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AMCON DISTRIBUTING CO

For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Jan 21, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.

Dec 31, 2024 · Filed Jan 21, 2025

DIT$62.30+2.3%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-Q

Period ended 2024-06-30; filed 2024-07-18.

0001558370-24-009894

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Current report: 10-Q

Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-01-21.

0001558370-25-000284

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 74 previous paragraphs and 55 current paragraphs.

37 unchanged; 16 reworded; 2 added; 18 removed; 3 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 37 previous and 37 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Added paragraphs (2)

Current report

The Company paid cash dividends on its common stock totaling $0.1 million in each of the three-month periods ended December 2024 and December 2023. During Q1 2025, the Company declared a $0.28 per share special dividend totaling approximately $0.2 million that will be paid in Q2 2025. During Q1 2024, the Company declared a $0.28 per share special dividend totaling approximately $0.2 million that was paid in Q2 2024.
Removed paragraphs (18)

Previous report

As previously disclosed, in early April 2024 the Company closed on its acquisition of Burklund Distributors, Inc. (“Burklund”) headquartered in East Peoria, Illinois and in late June 2024 closed on its acquisition of Richmond Master Distributors, Inc. (“Richmond Master”) headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, purchasing substantially all of the net operating assets of each company. These acquisitions will expand the Company’s regional footprint and provide customers with an enhanced range of products and services over time.

Previous report

Finally, in June 2024, the Company opened a new retail store under the Chamberlin’s Natural Foods banner in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

Previous report

Our Retail Segment, through ourHealthy Edge Retail Group subsidiary, is a specialty retailer of natural/organic groceries and dietary supplements which focuses on providing high quality products at affordable prices, with an exceptional level of customer service and nutritional consultation. All of the products carried in our stores must meet strict quality and ingredient guidelines, and include offerings such as gluten-free and antibiotic-free grocery and meat products, as well as products containing no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or partially hydrogenated oils. We design our retail sites in an efficient and flexible small-store format, which emphasizes a high energy and shopper-friendly environment.

Previous report

Sales in our Wholesale Segment increased $117.5 million during the nine months ended June 2024 as compared to the same prior year period. Significant items impacting sales during the period included a $103.1 million increase in sales related to the acquisition of Henry’s during Q2 2023, increases of $35.3 million and $1.7 million related to the respective acquisitions of Burklund and Richmond Master during Q3 2024, a $84.6 million increase in sales related to price increases implemented by cigarette manufacturers, and a $2.9 million increase in sales related to the volume and mix of products in our Other Products category, partially offset by a $110.1 million decrease in sales related to the volume and mix of cigarette cartons sold. Sales in our Retail Segment decreased $0.2 million during the nine months ended June 2024 as compared to the same prior year period. This decrease was due to approximately $4.4 million related to the closure of five stores between the comparative periods, partially offset by increases of $2.1 million related to the re-opening of our Port Charlotte store that was damaged during Hurricane Ian, $2.0 million related to higher sales volumes in our existing stores and $0.1 million related to the opening of our new Lakewood Ranch store.

Previous report

Gross profit in our Wholesale Segment increased $10.3 million for the nine months ended June 2024 as compared to the same prior year period. Significant items impacting gross profit during the period included a $11.9 million increase in gross profit related to the acquisition of Henry’s in Q2 2023, increases of $1.8 million and $0.1 million related to the respective acquisitions of Burklund and Richmond Master during Q3 2024, and a $0.2 million increase in gross profit due to the timing and related benefits of cigarette manufacturer price increases, partially offset by a $2.8 million decrease in gross profit related to the mix of volumes and promotions in our Other Products category and a $0.9 million decrease in gross profit related to the volume and mix of cigarette cartons sold between the comparative periods. Gross profit in our Retail Segment increased approximately $0.3 million for the nine months ended June 2024 as compared to the same prior year period. This change was primarily related to a $1.0 million increase in realized margins in our existing stores, a $0.7

Previous report

million increase related to the re-opening of our Port Charlotte store that was damaged during Hurricane Ian, and a $0.1 million increase related to the opening of our new Lakewood Ranch store, partially offset by a $1.5 million decrease related to the closure of five stores between the comparative periods.

Previous report

Operating expenses increased $16.6 million during the nine months ended June 2024 as compared to the same prior year period. Significant items impacting operating expenses during the period included a $10.6 million increase in operating expenses related to the acquisition of Henry’s during Q2 2023, increases of $1.7 million and $0.1 million related to the respective acquisitions of Burklund and Richmond Master during Q3 2024, a $3.2 million increase related to employee compensation and benefit costs, a $1.2 million increase in insurance costs, and a $0.3 million increase in other Wholesale Segment operating expenses, partially offset by a $0.5 million decrease in operating expense costs in our Retail Segment. The decrease in our Retail Segment was primarily due to a $2.0 million decrease related to the closure of five stores between the comparative periods, partially offset by an increase of $0.9 million in our existing stores, a $0.5 million increase related to the re-opening of our Port Charlotte store that was damaged during Hurricane Ian and a $0.1 million increase related to the opening of our new Lakewood Ranch store.

Previous report

Interest expense increased $1.2 million for the nine months ended June 2024 as compared to the same prior year period, primarily related to higher interest rates, increased capital expenditures, and higher outstanding debt balances in the current period related to the acquisitions of Burklund and Richmond Master in Q3 2024 and the acquisition of Henry’s in Q2 2023.

Previous report

The change in other income was primarily related to differences in the amounts of insurance recoveries between the comparative periods.

Previous report

The Company paid cash dividends on its common stock totaling $0.1 million and $0.5 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended June 2024, respectively, and $0.1 million and $3.4 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended June 2023, respectively.
Reworded paragraphs (16)

Previous wording

The Company continues to make targeted investments in conjunction with its long-term growth strategy. We continue to build out our recently purchased 250,000 square foot distribution facility in Colorado City, Colorado, which will play a central role in the Company’s long-term geographic expansion initiatives. In addition, work continues on the completion of the Company’s new 175,000 square foot distribution facility located in Springfield, Missouri. This new facility will enhance our foodservice capabilities in that region.

Current wording

The Company continues to make targeted investments in conjunction with its long-term growth strategy. Integration work continues on the recent acquisitions of Burklund Distributors, Inc. (“Burklund”) and Richmond Master Distributors, Inc. (“Richmond Master”). These acquisitions play a central role in the Company’s long-term geographic expansion initiatives, expand the Company’s regional footprint and will provide customers with an enhanced range of products and services over time.

Previous wording

Certain accounting estimates used in the preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements (“financial statements”) require us to make judgments and estimates and the financial results we report may vary depending on how we make these judgments and estimates. Our critical accounting estimates are set forth in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other than the adoption of ASU 2016-13 as described in Note 1 of Part I, Item 1 of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, there have been no significant changes with respect to these estimates and related policies during the nine months ended June 2024.

Current wording

Certain accounting estimates used in the preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements (“financial statements”) require us to make judgments and estimates and the financial results we report may vary depending on how we make these judgments and estimates. Our critical accounting estimates are set forth in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There have been no significant changes with respect to these estimates and related policies during the three months ended December 2024.

Previous wording

The following discussion and analysis includes the Company’s results of operations for the three and nine months ended June 2024 and June 2023:

Current wording

The following discussion and analysis includes the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended December 2024 and December 2023:

Previous wording

Our Wholesale Segment is one of the largest wholesale distributors in the United States, serving approximately 7,900 retail outlets including convenience stores, grocery stores, liquor stores, drug stores, and tobacco shops. We currently distribute over 20,000 different consumer products, including cigarettes and tobacco products, candy and other confectionery products, beverages, groceries, paper products, health and beauty care products, frozen and refrigerated products and institutional foodservice products. Convenience stores represent our largest customer category. In December 2023, Convenience Store News ranked us as the sixth (6 th) largest convenience store distributor in the United States based on annual sales.

Current wording

Our Wholesale Segment is one of the largest wholesale distributors in the United States, serving approximately 7,900 retail outlets including convenience stores, grocery stores, liquor stores, drug stores, and tobacco shops. We currently distribute over 20,000 different consumer products, including cigarettes and tobacco products, candy and other confectionery products, beverages, groceries, paper products, health and beauty care products, frozen and refrigerated products and institutional foodservice products. We have licenses, and operate, in 34 states, and are the third (3rd) largest convenience store distributor by geographic territory served.

Previous wording

Our Wholesale Segment operates 13 distribution centers located in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee and West Virginia. These distribution centers, combined with cross-dock facilities, include approximately 1.7 million square feet of permanent floor space. Our principal suppliers include Altria, RJ Reynolds, ITG Brands, Hershey, Kellanova, Kraft Heinz, and Mars Wrigley. We also market private label lines of water, candy products, batteries, and other products. We do not maintain any long-term purchase contracts with our suppliers.

Current wording

Our Wholesale Segment operates 14 distribution centers located in Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee and West Virginia. These distribution centers, combined with cross-dock facilities, include approximately 1.7 million square feet of permanent floor space. Our principal suppliers include Altria, RJ Reynolds, ITG Brands, Hershey, Kellanova, Kraft Heinz, and Mars Wrigley. We also market private label lines of water, candy products, batteries, and other products. We do not maintain any long-term purchase contracts with our suppliers.

Previous wording

We operate within the natural products retail industry, which is a subset of the United States grocery industry. This industry includes conventional, natural, gourmet and specialty food markets, mass and discount retailers, warehouse clubs, health food stores, dietary supplement retailers, drug stores, farmers markets, mail order and online retailers, and multi-level marketers.

Current wording

Our Retail Segment, through ourHealthy Edge Retail Group subsidiary, is a specialty retailer of natural/organic groceries and operates 15 retail health food stores under the Chamberlin’s Natural Foods, Akin’s Natural Foods, and Earth Origins Market banners. We operate within the natural products retail industry, which is a subset of the United States grocery industry. This industry includes conventional, natural, gourmet and specialty food markets, mass and discount retailers, warehouse clubs, health food stores, dietary supplement retailers, drug stores, farmers markets, mail order and online retailers, and multi-level marketers. These stores carry over 32,000 different nationally and regionally branded and private label products including high-quality natural, organic, and specialty foods consisting of produce, baked goods, frozen foods, nutritional supplements, personal care items, and general merchandise.

Previous wording

Sales in our Wholesale Segment increased $21.9 million during Q3 2024 as compared to Q3 2023. Significant items impacting sales during Q3 2024 included increases of $35.3 million and $1.7 million related to the respective acquisitions of Burklund and Richmond Master during Q3 2024 and a $32.1 million increase in sales related to price increases implemented by cigarette manufacturers, partially offset by a $45.7 million decrease in sales related to the volume and mix of cigarette cartons sold, and a $1.5 million decrease in sales related to the volume and mix of products in our tobacco, confectionery, foodservice, and other categories (“Other Products”). Sales in our Retail Segment decreased $0.5 million during Q3 2024 as compared to Q3 2023. This decrease was due to approximately $1.7 million related to the closure of four stores between the comparative periods, partially offset by a $0.6 million increase related to the re-opening of our Port Charlotte store that was damaged during Hurricane Ian, a $0.5 million increase related to higher sales volumes in our existing stores and a $0.1 million increase related to the opening of our new Lakewood Ranch store.

Current wording

Sales in our Wholesale Segment increased $66.5 million during Q1 2025 as compared to Q1 2024. Significant items impacting sales during Q1 2025 included an increase of $56.7 million related to the combined acquisitions of Burklund and Richmond Master during Q3 2024, a $29.2 million increase in sales related to price increases implemented by cigarette manufacturers and a $9.7 million increase in sales related to the volume and mix of products in our tobacco, confectionery, foodservice, and other categories (“Other Products”), partially offset by a $29.1 million decrease in sales related to the volume and mix of cigarette cartons sold. Sales in our Retail Segment decreased $0.2 million during Q1 2025 as compared to Q1 2024. This decrease was due to approximately a $0.8 million decrease related to the closure of three stores between the comparative periods, partially offset by a $0.4 million increase related to the opening of our new Lakewood Ranch, Florida store in Q3 2024 and a $0.2 million increase related to higher sales volumes in our existing stores.

Previous wording

Gross profit in our Wholesale Segment increased $1.2 million during Q3 2024 as compared to Q3 2023. Significant items impacting gross profit during Q3 2024 included increases of $1.8 million and $0.1 million related to the respective acquisitions of Burklund and Richmond Master during Q3 2024, a $0.9 million increase in gross profit due to the timing and related benefits of cigarette manufacturer price increases, partially offset by a $1.5 million decrease in gross profit related to the mix of volumes and promotions in our Other Products category and a $0.1 million decrease in gross profit related to the volume and mix of cigarette cartons sold between the comparative periods. Gross profit in our Retail Segment decreased approximately $0.1 million during Q3 2024 as compared to Q3 2023. This change was primarily related to a $0.6 million decrease related to the closure of four stores between the comparative periods, partially offset by a $0.2 million increase in realized margins in our existing stores, a $0.2 million increase related to the re-opening of our Port Charlotte store that was damaged during Hurricane Ian and a $0.1 million increase related to the opening of our new Lakewood Ranch store.

Current wording

Gross profit in our Wholesale Segment increased $3.8 million during Q1 2025 as compared to Q1 2024. Significant items impacting gross profit during Q1 2025 included an increase of $3.2 million related to the combined acquisitions of Burklund and Richmond Master during Q3 2024, a $0.5 million increase in gross profit related to the mix of volumes and promotions in our Other Products category, and a $0.1 million increase in gross profit due to the timing and related benefits of cigarette manufacturer price increases. Gross profit in our Retail Segment decreased $0.2 million during Q1 2025 as compared to Q1 2024. This change was primarily related to a $0.3 million decrease related to the closure of three stores between the comparative periods, partially offset by a $0.1 million increase related to the opening of our new Lakewood Ranch store in Q3 2024.

Previous wording

Operating expense includes selling, general and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization. Selling, general, and administrative expenses primarily consist of costs related to our sales, warehouse, delivery and administrative departments, including purchasing and receiving costs, warehousing costs and costs of picking and loading customer orders. Our most significant expenses relate to costs associated with employees, facility and equipment leases, transportation, fuel, and insurance. Our Q3 2024 operating expenses increased $3.4 million as compared to Q3 2023. Significant items impacting operating expenses during Q3 2024 included increases of $1.7 million and $0.1 million related to the respective acquisitions of Burklund and Richmond Master during Q3 2024, a $0.9 million increase related to employee compensation and benefit costs, a $0.6 million increase in insurance costs and a $0.4 million increase in other Wholesale Segment operating costs, partially offset by a $0.3 million decrease in operating expense costs in our Retail Segment. The decrease in our Retail Segment was primarily due to a $0.8 million decrease related to the closure of four stores between the comparative periods, partially offset by an increase of $0.2 million in our existing stores, a $0.2 million increase related to the re-opening of our Port Charlotte store that was damaged during Hurricane Ian, and a $0.1 million increase related to the opening of our new Lakewood Ranch store.

Current wording

Operating expense includes selling, general and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization. Selling, general, and administrative expenses primarily consist of costs related to our sales, warehouse, delivery and administrative departments, including purchasing and receiving costs, warehousing costs and costs of picking and loading customer orders. Our most significant expenses relate to costs associated with employees, facility and equipment leases, transportation, fuel, and insurance. Our Q1 2025 operating expenses increased $3.7 million as compared to Q1 2024. Significant items impacting operating expenses during Q1 2025 included an increase of $2.7 million related to the combined acquisitions of Burklund and Richmond Master during Q3 2024, a $1.1 million increase in other Wholesale Segment operating costs, a $1.0 million increase in health insurance costs, a $0.2 million increase related to employee compensation and benefit costs, and a $0.2 million increase in operating expense costs in our Retail Segment, partially offset by a $1.5 million decrease related to the fair value adjustment of a contingent consideration liability. The increase in our Retail Segment was primarily due to a $0.3 million increase related to the opening of our new Lakewood Ranch store in Q3 2024, an increase of $0.2 million in our existing stores, partially offset by a $0.3 million decrease related to the closure of three stores between the comparative periods.

Previous wording

Interest expense increased $0.5 million in Q3 2024 as compared to Q3 2023, primarily related to higher interest rates, increased capital expenditures, and higher outstanding debt balances in the current period related to the acquisitions of Burklund and Richmond Master in Q3 2024.

Current wording

Interest expense increased $0.5 million in Q1 2025 as compared to Q1 2024, primarily related to higher outstanding debt balances in the current period related to the acquisitions of Burklund and Richmond Master in Q3 2024 and increased capital expenditures.

Previous wording

The Company primarily finances its operations through three credit facility agreements (a) a facility that is an obligation of AMCON Distributing Company (the “AMCON Facility”), (b) a facility that is an obligation of Team Sledd, LLC (“Team Sledd” and, the “Team Sledd Facility”) and (c) a facility that is the obligation of Henry’s (the “Henry’s Facility”) (collectively, the “Facilities”) and long-term debt agreements with banks. The Team Sledd Facility and the Henry’s Facility are non-recourse to AMCON Distributing Company, are not guaranteed by AMCON Distributing Company and have no cross default provisions applicable to AMCON Distributing Company.

Current wording

The Company primarily finances its operations through three credit facility agreements (a) a facility that is an obligation of AMCON Distributing Company (the “AMCON Facility”), (b) a facility that is an obligation of Team Sledd, LLC (“Team Sledd” and, the “Team Sledd Facility”) and (c) a facility that is the obligation of Henry’s (the “Henry’s Facility”) (collectively, the “Facilities”) and long-term debt agreements with banks. The Team Sledd Facility and the Henry’s Facility are non-recourse to AMCON Distributing Company, are not guaranteed by AMCON Distributing Company and have no cross default provisions applicable to AMCON Distributing Company. In Q1 2025, the Company amended the Henry’s Facility, increasing its aggregate borrowing capacity from $40.0 million to $45.0 million and extending the maturity date to February 2028. In Q1 2025, the Company amended the Team Sledd Facility to designate the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as the primary borrowing rate.

Previous wording

qualifications, and the value of certain real estate collateral. The Henry’s Facility matures in February 2026, the AMCON Facility matures in June 2027, and the Team Sledd Facility matures in March 2028, each without a penalty for prepayment. Obligations under the Facilities are collateralized by substantially all of the Company’s respective equipment, intangibles, inventories, accounts receivable, and certain real estate. The Facilities each feature an unused commitment fee and springing financial covenants. Borrowings under the Facilities bear interest at either the bank’s prime rate or the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), plus any applicable spreads.

Current wording

At December 2024, the Facilities had a total combined borrowing capacity of $305.0 million, which includes provisions for up to $30.0 million in credit advances for certain inventory purchases, which are limited by accounts receivable and inventory qualifications, and the value of certain real estate collateral. The AMCON Facility matures in June 2027, the Henry’s Facility matures in February 2028, and the Team Sledd Facility matures in March 2028, each without a penalty for prepayment. Obligations under the Facilities are collateralized by substantially all of the Company’s respective equipment, intangibles, inventories, accounts receivable, and certain real estate. The Facilities each feature an unused commitment fee and springing financial covenants. Borrowings under the Facilities bear interest at SOFR, plus any applicable spreads.

Previous wording

The amount available for use from the Facilities at any given time is subject to a number of factors, including eligible accounts receivable and inventory balances that fluctuate day-to-day, as well as the value of certain real estate collateral. Based on the collateral and loan limits as defined in the Facility agreements, the credit limit of the combined Facilities at June 2024 was $239.2 million, of which $156.9 million was outstanding, leaving $82.3 million available.

Current wording

The amount available for use from the Facilities at any given time is subject to a number of factors, including eligible accounts receivable and inventory balances that fluctuate day-to-day, as well as the value of certain real estate collateral. Based on the collateral and loan limits as defined in the Facility agreements, the credit limit of the combined Facilities at December 2024 was $247.5 million, of which $165.9 million was outstanding, leaving $81.6 million available.

Previous wording

The average interest rate of the Facilities was 6.99% at June 2024. For the nine months ended June 2024, the peak borrowings under the Facilities was $181.8 million, and the average borrowings and average availability under the Facilities was $129.4 million and $80.9 million, respectively.

Current wording

The average interest rate of the Facilities was 5.96% at December 2024. For the three months ended December 2024, the peak borrowings under the Facilities was $197.1 million, and the average borrowings and average availability under the Facilities was $162.1 million and $73.4 million, respectively.

Previous wording

Team Sledd’s three notes payable and the Team Sledd Facility contain cross default provisions. The Henry’s note payable and the Henry’s Facility contain cross default provisions. There were no such cross defaults for either Team Sledd or Henry’s at June 2024. Additionally, the Team Sledd Facility and the Henry’s Facility are non-recourse to AMCON Distributing Company, are not guaranteed by AMCON Distributing Company and have no cross default provisions applicable to AMCON Distributing Company. The Company and its subsidiaries, including Team Sledd and Henry’s, were in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the respective Facilities at June 2024.

Current wording

Team Sledd’s two notes payable and the Team Sledd Facility contain cross default provisions. The Henry’s note payable and the Henry’s Facility contain cross default provisions. There were no such cross defaults for either Team Sledd or Henry’s at December 2024. Additionally, the Team Sledd Facility and the Henry’s Facility are non-recourse to AMCON Distributing Company, are not guaranteed by AMCON Distributing Company and have no cross default provisions applicable to AMCON Distributing Company. The Company and its subsidiaries, including Team Sledd and Henry’s, were in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the respective Facilities at December 2024.

Previous wording

The Company has issued letters of credit totaling $2.4 million to its workers’ compensation insurance carriers as part of its self-insured loss control program.

Current wording

The Company has issued letters of credit totaling $2.0 million to its workers’ compensation insurance carriers as part of its self-insured loss control program.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (3)

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

Our Retail Segment operates 15 retail health food stores as Chamberlin’s Natural Foods, Akin’s Natural Foods, and Earth Origins Market. These stores carry over 36,000 different nationally and regionally branded and private label products including high-quality natural, organic, and specialty foods consisting of produce, baked goods, frozen foods, nutritional supplements, personal care items, and general merchandise.

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

The change in the Company’s effective tax rate during the nine-month period ended June 2024 as compared to the respective prior year period was primarily related to non-deductible compensation expense in relation to the amount of income from operations before income tax expense and variances in the average effective state income tax rates between the comparative periods.

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

At June 2024, the Facilities had a total combined borrowing capacity of $300.0 million, which includes provisions for up to $30.0 million in credit advances for certain inventory purchases, which are limited by accounts receivable and inventory