DESTINATION XL GROUP, INC.

Previous wording

As noted above in Part 1, this section also contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company’s plans, estimates and beliefs. The Company's actual results could materially differ from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to those differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed below and elsewhere in this report, particularly in “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements.” The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in light of those risks and uncertainties and in conjunction with our accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.

Current wording

As noted above in Part I, this section also contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company’s plans, estimates and beliefs. The Company’s actual results could materially differ from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to those differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report, particularly in “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements.” The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in light of those risks and uncertainties and in conjunction with our accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.

Previous wording

We have two principal operating segments: our stores and direct business. We consider our stores and direct business segments to be similar in terms of economic characteristics, production processes and operations, and have therefore aggregated them into one reportable segment, retail segment, consistent with our integrated commerce approach. The Company’s wholesale business was a third operating segment until the first quarter of fiscal 2022, when the Company ended its relationship with its primary wholesale customer. Due to the immateriality of the wholesale segment’s revenues, profits and assets, its operating results were aggregated with the retail segment in fiscal 2022.

Current wording

We have two principal operating segments: our stores and direct business. We consider our stores and direct business segments to be similar in terms of economic characteristics, production processes and operations, and we have therefore aggregated them into one reportable segment consistent with our integrated commerce approach.

Previous wording

Our 2023 fiscal year included 53 weeks compared with 52 weeks in fiscal 2022. Accordingly, year-over-year comparisons of total sales for the fourth quarter and full year are affected by an extra week of sales in fiscal 2023. However, for comparable sales, the Company is reporting on a comparable weeks basis (i.e. the 14 and 53 weeks ended February 3, 2024 compared with the 14 and 53 weeks ended February 4, 2023, respectively).

Current wording

Fiscal 2024 included 52 weeks as compared to fiscal 2023, which included 53 weeks. Accordingly, year-over-year comparisons of total sales for the fourth quarter and full year are affected by an extra week of sales in fiscal 2023. However, for comparable sales, the Company is reporting on a comparable weeks basis (i.e., the 13 and 52 weeks ended February 1, 2025 compared with the 13 and 52 weeks ended February 3, 2024).

Previous wording

Our customer’s shopping experience continues to evolve across multiple channels and we are continually adapting to meet the customer's needs. The majority of our stores have the capability of fulfilling online orders if merchandise is not available in the warehouse. As a result, we continue to see more transactions that begin online but are ultimately completed at the store level. Similarly, if a customer visits a store and the item is out of stock, the associate can order the item through our website. A customer also has the ability to order online and pick-up in a store or at curbside. We define store sales as sales that originate and are fulfilled directly at the store level. E-commerce sales, which we also refer to as direct sales, are defined as sales that originate online, whether through our website, at the store level, our Guest Engagement Center, or through a third-party marketplace.

Current wording

Our customer’s shopping experience continues to evolve across multiple channels, and we are continually adapting to meet the customer's needs. The majority of our stores have the capability to fulfill online orders if merchandise is not available in the warehouse. As a result, we continue to see more transactions that begin online but are ultimately completed at the store level. Similarly, if a customer visits a store and the item is out of stock, the associate can order the item through our website. A customer also has the ability to order online and pick up in a store or at curbside. We define store sales as sales that originate and are fulfilled directly at the store level. E-commerce sales, which we also refer to as direct sales, are defined as sales that originate online, whether through our website, at the store level, our Guest Engagement Center, or through a third-party marketplace.

Previous wording

We monitor certain non-GAAP financial measures on a regular basis in order to track the progress of our business. These measures include free cash flow, adjusted net income, adjusted net income per share, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin. We believe these measures provide helpful information with respect to the Company’s operating performance and that the inclusion of these non-GAAP measures is important to assist investors in comparing our performance in fiscal 2023 to fiscal 2022. However, these measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies and should not be considered superior to or as a substitute for net income, net income per diluted share or cash flow from operating activities in accordance with GAAP. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” below for additional information on these non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliations to comparable GAAP measures.

Current wording

We monitor certain financial measures other than those that are in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) on a regular basis in order to track the progress of our business. These non-GAAP financial measures include free cash flow, free cash flow before capital expenditures for store development, adjusted net income, adjusted net income per share, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin. We believe that these measures provide helpful information with respect to the Company’s operating performance and that the inclusion of these measures is important to assist investors in comparing our performance in fiscal 2024 to fiscal 2023. However, these measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies and should not be considered superior to or as a substitute for net income, net income per diluted share or cash flow from operating activities in accordance with GAAP. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” below for additional information regarding these non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliations to comparable GAAP financial measures.

Previous wording

Our fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. Fiscal 2023 was a 53-week period and fiscal 2022 was a 52-week period.

Current wording

Our fiscal year is a 52-week or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. Fiscal 2024 was a 52-week period and fiscal 2023 was a 53-week period.

Previous wording

For fiscal 2023, total sales decreased 4.4% to $521.8 million from $545.8 million for fiscal 2022. Comparable sales decreased 4.6%, with stores down 4.5% and the direct business down 4.8%. During fiscal 2023, we saw a gradual slowdown in store traffic across all regions of the country as consumer spending continued to be negatively impacted by the economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures. The decrease in comparable sales was partially offset by sales for the 53rd week of $7.1 million.

Current wording

For fiscal 2024, total sales decreased 10.5% to $467.0 million from $521.8 million for fiscal 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in comparable sales of 10.6%, with stores down 9.6% and the direct business down 12.8% and the impact of the 53rd week in fiscal 2023, partially offset by an increase in non-comparable store sales and reduced loyalty program costs. Sales for the 53rd week of fiscal 2023 were $7.1 million.

Previous wording

For fiscal 2023, gross margin, inclusive of occupancy costs, was 48.4% compared to 49.9% for fiscal 2022. The decrease of 150 basis points was due to a decrease in merchandise margins of 70 basis points and an 80 basis point increase in occupancy costs. The decrease in merchandise margin was due to cost pressures on certain private-label merchandise, increased direct-to-consumer shipping costs and costs related to our loyalty program. The 80 basis point increase in occupancy costs was due to a combination of the deleveraging of sales and increased rents as a result of lease extensions. For 2024, we expect our gross margin rate to experience some occupancy deleverage in the first half due to lower sales expectations and for the year we expect gross margin rates to be approximately 30 to 40-basis points lower than fiscal 2023.

Current wording

For fiscal 2024, gross margin, inclusive of occupancy costs, was 46.5% compared to 48.4% for fiscal 2023. The decrease of 190 basis points was due to an increase of 230 basis points in occupancy costs, as a percentage of sales, primarily due to the deleveraging from lower sales and increased rents from lease extensions. Merchandise margin for fiscal 2024 increased 40 basis points due to favorable outbound shipping costs, a shift in product mix, and a decrease in loyalty expense partially offset by an increase in markdown activity.

Previous wording

SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales were 37.7% for fiscal 2023, as compared to 36.4% in fiscal 2022.

Current wording

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $198.3 million, or 42.5% of sales, for fiscal 2024 as compared to $196.5 million, or 37.7% of sales, for fiscal 2023. Despite a modest increase of $1.8 million, or 0.9%, SG&A expenses, as a percentage of sales, were deleveraged by 480 basis point due to the lower sales base. The increase of $1.8 million was due to an increase in marketing costs, which included our brand campaign in the second quarter, an increase in healthcare costs and technology costs as well as a $1.0 million accrual for estimated non-recurring legal settlement costs. SG&A expenses for fiscal 2023 also included costs for the 53rd week of approximately $2.7 million.

Previous wording

Management views SG&A expenses through two primary cost centers: Customer Facing Costs and Corporate Support Costs. Customer Facing Costs, which include store payroll, marketing and other store operating costs, represented 21.3% of sales for fiscal 2023 as compared to 20.8% of sales for fiscal 2022. Corporate Support Costs, which include the distribution center and corporate overhead costs, represented 16.4% of sales for fiscal 2023 as compared to 15.6% of sales for fiscal 2022. Marketing costs for fiscal 2023 were 5.9% of sales.

Current wording

Management views SG&A expenses through two primary cost centers: Customer Facing Costs and Corporate Support Costs. Customer Facing Costs, which include store payroll, marketing and other store operating costs, represented 24.1% of sales for fiscal 2024 as compared to 21.3% of sales for fiscal 2023. Corporate Support Costs, which include the distribution center and corporate overhead costs, represented 18.4% of sales for fiscal 2024 as compared to 16.4% of sales for fiscal 2023.

Previous wording

For fiscal 2023, the Company recorded a total asset impairment charge of $0.1 million, which included a write-down for certain store property and equipment and operating lease right-of-use assets.

Current wording

For fiscal 2024, the Company recorded a total asset impairment charge of $1.3 million for certain store property. For fiscal 2023, the Company recorded a total asset impairment charge of $0.1 million, which included a write-down for certain store property and equipment and operating lease right-of-use assets.

Previous wording

Depreciation and amortization expense for fiscal 2023 was $13.8 million, as compared to $15.4 million in fiscal 2022. Our depreciation expense decreased over the past few years, as many of our assets have become fully depreciated and we have had modest capital spending over the past several years.

Current wording

Depreciation and amortization expense for fiscal 2024 was $13.9 million, as compared to $13.8 million in fiscal 2023. The slight increase in depreciation and amortization expense reflects the increase in capital expenditures over the past few years as we invest in our stores, e-commerce and other technology projects.

Previous wording

During fiscal 2023, we identified an opportunity to eliminate a variable liability by taking advantage of the high-interest rate environment and terminate the frozen pension plan and SERP. Through the purchase of nonparticipating annuities, we completed a final settlement of the SERP in the third quarter and a final settlement of the pension plan in the fourth quarter.

Current wording

During fiscal 2023, we terminated the frozen Casual Male Noncontributory Pension Plan “Casual Male Corp. Retirement Plan,” which was previously known as the J. Baker, Inc. Qualified Plan (the “Pension Plan”) and the frozen Casual Male Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”). Through the purchase of nonparticipating annuities, we completed a final settlement of the SERP in the third quarter and a final settlement of the Pension Plan in the fourth quarter.

Previous wording

Net interest income for fiscal 2023 was $2.1 million, as compared to net interest expense of $0.3 million for fiscal 2022. We started investing excess cash in short-term, US government-backed investments in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, which generated a net interest income position in fiscal 2023. Interest costs for both fiscal years were immaterial because we had no outstanding debt and no borrowings under our credit facility during any period.

Current wording

Net interest income for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 was $2.1 million for each period. We invest excess cash in short-term, US government-backed investments. Interest costs for both fiscal years were immaterial because we had no outstanding debt and no borrowings under our credit facility during either period.

Previous wording

At February 3, 2024, we continued to provide a valuation allowance of $2.2 million, primarily against certain state and foreign net operating losses ("NOLs").

Current wording

At February 1, 2025, we have a valuation allowance of $1.5 million, primarily against certain state and foreign net operating losses ("NOLs").

Previous wording

Realization of our deferred tax assets, which relate principally to federal net operating loss carryforwards, of which approximately $3.6 million will expire in fiscal 2037, is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income. In addition, there are $39.9 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards that do not expire. For state income tax purposes, we have $51.8 million of net operating losses that are available to offset future taxable income, the majority of which will expire from fiscal 2024 through fiscal 2045. The utilization of our NOLs reduces our taxable income and, as a result, we have minimal cash taxes.

Current wording

Realization of our deferred tax assets, which relate principally to federal net operating loss carryforwards, of which approximately $3.4 million will expire in fiscal 2037 and $39.9 million that do not expire, is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income. For state income tax purposes, we have $38.3 million of net operating losses that are available to offset future taxable income, the majority of which will expire from fiscal 2025 through fiscal 2045. The utilization of our NOLs reduces our taxable income and, as a result, we have minimal cash taxes.

Previous wording

Net income for fiscal 2023 was $27.9 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, as compared to a net income for fiscal 2022 of $89.1 million, or $1.33 per diluted share.

Current wording

Net income for fiscal 2024 was $3.1 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, as compared to a net income for fiscal 2023 of $27.9 million, or $0.43 per diluted share. Net income for fiscal 2023 included net income for the 53rd week, which was approximately $1.2 million.

Previous wording

On a non-GAAP basis, assuming a normalized tax rate of 27% and adjusting for the loss from the termination of the retirement plans, actual income tax provision (benefit) and asset impairment (gain), if any, adjusted net income for fiscal year 2023 was $32.3 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, as compared to adjusted net income of $42.5 million, or $0.63 per diluted share for fiscal 2022.

Current wording

On a non-GAAP basis, adjusting for any asset impairment (gain), accrual for estimated non-recurring legal settlement costs and the loss from the termination of the retirement plans, adjusted net income for fiscal 2024 was $4.3 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, as compared to adjusted net income of $32.1 million, or $0.50 per diluted share for fiscal 2023.

Previous wording

A comparison of sales in each quarter of the past two fiscal years is presented below. The amounts shown are also not necessarily indicative of actual trends, because such amounts also reflect the addition of new stores and the remodeling and closing of other stores during these periods. Consistent with the retail apparel industry, our business is seasonal. (Certain columns may not foot due to rounding.)

Current wording

A comparison of sales in each quarter of the past two fiscal years is presented below. The amounts shown are not necessarily indicative of actual trends because such amounts also reflect the addition of new stores and the remodeling and closing of other stores during these periods. Consistent with the retail apparel industry, our business is seasonal. (Certain columns may not foot due to rounding.)

Previous wording

During fiscal 2023, we continued to see the effect of inflationary pressures on raw materials, services and labor. While there seems to be improvement, we cannot be certain of the effect inflation (or deflation) may have on our results of operations in the future.

Current wording

During fiscal 2024, we continued to see the effect of inflationary pressures on raw materials, services and labor and consumer spending. While there seems to be improvement, we cannot be certain of the effect that inflation (or deflation) may have on our results of operations in the future.

Previous wording

Our primary sources of liquidity are our cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations and availability under our credit facility, which is discussed below. We believe these sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund our working capital requirements, commitments, capital expenditures and our stock repurchase program. Cash that is in excess of our forecasted needs may be invested in money market accounts and U.S. government-backed securities.

Current wording

Our primary sources of liquidity are our cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations and availability under our credit facility, which is discussed below. We believe that these sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund our working capital requirements, commitments and capital expenditures. Cash that is in excess of our forecasted needs may be invested in money market accounts and U.S. government-backed securities.

Previous wording

We believe that our cash, investments, cash generated from operations, and borrowings available to us under our credit facility will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months. We also believe that cash flows from operating activities and cash on hand will be sufficient to satisfy our capital requirements in the longer-term, however, to the extent future capital requirements exceed cash on hand plus cash flows from operating activities, we anticipate that working capital will be financed by our credit facility.

Current wording

We believe that our cash, investments, cash generated from operations, and borrowings available to us under our credit facility will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months. We also believe that cash flows from operating activities and cash on hand will be sufficient to satisfy our capital requirements in the long term; however, to the extent future capital requirements exceed cash on hand plus cash flows from operating activities, we anticipate that working capital will be financed by our credit facility.

Previous wording

For fiscal 2023, cash flow from operations decreased to $49.6 million as compared to $59.9 million for fiscal 2022. Free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure, decreased to $32.2 million for fiscal 2023 as compared to $50.3 million for fiscal 2022. The decrease in free cash flow was due primarily to a decrease in operating income and an increase in capital expenditures.

Current wording

For fiscal 2024, cash flow from operations decreased to $29.6 million as compared to $49.6 million for fiscal 2023. Free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure, decreased to $1.9 million for fiscal 2024 as compared to $32.2 million for fiscal 2023. The decrease in free cash flow was due primarily to a decrease in operating income and an increase in capital expenditures.

Previous wording

Cash flow used for investing activities increased by $39.5 million for fiscal 2023 as compared fiscal 2022, primarily due to the purchase of short-term investments, net of maturities, of $31.9 million and an increase in capital expenditures of $7.8 million.

Current wording

Cash flow used for investing activities was $31.3 million for fiscal 2024 as compared to $49.1 million for fiscal 2023. The decrease in cash flow used for investing activities was primarily due to a reduction in purchases of short-term investments, net of maturities, of $28.2 million, partially offset by an increase in capital expenditures of $10.3 million.

Previous wording

Cash flow used for financing activities for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 of $24.9 million and $13.7 million, respectively, was primarily for the repurchase of our common stock.

Current wording

Cash flow used for financing activities for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 of $13.9 million and $24.9 million, respectively, was primarily for the repurchase of our common stock.

Previous wording

On October 28, 2021, we entered into a $125.0 million revolving credit agreement with Citizens Bank, N.A., with a maturity date of October 28, 2026. On April 20, 2023, the Company entered into the First Amendment to Credit Agreement which provided for the replacement of the London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) interest rate options with the secured overnight financing rate ("SOFR") based options (as amended, the "Credit Facility"). The Credit Facility includes a sublimit of $20.0 million for commercial and standby letters of credit and a sublimit of up to $15.0 million for swingline loans. Effective April 20, 2023, borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at either a Base Rate or Daily Simple SOFR rate, at the Company's option. Base Rate loans will bear interest at a rate equal to (i) the greater of: (a) the Prime Rate, (b) the Federal Funds effective rate plus 0.50% per annum and (c) the Daily Simple SOFR rate plus 1.00% per annum (provided the Base Rate shall never be less than the Floor (as defined in the Credit Facility)), plus (ii) a varying percentage, based on the Company’s average excess availability, of either 0.25% or 0.50% (the “Applicable Margin”). Daily Simple SOFR loans will bear interest at a rate equal to (i) the Daily Simple SOFR rate plus an adjustment of 0.10% (provided the Daily Simple SOFR rate shall never be less than the Floor), plus (ii) the Applicable Margin. Any swingline loan will continue to bear interest at a rate equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin.

Current wording

On October 28, 2021, the Company entered into a $125.0 million revolving credit agreement with Citizens Bank, N.A., with a maturity date of October 28, 2026. On April 20, 2023, the Company entered into the First Amendment to Credit Agreement which provided for the replacement of the London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) interest rate options with the secured overnight financing rate ("SOFR") based options (as amended, the "Credit Facility"). The Credit Facility includes a sublimit of $20.0 million for commercial and standby letters of credit and a sublimit of up to $15.0 million for swingline loans. Effective April 20, 2023, borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at either a Base Rate or Daily Simple SOFR rate, at the Company's option. Base Rate loans will bear interest at a rate equal to (i) the greater of: (a) the Prime Rate, (b) the Federal Funds effective rate plus 0.50% per annum and (c) the Daily Simple SOFR rate plus 1.00% per annum (provided the Base Rate shall never be less than the Floor (as defined in the Credit Facility)), plus (ii) a varying percentage, based on the Company’s average excess availability, of either 0.25% or 0.50% (the “Applicable Margin”). Daily Simple SOFR loans will bear interest at a rate equal to (i) the Daily Simple SOFR rate plus an adjustment of 0.10% (provided the Daily Simple SOFR rate shall never be less than the Floor), plus (ii) the Applicable Margin. Any swingline loan will continue to bear interest at a rate equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin.

Previous wording

We had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility at February 3, 2024. At February 3, 2024, outstanding standby letters of credit were $4.3 million and outstanding documentary letters were credit of $1.0 million. The Credit Facility was not utilized during the year, resulting in average unused excess availability during fiscal 2022 of $84.5 million. Unused excess availability at February 3, 2024 was $69.8 million. Our obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by a lien on substantially all of our assets. The Company was subject to an unused line fee of 0.25% of the total commitment less average outstanding letters of credit.

Current wording

We had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility at February 1, 2025. At February 1, 2025, outstanding standby letters of credit were $4.2 million. There were no outstanding documentary letters of credit at February 1, 2025. The Credit Facility was not utilized during fiscal 2024, resulting in average unused excess availability during fiscal 2024 of $73.6 million. Unused excess availability at February 1, 2025 was $64.7 million. Our obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by a lien on substantially all of our assets. The Company was subject to an unused line fee of 0.25% of the total commitment less average outstanding letters of credit.

Previous wording

In March 2023, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program. Under the stock repurchase program, we were initially authorized to repurchase up to $15.0 million of its common stock through open market and privately negotiated transactions. In November 2023, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to the stock repurchase program to increase the amount authorized for repurchase from $15.0 million to $25.0 million.

Current wording

On September 3, 2024, the Board approved a new stock repurchase program pursuant to which the Company was authorized to repurchase up to $15.0 million of its common stock, including excise tax, through open market and privately negotiated transactions. The stock repurchase program expired on February 1, 2025. During fiscal 2024, the Company repurchased 4.8 million shares at a total cost, including fees, of $13.5 million under this stock repurchase program.

Previous wording

At February 3, 2024, total inventories decreased to $81.0 million from $93.0 million at January 28, 2023. Inventory at February 3, 2024 was approximately 12.9% lower than the prior year. Managing our inventory remains a primary focus for us as we strive to be efficient with our working capital. Based on the unfavorable sales trends we started to see in March 2023, we began taking proactive measures to manage our inventory and adjust our receipt plan. At February 3, 2024, our clearance inventory was 9.5% of our inventory, as compared to 7.9% at January 28, 2023, and below our historical benchmark of approximately 10.0%. Since 2019, we have reduced our inventory by 21% and improved our inventory turnover rate by over 30%. Given the ongoing macro-economic concerns around inflation and consumer spending, managing our inventory will remain a primary focus for us in fiscal 2024.

Current wording

At February 1, 2025, total inventories decreased to $75.5 million from $81.0 million at February 3, 2024, which was a 6.8% decrease. We continue to take proactive measures to manage our inventory and adjust our receipt plan given the ongoing macroeconomic factors affecting consumer retail spending. At February 1, 2025, our clearance inventory was 8.6% of our inventory, as compared to 9.5% at February 3, 2024, and below our historical benchmark of approximately 10.0%. Our inventory has decreased by over 26% and our inventory turnover rate has improved by over 30% from fiscal 2019.

Previous wording

During fiscal 2023, we opened three new DXL stores, we completed the conversion of 11 Casual Male stores to the DXL store format, completed the remodel of one existing DXL store and closed one DXL outlet. Below is a summary of the store activity from January 28, 2023 to February 3, 2024:

Current wording

During fiscal 2024, we opened seven new DXL stores, re-located two DXL stores, converted eight Casual Male XL stores to the DXL format, completed five DXL remodels, and closed two Casual Male XL stores. Below is a summary of the store activity from February 3, 2024 to February 1, 2025:

Previous wording

Our capital expenditures for fiscal 2023 were $17.4 million, as compared to $9.6 million in fiscal 2022. The capital expenditures for fiscal 2023 primarily related to stores, information technology projects, distribution center and facilities.

Current wording

Our capital expenditures for fiscal 2024 were $27.7 million, as compared to $17.4 million in fiscal 2023. The capital expenditures for fiscal 2024 primarily related to stores, information technology projects, distribution center and facilities.

Previous wording

We believe that our store portfolio is a vital asset to our business strategy and we expect to invest in stores over the next several years as we strengthen the store portfolio. Over the next three to five years, we believe we could potentially open approximately 50 net new DXL stores across the country, which could average 6,000 square feet or 300,000 sq. ft. in total, a 15% increase over our current square footage. For fiscal 2024, our plan is to open 8 new stores, convert 5 of our remaining Casual Male XL stores to DXL stores and remodel 5 of our existing DXL stores. We expect our capital expenditures to range from $22.0 million to $25.0 million in fiscal 2024.

Current wording

For fiscal 2025, we expect our capital expenditures to range from $19.0 million to $21.0 million, net of tenant incentives. Our store development plans for fiscal 2025 include opening eight new DXL stores and converting two Casual Male XL stores to the DXL format. We could potentially open approximately 50 net new DXL stores across the country, which could average 5,000 square feet or 250,000 square feet in total, which would be a 15% increase over our current square footage. Store expansion continues to be a key component of our long-term growth strategy; however, until the men's retail apparel business improves and consumer demand increases, we plan to pause the opening of new stores in fiscal 2026.

Previous wording

We monitor certain non-GAAP financial measures on a regular basis in order to track the progress of our business, including the measures below. We believe these measures provide helpful information with respect to the Company’s operating performance to shareholders, investors and analysts, and that the inclusion of these non-GAAP measures is important to assist investors in comparing our performance in fiscal 2023 to fiscal 2022, on a comparable basis. However, these measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies and should not be considered superior to or as a substitute for operating net income, net income per diluted share or cash flows from operating activities in accordance with GAAP. (Certain amounts in the following tables may not foot due to rounding.)

Current wording

We monitor certain non-GAAP financial measures on a regular basis in order to track the progress of our business, including the measures below. We believe that these measures provide helpful information with respect to the Company’s operating performance to stockholders, investors and analysts, and that the inclusion of these non-GAAP measures is important to assist investors in comparing our performance in fiscal 2024 to fiscal 2023, on a comparable basis. However, these measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies and should not be considered superior to or as a substitute for operating net income, net income per diluted share or cash flows from operating activities in accordance with GAAP. (Certain amounts in the following tables may not foot due to rounding.)

Previous wording

Free cash flow is a metric that management uses to monitor liquidity. Management believes this metric is important to investors, because it demonstrates the Company’s ability to maintain liquidity while supporting its capital projects and new store growth. We calculate free cash flow as cash flow provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. Free cash flow excludes the mandatory and discretionary repayment of debt. The following table provides a reconciliation of free cash flow:

Current wording

Free cash flow is a metric that management uses to monitor liquidity. Management believes that this metric is important to investors, because it demonstrates the Company’s ability to maintain liquidity while supporting its capital projects and new store growth. Free cash flow is calculated as cash flow from operating activities, less capital expenditures and excludes the mandatory and discretionary repayment of debt. Free cash flow before capital expenditures for store development is calculated as cash flow from operating activities less capital expenditures other than capital expenditures for store development. Capital expenditures for store development includes capital expenditures for new stores, conversions of Casual Male XL stores to DXL and remodels. Capital expenditures related to store relocations and maintenance are not included in store development. The following table provides a reconciliation of free cash flow:

Previous wording

Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share is calculated by excluding any asset impairment charge (gain) and the loss from the termination of retirement plans, subtracting the actual income tax provision (benefit) and applying an effective tax rate of 27%. The Company believes that this comparability is useful in comparing the actual results period to period. Adjusted net income per diluted share is then calculated by dividing the adjusted net income by the weighted average shares outstanding for the respective period, on a diluted basis. The following table is a reconciliation of net income on a GAAP basis to adjusted net income, on a non-GAAP basis, for each fiscal year:

Current wording

Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share is calculated by excluding any asset impairment charge (gain), accrual for estimated non-recurring legal settlement costs and the loss from the termination of retirement plans. The Company believes that this comparability is useful in comparing the actual results period to period. Adjusted net income per diluted share is then calculated by dividing the adjusted net income by the weighted average shares outstanding for the respective period, on a diluted basis. The following table is a reconciliation of net income on a GAAP basis to adjusted net income, on a non-GAAP basis, for each fiscal year:

Previous wording

Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin are presented because we believe that these measures are useful to investors in evaluating our performance. Management uses adjusted EBITDA as a key metric to measure profitability and economic productivity. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and before any impairment (gain) of assets and the loss on termination of retirement plans. Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated as adjusted EBITDA divided by sales.

Current wording

Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin are presented because we believe that these measures are useful to investors in evaluating our performance. Management uses adjusted EBITDA as a key metric to measure profitability and economic productivity. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and before any impairment (gain) of assets, accrual for estimated non-recurring legal settlement costs and the loss on termination of retirement plans. The accrual for estimated non-recurring legal settlement costs is excluded from adjusted EBITDA due to its unusual and non-recurring nature. Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated as adjusted EBITDA divided by sales.

Previous wording

The performance targets under the 2021-2023 LTIP were achieved at the end of fiscal 2023. Awards granted pursuant to this achievement will be subject to further vesting through August 31, 2024. Accordingly, at February 3, 2024, $2.5 million of the expected $3.0 million award was accrued. With respect to the performance-based component of the 2022-2024 LTIP and the 2023-2025 LTIP, which approximate $2.4 million and $2.5 million, respectively, at target, awards will be granted at the end of the respective performance period if the performance targets are achieved. Through the end of fiscal 2023, we accrued approximately $1.6 million for performance under the 2022-2024 LTIP, and there was no accrual for performance under the 2023-2025 LTIP.

Current wording

The performance targets under the 2022-2024 LTIP were achieved at the end of fiscal 2024. Awards granted pursuant to this achievement will be subject to further vesting through August 31, 2025. Accordingly, at February 1, 2025, $2.0 million of the expected $2.4 million award was accrued. With respect to the performance-based component of the 2023-2025 LTIP and the 2024-2026 LTIP, which approximate $2.6 million and $2.7 million, respectively, at target, awards will be granted at the end of the respective performance period if the performance targets are achieved. Through the end of fiscal 2024, we accrued approximately $0.3 million for performance under the 2024-2026 LTIP, and there was no accrual for performance under the 2023-2025 LTIP.

Previous wording

We evaluate property and equipment and operating lease right-of-use assets for impairment when facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying values of such assets may not be recoverable. Our judgment regarding the identification of impairment indicators is based on operational performance at the store level. Factors considered by us that could result in an impairment triggering event include significant changes in the use of assets, a current period operating or cash flow loss, underperformance of a store relative to historical or expected operating results, and an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the construction of the long-lived store assets. We will recognize an impairment when the undiscounted cash flow estimated to be generated by those assets is less than the assets’ carrying amount. If actual market conditions are less favorable than management’s projections, future write-offs may be necessary. The model for undiscounted future cash flows includes assumptions, at the individual store level, with respect to expectations for future sales and gross margin rates as well as an estimate for occupancy costs used to estimate the fair value of the respective store’s operating lease right-of-use asset. The amount of impairment, if any, is measured based on projected discounted future cash flows using a discount rate reflecting the Company’s average cost of funds.

Current wording

We evaluate property and equipment and operating lease right-of-use assets for impairment when facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying values of such assets may not be recoverable. Our judgment regarding the identification of impairment indicators is based on operational performance at the store level. Factors considered by the Company that could result in an impairment triggering event include significant changes in the use of assets, a current period operating or cash flow loss, the underperformance of a store relative to historical or expected operating results, and an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the construction of the long-lived store assets. If the first step of the long-lived asset impairment test concludes that the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable, we perform the second step of the long-lived asset impairment test by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value. To estimate the fair value of an asset, we rely on a discounted cash flow approach estimated to be generated by those assets. The fair value of a right-of-use ("ROU") asset is estimated using an income approach based on management’s forecast of future cash flows that could be derived based on the sublease market rent. If actual market conditions are less favorable than management’s projections, future write-offs may be necessary. The model for undiscounted future cash flows in step one includes assumptions, at the individual store level, with respect to expectations for future sales and gross margin rates as well as an estimate for occupancy costs used to estimate the fair value of the respective store’s operating lease right-of-use asset. The amount of impairment, if any, is measured based on projected discounted future cash flows using a discount rate reflecting the Company’s average cost of funds.

Previous wording

For fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, we recorded an impairment charge (gain) of $0.1 million and $(0.2) million, respectively, within Impairment (Gain) of Assets on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Current wording

For fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, we recorded an impairment charge (gain) of $1.3 million, $0.1 million and $(0.2) million, respectively, within Impairment (Gain) of Assets on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Previous wording

We have reviewed accounting pronouncements and interpretations thereof that have effective dates during the periods reported and in future periods. See Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report for information on recent accounting pronouncements and the impact of impending standards on our future filings.

Current wording

We have reviewed accounting pronouncements and interpretations thereof that have effective dates during the periods reported and in future periods. See Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report for information on recent accounting pronouncements and the impact of impending standards on our future filings.