ACCO Brands (ACCO) – Post Call Commentary

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

ACCO Brands (ACCO)
Post Call Commentary

ACCO Brands Corporation is one of the world’s largest designers, marketers and manufacturers of branded academic, consumer and business products. Our widely recognized brands include AT-A-GLANCE®, Esselte®, Five Star®, GBC®, Kensington®, Leitz®, Mead®, PowerA®, Quartet®, Rapid®, Rexel®, Swingline®, Tilibra®, and many others. Our products are sold in more than 100 countries around the world. More information about ACCO Brands, the Home of Great Brands Built by Great People, can be found at www.accobrands.com.

Joe Gomes, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Hit the Reset Button. The major drag on 2Q results and full year guidance is PowerA. After a fantastic 2021, a lack of chips for consoles and a more normalized level of demand post-COVID resulted in PowerA sales declining in 2Q. ACCO’s management also gave an updated full year projection for PowerA, for which sales are estimated to be down 10-15%, or about $25-$40 million, for all of 2022.

Forex No Friend. The other major contributor to reduced guidance is forex headwinds. Forex is now expected to have a negative 4.5% impact on revenue for the year, up 200 bp from management’s previous expectation. Outside of PowerA and forex, the rest of ACCO’s business looks solid, although a significant economic downturn could change that view….

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Kandi Technologies Group, Inc. (KNDI) – The shift towards off-road vehicles accelerates

Tuesday, August 09, 2022

Kandi Technologies Group, Inc. (KNDI)
The shift towards off-road vehicles accelerates

Kandi Technologies Group, Inc. (KNDI), headquartered in Jinhua Economic Development Zone, Zhejiang Province, is engaged in the research, development, manufacturing, and sales of various vehicular products. Kandi conducts its primary business operations through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Zhejiang Kandi Technologies Group Co., Ltd. (“Zhejiang Kandi Technologies”), formerly, Zhejiang Kandi Vehicles Co., Ltd.) and its subsidiaries including Zhejiang Kandi Smart Battery Swap Technology Co., Ltd, and SC Autosports, LLC (d/b/a Kandi America), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Kandi in the United States, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Kandi America Investment, LLC. Zhejiang Kandi Technologies has established itself as one of China’s leading manufacturers of pure electric vehicle parts and off-road vehicles.

Michael Heim, CFA, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Off-road vehicle sales rose 80% as the company continues to shift towards golf carts, go-karts, and ATVS. Off-road vehicle sales carry higher gross margins (10-15%) than other businesses. Management indicates that crossover golf carts delivered from the factory have increased from dozens in March 2022 to more than 2,000/month. Management believes the off-road market could be a $2.2 billion market by 2028, demonstrating 19% annual growth. Kandi plans on introducing new models this fall to stay ahead of demand. Battery sales (following an acquisition earlier this year) were also strong and contributing to profitability. 

Kandi is deemphasizing the electric vehicle market and seeing a slow down in scooters/bikes. Management continues to believe the EV market is currently too competitive stating that competitors are losing up to $10,000/vehicle to gain market share. Scooters/bikes sales, which were especially strong during COVID, declined 90% year over year as demand for the product drops….

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

ACCO Brands (ACCO) – First Look: 2Q22

Tuesday, August 09, 2022

ACCO Brands (ACCO)
First Look: 2Q22

ACCO Brands Corporation is one of the world’s largest designers, marketers and manufacturers of branded academic, consumer and business products. Our widely recognized brands include AT-A-GLANCE®, Esselte®, Five Star®, GBC®, Kensington®, Leitz®, Mead®, PowerA®, Quartet®, Rapid®, Rexel®, Swingline®, Tilibra®, and many others. Our products are sold in more than 100 countries around the world. More information about ACCO Brands, the Home of Great Brands Built by Great People, can be found at www.accobrands.com.

Joe Gomes, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

2Q22 Operating Results. ACCO reported 2Q22 revenue of $521 million, up 0.6% year-over-year and up 5.2% on a comparable basis, with all segments posting growth. ACCO has now recorded five consecutive quarters of comparable sales growth. We had forecast revenue of $545 million. Adjusted EPS was $0.37, compared to $0.43 last year. We had forecast adjusted EPS of $0.44.

Forex, Economic Conditions Restrain Growth. Slower economic growth, increased inflation, and unfavorable foreign currency impacts resulted in a more challenging quarter than anticipated. Adverse foreign exchange reduced sales by $23.6 million in the quarter, while a lack of computer chips resulted in lower sales of gaming accessories. Operating income benefited from $9.4 million of contingent earnout income related to the PowerA acquisition….

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Release – Comstock Announces Second Quarter 2022 Results



Comstock Announces Second Quarter 2022 Results

Research, News, and Market Data on Comstock Mining

Cellulosic
Breakthrough Unlocks Massive New Feedstock Model for Net Zero Energy
Independence

VIRGINIA
CITY, NEVADA, AUGUST 9, 2022
 – Comstock Inc. (NYSE: LODE) (“Comstock” and the “Company”) today announced its recent business development highlights, second quarter 2022 results, and updated outlook.  

Selected Strategic Highlights – Cellulosic Fuels

  • Expanded our leading cellulosic fuels technology portfolio by filing for a new patent covering breakthrough pathways to produce Bioleum a renewable offset for petroleum and multiple drop-in renewable fuels from woody biomass.
  • Filed a preliminary application for a U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) grant opportunity for a pilot scale system to validate enhanced production metrics of purified bio-intermediaries and renewable fuels from woody biomass.
  • Received a notification of “encouragement” from the U.S. Department of Energy for this same grant opportunity.
  • Established strategic collaborations with leading industry partners, including feedstock and offtake relationships, for the development of renewable fuels, from woody biomass, at dramatically improved yield, efficiency, and cost.
  • Advanced the engineering and development of our cellulosic fuel demonstration facility.

Selected Strategic Highlights – Lithium Extraction
and Electrification Products

  • Commissioned our proprietarylithium-ion battery (“LIB”) pilot crushing, separation, and conditioning system.
  • Enhanced the design and commenced upgrades on our proprietary LIB pilot crushing and separation system.
  • Completed construction of our prototype lithium extraction system in our R&D facility and commenced testing.
  • Advanced permitting for our state-of-the-art battery metal recycling facility in Nevada.
  • Production of high-purity black mass to commence in our battery metal recycling facility by Q2 2023.
  • Production of battery grade lithium carbonate to commence in our battery metal recycling facility by Q3 2023.

Selected Financial Highlights

  • Total assets were $117,826,063 as of June 30, 2022, as compared to $115,119,393 at March 31, 2022.
  • Operating expenses were $5,896,617 for the second quarter 2022, including selling, general and administrative expenses of $2,508,573 and research and development expenses of $2,579,150, and depreciation of $808,894.
  • Second quarter 2022 net loss was $13,766,846 or $(0.20) per share, as compared to second quarter 2021 net loss of $6,320,992 or $(0.15) per share. The 2022 results were primarily driven by increases in research and development expenditures and changes in fair values of derivatives.
  • Advanced non-strategic asset monetization efforts with asset sales proceeds expected at $20 million. 
  • Debt was $4,572,356 on June 30, 2022, net of discount, representing an unsecured promissory note.
  • Cash and cash equivalents were $4,345,315 on June 30, 2022.
  • Outstanding common shares were 76,822,049 at June 30, 2022, and 78,737,632 at August 8, 2022.

“Our financial results reflect the impact of our continued investment in the research, development and commercialization of our renewable energy businesses,” said Corrado De Gasperis, Comstock’s executive chairman and chief executive officer. “The building and operating of these proprietary demonstration systems are critical prerequisites for full scale commercialization.”

Cellulosic Fuels

The Company recently announced a significant expansion of its leading cellulosic technology portfolio by filing for a new patent covering breakthrough pathways to produce renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”) gasoline and marine fuel from woody biomass, at dramatically improved yield, efficiency, and cost in comparison to all known methods.

Renewable fuels provide a critical opportunity for decarbonization, however, most of the existing U.S. renewable fuel refineries draw from the same limited pool of constrained feedstocks. Comstock’s plans to decarbonize with renewable fuels involves abundant feedstocks that are not used today, enabling a vast untapped energy source with superior benefits. 

“Our new patent covers processes and compositions that have been validated at our existing two ton per day cellulosic fuels pilot facility, verifying that we can simultaneously produce multiple purified biointermediates that are uniquely isolated and free of the contaminants that have frustrated prior attempts at commercializing cellulosic fuel technologies,” added De Gasperis.

Based on current data, Comstock projects best-in-class renewable yields exceeding 80 gallons per dry ton of woody biomass (on a gasoline gallon equivalent basis), with lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions exceeding 80% over petroleum.

The Company is currently expanding its existing cellulosic demonstration systems to include the production of Bioleum™ and expects these demonstration systems to add to our existing capabilities for producing carbon-neutral pulps, cellulosic sugar and cellulosic ethanol.  The expansion into Bioleum™ will demonstrate the full capability of producing these bio-intermediaries suitable for the production of renewable diesel, marine, SAF and gasoline from woody biomass.

The Company recently submitted a preliminary grant application to the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) entitled “Production of Renewable Diesel,
Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Gasoline, and Marine Fuel from Lignocellulosic
Biomass at Dramatically Improved Yield, Efficiency, and Cost” 
and received a DOE notification of encouragement to apply for this funding opportunity, reflecting positively on the Company technology readiness and the strength of its collaboration partners.

De Gasperis continued, “The existing U.S. biorefining capacity is far greater than current feedstocks can support, and the DOE clearly recognizes the need for expanded feedstocks. We believe that our expanded technology solutions, and the magnitude of feedstocks that they enable, unblock one of the most critical supply chain constraints across the U.S. and global markets.”

Electrification Products

The Company completed construction and initial commissioning of its breakthrough LIB crushing, separating, and conditioning process during the second quarter, successfully confirming the production of highly concentrated “black mass.”

“We have successfully developed a proprietary system that produces a novel and pure black mass, further positioning us for high efficiency metals extraction, starting with lithium,” said Mr. De Gasperis. “Our team is enhancing the pilot system for deployment in Nevada where we will ultimately integrate our black mass production and lithium extraction process in 2023.”  

The Company expects to receive its main operating permit during the fourth quarter of 2022 and complete the submission of its modified air quality permits for our LIB processes at our state-of-the-art, battery metal recycling facility in the third quarter.

“The cleaning and repairs of our facility in Nevada are near complete and truly look outstanding.  The facility can now be readied for the receipt and installations of pilot and demonstration units for crushing, separating and conditioning of our novel black mass and subsequently, our lithium extraction, while the permitting process continues” concluded Mr. De Gasperis.

Corporate

Cash and cash equivalents were $4,345,315 on June 30, 2022. The Company expects over $20 million in proceeds over the next two quarters from the sale of its non-mining properties, non-strategic investments, and collection of advances receivable, including the Daney Ranch for $2.5 million, net, and proceeds from Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund totaling over $18 million.

Conference Call Details

Comstock will host the conference call on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at 1:15 p.m. PDT  (4:15 p.m. EDT) and the webcast will include a moderated question and answer session following the Company’s prepared remarks.  Please click the link below to register in advance and please join the event at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webcast. Please 
click here to register in advance.

About
Comstock

Comstock (NYSE: LODE) innovates technologies that contribute to global decarbonization and circularity by efficiently converting under-utilized natural resources into renewable fuels and electrification products that contribute to balancing global uses and emissions of carbon. The Company intends to achieve exponential growth and extraordinary financial, natural, and social gains by building, owning, and operating a fleet of advanced carbon neutral extraction and refining facilities, by selling an array of complimentary process solutions and related services, and by licensing selected technologies to qualified strategic partners. To learn more, please visit www.comstock.inc.

Forward-Looking
Statements 

This press release and any related calls or discussions may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “should,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “potential” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of doing so. Forward-looking statements include statements about matters such as: future industry market conditions; future explorations or acquisitions; future changes in our exploration activities; future changes in our research and development; and future prices and sales of, and demand for, our products and services. Except as may be required by securities or other law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Neither this press release nor any related call or discussion constitutes an offer to sell, the solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation with respect to any securities of the Company, the fund or any other issuer.

  Contact
information:

 

 

Comstock Mining Inc.
P.O. Box 1118
Virginia City, NV 89440
www.comstock.inc

Corrado De Gasperis
Executive Chairman & CEO
Tel (775) 847-4755
degasperis@comstockmining.com

Zach Spencer
Director of External Relations
Tel (775) 847-5272 Ext.151
questions@comstockmining.com

 


Release – 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. to Release Results for its Fiscal 2022 Fourth Quarter and Full Year on Thursday, September 1, 2022



1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. to Release Results for its Fiscal 2022 Fourth Quarter and Full Year on Thursday, September 1, 2022

Research, News, and Market Data on 1-800-FLOWERS.COM

Aug 08, 2022

JERICHO, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLWS),a leading provider of gifts designed to help inspire customers to give more, connect more, and build more and better relationships, today announced that the Company will release financial results for its fiscal 2022 fourth quarter and full year (ended 7/3/22) on Thursday, September 1, 2022. The press release will be issued prior to market opening and will be followed by a conference call with members of senior management at 8:00 a.m. (ET).

 

The conference call will be available via live webcast from the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at 1800flowersinc.com. A recording of the call will be posted on the website within two hours of the call’s completion. A telephonic replay of the call can be accessed beginning at 2:00 p.m. (ET) on September 1, 2022, through September 8, 2022, at: (US) 1-877-344-7529; (
Canada) 855-669-9658; (International) 1-412-317-0088; enter conference ID: #4688547. If you have any questions regarding the above information, please call the Investor Relations office at (516) 237-6131.

 

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
Some of the statements contained in the Company’s scheduled Thursday, September 1, 2022, press release and conference call regarding its results for its fiscal 2022 fourth quarter and full year (ended 7/3/22), other than statements of historical fact, may be forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the applicable statements. For a more detailed description of these and other risk factors, please refer to the Company’s SEC filings including its Annual Reports and Forms 10K and 10Q available at the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at 1800flowersinc.com. The Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements made in the scheduled conference call and any recordings thereof, or in any of its SEC filings, except as may be otherwise stated by the Company.

 

About 1-800-FLOWERS.COM,
Inc.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is a leading provider of gifts designed to help inspire customers to give more, connect more, and build more and better relationships. The Company’s e-commerce business platform features an all-star family of brands, including: 1-800-Flowers.com®, 1-800-Baskets.com®, Cheryl’s Cookies®, Harry & David®, PersonalizationMall.com®, Shari’s Berries®, FruitBouquets.com®, Moose Munch®, The Popcorn Factory®, Wolferman’s Bakery®, Vital Choice®, Stock Yards® and Simply Chocolate®. Through the Celebrations Passport® loyalty program, which provides members with free standard shipping and no service charge across our portfolio of brands, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. strives to deepen relationships with customers. The Company also operates BloomNet®, an international floral and gift industry service provider offering a broad-range of products and services designed to help members grow their businesses profitably; Napco?, a resource for floral gifts and seasonal décor; DesignPac Gifts, LLC, a manufacturer of gift baskets and towers; and Alice’s Table®, a lifestyle business offering fully digital livestreaming floral, culinary and other experiences to guests across the country. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. was recognized among the top 5 on the National Retail Federation’s 2021 Hot 25 Retailers list, which ranks the nation’s fastest-growing retail companies, and was named to the Fortune 1000 list in 2022. Shares in 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, ticker symbol: FLWS. For more information, visit 1800flowersinc.com or follow @1800FLOWERSInc on Twitter.

 

FLWS-COMP
FLWS-FN

Investor Contact:

Joseph D. Pititto

(516) 237-6131

invest@1800flowers.com

Media Contact:

Kathleen Waugh

(516) 237-6028

kwaugh@1800flowers.com

Source: 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc

 


Release – ACCO Brands Posts Solid Quarterly Results in Challenging Operating Environment



ACCO Brands Posts Solid Quarterly Results in Challenging Operating Environment

Research, News, and Market Data on ACCO Brands

LAKE ZURICH, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO) today announced its second quarter results for the period ended June 30, 2022.

  • Net sales were $521.0 million, up 0.6 percent; comparable sales were up 5.2 percent
  • EPS was $0.40 versus $0.50 in 2021; adjusted EPS was $0.37 versus $0.43 in 2021
  • Continued sales momentum in North America driven by strong back-to-school sell-in
  • Continued recovery in International segment, led by growth in Brazil and Mexico
  • Updated guidance reflecting a more conservative view of the macroeconomic environment

“We posted impressive comparable sales with growth across all operating segments and multiple product categories, led by our Five Star® and Kensington® brands, and in our Latin American business. We have achieved five consecutive quarters of sustained comparable sales growth and remain confident in our strategy of transforming our Company towards more consumer-oriented products. Our performance continues to demonstrate the benefits of our geographic diversity and balance and skillful execution by our employees. Our second quarter proved to be more challenging than originally anticipated mainly due to slower economic growth, increased inflation and unfavorable foreign currency impacts, but additional price increases to counter inflation leave us well-positioned for second half margin expansion, with rates greater than the prior year,” said Boris Elisman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ACCO Brands.

Second Quarter Results

Net sales increased 0.6 percent to $521.0 million from $517.8 million in 2021. Comparable sales increased 5.2 percent. Both reported and comparable sales were driven by higher prices, as strong volume of school products, computer accessories, and business products was offset by lower sales of gaming accessories. Adverse foreign exchange reduced sales $23.6 million, or 4.6 percent.

Operating income increased to $55.4 million versus $49.9 million in 2021 due to a favorable change related to the contingent earnout partially offset by higher restructuring expense of $1.9 million. Operating income this year included contingent earnout income of $9.4 million compared with contingent earnout expense of $4.9 million in the prior year. Adjusted operating income decreased to $58.1 million compared with $67.2 million in the prior year, due to higher inflation that was not fully mitigated with price increases, lower volume and adverse foreign exchange of $1.0 million, partially offset by lower incentive compensation expense.

The Company reported net income of $39.4 million, or $0.40 per share, compared with net income of $48.6 million, or $0.50 per share, last year. Net income declined in 2022 from lower discrete tax benefits as well as reduced Brazil operating tax credits. This decline was partially offset by improved operating income as noted above. Adjusted net income was $36.0 million compared with $42.0 million in 2021, aligned with the adjusted operating income decline. Adjusted earnings per share were $0.37 compared with $0.43 in 2021.

Business Segment
Results

ACCO Brands North America – Sales of $306.6 million increased 3.9 percent from $295.1 million in 2021 and comparable sales increased 4.4 percent to $308.0 million. The increases in both were primarily due to higher prices and volume increases in school products, computer accessories, and business products, partially offset by lower sales of gaming accessories.

Operating income was $50.7 million versus $53.8 million in 2021. Adjusted operating income of $57.2 million decreased from $59.9 million in 2021. The decreases in operating income and adjusted operating income were primarily due to lower gross margins as inflation more than offset the benefit of price increases and lower SG&A. The current period included $0.8 million of higher restructuring costs.

ACCO Brands EMEA – Sales of $137.9 million decreased 12.2 percent from $157.0 million in 2021, due to adverse foreign exchange of $19.8 million, or 12.6 percent. Comparable sales of $157.7 million increased 0.4 percent as price increases offset lower volume in a difficult economic environment that included accelerated inflation.

The segment posted an operating loss of $1.5 million compared with operating income of $9.9 million in 2021 due to inflation that exceeded the benefit of price increases and lower volume. Adjusted operating income was $2.1 million, down from $13.8 million in 2021 for the same reasons. Cost increases in EMEA have been higher than in other segments due to significant increases in locally sourced raw materials related to the war in Ukraine, as well as high energy costs.

ACCO Brands International – Sales of $76.5 million increased 16.4 percent from $65.7 million in 2021 due to higher prices and increased volume, primarily in Latin America from a return to in-person education. Adverse foreign exchange was $2.4 million. Comparable sales were $78.9 million, up 20.1 percent, for the same reasons.

Operating income of $6.3 million increased from $2.8 million in 2021 due to higher sales and good expense management, partially offset by inflation. Adjusted operating income of $8.6 million increased from $4.8 million due to those same factors.

Six Month Results

Net sales increased 3.7 percent to $962.6 million from $928.3 million in 2021 as higher prices more than offset the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange which reduced sales by $38.5 million, or 4.1 percent. Comparable sales increased 7.8 percent due to higher prices and volume as offices and schools began reopening for in-person activity, partially offset by lower sales of gaming accessories.

Operating income increased to $62.2 million from $48.8 million in 2021, due to a favorable change of $18.4 million related to the contingent earnout, partially offset by the reduction of other adjusting items. Adjusted operating income was $80.7 million compared with $91.8 million last year primarily due to inflation that exceeded the benefit of price increases, partially offset by reduced incentive compensation expense. Unfavorable foreign exchange reduced operating income $2.2 million.

Net income was $36.7 million, or $0.37 per share, compared with $28.2 million, or $0.29 per share, in 2021, aligned with the operating income increase. Prior year net income included two significant discrete tax items, as well as expenses related to debt refinancing which did not repeat in 2022. Adjusted net income was $46.4 million, compared with $52.0 million in 2021, primarily reflecting the adjusted operating income decline, partially offset by lower interest expense. Adjusted earnings per share were $0.47 compared with $0.54 in 2021.

Capital Allocation and
Dividend

Year to date, the Company had $97.9 million of net cash outflow from operating activities. Free cash flow of $95.5 million represents cash used from operating activities of $97.9 million, excluding cash payments made for the PowerA contingent earnout of $9.2 million, less cash used for additions to property, plant and equipment of $7.0 million, plus cash proceeds from the disposition of assets of $0.2 million. The Company paid $14.4 million in dividends and repurchased 2.7 million shares for $19.4 million.

ACCO Brands today announced that its board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.075 per share. The dividend will be paid on September 20, 2022, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 26, 2022.

Full Year 2022 Outlook

The Company is providing an updated full year outlook to reflect a more conservative view for the remainder of the year, including a moderating demand environment, continuing cost inflation, and more adverse foreign exchange. However, the Company anticipates second half gross margin improvement with rates higher than the prior year, as its pricing actions should begin to mitigate the impact of cumulative cost increases.

“Our company has a proven track record of managing well in periods of economic uncertainty and increasing our competitive advantage. We believe we have the right strategy and are well positioned to continue to deliver organic sales growth, compelling market performance, and improved financial results in the second half of this year and beyond,” Elisman added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

Mid-Point

Prior

Mid-Point

Comparable Net Sales Growth

 

4.0% to 6.0%

5.0 %

3.5% to 8.5%

6.0%

FX Impact on Net Sales (1)

 

(4.5)%

 

(2.5)%

 

Reported Net Sales Growth

 

(0.5)% to 1.5%

0.5 %

1.0% to 6.0%

3.5%

Comparable Adjusted EPS

 

$1.45 to $1.50

$1.48

$1.52 to $1.62

$1.57

FX impact on Adjusted EPS (1)

 

$(0.06)

 

$(0.04)

 

Adjusted EPS

 

$1.39 to $1.44

$1.42

$1.48 to $1.58

$1.53

Free Cash Flow

 

$135M to $150M

$142.5

$165M

 

Adjusted Tax Rate

 

Approximately 29%

 

Approximately 29%

 

Bank Net Leverage

 

Approximately 3.0x

 

Less than 3.0x

 

(1) Based on spot rates as of 7/19/2022

Webcast

At 8:30 a.m. EDT on August 9, 2022, ACCO Brands Corporation will host a conference call to discuss the Company’s second quarter 2022 results. The call will be broadcast live via webcast. The webcast can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of www.accobrands.com. The webcast will be in listen-only mode and will be available for replay following the event.

About ACCO Brands
Corporation

ACCO Brands, the Home of Great Brands Built by Great People, designs, manufactures and markets consumer and end-user products that help people work, learn, play and thrive. Our widely recognized brands include AT-A-GLANCE®, Five Star®, Kensington®, Leitz®, Mead®, PowerA®, Swingline®, Tilibra® and many others. More information about ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO) can be found at www.accobrands.com.

Non-GAAP Financial
Measures

In addition to financial results reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), we have provided certain non-GAAP financial information in this earnings release to aid investors in understanding the Company’s performance. Each non-GAAP financial measure is defined and reconciled to its most closely related GAAP financial measure in the “About Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this earnings release.

Forward-Looking
Statements

Statements contained in this earnings release, other than statements of historical fact, particularly those anticipating future financial performance, business prospects, growth, strategies, business operations and similar matters, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management based on information available to us at the time such statements are made. These statements, which are generally identifiable by the use of the words “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” and similar expressions, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no duty or obligation to update them. Because actual results may differ materially from those suggested or implied by such forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on them when deciding whether to buy, sell or hold the Company’s securities.

Our outlook is based on certain assumptions, which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These include, without limitation, assumptions regarding both the near-term and long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; inflation and the impact on demand of global economic uncertainties; changes in the competitive landscape, including ongoing uncertainties in the traditional office products channels; as well as the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency and acquisitions and the other factors described below.

Among the factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements are: the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; a relatively limited number of large customers account for a significant percentage of our sales; issues that influence customer and consumer discretionary spending during periods of economic uncertainty or weakness; risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations; challenges related to the highly competitive business environment in which we operate; our ability to develop and market innovative products that meet consumer demands and to expand into new and adjacent product categories that are experiencing higher growth rates; our ability to successfully expand our business in emerging markets and the exposure to greater financial, operational, regulatory, compliance and other risks in such markets; the continued decline in the use of certain of our products; risks associated with seasonality; the sufficiency of investment returns on pension assets, risks related to actuarial assumptions, changes in government regulations and changes in the unfunded liabilities of a multi-employer pension plan; any impairment of our intangible assets; our ability to secure, protect and maintain our intellectual property rights, and our ability to license rights from major gaming console makers and video game publishers to support our gaming business; continued disruptions in the global supply chain; risks associated with changes in the cost or availability of raw materials, transportation, labor, and other necessary supplies and services and the cost of finished goods; the continued global shortage of microchips which are needed in our gaming and computer accessories businesses; risks associated with outsourcing production of certain of our products, information technology systems and other administrative functions; the failure, inadequacy or interruption of our information technology systems or its supporting infrastructure; risks associated with a cybersecurity incident or information security breach, including that related to a disclosure of personally identifiable information; our ability to grow profitably through acquisitions; our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions and achieve the financial and other results anticipated at the time of acquisition, including planned synergies; risks associated with our indebtedness, including limitations imposed by restrictive covenants, our debt service obligations, and our ability to comply with financial ratios and tests; a change in or discontinuance of our stock repurchase program or the payment of dividends; product liability claims, recalls or regulatory actions; the impact of litigation or other legal proceedings; our failure to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations and self-regulatory requirements, the costs of compliance and the impact of changes in such laws; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the volatility of our stock price; risks associated with circumstances outside our control, including those caused by public health crises, such as the occurrence of contagious diseases like COVID-19, severe weather events, war, terrorism and other geopolitical incidents; and other risks and uncertainties described in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and in other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

ACCO Brands Corporation and
Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance
Sheets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30,

2022

 

 

December 31,

2021

 

(in millions)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

 

91.7

 

$

 

41.2

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

423.9

 

 

 

416.1

 

Inventories

 

 

471.5

 

 

 

428.0

 

Other current assets

 

 

56.2

 

 

 

39.6

 

Total current assets

 

 

1,043.3

 

 

 

924.9

 

Total property, plant and equipment

 

 

594.7

 

 

 

656.4

 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

 

(398.7

)

 

 

(441.8

)

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

196.0

 

 

 

214.6

 

Right of use asset, leases

 

 

96.8

 

 

 

105.2

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

105.0

 

 

 

115.9

 

Goodwill

 

 

779.2

 

 

 

802.5

 

Identifiable intangibles, net

 

 

864.6

 

 

 

902.2

 

Other non-current assets

 

 

6.0

 

 

 

26.0

 

Total assets

$

 

3,090.9

 

$

 

3,091.3

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable

$

 

20.2

 

$

 

9.4

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

 

33.9

 

 

 

33.6

 

Accounts payable

 

 

254.4

 

 

 

308.2

 

Accrued compensation

 

 

36.1

 

 

 

56.9

 

Accrued customer program liabilities

 

 

98.0

 

 

 

101.4

 

Lease liabilities

 

 

22.4

 

 

 

24.4

 

Current portion of contingent consideration

 

 

2.7

 

 

 

24.8

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

122.8

 

 

 

149.9

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

590.5

 

 

 

708.6

 

Long-term debt, net

 

 

1,124.5

 

 

 

954.1

 

Long-term lease liabilities

 

 

81.9

 

 

 

89.0

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

147.7

 

 

 

145.2

 

Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations

 

 

194.2

 

 

 

222.3

 

Contingent consideration

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

12.0

 

Other non-current liabilities

 

 

78.9

 

 

 

95.3

 

Total liabilities

 

 

2,218.0

 

 

 

2,226.5

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

1.0

 

Treasury stock

 

 

(43.4

)

 

 

(40.9

)

Paid-in capital

 

 

1,894.7

 

 

 

1,902.2

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(539.3

)

 

 

(535.5

)

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(440.1

)

 

 

(462.0

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

872.9

 

 

 

864.8

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

 

3,090.9

 

$

 

3,091.3

 

 

ACCO Brands Corporation and
Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share
data)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

 

2022

 

2021

 

% Change

 

2022

 

2021

 

% Change

Net sales

$

521.0

 

$

517.8

 

 

0.6%

$

962.6

 

$

928.3

 

 

3.7%

Cost of products sold

 

371.0

 

 

353.7

 

 

4.9%

 

693.0

 

 

648.7

 

 

6.8%

Gross profit

 

150.0

 

 

164.1

 

 

(8.6)%

 

269.6

 

 

279.6

 

 

(3.6)%

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

91.6

 

 

97.7

 

 

(6.2)%

 

190.4

 

 

191.7

 

 

(0.7)%

Amortization of intangibles

 

10.5

 

 

11.6

 

 

(9.5)%

 

21.6

 

 

23.6

 

 

(8.5)%

Restructuring charges

 

1.9

 

 

 

 

NM

 

2.2

 

 

3.9

 

 

(43.6)%

Change in fair value of contingent consideration

 

(9.4

)

 

4.9

 

 

NM

 

(6.8

)

 

11.6

 

 

NM

Total operating costs and expenses

 

94.6

 

 

114.2

 

 

(17.2)%

 

207.4

 

 

230.8

 

 

(10.1)%

Operating income

 

55.4

 

 

49.9

 

 

11.0%

 

62.2

 

 

48.8

 

 

27.5%

Non-operating expense (income):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

10.8

 

 

11.6

 

 

(6.9)%

 

20.5

 

 

24.8

 

 

(17.3)%

Interest income

 

(2.2

)

 

(0.5

)

 

NM

 

(3.6

)

 

(0.6

)

 

NM

Non-operating pension income

 

(1.3

)

 

(2.5

)

 

(48.0)%

 

(2.7

)

 

(3.3

)

 

(18.2)%

Other (income) expense, net

 

(3.7

)

 

(9.0

)

 

(58.9)%

 

(2.8

)

 

3.9

 

 

NM

Income before income tax

 

51.8

 

 

50.3

 

 

3.0%

 

50.8

 

 

24.0

 

 

111.7%

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

12.4

 

 

1.7

 

 

NM

 

14.1

 

 

(4.2

)

 

NM

Net income

$

39.4

 

$

48.6

 

 

(18.9)%

$

36.7

 

$

28.2

 

 

30.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic income per share

$

0.41

 

$

0.51

 

 

(19.6)%

$

0.38

 

$

0.30

 

 

26.7%

Diluted income per share

$

0.40

 

$

0.50

 

 

(20.0)%

$

0.37

 

$

0.29

 

 

27.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

96.2

 

 

95.5

 

 

 

 

96.2

 

 

95.3

 

 

 

Diluted

 

97.4

 

 

97.2

 

 

 

 

98.0

 

 

96.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends declared per common share

$

0.075

 

$

0.065

 

 

 

$

0.150

 

$

0.130

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statistics (as a % of Net sales, except Income tax rate)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

 

2022

 

2021

 

 

 

2022

 

2021

 

 

Gross profit (Net sales, less Cost of products sold)

 

28.8

%

 

31.7

%

 

 

 

28.0

%

 

30.1

%

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

17.6

%

 

18.9

%

 

 

 

19.8

%

 

20.7

%

 

 

Operating income

 

10.6

%

 

9.6

%

 

 

 

6.5

%

 

5.3

%

 

 

Income before income tax

 

9.9

%

 

9.7

%

 

 

 

5.3

%

 

2.6

%

 

 

Net income

 

7.6

%

 

9.4

%

 

 

 

3.8

%

 

3.0

%

 

 

Income tax rate

 

23.9

%

 

3.4

%

 

 

 

27.8

%

 

(17.5

)%

 

 

 

 

ACCO Brands Corporation and
Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements
of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

(in millions)

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

 

36.7

 

$

 

28.2

 

Amortization of inventory step-up

 

 

 

 

 

2.4

 

Payments of contingent consideration

 

 

(9.2

)

 

 

 

Loss on disposal of assets

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

 

Change in fair value of contingent liability

 

 

(6.8

)

 

 

11.6

 

Depreciation

 

 

19.6

 

 

 

19.6

 

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

1.5

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

21.6

 

 

 

23.6

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

7.2

 

 

 

9.0

 

Loss on debt extinguishment

 

 

 

 

 

3.7

 

Changes in balance sheet items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

(12.4

)

 

 

(54.5

)

Inventories

 

 

(51.4

)

 

 

(77.9

)

Other assets

 

 

(18.7

)

 

 

(32.2

)

Accounts payable

 

 

(47.2

)

 

 

42.3

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

 

(34.8

)

 

 

(12.3

)

Accrued income taxes

 

 

(3.7

)

 

 

(20.1

)

Net cash used by operating activities

 

 

(97.9

)

 

 

(55.1

)

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

 

(7.0

)

 

 

(9.3

)

Proceeds from the disposition of assets

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

Cost of acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

 

 

 

15.4

 

Net cash (used) provided by investing activities

 

 

(6.8

)

 

 

6.1

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

 

 

218.0

 

 

 

648.8

 

Repayments of long-term debt

 

 

(25.6

)

 

 

(529.2

)

Proceeds of notes payable, net

 

 

11.3

 

 

 

2.2

 

Payment for debt premium

 

 

 

 

 

(9.8

)

Payments for debt issuance costs

 

 

 

 

 

(10.5

)

Dividends paid

 

 

(14.4

)

 

 

(12.4

)

Payments of contingent consideration

 

 

(17.8

)

 

 

 

Repurchases of common stock

 

 

(19.4

)

 

 

 

Payments related to tax withholding for stock-based compensation

 

 

(2.5

)

 

 

(0.9

)

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

 

 

4.3

 

 

 

2.0

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

153.9

 

 

 

90.2

 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

1.3

 

 

 

0.1

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

50.5

 

 

 

41.3

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of the period

 

 

41.2

 

 

 

36.6

 

End of the period

$

91.7

 

$

 

77.9

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This earnings release contains non-GAAP financial measures. We explain below how we calculate and use each of these non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation of our current period and historical non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures follows.

We use our non-GAAP financial measures both to explain our results to stockholders and the investment community and in the internal evaluation and management of our business. We believe our non-GAAP financial measures provide management and investors with a more complete understanding of our underlying operational results and trends, facilitate meaningful period-to-period comparisons and enhance an overall understanding of our past and future financial performance.

Our non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain items that may have a material impact upon our reported financial results such as restructuring charges, transaction and integration expenses associated with material acquisitions, the impact of foreign currency fluctuation and acquisitions, unusual tax items and other non-recurring items that we consider to be outside of our core operations. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the directly comparable GAAP financial measures and should be read in connection with the Company’s financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP.

Our non-GAAP financial measures include the following:

Comparable Net Sales : Represents net sales excluding the impact of material acquisitions with current-period foreign operation sales translated at prior-year currency rates. We believe comparable net sales are useful to investors and management because they reflect underlying sales and sales trends without the effect of acquisitions and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and facilitate meaningful period-to-period comparisons. We sometimes refer to comparable net sales as comparable sales.

Adjusted Gross Profit : Represents gross profit excluding the effect of the amortization of the step-up in inventory from material acquisitions. We believe adjusted gross profit is useful to investors and management because it reflects underlying gross profit without the effect of inventory adjustments resulting from acquisitions that we consider to be outside our core operations and facilitates meaningful period-to-period comparisons.

Adjusted Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses : Represents selling, general and administrative expenses excluding transaction and integration expenses related to our material acquisitions. We believe adjusted SG&A expenses are useful to investors and management because they reflect underlying SG&A expenses without the effect of expenses related to acquiring and integrating acquisitions that we consider to be outside our core operations and facilitate meaningful period-to-period comparisons.

Adjusted Operating Income/Adjusted Income Before Taxes/Adjusted
Net Income/Adjusted Net Income Per Diluted Share
 : Represents operating income, income before taxes, net income, and net income per diluted share excluding restructuring charges, the amortization of intangibles, the amortization of the step-up in value of inventory, the change in fair value of contingent consideration, transaction and integration expenses associated with material acquisitions, non-recurring items in interest expense or other income/expense such as expenses associated with debt refinancing, a bond redemption, or a pension curtailment, and other non-recurring items as well as all unusual and discrete income tax adjustments, including income tax related to the foregoing. We believe these adjusted non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors and management because they reflect our underlying operating performance before items that we consider to be outside our core operations and facilitate meaningful period-to-period comparisons. Senior management’s incentive compensation is derived, in part, using adjusted operating income and adjusted net income per diluted share, which is derived from adjusted net income. We sometimes refer to adjusted net income per diluted share as adjusted earnings per share.

Comparable Adjusted Net Income Per Diluted Share: Represents adjusted net income per diluted share excluding the incremental current year impact of foreign exchange. We sometimes refer to comparable adjusted net income per diluted share as comparable adjusted earnings per share.

Adjusted Income Tax Expense/Rate : Represents income tax expense/rate excluding the tax effect of the items that have been excluded from adjusted income before taxes, unusual income tax items such as the impact of tax audits and changes in laws, significant reserves for cash repatriation, excess tax benefits/losses, and other discrete tax items. We believe our adjusted income tax expense/rate is useful to investors because it reflects our baseline income tax expense/rate before benefits/losses and other discrete items that we consider to be outside our core operations and facilitates meaningful period-to-period comparisons.

Adjusted EBITDA: Represents net income excluding the effects of depreciation, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangibles, the change in fair value of contingent consideration, interest expense, net, other (income) expense, net, and income tax expense, the amortization of the step-up in value of inventory, transaction and integration expenses associated with material acquisitions, restructuring charges, non-recurring items in interest expense or other income/expense such as expenses associated with debt refinancing, a bond redemption, or a pension curtailment and other non-recurring items. We believe adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors because it reflects our underlying cash profitability and adjusts for certain non-cash charges, and items that we consider to be outside our core operations and facilitates meaningful period-to-period comparisons.

Free Cash Flow: Represents cash flow from operating activities, excluding cash payments made for contingent earnouts, less cash used for additions to property, plant and equipment, plus cash proceeds from the disposition of assets. We believe free cash flow is useful to investors because it measures our available cash flow for paying dividends, funding strategic material acquisitions, reducing debt, and repurchasing shares.

Net Leverage Ratio: Represents balance sheet debt, plus debt origination costs and less any cash and cash equivalents divided by adjusted EBITDA. We believe that net leverage ratio is useful to investors since the company has the ability to, and may decide to use a portion of its cash and cash equivalents to retire debt.

This earnings release also provides forward-looking non-GAAP comparable net sales, adjusted earnings per share, comparable adjusted earnings per share, free cash flow, adjusted EBITDA, net leverage ratio and adjusted tax rate. We do not provide a reconciliation of forward-looking comparable net sales, adjusted earnings per share, comparable adjusted earnings per share, free cash flow, adjusted EBITDA, net leverage ratio or adjusted tax rate to GAAP because the GAAP financial measure is not accessible on a forward-looking basis and reconciling information is not available without unreasonable effort due to the inherent difficulty of forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such a reconciliation, including adjustments that could be made for restructuring, integration and acquisition-related expenses, the variability of our tax rate and the impact of foreign currency fluctuation and material acquisitions, and other charges reflected in our historical numbers. The probable significance of each of these items is high and, based on historical experience, could be material.

ACCO Brands Corporation and
Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted
Non-GAAP Information (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share
data)

 

 

 

The following tables set forth a reconciliation of certain Consolidated Statements of Income information reported in accordance with GAAP to adjusted Non-GAAP Information for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

SG&A

 

 

%
of Sales

 

 

 

Operating

Income

 

 

%
of Sales

 

 

 

Income before Tax

 

 

%
of Sales

 

 

 

Income Tax

Expense (E)

 

 

Tax
Rate

 

 

 

Net Income

 

 

%
of Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reported GAAP

 

$

 

91.6

 

 

 

17.6

%

 

$

 

55.4

 

 

 

10.6

%

 

$

 

51.8

 

 

 

9.9

%

 

$

 

12.4

 

 

 

23.9

%

 

$

 

39.4

 

 

 

7.6

%

 

Reported GAAP diluted income per share (EPS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

0.40

 

 

 

 

 

Release of charge for Russia business

(A)

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

 

 

Restructuring charges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.8

 

 

 

 

 

Change in fair value of contingent consideration

(B)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9.4

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9.4

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2.4

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7.0

)

 

 

 

 

Brazil tax credits

(I)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2.5

)

 

 

 

 

Other discrete tax items

(J)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3.0

)

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Non-GAAP

 

$

 

91.9

 

 

 

17.6

%

 

$

 

58.1

 

 

 

11.2

%

 

$

 

50.7

 

 

 

9.7

%

 

$

 

14.7

 

 

 

29.0

%

 

$

 

36.0

 

 

 

6.9

%

 

Adjusted diluted income per share (Adjusted EPS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

0.37

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

SG&A

 

 

%
of Sales

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

 

%
of Sales

 

 

 

Income before Tax

 

 

%
of Sales

 

 

 

Income Tax Expense (E)

 

 

Tax
Rate

 

 

 

Net Income

 

 

%
of Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reported GAAP

 

$

 

97.7

 

 

 

18.9

%

 

$

 

49.9

 

 

 

9.6

%

 

$

 

50.3

 

 

 

9.7

%

 

$

 

1.7

 

 

 

3.4

%

 

$

 

48.6

 

 

 

9.4

%

Reported GAAP diluted income per share (EPS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

0.50

 

 

 

 

Transaction and integration expenses

(D)

 

 

(0.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.4

 

 

 

 

Change in fair value of contingent consideration

(B)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.4

 

 

 

 

Brazil tax credits

(I)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6.0

)

 

 

 

Other discrete tax items

(J)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(13.0

)

 

 

 

Adjusted Non-GAAP

 

$

 

96.9

 

 

 

18.7

%

 

$

 

67.2

 

 

 

13.0

%

 

$

 

58.5

 

 

 

11.3

%

 

$

 

16.5

 

 

 

28.2

%

 

$

 

42.0

 

 

 

8.1

%

Adjusted diluted income per share (Adjusted EPS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

0.43

 

 

 

 

See “Notes to Reconciliations of GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP Information and Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA (Unaudited)” for further information regarding adjusted items.

 

ACCO Brands Corporation and
Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted
Non-GAAP Information (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share
data)

 

The following tables set forth a reconciliation of certain Consolidated Statements of Income information reported in accordance with GAAP to adjusted Non-GAAP Information for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2022

 

 

 

 

SG&A

 

 

%
of Sales

 

 

 

Operating

Income

 

 

%
of Sales

 

 

 

Income before Tax

 

 

%
of Sales

 

 

 

Income Tax Expense (E)

 

 

Tax
Rate

 

 

 

Net Income

 

 

%
of Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reported GAAP

 

$

 

190.4

 

 

 

19.8

%

 

$

 

62.2

 

 

 

6.5

%

 

$

 

50.8

 

 

 

5.3

%

 

$

 

14.1

 

 

 

27.8

%

 

$

 

36.7

 

 

 

3.8

%

Reported GAAP diluted income per share (EPS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

0.37

 

 

 

 

Charge for Russia business

(A)

 

 

(1.5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.2

 

 

 

 

Restructuring charges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15.9

 

 

 

 

Change in fair value of contingent consideration

(B)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.7

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5.1

)

 

 

 

Operating tax gains

(H)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

Brazil tax credits

(I)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2.5

)

 

 

 

Other discrete tax items

(J)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.4

)

 

 

 

Adjusted Non-GAAP

 

$

 

188.9

 

 

 

19.6

%

 

$

 

80.7

 

 

 

8.4

%

 

$

 

65.4

 

 

 

6.8

%

 

$

 

19.0

 

 

 

29.0

%

 

$

 

46.4

 

 

 

4.8

%

Adjusted diluted income per share (Adjusted EPS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

0.47

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021

Gross Profit

 

 

%
of

Sales

 

 

SG&A

 

 

%
of

Sales

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

 

%
of

Sales

 

 

 

Income before Tax

 

 

%
of

Sales

 

 

 

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense (E)

 

 

Tax

Rate

 

 

 

Net Income

 

%
of Sales

 

Reported GAAP

 

$

 

279.6

 

 

 

30.1

%

 

$

 

191.7

 

 

 

20.7

%

 

$

 

48.8

 

 

 

5.3

%

 

$

 

24.0

 

 

 

2.6

%

 

$

 

(4.2

)

 

 

(17.5

)%

 

$

 

28.2

 

 

 

3.0

%

Reported GAAP diluted income per share (EPS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

0.29

 

 

 

 

Inventory step-up amortization

(C)

 

 

2.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

 

Transaction and integration expenses

(D)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.1

 

 

 

 

Restructuring charges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.9

 

 

 

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17.2

 

 

 

 

Change in fair value of contingent consideration

(B)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.4

 

 

 

 

Refinancing costs

(E)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.7

 

 

 

 

Operating tax gain

(H)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

 

Brazil tax credits

(I)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6.0

)

 

 

 

Bond redemption

(F)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.2

 

 

 

 

Pension curtailment

(G)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

 

Other discrete tax items

(J)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(12.3

)

 

 

 

Adjusted Non-GAAP

 

$

 

282.0

 

 

 

30.4

%

 

$

 

190.2

 

 

 

20.5

%

 

$

 

91.8

 

 

 

9.9

%

 

$

 

72.6

 

 

 

7.8

%

 

$

 

20.6

 

 

 

28.4

%

 

$

 

52.0

 

 

 

5.6

%

Adjusted diluted income per share (Adjusted EPS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

0.54

 

 

 

 

See “Notes to Reconciliations of GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP Information and Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA (Unaudited)” for further information regarding adjusted items.

 

ACCO Brands Corporation and
Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of Net Income to
Adjusted EBITDA (Unaudited)

(In millions)

 

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income reported in accordance with GAAP to Adjusted EBITDA.

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

 

% Change

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

 

% Change

 

Net income

 

$

 

39.4

 

$

 

48.6

 

 

 

(18.9

)%

$

 

36.7

 

$

 

28.2

 

 

 

30.1

%

Inventory step-up amortization

(C)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NM

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.4

 

 

 

(100.0

)%

Transaction and integration expenses

(D)

 

 

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

(100.0

)%

 

 

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

(100.0

)%

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

2.3

 

 

 

4.2

 

 

 

(45.2

)%

 

 

7.2

 

 

 

9.0

 

 

 

(20.0

)%

Depreciation

 

 

 

9.7

 

 

 

10.0

 

 

 

(3.0

)%

 

 

19.6

 

 

 

19.6

 

 

 

%

(Release) charge for Russia business

(A)

 

 

(0.3

)

 

 

 

 

NM

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

 

 

NM

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

 

10.5

 

 

 

11.6

 

 

 

(9.5

)%

 

 

21.6

 

 

 

23.6

 

 

 

(8.5

)%

Restructuring charges

 

 

 

1.9

 

 

 

 

 

NM

 

 

 

2.2

 

 

 

3.9

 

 

 

(43.6

)%

Change in fair value of contingent consideration

(B)

 

 

(9.4

)

 

 

4.9

 

 

NM

 

 

 

(6.8

)

 

 

11.6

 

 

NM

 

Pension curtailment

(G)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NM

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

(100.0

)%

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

8.6

 

 

 

11.1

 

 

 

(22.5

)%

 

 

16.9

 

 

 

24.2

 

 

 

(30.2

)%

Other (income) expense, net

 

 

 

(3.7

)

 

 

(9.0

)

 

 

(58.9

)%

 

 

(2.8

)

 

 

3.9

 

 

NM

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

 

12.4

 

 

 

1.7

 

 

NM

 

 

 

14.1

 

 

 

(4.2

)

 

NM

 

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)

 

$

 

71.4

 

$

 

83.9

 

 

 

(14.9

)%

$

 

110.2

 

$

 

125.1

 

 

 

(11.9

)%

Adjusted EBITDA as
a % of Net Sales

 

 

 

13.7

%

 

 

16.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

11.4

%

 

 

13.5

%

 

 

 

 

See “Notes to Reconciliations of GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP Information and Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA (Unaudited)” for further information regarding adjusted items.

Reconciliation of Net Cash Used by
Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow (Unaudited)

(In millions)

 

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities reported in accordance with GAAP to Free Cash Flow.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

June 30, 2022

 

 

Three Months Ended

June 30, 2021

 

 

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2022

 

 

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2021

 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

$

 

6.3

 

$

 

(12.7

)

$

 

(97.9

)

$

 

(55.1

)

Net cash (used) provided by:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

 

(3.6

)

 

 

(5.5

)

 

 

(7.0

)

 

 

(9.3

)

Proceeds from the disposition of assets

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

Payments of contingent consideration

 

 

9.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.2

 

 

 

 

Free cash flow (non-GAAP)

$

 

12.1

 

$

 

(18.2

)

$

 

(95.5

)

$

 

(64.4

)

 

Notes to Reconciliations of GAAP
to Adjusted Non-GAAP Information and Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA
(Unaudited)

 

A.

Represents a net charge to operating expense related to our Russia business.

B.

Represents the change in fair value of the contingent consideration for the PowerA acquisition. The change in fair value of the contingent consideration is assessed every quarter and is included as expense/income in the consolidated statements of income.

C.

Represents the amortization of step-up in the value of inventory associated with the PowerA acquisition.

D.

Represents transaction and integration expenses associated with our acquisitions.

E.

Represents the write-off of debt issuance costs and other costs associated with the Company’s 2021 debt refinancing and discharge of its obligations on the senior unsecured notes due in 2024.

F.

Represents a call premium on the 2021 redemption of the senior unsecured notes due in 2024.

G.

Represents a pension curtailment related to restructuring projects.

H.

Represents gains related to the release of unneeded reserves for certain operating taxes.

I.

Represents certain indirect tax credits related to Brazil.

J.

The adjustments to income tax expense include the effects of the adjustments outlined above and discrete tax adjustments.

ACCO Brands Corporation and
Subsidiaries

Supplemental Business Segment
Information and Reconciliation (Unaudited)

(In millions)

 

 

 

2022

 

2021

 

Changes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted

 

 

Operating

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted

 

 

Operating

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted

 

 

Adjusted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating

 

 

 

 

 

Operating

 

 

Income

 

 

 

 

Operating

 

 

 

 

 

Operating

 

 

Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating

 

 

Operating

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

 

Income

 

 

Adjusted

 

 

Income

 

 

(Loss)

 

Reported

 

 

Income

 

 

Adjusted

 

 

Income

 

 

(Loss)

 

Net Sales

 

 

Net Sales

 

Income

 

 

Income

 

Margin

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

 

(Loss)

 

 

Items

 

 

(Loss)

 

 

Margin

 

Net Sales

 

 

(Loss)

 

 

Items

 

 

(Loss)

 

 

Margin

 

$

 

 

%

 

(Loss) $

 

 

(Loss) %

 

Points

 

Q1:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCO Brands North America

$

 

208.5

 

$

 

13.9

 

$

 

5.9

 

$

 

19.8

 

 

9.5%

$

 

188.8

 

$

 

(0.7

)

$

 

11.9

 

$

 

11.2

 

 

5.9%

$

 

19.7

 

 

10.4%

$

 

8.6

 

 

76.8%

 

 

360

 

ACCO Brands EMEA

 

 

156.1

 

 

 

5.6

 

 

 

3.5

 

 

 

9.1

 

 

5.8%

 

 

156.9

 

 

 

16.8

 

 

 

4.4

 

 

 

21.2

 

 

13.5%

 

 

(0.8

)

 

(0.5)%

 

 

(12.1

)

 

(57.1)%

 

 

(770

)

ACCO Brands International

 

 

77.0

 

 

 

4.2

 

 

 

2.0

 

 

 

6.2

 

 

8.1%

 

 

64.8

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

2.5

 

 

 

3.1

 

 

4.8%

 

 

12.2

 

 

18.8%

 

 

3.1

 

 

100.0%

 

 

330

 

Corporate

 

 

 

 

 

(16.9

)

 

 

4.4

 

 

 

(12.5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(17.8

)

 

 

6.9

 

 

 

(10.9

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

Total

$

 

441.6

 

$

 

6.8

 

$

 

15.8

 

$

 

22.6

 

 

5.1%

$

 

410.5

 

$

 

(1.1

)

$

 

25.7

 

$

 

24.6

 

 

6.0%

$

 

31.1

 

 

7.6%

$

 

(2.0

)

 

(8.1)%

 

 

(90

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q2:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCO Brands North America

$

 

306.6

 

$

 

50.7

 

$

 

6.5

 

$

 

57.2

 

 

18.7 %

$

 

295.1

 

$

 

53.8

 

$

 

6.1

 

$

 

59.9

 

 

20.3%

$

 

11.5

 

 

3.9%

$

 

(2.7

)

 

(4.5)%

 

 

(160

)

ACCO Brands EMEA

 

 

137.9

 

 

 

(1.5

)

 

 

3.6

 

 

 

2.1

 

 

1.5 %

 

 

157.0

 

 

 

9.9

 

 

 

3.9

 

 

 

13.8

 

 

8.8%

 

 

(19.1

)

 

(12.2)%

 

 

(11.7

)

 

(84.8)%

 

 

(730

)

ACCO Brands International

 

 

76.5

 

 

 

6.3

 

 

 

2.3

 

 

 

8.6

 

 

11.2 %

 

 

65.7

 

 

 

2.8

 

 

 

2.0

 

 

 

4.8

 

 

7.3%

 

 

10.8

 

 

16.4%

 

 

3.8

 

 

79.2%

 

 

390

 

Corporate

 

 

 

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(9.7

)

 

 

(9.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(16.6

)

 

 

5.3

 

 

 

(11.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

$

 

521.0

 

$

 

55.4

 

$

 

2.7

 

$

 

58.1

 

 

11.2 %

$

 

517.8

 

$

 

49.9

 

$

 

17.3

 

$

 

67.2

 

 

13.0%

$

 

3.2

 

 

0.6%

$

 

(9.1

)

 

(13.5)%

 

 

(180

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q3:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCO Brands North America

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

287.5

 

$

 

34.6

 

$

 

7.0

 

$

 

41.6

 

 

14.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCO Brands EMEA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

161.1

 

 

 

13.4

 

 

 

3.9

 

 

 

17.3

 

 

10.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCO Brands International

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

78.1

 

 

 

7.3

 

 

 

2.5

 

 

 

9.8

 

 

12.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(16.7

)

 

 

5.0

 

 

 

(11.7

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

526.7

 

$

 

38.6

 

$

 

18.4

 

$

 

57.0

 

 

10.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q4:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCO Brands North America

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

271.0

 

$

 

34.2

 

$

 

7.7

 

$

 

41.9

 

 

15.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCO Brands EMEA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

187.9

 

 

 

21.6

 

 

 

3.3

 

 

 

24.9

 

 

13.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCO Brands International

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

111.4

 

 

 

20.9

 

 

 

2.0

 

 

 

22.9

 

 

20.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(13.1

)

 

 

2.5

 

 

 

(10.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

570.3

 

$

 

63.6

 

$

 

15.5

 

$

 

79.1

 

 

13.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YTD:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCO Brands North America

$

 

515.1

 

$

 

64.6

 

$

 

12.4

 

$

 

77.0

 

 

14.9%

$

 

1,042.4

 

$

 

121.9

 

$

 

32.7

 

$

 

154.6

 

 

14.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCO Brands EMEA

 

 

294.0

 

 

 

4.1

 

 

 

7.1

 

 

 

11.2

 

 

3.8%

 

 

662.9

 

 

 

61.7

 

 

 

15.5

 

 

 

77.2

 

 

11.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCO Brands International

 

 

153.5

 

 

 

10.5

 

 

 

4.3

 

 

 

14.8

 

 

9.6%

 

 

320.0

 

 

 

31.6

 

 

 

9.0

 

 

 

40.6

 

 

12.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate

 

 

 

 

 

(17.0

)

 

 

(5.3

)

 

 

(22.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(64.2

)

 

 

19.7

 

 

 

(44.5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

$

 

962.6

 

$

 

62.2

 

$

 

18.5

 

$

 

80.7

 

 

8.4%

$

 

2,025.3

 

$

 

151.0

 

$

 

76.9

 

$

 

227.9

 

 

11.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See “Notes to Reconciliations of GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP Information and Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA (Unaudited)” for further information regarding adjusted items.

 

ACCO Brands Corporation and
Subsidiaries

Supplemental Net Sales Change
Analysis (Unaudited)

 

 

 

% Change – Net Sales

 

$ Change – Net Sales (in millions)

 

 

 

 

GAAP

Non-GAAP

 

 

GAAP

Non-GAAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparable

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparable

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

Currency

 

Net Sales

 

 

Net Sales

 

Currency

 

Net Sales

 

Comparable

 

 

Change

 

Translation

 

Change

 

 

Change

 

Translation

 

Change

 

Net Sales

Q1 2022:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCO Brands North America

 

10.4 %

 

— %

 

10.4 %

 

$

19.7

$

$

19.7

$

208.5

ACCO Brands EMEA

 

(0.5)%

 

(7.9)%

 

7.4 %

 

 

(0.8)

 

(12.4)

 

11.6

 

168.5

ACCO Brands International

 

18.8 %

 

(3.9)%

 

22.7 %

 

 

12.2

 

(2.5)

 

14.7

 

79.5

Total

 

7.6 %

 

(3.6)%

 

11.2 %

 

$

31.1

$

(14.9)

$

46.0

$

456.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q2 2022:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCO Brands North America

 

3.9 %

 

(0.5)%

 

4.4 %

 

$

11.5

$

(1.4)

$

12.9

$

308.0

ACCO Brands EMEA

 

(12.2)%

 

(12.6)%

 

0.4 %

 

 

(19.1)

 

(19.8)

 

0.7

 

157.7

ACCO Brands International

 

16.4 %

 

(3.7)%

 

20.1 %

 

 

10.8

 

(2.4)

 

13.2

 

78.9

Total

 

0.6 %

 

(4.6)%

 

5.2 %

 

$

3.2

$

(23.6)

$

26.8

$

544.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2022 YTD:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCO Brands North America

 

6.4 %

 

(0.3)%

 

6.7 %

 

$

31.2

$

(1.4)

$

32.6

$

516.5

ACCO Brands EMEA

 

(6.3)%

 

(10.3)%

 

4.0 %

 

 

(19.9)

 

(32.2)

 

12.3

 

326.2

ACCO Brands International

 

17.6 %

 

(3.8)%

 

21.4 %

 

 

23.0

 

(4.9)

 

27.9

 

158.4

Total

 

3.7 %

 

(4.1)%

 

7.8 %

 

$

34.3

$

(38.5)

$

72.8

$

1,001.1

(A) Comparable net sales represents net sales excluding material acquisitions and with current-period foreign operation sales translated at the prior-year currency rates.

 

Christopher McGinnis
Investor Relations
(847) 796-4320

Julie McEwan
Media Relations
(937) 974-8162

Source: ACCO Brands Corporation


More Behind AMC’s APE Dividend than Meets the Eye



Image Credit: Keith C (Flickr)


AMC Announces Peculiar Dividend and a New Class of Company Stock

“So, ladies and gentlemen, gentlemen and ladies, TODAY WE POUNCE.” In his letter to shareholders, these are the words of AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron. Amidst a flurry of reports, filings, and an open letter to shareholders yesterday (August 4), the company announced a unique dividend to be awarded to listed shareholders later this month. The AMC Preferred Equity announcement (ticker: APE) is causing as much or more confusion as the unusual GameStop (GME) dividend did last month.

Below we try to simplify the details of the new APE units.


Details of Dividend

The special dividend of one AMC Preferred Equity unit will be issued for each share of AMC Class A common stock outstanding at the close of business on August 15, 2022. The special dividend is scheduled to be paid at the close of business on August 19. AMC expects to list its AMC Preferred Equity Units on the NYSE under the symbol “APE,” starting August 22. The symbol is a familiar term to the so-called meme stock investors who often refer to themselves as “apes.”

AMC will be issuing one share of APE as a dividend for each of its 516,820,595 shares outstanding, according to Aron. “The issuance only to our shareholders of tradable AMC Preferred Equity units clarifies who is included in our current shareholder base,” he said in a press release. The company has faced questions and theories that there are synthetic AMC shares in the hands of unwitting investors. Aron believes this can answer those questions by vetting through their shareholder of record list.


Source: Twitter (@PeterRHann1)

The theory that there are fraudulent shares in the float used by investors to cover short positions in the past could now be uncovered. Some online commentators argue that if they can add synthetic AMC, then they can add synthetic APE to trade. However, AMC took an extra step. An NFT. Bypassing the blockchain and creating fraudulent NFTs would, in theory, be more difficult, if only because it would take a different skill set. The “I own APE” NFT will be given to shareholders of record August 14.

 

What Shareholders Get

The company stock price has had wide swings over the past two years that took the theater chain from a down-for-the-count pandemic victim to a Robinhood investor phenomenon. AMC tapped the steep rise in its share price to raise $917 million in January 2021. At that time, Aron said the new financing meant any talk of imminent bankruptcy “is completely off the table.”






Source: Twitter (@CEOAdam)

Earlier this year, AMC stunned Wall Street when it made a $27.
9 million investment
in Hycroft Mining Holding Corp. HYMC, a gold and silver mining company that diversifies AMC well outside of the entertainment industry. He spoke of the ownership interest on an investor call this week, saying, “We have every confidence that our Hycroft investment will pan out, excuse the pun, to be quite lucrative for AMC,” he said. “I am so convinced that, when the story is finally written, this will be a good one for AMC.”

Shares of the company, which skyrocketed to a high of $72.62 on June 2, 2021, have fallen 30% this year.


Source: AMC Website (AMC Preferred Equity Units)

The new class of stock is convertible into AMC common shares at one-to-one and conversion is at the discretion of the holder. It is designed to not add any dilution for current (authentic) shareholders. The ability to vote APE units will be the same for both classes of shares. APE shares have preferred rights and claims over the AMC class, making AMC shares subordinate in a liquidation event.


What AMC Gets

“This new AMC Preferred Equity gives AMC a currency that can be used in the future to strengthen our balance sheet, including by paying down debt or raising fresh equity,” said AMC Chief Executive Adam Aron. “As a result, this dramatically lessens any near-term survival risk for AMC, as we continue to work our way through this pandemic.” In the letter to shareholders he explained, “I believe all of this makes us vastly, and I mean, vastly, stronger.” The Aron, referred to AMC’s critics as “naysayers” and “prophets of doom” and took a shot at those shorting the stock by saying the dividend is very bad news for people “not rooting for AMC.”


Source: AMC Theatres Press Release (August 4, 2022)

Take-Away

The AMC dividend is unique. It adds a new class of company stocks that does not mathematically devalue the company. It appears to be designed to give investors confidence that each share traded is authentic. Less importantly, it allows investors that refer to themselves as Apes to own a favorite company trading under the ticker APE. Separately, it gives a nod to blockchains’ ability to provide authenticity through NFTs.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

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Sources

https://d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net/CIK-0001411579/d143ef2b-7a84-47d2-a8a1-7930f7527930.pdf

https://s25.q4cdn.com/472643608/files/doc_financials/2022/q2/FINAL-APE-Dividend-Press-Release-20220804-0930-v.F-clean.pdf

https://s25.q4cdn.com/472643608/files/doc_downloads/2022/FINAL-APE-Dividend-Shareholder-Letter-20220804-1400-v.F.pdf

https://s25.q4cdn.com/472643608/files/doc_downloads/AMC_Preferred-Equity-Units_WEBSITE-(Weil-8.3.2022).pdf

https://twitter.com/CEOAdam/status/1555324348852047872/photo/1


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Release – Vera Bradley Announces Reporting Date for Fiscal Year 2023 Second Quarter Results



Vera Bradley Announces Reporting Date for Fiscal Year 2023 Second Quarter Results

Research, News, and Market Data on Vera Bradley


Aug 5, 2022

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Aug. 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vera Bradley, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRA) (“Vera Bradley” or the “Company”) today announced that it plans to report results for the second quarter ended July 30, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, August 31, 2022.

The Company will host a conference call to discuss its financial results at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time that same day. A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, www.verabradley.com. Alternatively, interested parties may dial into the call at (800) 437-2398 or (323) 289-6576, and enter the access code 3589431. A replay will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call and remain available through September 14, 2022. To access the recording, listeners should dial (844) 512-2921, and enter the access code 3589431.

ABOUT VERA BRADLEY, INC.

Vera Bradley, Inc. operates two unique lifestyle brands – Vera Bradley and Pura Vida. Vera Bradley and Pura Vida are complementary businesses, both with devoted, emotionally connected, and multi-generational female customer bases; alignment as casual, comfortable, affordable, and fun brands; positioning as “gifting” and socially-connected brands; strong, entrepreneurial cultures; a keen focus on community, charity, and social consciousness; multi-channel distribution strategies; and talented leadership teams aligned and committed to the long-term success of their brands.

Vera Bradley, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a leading designer of women’s handbags, luggage and other travel items, fashion and home accessories, and unique gifts. Founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, the brand is known for its innovative designs, iconic patterns, and brilliant colors that inspire and connect women unlike any other brand in the global marketplace.

In July 2019, Vera Bradley, Inc. acquired a 75% interest in Creative Genius, Inc., which also operates under the name Pura Vida Bracelets (“Pura Vida”). Pura Vida, based in La Jolla, California, is a digitally native, highly engaging lifestyle brand founded in 2010 by friends Paul Goodman and Griffin Thall. Pura Vida has a differentiated and expanding offering of bracelets, jewelry, and other lifestyle accessories.

CONTACTS:
Investors:

Julia Bentley, VP of Investor Relations and Communications
jbentley@verabradley.com
(260) 207-5116

Media:           

877-708-VERA (8372)                                

Mediacontact@verabradley.com

 


Noble on the Road: FAT Brands (FAT) Investor Day



Noble on the Road Presents: FAT Brands Investor Day

Noble Capital Markets is hosting an investor day with FAT Brands for the New York financial community on Thursday, September 15th. Andy Wiederhorn, CEO of FAT Brands, will present and answer questions. This is a no cost event for investors to get to know the company and management.

FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets and develops fast casual and casual dining restaurants worldwide. The company’s portfolio includes 15 different brands and franchises over 2,300 units worldwide.

Noble senior analyst Joe Gomes follows the company and has an Outperform rating with a $25 price target.

To learn more about FAT Brands, click here. The research is complimentary to you.

Yes, I want to meet FAT Brands

For more information on this, and other upcoming roadshows, contact:

Barbara Cohen
Managing Director, Investor Outreach & Distribution
Noble Capital Markets, Inc. Direct – (212) 863-3225
bcohen@noblecapitalmarkets.com

RCI Hospitality Holdings (RICK) – Another Club Acquisition

Monday, July 25, 2022

RCI Hospitality Holdings (RICK)
Another Club Acquisition

With more than 50 units, RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the country’s leading company in gentlemen’s clubs and sports bars/restaurants. Clubs in New York City, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, Denver, St. Louis, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Raleigh, Louisville, and other markets operate under brand names such as Rick’s Cabaret, XTC, Club Onyx, Vivid Cabaret, Jaguars Club, Tootsie’s Cabaret, and Scarlett’s Cabaret. Sports bars/restaurants operate under the brand name Bombshells Restaurant & Bar.

Joe Gomes, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Acquisition. Last Friday, RCI announced closing on purchase agreements that will enable the Company to open a third adult nightclub in the Odessa, TX area. The new club will be RCI’s third in the area, complimenting the existing Rick’s Cabaret Odessa and Jaguar’s Club Odessa. To be called PT’s Showclub, the new location will offer adult entertainment and liquor service and is expected to appeal to a different demographic from the existing clubs.

Details. RCI paid $1.8 million in cash and seller financing for the club’s assets, including all necessary licenses, and for the 5,180 square foot building and one acre property. The property was the former home of a couple of other adult nightclubs. Although financial details were not provided outside of the acquisition cost, other properties in the area are listed in the $70-$80 per sq/ft range, according to LoopNet, suggesting a potential cost of the property in the $400,000 range, leaving $1.4 million for the business. At management’s normal 3-5x EBITDA acquisition target, this would suggest expected annual EBITDA contribution in the $400,000 range. The club should begin contributing to results by the end of September….

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Vera Bradley (VRA) – CEO Change and Cost Initiatives Update

Monday, July 25, 2022

Vera Bradley (VRA)
CEO Change and Cost Initiatives Update

Joe Gomes, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

A Transition. Vera Bradley announced Thursday the retirement of long-time President and CEO Robert Wallstrom. Mr. Wallstrom will remain in the position until a successor is named, which is expected by the beginning of 2023, and will work with the board of directors in the search. The search will consider both internal and external candidates, with a focus on a CEO to continue the Company’s focus on building consistent, sustainable growth over the long-term for the Vera Bradley and Pura Vida businesses.

Cost Initiatives Update. The Company also provided an update to the cost reduction initiatives, announced in the first quarter earnings call. Management has identified annualized cost reductions totaling approximately $25 million, at the high end of the $15-$25 million forecasted range. A portion of the savings are expected to be realized this fiscal year and will be fully implemented in the fiscal year ending February 2024….

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Release – Vera Bradley, Inc. Announces CEO Transition



Vera Bradley, Inc. Announces CEO Transition

Research, News, and Market Data on Vera Bradley

Retirement of President and CEO Robert Wallstrom planned at end of 2022; search for new CEO underway

Company also solidifies annual cost reduction initiatives totaling $25 million

FORT WAYNE, Ind., July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vera Bradley, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRA) (the “Company”) today announced the planned retirement of President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Wallstrom. Wallstrom will remain President and CEO until a successor is named, which is expected by the beginning of 2023. Wallstrom will work with the Board of Directors in their national search for his successor.

Wallstrom has led Vera Bradley, Inc. as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2013, executing the Company’s business transformation while also championing corporate social responsibility, associate engagement, and philanthropy initiatives. Wallstrom oversaw the expansion of the Company’s portfolio in 2019 with the acquisition of lifestyle brand Pura Vida, which achieved B Corp Certification in 2022. Under Wallstrom’s leadership, in 2022, Vera Bradley, Inc. was named America’s #1 Best Midsize Employer and #11 Best Employer for Diversity by Forbes and Statista.  

Robert Hall, Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, noted, “Rob is a bold leader, an innovator, and a visionary who has worked tirelessly to evolve the Company and position it for growth. As an advocate for the power of business to create positive influence and outcomes for people and communities, Rob places a unique focus on building an organization with a strong culture that strives to positively impact all stakeholders. I am proud to have partnered with Rob over the last nine years, and we are grateful for his principled and collaborative leadership.”

Hall continued, “As we search for Rob’s successor, we are in the desirable position of having two strong, iconic brands – Vera Bradley and Pura Vida – with loyal and dedicated customer bases, a solid balance sheet, and a talented leadership team. The Board takes very seriously its responsibility to find the right CEO who will continue our focus on building consistent, sustainable growth over the long term. The next CEO also will have to successfully manage through this challenging economic period, including overseeing implementation of our cost reduction initiatives which will better position us for the future.”

Both internal and external candidates will be considered for the CEO role.

“It has been my great privilege to serve as President and CEO of Vera Bradley, Inc. over the last nine years, and it has been a tremendous honor to work with our highly talented, creative, and dedicated team of associates,” noted Wallstrom. “We have driven innovation across both of our brands, built strong engagement with our associates and customers, and enhanced our purpose-driven mission. I am confident the Company will thrive in the future. I look forward to continuing to guide the Company through this transition period and supporting my successor as they lead the company into the next stage of growth.”

Cost Reduction Initiatives

In conjunction with its first quarter financial results, Company management indicated they were in the midst of a comprehensive cost-reduction and efficiency process and expected to complete the identification of cost reductions in the second quarter of this fiscal year.

Management has identified annualized cost reductions totaling approximately $25 million, which will be fully implemented in the fiscal year ending February 3, 2024. A portion of the cost reductions will be realized in the fiscal year ending January 28, 2023 and have been included in the Company’s previously issued guidance.

Expense savings are derived across various areas of the Company, including retail store efficiencies, marketing expenses, information technology contracts, professional services, logistics and operational costs, and corporate payroll (primarily through attrition).

About Vera Bradley, Inc.

Vera Bradley, Inc. operates two unique lifestyle brands – Vera Bradley and Pura Vida. Vera Bradley and Pura Vida are complementary businesses, both with devoted, emotionally-connected, and multi-generational female customer bases; alignment as casual, comfortable, affordable, and fun brands; positioning as “gifting” and socially-connected brands; strong, entrepreneurial cultures; a keen focus on community, charity, and social consciousness; multi-channel distribution strategies; and talented leadership teams aligned and committed to the long-term success of their brands.

Vera Bradley, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a leading designer of women’s handbags, luggage and other travel items, fashion and home accessories, and unique gifts. Founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, the brand is known for its innovative designs, iconic patterns, and brilliant colors that inspire and connect women unlike any other brand in the global marketplace.

In July 2019, Vera Bradley, Inc. acquired a 75% interest in Creative Genius, Inc., which also operates under the name Pura Vida Bracelets (“Pura Vida”). Pura Vida, based in La Jolla, California, is a digitally native, highly-engaging lifestyle brand founded in 2010 by friends Paul Goodman and Griffin Thall. Pura Vida has a differentiated and expanding offering of bracelets, jewelry, and other lifestyle accessories.

The Company has three reportable segments: Vera Bradley Direct (“VB Direct”), Vera Bradley Indirect (“VB Indirect”), and Pura Vida. The VB Direct business consists of sales of Vera Bradley products through Vera Bradley full-line and factory outlet stores in the United States, verabradley.com, verabradley.ca, Vera Bradley’s online outlet site, and the Vera Bradley annual outlet sale in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The VB Indirect business consists of sales of Vera Bradley products to approximately 1,800 specialty retail locations throughout the United States, as well as select department stores, national accounts, third party e-commerce sites, and third-party inventory liquidators, and royalties recognized through licensing agreements related to the Vera Bradley brand. The Pura Vida segment consists of sales of Pura Vida products through the Pura Vida websites, www.puravidabracelets.com, www.puravidabracelets.eu, and www.puravidabracelets.ca, and through the distribution of its products to wholesale retailers and department stores.

Vera Bradley Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this release are “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current expectations or beliefs concerning future events and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that we expected, including: possible adverse changes in general economic conditions and their impact on consumer confidence and spending; possible inability to predict and respond in a timely manner to changes in consumer demand; possible loss of key management or design associates or inability to attract and retain the talent required for our business; possible inability to maintain and enhance our brands; possible inability to successfully implement the Company’s long-term strategic plan; possible inability to successfully open new stores, close targeted stores, and/or operate current stores as planned; incremental tariffs or adverse changes in the cost of raw materials and labor used to manufacture our products; possible adverse effects resulting from a significant disruption in our distribution facilities; or business disruption caused by COVID-19 or other pandemics. Risks, uncertainties, and assumptions also include the possibility that Pura Vida acquisition benefits may not materialize as expected and that Pura Vida’s business may not perform as expected. More information on potential factors that could affect the Company’s financial results is included from time to time in the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of the Company’s public reports filed with the SEC, including the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2022. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement.

CONTACTS:
Investors:

Julia Bentley, VP of Investor Relations and Communications
jbentley@verabradley.com
(260) 207-5116

Media:           

mediacontact@verabradley.com
877-708-VERA (8372)

 


Release – Vera Bradley Foundation For Breast Cancer Names Stephanie Scheele Executive Director



Vera Bradley Foundation For Breast Cancer Names Stephanie Scheele Executive Director

Research, News, and Market Data on Vera Bradley

FORT WAYNE, Ind., July 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer (the “Foundation”) today announced, after a national search, it has named Stephanie Scheele as its new Executive Director.

Scheele has held the post of Chief Purpose and Communication Officer of Vera Bradley, Inc. (the “Company”) since October 2021, responsible for the Company’s enterprise-wide environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts, including oversight of the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. Scheele joined the Company in 2001 and was the driving force behind various marketing and creative initiatives during her tenure, advancing the Vera Bradley brand’s marketing to an integrated, customer-segmented, research-based approach. She was named VP, Marketing Strategy and Operations in 2015; promoted to Interim Chief Marketing Officer in 2017; and promoted to Chief Marketing Officer in 2018. Prior to joining Vera Bradley, Inc., Scheele worked for Sunrise Greetings, a subsidiary of Hallmark. Scheele has served on the Foundation Board of Directors since 2018.

“We are absolutely thrilled to name Stephanie Scheele Executive Director of the Foundation. Stephanie has served on our board and has worked tirelessly over the last several years on fundraising efforts for the Foundation,” shared Ruth Cook, Chair of the Vera Bradley Foundation Board. “Her strategic, marketing, and creative expertise coupled with her institutional knowledge of the Foundation will be instrumental as we elevate funding for life-saving research that is impacting women, men, and their loved ones worldwide.”

Since 2000, the Foundation has provided $37.5 million of funding to the Indiana University School of Medicine (“IU School of Medicine”), allowing them to amass the talent, technology, and resources to become a national leader in targeted breast cancer therapies, specifically for triple negative breast cancer. In April 2022, the Foundation made an additional gift commitment of $12.5 million to IU School of Medicine, bringing the non-profit’s total commitment to breast cancer research to $50 million. The Foundation’s ongoing support led to the 2018 creation of the Vera Bradley Foundation Center for Breast Cancer Research at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center (the “IU Cancer Center”) where more than 30 investigators collaborate on breast cancer discoveries. In 2019, the IU Cancer Center was designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest level of recognition awarded by the National Cancer Institute for research excellence.

Scheele noted, “I am honored and excited to accept the position of Executive Director of the Foundation. I am intensely passionate about our cause and see a future where a diagnosis of breast cancer is not scary or overwhelming. The Foundation has and will continue to provide hope to countless women and men, along with their families. I am extremely grateful for each of the dedicated servant leaders at the IU Cancer Center working tirelessly to perfect therapies and for all of the donors and volunteers that make this work possible.”

ABOUT VERA
BRADLEY FOUNDATION FOR BREAST CANCER

The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer raises funds for breast cancer research to find a cure and to improve the lives of the many affected by this disease. The Foundation has contributed $37.5 million to the Vera Bradley Foundation Center for Breast Cancer Research at the Indiana University School of Medicine and has pledged to raise an additional $12.5 million. The Center is focused on developing and dramatically improving therapies for some of the most difficult-to-treat types of breast cancer. Funds are raised through special events, partner events, and individual donations. For more information, visit www.verabradley.org.

Press Contact
Greg Jaeger
Director of Public Relations & Social Media, Vera Bradley
gjaeger@verabradley.com