Turning Point Brands Inc
For the period ended Mar 31, 2024. Filed May 2, 2024.
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Mar 31, 2024 · Filed May 2, 2024
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except where designated and per share data)
Note 1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
Turning Point Brands, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to herein as the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded consumer products. The Company sells a wide range of products to adult consumers consisting of staple products with its iconic brands Zig-Zag®and Stoker’s®and its next generation products to fulfill evolving consumer preferences. Its segments are led by its core proprietary and iconic brands: Zig-Zag® and CLIPPER® in the Zig-Zag Products segment and Stoker’s® along with Beech-Nut® and Trophy® in the Stoker’s Products segment. The Company’s products are available in more than 217,000 retail outlets in North America. The Company operates inthree segments: (i) Zig-Zag Products, (ii) Stoker’s Products, and (iii) Creative Distribution Solutions (formerly known as NewGen).
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited, interim, consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting practices described in the Company’s audited, consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023. In the opinion of management, the unaudited, interim, consolidated financial statements included herein contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of the Company for the periods presented. Such adjustments, other than nonrecurring adjustments separately disclosed, are of a normal and recurring nature. The operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for a full year or future interim periods. The unaudited, interim, consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited, consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023. The accompanying interim, consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and, accordingly, do not include all the disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) with respect to annual financial statements.
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned, and variable interest entities for which the Company is considered the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which includes excise taxes and shipping and handling charges billed to customers, net of cash discounts for prompt payment, sales returns and incentives, upon delivery of goods to the customer – at which time the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied - at an amount that the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods in accordance with the five-step analysis outlined in Topic 606: (i) identify the contract with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) performance obligations are satisfied. The Company excludes from the transaction price, sales taxes and value-added taxes imposed at the time of sale (which do not include excise taxes on smokeless tobacco, cigars or other nicotine products billed to customers).
The Company records an allowance for sales returns, based principally on historical volume and return rates, which is included in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company records sales incentives, which consist of consumer incentives and trade promotion activities, as a reduction in revenues (a portion of which is based on amounts estimated to be due to wholesalers, retailers and consumers at the end of the period) based principally on historical volume and utilization rates. Expected payments for sales incentives are included in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
A further requirement of ASC 606 is for entities to disaggregate revenue recognized from contracts with customers into categories that depict how the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. The Company’s management views business performance through segments that closely resemble the performance of major product lines. Thus, the primary and most useful disaggregation of the Company’s contract revenue for decision making purposes is the disaggregation by segment which can be found in Note 16, “Segment Information”. An additional disaggregation of contract revenue by sales channel can be found within Note 16 as well.
Shipping Costs
The Company records shipping costs incurred as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses. Shipping costs incurred were approximately $5.6 million and $6.2 million for the three months ending March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value using thefirst-in, first-out method. Leaf tobacco is presented in current assets in accordance with standard industry practice, notwithstanding the fact that such tobaccos are carried longer thanone year for the purpose of curing.
Fair Value
GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under GAAP are described below:
| ● | Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date. |
| ● | Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. |
| ● | Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. |
Derivative Instruments
The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge a portion of its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on inventory purchase commitments. The Company accounts for its forward contracts under the provisions of ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. Under the Company’s policy, the Company may hedge up to 100% of its anticipated purchases of inventory in the denominated invoice currency over a forward period not to exceed twelve months. The Company may also, from time to time, hedge up to 100% of its non-inventory purchases (e.g., production equipment) in the denominated invoice currency. Forward contracts that qualify as hedges are adjusted to their fair value through other comprehensive income as determined by market prices on the measurement date, except any hedge ineffectiveness which is recognized currently in income. Gains and losses on these forward contracts are reclassified from other comprehensive income into inventory as the related inventories are received and are transferred to net income as inventory is sold. Changes in fair value of any contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting or are not designated as hedges are recognized currently in income.
Risks and Uncertainties
Manufacturers and sellers of tobacco products are subject to regulation at the federal, state, and local levels. Such regulations include, among others, labeling requirements, limitations on advertising, and prohibition of sales to minors. The tobacco industry is likely to continue to be heavily regulated. There can be no assurance as to the ultimate content, timing, or effect of any regulation of tobacco products by any federal, state, or local legislative or regulatory body, nor can there be any assurance that any such legislation or regulation would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In a number of states targeted flavor bans have been proposed or enacted legislatively or by the administrative process. Depending on the number and location of such bans, that legislation or regulation could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) continues to consider various restrictive regulations around our products, including targeted flavor bans; however, the details, timing, and ultimate implementation of such measures remain unclear.
The tobacco industry has experienced, and is experiencing, significant product liability litigation. Most tobacco liability lawsuits have been brought against manufacturers and sellers of cigarettes for injuries allegedly caused by smoking or exposure to smoke. However, several lawsuits have been brought against manufacturers and sellers of smokeless products for injuries to health allegedly caused by use of smokeless products. Typically, such claims assert that use of smokeless products is addictive and causes oral cancer. Additionally, several lawsuits have been brought against manufacturers and distributors of Creative Distribution Solutions products due to malfunctioning devices. There can be no assurance the Company will not sustain losses in connection with such lawsuits and that such losses will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Master Settlement Agreement (MSA)
Pursuant to the Master Settlement Agreement (the “MSA”) entered into in November 1998 by most states (represented by their attorneys general acting through the National Association of Attorneys General) and subsequent states’ statutes, a “cigarette manufacturer” (which is defined to include a manufacturer of make-your-own (“MYO”) cigarette tobacco) has the option of either becoming a signatory to the MSA or opening, funding, and maintaining an escrow account to have funds available for certain potential tobacco-related liabilities with sub-accounts on behalf of each settling state. Such companies are entitled to direct the investment of the escrowed funds and withdraw any appreciation but cannot withdraw the principal fortwenty-five years from the year of each annual deposit, except to withdraw funds deposited pursuant to an individual state’s escrow statute to pay a final judgement to that state’s plaintiffs in the event of such a final judgement against the Company. The Company chose to open and fund an escrow account as its method of compliance. It is the Company’s policy to record amounts on deposit in the escrow account for prior years as a non-current asset. As of March 31, 2024, the Company had on deposit approximately $32.1 million, the fair value of which was approximately $28.4 million. At December 31, 2023, the Company had on deposit approximately $32.1 million, the fair value of which was approximately $28.7 million. The Company discontinued its generic category of MYO in 2019 and its Zig-Zag branded MYO cigarette smoking tobacco in 2017. Thus, pending a change in MSA legislation, the Company has no remaining product lines covered by the MSA and will not be required to make future escrow deposits.
The Company has chosen to invest a portion of the MSA escrow, from time to time, in U.S. Government securities including TIPS, Treasury Notes, and Treasury Bonds. These investments are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. Realized losses are prohibited under the MSA; any investment in an unrealized loss position will be held until the value is recovered, or until maturity.
Fair values for the U.S. Governmental agency obligations are Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The following tables show cost and estimated fair value of the assets held in the MSA account, respectively, as well as the maturities of the U.S. Governmental agency obligations held in such account for the periods indicated.
| As of March 31, 2024 · As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross · Estimated · Gross · Estimated | ||||||
| Unrealized · Fair · Unrealized · Fair | ||||||
| Cost | Gains (Losses) | Value | Cost | Losses | Value | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $1,934 | $– | $1,934 | $1,929 | $– | $1,929 |
| U.S. Governmental agency obligations (unrealized position < 12 months) | 1,196 | 6 | 1,202 | – | – | – |
| U.S. Governmental agency obligations (unrealized position > 12 months) | 28,943 | (3,652) | 25,291 | 30,144 | (3,389) | 26,755 |
| $32,073 | $(3,646) | $28,427 | $32,073 | $(3,389) | $28,684 | |
| As of | |
|---|---|
| Less than one year | $3,250 |
| One to five years | 13,775 |
| Five to ten years | 11,159 |
| Greater than ten years | 1,955 |
| Total | $30,139 |
The following shows the amount of deposits by sales year for the MSA escrow account:
| Deposits as of | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sales Year | March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
| 1999 | $211 | $211 |
| 2000 | 1,017 | 1,017 |
| 2001 | 1,673 | 1,673 |
| 2002 | 2,271 | 2,271 |
| 2003 | 4,249 | 4,249 |
| 2004 | 3,714 | 3,714 |
| 2005 | 4,553 | 4,553 |
| 2006 | 3,847 | 3,847 |
| 2007 | 4,167 | 4,167 |
| 2008 | 3,364 | 3,364 |
| 2009 | 1,619 | 1,619 |
| 2010 | 406 | 406 |
| 2011 | 193 | 193 |
| 2012 | 199 | 199 |
| 2013 | 173 | 173 |
| 2014 | 143 | 143 |
| 2015 | 101 | 101 |
| 2016 | 91 | 91 |
| 2017 | 82 | 82 |
| Total | $32,073 | $32,073 |
Note 3. Derivative Instruments
Foreign Currency
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company executedno foreign exchange contracts meeting hedge accounting requirements.
At March 31, 2024, the Company had foreign currency contracts outstanding for the purchase of €9.2 million and sale of €9.2 million. The foreign currency contracts’ fair value at March 31, 2024, resulted in an asset of $0.0 million included in Other current assets and a liability of $0.1 million included in Accrued liabilities. At December 31, 2023, the Company had foreign currency contracts outstanding for the purchase of €15.2 million and sale of €15.2 million. The foreign currency contracts’ fair value at December 31, 2023, resulted in an asset of $0.3 million included in Other current assets and a liability of $0.1 million included in Accrued liabilities.
Note 4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using the methods and assumptions described below. However, considerable judgment is required to interpret market data to develop estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are, by definition, short-term. Thus, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Accounts Receivable
The fair value of accounts receivable approximates their carrying value due to their short-term nature.
Long-Term Debt
The Company’s Senior Secured Notes (as defined in Note 10) bear interest at a rate of 5.625%per year. As of March 31, 2024, the fair value approximated $237.3 million, with a carrying value of$250 million. As of December 31, 2023, the fair value of the Senior Secured Notes approximated $234.9 million, with a carrying value of$250 million.
The Convertible Senior Notes (as defined in Note 10) bear interest at a rate of 2.50% per year, and the fair value of the Convertible Senior Notes without the conversion feature approximated $117.5 million, with a carrying value of $118.5 million as of March 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, the fair value of the Convertible Senior Notes without the conversion feature approximated$114.7 million, with a carrying value of $118.5 million.
See Note 10, “Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt”, for further information regarding the Company’s long-term debt.
Note 5. Inventories
The components of inventories are as follows:
| March 31, | December 31, | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Raw materials and work in process | $7,148 | $5,201 |
| Leaf tobacco | 41,461 | 34,894 |
| Finished goods - Zig-Zag Products | 39,103 | 41,783 |
| Finished goods - Stoker’s Products | 10,232 | 8,090 |
| Finished goods - Creative Distribution Solutions | 6,086 | 7,281 |
| Other | 1,437 | 1,711 |
| Inventories | $105,467 | $98,960 |
The inventory valuation allowance was $20.6 millionas of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
In December 2023, a third-party warehouse in Tennessee used to store some of the Company’s leaf tobacco incurred significant tornado damage resulting in damage to the leaf tobacco. As a result, the Company recorded a $15.2 million inventory reserve related to its leaf tobacco inventory which is included in Other operating income, net in the consolidated statement of income for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The leaf tobacco inventory is covered by the Company’s stock throughput insurance policy and the Company believes the inventory loss is probable of being fully recovered under the policy. The Company does not expect to incur any delays in customer deliveries as a result of the damage.
Note 6. Other Current Assets
Other current assets consist of:
| March 31, | December 31, | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Inventory deposits | $7,392 | $5,707 |
| Insurance deposit | – | 3,000 |
| Prepaid taxes | – | 153 |
| Settlement receivable | – | 4,000 |
| Insurance recovery receivable | 15,181 | 15,181 |
| Other | 11,864 | 12,740 |
| Total | $34,437 | $40,781 |
Note 7. Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment consists of:
| March 31, | December 31, | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Land | $22 | $22 |
| Buildings and improvements | 4,217 | 3,956 |
| Leasehold improvements | 6,614 | 5,440 |
| Machinery and equipment | 28,568 | 29,751 |
| Furniture and fixtures | 8,439 | 8,391 |
| Gross property, plant and equipment | 47,860 | 47,560 |
| Accumulated depreciation | (23,070) | (22,260) |
| Net property, plant and equipment | $24,790 | $25,300 |
Note 8. Other Assets
Other assets consist of:
| March 31, | December 31, | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Non-marketable equity investments | $2,882 | $2,405 |
| Debt security investment | 6,750 | 6,750 |
| Capitalized software | 6,108 | 5,923 |
| Available-for-sale marketable securities | 7,125 | – |
| Other | 88 | 88 |
| Total | $22,953 | $15,166 |
Debt and Non-Marketable Equity Investments
The Company records its non-marketable equity investments without a readily determinable fair value, that are not accounted for under the equity method, at cost, with adjustments for impairment and observable price changes. Should assumptions underlying the determination of the fair values of the Company’s non-marketable equity and debt security investments change, it could result in material future impairment charges.
In January 2024, the Company invested $0.8 million to acquire an 18.744% stake in Teaza Energy, LLC (“TeaZa”). TeaZa is an innovative brand of flavorful oral pouch products that can be dipped or sipped, designed as a health-conscious alternative to high energy drinks and other conventional oral stimulants. The investment is comprised of $0.5 million in cash and a $0.3 million payable to be offset against the Company’s allocated portion of future profit distributions. The Company also has options to purchase, at fair value, up to 51.744% of the equity interest in TeaZa between September 30, 2024 and January 31, 2025, and up to 100% of the equity interest from February 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. The Company accounts for itsinvestment in TeaZa using the equity method of accounting.
In July 2021, the Company invested $8.0 million in Old Pal Holding Company LLC (“Old Pal”). In July 2022, the Company invested an additional $1.0 million in Old Pal. The Company invested in the form of a convertible note which includes additional follow-on investment rights. The accrued interest of $0.2 million from July 2021 to July 2022 was rolled into the convertible note in July 2022 resulting in a total investment of $9.2 million. Old Pal is a leading brand in the cannabis lifestyle space that operates a non-plant touching licensing model. The convertible note bears an interest rate of 3.0% per year and matures July 31, 2026. Interest and principal not paid to date are receivable at maturity. Old Pal has the option to extend the maturity date in one-year increments. The interest rate is subject to change based on Old Pal reaching certain sales thresholds. The weighted average interest rate on the convertible note was 3.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. Old Pal has the option to convert the note into shares once sales reach a certain threshold. The conditions required to allow Old Pal to convert the note were not met as of March 31, 2024. Additionally, the Company has the right to convert the note into shares at any time. The Company has classified the debt security with Old Pal as available for sale. The Company reports interest income on available for sale debt securities in interest income in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Quarterly, we perform a qualitative assessment to determine if the fair value of theinvestment could be less than the amortized cost basis. In the second and fourth quarters of 2023, based on third-party quantitative assessments of the fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation (Level 3), the Company determined the fair value to be $7.7 million and 6.9 million, respectively, and recorded an allowance for credit losses of $0.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively, included in investment loss for the quarters ended June 30 and December 31, 2023. The Company has recorded accrued interest receivable of $0.2 million and $0.1 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, in Other current assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
In April 2021, the Company invested $8.7 million in Docklight Brands, Inc., a pioneering consumer products company with celebrated brands including Marley Natural® and Marley™. The Company has additional follow-on investment rights. As part of the investment, the Company has obtained exclusive U.S. distribution rights for Docklight’s Marley™ CBD topical products. In the first quarter of 2023, based on Docklight’s financial results and other operating difficulties, and the decline in the revenue multiples for public companies comparable to Docklight, the Company deemed the investment in Docklight was impaired resulting in a loss of $4.9 million which was recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2023. In the second quarter of 2023, based on a significant change in Docklight’s business model, the Company deemed its investment in Docklight fully impaired. Fair value for all periods presented was determined using a valuation derived from relevant revenue multiples (Level 3).
Available-for-Sale Marketable Securities
In December 2023, the Company formed a captive insurance company, Interchange IC, incorporated in the District of Columbia, to write a portion of our general product, and officer and director liability coverages under deductible reinsurance policies. Interchange IC is a fully licensed captive insurance company holding a certificate of authority from the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking. Interchange IC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Turning Point Brands and is consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.
The investments held within the captive are not available for operating activities and are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet. They consist of money market, corporate bonds, government securities, real estate investment trusts and exchange traded funds. The Company believes any impairment of investments held with gross unrealized losses to be temporary and not the result of credit risk.
The Company’s captive investments are summarized in the following table.
| Gross · Estimated | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Amortized | Unrealized | Fair | |
| Cost | Gains (Losses) | Value | |
| Corporate bonds | $1,703 | $8 | $1,711 |
| U.S. Governmental agency obligations | 1,799 | (3) | 1,796 |
| Real estate investment trusts and exchange traded funds | 3,617 | 1 | 3,618 |
| $7,119 | $6 | $7,125 | |
The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s captive investments by contractual maturity.
| As of | |
|---|---|
| Due within one year | $1,711 |
| Due after ten years | 1,796 |
| Real estate investment trusts and exchange traded funds | 3,618 |
| Total investments at fair value | $7,125 |
Note 9. Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consist of:
| March 31, | December 31, | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Accrued payroll and related items | $4,669 | $7,085 |
| Customer returns and allowances | 4,642 | 5,239 |
| Taxes payable | 6,995 | 3,821 |
| Lease liabilities | 2,615 | 2,678 |
| Accrued interest | 2,221 | 6,682 |
| Other | 9,832 | 8,130 |
| Total | $30,974 | $33,635 |
Note 10. Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt
Notes payable and long-term debt consists of the following in order of preference:
| March 31, | December 31, | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Senior Secured Notes | $250,000 | $250,000 |
| Convertible Senior Notes | 118,541 | 118,541 |
| Gross notes payable and long-term debt | 368,541 | 368,541 |
| Less deferred finance charges | (2,648) | (3,183) |
| Less current maturities | (59,397) | (58,294) |
| Notes payable and long-term debt | $306,496 | $307,064 |
Senior Secured Notes
On February 11, 2021, the Company closed a private offering (the “Offering”) of $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.625% senior secured notes due 2026 (the “Senior Secured Notes” or the “Notes”). The Senior Secured Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.625% and will mature on February 15, 2026. Interest on the Senior Secured Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing on August 15, 2021.The Company used the proceeds from the Offering (i) to repay all obligations under and terminate the 2018 First Lien Credit Facility, (ii) to pay related fees, costs, and expenses and (iii) for general corporate purposes.
Obligations under the Senior Secured Notes are guaranteed by the Company’s existing and future wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”) that guarantee any credit facility (as defined in the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes or the “Senior Secured Notes Indenture”) or capital markets debt securities of the Company or Guarantors in excess of $15.0 million. The Senior Secured Notesand the related guarantees are secured by first-priority liens on substantially all of the assets of the Company and the Guarantors, subject to certain exceptions.
The Company may redeem the Senior Secured Notes, in whole or in part, at any time at the redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the Senior Secured Notes to be redeemed to (but not including) the applicable redemption date if redeemed during the period indicated below:
| On or after February 15, 2023 | 102.813% |
|---|---|
| On or after February 15, 2024 | 101.406% |
| On or after February 15, 2025 and thereafter | 100.000% |
If the Company experiences a change of control (as defined in the Senior Secured Notes Indenture), the Company must offer to repurchase the Senior Secured Notes at a repurchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
The Senior Secured Notes Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company and its restricted subsidiaries to: (i) grant or incur liens; (ii) incur, assume or guarantee additional indebtedness; (iii) sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including capital stock of subsidiaries; (iv) make certain investments; (v) pay dividends, make distributions or redeem or repurchase capital stock; (vi) engage in certain transactions with affiliates; and (vii) consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of our assets to another entity. These covenants are subject to a number of limitations and exceptions set forth in the Senior Secured Notes Indenture. The Senior Secured Notes Indenture provides for customary events of default. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of March 31, 2024.
The Company incurred debt issuance costs attributable to the issuance of the Senior Secured Notes of $6.4 million which are amortized to interest expense using the straight-line method over the expected life of the Senior Secured Notes.
2021 Revolving Credit Facility
In connection with the Offering, the Company also entered into a $25.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the “2021 Revolving Credit Facility”) with the lenders party thereto and Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Agent”). On May 10, 2023, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, as guarantors, entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility (as amended, the “Amended Revolving Credit Facility”). The Amendment includes certain modifications to the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility relating to the replacement of the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate with a Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as the interest rate benchmark under the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility and adjusts certain other provisions to reflect current documentation standards and other agreed modifications.
On November 7, 2023, in connection with the entry by a subsidiary of the Company in a new asset-backed revolving credit facility, the Company terminated the Amended Revolving Credit Facility. See “2023 ABL Facility” below.
The Company had letters of credit outstanding under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility of approximately $1.4 million that were terminated with the facility in the fourth quarter of 2023.
The Company incurred debt issuance costs attributable to the issuance of the Amended Revolving Credit Facility of $0.5 million, with the remaining $0.2 million written off to gain on debt extinguishment upon termination of the facility.
2023 ABL Facility
On November 7, 2023, TPB Specialty Finance, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “ABL Borrower”), entered into a new $75.0 million asset-backed revolving credit facility (the “2023 ABL Facility”), with the several lenders thereunder, and Barclays Bank Plc, as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”) and as collateral agent (the “Collateral Agent”) and First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company as additional collateral agent (the “Additional Collateral Agent”). Under the 2023 ABL Facility, the ABL Borrower may draw up to $75.0 million under Revolving Credit Loans and Last In Last Out (“LILO”) Loans. The 2023 ABL Facility includes a $40.0 million accordion feature. In connection with the 2023 ABL Facility, Turning Point Brands contributed certain existing inventory to the ABL Borrower. The 2023 ABL Facility is secured on a first priority basis (subject to customary exceptions) by all assets of the ABL Borrower.
The 2023 ABL Facility contains customary borrowing conditions including a borrowing base equal to the sum of(a) the lesser of (1)85% of the lower of (A) the market value (on a first in first out basis) of the sum of eligible inventory, plus eligible in-transit inventory of the ABL Borrower and (B)85% of the cost of the sum of eligible inventory, plus eligible in-transit inventory of the ABL Borrower and (2)85% of the net orderly liquidation value (“NOLV”) percentage of the lower of (1)(A) or (1)(B); plus (b)85% of the face value of all eligible accounts of the ABL Borrower minus (c) the amount of all eligible reserves. The 2023 ABL Facility also includes a LILO borrowing base equal to the sum of (a) the lesser of: (1)10% of the lower of (A) the market value (on a first in first out basis) of the sum of eligible inventory, plus eligible in-transit inventory of the ABL Borrower and (B) the cost of the sum of eligible inventory, plus eligible in-transit inventory and (2)10% of the NOLV percentage of the lower of (1)(A) or (1)(B); plus (b)10% of the face amount of eligible account; minus (c) the amount of all eligible reserves.
Amounts borrowed under the 2023 ABL Facility are subject to an interest rate marginper annum equal to(a) from and after the closing date until the last day of the first full fiscal quarter ended after the closing date, (i)1.25% per annum, in the case base rate loans, and (ii)2.25% per annum, in the case of revolving credit loans that are SOFR Loans, (b)(i)2.25% per annum, in the case of LILO loans that are base rate loans, and (ii)3.25% per annum, in the case of LILO loans that are SOFR loans, (c) on the first day of each fiscal quarter, the applicable interest rate margins will be determined from the pricing grid below based upon the historical excess availability for the most recent fiscal quarter ended immediately prior to the relevant date, as calculated by the Administrative Agent.
| Level | Historical Excess Availability | Applicable Margin for SOFR Loans | Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Greater than or equal to 66.66% | 1.75% | 0.75% |
| II | Less than 66.66%, but greater than or equal to 33.33% | 2.00% | 1.00% |
| III | Less than 33.33% | 2.25% | 1.25% |
The 2023 ABL Facility also requires the Company and its restricted subsidiaries to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.00 to 1.00 as of the end of anyfour consecutive fiscal quarters ifexcess availability shall be less than the greater of (a)12.5% of the line cap and (b) $9.4 million, at any time and continuing until excess availability is equal to or exceeds the greater of (i)12.5% of the line and (ii) $9.4 million for thirty (30) consecutive calendar days; provided that such $9.4 million level shall automatically increase in proportion to the amount of any increase in the aggregate revolving credit commitments thereunder in connection with any incremental facility.
The 2023 ABL Facility shall mature on the earlier of (x) November 7, 2027 and (y) the date that is 91 days prior to the maturity date of any material debt of the ABL Borrower or the Company or any of its restricted subsidiaries (subject to customary extensions agreed by the lenders thereunder); provided that clause (y) shall not apply to the extent that on any applicable date of determination (on any date prior to the date set forth in clause (y)), (A) the sum of (x) cash that is held in escrow for the repayment of such material debt pursuant to arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (y) cash that is held in accounts with the Administrative Agent and/or the Additional Collateral Agent, plus (z) excess availability, is sufficient to repay such material debt and (B) the ABL Borrower has excess availability of at least $15.0 million after giving effect to such repayment of material debt, including any borrowings under the commitments in connection therewith.
The Company hasnot drawn any borrowings under the 2023 ABL Facility but has letters of credit of approximately $1.2 million outstanding under the facility and has an available balance of $59.0 million based on the borrowing base as of March 31, 2024.
The Company incurred debt issuance costs attributable to the 2023 ABL Facility of $2.6 million which are amortized to interest expense using the straight-line method over the expected life of the 2023 ABL Facility.
Convertible Senior Notes
In July 2019, the Company closed an offering of $172.5 million in aggregate principal amount of its 2.50% Convertible Senior Notes due July 15, 2024 (the “Convertible Senior Notes”). The Convertible Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 2.50% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning on January 15, 2020. The Convertible Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company.
In 2023, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company repurchased $44.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Senior Notes on the open market resulting in a $1.9 million gain on extinguishment of debt. The repurchased notes continue to be held by our subsidiary and may be resold subject to compliance with applicable securities law. As of March 31, 2024, $118.5 million aggregate principal remains outstanding and held by third parties.
The Convertible Senior Notes held by third parties are convertible into approximately 2,219,704 shares of TPB Common Stock under certain circumstances prior to maturity at a conversion rate of 18.7252 shares per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Senior Notes, which represents a conversion price of approximately $53.40 per share, subject to adjustment under certain conditions, but will not be adjusted for any accrued and unpaid interest. The conversion price is adjusted periodically as a result of dividends paid by the Company in excess of pre-determined thresholds of $0.04 per share. Upon conversion, the Company may pay cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and stock, as determined by the Company at its discretion. The conditions required to allow the holders to convert their Convertible Senior Notes were not met as of March 31, 2024.
As discussed above, on November 7, 2023, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company entered into the 2023 ABL Facility to refinance up to $75.0 million of the Convertible Senior notes at maturity. As a result, the Company classified $59.0 million related to the Convertible Senior Notes in Notes payable andlong-term debton the Company’s March 31, 2024 Consolidated Balance Sheet. Based on current liquidity, free cash flow generation and availability under the 2023 ABL Facility, the Company believes it will have sufficient liquidity to address the maturity of the remaining Convertible Senior Notes.
The Company incurred debt issuance costs attributable to the Convertible Senior Notes of $5.9 million which are amortized to interest expense using the straight-line method over the expected life of the Convertible Senior Notes.
In connection with the Convertible Senior Notes offering, the Company entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions with certain financial institutions. The capped call transactions have a strike price of $53.40 per share and a cap price of $82.86 per share, and are exercisable when, and if, the Convertible Senior Notes are converted. The Company paid $20.53 million for these capped calls at the time they were entered into and charged that amount to additional paid-in capital.
Note 11. Leases
The Company’s leases consist primarily of leased property for manufacturing, warehouse, corporate offices and retail space, as well as vehicle leases. At lease inception, the Company recognizes a lease right of use asset and lease liability calculated as the present value of future minimum lease payments. In general, the Company does not recognize any renewal periods within the lease terms as there are no significant barriers to ending the lease at the initial term. Lease and non-lease components are accounted for as a single lease component.
Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. Lease expense for these leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The components of lease expense consisted of the following:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Operating lease cost | ||
| Cost of sales | $133 | $128 |
| Selling, general and administrative | 464 | 521 |
| Variable lease cost (1) | 297 | 225 |
| Short-term lease cost | – | 6 |
| Total | $894 | $880 |
| (1) | Variable lease cost includes elements of a contract that do not represent a good or service but for which the lessee is responsible for paying. |
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Financing lease cost | ||
| Selling, general and administrative | $150 | $338 |
| Total | $150 | $338 |
| March 31, | December 31, | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Assets: | ||
| Right of use assets - Operating | $8,714 | $8,950 |
| Right of use assets - Financing | 2,154 | 2,530 |
| Total lease assets | $10,868 | $11,480 |
| Liabilities: | ||
| Current lease liabilities - Operating (2) | $1,946 | $1,991 |
| Current lease liabilities - Financing (2) | 669 | 687 |
| Long-term lease liabilities - Operating | 7,925 | 8,374 |
| Long-term lease liabilities - Financing | 1,435 | 1,576 |
| Total lease liabilities | $11,975 | $12,628 |
| (2) | Reported within accrued liabilities on the balance sheet. |
Note 12. Income Taxes
The Company’s effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was 23.4%. The Company’s effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was 25.2%.
The Company follows the provisions of ASC 740-10-25, which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company has determined that the Company did not have any uncertain tax positions requiring recognition under the provisions of ASC 740-10-25. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on uncertain tax positions, if any, as part of interest expense. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. In general, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state tax examinations for years prior to 2020.
Note 13. Share Incentive Plans
On March 22, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the Turning Point Brands, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”), pursuant to which awards may be granted to employees, non-employee directors, and consultants. In addition, the 2021 Plan provides for the granting of nonqualified stock options to employees of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company. Pursuant to the 2021 Plan,1,290,000 shares, plus 100,052 shares remaining available for issuance under the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”), of TPB Common Stock are reserved for issuance as awards to employees, non-employee directors, and consultants as compensation for past or future services or the attainment of certain performance goals. The 2021 Plan is scheduled to terminate on March 21, 2031. The 2021 Plan is administered by the compensation committee (the “Committee”) of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Committee determines the vesting criteria for the awards, with such criteria to be specified in the award agreement. As of March 31, 2024, net of forfeitures, there were 400,682 Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”),161,658 optionsand 102,216 Performance Based Restricted Stock Units (“PRSUs”)granted under the 2021 Plan. There are 725,496 shares available for future grant under the 2021 Plan.
On April 28, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the 2015 Plan, pursuant to which awards could have been granted to employees, non-employee directors, and consultants. In addition, the 2015 Plan provided for the granting of nonqualified stock options to employees of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company. Upon adoption of the 2021 Plan, the 2015 Plan was terminated, and the Company determinedno additional grants would be made under the 2015 Plan. However, all awards issued under the 2015 Plan that have not been previously terminated or forfeited remain outstanding and continue unaffected. There areno shares available for grant under the 2015 Plan.
On February 8, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) of North Atlantic Holding Company, Inc., pursuant to which nonqualified stock options and restricted stock awards may be granted to employees. Upon the adoption of the Company’s 2015 Equity Incentive Plan in connection with its IPO, the Company determined no additional grants would be made under the 2006 Plan. However, all awards issued under the 2006 Plan that have not been previously terminated or forfeited remain outstanding and continue unaffected. There areno shares available for grant under the 2006 Plan.
Stock option activity for the 2006, 2015 and 2021 Plans is summarized below:
| Weighted · Weighted | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | Average | Average | |
| Option | Exercise | Grant Date | |
| Shares | Price | Fair Value | |
| Outstanding, December 31, 2022 | 683,214 | $29.74 | $9.24 |
| Granted | 77,519 | 20.71 | 6.45 |
| Exercised | (33,851) | 13.30 | 4.24 |
| Forfeited | (69,931) | 27.51 | 9.11 |
| Outstanding, December 31, 2023 | 656,951 | $29.79 | $9.18 |
| Granted | 54,289 | 27.19 | 9.21 |
| Exercised | (198) | 14.85 | 4.41 |
| Forfeited | (6,433) | 30.19 | 8.85 |
| Outstanding, March 31, 2024 | 704,609 | $29.59 | $9.19 |
Under the 2006, 2015 and 2021 Plans, the total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, was $0.0 million, and $0.2 million, respectively.
At March 31, 2024, under the 2006 Plan, the exercise price for the 43,693 outstanding options is $3.83 per share, all of which are exercisable. The weighted average of the remaining lives of the outstanding stock options with an exercise price of $3.83 is approximately 0.35 years. The Company estimates the expected life of these stock options isten years from the date of grant. For the $3.83 per share options, the weighted average fair value of options at the date of grant was determined using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions: aten-year life from grant date, a current share price and exercise price of $3.83, a risk-free interest rate of 3.57%, volatility of 40%, andno assumed dividend yield. Based on these assumptions, the fair value of these options is approximately $2.17 per share option granted.
At March 31, 2024, under the 2015 and 2021 Plans, the risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate for the expected life at the time of grant. The expected volatility is based on the average long-term historical volatilities of peer companies. We intend to continue to consistently use the same group of publicly traded peer companies to determine expected volatility until sufficient information regarding volatility of our share price becomes available or until the selected companies are no longer suitable for this purpose. Due to our limited trading history, we are using the simplified method presented by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 to calculate expected holding periods, which represent the periods of time for which options granted are expected to be outstanding. We will continue to use this method until we have sufficient historical exercise experience to give us confidence in the reliability of our calculations. The fair values of these options were determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
The following table outlines the assumptions based on the number of options granted under the 2015 Plan.
| February 10, | May 17, | March 7, | March 20, | October 24, | March 18, | February 18, | May 3, | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2021 | |
| Number of options granted | 40,000 | 93,819 | 98,100 | 155,780 | 25,000 | 155,000 | 100,000 | 12,000 |
| Options outstanding at March 31, 2024 | 20,000 | 38,033 | 51,067 | 124,864 | 25,000 | 77,777 | 87,350 | 12,000 |
| Number exercisable at March 31, 2024 | 20,000 | 38,033 | 51,067 | 124,864 | 25,000 | 77,777 | 87,350 | 12,000 |
| Exercise price | $13.00 | $15.41 | $21.21 | $47.58 | $20.89 | $14.85 | $51.75 | $47.76 |
| Remaining lives | 2.87 | 3.13 | 3.94 | 4.97 | 5.57 | 5.97 | 6.89 | 7.09 |
| Risk free interest rate | 1.89% | 1.76% | 2.65% | 2.34% | 1.58% | 0.79% | 0.56% | 0.84% |
| Expected volatility | 27.44% | 26.92% | 28.76% | 30.95% | 31.93% | 35.72% | 28.69% | 29.03% |
| Expected life | 6.000 | 6.000 | 6.000 | 6.000 | 6.000 | 6.000 | 6.000 | 6.000 |
| Dividend yield | – | – | 0.83% | 0.42% | 0.95% | 1.49% | 0.55% | 0.59% |
| Fair value at grant date | $3.98 | $4.60 | $6.37 | $15.63 | $6.27 | $4.41 | $13.77 | $13.06 |
The following table outlines the assumptions based on the number of options granted under the 2021 Plan.
| May 17, | March 14, | April 29, | May 12, | March 11, | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2022 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
| Number of options granted | 7,500 | 100,000 | 14,827 | 77,519 | 54,289 |
| Options outstanding at March 31, 2024 | 7,500 | 70,690 | 14,827 | 77,519 | 54,289 |
| Number exercisable at March 31, 2024 | 7,500 | 47,442 | 9,935 | 77,519 | – |
| Exercise price | $45.05 | $30.46 | $31.39 | $20.71 | $27.19 |
| Remaining lives | 7.13 | 7.96 | 8.08 | 9.12 | 9.95 |
| Risk free interest rate | 0.84% | 2.10% | 2.92% | 3.41% | 4.06% |
| Expected volatility | 31.50% | 35.33% | 35.33% | 34.51% | 35.09% |
| Expected life | 6.000 | 6.000 | 6.000 | 5.186 | 5.186 |
| Dividend yield | 0.63% | 1.01% | 0.98% | 1.61% | 1.26% |
| Fair value at grant date | $13.23 | $10.23 | $11.07 | $6.45 | $9.21 |
The Company has recorded compensation expense related to the options based on the provisions of ASC 718 under which the fixed portion of such expense is determined as the fair value of the options on the date of grant and amortized over the vesting period. The Company recorded compensation expense related to the options of approximately $0.3 million and $0.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Total unrecognized compensation expense related to options at March 31, 2024, is $0.3 million, which will be expensed over 0.75 years.
PRSUs are restricted stock units subject to both performance-based and service-based vesting conditions. The number of shares of TPB Common Stock a recipient will receive upon vesting of a PRSU will be calculated by reference to certain performance metrics related to the Company’s performance over afive-year period. PRSUs will vest on the measurement date, which is no more than 65 days after the performance period provided the applicable service and performance conditions are satisfied. As of March 31, 2024, there are 447,266 PRSUs outstanding. The following table outlines the PRSUs granted and outstanding as of March 31, 2024.
| March 18, | February 18, | March 14, | May 4, | March 1, | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
| Number of PRSUs granted | 94,000 | 100,000 | 49,996 | 133,578 | 111,321 |
| PRSUs outstanding at March 31, 2024 | 80,910 | 82,190 | 40,325 | 132,520 | 111,321 |
| Fair value as of grant date | $14.85 | $51.75 | $30.46 | $22.25 | $26.52 |
| Remaining lives | 0.75 | 1.75 | 2.75 | 1.75 | 2.75 |
The Company recorded compensation expense related to the PRSUs of approximately $0.9 million and $0.5 million in the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, based on the probability of achieving the performance condition. Total unrecognized compensation expense related to these awards at March 31, 2024, is $6.1 million which will be expensed over the service periods based on the probability of achieving the performance condition.
The Company has granted 325,523 RSUs which are outstanding and vest overone tofive years. The following table outlines the RSUs granted and outstanding as of March 31, 2024.
| March 14, | March 14, | April 29, | May 5, | May 8, | March 1, | March 11, | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2022 | 2022 | 2023 | 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | |
| Number of RSUs granted | 50,004 | 28,726 | 4,522 | 130,873 | 20,101 | 105,257 | 18,389 |
| RSUs outstanding at March 31, 2024 | 39,367 | 9,481 | 4,522 | 128,406 | 20,101 | 105,257 | 18,389 |
| Fair value as of grant date | $30.46 | $30.46 | $31.39 | $22.25 | $21.77 | $26.52 | $27.19 |
| Remaining lives | 2.75 | 0.75 | 2.75 | 2.00 | 0.10 | 3.00 | 0.75 |
The Company has recorded compensation expense related to the RSUs based on the provisions of ASC 718 under which the fixed portion of such expense is determined as the fair value of the RSUs on the date of grant and amortized over the vesting period. The Company recorded compensation expense related to the RSUs of approximately $0.9 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. Total unrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs at March 31, 2024, is $5.1 million, which will be expensed over 2.52 years.
Note 14. Contingencies
On October 9, 2020, a purported stockholder of Turning Point Brands, Inc., Paul-Emile Berteau, filed a complaint in the Delaware Court of Chancery relating to the merger of Standard Diversified, Inc. (“SDI”) with a TPB subsidiary (“Merger Sub”)pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of April 7, 2020, by and among TPB, SDI and Merger Sub. The parties attended a mediation in late November 2022 where a settlement was reached. On December 12, 2023, the Court approved the settlement and dismissed the action with prejudice. As of December 31, 2023, the Company recorded a $4.0 million receivable in other current assets, and a corresponding gain on settlement in other income on its Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2023. These funds were received in January 2024.
Other major tobacco companies are defendants in product liability claims. In a number of these cases, the amounts of punitive and compensatory damages sought are significant and, if such a claim were brought against the Company, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. The Company is subject to several lawsuits alleging personal injuries resulting from malfunctioning vaporizer devices or batteries and may be subject to claims in the future relating to our other Creative Distribution Solutions products. The Company is still evaluating these claims and the potential defenses to them. For example, the Company did not design or manufacture the products at issue; rather, the Company was merely the distributor. Nonetheless, there can be no assurance that the Company will prevail in these cases, and they could have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.
We have several subsidiaries engaged in making, distributing, and selling liquid nicotine products. As a result of the overall publicity and controversy surrounding the industry generally, many companies have received informational subpoenas from various regulatory bodies and in some jurisdictions regulatory lawsuits have been filed regarding marketing practices and possible underage sales. We expect that our subsidiaries will besubject to some such cases and investigative requests. To the extent that litigation becomes necessary, we believe that the subsidiaries have strong factual and legal defenses against claims that they unfairly marketed products.
Note 15. Income Per Share
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations of net income:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 · 2023 | |||||||
| Per · Per | |||||||
| Income · Shares · Share · Income · Shares · Share | |||||||
| Basic EPS: | |||||||
| Numerator | |||||||
| Net income attributable to Turning Point Brands, Inc. | $12,010 | $7,597 | |||||
| Denominator | |||||||
| Weighted average | 17,654,684 | $0.68 | 17,531,414 | $0.43 | |||
| Diluted EPS: | |||||||
| Numerator | |||||||
| Net income attributable to Turning Point Brands, Inc. | $12,010 | $7,597 | |||||
| Interest expense related to Convertible Senior Notes, net of tax | 731 | 954 | |||||
| Diluted net income attributable to Turning Point Brands. Inc. | $12,741 | $8,551 | |||||
| Denominator | |||||||
| Basic weighted average | 17,654,684 | 17,531,414 | |||||
| Convertible Senior Notes | 2,218,018 | 3,029,699 | |||||
| Stock options and restricted stock units | 297,612 | 108,039 | |||||
| 20,170,314 | $0.63 | 20,669,152 | $0.41 | ||||
Note 16. Segment Information
In accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting, the Company hasthree reportable segments, (1) Zig-Zag Products; (2) Stoker’s Products; and (3) Creative Distribution Solutions. The Zig-Zag Products segment markets and distributes (a) rolling papers, tubes, and related products; (b) finished cigars and MYO cigar wraps and (c) CLIPPER reusable lighters and other accessories. The Stoker’s Products segment (a) manufactures and markets moist snuff and (b) contracts for and markets loose-leaf chewing tobacco products. The Creative Distribution Solutions segment (a) markets and distributes liquid nicotine products and certain other products without tobacco and/or nicotine; (b) distributes a wide assortment of products to non-traditional retail outlets via Vapor Beast; and (c) markets and distributes a wide assortment of products to individual consumers via the VaporFi B2C online platform. Products in the Zig-Zag Products and Stoker’s Products segments are distributed primarily through wholesale distributors in the U.S. and Canada while products in the Creative Distribution Solutions segment are distributed primarily through e-commerce to non-traditional retail outlets and direct toconsumers in the U.S. Corporate unallocated includes the costs and assets of the Company not assigned to one of thethree reportable segments such as intercompany transfers, deferred taxes, deferred financing fees, and investments in subsidiaries.
The accounting policies of these segments are the same as those of the Company. Corporate costs are not directly charged to thethree reportable segments in the ordinary course of operations. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on operating income.
The tables below present financial information about reported segments:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Net sales | ||
| Zig-Zag products | $46,697 | $41,887 |
| Stoker’s products | 36,367 | 33,662 |
| Total Zig-Zag and Stoker’s products | $83,064 | $75,549 |
| Creative Distribution Solutions | 13,994 | 25,407 |
| Total | $97,058 | $100,956 |
| Gross profit | ||
| Zig-Zag products | $27,538 | $22,390 |
| Stoker’s products | 20,815 | 19,465 |
| Total Zig-Zag and Stoker’s products | $48,353 | $41,855 |
| Creative Distribution Solutions | 3,559 | 6,762 |
| Total | $51,912 | $48,617 |
| Operating income (loss) | ||
| Zig-Zag products | $18,000 | $13,641 |
| Stoker’s products | 15,396 | 14,563 |
| Corporate unallocated (1)(2) | (14,127) | (10,623) |
| Total Zig-Zag and Stoker’s products | $19,269 | $17,581 |
| Creative Distribution Solutions | (3) | 261 |
| Total | $19,266 | $17,842 |
| Interest expense, net | 3,479 | 4,010 |
| Investment (income) loss | (119) | 4,799 |
| Gain on extinguishment of debt | – | (777) |
| Income before income taxes | $15,906 | $9,810 |
| Capital expenditures | ||
| Zig-Zag products | $166 | $973 |
| Stoker’s products | 200 | 1,462 |
| Total Zig-Zag and Stoker’s products | $366 | $2,435 |
| Creative Distribution Solutions | – | – |
| Total | $366 | $2,435 |
| Depreciation and amortization | ||
| Zig-Zag products | $274 | $267 |
| Stoker’s products | 879 | 706 |
| Total Zig-Zag and Stoker’s products | $1,153 | $973 |
| Creative Distribution Solutions | 570 | 574 |
| Total | $1,723 | $1,547 |
| (1) | Includes corporate costs that are not allocated to any of the three reportable segments. |
| (2) | Includes costs related to PMTA of $0.8 million in 2024 and $0.1 million in 2023. |
| March 31, | December 31, | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Assets | ||
| Zig-Zag products | $176,629 | $177,135 |
| Stoker’s products | 187,794 | 174,994 |
| Corporate unallocated (1) | 194,702 | 190,223 |
| Total Zig-Zag and Stoker’s products | $559,125 | $542,352 |
| Creative Distribution Solutions | 27,191 | 27,004 |
| Total | $586,316 | $569,356 |
| (1) | Includes assets not assigned to the three reportable segments. All goodwill has been allocated to the reportable segments. |
Revenue Disaggregation—Sales Channel
Revenues of the Zig-Zag Products and Stoker’s Products segments are primarily comprised of sales made to wholesalers while Creative Distribution Solutions sales are made business to business and business to consumer, both online and through our corporate retail stores. Creative Distribution Solutions net sales are broken out by sales channel below.
| Creative Distribution Solutions Segment | ||
|---|---|---|
| Three Months Ended | ||
| March 31, | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Business to Business | $12,585 | $22,493 |
| Business to Consumer - Online | 1,380 | 2,810 |
| Other | 29 | 104 |
| Total | $13,994 | $25,407 |
Net Sales—Domestic vs. Foreign
The following table shows a breakdown of consolidated net sales between domestic and foreign customers.
| Three Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| March 31, | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Domestic | $89,910 | $93,860 |
| Foreign | 7,148 | 7,096 |
| Total | $97,058 | $100,956 |
Note 17. Additional Information with Respect to Unrestricted Subsidiary
Under the terms of the Senior Secured Notes Indenture and Senior Secured Notes, the Company has designated its subsidiaries, South Beach Brands LLC, TPB Beast LLC and Intrepid Brands, LLC as “Unrestricted Subsidiaries”. South Beach Brands LLC is a holding company under which our vape business TPB Beast LLC operating as Creative Distribution Solutions sits. The Company is required under the terms of the Senior Secured Notes Indenture and the Senior Secured Notes to present additional information that reflects the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries separate from the financial condition and results of operations of the Company’s Unrestricted Subsidiaries as of and for the periods presented. This additional information is below.
Income Statement for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (unaudited):
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company and Restricted Subsidiaries | Unrestricted Subsidiaries | Consolidated | Company and Restricted Subsidiaries | Unrestricted Subsidiaries | Consolidated | |
| Net sales | $83,064 | $13,994 | $97,058 | $75,549 | $25,407 | $100,956 |
| Cost of sales | 34,711 | 10,435 | 45,146 | 33,694 | 18,645 | 52,339 |
| Gross profit | 48,353 | 3,559 | 51,912 | 41,855 | 6,762 | 48,617 |
| Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 29,084 | 3,562 | 32,646 | 24,274 | 6,501 | 30,775 |
| Operating income (loss) | 19,269 | (3) | 19,266 | 17,581 | 261 | 17,842 |
| Interest expense, net | 3,479 | – | 3,479 | 4,010 | – | 4,010 |
| Investment (gain) loss | (119) | – | (119) | 4,799 | – | 4,799 |
| Gain on extinguishment of debt | – | – | – | (777) | – | (777) |
| Income (loss) before income taxes | 15,909 | (3) | 15,906 | 9,549 | 261 | 9,810 |
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 3,728 | (1) | 3,727 | 2,402 | 66 | 2,468 |
| Consolidated net income (loss) | 12,181 | (2) | 12,179 | 7,147 | 195 | 7,342 |
| Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest | 169 | – | 169 | (255) | – | (255) |
| Net income (loss) attributable to Turning Point Brands, Inc. | $12,012 | $(2) | $12,010 | $7,402 | $195 | $7,597 |
Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2024 (unaudited):
| ASSETS | Company and Restricted Subsidiaries | Unrestricted Subsidiaries | Eliminations | Consolidated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current assets: | ||||
| Cash | $126,066 | $4,837 | $– | $130,903 |
| Accounts receivable, net | 8,198 | – | – | 8,198 |
| Inventories, net | 99,381 | 6,086 | – | 105,467 |
| Other current assets | 32,836 | 1,601 | – | 34,437 |
| Total current assets | 266,481 | 12,524 | – | 279,005 |
| Property, plant, and equipment, net | 24,705 | 85 | – | 24,790 |
| Deferred income taxes | 1,426 | – | – | 1,426 |
| Right of use assets | 10,764 | 104 | – | 10,868 |
| Deferred financing costs, net | 2,305 | – | – | 2,305 |
| Goodwill | 136,365 | – | – | 136,365 |
| Other intangible assets, net | 66,199 | 13,978 | – | 80,177 |
| Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) escrow deposits | 28,427 | – | – | 28,427 |
| Other assets | 22,453 | 500 | – | 22,953 |
| Investment in unrestricted subsidiaries | 62,732 | – | (62,732) | – |
| Total assets | $621,857 | $27,191 | $(62,732) | $586,316 |
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||
| Accounts payable | $18,596 | $338 | $– | $18,934 |
| Accrued liabilities | 29,618 | 1,356 | – | 30,974 |
| Current portion of long-term debt | 59,397 | – | – | 59,397 |
| Total current liabilities | 107,611 | 1,694 | – | 109,305 |
| Notes payable and long-term debt | 306,496 | – | – | 306,496 |
| Lease liabilities | 9,327 | 33 | – | 9,360 |
| Total liabilities | 423,434 | 1,727 | – | 425,161 |
| Commitments and contingencies | ||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | ||||
| Total Turning Point Brands, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity/Net parent investment in unrestricted subsidiaries | 197,232 | 25,464 | (62,732) | 159,964 |
| Non-controlling interest | 1,191 | – | – | 1,191 |
| Total stockholders’ equity | 198,423 | 25,464 | (62,732) | 161,155 |
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $621,857 | $27,191 | $(62,732) | $586,316 |
Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023:
| ASSETS | Company and Restricted Subsidiaries | Unrestricted Subsidiaries | Eliminations | Consolidated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current assets: | ||||
| Cash | $116,725 | $1,161 | $– | $117,886 |
| Accounts receivable, net | 9,989 | – | – | 9,989 |
| Inventories, net | 91,679 | 7,281 | – | 98,960 |
| Other current assets | 36,937 | 3,844 | – | 40,781 |
| Total current assets | 255,330 | 12,286 | – | 267,616 |
| Property, plant, and equipment, net | 25,142 | 158 | – | 25,300 |
| Deferred income taxes | 1,468 | – | – | 1,468 |
| Right of use assets | 11,359 | 121 | – | 11,480 |
| Deferred financing costs, net | 2,450 | – | – | 2,450 |
| Goodwill | 136,250 | – | – | 136,250 |
| Other intangible assets, net | 66,490 | 14,452 | – | 80,942 |
| Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) escrow deposits | 28,684 | – | – | 28,684 |
| Other assets | 15,166 | – | – | 15,166 |
| Investment in unrestricted subsidiaries | 48,229 | – | (48,229) | – |
| Total assets | $590,568 | $27,017 | $(48,229) | $569,356 |
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||
| Accounts payable | $7,781 | $626 | $– | $8,407 |
| Accrued liabilities | 32,052 | 1,583 | – | 33,635 |
| Current portion of long-term debt | 58,294 | – | – | 58,294 |
| Total current liabilities | 98,127 | 2,209 | – | 100,336 |
| Notes payable and long-term debt | 307,064 | – | – | 307,064 |
| Lease liabilities | 9,898 | 52 | – | 9,950 |
| Total liabilities | 415,089 | 2,261 | – | 417,350 |
| Commitments and contingencies | ||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | ||||
| Total Turning Point Brands, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity/Net parent investment in unrestricted subsidiaries | 174,449 | 24,756 | (48,229) | 150,976 |
| Non-controlling interest | 1,030 | – | – | 1,030 |
| Total stockholders’ equity | 175,479 | 24,756 | (48,229) | 152,006 |
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $590,568 | $27,017 | $(48,229) | $569,356 |
Note 18. Dividends and Share Repurchases
A dividend of $0.07 per common share was paid on April 12, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 22, 2024.
The Company currently pays a quarterly cash dividend. Dividends are considered restricted payments under the Senior Secured Notes Indenture. The Company is generally permitted to make restricted payments provided that, at the time of payment, or as a result of payment, the Company is not in default on its debt covenants. Additional earnings and market capitalization restrictions limit the aggregate amount of restricted, quarterly dividends during a fiscal year.
On February 25, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $50.0 million share repurchase program which is intended for opportunistic execution based upon a variety of factors including market dynamics. The program is subject to the ongoing discretion of the Board of Directors. On October 25, 2021, the Board of Directors increased the approved share repurchase program by $30.7 million and by an additional $24.6 million on February 24, 2022, in each case bringing the aggregate approval back to $50.0 million. In the first quarter of 2024, the Company repurchased $2.1 million of common stock, with $25.1 million remaining available for share repurchases under the program at March 31, 2024.
Item 2.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.