financial difficulties that could confront our retail partners could expose us to financial risk.
We sell to the large majority of our retail partners on open account terms and do not require collateral or a security interest in the inventory we sell them. Consequently, our accounts receivable with our retail partners are unsecured. Insolvency, credit problems, or other financial difficulties confronting our retail partners could expose us to financial risk. These actions could expose us
to risks if they are unable to pay for the products they purchase from us. Financial difficulties of our retail partners could also cause them to reduce their sales staff, use of attractive displays, number or size of stores, and the amount of floor space dedicated to our products. Any reduction in sales by, or loss of, our current retail partners or customer demand, or credit risks associated with our retail partners, could harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
If our independent suppliers, manufacturing partners and retail partners do not comply with ethical business practices or with applicable laws and regulations, our reputation, business, and results of operations would be harmed.
Our reputation and our customers’ willingness to purchase our products depend in part on our suppliers’, manufacturers’,
and retail partners’ compliance with ethical employment practices, such as with respect to child labor, wages and benefits, forced labor, discrimination, safe and healthy working conditions, and with all legal and regulatory requirements relating to the conduct of their businesses and, in the case of retail partners, the promotion and sale of our products. While we attempt to only work with entities who agree to our Vendor Code of Conduct, we do not exercise control over our suppliers, manufacturers, and retail partners and they may not comply with ethical and lawful business practices. If our suppliers, manufacturers, or retail partners fail to comply with applicable laws, regulations, safety codes, employment practices, human rights standards, quality standards, environmental standards, production practices, or other obligations, norms, or ethical standards, our reputation and brand image could be harmed and we could be exposed to litigation and additional costs that
would harm our business, reputation, and results of operations.
We are subject to payment-related risks that may result in higher operating costs or the inability to process payments, either of which could harm our brand, reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
For our DTC sales, as well as for sales to certain retail partners, we accept a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, electronic funds transfers, electronic payment systems, and gift cards. Accordingly, we are, and will continue to be, subject to significant and evolving regulations and compliance requirements, including obligations to implement enhanced authentication processes that could result in increased costs and liability, and reduce the ease of use of certain payment methods. For certain payment methods, including credit and
debit cards, as well as electronic payment systems, we pay interchange and other fees, which may increase over time. We rely on independent service providers for payment processing, including credit and debit cards. If these independent service providers become unwilling or unable to provide these services to us or if the cost of using these providers increases, our business could be harmed. We are also subject to payment card association operating rules and agreements, including data security rules and agreements, certification requirements and rules governing electronic funds transfers, which could change or be reinterpreted to make it difficult or impossible for us to comply. In particular, we must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, or PCI-DSS, a set of requirements designed to ensure that all companies that process, store or transmit payment card information maintain a secure environment to protect cardholder data. We rely on vendors to
handle PCI-DSS matters and to ensure PCI-DSS compliance. Should a vendor be subject to claims of non-compliance, or if our data security systems are breached or compromised, we may be liable for losses incurred by card issuing banks or customers, subject to fines and higher transaction fees, lose our ability to accept credit or debit card payments from our customers, or process electronic fund transfers or facilitate other types of payments. Any failure to comply could significantly harm our brand, reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, PCI-DSS compliance may not prevent illegal or improper use of our payment systems or the theft, loss, or misuse of payment card data or transaction information.
We may acquire or invest in other companies, which could divert our management’s attention, result in dilution to our stockholders, and otherwise disrupt our operations, harm
our results of operations and negatively impact our financial condition.
We have acquired, and intend in the future to acquire or invest in, other businesses, products, or technologies that we believe could complement or expand our business, enhance our capabilities, or otherwise offer growth opportunities. The pursuit of potential acquisitions may divert the attention of management and cause us to incur various costs and expenses in identifying, investigating, and pursuing suitable acquisitions, whether or not they are consummated.
In any future acquisitions, we may not be able to successfully integrate acquired personnel, operations, and technologies, or effectively manage the combined business following the acquisition because of unforeseen complexity or costs. We also may not achieve the anticipated benefits from either past or future
acquisitions due to a number of factors, including:
•risks associated with conducting due diligence;
•problems integrating the purchased businesses, products or technologies;
•anticipated and unanticipated costs or liabilities associated with the acquisition;
•inability to achieve anticipated synergies;
•issues maintaining uniform standards, procedures, controls and policies across our brands;
•the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns;
•the loss of our or the acquired business’s
key employees;
•adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers, distributors, retail partners and customers;
•risks associated with entering new markets in which we have limited or no experience;
•increased legal, accounting and compliance costs; or
•the issuance of dilutive equity securities, the incurrence of debt, or the use of cash to fund such acquisitions.
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addition, a significant portion of the purchase price of companies we acquire may be allocated to acquired goodwill and other intangible assets, which must be assessed for impairment at least annually. If our acquisitions do not yield expected returns, we may be required to take charges to our results of operations based on this impairment assessment process, which could harm our results of operations.
Our future success depends on the continuing efforts of our management and key employees, and on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled personnel and senior management.
We depend on the talents and continued efforts of our senior management and key employees. The loss of members of our management or key employees may disrupt our business and harm our results of operations. Furthermore, our ability to manage further expansion
will require us to continue to attract, motivate, and retain additional qualified personnel. Competition for this type of personnel is intense, and we may not be successful in attracting, integrating, and retaining the personnel required to grow and operate our business effectively. There can be no assurance that our current management team, or any new members of our management team, will be able to successfully execute our business and operating strategies.
Our plans for continuing international operations may not be successful.
Continued operations in markets outside the United States is one of our key long-term strategies for the future growth of our business. These continued operations require significant investments of capital and human resources, new business processes and marketing platforms, legal compliance, and the attention
of many managers and other employees who would otherwise be focused on other aspects of our business. There are significant costs and risks inherent in selling our products in international markets, including: (a) failure to effectively establish our core brand identity; (b) increased employment costs; (c) increased shipping and distribution costs, which could increase our expenses and reduce our margins; (d) potentially lower margins in some regions; (e) longer collection cycles in some regions; (f) increased competition from local providers of similar products; (g) compliance with foreign laws and regulations, including taxes and duties, laws governing the marketing and use of e-commerce websites and enhanced data privacy laws and security, rules, and regulations; (h) establishing and maintaining effective internal controls at foreign locations and
the associated increased costs; (i) increased counterfeiting and the uncertainty of protection for intellectual property rights in some countries and practical difficulties of enforcing rights abroad; (j) compliance with anti-bribery, anti-corruption, sanctions and anti-money laundering laws, such as the FCPA, the Bribery Act, and OFAC regulations, by us, our employees, and our business partners; (k) currency exchange rate fluctuations and related effects on our results of operations; (l) economic weakness, including inflation, or political instability in foreign economies and markets; (m) compliance with tax, employment, immigration, and labor laws for employees living or traveling abroad; (n) workforce uncertainty in countries where labor unrest is more common than in the United States; (o) business interruptions resulting from geopolitical actions, including war and terrorism, such as the recent war between Russia and Ukraine, or natural disasters, including earthquakes,
typhoons, floods, fires, and public health issues, including the outbreak of a pandemic or contagious disease, such as COVID-19, or xenophobia resulting therefrom; (p) the imposition of tariffs on products that we import into international markets that could make such products more expensive compared to those of our competitors; (q) that our ability to expand internationally could be impacted by the intellectual property rights of third parties that conflict with or are superior to ours; (r) difficulty developing retail relationships; and (s) other costs and risks of doing business internationally.
These and other factors could harm our international operations and, consequently, harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Further, we may incur significant operating expenses as a result of our planned continued international operations, and they may not be successful. We have
limited experience with regulatory environments and market practices internationally, and we may not be able to further penetrate or continue to successfully operate in these new markets. We may also encounter difficulty continuing operations in international markets because of limited brand recognition, leading to delayed or limited acceptance of our products by customers in these markets, and increased marketing and customer acquisition costs to continue to establish our brand. Accordingly, if we are unable to successfully continue to operate internationally or manage the complexity of our global operations, we may not achieve the expected benefits of these operations and our financial condition and results of operations could be harmed.
Our business involves the potential for injury, property damage, quality problems, product recalls, product liability and other claims against us, which could
affect our earnings and financial condition.
Our Solo Stove products are designed to involve fire. If not properly handled, the fire our products involve poses significant danger for a number of reasons, including the possibility of burns, death, and significant property damage, including as a result of wildfires. As a result of fire or otherwise, if our Solo Stove or other products are defective or misused or if users of our products exercise impaired or otherwise poor judgment in the use of our products, the results could include personal injury to our customers or other third parties, death and significant property damage or destruction, and we could be exposed to significant liability and reputational damage.
As a manufacturer and distributor of consumer products, we are subject to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Act of 1972, as
amended by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, which empowers the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission to exclude from the market products that are found to be unsafe or hazardous, and similar laws under foreign jurisdictions. Under certain circumstances, the Consumer Products Safety Commission or a comparable foreign agency could require us to repurchase or recall one or more of our products. Additionally, other laws and agencies regulate certain consumer products we sell in the United States and abroad, and more restrictive laws and regulations may be adopted in the
future. Real or perceived quality problems or material
defects in our current and future products could also expose us to credit, warranty or other claims. Although we currently have insurance in place, we also face exposure to product liability claims in the event that one of our products is alleged to have resulted in property damage, bodily injury or other adverse effects, and class action lawsuits related to the performance, safety or advertising of our products.
Any such quality issues or defects, product safety concerns, voluntary or involuntary product recall, government investigation, regulatory action, product liability or other claim or class action lawsuit may result in significant adverse publicity and damage our reputation and competitive position. In addition, real or perceived quality issues, safety concerns or defects could result in a greater number of product returns than expected from customers and our retail partners, and if we are
required to remove, or voluntarily remove, one of our products from the market, we may have large quantities of finished products that we cannot sell. In the event of any governmental investigations, regulatory actions, product liability claims or class action lawsuits, we could face substantial monetary judgments or fines and penalties, or injunctions related to the sale of our products.
Although we maintain product liability insurance in amounts that we believe are reasonable, that insurance is, in most cases, subject to large policy premiums for which we are responsible. In addition, we may not be able to maintain such insurance on acceptable terms, if at all, in the future and product liability claims may exceed the amount of insurance coverage. We maintain a limited amount of product recall insurance and may not have adequate insurance coverage for claims asserted in class action lawsuits. As a result, product recalls, product liability
claims and other product-related claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We devote substantial resources to compliance with governmental and other applicable standards. However, compliance with these standards does not necessarily prevent individual or class action lawsuits, which can entail significant cost and risk. As a result, these types of claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our collection, use, storage, disclosure, transfer and other processing of personal information could give rise to significant costs and liabilities, including as a result of governmental regulation, uncertain or inconsistent interpretation and enforcement of legal requirements or differing views of personal privacy rights, which may have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business,
financial condition and results of operations.
We collect, store, process, transmit and use personal data that is sensitive to the Company and its employees, customers and suppliers. A variety of state, federal, and foreign laws, regulations and industry standards apply to the collection, use, retention, protection, disclosure, transfer and other processing of certain types of data, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”), as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act, the “CPRA”), Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, the General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, the UK General Data Protection Regulation, or UK GDPR, and the UK Data Protection Act 2018, or the UK DPA. As we seek to expand our business, we are, and may increasingly become subject to various
laws, regulations and standards, as well as contractual obligations, relating to data privacy and security in the jurisdictions in which we operate. These laws, regulations and standards are continuously evolving and may be interpreted and applied differently over time and from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and it is possible that they will be interpreted and applied in ways that may have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
U.S. Privacy Laws
Domestic privacy and data security laws are complex and changing rapidly. Within the United States, many states are considering adopting, or have already adopted, privacy regulations. Such regulations include the CCPA, which came into effect on January 1, 2020. The CCPA creates certain
privacy rights for California consumers and imposes obligations on companies that process their personal information. Among other things, the CCPA gives California consumers expanded rights related to their personal information, including the right to access and delete their personal information and receive detailed information about how their personal information is used and shared. The CCPA also provides California consumers the right to opt-out of certain sales and sharing of personal information. The CCPA prohibits discrimination against individuals who exercise their privacy rights, and provides for civil penalties for violations enforceable by the California Attorney General as well as a private right of action for certain data breaches that result in the loss of personal information. This private right of action has increased the likelihood of, and risks associated with, data breach litigation. Additionally, in November 2020, California passed the California Privacy
Rights Act (the “CPRA”), which amended the CCPA significantly, including by expanding consumers’ rights with respect to certain personal information and creating a new state agency to oversee implementation and enforcement efforts, potentially resulting in further uncertainty and requiring us to incur additional costs and expenses in an effort to comply. Many of the CPRA’s provisions became effective on January 1, 2023. In addition, similar laws have been passed in other states, and are continuing to be proposed at the state and federal level, reflecting a trend toward more stringent privacy legislation in the United States. Together, these laws will add additional complexity, variation in requirements, restrictions and potential legal risk, require additional investment in resources to compliance programs, could impact strategies and availability of previously useful data, and could result in increased compliance
costs and/or changes in business practices and policies.
Our communications with our customers are subject to certain laws and regulations, including the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing, or CAN-SPAM, Act of 2003, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991, or TCPA, and the Telemarketing Sales Rule and analogous state laws, that could expose us to significant damages awards, fines and other penalties that could materially impact our business. For example, the TCPA imposes various consumer consent requirements and other restrictions in connection with certain telemarketing activity and other communication with consumers by phone, fax or text message. The CAN-SPAM Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule and analogous state laws also impose various restrictions on marketing conducted use of email, telephone, fax or text message. As laws and regulations, including the
Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, enforcement, rapidly evolve to govern the use of these communications and marketing platforms, the failure by us, our employees or third parties acting at our direction to abide by applicable laws and regulations could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations or subject us to fines or other penalties.
In addition, some laws may require us to notify governmental authorities and/or affected individuals of data breaches involving certain personal information or other unauthorized or inadvertent access to or disclosure of such information.
We may need to notify governmental authorities and affected individuals with respect to such incidents. For example, laws in all 50 U.S. states may require businesses to provide notice to consumers whose personal information has been disclosed as a result of a data breach. These laws are not consistent, and compliance in the event of a widespread data breach may be difficult and costly. We also may be contractually required to notify consumers or other counterparties of a security breach. Regardless of our contractual protections, any actual or perceived security breach or breach of our contractual obligations could harm our reputation and brand, expose us to potential liability or require us to expend significant resources on data security and in responding to any such actual or perceived breach.
Non-U.S. Privacy Laws
In Canada, the
Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, or PIPEDA, and various provincial laws require that companies give detailed privacy notices to consumers, obtain consent to use personal information, with limited exceptions, allow individuals to access and correct their personal information, and report certain data breaches. In addition, Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation, or CASL, prohibits email marketing without the recipient’s consent, with limited exceptions. Failure to comply with PIPEDA, CASL, or provincial privacy or data protection laws could result in significant fines and penalties or possible damage awards.
In the European Economic Area (the “EEA”), we are subject to the GDPR and in the United Kingdom, or UK, we are subject to the UK data protection regime consisting primarily of the UK GDPR and the UK DPA, in each case in relation to our collection, control, processing,
sharing, disclosure and other use of data relating to an identifiable living individual (“personal data”). The GDPR and national implementing legislation in EEA member states, and the UK regime, impose a strict data protection compliance regime including: providing detailed disclosures about how personal data is collected and processed (in a concise, intelligible and easily accessible form); demonstrating that an appropriate legal basis is in place or otherwise exists to justify data processing activities; granting rights for data subjects in regard to their personal data (including data access rights, the right to be “forgotten” and the right to data portability); introducing the obligation to notify data protection regulators or supervisory authorities (and in certain cases, affected individuals) of significant data breaches; defining pseudonymized (i.e., key-coded) data; imposing limitations on retention
of personal data; maintaining a record of data processing; and complying with the principal of accountability and the obligation to demonstrate compliance through policies, procedures, training and audit. The GDPR and the UK GDPR imposes substantial fines for breaches and violations (up to the greater of €20 million (or £17.5 million) or 4% of global annual turnover). In addition to the foregoing, a breach of the GDPR or UK GDPR could result in regulatory investigations, reputational damage, orders to cease/ change our processing of our data, enforcement notices, and/ or assessment notices (for a compulsory audit). We may also face civil claims including representative actions and other class action type litigation (where individuals have suffered harm), potentially amounting to significant compensation or damages liabilities, as well as associated costs, diversion of internal resources, and reputational harm. As we continue to expand into other foreign countries and
jurisdictions, we may be subject to additional laws and regulations that may affect how we conduct business.
Third Party Data Processing and Transfers
We depend on a number of third parties in relation to the operation of our business, a number of which process personal data on our behalf. With each such provider we attempt to mitigate the associated risks of using third parties by performing security assessments and due diligence, entering into contractual arrangements to ensure that providers only process personal data according to our instructions, and that they have sufficient technical and organizational security measures in place. There is no assurance that these contractual measures and our own privacy and security-related safeguards will protect us from the risks associated with the third-party processing, storage and transmission
of such information. Any violation of data or security laws by our third party processors could have a material adverse effect on our business and result in the fines and penalties outlined below.
We are also subject to the European Union, or EU, and UK rules with respect to cross-border transfers of personal data from the EEA and the UK to the United States and other jurisdictions that the European Commission/ UK competent authorities do not recognize as having “adequate” data protection laws unless a data transfer mechanism has been put in place, and the efficacy and longevity of current transfer mechanisms between the EEA and the United States remains uncertain. Case law from the Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU”) states that reliance on the standard contractual clauses - a standard form of contract
approved by the European Commission as an adequate personal data transfer mechanism - alone may not necessarily be sufficient in all circumstances and that transfers must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. On October 7, 2022, President Biden signed an Executive order on Enhancing Safeguards for United States Signals Intelligence Activities which introduced new redress mechanisms and binding safeguards to address the concerns raised by the CJEU in relation to data transfers from the EEA to the United States and which formed the basis of the new EU-US Data Privacy Framework (“DPF”), as released on December 13, 2022. The European Commission adopted its Adequacy Decision in relation to the DPF on July 10, 2023, rendering the DPF effective as a GDPR transfer mechanism to U.S. entities self-certified under the DPF. The
DPF also introduced a new redress mechanism for EU citizens which addresses a key concern in the previous CJEU judgments and may mean transfers under standard contractual clauses are less likely to be challenged in the future. On October 12, 2023, the UK Extension to the DPF came into effect (as approved by the UK Government), as a UK GDPR data transfer mechanism to U.S. entities self-certified under the UK Extension to the DPF. We rely on the standard contractual clauses, the UK Addendum to the EU standard contractual clauses, the UK International Data Transfer Agreement, and the DPF, as relevant, to transfer personal data outside the EEA and the UK, including to the United States, with respect to third party transfers. We expect the existing legal complexity and uncertainty regarding international personal data transfers to continue. In particular, we expect the DPF Adequacy Decision to be challenged and international
transfers to the United States and to other jurisdictions more generally to continue to be subject to enhanced scrutiny by regulators. As supervisory authorities issue further guidance on
personal data export mechanisms, including circumstances where the SCCs cannot be used, and/or start taking enforcement action, we could suffer additional costs, complaints and/or regulatory investigations or fines, and/or if we are otherwise unable to transfer personal data between and among countries and regions in which we operate, it could affect the manner in which we provide our services, the geographical location or segregation of our relevant systems
and operations, and could adversely affect our financial results.
Self-Regulatory Industry Standards
In addition to government regulation, privacy advocates and industry groups have proposed, and may propose in the future, self-regulatory standards. These and other industry standards may legally or contractually apply to us, or we may elect to comply with such standards. If we fail to comply with these contractual obligations or standards, we may face substantial liability or fines. We expect that there will continue to be new proposed laws and regulations concerning data privacy and security in the United States and other jurisdictions in which we operate. We cannot yet determine the impact such future laws, regulations and standards may have on our business or operations.
Consumer
Protection Laws and FTC Enforcement
We make public statements about our use and disclosure of personal information through our privacy policies that are posted on our websites. The publication of our privacy policies and other statements that provide promises and assurances about data privacy and security can subject us to potential government or legal action if they are found to be deceptive, unfair or misrepresentative of our actual practices.
In addition, the FTC expects a company’s data security measures to be reasonable and appropriate in light of the sensitivity and volume of consumer information it holds, the size and complexity of its business, and the cost of available tools to improve security and reduce vulnerabilities.
Our failure to take any steps perceived by the FTC as appropriate to protect consumers’ personal information may result in claims by the FTC that we have engaged in unfair or deceptive acts or practices in violation of Section 5(a) of the FTC Act. State consumer protection laws provide similar causes of action for unfair or deceptive practices for alleged privacy, data protection and data security violations.
We rely on a variety of marketing techniques and practices to sell our products and to attract new customers and consumers, and we are subject to various current and future data protection laws and obligations that govern marketing and advertising practices. Governmental authorities continue to evaluate the privacy implications inherent in the use of third-party “cookies” and other methods of online tracking for behavioral advertising and other purposes, such as by regulating the level
of consumer notice and consent required before a company can employ cookies or other electronic tracking tools or the use of data gathered with such tools. In particular, we are subject to evolving EU and UK privacy laws on cookies and e-marketing. In the EU and the UK, regulators are increasingly focusing on compliance with requirements in the online behavioral advertising ecosystem, and informed consent is required for the placement of certain cookies or similar technologies on a user’s device and for direct electronic marketing. The GDPR also imposes conditions on obtaining valid consent, such as a prohibition on pre-checked consents and a requirement to ensure separate consents are sought for each type of cookie or similar technology. Further, recent European court and regulator decisions and guidance and recent campaigns by a not for profit organization are driving increased attention to cookies and tracking technologies. If regulators start to enforce the strict
approach in recent guidance, this could lead to substantial costs, require significant systems changes, limit the effectiveness of our marketing activities, divert the attention of our technology personnel, adversely affect our margins, increase costs and subject us to additional liabilities. Additionally, some providers of consumer devices, web browsers and application stores have implemented, or announced plans to implement, means to make it easier for Internet users to prevent the placement of cookies or to block other tracking technologies, require additional consents, or limit the ability to track user activity, which could if widely adopted result in the use of third-party cookies and other methods of online tracking becoming significantly less effective. Private parties are also seeking to limit the ability to monitor and market customer behavior. Those increased limitations may also impact marketing techniques and effectiveness.
We
rely significantly on the use of information technology, as well as those of our third party service providers. Any significant failure, inadequacy, interruption or data security incident of our information technology systems, or those of our third-party service providers, could disrupt our business operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows.
Information Technology Dependencies
We increasingly rely on information technology systems to market and sell our products, process, transmit and store electronic and financial information, manage a variety of business processes and activities and comply with regulatory, legal and tax requirements. We are increasingly dependent on the reliability and capacity of a variety of information systems to effectively
manage our business, process customer orders, and coordinate the manufacturing, sourcing, distribution and sale of our products. We rely on information technology systems to effectively manage, among other things, our digital marketing activities, business data, electronic communications among our personnel, customers, manufacturers and suppliers around the world, supply chain, inventory management, customer order entry and order fulfillment, processing transactions, summarizing and reporting results of operations, human resources benefits and payroll management, compliance with regulatory, legal and tax requirements and other processes and data necessary to manage our business. These information technology systems, most of which are managed by third parties, may be susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to failures during the process of upgrading or replacing software, databases or components, power outages, hardware failures, computer viruses, attacks
by computer hackers, telecommunication failures, user errors or catastrophic events. Any material disruption of our systems, or the systems of our third-party service providers, could disrupt our ability to track, record and analyze the products that we sell and could negatively impact our operations, shipment of goods, ability to process financial information and transactions, and our ability to receive and process online orders or engage in normal business activities. If our information technology systems suffer damage, disruption
or shutdown and we do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, our business, financial condition
and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected, and we could experience delays in reporting our financial results.
E-commerce is central to our business. We generate a majority of our sales through our websites, which is also a key component of our marketing strategy. We supplement our websites through relationships with select third-party e-commerce marketplaces, such as Amazon. As we do not control our third-party service providers, we cannot guarantee that they will respond satisfactorily to website downtime and other technical
failures. Our or such third parties’ failure to successfully respond to these risks could reduce e-commerce sales and, in the case of our website, damage our brand’s reputation. The future operation, success and growth of our business depends on streamlined processes made available through information systems, global communications, internet activity and other network processes.
Our information technology systems, and those of our third-party service providers, strategic partners, and other contractors or consultants, may be subject to damage or interruption from telecommunications problems, data corruption, software errors, fire, flood, global pandemics and natural disasters, power outages, systems disruptions, system conversions, and/or human error. Our existing safety systems,
data backup, access protection, user management and information technology emergency planning may not be sufficient to prevent data loss or long-term network outages.
In addition, we may have to upgrade our existing information technology systems or choose to incorporate new technology systems from time to time in order for such systems to support the increasing needs of our expanding business. Costs and potential problems and interruptions associated with the implementation of new or upgraded systems and technology or with maintenance or adequate support of existing systems could disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our operations, including through impairment of our ability to leverage our e-commerce channels and fulfill customer orders, potential disruption of our internal control structure, substantial capital expenditures, additional administration and operating expenses, acquisition and retention
of sufficiently skilled personnel to implement and operate the new systems, demands on management time, the introduction of errors or vulnerabilities and other risks and costs of delays or difficulties in transitioning to or integrating new systems into our current systems. These implementations, modifications and upgrades may not result in productivity improvements at a level that outweighs the costs of implementation, or at all. Additionally, difficulties with implementing new technology systems, delays in our timeline for planned improvements, significant system failures, or our inability to successfully modify our information systems to respond to changes in our business needs may cause disruptions in our business operations and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Further, as part of our normal business activities, we collect and store
certain confidential information, including personal information with respect to customers and employees, as well as information related to intellectual property, and the success of our e-commerce operations depends on the secure transmission of confidential and personal data over public networks, including the use of cashless payments. We may share some of this information with third party service providers who assist us with certain aspects of our business. Any failure on the part of us or our third party service providers to maintain the security of this confidential data and personal information, including via the penetration of our network security (or those of our third party service providers) and the misappropriation of confidential and personal information, could result in business disruption, damage to our reputation, financial obligations to third parties, fines, penalties, regulatory proceedings and private litigation, any or all of which could result in
the Company incurring potentially substantial costs. Such events could also result in the deterioration of confidence in the Company by employees, consumers and customers and cause other competitive disadvantages.
Security Incidents
Security incidents compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our confidential or personal information and our third-party service providers’ information technology systems could result from cyber-attacks, computer malware, viruses, social engineering (including spear phishing and ransomware attacks), credential stuffing, supply chain attacks, efforts by individuals or groups of hackers and sophisticated organizations,
including state-sponsored organizations, errors or malfeasance of our personnel, and security vulnerabilities in the software or systems on which we and our third party service providers rely. Any of these incidents could lead to interruptions or shutdowns of our platform, loss or corruption of data, or unauthorized access to or disclosure of personal data or other sensitive information. Cyberattacks could also result in the theft of our intellectual property. If we gain greater visibility, we may face a higher risk of being targeted by cyberattacks. Advances in computer capabilities, new technological discoveries or other developments may result in cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated and more difficult to detect. We and our third-party service providers may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate or prevent all such cyberattacks. Moreover, techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to systems change frequently and may not be known until
launched against us or our third-party service providers. Security breaches can also occur as a result of non-technical issues, including intentional or inadvertent actions by our employees, our third-party service providers, or their personnel.
Moreover, we and our third-party service providers may be more vulnerable to such attacks in remote work environments. As techniques used by cyber criminals change frequently, a disruption, cyberattack or other security breach of our information technology systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party service providers, may go undetected for an extended period and could result in the theft, transfer, unauthorized access to, disclosure, modification, misuse, loss or destruction of our employee, representative, customer, vendor, consumer and/or other third-party data, including sensitive or confidential data, personal information and/or intellectual
property. We cannot guarantee that our security efforts will prevent breaches or breakdowns of the Company’s or its third-party service providers’ information technology systems. In addition, our information systems are a target of cyberattacks although the incidents that we have experienced to date have not had a material effect. If we or our third party service providers suffer, or are believed to have suffered, a material loss or disclosure of personal or confidential information as a result of an actual or potential breach of our information technology systems, we may suffer reputational, competitive and/or business harm, incur significant costs and be subject to government investigations, litigation, fines and/or damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results
of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows. Moreover, while we maintain cyber insurance that may help provide coverage for these types of incidents, we cannot assure you that our insurance will be adequate to cover costs and liabilities related to these incidents.
In addition, any such access, disclosure or other loss or unauthorized use of information or data, whether actual or perceived, could result in legal claims or proceedings, regulatory investigations or actions, and other types of liability under laws that protect the privacy and security of personal information, including federal, state and foreign data protection and privacy regulations, violations of which could result in significant penalties and fines in the United States, Canada, EU and UK. Further, the costs associated with the investigation,
remediation and potential notification of the breach to counter-parties and data subjects could be material. In addition, although we seek to detect and investigate all data security incidents, security breaches and other incidents of unauthorized access to our information technology systems and data can be difficult to detect and even if identified, we may be unable to adequately investigate or remediate incidents or breaches due to attackers increasingly using tools and techniques that are designed to circumvent controls, to avoid detection, and to remove or obfuscate forensic evidence. Any delay in identifying such breaches or incidents may lead to increased harm and legal exposure of the type described above.
Our business may be adversely affected if we are unable to provide our customers a cost-effective platform that is able to respond and adapt to rapid changes in technology.
The
number of people who access the internet through devices other than personal computers, including mobile phones, smartphones, handheld computers such as notebooks and tablets, video game consoles, and television set-top devices, has increased dramatically in the past few years. The smaller screen size, functionality, and memory associated with some alternative devices may make the use of our sites and purchasing our products more difficult. The versions of our sites developed for these devices may not be compelling to consumers. In addition, it is time consuming and costly to keep pace with rapidly changing and continuously evolving technology. In 2023, the majority of orders were placed from a mobile device. However, we cannot be certain that our mobile applications or our mobile-optimized sites will be successful in the future.
As existing mobile devices and platforms evolve and new mobile devices
and platforms are released, it is difficult to predict the problems we may encounter in adjusting and developing applications for changed and alternative devices and platforms, and we may need to devote significant resources to the creation, support and maintenance of such applications. If we are unable to attract consumers to our websites through these devices or are slow to develop a version of our websites that is more compatible with alternative devices or a mobile application, we may fail to capture a significant share of consumers, which could materially and adversely affect our business.
Government regulation of the Internet and e-commerce is evolving, and
unfavorable changes or failure by us to comply with these regulations could substantially harm our business and results of operations.
We are subject to general business regulations and laws as well as regulations and laws specifically governing the Internet and e-commerce. Existing and future regulations and laws could impede the growth of the Internet, e-commerce or mobile commerce. These regulations and laws may involve taxes, tariffs, privacy, data protection, data security, anti-spam, content protection, electronic contracts and communications, consumer protection, website accessibility, Internet neutrality and gift cards. It is not clear how existing laws governing issues such as property ownership,
sales and other taxes and consumer privacy apply to the Internet as many of these laws were adopted prior to the advent of the Internet and do not contemplate or address the unique issues raised by the Internet or e-commerce. It is possible that general business regulations and laws, or those specifically governing the Internet or e-commerce, may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another and may conflict with other rules or our practices. We cannot be sure that our practices have complied, comply or will comply fully with all such laws and regulations. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to comply with any of these laws or regulations could result in damage to our reputation, a loss in business and proceedings or actions against us by governmental entities or others. Any such proceeding or action could hurt our reputation, force us to spend significant amounts in defense of these proceedings, distract our management,
increase our costs of doing business, decrease the use of our sites by consumers and suppliers and may result in the imposition of monetary liability. We may also be contractually liable to indemnify and hold harmless third parties from the costs or consequences of non-compliance with any such laws or regulations. In addition, it is possible that governments of one or more countries or territories may seek to censor content available on our sites or may even attempt to completely block access to our sites. Adverse legal or regulatory developments could substantially harm our business. In particular, in the event that we are restricted, in whole or in part, from operating in one or more countries or territories, our ability to retain or increase our customer base may be adversely affected, and we may not be able to maintain or grow our net sales and expand our business as anticipated.
We depend
on cash generated from our operations to support our growth, and we may need to raise additional capital, which may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all.
We primarily rely on cash flow generated from our sales to fund our current operations and our growth initiatives. As we expand our business, we will need significant cash from operations to purchase inventory, increase our product development, expand our manufacturer and supplier relationships, pay personnel, pay for the increased costs associated with operating as a public company, including acquisitions, expand internationally, and to further invest in our sales and marketing efforts. If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to fund these activities and sufficient funds are not otherwise available from our current or future revolving credit facility, we may need additional equity or debt financing. If such
financing is not available to us on satisfactory terms, our ability to operate and expand our business or to respond to competitive pressures would be harmed. Moreover, if we raise additional capital by issuing equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities, your ownership may be diluted. Any indebtedness we incur may subject us to covenants that restrict our operations and will require interest and principal payments that would create additional cash demands and financial risk for us.
Our indebtedness may limit our ability to invest in the ongoing needs of our business and if we
are unable to comply with the covenants in our current Revolving Credit Facility, our liquidity and results of operations could be harmed.
On May 12, 2021, we entered into a Credit Agreement among Solo Brands, LLC, Solo Stove Intermediate, LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and the Lenders and L/C Issuers party thereto (as subsequently amended on June 2, 2021 and September 1, 2021, the “Revolving Credit Facility”). As of December 31, 2023 we had $60.0 million outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility is jointly and severally guaranteed by Solo Stove Intermediate, LLC and any future subsidiaries
that execute a joinder to the guaranty and related collateral agreements, or the Guarantors. The Revolving Credit Facility is also secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of our assets and the assets of the Guarantors, in each case subject to certain customary exceptions. We may, from time to time, incur additional indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility.
The Revolving Credit Facility places certain conditions on us, including that it:
•requires us to utilize a portion of our cash flow from operations and dispositions of assets to make payments on our indebtedness, reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, development activity, return capital to our stockholders, and other general corporate purposes;
•increases
our vulnerability to adverse economic or industry conditions;
•limits our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business or markets;
•makes us more vulnerable to increases in interest rates, as borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at variable rates;
•limits our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital or other purposes; and
•could place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less indebtedness.
The Revolving Credit Facility places certain limitations on our ability to incur additional indebtedness. However, subject to the qualifications
and exceptions in the Revolving Credit Facility, we may incur substantial additional indebtedness under that facility. The Revolving Credit Facility also places certain limitations on our ability to enter into certain types of transactions, financing arrangements and investments, to make certain changes to our capital structure, and to guarantee certain indebtedness, among other things. The Revolving Credit Facility also places certain restrictions on the payment of dividends and distributions and certain management fees. These restrictions limit or prohibit, among other things, and in each case, subject to certain customary exceptions, our ability to: (a) pay dividends on, redeem or repurchase our stock, or make other distributions; (b) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; (c) sell stock in our subsidiaries; (d) create or incur liens; (e) make acquisitions or investments;
(f) transfer or sell certain assets or merge or consolidate with or into other companies; (g) make certain payments or prepayments of indebtedness subordinated to our obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility; and (h) enter into certain transactions with our affiliates.
The Revolving Credit Facility requires us to comply with certain covenants, including financial covenants regarding our Total Net Leverage Ratio and Interest Coverage Ratio. Fluctuations in a Total First Lien Net Leverage Ratio may increase our interest expense. Failure to comply with these covenants, failure to make payment when due, certain other provisions of the Revolving Credit Facility, or the occurrence of a change of control, could result in an event of default and an acceleration of our obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility or other indebtedness that we may incur in the future.
If
such an event of default and acceleration of our obligations occurs, the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility would have the right to foreclose against the collateral we granted to them to secure such indebtedness, which consists of substantially all of our assets. If the debt under the Revolving Credit Facility were to be accelerated, we may not have sufficient cash or be able to sell sufficient collateral to repay this debt, which would immediately and materially harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition. The threat of our debt being accelerated in connection with a change of control could make it more difficult for us to attract potential buyers or to consummate a change of control transaction that would otherwise be beneficial to our stockholders.
Failure to establish and maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could
adversely affect our business and stock price.
As a public company, we are required to comply with the SEC’s rules implementing Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which require management to certify financial and other information in our quarterly and annual reports and provide an annual management report on the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting. However, as an emerging growth company, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) until the date we are no longer an emerging growth company. At such time, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which our controls are documented, designed or operating.
To comply with the requirements of being a public company, we have undertaken various actions, and may need to take additional actions, such as implementing new internal controls and procedures and hiring additional accounting or internal audit staff. Testing and maintaining internal controls can divert our management’s attention from other matters that are important to the operation of our business. Additionally, in the past, when evaluating our internal controls over financial reporting, we have identified a material weakness. If we identify any additional material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting or are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or assert that our internal controls over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness
of our internal controls over financial reporting once we are no longer an emerging growth company, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our Class A common stock could be adversely affected, and we could become subject to investigations by the stock exchange on which our securities are listed, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.
Our results of operations are subject to seasonal and quarterly variations, which could cause the price of our common stock to decline.
We believe that our sales include a seasonal component. Historically, our net sales have been highest in our second and fourth quarters, with the first quarter typically generating the lowest sales. This historical sales trend is supported
by the demand for our products at the beginning of the summer and holiday shopping seasons. However, fluctuations in our quarterly operating results and the price of our common stock may be particularly pronounced in the current economic environment.
Our annual and quarterly results of operations may also fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of other factors, including, among other things, the timing of the introduction of and advertising for our new products and those of our competitors and changes in our product mix. Variations in weather conditions may also harm our quarterly results of operations. In addition, we may not be able to adjust our spending in a timely manner to compensate for any unexpected shortfall in our sales. As a result of these seasonal and quarterly fluctuations, we believe that comparisons of our results of operations between different quarters within a single
fiscal year, or the same quarters of different fiscal years, are not necessarily meaningful and that these comparisons cannot be relied upon as indicators of our future performance. In the event that any seasonal or quarterly fluctuations in our net sales and results of operations result in our failure to meet our forecasts or the forecasts of the research analysts that may cover us in the future, the market price of our common stock could fluctuate or decline.
If our goodwill, other intangible assets, or fixed assets become impaired, we may be required to record a charge to our earnings.
We have in the past and may be required to record future impairments of goodwill, other intangible assets, or fixed assets to the extent the fair value of these assets falls below their book value. Our estimates of fair value are based on assumptions
regarding future cash flows, gross margins, expenses, discount rates applied to these cash flows, and current market estimates of value. Estimates used for future sales growth rates, gross profit performance, and other assumptions used to estimate fair value could cause us to record material non-cash impairment charges, which could harm our results of operations and financial condition.
We are subject to credit risk.
We are exposed to credit risk primarily on our accounts receivable. We provide credit to our retail partners in the ordinary course of our business. While we believe that our exposure to concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is mitigated by limiting our retail partners to well-known businesses, we nevertheless run the risk of our retail partners not being able to meet their payment obligations,
particularly in a future economic downturn. If a material number of our retail partners are not able to meet their payment obligations, our results of operations could be harmed.
An adverse determination in any material product liability related claim against us could adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.
The use of our products by consumers, exposes us to risks associated with product liability claims. If our products are defective or used incorrectly by our customers, bodily injury, property damage or other injury, including death, may result in, and could give rise to product liability claims against us, which could adversely affect our brands' image or reputation. We have encountered product liability claims in the past and carry product liability insurance to help protect us against the costs of such claims, although
our insurance may not be sufficient to cover all losses. Any losses that we may suffer from product liability claims, and the effect that any product liability litigation may have upon the reputation and marketability of our products, may have a negative impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our business depends substantially on our ability to attract and retain experienced and qualified talent, including our senior management team.
We are dependent upon the contributions, talent and leadership of our senior management team. We do not have a "key person" life insurance policy on our CEO or any other key employees. We believe that our senior management team is key to establishing our focus and executing our corporate strategies as they have extensive knowledge of our systems and processes. Given our senior
management team’s knowledge of our industry and the limited number of direct competitors in the industry, we believe that it could be difficult to find replacements should any of the members of our senior management team leave.
We could also be adversely affected if we fail to attract and retain talent throughout our organization. For instance, we rely on skilled and well-trained engineers for the research, development and design of our products and marketing personnel for our overall brand and individual brands
growth. Competition for such individuals is intense, particularly
in Texas and California where several of our brands are headquartered. Our inability to attract or retain qualified employees in our research, development and design and marketing functions or elsewhere in our Company could result in diminished quality of our products and delinquent production schedules, impede our ability to develop new products and prevent us from growing our brand, in aggregate and individually.
Our failure to adequately address any of these issues could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
Risks Related to Our Organizational Structure and the Tax Receivable Agreement
Solo Brands, Inc.’s sole material asset is its interest in
Holdings, and, accordingly, it will depend on distributions from Holdings to pay its taxes and expenses, including payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. Holdings’ ability to make such distributions may be subject to various limitations and restrictions.
Solo Brands, Inc. is a holding company and has no material assets other than its ownership in Holdings. As such, Solo Brands, Inc. has no independent means of generating revenue or cash flow, and its ability to pay taxes and operating expenses or declare and pay dividends in the future, if any, is dependent upon the financial results and cash flows of Holdings and its subsidiaries, and distributions Solo Brands, Inc. receives from Holdings. There can be no assurance that Holdings and its subsidiaries
will generate sufficient cash flow to distribute funds to Solo Brands, Inc., or that applicable state law and contractual restrictions, including negative covenants in any debt agreements of Holdings or its subsidiaries (including the Revolving Credit Facility), will permit such distributions. The terms of Holdings’ or its subsidiaries’ current and future debt instruments or other agreements may restrict the ability of Holdings to make distributions to Solo Brands, Inc. or of Holdings’ subsidiaries to make distributions to Holdings.
Holdings is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, generally
will not be subject to any entity-level U.S. federal income tax. Instead, taxable income will be allocated to holders of LLC Interests, including Solo Brands, Inc. Accordingly, Solo Brands, Inc. will incur income taxes on its allocable share of any net taxable income of Holdings. Under the terms of the Holdings LLC Agreement, Holdings will be obligated, subject to various limitations and restrictions, including with respect to any debt agreements (including the Revolving Credit Facility), to make tax distributions to holders of LLC Interests, including Solo Brands, Inc. In addition to tax expenses, Solo Brands, Inc. will also incur expenses related to its operations, including payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which could be substantial. Solo Brands, Inc. intends, as its sole manager, to cause Holdings to make cash distributions to the owners of LLC Interests in an amount sufficient to (i) fund all or part of such owners’ tax obligations in respect of taxable
income allocated to such owners and (ii) cover Solo Brands, Inc.’s operating expenses, including payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. However, Holdings’ ability to make such distributions may be subject to various limitations and restrictions, such as restrictions on distributions under contracts or agreements to which Holdings is then a party, including debt agreements, or any applicable law, or that would have the effect of rendering Holdings insolvent. Further, under certain circumstances, the existing covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility regarding tax distributions may not permit Holdings or its subsidiaries to make the full amount of tax distributions contemplated under the Holdings LLC Agreement unless another exception to such covenants is available; and there can
be no assurance that any such other exception will be available. If Solo Brands, Inc. does not have sufficient funds to pay tax or other liabilities or to fund its operations, it may have to borrow funds, which could materially adversely affect its liquidity and financial condition and subject it to various restrictions imposed by any such lenders. To the extent that Solo Brands, Inc. is unable to make timely payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any reason, the unpaid amounts will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid. Solo Brands, Inc.’s failure to make any payment required under the Tax Receivable Agreement (including any accrued and unpaid interest) within 60 calendar days of the date on which the payment is required to be made will constitute a material breach of a material obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which will terminate the Tax Receivable Agreement and accelerate future payments thereunder, unless the applicable payment is
not made because (i) Holdings is prohibited from making such payment under the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement or the terms governing certain of its indebtedness or (ii) Holdings does not have, and despite using commercially reasonable efforts cannot obtain, sufficient funds to make such payment. In addition, if Holdings does not have sufficient funds to make distributions, its ability to declare and pay cash dividends will also be restricted or impaired.
Under the Holdings LLC Agreement, Holdings will, from time to time, make distributions in cash to its equity holders (including Solo Brands, Inc.) pro rata, in amounts at least sufficient to cover the taxes on their allocable share of taxable income of Holdings (subject to the limitations and restrictions described above, including under the Revolving Credit Facility). As a result of (i) potential
differences in the amount of net taxable income allocable to Solo Brands, Inc. and to Holdings’ other equity holders, (ii) the lower tax rates currently applicable to corporations as opposed to individuals, and (iii) the favorable tax benefits that Solo Brands, Inc. anticipates from any purchase of LLC Interests from the Continuing LLC Owners in connection with the Transactions and future redemptions or exchanges of LLC Interests by the Continuing LLC Owners for Solo Brands, Inc. Class A common stock or cash pursuant to the Holdings LLC Agreement, tax distributions payable to Solo Brands, Inc. may be in amounts that exceed its actual tax liabilities with respect to the relevant taxable year, including its obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement. Solo Brands, Inc.’s board of directors will determine the appropriate uses for any excess cash so accumulated, which may include, among other uses, the payment of other expenses or dividends on Solo Brands, Inc.’s stock,
although Solo Brands, Inc. will have no obligation to distribute such cash (or other available cash) to its stockholders.
Except as otherwise determined by Solo Brands, Inc. as the sole manager of Holdings, no adjustments to the exchange ratio for LLC Interests and corresponding shares of Solo Brands, Inc. Class A common stock will be made as a result of any cash distribution by Solo Brands, Inc. or any retention of cash by Solo Brands, Inc. To the extent Solo Brands, Inc. does not distribute such excess cash as dividends on its Solo Brands, Inc. Class A common stock, it may take other actions with respect to such excess cash—for example, holding such excess cash or lending it (or a portion thereof) to Holdings, which may result in shares of Solo Brands, Inc. Class A common stock increasing in value relative to the value of LLC
Interests. The Continuing LLC Owners may benefit from any value attributable to such cash balances if they acquire shares of Solo Brands, Inc. Class A common stock in exchange for their LLC Interests, notwithstanding that such holders may previously have participated as holders of LLC Interests in distributions by Holdings that resulted in such excess cash balances.
The Tax Receivable Agreement requires Solo Brands, Inc. to make cash payments to the Continuing LLC Owners in respect of certain tax benefits to which Solo Brands, Inc. may become entitled, and no such payments will be made to any holders of Solo Brands, Inc. Class A common stock unless such holders are also Continuing LLC Owners. The payments Solo Brands, Inc. will be required to make under the Tax Receivable Agreement may be substantial.
Solo
Brands, Inc. is a party to the Tax Receivable Agreement with the Continuing LLC Owners and Holdings. Under the Tax Receivable Agreement, Solo Brands, Inc. generally will be required to make cash payments to the Continuing LLC Owners equal to 85% of the tax benefits, if any, that Solo Brands, Inc. actually realizes, or in certain circumstances is deemed to realize, as a result of (1) increases in Solo Brands, Inc.’s proportionate share of the tax basis of the assets of Holdings resulting from (a) any future redemptions or exchanges of LLC Interests by the Continuing LLC Owners for Solo Brands, Inc. Class A common stock or cash pursuant to the Holdings LLC Agreement, as filed as Exhibit 10.2 with the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2021, or (b) certain distributions (or deemed distributions)
by Holdings and (2) certain other tax benefits arising from payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. No such payments will be made to any holders of Solo Brands, Inc. Class A common stock unless such holders are also Continuing LLC Owners.
The amount of the cash payments that Solo Brands, Inc. will be required to make under the Tax Receivable Agreement may be substantial. Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement are not conditioned on the Continuing LLC Owners’ ownership of our shares. Assuming no material changes in the relevant tax law, that we earn sufficient taxable income to realize all tax benefits that are subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement and that all Continuing LLC Owners exchanged their common units for Class A common stock immediately following the completion of this offering, we would recognize an incremental deferred tax asset of approximately $28.7 million and a related
liability for early termination payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement of approximately $15.7 million based on our estimate of the aggregate amount that we will pay under the Tax Receivable Agreement as a result of such future exchanges. The actual amounts may materially differ from these hypothetical amounts, as potential future reductions in tax payments for us and tax receivable agreement payments by us will be determined in part by reference to the market value of our Class A common stock at the time of the sale and the prevailing tax rates applicable to us over the life of the tax receivable agreement and will generally be dependent on us generating sufficient future taxable income to realize the benefit. Any payments made by Solo Brands, Inc. to the Continuing LLC Owners under the Tax Receivable Agreement will not be available for reinvestment in the business and will generally reduce the amount of cash that might have otherwise been available to Solo Brands,
Inc. and its subsidiaries. To the extent Solo Brands, Inc. is unable to make timely payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any reason, the unpaid amounts will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid. Furthermore, Solo Brands, Inc.’s future obligations to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement could make Solo Brands, Inc. and its subsidiaries a less attractive target for an acquisition, particularly in the case of an acquirer that cannot use some or all of the tax benefits that are the subject of the Tax Receivable Agreement.
The actual amount and timing of any payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will vary depending upon a number of factors, including the timing of redemptions or exchanges
by the Continuing LLC Owners, the price of shares of Solo Brands, Inc. Class A common stock at the time of any exchange, the extent to which such exchanges are taxable, the amount of gain recognized by the Continuing LLC Owners, the amount and timing of the taxable income Holdings generates in the future, and the tax rates and laws then applicable. Our organizational structure, including the Tax Receivable Agreement, confers certain tax benefits upon the Continuing LLC Owners that may not benefit Class A Common Stockholders to the same extent as they will benefit the Continuing LLC Owners.
Our organizational structure, including the Tax Receivable Agreement, confers certain tax benefits upon the Continuing LLC Owners that may not benefit the holders of our Class A common stock to the same extent as they will benefit the Continuing LLC Owners. The Tax Receivable Agreement provides for our payment
to the Continuing LLC Owners of 85% of the amount of tax benefits, if any, that we actually realize (or in some circumstances are deemed to realize) as a result of (i) increases in the tax basis of assets of Holdings resulting from (a) any future redemptions or exchanges of LLC Interests, and (b) certain distributions (or deemed distributions) by Holdings and (ii) certain other tax benefits arising from payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. Although Solo Brands, Inc. will retain 15% of such tax benefits, this and other aspects of our organizational structure may adversely impact the future trading market for the Class A common stock.
In certain cases, future payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement to the Continuing LLC Owners may be accelerated or significantly exceed the actual benefits Solo Brands, Inc. realizes in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement.
The
Tax Receivable Agreement provides that if (i) Solo Brands, Inc. materially breaches any of its material obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement, (ii) certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations, or other changes of control were to occur, or (iii) Solo Brands, Inc. elects an early termination of the Tax Receivable Agreement, then Solo Brands, Inc.’s future obligations, or its successor’s future obligations, under the Tax Receivable Agreement to make payments thereunder would accelerate and become due and payable, based on certain assumptions, including an assumption that Solo Brands, Inc. would have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize all potential future tax benefits that are subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement, and an assumption that, as of the effective date of the acceleration, any Continuing LLC Owner that has LLC Interests not yet exchanged shall be deemed to have exchanged such LLC Interests on such date, even if Solo Brands,
Inc. does not receive the corresponding tax benefits until a later date when the LLC Interests are actually exchanged.
As a result of the foregoing, Solo Brands, Inc. would be required to make an immediate cash payment equal to the estimated present value of the anticipated future tax benefits that are the subject of the Tax Receivable Agreement, based on certain assumptions, which payment may be made significantly in advance of the actual realization, if any, of those future tax benefits and, therefore, Solo Brands, Inc. could be required to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement that are
greater than the specified percentage of the actual tax benefits it ultimately realizes. In addition, to the extent that Solo Brands, Inc. is unable to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any reason, the unpaid amounts will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid. Solo Brands, Inc.’s failure to make any payment required under the Tax Receivable Agreement (including any accrued and unpaid interest) within 60 calendar days of the date on which the payment is required to be made will constitute a material breach of a material obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which will terminate the Tax Receivable Agreement and accelerate future payments thereunder, unless the applicable payment is not made because (i) Holdings is prohibited from making such payment under the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement or the terms governing certain of its indebtedness or (ii) Holdings does not have, and despite using commercially reasonable efforts cannot
obtain, sufficient funds to make such payment. In these situations, Solo Brands, Inc.’s obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement could have a substantial negative impact on Solo Brands, Inc.’s liquidity and could have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations, or other changes of control. There can be no assurance that Holdings will be able to fund or finance Solo Brands, Inc.’s obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Solo Brands, Inc. will not be reimbursed for any payments made to the Continuing LLC Owners under the Tax Receivable Agreement in the event that any tax benefits are disallowed.
Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will be based on the tax reporting positions that Solo Brands, Inc. determines, and the IRS or another tax authority
may challenge all or part of the tax basis increases or other tax benefits Solo Brands, Inc. claims, as well as other related tax positions it takes, and a court could sustain any such challenge. If the outcome of any such challenge would reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect a recipient’s payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement, then we will not be permitted to settle or fail to contest such challenge without the consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of certain representatives of the Continuing LLC Owners. The interests of such representatives of the Continuing LLC Owners in any such challenge may differ from or conflict with our interests and your interests, and they may exercise their consent rights relating to any such challenge in a manner adverse to our interests. In addition, Solo Brands, Inc. will not be reimbursed for any cash payments previously made to the Continuing LLC Owners under the Tax Receivable Agreement in the
event that any tax benefits initially claimed by Solo Brands, Inc. and for which payment has been made to the Continuing LLC Owners are subsequently challenged by a taxing authority and are ultimately disallowed. Instead, any excess cash payments made by Solo Brands, Inc. to the Continuing LLC Owners will be netted against any future cash payments that Solo Brands, Inc. might otherwise be required to make to the Continuing LLC Owners under the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement. However, Solo Brands, Inc. might not determine that it has effectively made an excess cash payment to the Continuing LLC Owners for a number of years following the initial time of such payment, and, if any of its tax reporting positions are challenged by a taxing authority, Solo Brands, Inc. will not be permitted to reduce any future cash payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement until any such challenge is finally settled or determined. Moreover, the excess cash payments Solo Brands, Inc.
previously made under the Tax Receivable Agreement could be greater than the amount of future cash payments against which Solo Brands, Inc. would otherwise be permitted to net such excess. The applicable U.S. federal income tax rules for determining applicable tax benefits Solo Brands, Inc. claims are complex and factual in nature, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will not disagree with Solo Brands, Inc.’s tax reporting positions. As a result, payments could be made under the Tax Receivable Agreement in excess of the tax savings that Solo Brands, Inc. actually realizes in respect of the tax attributes with respect to the Continuing LLC Owners that are the subject of the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Unanticipated changes in effective tax rates or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of our income or other tax returns could adversely affect our results of operations and financial
condition.
We are subject to taxes by the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax authorities, and our tax liabilities will be affected by the allocation of expenses to differing jurisdictions. Our future effective tax rates could be subject to volatility or adversely affected by a number of factors, including:
•changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities;
•expected timing and amount of the release of any tax valuation allowances;
•tax effects of equity-based compensation;
•changes in tax laws, regulations or interpretations thereof; or
•future earnings
being lower than anticipated in countries where we have lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated earnings in countries where we have higher statutory tax rates.
In addition, we may be subject to audits of our income, sales and other transaction taxes by U.S. federal, state, local and foreign taxing authorities. Outcomes from these audits could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Additionally, tax authorities at the foreign, federal, state and local levels are currently reviewing the appropriate
treatment of companies engaged in e-commerce. New or revised foreign, federal, state or local tax regulations or court decisions may subject us or our customers to additional sales, income and other taxes. There is also uncertainty over sales tax liability as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., which held that states could impose sales tax collection obligations on out-of-state sellers even if those sellers lack any physical presence within the states imposing the sales taxes. Under Wayfair, a person requires only a “substantial nexus” with the taxing state before the state may subject the person to sales tax collection obligations therein. An increasing number of states (both before and after the publication of Wayfair) have considered or adopted laws that attempt to impose sales
tax collection obligations on out-of-state sellers. The Supreme Court’s Wayfair decision has removed a significant impediment to the enactment and enforcement of these laws. While we do not expect the Court’s decision to have a significant impact on our business, other new or revised taxes and, in particular, sales taxes, VAT and similar taxes could increase the cost of doing business online and decrease the attractiveness of selling products over the internet. New taxes and rulings could also create significant increases in internal costs necessary to capture data and collect and remit taxes.
If we were deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the 1940 Act, as a result of our ownership of Holdings, applicable restrictions could make it impractical for us to continue our business as contemplated and
could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Under Sections 3(a)(1)(A) and (C) of the 1940 Act, a company generally will be deemed to be an “investment company” for purposes of the 1940 Act if (i) it is, or holds itself out as being, engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities or (ii) it engages, or proposes to engage, in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities and it owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40% of the value of its total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. We do not believe that we are an “investment company,” as such term is defined in either of those sections of the 1940 Act.
As
the sole managing member of Holdings, we control and operate Holdings. On that basis, we believe that our interest in Holdings is not an “investment security” as that term is used in the 1940 Act. However, if we were to cease participation in the management of Holdings, our interest in Holdings could be deemed an “investment security” for purposes of the 1940 Act.
We and Holdings intend to conduct our operations so that we will not be deemed an investment company. However, if we were to be deemed an investment company, restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act, including limitations on our capital structure and our ability to transact with affiliates, could make it impractical for us to continue our business as contemplated and could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Solo
Brands, Inc. is controlled by the Original LLC Owners, whose interests may differ from those of our public stockholders.
The Original LLC Owners control the majority of the combined voting power of our common stock through their ownership of both Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The Original LLC Owners will, for the foreseeable future, have the ability to substantially influence us through their ownership position over corporate management and affairs, and will be able to control virtually all matters requiring stockholder approval. The Original LLC Owners are able to, subject to applicable law, and the voting arrangements described in the Prospectus, elect a majority of the members of our board of directors and control actions to be taken by us and our board of directors, including amendments to our certificate
of incorporation and bylaws and approval of significant corporate transactions, including mergers and sales of substantially all of our assets. The directors so elected will have the authority, subject to the terms of our indebtedness and applicable rules and regulations, to issue additional stock, implement stock repurchase programs, declare dividends and make other decisions. It is possible that the interests of the Original LLC Owners may in some circumstances conflict with our interests and the interests of our other stockholders, including you. For example, the Continuing LLC Owners may have different tax positions from us, especially in light of the Tax Receivable Agreement that could influence our decisions regarding whether and when to dispose of assets, whether and when to incur new or refinance existing indebtedness, and whether and when Solo Brands, Inc. should terminate
the Tax Receivable Agreement and accelerate its obligations thereunder. In addition, the determination of future tax reporting positions and the structuring of future transactions may take into consideration the Continuing LLC Owners’ tax or other considerations, which may differ from the considerations of us or our other stockholders.
Risks Related to Ownership of our Class A Common Stock
The Continuing LLC Owners have the right to have their LLC Interests redeemed pursuant to the terms of the Holdings LLC Agreement, which may dilute the owners of the Class A common stock.
As of March 11, 2024, we have an aggregate of 410,660,248 shares of Class A common stock authorized but unissued, including approximately 33,120,136 shares
of Class B common stock issuable upon redemption of LLC Interests, 33,069,023 of which had vested and are held by the Continuing LLC Owners. In connection with the completion of our IPO, Holdings entered into the Holdings LLC Agreement and, subject to certain restrictions set forth therein and as described elsewhere in the Prospectus, the Continuing LLC Owners are entitled to have their LLC Interests redeemed for shares of our Class A common stock. We also to entered into the Registration Rights Agreement with the Original LLC Owners, certain of our other stockholders and Holdings pursuant to which the shares of Class A common stock issued to the Continuing LLC Owners upon redemption of their LLC Interests and the shares of Class A common stock issued to the Former LLC Owners in connection with the Transactions will be eligible for resale, subject to certain limitations set forth
therein.
We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our Class A common stock or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of shares of our Class A common stock may have on the market price of our Class A common stock. Sales or distributions of substantial amounts of our Class A common stock, including shares issued in connection with an acquisition, or the perception that such sales or distributions could occur, may cause the market price of our Class A common stock to decline.
The price of our Class A common stock has and
will likely continue to fluctuate and you may not be able to sell the shares you purchase at or above your purchase price.
The market price of our Class A common stock has fluctuated and may be highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially due to many factors, including:
•the volume and timing of sales of our products;
•the introduction of new products or product enhancements by us or our competitors;
•disputes or other developments with respect to our or others’ intellectual property rights;
•our ability to develop, obtain regulatory clearance or approval for, and market new and enhanced products on a timely basis;
•product
liability claims or other litigation;
•quarterly variations in our growth, profitability or results of operations, or those of our competitors;
•media exposure of our products or our competitors;
•announcement or expectation of additional equity or debt financing efforts;
•additions or departures of key personnel;
•issuance of new or updated research or reports by securities analysts;
•failure to meet or exceed financial estimates and projections of the investment community or that we provide to the public;
•changes
in governmental regulations or in reimbursement;
•changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by securities analysts; and
•general market conditions and other factors, including factors unrelated to our operating performance or the operating performance of our competitors.
In recent years, the stock markets generally have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. Broad market and industry factors may significantly affect the market price of our Class A common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance.
In addition, in the past, class action litigation has often been instituted against
companies whose securities have experienced periods of volatility in market price. Securities litigation brought against us following volatility in our stock price, regardless of the merit or ultimate results of such litigation, could result in substantial costs, which would hurt our financial condition and operating results and divert management’s attention and resources from our business.
Substantial future sales, or the perception of future substantial sales, by us or our existing stockholders in the public markets could cause the market price of our Class A common stock to decline.
Sales of substantial amounts of our Class A common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the price of our Class A common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of
additional shares.
As of March 11, 2024, 58,106,957 shares of Class A common stock were issued and outstanding and an additional 2,208,303 shares had the potential to vest in the future. Additionally, 33,069,023 shares of Class B common stock were issued and outstanding and an additional 51,113 shares would be issuable upon redemption or exchange of LLC Interests. The shares of Class A common stock sold in the IPO are freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act, except for any shares of our common stock that may be held or acquired by our directors, executive officers and other affiliates, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, which will be restricted securities under the Securities Act. Restricted securities may not be sold in the public market unless the sale is registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from
registration is available.
The outstanding 29,953,415 shares of Class A common stock held by the Former LLC Owners are subject to certain restrictions on sale. All of our executive officers and directors and the Original LLC Owners agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to dispose of or hedge any shares of common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for (including the LLC Interests), or that represent the right to receive, shares of common stock during the period from the date of our Prospectus continuing through the date 180 days after the date of our Prospectus, except with the prior written consent of the representatives on behalf of the underwriters.
Upon the completion of the IPO, we entered into the Registration Rights
Agreement with the Original LLC Owners, certain of our other stockholders and Holdings pursuant to which the shares of Class A common stock issued upon redemption or exchange of LLC Interests held by the Continuing LLC Owners and the shares of Class A common stock issued to the Former LLC Owners in connection with the Reorganization Transactions will be eligible for resale, subject to certain limitations set forth therein.
In addition, any shares of Class A common stock that we issue under the Solo Brands, Inc. 2021 Incentive Award Plan (the “2021 Incentive Plan”), the Solo Brands, Inc. 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2021 ESPP”) or other equity incentive plans that we may adopt in the future would dilute the percentage ownership held by the investors who purchase shares of our Class A Common Stock.
In the future, we may also issue additional securities if we need to raise capital, which could constitute a material portion of our then-outstanding shares of common stock.
Taking advantage of the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to “emerging growth companies” may make our Class A common stockless attractive to investors.
The JOBS Act provides that, so long as a company qualifies as an “emerging growth company,” it will, among other things:
•be exempt from the provisions of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requiring that its independent registered public accounting firm provide an attestation report
on the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting;
•be exempt from the “say on pay”, “pay versus performance” and “say on golden parachute” advisory vote requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Customer Protection Act, or the Dodd-Frank Act;
•be exempt from certain disclosure requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act relating to compensation of its executive officers and be permitted to omit the detailed compensation discussion and analysis from proxy statements and reports filed under the Exchange Act; and
•be permitted to provide a reduced level of disclosure concerning executive compensation and be exempt from any rules that have been adopted by the PCAOB requiring a supplement to the auditor’s report on the financial
statements or that may be adopted requiring mandatory audit firm rotations.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we could be an emerging growth company for up to five years following the completion of the IPO. For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may choose to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements, as well as the cost savings as a result of such exemptions, which are applicable to other public companies that do not qualify as an emerging growth company. We have elected to take advantage of the extension of time to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards available under Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act. We will continue to qualify as an emerging growth company unless our total annual gross revenues are $1.235 billion or more, we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt in the
past three years or we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in the Exchange Act. As long as we remain an “emerging growth company,” we may take advantage of other exemptions, including the exemptions from the advisory vote requirements and executive compensation disclosures under the Dodd-Frank Act and the exemption from the provisions of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We cannot predict if investors will find our Class A common stock less attractive if we elect to rely on these exemptions, or if taking advantage of these exemptions would result in less active trading or more volatility in the price of our Class A common stock. Also, as a result of our intention to take advantage of some or all of the reduced regulatory and reporting requirements that will be available to us as long as we qualify as an “emerging growth company,” our financial statements may not be comparable to those of companies that fully comply with regulatory
and reporting requirements upon the public company effective dates.
We do not currently expect to pay any cash dividends.
We do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends to holders of our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance our growth. Any determination to pay cash dividends in the future will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors, subject to limitations under applicable law and may be discontinued at any time. In addition, our ability to pay cash dividends is currently restricted by the terms of our Revolving Credit Facility. Therefore, you are not likely to receive any dividends on your Class A common stock for the foreseeable future, and the success of an investment in our Class A common stock will depend upon any future appreciation
in its value. Consequently, investors may need to sell all or part of their holdings of our Class A common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any future gains on their investment. Our Class A common stock may not appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which our stockholders have purchased our Class A common stock. Investors seeking cash dividends should not purchase our Class A common stock.
In addition, our operations are currently conducted entirely through Holdings and its subsidiaries and our ability to generate cash to meet our debt service obligations or to make future dividend payments, if any, is highly dependent on the earnings and the receipt of funds from Holdings and its subsidiaries
via dividends or intercompany loans.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation contains provisions renouncing our interest and expectation to participate in certain corporate opportunities identified or presented to certain of our Original LLC Owners.
Certain of the Original LLC Owners are in the business of making or advising on investments in companies and these Original LLC owners may hold, and may, from time to time in the future, acquire interests in or provide advice to businesses that directly or indirectly compete with certain portions of our business or the business of our suppliers. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation
will provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, none of the Original LLC Owners or any director who is not employed by us or his or her affiliates will have any duty to refrain from engaging in a corporate opportunity in the same or similar lines of business as us. The Original LLC Owners may also pursue acquisitions that may be complementary to our business, and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us. As a result, these arrangements could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition or prospects if attractive business opportunities are allocated to any of the Original LLC Owners instead of to us.
We
may issue shares of preferred stock in the future, which could make it difficult for another company to acquire us or could otherwise adversely affect holders of our Class A common stock, which could depress the price of our Class A common stock.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue one or more series of preferred stock. Our board of directors has the authority to determine the preferences, limitations and relative rights of the shares of preferred stock and to fix the number of shares constituting any series and the designation of such series, without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Our preferred stock could be issued with voting, liquidation, dividend and other rights superior to the rights of our Class A common stock. The potential issuance of preferred stock
may delay or prevent a change in control of us, discourage bids for our Class A common stock at a premium to the market price, and materially and adversely affect the market price and the voting and other rights of the holders of our Class A common stock.
Anti-takeover provisions in our governing documents and under Delaware law could make an acquisition of our company more difficult, limit attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management and depress the market price of our common stock.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws
and Delaware law contain provisions that could have the effect of rendering more difficult, delaying or preventing an acquisition deemed undesirable by our board of directors. Among others, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws include the following provisions:
•authorizing the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock that could be issued by our board of directors to increase the number of outstanding shares and thwart a takeover attempt;
•establishing a classified board of directors so that not all members of our board of directors are elected at one time;
•the
removal of directors only for cause;
•prohibiting the use of cumulative voting for the election of directors;
•limiting the ability of stockholders to call special meetings or amend our bylaws;
•requiring all stockholder actions to be taken at a meeting of our stockholders; and
•establishing advance notice and duration of ownership requirements for nominations for election to the board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings.
These provisions, alone or together, could delay or prevent hostile
takeovers and changes in control or changes in our management. As a Delaware corporation, we are also subject to provisions of Delaware law, including Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or the DGCL, which prevents interested stockholders, such as certain stockholders holding more than 15% of our outstanding common stock from engaging in certain business combinations unless (i) prior to the time such stockholder became an interested stockholder, the board approved the transaction that resulted in such stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, (ii) upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in such stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned 85% of the common stock or (iii) following board approval, the business combination receives the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of our outstanding common stock not held by such interested stockholder. Because we have “opted out” of Section 203
of the DGCL in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, the statute will not apply to business combinations involving us.
Any provision of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying, preventing or deterring a change in control could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of our common stock and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our common stock.
Our amended and restated certificate
of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the exclusive forum for the following types of actions or proceedings under Delaware statutory or common law:
•any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf;
•any action asserting
a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees, or stockholders to us or our stockholders;
•any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws; and
•any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine.
Furthermore, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation also provides that unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum,
the federal district courts of the United States shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. However, these provisions would not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. In addition, Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. To the extent the exclusive forum provision restricts the courts in which claims arising under the Securities Act may be brought, there is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such a provision. We note that investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Any person purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of our capital stock is deemed to have received notice of and consented to the foregoing provisions. These choice of forum provisions may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds more favorable for disputes with us or with our directors, officers, other employees or agents, or our other stockholders, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and such other persons, or may result in additional expense to a stockholder seeking to bring a claim against us. Alternatively, if a court were to find this choice of forum provision inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business,
results of operations and financial condition.
Stock repurchases undertaken by the Company could have adverse effects, including potentially increasing the volatility of the price of our Class A common stock and potentially diminishing our cash reserves while not producing hoped for stockholder value.
Our Board of Directors has in the past and may from time to time in the future authorize stock repurchases, pursuant to which repurchases of Class A common stock may be made either through open market transactions (including pre-set trading plans) or through other transactions, such as through privately negotiated transactions or in such other manners as may be determined by our Board of Directors in accordance with applicable securities laws. Any repurchase authorizations
may be modified, suspended, or terminated at any time and there can be no assurance that our Board of Directors may authorize a stock repurchase in the future. Any failure to repurchase stock after we have announced our intention to do so may negatively impact our reputation and investor confidence in us and may negatively impact our stock price.
The existence of a stock repurchase authorization could cause our stock price to trade higher than it otherwise would be and could potentially reduce the market liquidity for our stock. Although stock repurchase authorizations may be intended to enhance long-term stockholder value, there is no assurance they will do so because the market price of our Class A common stock may decline below the levels at which we repurchased shares and short-term stock price fluctuations could reduce the effectiveness of any such authorization.
Repurchasing
our Class A common stock reduces the amount of cash we have available to fund working capital, capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions or business opportunities, and other general corporate purposes, and we may fail to realize the anticipated long-term stockholder value of any stock repurchase authorization.
In addition, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 imposes a non-deductible 1% excise tax on the fair market value of stock repurchases, net of stock issuances, that exceed $1 million in a taxable year, which will make any potential stock repurchases more expensive to us.
General Risk Factors
We may become involved in legal or regulatory proceedings and audits.
Our business requires compliance with many laws and regulations,
including labor and employment, sales and other taxes, customs, data privacy, data security, and consumer protection laws and ordinances that regulate retailers generally and/or govern the importation, promotion, and sale of merchandise, and the operation of e-commerce and warehouse facilities. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could subject us to lawsuits and other proceedings, and could also lead to damage awards, fines, and penalties. We may become involved in a number of legal proceedings and audits, including government and agency investigations, and consumer, employment, tort, and other litigation. The outcome of some of these legal proceedings, audits, and other contingencies could require us to take, or refrain from taking, actions that could harm our operations or require us to pay substantial amounts of money, harming our financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, we may pursue legal action of our own to protect our business
interests. Prosecuting or defending against these lawsuits and proceedings may be necessary, which could result in substantial costs and diversion of management’s attention and resources, harming our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Any pending or future legal or regulatory proceedings and audits could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our disclosure controls and procedures may not prevent or detect all errors or acts of fraud.
We are subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. We are designing our disclosure controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance that information we must disclose in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time
periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well-conceived and operated, can provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by individuals or groups of persons or by an unauthorized override of the controls. Accordingly, because of the inherent limitations in our control system, misstatements in our public reports due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
Our business is subject to the risk of earthquakes, fire, power outages, floods, and other catastrophic events, and to interruption by problems such as terrorism, cyberattacks, or failure of key information technology systems.
Our business is vulnerable to damage or interruption from earthquakes, fires, floods, power losses, telecommunications failures, terrorist attacks, acts of war, human errors, criminal acts, public health crises and pandemics, and similar events. For example, a significant natural disaster, such as an earthquake, fire, or flood, could harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition, and our insurance coverage may be insufficient to compensate us for losses that may occur. Our corporate offices and primary distribution center is located in Texas, a state that frequently experiences floods
and storms. In addition, the facilities of our suppliers and where our manufacturers produce our products are located in parts of Asia that frequently experience typhoons and earthquakes. Acts of terrorism and public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic (or other future pandemics or epidemics), could also cause disruptions in our or our suppliers’, manufacturers’, and logistics providers’ businesses or the economy as a whole. We may not have sufficient protection or recovery plans in some circumstances, such as natural disasters affecting Texas or other locations where we have operations or store significant inventory. Our servers and those belonging to our vendors may also be vulnerable to computer viruses, criminal acts, denial-of-service attacks, ransomware, and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with our computer systems, which could lead to interruptions, delays, or loss of critical data. As we rely heavily on our information technology and
communications systems and the Internet to conduct our business and provide high-quality customer service, these disruptions could harm our ability to run our business and either directly or indirectly disrupt our suppliers’ or manufacturers’ businesses, which could harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Changes in applicable tax regulations or in their implementation could negatively affect our business and financial results.
The U.S. government, state governments, and foreign jurisdictions may enact significant changes to the taxation of business entities including, among others, an increase in the corporate income tax rate and the imposition of minimum taxes. The likelihood of these changes being enacted or implemented is unclear. We are currently unable to predict whether such changes will occur and, if
so, the ultimate impact on our business.
If our estimates or judgments relating to our critical accounting policies prove to be incorrect or change significantly, our results of operations could be harmed.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, as provided in the section of this prospectus titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements, and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. These estimates form the basis for making
judgments about the carrying values of assets, liabilities, and equity and the amount of sales and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Our results of operations may be harmed if our assumptions change or if actual circumstances differ from those in our assumptions, which could cause our results of operations to fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, and could result in a decline in our stock price.
Our ESG initiatives and the adoption of ESG regulatory frameworks may impose additional costs and expose us to emerging areas of risk.
Companies across all industries are facing increasing scrutiny from stakeholders related to their ESG practices. Investor advocacy groups, certain institutional investors, investment funds and other influential investors are also increasingly focused on ESG practices and
in recent years have placed increasing importance on the implications and social cost of their investments. Investors’ increased focus related to ESG and similar matters may hinder access to capital, as investors may decide to reallocate capital or to not commit capital as a result of their assessment of a company’s ESG practices. Companies which do not adapt to or comply with investor or other stakeholder expectations and standards, which are evolving, or which are perceived to have not responded appropriately to the growing concern for ESG issues, regardless of whether there is a legal requirement to do so, may suffer from reputational damage and the business, financial condition, and/or stock price of such a company could be materially and adversely affected.
We have adopted certain practices and policies to align our ESG approach with our business strategy by maximizing the inherent value of our assets
and delivering long-term social, environmental and economic values across our brands. However, our stakeholders may look to us to implement more or different ESG procedures, standards or goals in order to continue engaging with us, to remain invested in us, or before they make further investments in us. Additionally, we may face reputational challenges in the event our ESG procedures or standards do not meet the standards set by certain constituencies or such constituencies might not be satisfied with our efforts or the speed of adoption of ESG practices or polices. If we do not meet our stakeholders’ expectations or we are not effective in addressing social and environmental responsibility matters or achieving relevant sustainability goals, trust in our brand may suffer and our business and/or our ability to access capital could be harmed.
Further, there is an increased focus by governmental and nongovernmental
organizations on climate change matters, including increased pressure to expand disclosures related to the physical and transition risks related to climate change or to establish sustainability goals, such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which could expose us to market, operational and execution costs or risks. Our failure to establish sustainability targets or targets that are perceived to be appropriate, as well as to achieve progress on those targets on a timely basis, or at all, could adversely affect the reputation of our brands and sales of and demand for our products. For example, in October 2023, the State of California adopted SB 253, the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act, which will require companies to annually disclose Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions and SB 261, Greenhouse Gases: Climate-Related Financial Risk which will require biennial disclosure of a company’s financial risk caused by climate change. These,
and additional legislation which may be passed, such as proposed rules by the SEC with respect to enhanced and standardized climate-related disclosures, may cause us to incur significant additional costs of compliance due to the need for expanded data
collection, analysis, and certification with respect to greenhouse gas emissions and other climate change related risks. We may also incur additional costs or require additional resources to monitor, report and comply with such stakeholder expectations and standards and legislation, and to meet climate change targets and commitments if established. In addition, the European Union Corporate Sustainability
Reporting Directive (“CSRD”) became effective in 2023. CSRD applies to both EU and non-EU in-scope entities and would require them to provide expansive disclosures on various sustainability topics. We are assessing our obligations under CSRD which will become effective in 2025 for U.S. companies with subsidiaries in the EU that meet certain criteria and expect that compliance could require substantial effort in the future. We will likely need to be prepared to contend with overlapping, yet distinct, climate-related disclosure requirements in multiple jurisdictions.
The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition and expose us to market, operational and execution costs or risks.
The
impacts of risks associated with international geopolitical conflicts, including continued tensions between Taiwan and China and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, on the global economy, energy supplies and raw materials are uncertain, but may prove to negatively impact our business and operations.
In recent years, diplomatic and trade relationships between the U.S. government and China have become increasingly frayed and the threat of a takeover of Taiwan by China has increased. Since much of our production occurs in China, our business, our operations and our supply chain could be materially and adversely impacted by political, economic or other actions from China, or changes in China-Taiwan relations that impact China and its economy. In addition, we continue to monitor any adverse impact that the outbreak of war in Ukraine and the subsequent institution of sanctions against Russia by the United States and
several European and Asian countries may have on the global economy in general, on our business and operations and on the businesses and operations of our suppliers and customers. For example, a prolonged conflict may result in ongoing increased inflation, escalating energy prices and constrained availability, and thus increasing costs, of raw materials. To the extent that continuing political tensions between China and Taiwan or the war in Ukraine may adversely affect our business, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in our risk factors, such as those relating to data security, supply chain, volatility in prices of inputs, and market conditions, any of which could negatively affect our business and financial condition.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item
1C. Cybersecurity
Risk Management and Strategy
The Company recognizes the importance of being able to assess, effectively respond to and manage material cybersecurity threats and incidents that may compromise the confidentiality, integrity or availability of its information systems, data or network resources.
As part of its overall enterprise risk management framework, the Company maintains both an Information Security Committee (“ISC”) and an Incident Response Plan (“IRP”). The Company’s ISC is managed by its Chief
Information Officer (the “CIO”) whose team (the Incident Response Team, or “IRT”) is responsible for leading company-wide cybersecurity strategy, policy, standards, architecture, and processes. The purpose of the IRP is to define procedures for reporting and responding to cybersecurity incidents. It creates objectives for actionable procedures that can be measured, evaluated, scaled and revised as necessary for each specific cybersecurity incident. These objectives are designed to maximize the effectiveness of the Company’s response through an established plan of action and assigning responsibilities to appropriate personnel and/or third-party contractors.
If a cybersecurity threat or incident is identified, the IRT will communicate the cybersecurity threat or incident and any damages to the CIO and other members
of senior management of the Company. The Company will assess the materiality of the cybersecurity threat or incident to determine if any public disclosures are required under the SEC’s cybersecurity disclosure rule. If deemed necessary, third-party consultants, legal counsel, and assessors will be engaged to evaluate the materiality assessment.
The cybersecurity program of the Company interfaces with other functional areas within the Company, including but not limited to the Company’s
brands and information technology, accounting, finance, legal and human resources, as well as external third-party partners, where appropriate, to assess, identify and manage potential cybersecurity threats. The Company regularly assesses and updates its processes, procedures and management techniques in light of ongoing cybersecurity developments.
Recognizing the complexity and evolving nature of cybersecurity threats, the Company also engages with a range of external experts, including cybersecurity assessors and consultants in evaluating and testing its cybersecurity management systems and IRP. These partnerships enable the Company to leverage specialized
knowledge and insights, to assist in updating its cybersecurity strategies and processes to align with industry best practices. The Company’s collaboration with these third parties includes consultation and review of security enhancements.
To date, we have not identified risks from cybersecurity threats or incidents, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, that have materially affected the Company or are reasonably likely to materially affect our operations, business strategy, results of operations, of financial condition. However, the sophistication of and risks from cybersecurity threats and incidents continues to increase, and there can be no assurance that
our cybersecurity risk management program and processes, including our IRP, and other preventative actions the Company has taken and continues to take to reduce the risk of cybersecurity threats and incidents and protect its systems and information, will be fully implemented, complied with or successful in protecting against all cybersecurity threats and incidents. For more information on how cybersecurity risk could materially affect the Company’s business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition, please refer to “Item 1A Risk Factors—Risks Related to our Business and Industry—We rely significantly on the use of information technology, as well as those of our third-party service providers. Any significant
failure, inadequacy, interruption or data security incident of our information technology systems, or those of our third-party service providers, could disrupt our business operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows.”
Governance
Our Board considers cybersecurity risk as part of its risk oversight function. The Board oversees management’s implementation of our cybersecurity risk management program. The Board receives regular reports from the ISC on our cybersecurity risks. In addition, ISC updates the Board, as necessary, regarding any material cybersecurity incidents, as well as any incidents with lesser impact potential. The Board also receives briefings from ISC on our cyber risk management program. Board members receive presentations on cybersecurity
topics from our CIO, internal security staff or external experts as part of the Board’s continuing education on topics that impact public companies.
The ISC, is responsible for assessing and managing our material risks from cybersecurity threats. The team has primary responsibility for our overall cybersecurity risk management program and supervises both our internal cybersecurity personnel and our retained external cybersecurity consultants. Our ISC’s expertise includes a combined 20 plus years of experience in managing security technologies; designing and implementing security strategies; and risk management and incident response across various industries. Our ISC supervises efforts to prevent, detect, mitigate, and remediate cybersecurity risks and incidents through various means, which may include briefings from internal security personnel; threat intelligence and other information obtained from governmental,
public or private sources, including external consultants engaged by us; and alerts and reports produced by security tools deployed in the IT environment.
Item 2. Properties
Our corporate headquarters are located in a 430,000 square foot leased facility in Grapevine, Texas. In addition to our corporate headquarters we maintain leases in Texas, Utah, Pennsylvania, Mexico, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands for warehousing, distribution and office space. We also maintain leases specific to retail operations in Texas, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. We believe that our facilities are in good condition and are adequate to support our current needs.
Item
3. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we are, have been, and may become subject to arbitration, litigation or claims arising in the ordinary course of business. The results of any current or future claims or proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, and regardless of the outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on us because of defense and litigation costs, diversion of management resources, reputational harm and other factors. The Company is not currently a party to any pending litigation that the Company considers material.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information and Holders
of Record
Our Class A common stock has been listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “DTC” since October 28, 2021. Prior to that time, there was no public market for our common stock. There is no established trading market for our Class B common stock.
As of March 11, 2024, other than shares offered to the public, there were approximately 9 shareholders of record for our Class A common stock and approximately 54 shareholders of record for our Class B common stock. This does not include the significant number of beneficial owners whose stock is in nominee or “street name” accounts through brokers, bank, or other nominees.
Dividend Policy
We
have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We intend to retain any future earnings and do not expect to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future.
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph and table compares the total shareholder return for our Class A common stock with that of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (“S&P 500 Index”) and Standard & Poor’s 500 Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods Index. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on October 28, 2021 (the date our common stock commenced trading on the NYSE) in our Class A common stock, the S&P 500 Index, and Standard & Poor’s 500 Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods Index and assumes reinvestment of any dividends, if any. Stockholder returns over the indicated period should not
be considered indicative of future stockholder returns.
Base Period
Company/Index
10/28/2021
12/31/2021
12/31/2022
12/31/2023
Solo
Brands, Inc.
$
100.00
$
91.94
$
23.80
$
36.24
S&P 500 Index
100.00
103.69
80.56
103.77
S&P
500 Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods Index
$
100.00
$
99.33
$
54.64
$
52.44
The performance graph and table shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference
into any of our filings under the Securities Act.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with “Risk Factors” and our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes to those statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition to historical
consolidated financial information, the following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions.
Our discussion and analysis of the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 is included herein. Our discussion and analysis of the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 can be found in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on March
9, 2023.
Overview
We own and operate premium brands with ingenious products that we market and deliver through our direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) platform and wholesale partnerships. We aim to help our customers enjoy good moments that create lasting memories. We consistently deliver innovative, high-quality products that are loved by our customers and revolutionize the outdoor experience, build community and help everyday people reconnect with what matters most.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we experienced a decrease in our net sales from $517.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022
to $494.8 million for the current year. The decline in net sales was primarily the result of the lack of significant new product launches in the current year when compared to the prior year, in which the Mesa and Pi pizza oven were launched. Similar to the prior year, we continued to see net sales channel mix shift from direct to consumer to wholesale, with wholesale net sales growing 45.1%. Due in part to this shift, within our direct to consumer net sales channel we have seen an increase in the number of customers purchasing accessories for our products that were purchased through our wholesale net sales channel. Further, we experienced a decline in direct to consumer net sales which can be attributed to inefficient marketing spend in the current year as we invested in marketing mediums that did not yield the anticipated returns, in contrasts to the more successful marketing investments made last year.
Net sales are comprised of DTC and wholesale channel sales to retail partners. Net sales in both channels reflect the impact of partial shipments, product returns, and discounts for certain sales programs or promotions.
Our net sales have historically included a seasonal component. In the DTC channel, our historical net sales tend to be highest in our second and fourth quarters, while our wholesale channel has generated higher sales in the first and third quarters. Additionally, we expect variance in our net sales throughout the year relative to the
timing of new product launches.
The
decrease in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily driven by the lack of significant new product launches in the current year when compared to the prior year. Within the DTC channel, total orders and average order value decreased 8.1% and 12.4%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Partially offsetting the decrease, DTC channel net sales included $11.0 million of activity related to the businesses acquired in 2023, for which the comparative periods did not include such activity. Growth within the wholesale net sales channel is mainly attributed to the expansion of our strategic partnerships.
Cost of Goods Sold and Gross
Profit
Gross profit reflects net sales less cost of goods sold, which primarily includes the purchase cost of our products from our third-party manufacturers, inbound freight and duties, costs related to manufacturing of certain of our products, product quality testing and inspection costs and depreciation on molds and equipment that we own.
Year
Ended December 31,
Change
(dollars in thousands)
2023
2022
$
%
Cost of goods sold
$
192,624
$
199,452
$
(6,828)
(3.4)
%
Gross
profit
302,152
318,175
(16,023)
(5.0)
%
Gross margin (Gross profit as a % of net sales)
61.1
%
61.5
%
(0.40)
The
decrease in cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily driven by reduction in freight costs, with a lower average container cost in 2023 when compared to the prior year, as well as the decline in net sales. Partially offsetting the decreases, cost of goods sold included $6.4 million of activity related to the businesses acquired in 2023, for which the comparative periods did not include such activity, as well as increases in product costs unrelated to the 2023 acquisitions.
The decrease in gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily the result of the decrease in net sales, which
simultaneously drove the decrease in cost of goods sold.
Gross margin decreased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, the result of the shift in sales channel mix with growth in wholesale sales, which typically have lower gross margins than DTC sales, whereas the DTC sales declined.
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses consist primarily of marketing costs, wages, equity-based compensation expense, benefits costs, costs of our warehousing and logistics operations, costs of operating on third-party DTC marketplaces, professional fees and services, costs of shipping
product to our customers, net one-time advertising contract termination fees and general corporate expenses.
Year Ended December 31,
Change
(dollars in thousands)
2023
2022
$
%
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
$
249,432
$
259,048
$
(9,616)
(3.7)
%
SG&A
as a % of net sales
50.4
%
50.0
%
0.40
The decrease in SG&A for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 was driven by $0.3 million of fixed cost decreases and $9.3 million of variable cost decreases.
The fixed cost decreases for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the
year ended December 31, 2022 were primarily the result of a $3.1 million decrease in employee costs, primarily attributable to a $3.8 million decrease in equity-based compensation, offset in part by an increase in rent of $2.7 million due to warehouse and retail store additions and an increase of $0.5 million in information technology expenses.
The variable cost decreases for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December
31, 2022 were primarily the result of a $7.5 million decrease in distribution costs primarily due to decreased shipping costs and lower total orders, a $1.6 million decrease in the fair value of contingent consideration related to the current year acquisitions, a $1.6 million decrease in warehouse transition expenses due to completing the transition of the 2021 acquisitions in the prior year and a $1.0 million decrease in bad debt expenses. These variable expense decreases were offset in part by an increase of $3.5 million in advertising and marketing expense.
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses
Depreciation and amortization expenses consist of depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangible assets.
Year
Ended December 31,
Change
(dollars in thousands)
2023
2022
$
%
Depreciation and amortization expenses
$
26,593
$
24,592
$
2,001
8.1
%
Amortization
22,396
21,019
1,377
6.6
%
Depreciation
4,197
3,573
624
17.5
%
The
increase in amortization and the increase in depreciation for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, was primarily related to increases in definite-lived intangible assets and additional property and equipment as a result of acquisition activity in 2023.
Impairment Charges
Impairment charges consist of impairments recorded to definite-lived intangible assets and goodwill.
Year
Ended December 31,
Change
(dollars in thousands)
2023
2022
$
%
Impairment charges
$
248,967
$
30,589
$
218,378
713.9
%
The
increase in impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily related to the goodwill impairment of $234.8 million at Solo Stove, Oru and ISLE in 2023 as a result of the decline in performance of these reporting units compared to previous forecasts versus the $27.9 million impairment for ISLE in 2022 as a result of the weakened demand for the ISLE reporting unit’s products. As a result of the same factors noted above, impairment of $14.2 million to the intangible assets of Oru and ISLE was recorded in 2023, compared to impairment of $2.7 million to the intangible asset of ISLE in 2022. For more information regarding the impairments, see Note 9, Goodwill, and Note 8, Intangible Assets, net in Item 8 of this Annual Report.
Other Operating Expenses
Other
operating expenses include certain costs incurred as a result of being a public company, secondary offering completed in May 2023, acquisition-related expenses, business optimization and expansion expenses and management transition costs.
Year Ended December 31,
Change
(dollars in thousands)
2023
2022
$
%
Other operating expenses
$
5,010
$
3,582
$
1,428
39.9
%
Other
operating expenses increased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, the result of a $1.4 million increase in acquisition-related expenses as acquisition activity increased during 2023 and a $0.3 million increase in transaction-related activity, offset in part by a $0.4 million decrease in business optimization expenses as a result of non-recurring expenses incurred in 2022 resulting from IT and warehouse transition activity.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net consists primarily of interest on our Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan.
Year
Ended December 31,
Change
(dollars in thousands)
2023
2022
$
%
Interest expense, net
$
11,004
$
6,271
$
4,733
75.5
%
Interest
expense, net increased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 due to an increase in the weighted average interest rate on our total debt balance, as well as a higher average debt balance in the current year when compared to the prior year.
Income taxes represents federal, state, and local income taxes on the
Company's allocable share of taxable income of Holdings, as well as Oru's and Chubbies' federal, state and foreign tax expense related to international subsidiaries. We are the sole managing member of Holdings, and as a result, consolidate the financial results of Holdings. Holdings is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and most applicable state and local income tax purposes. As a partnership, Holdings is not subject to U.S. federal and certain state and local income taxes. Any taxable income or loss generated by Holdings is passed through to and included in the taxable income or loss of its members, including us, on a pro rata basis. We are subject to U.S. federal income taxes, in addition to state and local income taxes with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income or loss of Holdings, as well as any stand-alone income or loss generated by Solo Brands,
Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
Change
(dollars in thousands)
2023
2022
$
%
Income
tax expense
$
(36,225)
$
1,001
$
(37,226)
(3718.9)
%
Income tax expense decreased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to the current year goodwill and intangible asset impairments, as well as the current year decrease in the valuation allowance. Additionally,
for the year ended December 31, 2023, our effective tax rate was impacted by a decrease in the tax benefit of $3.9 million related to the non-deductible portion of the goodwill impairment charge for Oru.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically, our cash requirements have principally been for working capital purposes and acquisitions. We expect these needs to continue as we develop and grow our business. We fund our working capital, which is primarily comprised of inventory, accounts payable, and accounts receivable, net, and other cash requirements from cash flows from operating activities, cash on hand, and borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. Our cash flows from
operating activities are our principal sources of liquidity and result primarily from the sales of our portfolio of products as described in Part I, Item 1, Business, of this Annual Report.
In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2023, we repurchased and subsequently retired an aggregate of 6,232,795 shares of our Class A common stock for approximately $31.2 million. We also repurchased an aggregate of 1,068,366 shares of our Class A common stock for approximately $5.3 million that was used to settle a portion of the contingent consideration related to the acquisition of IcyBreeze. We funded these repurchases from cash on hand and borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. From time to time, we may continue to repurchase shares of our Class A common Stock through open market transactions (including pre-set trading plans) or through other transactions,
such as through privately negotiated transactions or in such other manners as may be determined by our Board of Directors, which may reduce the cash we have available.
We maintain the majority of our cash and cash equivalents in bank deposit and overnight sweep accounts with major highly rated multi-national and local financial institutions, and our deposits at these institutions exceed insured limits. Market conditions can impact the viability of these institutions, and any inability to access or delay in accessing these funds could adversely affect our business and financial position.
The table below reflects our sources, facilities and availability of liquidity as of December 31, 2023. See Note 11, Long-Term Debt, to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual
Report.
Liquidity Sources and Facilities
Availability
Cash and cash equivalents
$
19,842
$
19,842
Working capital (excluding cash and cash equivalents)
87,670
87,670
Revolving
Credit Facility
60,000
289,400
Term Loan
91,250
—
Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan
On May 12, 2021, we entered into a credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., the Lenders and L/C Issuers party thereto (each as defined therein) and the other parties thereto (as subsequently amended on June 2, 2021, and September
1, 2021, the “Revolving Credit Facility”). As so amended, the Revolving Credit Facility allows us to borrow up to $350.0 million of revolving loans, including the ability to issue up to $20.0 million in letters of credit, with $0.6 million of letters of credit issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023. While our issuance of letters of credit does not increase our borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, it does reduce the amounts available under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on May 12, 2026 and bears interest at a rate equal to the base rate as defined in the agreement plus an
applicable margin, which as of December 31, 2023, was based on SOFR. Interest is due on the last business day of each March, June, September and December. Principal under the Revolving Credit Facility is not due until maturity.
In addition to the above, the amendment on September 1, 2021 included a provision to borrow up to $100.0 million under a term loan (the “Term Loan”). The proceeds from the Term Loan were used to fund the Chubbies acquisition. The Term Loan matures on September 1, 2026 and bears interest at a rate equal to the base rate as defined in the agreement plus an applicable margin, which as of December
31, 2023, was based on SOFR.. We were required to make quarterly principal payments on the Term Loan beginning on December 31, 2021. At December 31, 2023, we had $91.3 million outstanding on the Term Loan. All required principal payments were made on time and with available cash through the year ended December 31, 2023. Interest payments are due on a quarterly basis under the Term Loan, with the same due dates as noted for the Revolving Credit Facility above.
Although we cannot predict with certainty all of our particular short-term cash uses or the timing or amount of cash requirements, we believe that our available cash on hand, along with amounts available under our Revolving Credit Facility will be sufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements for
at least the next twelve months. However, growth opportunities, such as continued expansion into international markets, may significantly increase our expenses (including our capital expenditures) and cash requirements. Furthermore, we will continue to seek possible brand and mission consistent acquisition opportunities that would require additional capital. In addition, the amount of our future product sales is difficult to predict, and actual sales may not be in line with our forecasts. As a result, we may be required to seek additional funds in the future from issuances of equity or debt, obtaining additional credit facilities, or loans from other sources.
Other Terms of the Revolving Credit Facility
We may request incremental term loans, incremental equivalent debt, or revolving commitment increases (we refer to each as an Incremental Increase)
in amounts such that, after giving pro forma effect to such Incremental Increase, our total secured net leverage ratio (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility) would not exceed the then-applicable cap under the Revolving Credit Facility. In the event that any lenders fund any of the Incremental Increases, the terms and provisions of each Incremental Increase, including the interest rate, shall be determined by us and the lenders, but in no event shall the terms and provisions, when taken as a whole and subject to certain exceptions, of the applicable Incremental Increase, be more favorable to any lender providing any portion of such Incremental Increase than the terms and provisions of the loans provided under the Revolving Credit Facility unless such terms and conditions reflect market terms and conditions at the time of incurrence or issuance thereof as determined by us in good faith.
The Revolving Credit Facility is
(a) jointly and severally guaranteed by the Guarantors (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility) and any future subsidiaries that execute a joinder to the guaranty and related collateral agreements and (b) secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of our and the Guarantors’ assets, subject to certain customary exceptions.
The Revolving Credit Facility requires us to comply with certain financial ratios, including:
•at the end of each fiscal quarter, a total net leverage ratio (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility) for the four quarters then ended of not more than: 4.00 to 1.00 for each quarter ended in 2022 and through June 30, 2023; 3.75 to 1.00 for each quarter ending June 30,
2023 through March 31, 2024; and 3.50 to 1.00 for each quarter ending June 30, 2024 or thereafter;
•at the end of each fiscal quarter, an interest coverage ratio (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility) for the four quarters then ended of not less than 3.00 to 1.00.
In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility contains customary financial and non-financial covenants limiting, among other things, mergers and acquisitions; investments, loans, and advances; affiliate transactions; changes to capital structure and the business; additional indebtedness; additional liens; the payment of dividends; and the sale of assets, in each case, subject to certain customary exceptions. The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including payment
defaults, breaches of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, defaults under other material debt, events of bankruptcy and insolvency, failure of any guaranty or security document supporting the Revolving Credit Facility to be in full force and effect, and a change of control of our business. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility as of December 31, 2023.
The $30.0 million increase in cash provided by operating activities period over period, as shown in the table above, was due to a $44.1 million decline in cash usage from changes in operating assets and liabilities (“working capital”), partially offset by an increase in cash usage of $14.1 million
from changes in net income (loss) after non-cash adjustments, primarily driven by the impacts related to the goodwill and intangible asset impairments and the related impacts to deferred income taxes.
The increase in cash provided by working capital was primarily due to:
•a $59.1 million increase in cash provided by changes in inventory as a result of a higher inventory balance at the beginning of 2023 than the prior year, resulting in fewer inventory purchases in 2023, as well as a reduction in replenishment of inventory exiting the year in line with management’s focus on reducing on-hand inventory;
•a $6.9 million increase in cash provided by changes in accounts payable as a result of an increase in accrued advertising and marketing costs in 2023.
•a
$10.4 million increase in cash used in changes in accounts receivable as a result of the larger volume of wholesale sales through our key strategic retailers and our wholesale network towards the end of 2023 compared to the end of 2022; and
•the remaining changes to working capital were deemed immaterial to disclose separately.
Investing activities
The $43.1 million increase in cash used in investing activities, as shown in the table above, was primarily due to a $33.8 million increase in cash used in acquisition activity in 2023 compared to the prior year related to the 2023 acquisitions. Additionally, cash usage for contingent consideration increased by $9.4 million due to earnout payments for the 2023 acquisitions.
Financing activities
The
$10.7 million increase in cash provided by financing activities, as shown in the table above, was primarily due to a $50.6 million increase in cash provided by net debt activities, partially offset by a $37.0 million increase in cash used in the repurchase of the Company’s Class A common stock, of which $31.2 million was subsequently retired and the remainder utilized as a portion of the contingent consideration payments related to the 2023 acquisitions, and a $2.2 million increase in cash used in distributions to non-controlling interests.
Contractual Obligations
Our material cash commitments from known contractual and other obligations primarily
consist of obligations for long-term debt and related interest, leases for properties and equipment and purchase obligations as part of normal operations. See Note 11, Long-Term Debt, in Item 8 of this Annual Report for more information regarding scheduled maturities of our long-term debt. See Note 13, Leases, in Item 8 of this Annual Report for additional information on leases. Interest payable on our long-term debt is expected to be $6.4 million due in the twelve months following December 31, 2023 and $7.8 million due thereafter.
As of December 31, 2023, we had a purchase commitment to purchase $30.0 million of advertising services in 2024 and $67.5 million thereafter, with a minimum required payment of $10.3 million in 2024 and $16.2 million thereafter. In addition, we had a contractual obligation of $2.7
million, due in full in 2024, with a prominent influencer for marketing and consulting services. These purchase obligations include all enforceable, legally binding agreements to purchase goods or services that specify all significant terms, regardless of the duration of the agreement, and exclude agreements with variable terms for which we are unable to estimate the minimum amounts.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, we make estimates and judgments
that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We re-evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis. Our estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Because of the uncertainty inherent in these matters, actual results may differ from these estimates and could differ based upon other assumptions or conditions.
See Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, to the
consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information about our significant accounting policies, including our critical accounting policies. The critical accounting estimates that reflect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements include those noted below. Within the context of these critical accounting estimates, we are not currently aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstances that would result in materially different amounts being reported.
Revenue Recognition
We primarily engage in direct-to-consumer transactions, which are comprised of product sales directly from our brands’ websites, through
Amazon, and from our retail locations. We also sell products via business-to-business transactions, which are comprised of sales to retailers, including where possession of our products is taken and sold by the retailer in-store or online. These revenue transactions typically comprise a single performance obligation satisfied through the transfer of control of promised goods to the customers, based on the terms of sale. The transfer of control typically occurs at a point in time based on consideration of when the customer has an obligation to pay for the goods, and physical possession of, legal title to, and risk and rewards of ownership has been transferred, and the customer has accepted the goods.
There are no significant extended payment terms with our customers. Payment is due at the time of sale for our direct-to-consumer transactions. Our business-to-business customers’ payment terms vary depending on
creditworthiness and the contract terms with each retailer, but the most common is net 30 or net 60 days.
Revenue is recognized for the amount of consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods to a customer. The consideration promised in a contract with a customer includes fixed and variable amounts. The fixed amount of consideration is the standalone selling price of the goods sold. Variable considerations, including cash discounts, rebates and sales incentives programs, are deducted from gross sales in determining net sales at the time revenues are recorded. Variable considerations also include the portion of goods that are expected to be returned and refunded. Any consideration
received (or receivable) that we expect to refund to the customer is recognized as a refund liability. We determine these estimates based on historical experience and trends. The actual amount of customer returns and refunds may differ from our estimates. We elected to account for shipping costs as fulfillment activities, and not as separate performance obligations. Net sales include shipping costs charged to the customer with the related shipping expense recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses when the revenue is recognized. Sales taxes collected from customers are excluded from net sales, which are remitted to government authorities.
Inventory
Inventories, consisting primarily of finished goods are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using an average costing method, calculated using the
weighted average method. Our inventory balances include all costs incurred to deliver inventory to our distribution facilities, such as inbound freight, import duties and tariffs. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. We make ongoing estimates relating to the net realizable value of inventories based upon our assumptions about future demand and market conditions. As a result, we have not recorded any write-downs to inventory below cost, except as it relates to obsolete or slow-moving inventory. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional write-downs may be required. If actual market conditions are more favorable than anticipated, inventory previously written down may be sold to customers, resulting in lower cost of sales and higher income from operations than expected in that period.
Income
Taxes
In determining the provision for income taxes for financial statement purposes, we make estimates and judgments which affect our evaluation of the carrying value of our deferred tax assets as well as our calculation of certain tax liabilities. We evaluate the carrying value of our deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis. In completing this evaluation, we consider all available positive and negative evidence. Such evidence includes historical operating results, the existence of cumulative earnings and losses in the most recent fiscal years, taxable income in prior carryback year(s) if permitted under the tax law, expectations for future pre-tax operating income, the time period over which our temporary differences will reverse, and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. Estimating future taxable income is inherently uncertain and requires judgment. In projecting future taxable
income, we consider our historical results and incorporate certain assumptions, including projected revenue growth, and operating margins, among others. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of this evidence, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods.
During the quarter ended September 30, 2023, the Company concluded, based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence, that all of the partnership deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized. As a result, the remaining valuation allowance on the partnership deferred tax assets was released.
We have recorded
a valuation allowance against Oru’s deferred tax assets resulting from the impairment of Oru's book goodwill and intangible assets, as discussed below, resulting in a net deferred tax asset for the Oru consolidated group. Solo Brands, Inc. evaluated and concluded that as of December 31, 2023, we had $1.4 million of deferred tax assets, net of $0.8 million of valuation allowances. We expect to realize future tax benefits related to the utilization of these assets. However, since future financial results may differ from previous estimates, periodic adjustments to our valuation allowances may be necessary. If we determine in the future that we will not be able to fully utilize all or part of these deferred tax assets, we would record a valuation allowance through earnings in the period the determination was made, which would have an adverse effect on our results of operations and earnings in future periods.
Goodwill is determined based upon the excess enterprise value over the estimated fair value of assets and liabilities assumed at acquisition date and is recorded at its estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. See Note 9, Goodwill, for further details regarding our goodwill balance and accumulated impairment losses.
In the second quarter of 2022, we identified triggering events indicating the fair value of one or more of the reporting units more likely than not did not exceed their carrying values. The triggering events included: (1) adverse equity market conditions resulting in a sustained decline in our stock price subsequent to the issuance of our first quarter 2022 results on Form 10-Q and (2) weakened demand for
the ISLE reporting unit’s products resulting in a lower near-term forecast of future operating results. As a result, we performed an interim quantitative goodwill impairment test for all of our reporting units and recorded a $27.9 million goodwill impairment charge related to the ISLE reporting unit, which has $1.7 million of remaining goodwill after the impairment. The results of the interim quantitative test did not result in a goodwill impairment for the other reporting units. As determined by the results of our interim test, the fair value of the remaining reporting units exceeded their carrying values by greater than 10%. The impairment charge was recorded to impairment charges on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
In the third quarter of 2023, the Company identified a triggering
event indicating the fair value of one or more of the Company’s reporting units more likely than not did not exceed their carrying values. The triggering event was an adverse change in the plan for each brand approved by the board of directors, resulting in a lower near-term forecast of future operating results. As a result, the Company performed an interim quantitative goodwill impairment test for all of its reporting units and determined that the fair value exceeded the carrying value for each reporting unit. Based on the results of the quantitative interim goodwill impairment test in the third quarter of 2023, the calculated fair values of the Solo Stove, Chubbies and ISLE reporting units exceeded their book values by more than 10% and no additional testing was necessary. For the Oru reporting
unit, the fair value exceeded the book value by less than 5%. As a result of the identified fair value in excess of the carrying values of the respective reporting units as of September 30, 2023, there were no impairment charges recognized.
Per our accounting policy in Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, we completed our annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2023. Due to the proximity of the quantitative analysis performed as of the third quarter of 2023, we performed a qualitative analysis of our goodwill and determined that there were no indicators of impairment. This assessment was made based on relevant information, including applicable facts and circumstances, known as of the goodwill impairment assessment date. As a result of the non-persistent nature of the triggering event identified
in the third quarter of 2023 and the lack of impairment indicators identified through the qualitative assessment performed, as of October 1, 2023, we determined it was more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units exceeded their carrying values and, as such, we did not record goodwill impairment for our reporting units.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, subsequent to our annual goodwill impairment analysis, we identified goodwill impairment indicators indicating the fair value of one or more of our reporting units more likely than not did not exceed their carrying values. The goodwill impairment indicators observed were as follows:
•A significant decline in performance of the Solo Stove and ISLE reporting units in comparison to previous forecasts
for the fourth quarter of 2023;
•Changes in management, with the departure of the CFO in the fourth quarter of 2023 and release and replacement of the CEO after year end December 31, 2023, however, in relative proximity to the fourth quarter of 2023. This change in management resulted in a shift of investment within each of our brands, inclusive of a reduction in investment for Oru; and
•A significant decline in share price of the Company’s Class A common stock after year end December 31, 2023, however, in relative proximity to the fourth quarter of 2023.
As a result of the goodwill impairment
indicators noted above, we determined it appropriate to perform an interim quantitative goodwill impairment test for all of our reporting units as of December 31, 2023.
For the quantitative goodwill impairment analysis performed as of December 31, 2023, we estimated the fair value of the reporting units using a weighting of fair values derived from the income and market approaches, where comparable market data was available. Under the income approach, we determined the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Cash flow projections were based on management’s estimates of revenue growth rates and operating margins, EBITDA margins, consideration of industry and market conditions, terminal growth rates and management’s estimates of working capital requirements. The
discount rate for each reporting unit was based on a weighted average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with the characteristics of each reporting unit and its estimated cash flows, which ranged from 16.0% to 19.9%. Under the market approach, we utilized a combination of methods, including estimates of fair value based on: (1) market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from comparable publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit and (2) pricing multiples derived from recent merger and acquisition transactions of comparable publicly-traded companies.
As a result of the quantitative goodwill impairment test performed as of December 31, 2023, we determined that the carrying amounts of the Solo Stove, Oru and ISLE reporting units exceeded their fair values and goodwill impairment
charges were recognized at each. The remaining reporting units were determined to have fair values exceeding their book values by more than 10%. The following table presents the goodwill impairment charges and remaining goodwill by reporting unit:
The
impairment was driven by the significant decline in performance of the Solo Stove, Oru and ISLE reporting units in comparison to previous forecasts primarily due to lower net sales resulting from new product launches that were not as successful as those in the prior year, coupled with less effective marketing campaigns, as well as the decline in market capitalization driven by the decline in share price. The impairment charges were recorded to impairment charges on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
The fair value determination of our reporting units and our goodwill is judgmental in nature and requires the use of estimates and assumptions that are sensitive to changes. Assumptions include estimation of the estimation of future revenue and projected margins, which are dependent on internal cash flow forecasts, estimation of the terminal growth rates and capital spending,
and determination of discount rates. Some of the inherent estimates and assumptions used in determining fair value of the reporting units are outside the control of management, including interest rates, cost of capital, tax rates, market EBITDA comparables and credit ratings. While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and assumptions to calculate the fair value of the reporting units, it is possible a material change could occur. As a result, there can be no assurance that the estimates and assumptions made for purposes of the quantitative goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible impairment tests will prove to be an accurate prediction of future results.
The future occurrence of a potential indicator of impairment could include matters such as: a decrease in expected net earnings, a further decline in equity market conditions, a decline in comparable market multiples, a continued and sustained decline
in our common stock price, a significant adverse change in legal factors or the general business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, and a significant downturn in demand for products offered by us. In the event of significant adverse changes of the nature described above, it may be necessary for us to recognize a non-cash impairment of goodwill, which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated business, results of operations and financial condition.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are comprised of brands, trademarks, customer relationships, developed technology and patents and are recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Acquired definite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. See
Note 8, Intangible Assets, net in Item 8 of this Annual Report, for further details regarding intangible asset balances and related accumulated amortization and impairment losses.
We evaluate the carrying value of definite-lived intangible assets whenever a change in circumstances indicates that the net carrying value may not be recoverable from the undiscounted future cash flows from operations. Events or circumstances that could trigger an impairment review of a long-lived asset or asset group include, but are not limited to: (i) a significant decrease in the market price of the asset, (ii) a significant adverse change in the extent or manner that the asset is used or in its physical condition, (iii) a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate that could affect the value of the asset, (iv) an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of original expectation for the acquisition
or construction of the asset, (v) a current period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a forecast of continuing losses associated with the use of the asset and (vi) a more-likely-than-not expectation that the asset will be sold or disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. If an impairment exists, the net carrying values are reduced to fair values. The estimates of undiscounted future cash flows used during an impairment review of a long-lived asset or asset group require judgments and assumptions of future cash flows that are expected to arise as a direct result of the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group. If these assets were for sale, our estimates of their values could be significantly different because of market conditions, specific transaction terms and a buyer's perspective on future cash flows.
As
a result of the identification of triggering events to perform an interim quantitative goodwill impairment test in the second quarter of 2022, we first considered the extent to which the adverse events and circumstances identified could affect the reporting units’ carrying amounts. We observed weakened paddleboard sales resulting in a lower near-term forecast of future operating results, which constituted a triggering event for one of our held and used long-lived asset groups primarily consisting of the ISLE trademark. We reviewed the undiscounted future cash flows for the identified long-lived asset group, and the results of the analysis indicated the carrying amount for the long-lived asset group was not expected to be recovered. The fair value of the trademark intangible was estimated using the relief-from-royalty method under the income approach, based on the following significant assumptions: management’s estimates of future net sales for the long-lived asset group,
the royalty rate and the weighted average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with the characteristics of the long-lived asset group, and we recorded a $30.6 million impairment charge. This impairment charge was recorded to impairment charges on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). There were no impairment charges recognized through September 30, 2023.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, as a result of the Company’s identification of triggering events requiring the Company to perform an interim quantitative goodwill impairment test (see Note 9, Goodwill for more information), the
Company first considered the extent to which the adverse events and circumstances identified could affect the Company’s held and used long-lived asset groups. The Company observed the following triggering events for the Company’s held and used long-lived asset groups:
•A significant decline in performance of the Solo Stove and ISLE reporting units in comparison to previous forecasts for the fourth quarter of 2023;
•Changes in management, with the departure of the CFO in the fourth quarter of 2023 and release and replacement of the CEO after year end December 31, 2023, however, in relative proximity to the fourth quarter of 2023. This change in management resulted in a shift of investment within each of our brands, inclusive of a reduction in investment for Oru; and
•A significant decline in share price of the Company’s Class A common stock after year end December 31, 2023, however, in relative proximity to the fourth quarter of 2023.
As a result of
the identified triggering events, the Company reviewed the undiscounted future cash flows for the identified long-lived asset groups, and the results of the analysis indicated the carrying amounts for the long-lived asset groups of Oru and ISLE were not expected to be recovered. The Company estimated the fair value of the asset group of both Oru and ISLE and determined that other than the intangible asset(s), the remaining assets were materially stated at their relative fair values. The fair value of both the Oru and ISLE reporting units and determined to be at or below the carrying value of the goodwill and intangible asset(s) recorded at each reporting unit. As such, the Company fully impaired the intangible
asset(s) of the Oru and ISLE reporting units as of December 31, 2023.
The Company recorded an aggregate $13.4 million impairment charge to the intangible assets of Oru and a $0.8 million impairment charge to the Trademark intangible asset of ISLE as of December 31, 2023. These impairment charges were recorded to impairment charges on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). As a result of this impairment charge, the Company also reassessed the useful life of the intangible assets of Oru and ISLE. As of December 31, 2023, there was no further value attributed
to the intangible assets of Oru or ISLE, resulting in the useful lives of the intangible assets for both reporting units being fully depleted. This change does not have a material impact to amortization expense in any future year.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a description of recent accounting pronouncements, see “Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements” and “Recently Issued Accounting Standards—Not Yet Adopted” in Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
JOBS Act
We currently qualify as an “emerging growth company” under the Jumpstart
Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. Accordingly, we are provided the option to adopt new or revised accounting guidance either (i) within the same periods as those otherwise applicable to non-emerging growth companies or (ii) within the same time periods as private companies. We have elected to adopt new or revised accounting guidance within the same time period as private companies, unless management determines it is preferable to take advantage of early adoption provisions offered within the applicable guidance. Our utilization of these transition periods may make it difficult to compare our financial statements to those of non-emerging growth companies and other emerging growth companies that have opted out of the transition periods afforded under the JOBS Act.
Item 7A. Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to market risks in the ordinary course of our business. Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. Our market risk exposure is primarily the result of fluctuations in interest rates.
Interest Rate Risk
In order to maintain liquidity and fund business operations, we have a long-term credit facility and separate term loan that bear variable interest rates based on prime, federal funds, or SOFR plus an applicable margin based on our total net leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2023, we had indebtedness of $60.0 million and $91.3 million, with annualized rates of interest of 6.59% and
6.49%, under our Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan, respectively. The nature and amount of our long-term debt can be expected to vary as a result of future business requirements, market conditions, and other factors. We may elect to enter into interest rate swap contracts to reduce the impact associated with interest rate fluctuations, but as of December 31, 2023, we have not entered into any such contracts. A 100 bps increase in SOFR would increase our interest expense by approximately $1.5 million in any given year.
Inflation Risk
Inflationary factors such as increases in the cost of our product and overhead
costs may adversely affect our operating results. Although we do not believe that inflation has had a material impact on our financial position or results of operations to date, a high rate of inflation in the future may have an adverse effect on our ability to maintain current levels of gross margin and SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales, if the selling prices of our products do not increase with these increased costs.
Commodity Price Risk
The primary raw materials and components used by our contract manufacturing partners include stainless steel and aluminum. We believe these materials are readily available from multiple vendors. Certain of these products use petroleum or natural gas as inputs. However, we do not believe there is a significant
direct correlation between petroleum or natural gas prices and the costs of our products.
Our international sales are primarily denominated in local currencies. During 2023 and 2022, net sales in international markets accounted for 6.0% and 7.1% of our consolidated revenues, respectively. Therefore, we do not believe exposure to foreign currency fluctuations has had a material impact on our net sales. A portion of our operating expenses are
incurred outside the Unites States and are denominated in foreign currencies, which are also subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, our suppliers may incur many costs, including labor costs, in other currencies. To the extent that exchange rates move unfavorably for our suppliers, they may seek to pass these additional costs on to us, which could have a material impact on our gross margin. In addition, a strengthening of the U.S. dollar may increase the cost of our products to our customers outside of the United States. Our operating results and cash flows are, therefore, subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. A 100 bps unfavorable change in foreign currency exchange rates to which we are exposed would increase our operating expenses by approximately $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Solo Brands, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Solo Brands, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and equity for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Class
A common stock, par value $ii0.001/ per share; i468,767,205
shares authorized, ii57,947,711/ shares issued and outstanding; i475,000,000
authorized, ii63,651,051/ issued and outstanding
i58
i64
Class
B common stock, par value $ii0.001/ per share; i50,000,000
shares authorized, ii33,047,780/ shares issued and outstanding; i50,000,000
shares authorized, ii32,157,983/ issued and outstanding
NOTE 1 – iOrganization and Description of Business
Description of Business
Solo
Brands, Inc. (“Company” or “Solo Brands”), through a majority-owned subsidiary, Solo Stove Holdings, LLC (“Holdings”), operates six premium brands—Solo Stove, Oru Kayak, Inc. (“Oru”), International Surf Ventures, Inc. (“ISLE”), Chubbies, Inc. (“Chubbies”), Sconberg, LLC (“TerraFlame”) and IcyBreeze Cooling, LLC (“IcyBreeze”). Solo Stove offers portable, low-smoke fire pits, grills, and camping stoves for backyard and outdoor use in different sizes, fire pit bundles, gear kits, stoves, cookware, dinnerware, and a variety of clothing and accessories. Oru offers a flagship line of lightweight, foldable kayaks. ISLE produces high-quality stand-up paddle boards with colorful designs that are engineered to accommodate every skill level, style, and interest. Chubbies is a fun-loving, premium apparel brand that offers well-fitted comfortable clothing with unique style. TerraFlame provides customers the ability to bring
the fire inside with a indoor fire pit. IcyBreeze offers the next level of outdoor comfort with portable air conditioners for use when weather conditions do not favor a fire. Solo Brands distributes its products through individual brand websites and other partners across North America, Europe and Australia.
Organization
Solo Brands, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware on June 23, 2021 for the purpose of facilitating an initial public offering and other related transactions in order to carry on the Company’s business. On October 28, 2021, Solo Brands, Inc. completed
its initial public offering of i14,838,708 shares of Class A common stock.
In connection with the IPO, the organizational structure was converted to an umbrella partnership-C-Corporation with Solo Brands, Inc. having a controlling equity interest in Holdings. The Reorganization Transactions were accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control. As the sole managing member, Solo Brands, Inc. operates and controls all of the business and affairs and, through Holdings and its subsidiaries,
conducts the business. Solo Brands, Inc. consolidates Holdings in its consolidated financial statements and reports a non-controlling interest related to the common units held by the Continuing LLC Owners on its audited consolidated financial statements.
Holdings was formed as a single-member limited liability company in the state of Delaware on October 6, 2020. Through a wholly-owned subsidiary, pursuant to the securities purchase agreement (the “2020 Agreement”) dated October 9, 2020, Holdings acquired i100%
percent of the outstanding units of Solo Brands, LLC (previously Frontline Advance, LLC dba Solo Stove).
While operating as a limited liability company from 2011 to 2019, Solo Brands, LLC had itwo owners, or the Founders, which together owned i100%
of the outstanding membership interest. Pursuant to the membership interest purchase agreement (“the 2019 Agreement”) dated September 24, 2019, SS Acquisitions, Inc. (which was majority-owned by Bertram Capital) acquired i66.74% of the total Class A-1 and Class A-2 units of Solo Brands, LLC from the Founders. The remaining interests were retained by the Founders and other employees who acquired interest as part of the 2019 Agreement.
For
all periods, the operations of the Company are conducted through Solo Brands, LLC. As a result of the 2020 Agreement, Solo Brands, LLC became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings. In exchange, Holdings issued Class A and B units, through which Summit Partners Growth Equity Funds, Summit Partners Subordinated Debt Funds, and Summit Investors X Funds (collectively, the “Summit Partners”) acquired an effective i58.82%
percent of Holdings. The remaining units were retained by the Founders, SS Acquisitions, Inc., and other employees (collectively, the “Continuing LLC Owners”).
Basis of Presentation
iThe consolidated financial statements contained herein have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The consolidated financial statements include those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries
and the entity consolidated under the variable interest entity model. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period amounts have been conformed to the current period’s presentation.
NOTE 2 – iSignificant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
iThe
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. For our consolidated non-wholly owned subsidiaries, a noncontrolling interest is recognized to reflect the portion of income and equity that is not attributable to the Company.
Use of Estimates
i
The
preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses during the reporting period and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the consolidated financial statements. Estimates and assumptions about future events and their effects cannot be made with certainty. Estimates may change as new events occur when additional information becomes available and if our operating environment changes.
Actual results could differ from our estimates.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
i
The Company extends trade credit to its business-to-business customers on terms that generally are practiced in the industry. The Company periodically performs credit analyses and monitors the financial condition of its customers to reduce credit risk. The
Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers, but generally does not require collateral to support accounts receivable. Accounts receivable mostly consist of amounts due from our business-to-business customers.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Costco accounted for i24.2% and i19.0%,
respectively, of the Company’s total outstanding accounts receivable. For the year ended December 31, 2022, Costco accounted for i42.5% of the Company’s total outstanding accounts receivable. There are no other significant concentrations of receivables that represent a significant credit risk.
For the years ended December
31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, no single customer accounted for more than 10% of total net sales.
The Company is exposed to risk due to the concentration of business activity with certain third-party manufacturers of our products. The majority of the camp stoves and fire pits are currently made in China by itwo manufacturers, with additional manufacturing and available capacity between
itwo separate manufacturers in China. Further, limited manufacturing occurs in India and Vietnam. The kayaks were made by ione manufacturer in Mexico and the kayak accessories are made between a variety of manufacturers in China and Vietnam. The majority of
the stand up paddle boards and paddle board accessories are currently made in China between a number of manufacturers, with an additional manufacturer in Vietnam. The majority of the casual wear, sportwear, swimwear, outerwear, loungewear, and other accessories are currently made in Vietnam between a variety of manufacturers, with additional manufacturers in India, China, and the United States. The indoor fire and decor products acquired in 2023 are made by ione manufacturer in Mexico. The portable air conditioning coolers are assembled in-house with components made in China by itwo
manufacturers, Cambodia by ione manufacturer and in the United States by ithree manufacturers.
Segment Information
i
The
Company’s CEO, as the chief operating decision-maker, organizes the Company, manages resource allocations, and measures performance on the basis of ione operating segment. We report the Company’s operations as a single reportable segment and manage the business as a single-brand outdoor consumer products business. This is supported by the operational structure of the
Company, which includes marketing, distribution, information technology, accounting and finance, human resources, payroll and legal functions focused on the entire product suite rather than individual product categories. The chief operating decision maker does not regularly review financial information for individual product categories, sales channels, or geographic regions that would allow decisions to be made about the allocation of resources or performance.
/
Fair Value Measurements
i
Accounting
standards require certain assets and liabilities to be reported at fair value in the consolidated financial statements and provide a framework for establishing that fair value. The framework for determining fair value is based on a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value.
Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access.
Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs use other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly. These Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and other inputs, such as interest rates and yield curves, that are observable at commonly
quoted intervals.
Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs, including inputs that are available in situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the related asset or liability. These Level 3 fair value measurements are based primarily on management’s own estimates using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques taking into account the characteristics of the asset or liability.
In instances whereby inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels in the above fair value hierarchy, fair value measurements in their entirety are categorized based on the lowest level input that is significant to the valuation. The Company’s assessment of the significance of particular inputs to these
fair value measurements requires judgment and considers factors specific to each asset or liability.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
i
The Company considers all investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist principally of bank deposits and overnight sweep accounts. The
Company continually monitors its position with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions with which it invests. The Company has maintained bank balances in excess of federally insured limits. We have
not historically experienced any losses in such accounts.
Accounts Receivable, net
i
Accounts
receivable, net consist of amounts due to the Company from retailers and direct-to-corporate customers, as well as receivables from the credit card and payment application services used by the Company. Accounts receivable, net are recorded at invoiced amounts, less contractual allowances for trade terms, sales incentive programs, and discounts. The Company maintains an allowance for expected credit losses, which is determined based on a review of specific customer accounts where the collection is doubtful, as well as an assessment of the collectability of receivable of customer groups that share similar risk characteristics. This assessment is based on historical and anticipated trends, existing and forecasted
economic conditions and other factors. All accounts are subject to an ongoing review of ultimate collectability. Receivables are written off against the allowance when it is probable the amounts will not be recovered.
Bad debt expense is recorded to selling, general, & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Bad debt expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $i0.3 million,
$i1.3 million, and $i0.3 million, respectively.
Inventory
iInventories,
consisting primarily of finished goods are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using an average costing method, calculated using the weighted average method. Our inventory balances include all costs incurred to deliver inventory to our distribution facilities, such as inbound freight, import duties and tariffs. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. We make ongoing estimates relating to the net realizable value of inventories based upon our assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Obsolete or slow-moving inventory is written down to estimated net realizable value. Acquired inventory is fair valued using a mix of cost, comparative sales and market approaches.
Inventory obsolescence expense is recorded to cost of
goods sold on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) and was i2.0 million and iinominal/
for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 respectively
Property and Equipment, net
i
Property and equipment acquired through acquisitions (as described in Note 4, Acquisitions) are recorded at estimated fair value as of that date using a mix of cost, comparative sales and market approaches. Property and equipment acquired subsequent to acquisitions are recorded at cost, net of accumulated depreciation.
Costs of maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred. When property and equipment are sold or disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation is written off, and a gain or loss, if applicable, is recorded. The Company reviews property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Property and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. iThe useful lives for property and equipment are as follows:
Useful
Life
Computers, software, and other equipment
i3 Years
Machinery
i5 - i10
Years
Leasehold improvements
Shorter of lease term or i10 Years
Furniture and fixtures
i5 Years
Buildings
i29
- i40 Years
/
Goodwill
i
Goodwill is determined
based upon the excess enterprise value over the estimated fair value of assets and liabilities assumed and is recorded at its estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. The Company reviews goodwill at the reporting unit level, which is one level below the operating segment, for impairment annually on October 1st of each fiscal year and on an interim basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the fair value of such assets may be below their carrying value.
Intangible Assets, net
Intangible assets are comprised of brands, trademarks, developed technology, customer relationships, patents and proprietary software and are recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Acquired
definite-lived intangible assets are valued using an excess earnings method for customer related intangibles and a relief from royalty method for tradenames and patents, and intangibles subject to amortization are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
In addition, external legal costs incurred in the defense of our trademarks and patents are capitalized when we believe that the future economic benefit of the intangible asset will be increased, and a successful defense is probable. In the event of a successful defense, the settlements received are netted against the external legal costs that were capitalized. Capitalized trademark and patent defense costs are amortized over the remaining useful life of the asset. Where the defense of the trademark or patent maintains rather than increases the expected future economic benefits from the asset, the costs would
generally be expensed as incurred. The external legal costs incurred and settlements received may not occur in the same period.
The useful lives for intangible assets subject
to amortization are as follows:
Useful Life
Brand
i10-i15
Years
Trademarks
i5-i15 Years
Customer relationships
i6-i15
Years
Developed technology
i6 Years
Patents
i8-i10
Years
Proprietary software
i3 Years
/
Debt Issuance Costs
i
Debt
issuance costs incurred by the Company in connection with obtaining debt are recorded on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability. The costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related debt and reported as a component of interest expense, net.
Leases
i
The Company leases space for warehouses, stores and corporate space under
operating leases expiring at various times through 2029. The Company also leases warehouse picking robots under financing leases. The Company accounts for leases in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 842, Leases. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception of a contract if the terms state the Company has the right to direct the use of, and obtain substantially all the economic benefits from, a specific asset identified in the contract.
Right-Of-Use Asset (“ROU”)
The ROU assets represent the Company's right to use the underlying assets for the lease term, and the lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the leases. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments to be made over the lease term. The Company records its operating ROU assets in operating lease right-of-use assets, its current operating lease liabilities in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and its non-current operating lease liabilities in operating lease liabilities. The
Company records its finance ROU assets in other non-current assets, its current finance lease liabilities in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and its non-current finance lease liabilities in other non-current liabilities.
Operating lease ROU assets are amortized on a straight-line basis and included within selling, general and administrative expense, along with the lease expense for the lease liability. Finance lease ROU assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and included in depreciation and amortization expenses, while interest expense on the finance lease liability is included in interest expense, net.
Certain of the Company's lease agreements contain options to extend the lease. The
Company evaluates these options on a lease-by-lease basis, and if the Company determines it is reasonably certain to be exercised, the lease term includes the extension. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate at lease commencement to determine the present value of lease payments, and lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest the Company could borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term with similar payments. The Company does not record leases with an initial term of twelve months or less (“short-term
leases”).
Certain of the Company's lease agreements include payments for certain variable costs not determinable upon lease commencement, including common area maintenance, utilities, property taxes and inflation adjustments, as well as fixed payments for non-lease components, including common area maintenance. These variable and fixed lease payments are recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses, but are not included in the ROU asset or lease liability balances. The Company's lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees, restrictions or covenants.
Variable Interest Entities
iThe
Company evaluates its ownership, contractual and other interests in entities to determine if it has a variable interest in an entity and if it is the primary beneficiary. These evaluations are complex and involve judgment and the use of estimates and assumptions based on available historical and prospective information, among other factors. If the Company determines that entities for which the Company holds a contractual or ownership interest in are variable interest entities ("VIE") and that the Company is the primary beneficiary, the Company consolidates such entities in the consolidated financial statements. The
primary beneficiary of a VIE is the party that meets both of the following criteria: (1) has the power to make decisions that most significantly affect the economic performance of the VIE and (2) has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that in either case could potentially be significant to the VIE. Periodically, the Company determines whether any changes in the interest or relationship with the entity impacts the determination of whether the Company is still the primary beneficiary. If the Company is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary in a VIE, the Company accounts for the investment or other
variable interests in a VIE in accordance with applicable GAAP.
The
Company primarily engages in direct-to-consumer transactions, which are comprised of product sales directly from the Company’s website, and business-to-business transactions, or wholesale, which are comprised of product sales to retailers, including where possession of the Company’s products is taken and sold by the retailer in-store or online. These revenue transactions comprise a single performance obligation satisfied through the transfer of control of promised goods to the customers, based on the terms of sale. The transfer of control typically occurs at a point in time based on consideration of when the customer has an obligation to pay for the goods, and physical possession
of, legal title to, and risk and rewards of ownership has been transferred, and the customer has accepted the goods.
For the Company’s direct-to-consumer and wholesale transactions, performance obligations are satisfied at the point of shipment. To determine the point in time at which a customer obtains control of a promised asset and the Company satisfies a performance obligation, the Company considered the following:
a.The Company has a present right to payment for the
asset
b.The customer has legal title to the asset
c.The Company has transferred physical possession of the asset
d.The customer has the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the asset
e.The customer has accepted the asset.
There are no significant extended payment terms with our customers. Payment is due at the time of sale on our website for our direct-to-consumer transactions. Business-to-business customers’ payment terms
vary depending on creditworthiness and the contract terms with each retailer, but the most common is net i30 or net i60 days.
Revenue is recognized
for the amount of consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods to a customer. The consideration promised in a contract with a customer includes fixed and variable amounts. The fixed amount of consideration is the stand-alone selling price of the goods sold. Variable considerations, including cash discounts, rebates, and sales incentive programs, are deducted from gross sales in determining net sales at the time revenues are recorded. Variable considerations also include the portion of goods that are expected to be returned and refunded. Any consideration received (or receivable) that the Company expects to refund to the customer is recognized as a refund
liability. We determine these estimates based on historical experience and trends. We elected to account for shipping costs as fulfillment activities, and not as separate performance obligations. Net sales include shipping costs charged to the customer with the related shipping expense recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses when the revenue is recognized. Sales taxes collected from customers are excluded from net sales, which are remitted to government authorities.
/
Sales Rebates, Returns and Allowances
Sales rebates are recorded when the Company initiates sales campaigns within the wholesale
network in order to maintain the margin requirements for our wholesale partners. Sales returns are recorded when the customer makes a return of a purchased product or when the customer agrees to keep a purchased product in return for a reduction in the selling price. The allowance for sales returns is established based on historical return rates and the Company’s analysis of macroeconomic conditions. These amounts are included in net sales on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Total sales returns and allowances were $i14.7 million,
$i14.8 million and $i11.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022
and 2021 respectively.
Total sales rebates were $i5.8 million, $i1.0 million and
a inominal amount for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 respectively.
Barter Arrangements
Barter transactions with commercial substance are recorded at the estimated fair value of the products exchanged, unless the products and/or services received have a more readily determinable estimated fair value.
Revenue associated with barter transactions is recorded upon shipment of the inventory consistent with the Company’s standard shipping terms.
Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue liabilities are recorded when the customer pays consideration, or the Company has a right to an amount of consideration that is unconditional before the transfer of a good to the customer and thus represents the Company’s obligation to transfer the good to the customer at a future date. The Company’s primary deferred revenue liabilities
are from its direct-to-consumer channel and represent payments received in advance from the Company’s customers for its products.
Cost of Goods Sold
i
Cost of goods sold includes the purchase cost of our products from our third-party manufacturers, inbound freight and duties, costs related to manufacturing of certain of our products, product quality testing and inspection costs. Cost of goods sold also includes depreciation on molds and
equipment that we own, allocated overhead and direct and indirect labor for warehouse personnel.
Shipping and Handling Costs
Costs associated with the shipping and handling of customer sales are expensed when the product ships to the customer. These costs are included in selling, general, & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Advertising Expense
iAdvertising
costs are deferred until the underlying advertisement is shown. These costs are included in selling, general, & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Advertising expense was $i96.9 million, $i93.4 million
and $i74.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Research and Development Expense
i
Research
and development costs consist of costs related to new product development, continued evolution of current products, tools and supplies related to new and current products and prototyping and testing. These costs are expensed as incurred and included in selling, general, & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Research and development expense was $i0.7 million, $i1.1 million
and $i0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Other Operating Expenses
iOther
operating expenses consist of costs incurred for the initial public offering, secondary offering completed in May 2023, acquisition-related expenses, business optimization and expansion expenses, management transition costs.
Income Taxes
i
The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to the asset and liability method which requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities related to the expected future tax consequences arising from temporary differences between the carrying
values and tax bases of assets and liabilities based on enacted statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Any effects of changes in income tax rates or laws are included in income tax expense (benefit) on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) in the period of enactment. A valuation allowance is recognized if the Company determines it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be recognized. In making such determination, the Company considers all available evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent and expected future results of operations.
As
a result of the Reorganization Transactions, Solo Brands, Inc. became the sole managing member of Holdings, which is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and most applicable state and local income tax purposes. As a partnership, Holdings is not subject to U.S. federal and certain state and local income taxes. Any taxable income or loss generated by Holdings is passed through to and included in the taxable income or loss of its members, including Solo Brands, Inc. following the Reorganization Transactions, on a pro rata basis. Solo Brands, Inc. is subject to U.S. federal income taxes, in addition to state and local income taxes with respect to its allocable share of any taxable income of Holdings following the Reorganization Transactions. The Company is also subject to taxes in foreign jurisdictions.
Oru Kayak, Inc.
and Chubbies, Inc., wholly owned subsidiaries of Holdings, are subject to federal and state income taxes on corporate earnings and accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.
In accordance with authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, the Company follows a more likely than not measurement methodology to reflect the financial statement impact of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For tax positions meeting the
more-likely-than-not threshold, the tax liability recognized in the consolidated financial statements is reduced by the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant taxing authority.
The Company files tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by federal, state, and local jurisdictions, where applicable. If such examinations result in changes to income or loss, the tax liability of the Company could be changed accordingly.
iThe Company warrants its products against manufacturing defects and will replace all products sold by an authorized retailer that are deemed defective. The Company does not warranty its products against normal wear or misuse. Historically, warranty claims have been nominal, and the Company
does not expect large warranty claims in the future. These costs are included in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
In the periods following the IPO, basic net income (loss) per Class A common stock is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per Class A common stock assumes conversion of potentially dilutive securities such as stock options, restricted stock units,
and performance stock units.
Equity-Based Compensation
i
The Company recognizes equity-based compensation expense for employees and non-employees based on the grant-date fair value of the award. Certain awards contain service and performance vesting conditions. The grant date fair values of restricted stock awards that contain service vesting conditions and performance stock awards that contain a performance target are estimated based on the fair value of the
underlying shares on the grant date. The Company uses a Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the fair value of stock options. This model requires various judgmental assumptions including volatility, the risk free rate, and expected term. For awards with market vesting conditions, the fair value is estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation model, which incorporates the likelihood of achieving the market condition. For service-based awards and performance-based awards that are considered probable of vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Equity-based compensation expense is recorded in the selling, general and administrative expense line item on the consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income (loss).
Recently
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
i
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU includes changes to the accounting and measurement of financial assets, including the Company’s accounts receivable, by requiring the
Company to recognize an allowance for all expected losses over the life of the financial asset at origination. Prior to adoption of this ASU, an allowance was not recognized until the losses were considered probable. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, deferring the effective date of ASU 2016-13 to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective transition approach to the beginning of the year of adoption. Based on the evaluation of potential financial statement impacts performed by management, the Company did not record an adjustment to opening retained earnings. The adoption of this standard is
not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Additionally, the Company modified its accounting policy to conform with the requirements of the adoption of this standard.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, an update that provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The optional guidance is provided to ease the potential burden of accounting for
reference rate reform. The guidance was effective as of March 12, 2020. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, deferring the date through which Topic 848 is available for contract modifications to December 31, 2024. Due to the forthcoming discontinuation of LIBOR and under the relief provided by Topic 848, the Company modified the terms of its Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan (as defined in the Company’s 2022 Form 10-K) by replacing references to LIBOR with references to the adjusted secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”). The adoption of Topic 848 and the related modification to the
agreements did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures. The Company did not have any other agreements or transactions that would be impacted by the adoption of Topic 848.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements - Not Yet Adopted
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts
with Customers. The ASU requires that an acquirer recognize and measure contract assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment
Disclosures. The ASU amended the existing segment reporting requirements by requiring disclosure of the significant segment expenses based on how management internally views segment information and by allowing the disclosure of more than one measure of segment profit or loss, as well as by expanding the interim period segment requirements. The ASU also requires single-reportable segment entities to report the disclosures required under Topic 280. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15,
2024. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, but will require certain additional disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, that requires presentation of specific categories of reconciling items, as well as reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold, in the reconciliation between the income tax provision and the income tax provision using statutory tax rates. The ASU also requires disclosure of income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction with separate disclosure of income taxes paid to individual jurisdictions that meet a quantitative threshold. The amendments
in this accounting standard are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, on a prospective basis. Early adoption and retrospective application are permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, but will require certain additional disclosures.
NOTE 3 – iRevenue
i
The
following table disaggregates our net sales by channel:
The following transactions were accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations as governed by ASC 805, Business Combinations.
2023 Acquisitions
TerraFlame
On May
1, 2023, Solo Brands, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings, entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement to acquire i100% of the voting equity interests in TerraFlame, that constitute a business for purposes of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations, for total purchase consideration of $i13.2 million,
of which $i5.5 million was cash paid at closing. The Company acquired TerraFlame to increase its brand and market share in the overall outdoor activities industry and penetrate the indoor fire and decor industry, as TerraFlame manufactures, markets, and sells fire features for both outdoor and indoor use.
The excess enterprise value of TerraFlame over the estimated fair value of assets and liabilities assumed was recorded as goodwill. Goodwill was recorded
to reflect the excess purchase consideration over net assets acquired, which represents the value that is expected to be achieved from expanding the Company’s product offerings and other synergies related to the acquisition of TerraFlame. The primary factor that contributed to the recognition of goodwill was the expected future revenue growth of TerraFlame. As of December 31, 2023, the purchase price accounting has been finalized.
i
The
following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed by the Company at the acquisition date:
Cash consideration to the seller
$
i5,456
Fair
value of the earnout liability
i2,617
Fair value of the post-closing payment liability
i5,125
Total
Purchase Consideration
$
i13,198
Cash
$
i286
Accounts
receivable
i421
Inventory
i1,413
Property
and equipment
i4,510
Prepaid expenses and other assets
i5
Intangible
assets
i5,600
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(i913)
Deferred
revenue
(i33)
Total identifiable net assets
i11,289
Goodwill
i1,909
Total
$
i13,198
/
Subsequent
to the acquisition date and as required by ASC 805, the contingent consideration recorded as part of the acquisition was remeasured as of December 31, 2023. As a result of this remeasurement, the earnout contingent consideration was reduced by $i2.6 million and the post-closing payment contingent consideration was increased by $i0.7
million. The impacts of the remeasurement were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2023.
Transaction related expenses incurred to date as a result of the acquisition of TerraFlame amounted to $i0.5 million and are recorded in other operating expenses within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Net
sales of TerraFlame included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) since the acquisition date for the years ended December 31, 2023 was $i4.5 million and net income for the same period was $i1.7 million.
IcyBreeze
On July 1, 2023, Solo Brands, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings, entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement to acquire i100% of the voting equity interests in IcyBreeze, which constitutes a business for purposes of ASC 805, for total purchase consideration of $i52.1 million.
Cash paid at closing was $i29.4 million, net of $i7.8 million in cash acquired. The Company acquired IcyBreeze to pair a seasonally complimentary in-demand
product in the outdoor activities industry to its current product portfolio, as IcyBreeze manufactures, markets, and sells portable air-conditioning products.
The excess enterprise value of IcyBreeze over the estimated fair value of assets and liabilities assumed was recorded as goodwill. Goodwill was recorded to reflect the excess purchase consideration over net assets acquired, which represents the value that is expected to be achieved from expanding the
Company’s product offerings and other synergies related to the acquisition of IcyBreeze. The primary factor that contributed to the recognition of goodwill was the expected future revenue growth of IcyBreeze. As of December 31, 2023, the purchase price accounting has been finalized.
The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed by the Company at the acquisition date:
Cash consideration to the seller
$
i37,180
Fair
value of the earnout liability
i14,897
Total Purchase Consideration
$
i52,077
Cash
$
i7,750
Inventory
i5,232
Property
and equipment
i4,187
Prepaid expenses and other assets
i26
Intangible
assets
i15,900
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(i711)
Deferred
revenue
(i159)
Total identifiable net assets
i32,225
Goodwill
i19,852
Total
$
i52,077
On
July 11, 2023, the parties to the acquisition, Solo Brands, LLC and IcyBreeze, entered into that certain First Amendment to Equity Purchase Agreement, that, among other things, revised the terms of the contingent consideration, resulting in an acceleration of the payment of the contingent consideration to the effective date for aggregate consideration of $i15.3 million, of which $i9.4 million
was paid in cash and the remaining $i5.9 million paid in shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. The difference between the fair value of the contingent consideration of $i14.9 million
and the payment amount of $i15.3 million was recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2023.
Transaction related expenses incurred to date as a result of the acquisition of IcyBreeze amounted to $i0.4 million
and are recorded in other operating expenses within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Net sales of IcyBreeze included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) since the acquisition date for the years ended December 31, 2023 was $i7.6 million
and net loss for the same period was $i2.8 million.
2021 Acquisitions
Oru
On May 3, 2021, Solo Brands, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings, acquired i60%
of the voting equity interests in Oru for total cash consideration of $i25.4 million. Additionally, the Company had the option to purchase the remaining i40%
upon a liquidity event, which it did on September 8, 2021 in exchange for i9.3 million Class B Units of Holdings. The exercise price of the option was equal to Oru’s last twelve months adjusted EBITDA times a predetermined multiple. The Company acquired Oru to increase its brand and market share in the overall outdoor activities industry, as Oru manufactures, markets, and sells
kayak boats and kayak accessories.
The excess enterprise value of Oru over the estimated fair value of assets and liabilities assumed was recorded as goodwill. Goodwill was recorded to reflect the excess purchase consideration over net assets acquired, which represents the value that is expected from expanding the Company’s product offerings and other synergies. Factors that contributed to the recognition of goodwill included the expected future revenue growth of Oru. iNone
of the goodwill recognized was expected to be deductible for tax purposes. A working capital settlement of $i0.2 million was paid during the first quarter of 2022 and purchase accounting has been finalized.
The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed by the Company at the acquisition date:
Acquisition-related
costs, which include legal, accounting, and valuation fees, totaled $i0.7 million in the Successor period for the year ended December 31, 2021, and were paid by the Company subsequent to the transaction date. These costs are included in other operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Net sales of Oru included in the
Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) since the acquisition date for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $i22.7 million, $i28.2 million
and $i19.9 million, respectively. Net loss for the 2023 period was $i30.6 million
and net income for the 2022 and 2021 periods was $i2.8 million and $i2.8 million,
respectively.
ISLE
On August 2, 2021, Solo Brands, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings, acquired i100% of the voting equity interests in ISLE for total consideration of cash paid of $i24.8
million and Class B units of $i16.5 million. The Company acquired ISLE to increase its brand and market share in the overall outdoor activities industry, as ISLE manufactures, markets, and sells stand up paddle boards and paddle board accessories.
The excess enterprise value of ISLE over the estimated fair value of assets and liabilities assumed was recorded as goodwill.
Goodwill was recorded to reflect the excess purchase consideration over net assets acquired, which represents the value that is expected from expanding the Company’s product offerings and other synergies. Factors that contributed to the recognition of goodwill included the expected future revenue growth of ISLE. iNone of the goodwill recognized was expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Purchase accounting has been
finalized.
The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed by the Company at the acquisition date:
Cash
$
i3,085
Accounts
receivable
i107
Inventory
i8,986
Property
and equipment
i110
Prepaid expenses and other assets
i60
Intangible
assets
i4,121
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(i4,697)
Total
identifiable net assets
i11,772
Goodwill
i29,564
Total
i41,336
Less:
fair value of class B units
(i16,494)
Less: cash acquired
(i3,085)
Total,
net of cash acquired
$
i21,757
Acquisition-related costs, which include legal, accounting, and valuation fees, totaled $i0.6 million
in the Successor period for the year ended December 31, 2021, and were paid by the Company subsequent to the transaction date. These costs are included in other operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Net sales of ISLE included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive
income (loss) since the acquisition date for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $i15.5 million, $i17.8 million
and $i5.4 million, respectively, and net loss for the same periods was $i4.6 million,
$i33.8 million and $i7.1 million,
respectively.
Chubbies
On September 1, 2021, Solo Brands, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings, acquired i100% of the voting equity interests in Chubbies for total consideration of cash paid of $i100.4
million and Class B units of $i29.1 million. The Company acquired Chubbies to increase its brand and market share in the overall outdoor activities industry, as Chubbies sells casual wear, sportwear, swimwear, outerwear, loungewear, and other accessories.
The excess enterprise value of Chubbies over the estimated fair value of assets and liabilities assumed was recorded
as goodwill. Goodwill was recorded to reflect the excess purchase consideration over net assets acquired, which represents the value that is expected from expanding the Company’s product offerings and other synergies. Factors that contributed to the recognition of goodwill included the expected future revenue growth of Chubbies. iNone of the goodwill recognized was expected to be deductible for tax purposes. A working
capital settlement of $i0.6 million was paid during the first quarter of 2022 and purchase accounting has been finalized.
The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed by the Company at the acquisition date:
Cash
$
i7,990
Accounts
receivable
i1,962
Inventory
i25,360
Property
and equipment
i401
Prepaid expenses and other assets
i893
Intangible
assets
i47,846
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(i15,011)
Deferred
revenue
(i392)
Deferred tax liability
(i12,095)
Other
non-current liabilities
(i12)
Total identifiable net assets
i56,942
Goodwill
i73,118
Total
i130,060
Less:
cash acquired
(i7,990)
Less: fair value of class B units
(i29,075)
Total,
net of cash acquired
$
i92,995
Acquisition-related costs, which include legal, accounting, and valuation fees, totaled $i1.6 million
in the Successor period for the year ended December 31, 2021, and were paid by the Company subsequent to the transaction date. These costs are included in other operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Net sales of Chubbies included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) since the acquisition date for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $i101.6 million,
$i89.3 million and $i16.4 million,
respectively. Net income for the 2023 period was $i9.1 million and net loss for the 2022 and 2021 periods was $i0.1 million
and $i8.1 million, respectively.
i
The table below summarizes the aggregate amount of net sales and
net income (loss) attributable to Solo Brands, Inc. for the 2021 and 2023 acquisitions for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. The amounts for the year ended December 31, 2021 are unaudited pro-forma amounts reflecting the amounts of net sales and net loss as if the significant acquisitions had occurred as of January 1, 2021.
Pro-forma net sales, if combined with the net sales of Solo Brands, Inc., for the year ended December 31, 2021 would have been $i483.3 million and pro-forma net income, if combined with the net income of Solo Brands, Inc., would have been $i48.5 million.
Depreciation
expense was $i4.1 million, $i3.3 million and $i0.7 million
for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Depreciation related to the tooling used to manufacture fire pits is included within cost of goods sold, rather than in depreciation and amortization expense, both of which are included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Depreciation for the tooling was $i0.8 million for the year ended December
31, 2023 and iinominal/ for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
The
Company capitalized $i0.6 million, $i0.5 million and $i0.4
million in software and website development costs during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Capitalized software and website development costs are included in property and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of capitalized software and website development casts was $i0.4
million, $i0.3 million and $i0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021,
respectively, and included in depreciation and amortization expenses on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
(1)
Includes impairment of trademark discussed below.
In the second quarter of 2022, as a result of the Company’s identification of triggering events to perform an interim quantitative goodwill impairment test (see Note 9, Goodwill for additional information), the Company first considered the extent to which the adverse events and circumstances identified could affect the reporting units’ carrying amounts. The Company observed weakened paddleboard sales resulting in a lower near-term forecast of future operating results, which constituted a triggering event for one of the
Company’s held and used long-lived asset groups primarily consisting of a trademark intangible asset. The Company reviewed the undiscounted future cash flows for the identified long-lived asset group, and the results of the analysis indicated the carrying amount for the long-lived asset group was not expected to be recovered. The Company estimated the fair value of the trademark intangible using the relief-from-royalty method under the income approach, based on the following significant assumptions: management’s estimates of future net sales for the long-lived asset group, the royalty rate and the weighted average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with the characteristics of the long-lived asset group. The fair value was then compared to the carrying value of the long-lived
asset group, and the Company recorded a $i2.7 million impairment charge to the trademark intangible asset at June 30, 2022. This impairment charge was recorded to impairment charges on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). As a result of this impairment charge, the Company also reassessed the useful life
of this trademark and revised it from ififteen years to ifive years. This change does not have a material impact to amortization expense in any future year.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, as a result of the
Company’s identification of triggering events to perform an interim quantitative goodwill impairment test (see Note 9, Goodwill for more information), the Company first considered the extent to which the adverse events and circumstances identified could affect the reporting units’ carrying amounts. The Company observed the following triggering events for the Company’s held and used long-lived asset groups:
•A significant decline in performance of the Solo Stove and ISLE reporting units in comparison to previous forecasts for the fourth quarter of 2023;
•Changes
in management, with the departure of the CFO in the fourth quarter of 2023 and release and replacement of the CEO after year end December 31, 2023, however, in relative proximity to the fourth quarter of 2023,This change in management resulted in a shift of investment within each of our brands, inclusive of a reduction in investment for Oru; and
•A significant decline in share price of the Company’s Class A common stock in relative proximity to the fourth quarter of 2023.
As a result of the identified triggering events, the Company reviewed the undiscounted future cash flows for the identified long-lived asset groups, and
the results of the analysis indicated the carrying amounts for the long-lived asset groups of Oru and ISLE were not expected to be recovered. The Company estimated the fair value of the asset group of both Oru and ISLE and determined that other than the intangible asset(s), the remaining assets were materially stated and not subject to impairment. The fair value of both the Oru and ISLE reporting units were then compared to the carrying value of the long-lived asset group at each reporting unit, resulting in nominal value assigned to the existing intangible asset(s). The Company recorded an aggregate $i13.4 million impairment
charge to the intangible assets of Oru and a $i0.8 million impairment charge to the Trademark intangible asset of ISLE as of December 31, 2023. These impairment charges were recorded to impairment charges on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). As a result of this impairment charge, the Company also reassessed the useful life of the intangible assets of Oru and ISLE. As of December 31,
2023, there was no further value attributed to the intangible assets of Oru or ISLE, resulting in the useful lives of the intangible assets for both reporting units being fully depleted. This change does not have a material impact to amortization expense in any future year.
In
the second quarter of 2022, the Company identified triggering events indicating the fair value of one or more of the Company’s reporting units more likely than not did not exceed their carrying values. The triggering events included: (1) adverse equity market conditions resulting in a sustained decline in the Company’s stock price subsequent to the Company’s issuance of its first quarter 2022 results on Form 10-Q and (2) weakened demand for the ISLE reporting unit’s products resulting in a lower near-term forecast of future operating results. As a result, the
Company performed an interim quantitative goodwill impairment test for all of its reporting units and recorded a $i27.9 million goodwill impairment charge related to its ISLE reporting unit, which has $i1.7 million of remaining goodwill after the impairment. The results of the interim
quantitative test did not result in a goodwill impairment for the Company’s other reporting units. The impairment charge was recorded to impairment charges on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
In the third quarter of 2023, the Company identified a triggering event indicating the fair value of one or more of the Company’s reporting units more likely than not did not exceed their carrying values. The triggering event was an adverse change in the plan for each brand approved by the board of directors, resulting in a lower near-term forecast of future operating results. As a result, the
Company performed an interim quantitative goodwill impairment test for all of its reporting units and determined that the fair value exceeded the carrying value for each reporting unit. As such, the interim quantitative test did not result in a goodwill impairment for the Company’s reporting units. Per the accounting policy in Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, the Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2023. Due to the proximity of the quantitative analysis performed as of the third quarter of 2023, we performed a qualitative analysis of our goodwill and determined that there were no indicators of impairment. This assessment was made based on relevant information, including applicable facts and circumstances,
known as of the goodwill impairment assessment date. As a result of the non-persistent nature of the triggering events and the lack of impairment indicators identified through the qualitative assessment performed, as of October 1, 2023, we determined it was more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units exceeded their carrying values and, as such, we did not record goodwill impairment for our reporting units.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, subsequent to the Company’s annual goodwill impairment analysis, the Company identified goodwill impairment indicators indicating the fair value of one or more of our reporting units more likely than not did not exceed their carrying
values. The goodwill impairment indicators observed were as follows:
•A significant decline in performance of the Solo Stove and ISLE reporting units in comparison to previous forecasts for the fourth quarter of 2023;
•Changes in management, with the departure of the CFO in the fourth quarter of 2023 and release and replacement of the CEO after year end December 31, 2023, however, in relative proximity to the fourth quarter of 2023,This change in management resulted in a shift of investment within each of our brands, inclusive of a reduction in investment for Oru; and
•A significant decline in share price of the
Company’s Class A common stock after year end December 31, 2023, however, in relative proximity to the fourth quarter of 2023.
As a result of the goodwill impairment indicators noted above, the Company determined it appropriate to perform an interim quantitative goodwill impairment test for all of its reporting units as of December 31, 2023.
For
the quantitative goodwill impairment analysis performed as of December 31, 2023, the Company estimated the fair value of the reporting units using a weighting of fair values derived from the income and market approaches, where comparable market data was available. Under the income approach, the Company determined the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Cash flow projections were based on management’s estimates of revenue growth rates and operating margins, EBITDA margins, consideration of industry and market conditions, terminal growth rates and management’s estimates of working capital requirements. The discount rate for each reporting unit was based on a weighted average cost of capital adjusted
for the relevant risk associated with the characteristics of each reporting unit and its estimated cash flows, which ranged from i16.0% to i19.9%. Under the market approach, the Company utilized a combination of methods, including estimates of fair value based on: (1) market
multiples of revenue and earnings derived from comparable publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit and (2) pricing multiples derived from recent merger and acquisition transactions of comparable publicly-traded companies.
As a result of the quantitative goodwill impairment test performed as of December 31, 2023, the Company determined that the carrying amounts of the Solo Stove, Oru and ISLE reporting units exceeded their fair values and goodwill impairment charges were recognized at each. The remaining reporting units were determined to have fair values exceeding their book values by more than 10%. The following table presents the goodwill impairment charges and remaining goodwill by reporting unit:
Reporting
Unit
Impairment Charge ($)
Remaining Goodwill ($)
Solo Stove
i214,327
i76,677
Oru
i18,781
i—
ISLE
i1,663
i—
The
impairment was driven by the significant decline in performance of the Solo Stove, Oru and ISLE reporting units in comparison to previous forecasts primarily due to lower net sales resulting from new product launches that were not as successful as those in the prior year, coupled with less effective marketing campaigns, as well as the decline in market capitalization driven by the decline in share price. The impairment charges were recorded to impairment charges on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
The fair value determination of the Company’s reporting units and goodwill is judgmental in nature and require the use of estimates and assumptions that are sensitive to changes. Assumptions include estimation of the estimation of future revenue and projected margins, which are dependent
on internal cash flow forecasts, estimation of the terminal growth rates and capital spending, and determination of discount rates. Some of the inherent estimates and assumptions used in determining fair value of the reporting units are outside the control of management, including interest rates, cost of capital, tax rates, market EBITDA comparables and credit ratings. While the Company believes it has made reasonable estimates and assumptions to calculate the fair value of the reporting units, it is possible a material change could occur. As a result, there can be no assurance that the estimates and assumptions made for purposes of the quantitative goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible impairment tests will prove to be an accurate prediction of future results.
NOTE
10 – iAccrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
i
Significant accrued expenses and other current liabilities were as follows:
Long-term
debt, net approximates fair value and is valued using Level 2 inputs within the fair value hierarchy, as defined in Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, in this Annual Report. See Note 17, Fair Value Measurements of this Annual Report for more information regarding the fair value considerations for long-term debt, net.
Interest expense related to long-term debt was $i11.0 million, $i6.3 million
and $i10.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan
On May 12, 2021, the Company entered into a credit agreement with a bank (the
“Revolving Credit Facility”). Under the terms of this agreement, the Company may borrow up to $i200 million under a revolving credit facility. On June 2, 2021, and on September 1, 2021, the Company entered into amendments to the Revolving Credit Facility, which resulted in an increase in the maximum
amount available under the Revolving Credit Facility to $i350 million. Under the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility, the Company has access to certain swing line loans and up to $i20.0 million
in letters of credit, with $i0.6 million of letters of credit issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on May 12, 2026 and bears interest at a rate equal to the base rate as defined in the agreement plus an applicable margin, which as of December 31, 2023, was based on SOFR. Interest is due, at a minimum, on a quarterly basis, with principal not due until maturity under the Revolving Credit Facility. During
the year ended December 31, 2023the Company made draws of $i70.0 million and payments of $i30.0 million under the Revolving
Credit Facility. Availability for future draws on the Revolving Credit Facility was $i289.4 million and $i329.4 million as of December
31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
In addition to the above, the amendment on September 1, 2021 included a provision for the Company to borrow up to $i100.0 million under a term loan (the “Term Loan”). The proceeds from the Term Loan were used to fund the Chubbies acquisition (see Note 4 for information on the acquisition). The Term Loan matures on September
1, 2026 and bears interest at a rate equal to a base rate defined in the agreement plus an applicable margin, which as of December 31, 2023 was based on SOFR. The Company was required to make quarterly principal payments on the Term Loan beginning on December 31, 2021. The Company was in compliance with all covenants under all credit arrangements as of December 31, 2023.
i
As
of December 31, 2023, the future maturities of principal amounts of our total debt obligations, excluding lease obligations (see Note 13 for future maturities of lease obligations), for the next five years and in total, consists of the following:
The
following table presents the components of the total leased assets and lease liabilities and their classification in the Company's consolidated balance sheets:
Cash outflows for amounts included in the measurement
of lease liabilities
Operating cash outflows from operating leases
$
i8,322
$
i5,676
Financing
cash outflows from finance leases
i379
i—
Lease
right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations
Operating leases
i3,316
i14,797
Finance
leases
i1,815
i—
i
Future
maturities of lease liabilities at December 31, 2023 are presented in the following table:
Years Ending December 31,
Operating Leases
Finance Leases
2024
$
i8,787
$
i379
2025
i8,705
i379
2026
i7,299
i379
2027
i5,392
i379
2028
i3,438
i—
Thereafter
i1,316
i—
Total
lease payments
i34,937
i1,516
Less:
imputed interest
i3,013
i206
Present
value of lease liabilities
$
i31,924
$
i1,310
/
As
of December 31, 2023, the Company had entered into lease agreements for an additional isix retail store fronts with an estimated aggregate ROU asset of $i6.2 million,
which have not yet commenced. These leases are expected to commence in 2024 with lease terms of i7 to i10 years.
The
following table summarizes the Company’s total unrecognized equity-based compensation as of December 31, 2023:
Unrecognized Equity-Based Compensation
Common units
$
i843
Restricted
stock units
i9,735
Stock options
i1,728
Total
unrecognized equity-based compensation
$
i12,306
/
Excess
tax benefits (detriments) related to equity-based compensation were $(i0.5) million and $(i0.4) million for the years ended December 31, 2023
and 2022, with ino corresponding amount in 2021.
Fair Value Considerations
Determining the fair value of awards requires judgment. The Monte Carlo simulation and Black-Scholes models were used to estimate the fair value of awards that have service, performance and/or market vesting conditions. The assumptions used in these models require the input of subjective assumptions as follows:
Fair
value—The fair value of the common stock underlying the incentive units was determined by the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”). Because there was no public market for the incentive units, the Company’s Board determined the common stock fair value at the incentive unit grant date by considering several objective and subjective factors, including the price paid for its common and preferred stock, actual and forecasted operating and financial performance, market conditions and performance of comparable publicly traded companies, developments and milestones within the Company, the rights, preferences, and privileges of its common and preferred stock, and the likelihood of achieving
a liquidity event. The fair value of the common stock underlying stock options, restricted stock units and performance stock units was determined by the closing stock price on the New York Stock Exchange.
Expected volatility—Expected volatility was based on historical volatilities of a publicly-traded peer group based on weekly price observations over a period equivalent to the expected term of the award.
Expected term—For awards with only service vesting conditions, the expected term was determined using the simplified method, which estimates the expected term using the contractual life of the award and the vesting period. For awards with performance or market conditions, the term was estimated in consideration of the time period expected to achieve the performance or market condition, the contractual
term of the award, and estimates of future exercise behavior.
Risk-free interest rate—The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield of treasury bonds with a maturity that approximates the expected term of the award.
Expected dividend yield—The dividend yield was based on the Company’s expectations of dividend payouts. The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock, and the Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
DLOM
estimate—The discounts for lack of marketability were used to help calculate the value of closely held and restricted shares. A valuation discount exists between a share that is publicly traded, and thus has a market, and the market for privately held stock, which often has little, if any, marketplace.
Forfeiture rate—The Company recognizes forfeitures as they occur instead of estimating forfeitures based on historical activity.
Prior to the IPO, certain employees of the Company purchased incentive units in Solo Stove Holdings, LLC for $i0.000001 per unit. The majority of the incentive units were issued in December 2020 with additional issuances in
January and March 2021. The Company used the Monte Carlo simulation model to determine the fair value of the incentive units. Each incentive award consists of service-based units (representing one-third (1/3) of the number of incentive units) and performance-based units (representing two-thirds (2/3) of the number of incentive units).
The incentive units with a service condition are scheduled to vest over ifour years
with i25% vesting on the one-year anniversary of the grant date and the remaining i75%
of such service-based units vesting in substantially equal monthly installments over the following ithree years, subject to the employee’s continued employment through each applicable vesting date. Additionally, the vesting of the service-based units will accelerate upon the occurrence of a sale transaction prior to the employee’s termination of employment. The IPO did not meet the definition of a sale transaction per the incentive unit agreement. Therefore, the vesting of the service-based units did not accelerate upon the IPO, nor did the vesting
schedule change.
There were i27.6 million incentive units outstanding immediately before the Reorganization Transactions. After the Reorganization Transactions, the i27.6
million incentive units converted into i3.4 million common units in Holdings. The i3.4 million common units consist of service-based units representing one-third (1/3) of the common units and performance-based units representing two-thirds (2/3) of the common units.
In
connection with the IPO, i0.9 million of the i2.3
million performance-based common units vested with the remaining i1.4 million unvested performance-based common units being canceled. Associated with these vested units, the Company recognized $i3.3
million of stock compensation expense during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2022.
At IPO, the i1.4 million performance-based incentive units that did not vest were replaced with service-based common units in Holdings that vest over itwo
years, with i50% of units vesting after ione year and i50%
vesting in ifour quarterly installments in the following year, subject to the employee’s continued employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date. If Summit Partners sells all of its equity interests in the Company or if the investment return to Summit
equals or exceeds i4.0x on a per-share basis for four consecutive quarters, and in each case the employee remains employed with the Company on such date, then all unvested service-based common units that were previously performance-based incentive units will vest. For accounting purposes, these awards were considered new awards with an estimated fair value of $i25.8
million. Pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, dated October 27, 2021 by and among the Company and the stockholders party thereto, holders of common units cannot exercise vested service-based common units until such time as Summit Partners and its affiliates cease to own any of the shares of Holdings common stock owned by them at IPO, Summit Partners does a follow-on registered offering in which case holders can perform an equivalent transaction, or the Stockholders Agreement is otherwise terminated in accordance with its terms.
i
The
grant date fair value of each incentive unit incorporates a range of assumptions for inputs as follows:
(1)
Note there were performance and service-based units that vested by December 31, 2023. However, none of them are exercisable due to the Stockholders Agreement, as described above.
/
The total fair value of incentive units vested and converted into shares during 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $i12.8 million,
$i14.5 million and $i2.3 million,
respectively.
Incentive Award Plan
In October 2021, the Board adopted, and the stockholders of the Company approved, the 2021 Incentive Award Plan (“Incentive Award Plan”), which became effective on October 28, 2021. Upon the Incentive Award Plan becoming effective, there were i10,789,561
shares of Class A common stock authorized under the Incentive Award Plan. The shares of Class A common stock authorized under the Incentive Award Plan will increase annually, beginning on January 1, 2023 and continuing through 2031, by the lesser of (i) i5% of the then outstanding common stock, or (ii) a smaller amount as agreed by the Board. As of December 31, 2023, i15,580,013
shares of Class A common stock were authorized under the Incentive Award plan.
Restricted Stock Units
Upon and after the IPO, the Company granted restricted stock units (“RSUs”) under the Incentive Award Plan. The RSUs are unfunded, unsecured rights to receive, on the applicable settlement date, shares of our Class A common stock or an amount in cash or other consideration determined by the plan administrator to be of equal value as of such settlement date. The RSUs will vest over ifour
years, with i25% vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and the remainder vesting in substantially equal quarterly installments over the following ithree
years, subject to the employee’s continued employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date.
In limited circumstances, the Company has and will grant RSUs that vest on a shortened timeline than those noted above, at the discretion of the plan administrator.
i
The
following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s restricted stock units:
The total fair value of RSUs vested and converted into shares during 2023 and 2022 was $i4.4 million and $i2.9 million,
respectively, with ino vestings having occurred in 2021.
Performance Stock Units
In October 2022 and subsequent to, the Company has granted performance stock units (“PSUs”) under the Incentive Award
Plan. The PSUs are unfunded, unsecured rights to receive, if the Company achieves an internally-derived performance target, shares of our Class A common stock or an amount in cash of equal fair market value of a share on the day immediately preceding the settlement date. The PSUs will vest at the conclusion of a fiscal quarter that begins at any time within a itwo year period after January 1, 2023, if the
Company’s internally-derived performance target is met during a fiscal quarter and subject to the employee’s continued employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date. If the Company’s internally-derived performance target is not achieved within the itwo year vesting period, December 31, 2023, the PSUs will be automatically forfeit.
In
limited circumstances, the Company has and will grant PSUs with differing targets and/or vesting periods than those noted above, at the discretion of the plan administrator.
The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s performance stock units:
As
of December 31, 2023, the Company assessed the likelihood of achieving the internally-derived performance target for the PSUs granted in October 2022 and determined that it was not probable to be achieved. As such, the equity-based compensation recognized from the grant date through the date of assessment, or December 31, 2023, was reversed. Additionally, the expense recognized to date for the PSUs related to the October 2022 grant date was de-recognized as of the date of assessment.
The total fair value of PSUs vested and converted into shares during 2023 was $i0.1 million,
with iino/
vestings having occurred in 2022 or 2021.
Stock Options
Upon IPO, the Company granted stock options under the Incentive Award Plan. Stock options provide for the purchase of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock in the future at an exercise price set on the grant date. Unless otherwise determined by the plan administrator and except for certain substitute options granted in connection with a corporate transaction, the stock option's exercise price will not be less than i100%
of the fair market value of the underlying share on the date of grant. The options vest over ifour years, with i25%
vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and the remainder vesting in substantially equal quarterly installments over the following ithree years, subject to the employee’s continued employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date.
(1)
The aggregate intrinsic value is zero because the closing Class A common stock price at the end of the fiscal year is less than the weighted-average exercise price of the options.
The fair value of each option was estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes method with the following assumptions:
In October 2021, the Board adopted, and the stockholders of the Company approved, the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). The maximum number of shares of common stock which will be authorized for sale under the ESPP is equal to the sum of (a) i1,618,434 shares of Class A common stock and (b) an annual
increase on the first day of each fiscal year beginning in 2023 and ending in 2031, equal to the lesser of (i) i0.5% of the shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year and (ii) such number of shares of common stock as determined by the Board; provided, however, no more than i6,473,736
shares of common stock may be issued under or transferred pursuant to rights granted under Section 423 Component (as defined within the ESPP) of the ESPP (which numbers may be adjusted pursuant to the ESPP).
As of December 31, 2023, i2,097,479 shares of Class A common stock were authorized for sale under the ESPP and awards with respect to i155,944
shares of Class A common stock have been issued under the ESPP.
The
provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income (loss) before the provision for income taxes. The sources and tax effects of the differences are as follows:
The
Company’s effective income tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were i15.6%, (i15.1)%
and i3.4%, respectively. The decrease in the amount of income tax expense from the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is primarily due to the current year goodwill and intangible asset impairments, see Note 8, Intangible Assets, net and Note 9, Goodwill for additional information, as well as the current year decrease in the valuation allowance. Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2023, our effective tax rate was impacted by a decrease in the tax benefit
of $i3.9 million related to the non-deductible portion of the goodwill impairment charge for Oru.
As
of December 31, 2023, the Company has $i0.3 million federal net operating losses ("NOLs") and has state NOLs of $i0.3 million.
The state NOLs will begin to expire in 2038. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has ino foreign NOLs.
In general, under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” is subject to limitations on its ability to utilize its pre‑change NOLs to offset future taxable income. The acquisition of Chubbies, Inc. resulted in a change of ownership under
Section 382 for federal and state income tax purposes. Section 382 provides limitation on the utilization of NOL carryforwards after an ownership change, and the Company has analyzed the potential Section 382 impacts on our NOL carryforwards in the event of a Section 382 ownership change. The Company has determined that its fair market value and net unrealized built-in gain position resulted in a significant increase in its Section 382 limitation, whereby the limitation would allow for all of the NOLs to be utilized before they expire. Furthermore, the Company's ability to utilize NOLs of companies that it acquires in the future may be subject to limitations. There is also a risk that that due to regulatory changes,
such as suspensions of the use of NOLs or other unforeseen reasons, our existing NOLs could expire or otherwise be unavailable to offset future income tax liabilities.
As described in Note 1, Organization and Description of Business, in connection with the IPO and Reorganization Transactions, the organizational structure was converted to an umbrella partnership C-Corporation with Solo Brands, Inc. having a controlling equity interest in Holdings. The Company recorded a gross deferred tax liability of $i41.3 million
as of December 31, 2023 for the difference between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of this investment.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets depends on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences are deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the effect in available carryback and carryforward periods), projected taxable income, and tax-planning strategies in this assessment. In order to fully realize the deferred tax asset, the Company has considered the reversal of its deferred
tax liabilities. During the quarter ended September 30, 2023, the Company concluded, based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence, that all of the partnership deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized. As a result, the remaining valuation allowance on the partnership deferred tax assets was released. There has been no change in the valuation allowance assessment related to the partnership deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2023. During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, Oru’s book goodwill and intangible assets were impaired as discussed in Note 8, Intangible Assets, net and Note 9, Goodwill, resulting in a net deferred tax asset for the Oru consolidated group. The
Company evaluated and concluded that as of December 31, 2023, there was significant negative evidence related to the realizability of Oru’s deferred tax assets and the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $i0.8 million and $i26.9 million
for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
i
The changes in gross unrecognized tax benefits are as follows:
Gross
increases related to current year tax positions
i511
i—
i—
Gross
increases related to prior year tax positions
i798
i—
i—
Balance,
end of year
$
i1,309
$
i—
$
i—
The
Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense (benefit) on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) and were iiinominal//
in any period presented.
Solo Brands, Inc. was formed in June 2021 and did not engage in any operations prior to the Reorganization Transactions. The statute of limitations remains open for tax years beginning in 2021 for Solo Brands, Inc. Additionally, although Holdings is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes, it is still required to file an annual U.S. Return of Partnership Income, which is subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). The statute of limitations remains open for tax years beginning in 2020 for Holdings.
Pursuant to its election under Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), the Company expects to obtain an increase in its share of the tax basis in the net assets
of Holdings when LLC Interests are redeemed or exchanged by the non-controlling interest holders and other qualifying transactions. The Company plans to make an election under Section 754 of the Code for each taxable year in which a redemption or exchange of LLC Interests occurs. The Company intends to treat any redemptions and exchanges of LLC Interests by the non-controlling interest holders as direct purchases of LLC Interests for U.S. federal income tax purposes. These increases in tax basis may reduce the amounts that the Company would otherwise pay in the future to various tax authorities. They may also decrease gains (or increase losses) on future dispositions of certain capital assets to the extent tax
basis is allocated to those capital assets.
On October 27, 2021, the Company entered into a tax receivable agreement with the then-existing non-controlling interest holders (the "Tax Receivable Agreement") that provides for the payment by the Company to the non-controlling interest holders of i85% of the amount of any
tax benefits that the Company actually realizes, or in some cases is deemed to realize, as a result of (i) increases in its share of the tax basis in the net assets of Holdings resulting from any redemptions or exchanges of LLC Interests, (ii) tax basis increases attributable to payments made under the Tax Receivable Agreement, and (iii) deductions attributable to imputed interest pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement (the "TRA Payments"). The Company expects to benefit from the remaining i15%
of any tax benefits that it may actually realize. The TRA payments are not conditioned upon any continued ownership interest in Holdings or the Company. The rights of each non-controlling interest holder under the Tax Receivable Agreement are assignable to transferees of its LLC Interests.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, there were ino redemptions of LLC
Interests that would have resulted in an increase in the tax basis of the Company’s investment in Holdings subject to the provisions of the Tax Receivable Agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2023, inclusive of interest, ino payments were made to the members of Holdings pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement. As of December 31, 2023, there were ino
payments due under the Tax Receivable Agreement.
NOTE 16 – iCommitments and Contingencies
Contingencies
From time to time, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings that arise in the normal course of business. While the
Company intends to prosecute and defend any lawsuit vigorously, the Company presently believes that the ultimate outcome of any currently pending legal proceeding will not have any material adverse effect on its financial position, cash flows, or results of operations. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable rulings could occur. An unfavorable ruling could include monetary damages, which could impact the Company’s business and the results of operations for the period in which the ruling occurs or future periods. Based on the information available, the Company evaluates the likelihood of potential outcomes. The
Company records the appropriate liability when the amount is deemed probable and reasonably estimable. In addition, the Company does not accrue for estimated legal fees and other directly related costs as they are expensed as incurred. The Company is not currently a party to any pending litigation that it considers material. Therefore, the consolidated balance sheets do not include a liability for any potential obligations as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
The Company has established a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. These levels are determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Levels within the hierarchy are defined within Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies.
i
The
following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
Total
change in fair value gain (loss) included in earnings
(i1,573)
Payments
(i15,272)
Ending
Balance
$
i5,794
/
The contingent consideration as of December
31, 2023 consists of an earnout and post-closing payment, resulting from acquisition activity in 2023 and rely on forecasted results through the expected earnout and post-closing payment periods. The fair value of the earnout is valued using a Monte Carlo simulation and the fair value of the post-closing payment is valued using a threshold and cap (capped call) structure. These contingent considerations represent stand-alone liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis each reporting date using inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement and are considered a level 3 estimate. See Note 4, Acquisitions for additional information. The contingent consideration liabilities are recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in fair value of contingent consideration are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.
During
the second quarter of 2022, the Company recorded impairment charges of $i27.9 million and $i2.7 million for goodwill and trademark intangible
assets, respectively. Indicators of value from income and market approaches, where comparable market data is available, were the basis for the determination of the fair values, which include Level 3 inputs. See Note 8, Intangible Assets, net, and Note 9, Goodwill, for additional discussions of the Company's impairment analyses.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company recorded impairment charges of $i234.8 million
and $i14.2 million for goodwill and intangible assets, respectively. Indicators of value from income and market approaches, where comparable market data is available, were the basis for the determination of the fair values, which include Level 3 inputs. See Note 8, Intangible Assets, net, and Note 9, Goodwill, for additional discussions of the Company's impairment analyses. There were no other nonrecurring fair value measurements during the years ended December
31, 2023 and 2022.
The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, contingent consideration and bank indebtedness. The carrying amount of cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable, approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.
NOTE 18 – iEquity
Class
A Common Stock
During the year ended December 31, 2023, pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreements, dated as of May 10, 2023 and July 12, 2023, by the Company and the selling stockholders party thereto, the Company repurchased i5,605,509
and i627,286shares of its Class A common stock for
$i28.0 million
and $i3.1 million, respectively, which shares were subsequently retired in accordance with resolutions of the Board of Directors’, which is classified as a non-cash financing activity within the statements of cash flows.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company has i468,767,205,
shares of Class A common stock, par value $ii0.001/ per share, authorized, a decrease from the balance as of December
31, 2022 of i475,000,000, as a result of the repurchase and retirement of an aggregate of i6,232,795 shares as of December 31, 2023. Holders of Class A common
stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters presented to the stockholders in general. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up, each holder of Class A common stock will be entitled to a pro rata distribution of any assets available for distribution to common stockholders.
Class B Common Stock
The Company has i50,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $ii0.001/
per share, authorized. Shares of Class B common stock will only be issued in the future to the extent necessary to maintain a one-to-one ratio between the number of LLC Interests held by the Continuing LLC Owners and the number of shares of Class B common stock issued to the Continuing LLC Owners. Shares of Class B common stock are transferable only together with an equal number of LLC Interests. Shares of Class B common stock will be cancelled on a one-for-one basis if the Company, at the election of the Continuing LLC Owners, redeem or exchange their LLC Interests pursuant to the terms of the Holdings LLC Agreement. Holders of Class B common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters presented to the stockholders generally. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of Class B common stock shall be entitled to receive $ii0.001/
per share and will not be entitled to receive any distribution of the Company’s assets.
Class A Units
Pursuant to the 2020 Agreement, Holdings has authorized i250,000,000 Class A units for issuance at a price of $i1
per unit. For so long as any of the Class A units remain outstanding, the Class A units will rank senior to the Class B units discussed below. Holders of Class A units are entitled to ione vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the members. When and if distributions are declared by the Company’s Board, holders of Class A units are entitled to ratably receive distributions until the aggregate unreturned capital with respect to each holder’s Class A units has been reduced to zero. Upon dissolution, liquidation, distribution of assets, or other winding
up, the holders of Class A units are entitled to receive ratably the assets available for distribution after payment of liabilities and before the holders of Class B units and incentive units (see Note 14).
Class B Units
Pursuant to the 2020 Agreement, Holdings has authorized i175,000,000 Class B units for issuance at a price of $i1
per unit. Holders of Class B units are entitled to ione vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the members. Holders of Class A units and Class B units generally vote together as a single class on all matters presented to the Company’s members for their vote or approval. When and if distributions are declared by the Company’s Board, holders of Class B units are entitled to ratably receive distributions until the aggregate unreturned capital with respect to each
holder’s Class B units has been reduced to zero. Upon dissolution, liquidation, distribution of assets, or other winding up, the holders of Class B units are entitled to receive ratably the assets available for distribution after payment of liabilities and Class A unitholders and before the holders of incentive units.
Pursuant to the 2020 Agreement, the Company’s Board may authorize Holdings to create and/or issue additional equity securities, provided that the number of additional authorized incentive units do not exceed i10%
of the outstanding Class A and Class B units without the prior written consent of the majority investors. Upon issuance of additional equity securities, all unitholders shall be diluted with respect to such issuance, subject to differences in rights and preferences of different classes, groups, and series of equity securities, and the Company’s Board shall have the power to amend the schedule of unitholders to reflect such additional issuances and dilution.
As part of the 2020 Agreement, certain members of management, in lieu of a cash transaction bonus, elected to receive Class B units which had a fair value of $i4.7
million.
NOTE 19 – iNet Income (Loss) Per Class A Common Stock
The Company analyzed the calculation of net loss per unit for the periods prior to the Reorganization Transactions and determined that it resulted in values that would not be meaningful to the users of these consolidated financial statements.
Basic
net income (loss) per share of Class A common stock is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Solo Brands, Inc. by the weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share of Class A common stock is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Solo Brands, Inc. by the weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding adjusted to give effect to potentially dilutive securities.
The
following table sets forth the calculation of the basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the Company’s Class A common stock (in thousands, except per share data):
Less:
Net income (loss) earned by controlling members prior to the Reorganization Transactions
i—
i—
i37,963
Less:
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests
(i83,985)
(i2,675)
i7,841
Net
income (loss) attributable to Solo Brands, Inc.
$
(i111,347)
$
(i4,945)
$
i10,691
Weighted
average shares of Class A common stock outstanding - basic and diluted
ii60,501/
ii63,462/
ii63,011/
Net
income (loss) per share of Class A common stock outstanding - basic and diluted
$
(ii1.84/)
$
(ii0.08/)
$
ii0.17/
/
During
the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, i0.2 million and i0.7
million options, respectively, and i0.8 million and i1.8
million restricted stock units, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. The Company has determined that the performance stock units and the shares of Class B common stock will in all cases neither be dilutive nor anti-dilutive and has excluded them from the calculation of net income (loss) per Class A common stock for all periods presented.
NOTE 20 - iBarter
Arrangements
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company entered into a trade credit agreement with a third-party vendor, whereby the Company provided inventory in exchange for trade credits to be used for purchases of media advertising with the third-party provider. The Company exchanged $i7.2 million
of inventory for trade credits during the year ended December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had fully recognized the $i7.2 million as a part of net sales.
As of December 31, 2023, The Company had $i7.2 million
of unused trade credits remaining, which are included in other non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
NOTE 21 - iVariable Interest Entities
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we consolidated one entity that is a VIE, that relates to a manufacturing entity for Oru, for which we
are the primary beneficiary. Through a management agreement governing the entity, we manage the entities and handle all day-to-day operating decisions. Accordingly, we have the decision-making power over the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of our VIE and an obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. These decisions and significant activities include, but are not limited to, manufacturing schedules, production processes, units of production and types of products. The Company is contractually obligated to provide financial support to the VIE.
Total assets of the VIE included on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 and 2022
were $i3.7 million and $i2.2 million, respectively. Total liabilities of the VIE included on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $i3.9 million
and $i2.5 million, respectively.
The VIE’s assets may only be used to settle the VIE’s obligations and may not be used for other consolidated entities. The VIE’s liabilities are non-recourse to the general credit of the Company’s other consolidated entities.
NOTE 22 - iSubsequent
Events
Effective January 15, 2024, the Company entered into a Separation and Release of Claims Agreement (“Release Agreement”) with John Merris, in which Mr. Merris resigned as a full-time employee, officer and director of the Company. Simultaneously, the Company’s board of directors appointed Christopher T. Metz, CEO and Director of the Board.
Pursuant to the Release Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay Mr. Merris (i) $i0.7
million in severance payments paid over 12 months from separation and (ii) reimburse all COBRA healthcare premiums incurred post-employment until coverage is no longer available.
Effective February 5, 2024, the Company’s board of directors appointed Laura Coffey, CFO. Simultaneously, Andrea Tarbox, Interim CFO was relieved of her role and reappointed as the audit chair on the Company’s board of directors.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Limitations on effectiveness of controls and procedures
In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, 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.
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, our disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective.
Management’s
Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act.
Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013).
A “material weakness” is a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control
over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Based on that assessment, management concluded that as of December 31, 2023, the Company's internal control over financial reporting was ineffective.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of our independent registered accounting firm on management’s assessment regarding internal control over financial reporting due to the exemption from such requirements established by rules of the SEC for emerging growth companies.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During
the fourth quarter of 2023, a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting was identified related to the lack of timely execution of controls within the financial statement close process and the lack of sufficient resources within the Company’s accounting function. Subsequently, the Company hired experienced C-Suite personnel to fill vacated positions, including a Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Financial Officer with extensive public company and financial reporting experience. Additionally, due in part to the addition of the new management personnel, the Company implemented an enhanced control environment over the financial statement close process and certain areas deemed likely to be
at higher risk for the potential of misstatement. As of December 31, 2023, we finalized the design and implementation of the controls to address the material weakness. We expect to demonstrate the operating effectiveness of these controls and completely remedy the material weakness within the first half of 2024.
Other than as stated in the previous paragraph, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item
9B. Other Information
(a) None.
(b) During the three months ended December 31, 2023, no director or “officer” (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Exchange Act) of the Companyiiadopted/
or iiterminated/ 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
9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The
following table provides information regarding our executive officers and members of our board of directors (as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K):
Chris Metz. Mr. Metz has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer, and a member of our board of directors since January 2024. Prior to his time with the Company, Mr. Metz served
as President and Chief Executive Officer of Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE:VSTO), a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of outdoor sports and recreation products from October 2017 to March 2023. Prior to Vista Outdoor Inc., Mr. Metz served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Arctic Cat Inc., a manufacturer of all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles, from December 2014 to March 2017. Mr. Metz also serves on the board of Central Garden & Pet Company, a producer and distributor of lawn, garden, and pet supplies. Mr. Metz graduated from the University of Delaware with a BS in Business Administration and Management in 1987 and from the University of North Carolina with a Master of Business Administration in 1992. Mr. Metz has been selected to serve as a director based on his extensive experience and proven leadership, strategic decision making, and business performance as well as on his experience as a chief executive officer.
Laura
Coffey. Ms. Coffey has served as our Chief Financial Officer since February 2024. Prior to her time with the Company, Ms. Coffey served as the CFO for The Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. (NYSE: VSI), a nutritional supplement retailer from June 2020 until June 2023. Prior to the Vitamin Shoppe, Ms. Coffey worked at Pier 1 Imports, Inc., a national home furnishing and décor retailer, for 23 years, where she held various senior leadership roles including executive vice president for e-commerce and business development and interim chief financial officer. Ms. Coffey currently serves on the board, executive committee and as the chair of the audit committee of Community National Bank & Trust of Texas. Ms. Coffey graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a BBA in Business Administration and Accounting."
Kent
Christensen. Mr. Christensen has served as our General Counsel since March 2021. Prior to his time with the Company, Mr. Christensen was an attorney at Call & Jensen APC, a law firm, from 2009 to 2021. Mr. Christensen holds a B.A. in International Studies from Brigham Young University and a J.D. from University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, where he graduated summa cum laude.
Non-Employee Directors
Matthew Guy-Hamilton. Mr. Guy-Hamilton has served as a member of our board of directors since October 2020. Mr. Guy-Hamilton is a Managing Director of Summit Partners L.P.,
a private equity investment company. Mr. Guy-Hamilton joined Summit in 2005, oversees several Summit portfolio companies, and serves as co-head of the Financial Services and Technology Group. Mr. Guy-Hamilton graduated summa cum laude,with a B.A. in Economics, from Colby College. We believe Mr. Guy-Hamilton is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to knowledge of finance, general management, and industry knowledge.
Paul Furer. Mr. Furerhas served as a member of our board of directors since October 2020. Mr. Furer is a Partner at Summit Partners L.P. Mr. Furer joined Summit in 2011 and oversees several Summit portfolio companies in the consumer, financial
and business services industries. Prior to that, Mr. Furer was an Analyst at Jefferies & Company, from April 2010 to June 2011, and at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, from June 2008 to April 2010. Mr. Furer holds a B.S. in Finance from Indiana University, Kelley School of Business and a M.B.A. from Columbia Business School. We believe Mr. Furer is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to his knowledge of strategy, finance and management.
Andrea
K. Tarbox. Ms. Tarbox has been a member of our board of directors since August 2021, and served as the Company’s interim Chief Financial Officer from December 10, 2023 until February 5, 2024. Previously, Ms. Tarbox served as CFO and a member of the board of directors for Live Oak Acquisition Corp. II, a special purpose acquisition company (formerly NYSE: LOKB), from December 2020 until October 2021 and as Chief Financial Officer and a member of the board of directors of Live Oak Acquisition Corp. (formerly NYSE: LOAK), a special purpose acquisition company, from May 2020 until December 2020. Prior to that, Ms. Tarbox served as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of KapStone Paper & Packaging (formerly NYSE: KS), from 2007 until 2018. Previously,
Ms. Tarbox held positions at various companies, including Uniscribe Professional Services, Inc., a provider of paper- and technology-based document management solutions, Gartner Inc., a research and advisory company, British Petroleum, p.l.c., (NYSE:BP) and Fortune Brands, Inc., a holding company with diversified product lines. Ms. Tarbox earned a B.A. degree in Psychology from Connecticut College and an M.B.A. from the University of Rhode Island. We believe Ms. Tarbox is well-qualified to serve on our board due to her extensive accounting and financial experience, operational background, and her significant experience in acquiring and integrating companies.
Julia M. Brown. Ms. Brown has been a member of our board of directors since August 2021. Ms. Brown served as the Chief Procurement Officer
of Mars Wrigley, a division of Mars Incorporated, a multinational confections company, from November 2020 until March 2021. Ms. Brown served as the Chief Procurement Officer for Carnival Corporation & Plc, a travel and hospitality company, from April 2015 to August 2021. Prior to Ms. Brown’s position at Carnival, she served as Chief Procurement Officer for Kraft Foods and Mondelez International (post split) a consumer products company, from December 2008 to March 2015. Ms. Brown currently serves on the board of directors of Ocado Group (LSE:OCDO), an online grocery market technology and automation company, Perrigo Company, PLC (NYSE: PRGO) a manufacturer of private label over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, and Molson Coors Beverage Company (NYSE: TAP), a brewing and beverage company. We believe Ms. Brown is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to her extensive business experience and operational background, and her significant experience in serving on the
boards of public and private companies.
Marc Randolph. Mr. Randolph has been a member of our board of directors since August 2021. Since October 2003, Mr. Randolph has served as the Chief Executive Officer of PodiumCraft Inc., a consulting company that mentors early stage founders and executive teams. Prior to that, he served as the co-founder, director, and served in a sequence of executive level positions at Netflix Inc., a movie and television streaming service, from February 1997 to September 2003. Mr. Randolph also currently serves on the board of directors of several private companies. Mr. Randolph graduated with a B.A. in Geology from Hamilton College. We believe Mr. Randolph is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to his extensive business experience, knowledge of strategy, finance
and management.
Michael C. Dennison. Mr. Dennison has been a member of our board of directors since May 2022 and our Lead Independent Director since February 2023. Mr. Dennison is the Chief Executive Officer of Fox Factory Holding Corp. (“Fox”) and has served in this position since June 2019 and as a director of Fox since February 2018. Mr. Dennison initially joined Fox in August 2018 as President, Powered Vehicles Group. Prior to joining Fox, Mr. Dennison was most recently President and Chief Marketing Officer for Flex Ltd. (“Flex”) from February 2012 to August 2018. While at Flex, Mr. Dennison served in a number of other leadership roles, from leading the procurement and global supply chain organizations for the
company, to serving as Senior Vice President of Business Management for both the High-Velocity Solutions group and the Mobile and Consumer Segment. Prior to joining Flex, he was the Regional Director at Arrow Electronics, based in New York. Mr. Dennison earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts from Oregon State University in 1989. We believe Mr. Dennison is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to his extensive business experience and knowledge and current experience as a public company chief executive officer.
David Powers. Mr. Powers has been a member of our board of directors since May 2022. Mr. Powers currently is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Deckers Outdoor Corporation, a global footwear and apparel company (“Deckers”), and has served in this position since
2016. Mr. Powers joined Deckers in 2012 and served in various roles with Deckers until being named President and Chief Executive Officer in 2016. Prior to joining Deckers, he held executive leadership roles at Converse, including four years as Vice President of Global Direct-to-Consumer where he successfully guided the expansion of the brand globally, and Timberland, where he led worldwide retail merchandising, marketing, visual and store design, as well as the creation of a sustainable line of footwear and apparel. Mr. Powers earned a B.S. in Marketing from Northeastern University. We believe Mr. Powers is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to his extensive experience in and knowledge of the consumer goods industry and his current experience as a public company chief executive officer.
Code of Conduct
Our board
of directors has adopted a written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our directors, executive officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. A current copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted under “Governance” on the Investor Relations section of our website, www.solobrands.com. To the extent required by applicable rules adopted by the SEC and the NYSE, we intend to disclose future amendments to certain provisions of the code, or waivers of such provisions granted to executive officers and directors, in this
location on our website at www.solobrands.com.
The remaining information required by this item will be included in our definitive proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and such required information is incorporated herein by reference.
The information required by this item will be included in our definitive proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The remaining information required by this item will be included in our definitive proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and such information is incorporated
herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item will be included in our definitive proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this item will be included in our definitive
proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.
(a)(3)
Exhibits
The following is a list of exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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.
Cover
Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
*
All other exhibits for which provision is made in the applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable
and therefore have been omitted.
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, on the date set forth below.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed
below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
