SUPERIOR GROUP OF COMPANIES INC

Previous wording

In our Healthcare Apparel segment, we manufacture (through third parties or in our own facilities) and sell a wide range of healthcare apparel, such as scrubs, lab coats, protective apparel and patient apparel. We sell our brands of healthcare service apparel to healthcare laundries, dealers, distributors, retailers and consumers primarily in the United States. From a long-term perspective, we expect that demand for our signature marketing brands, including Fashion Seal Healthcare® and Wink®, will continue to provide opportunities for growth and increased market share.

Current wording

In our Healthcare Apparel segment, we manufacture (through third parties or in our own facilities) and sell a wide range of healthcare apparel, such as scrubs, lab coats, protective apparel and patient apparel. We sell our brands of healthcare service apparel to healthcare laundries, dealers, distributors, retailers and consumers primarily in the United States. From a long-term perspective, we expect that demand for our signature marketing brands, including Fashion Seal Healthcare® and Wink® (within CID Resources), will continue to provide opportunities for growth and increased market share.

Previous wording

Economic and political events over the past several years have altered the landscape in which we and other U.S. companies operate in a variety of ways. In response to inflationary pressures, the U.S. Federal Reserve has repeatedly raised interest rates, resulting in an increase in the cost of borrowing for us, our customers, our suppliers, and other companies relying on debt financing. World events, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the resulting economic sanctions have impacted the global economy, including by exacerbating inflationary and other pressures. In addition, the threat of a wider conflict in the Middle East following the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023 could continue to affect oil prices and have other negative effects on the global economy. Civil unrest in countries where we manufacture products, such as Haiti, may result in our facilities incurring damage or destruction that interrupts our manufacturing processes and adversely affects our reputation and our relationships with our customers. The effects of the Israel-Hamas war or a wider conflict in the Middle East, prolonged inflationary conditions, high and/or increased interest rates, additional sanctions or retaliatory measures related to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the Middle East crisis, the civil unrest in Haiti, or other situations, including deteriorating or prolonged diplomatic tension between the United States and China, could further negatively affect U.S. and international commerce and exacerbate or prolong the period of high energy prices.

Current wording

Economic and political events over the past several years have altered the landscape in which we and other U.S. companies operate in a variety of ways. In response to inflationary pressures, the U.S. Federal Reserve has repeatedly raised interest rates, resulting in an increase in the cost of borrowing for us, our customers, our suppliers, and other companies relying on debt financing. World events, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the resulting economic sanctions have impacted the global economy, including by exacerbating inflationary and other pressures. In addition, the threat of a wider conflict in the Middle East could continue to affect oil prices and have other negative effects on the global economy. Civil unrest in countries where we manufacture products, such as Haiti, may result in our facilities incurring damage or destruction that interrupts our manufacturing processes and adversely affects our reputation and our relationships with our customers. The effects of the Israel-Hamas war or a wider conflict in the Middle East, prolonged inflationary conditions, high and/or increased interest rates, additional sanctions or retaliatory measures related to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the Middle East crisis, the civil unrest in Haiti, or other situations, including deteriorating or prolonged diplomatic tension between the United States and China, could further negatively affect U.S. and international commerce and exacerbate or prolong the period of high energy prices.

Previous wording

The Company generated net income of $3.9 million and $0.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in net income during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 was primarily due to increases in sales and gross margins across all segments, particularly in our Branded Products and Healthcare Apparel segments, and a decrease in interest expense, partially offset by increases in selling and administrative expenses for our Branded Products segment and Corporate functions and an increase in income tax expense.

Current wording

The Company generated net income of $0.6 million and $1.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease in net income during the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023 was primarily due to an increase in selling and administrative expenses, partially offset by an increase in gross margins in our Branded Products and Contact Centers segments and a decrease in interest expense. The Company generated net income of $4.5 million and $2.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in net income during the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023 was primarily due to increases in net sales and gross margins, particularly in our Branded Products and Contact Centers segments, and a decrease in interest expense, partially offset by an increase in selling and administrative expenses.

Previous wording

EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) was $9.6 million and $6.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. EBITDA during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 increased primarily due to increases in sales and gross margins across all segments, particularly in our Branded Products and Healthcare Apparel segments, partially offset by increases in selling and administrative expenses for our Branded Products segment and Corporate functions. For a reconciliation of EBITDA to net income, its most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, please read “Non-GAAP Financial Measure” below.

Current wording

EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) was $5.6 million and $7.4 million during the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. EBITDA during the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023 decreased primarily due to higher selling and administrative expenses, partially offset by an increase in gross margins in our Branded Products and Contact Centers segments. EBITDA was $15.2 million and $14.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. EBITDA during the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023 increased primarily due to increases in net sales and gross margins, particularly in our Branded Products and Contact Centers segments, partially offset by higher selling and administrative expenses. For a reconciliation of EBITDA to net income, its most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, please read “Non-GAAP Financial Measure” below.

Previous wording

Net sales for the Company increased 6.2%, or $8.1 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was driven by net sales increases in all three of our reportable segments.

Current wording

Net sales for the Company increased 2.0%, or $2.6 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was attributable to net sales increases in our Contact Centers and Branded Products segments, partially offset by a decrease in net sales in our Healthcare Apparel segment.

Previous wording

As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses for our Branded Products segment was 26.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 24.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The rate increase was primarily attributed to increased employee related costs, including sales commissions, and an increase in expense relating to acquisition contingent liabilities driven by fair market value adjustments in 2024 as compared to 2023.

Current wording

As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses for our Branded Products segment was 28.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 25.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The rate increase was primarily driven by increased employee related costs, including sales commissions, and an increase in expense relating to acquisition-related contingent liabilities driven by fair market value adjustments in 2024 as compared to 2023.

Previous wording

As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses for our Contact Centers segment was 44.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 43.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2023.The slight increase in selling and administrative expenses was primarily attributed to increased employee related expenses, including pay rate increases.

Current wording

As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses for our Contact Centers segment was 42.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 42.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The increase in selling and administrative expenses was primarily driven by increased employee related expenses, including both headcount and select pay rate increases to support sales growth.

Previous wording

Interest expense decreased to $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 from $2.6 million for three months ended March 31, 2023. This decrease was primarily due to a $53.7 million decrease in outstanding borrowings. The weighted average interest rate on our outstanding borrowings remained constant at 6.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, respectively.

Current wording

Interest expense decreased to $1.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $2.6 million for three months ended June 30, 2023. This decrease was due to a $52.8 million decrease in our weighted average outstanding borrowings along with a decrease in the weighted average interest rate on those borrowings from 7.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2023 to 6.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

Previous wording

Income tax expense increased to $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 from $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The effective tax rate was 14.8% and 6.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Income tax expense and the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023 was primarily impacted by the variability in the mix of earnings across the Company’s foreign and domestic operations, subject to various statutory tax rates in those jurisdictions. The tax rate was further favorably impacted by the windfall benefits associated with the stock option exercises during the three months ended March 31, 2024, as well as discrete non-taxable gains on the Company’s written put options and income generated on the Company’s SERP life insurance contracts, totaling $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively, during the three months ended March 31, 2023. The effective tax rate may vary from quarter to quarter due to discrete, unusual or non-recurring items, the resolution of income tax audits, changes in tax laws, the tax impact from employee share-based payments, or other items.

Current wording

Income tax expense decreased to $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The effective tax rate was 7.7% and 11.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Income tax expense and the effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023 was primarily impacted by the variability in the mix of earnings across the Company’s foreign and domestic operations, subject to various statutory tax rates in those jurisdictions. The tax rate was further favorably impacted by the windfall benefits associated with the stock option exercises during the three months ended June 30, 2024. The effective tax rate may vary from quarter to quarter due to discrete, unusual or non-recurring items, the resolution of income tax audits, changes in tax laws, the tax impact from employee share-based payments, or other items.

Previous wording

Branded Products net sales increased 6.4%, or $5.2 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher order volume from larger customers, as well as, increased pricing.

Current wording

Branded Products net sales increased 4.3%, or $6.9 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher order volume from larger customers, as well as increased pricing.

Previous wording

Contact Centers net sales increased 6.8%, before intersegment eliminations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase in net sales was primarily attributed to growth from existing customers.

Current wording

Contact Centers net sales increased 8.0% or $3.6 million, before intersegment eliminations for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase in net sales was primarily attributed to sales growth from existing customers.

Previous wording

Gross margin rate for the Company was 39.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 36.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The rate increase was due to an improvement in gross margin rates in all three of our reportable segments.

Current wording

Gross margin rate for the Company was 39.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 36.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The rate increase was due to an improvement in gross margin rates in our Branded Products and Healthcare Apparel segments.

Previous wording

Gross margin rate for our Branded Products segment was 36.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 31.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The rate increase was primarily driven by a favorable shift in the mix of pricing and customers, as well as, lower costs.

Current wording

Gross margin rate for our Branded Products segment was 35.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 31.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The rate increase was primarily driven by a favorable shift in the mix of pricing and customers.

Previous wording

As a percentage of net sales, total selling and administrative expenses was 35.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 33.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The rate increase was primarily driven by increased employee related costs, unrealized losses of $0.4 million recognized in 2024 compared to unrealized gains of $0.4 million recognized in the prior year period on written put options and an increase in expense relating to acquisition contingent liabilities from a gain of $0.6 million in 2023 to a loss of $0.2 million in 2024.

Current wording

As a percentage of net sales, total selling and administrative expenses was 35.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 33.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The rate increase was primarily driven by increased employee related costs, an increase in expense relating to acquisition-related contingent liabilities from a gain of $0.7 million in 2023 to a loss of $0.3 million in 2024, unrealized losses of $0.7 million recognized in 2024 compared to unrealized gains of $0.1 million recognized in the prior year period on written put options and increased expenditures related to marketing and advertising activities.

Previous wording

Cash and cash equivalents was $22.0 million as of March 31, 2024 and $19.9 million as of December 31, 2023. Working capital was $179.4 million at March 31, 2024 compared to $178.8 million at December 31, 2023. The increase in working capital was primarily due to decreases in accounts payable and other current liabilities and an increase in cash and cash equivalents, offset by decreases in accounts receivable and inventory. The decrease in accounts payable was primarily driven by the timing of payments for inventory purchases within our Branded Products segment. The decrease in other current liabilities was primarily related to employee-related accruals as of December 31, 2023 that were paid in 2024, including accrued bonus compensation. The decreases in accounts receivable was primarily related to lower sales in our Branded Products segment during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023 and the collection of customer payments. The decrease in inventory was primarily driven by a decrease in purchasing activities during the period.

Current wording

Cash and cash equivalents was $13.4 million as of June 30, 2024 and $19.9 million as of December 31, 2023. Working capital was $169.3 million at June 30, 2024 compared to $178.8 million at December 31, 2023. The decrease in working capital was primarily due to decreases in accounts receivable, cash and cash equivalents, and inventories, partially offset by a decrease in current liabilities and an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets. The decrease in accounts receivable was primarily related to lower sales in our Branded Products segment during the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the six months ended December 31, 2023 and the collection of aged customer receivables. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was driven by the repayment of outstanding borrowings with excess cash generated from operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2024. The reduction of inventories was driven by the sale of existing inventory stock and the targeted reduction in certain inventory products within our Branded Products segment. The decreases in current liabilities include a reduction in accounts payable primarily driven by the timing of payments for inventory purchases within our Branded Products segment and a decrease in other current liabilities which was primarily related to employee-related accruals as of December 31, 2023 that were paid in 2024, including accrued bonus compensation, and the expiration of written put options. The increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets was driven by increases in prepaid income taxes and insurance.

Previous wording

Operating Activities. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 was primarily attributable to increases in cash outflows for accounts payable and other current liabilities and selling and administrative expenses, partially offset by an increase in gross margin of $8.2 million. Working capital cash changes during the three months ended March 31, 2024 primarily included a decrease of $12.1 million in accounts payable and other current liabilities, an increase of $3.8 million in contract assets and decreases of $9.4 million in accounts receivable and $4.5 million in inventory. Working capital cash changes during the three months ended March 31, 2023 primarily included an increase of $1.6 million in accounts payable and other current liabilities, a decrease of $1.6 million in contract assets and a decrease of $10.2 million in accounts receivable.

Current wording

Operating Activities. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023 was primarily attributable to increases in cash outflows for accounts payable and other current liabilities and inventories and a decrease in cash inflows from contract assets, partially offset by an increase in net income. Working capital cash changes during the six months ended June 30, 2024 primarily included decreases of $10.6 million in accounts receivable, $6.4 million in accounts payable and other current liabilities and $3.9 million in inventories, and increases of $4.5 million in contract assets. Working capital cash changes during the six months ended June 30, 2023 primarily included increases of $10.6 million in inventories, $8.9 million in accounts receivable and $5.4 million in contract assets.

Previous wording

Investing Activities. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 was attributable to a decrease of $1.4 million in capital expenditures.

Current wording

Investing Activities. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023 was attributable to a decrease of $1.7 million in capital expenditures.

Previous wording

Financing Activities. The decrease in net cash used in financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 was primarily attributable to a decrease of $8.0 million in net repayments of debt.

Current wording

Financing Activities. The decrease in net cash used in financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023 was primarily attributable to a decrease of $13.0 million in net repayments of debt.

Previous wording

As of March 31, 2024, the Company had $90.4 million in outstanding borrowings under its Credit Facilities, consisting of $22.0 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility and $68.4 million outstanding under a term loan. As of March 31, 2024, the Company had undrawn capacity of $103.0 million under the revolving credit facility.

Current wording

As of June 30, 2024, the Company had $78.5 million in outstanding borrowings under its Credit Facilities, consisting of $11.0 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility and $67.5 million outstanding under a term loan. As of June 30, 2024, the Company had undrawn capacity of $114.0 million under the revolving credit facility.

Previous wording

Obligations outstanding under the Credit Facilities accrue interest at a variable rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) plus an adjustment between 0.10% and 0.25% (depending on the applicable interest period) plus a margin between 1.0% and 2.0% (depending on the Company’s net leverage ratio). The weighted average interest rate on our outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facilities was 6.6% at March 31, 2024. During the term of the revolving credit facility, the Company will pay a commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility equal to between 0.125% and 0.250% (depending on the Company’s net leverage ratio). The available balance under the revolving credit facility is reduced by outstanding letters of credit. As of March 31, 2024, there were no outstanding letters of credit under the revolving credit facility.

Current wording

Obligations outstanding under the Credit Facilities accrue interest at a variable rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) plus an adjustment between 0.10% and 0.25% (depending on the applicable interest period) plus a margin between 1.0% and 2.0% (depending on the Company’s net leverage ratio). The weighted average interest rate on our outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facilities was 6.4% as of June 30, 2024. During the term of the revolving credit facility, the Company will pay a commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility equal to between 0.125% and 0.250% (depending on the Company’s net leverage ratio). The available balance under the revolving credit facility is reduced by outstanding letters of credit. As of June 30, 2024, there were no outstanding letters of credit under the revolving credit facility.

Previous wording

Contractual principal payments for the term loan are as follows: remainder of 2024 - $3.8 million; 2025 - $5.6 million; 2026 - $6.6 million and 2027 - $52.4 million. The term loan does not contain pre-payment penalties.

Current wording

Contractual principal payments for the term loan are as follows: remainder of 2024 - $2.8 million; 2025 - $5.6 million; 2026 - $6.6 million and 2027 - $52.5 million. The term loan does not contain pre-payment penalties.

Previous wording

During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company paid cash dividends of $2.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively. The Company anticipates that it will continue to pay dividends in the future as financial conditions permit.

Current wording

During the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company paid cash dividends of $4.7 million and $4.6 million, respectively. The Company anticipates that it will continue to pay dividends in the future as financial conditions permit.