AKA BRANDS HOLDING CORP
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 6, 2025.
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FY2024 · Filed Mar 6, 2025
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share, per share data, unit, per unit data, ratios, or as noted)
Note 1. Organization and Description of Business
a.k.a. Brands Holding Corp. (together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, collectively, the “Company”), which operates under the name “a.k.a. Brands” or “a.k.a.,” is a portfolio of next-generation fashion brands for the next generation of consumers. The Company seeks to leverage its industry expertise and operational synergies to accelerate its brands so they can grow faster, reach broader audiences, achieve greater scale and enhance their profitability.
The Company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with buying, studio, marketing, fulfillment and administrative functions primarily in Australia and the United States.
Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the balances of the Company and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates items subject to significant estimates and assumptions.
Certain Risks and Concentrations
The Company is subject to certain risks, including credit risk, dependence on third-party technology providers and hosting services for website servers, exposure to risks associated with online commerce security, credit card fraud, as well as the interpretation of state and local laws and regulations in regard to the collection and remittance of sales and use taxes. The Company does not have significant customer or vendor concentrations.
Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and accounts receivable. Although the Company’s deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of federal insurance provided on such deposits, the Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of a default by the financial institutions holding its cash and cash equivalents for the amounts reflected on the consolidated balance sheets.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had $13.5 million and $9.3 million, respectively, on deposit in banks outside of the United States.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity (at date of purchase) of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of demand deposits and receivables from third-party credit card processors. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable consists of trade accounts receivable that are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company had $0.1 million and $0.2 million in allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Inventory
Inventories are accounted for using an average cost method and are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost of inventory includes import duties and other taxes and transport and handling costs. The Company records a provision for excess and obsolete inventory to adjust the carrying value of inventory based on assumptions regarding future demand for the Company’s products.
Lower of cost or net realizable value is evaluated by considering obsolescence, excess levels of inventory, deterioration and other factors. The Company analyzes the quantity of inventory on hand, the quantity sold in the past year, the anticipated sales volume, the expected sales price and the cost of making the sale when evaluating the net realizable value of its inventory. If the sales volume or sales price of specific products declines, additional write-downs may be required. Excess and obsolete inventory is charged to cost of goods sold in the period the write-down is estimated.
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist primarily of advance payments on inventory to be delivered from vendors, security deposits, prepaid packaging and insurance.
Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment are recorded at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three toten years.
| Estimated useful life (years) | |
| Furniture and fixtures | 5 - 10 years |
|---|---|
| Machinery and equipment | 5 - 10 years |
| Computer equipment and capitalized software | 3 - 5 years |
| Buildings and leasehold improvements | Shorter of the lease term or the estimated life of the assets |
Upon the sale or disposal of property and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the consolidated balance sheets and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of income. Property and equipment that is fully depreciated as of the last day of a fiscal year is written off during the first quarter of the following year.
The Company incurs costs related to the development of the Company’s websites and capitalizes these website development costs incurred during the website development stage. Capitalized website costs include salary and benefit costs for Company employees and contractors that develop the website. When the development phase is substantially complete and the website is ready for its intended purpose, capitalized costs are depreciated using the straight-line method over the useful life.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are measured at fair value as of the acquisition date. Goodwill, which has an indefinite useful life, represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired, including the amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets. The primary drivers that generate goodwill are the value of synergies between the acquired entities and the Company and the acquired assembled workforce, neither of which qualifies as a separately identifiable intangible asset. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had goodwill of $89.3 million and $94.9 million, respectively.
Intangible assets, other than goodwill, acquired by the Company include brand names, customer relationships and trademarks. Intangible assets that are fully depreciated as of the last day of a fiscal year are written off during the first quarter of the following year. None of the Company’s intangible assets, other than goodwill, are indefinite lived.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill
The Company’s long-lived assets consist of intangible assets and property and equipment. The Company’s goodwill has an indefinite useful life.
Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually, in the fourth quarter and whenever changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may exist. The goodwill impairment test is performed at the reporting unit level, which is generally at the level of or one level below an operating segment. Generally, a qualitative assessment is first performed to determine whether a quantitative goodwill impairment test is necessary. If management determines, after performing an assessment based on the qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, or that a fair value of the reporting unit substantially in the excess of the carrying amount cannot be assured, then a quantitative goodwill impairment test would be required. The quantitative test for goodwill impairment is performed by determining the fair value of the related reporting units. Fair value is measured based on the discounted cash flow method and relative market-based approaches. An impairment charge is recorded equal to any shortfall between the fair value of a reporting unit and its carrying value.
No goodwill impairment was required for the year ended December 31,2024. However, as of the annual testing date of October 31, 2024, the estimated fair value of the mnml reporting unit exceeded the carrying value by 11.2% and the carrying value of the related goodwill was $30.0 million. In 2023, the Company concluded that the carrying value of the Culture Kings and Petal & Pup reporting units exceeded their fair values as of August 31, 2023. As a result, the Company recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $68.5 million during the third quarter of 2023. As part of the annual goodwill impairment test conducted in the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company concluded that the carrying value of the Company’s Culture Kings and Rebdolls reporting units exceeded their fair values and recorded a total non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $173.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. Refer to Note 5, “Goodwill,” for further information.
The Company reviews finite-lived intangible assets and property and equipment for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. This determination includes evaluation of factors such as future asset utilization and future net undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets. If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset group to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds its fair value.
The Company’s identifiable intangible assets are typically comprised of customer relationships and brand names. The cost of identifiable assets with finite lives is generally amortized on a straight-line basis over the assets’ respective estimated useful lives, which range from four toten years.
No impairment losses related to finite-lived intangible assets or property and equipment were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Leases
The Company generally leases office space, warehouse facilities and stores under non-cancellable agreements. Upon each agreement’s commencement date, the Company determines if the agreement is part of an arrangement that is or that contains a lease, determines the lease classification and recognizes right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for all leases with the exception of leases with terms of 12 months or less. The Company accounts for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. Operating lease right-of-use assets are classified as long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Operating lease liabilities are classified as current lease liabilities and long-term lease liabilities based on when lease payments are due. The Company’s lease payments consist primarily of fixed rental payments for the right to use the underlying leased assets over the lease terms as well as payments for common area maintenance and administrative services. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not have material finance lease arrangements.
Lease liabilities and their corresponding right-of-use assets are recorded based on the present value of lease payments over the expected term of the lease commencement date. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses an estimated incremental borrowing rate (“IBR”) based on the information available at the commencement date of the respective lease to determine the present value of future payments. The determination of the IBR requires judgment and is primarily based on the Company’s uncollateralized borrowing rate, adjusted for the impact of collateralization, the lease term and other specific terms included in each lease arrangement. The IBR is determined at the lease commencement and is subsequently reassessed upon a modification to the lease arrangement. The right-of-use asset also includes any lease payments made prior to the commencement date and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred.
Lease expense for minimum lease payments on operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option.
The Company reviews right-of-use assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset may not be recoverable. When such events occur, the Company compares the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset to the undiscounted expected future cash flows related to the right-of-use asset. If the comparison indicates that an impairment exists, the amount of the impairment is calculated as the difference between the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the right-of-use asset. If a readily determinable market price does not exist, fair value is estimated using discounted expected cash flows attributable to the right-of-use asset.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and are recorded net on the balance sheet. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent it is believed that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carry back and carry forward periods), projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the valuation allowance. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carry forward period are reduced.
The Company classifies interest and penalties, if applicable, related to income tax liabilities as a component of income tax expense.
The Company uses a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals and litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the largest amount of tax benefit as the largest amount that is more likely than not to be realized upon settlement.
Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. As of December 31, 2024, there are no known uncertain tax positions.
Equity-based Compensation
Restricted Stock Units and Stock Options
The Company has granted equity-based awards in the form of restricted stock units and stock options to employees. Equity-based compensation expense related to these equity-based awards is recognized based on the fair value of the awards granted. The Company estimates the fair value of restricted stock unit awards granted based upon the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The Company estimates the fair value of stock option awards granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the fair value of the underlying shares of the Company’s common stock, the risk-free interest rate, the expected volatility of the price of the Company’s common stock, the expected dividend yield of the Company’s common stock and the expected term of the equity award. The assumptions used to determine the fair value of the equity awards represent management’s best estimates. These estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. The related equity-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards, which is generally three orfour years. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.
These assumptions and estimates are as follows:
Risk-Free Interest Rate. The risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the equity award is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.
Expected Volatility. Until the Company has sufficient trading history for its common stock, the expected volatility is estimated by taking the average historic stock price volatility for industry peers, consisting of several public companies in the Company’s industry which are either similar in size, stage of life cycle or financial leverage, over a period equivalent to the expected term of the awards.
Expected Dividend Yield. The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends and does not currently plan to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. As a result, an expected dividend yield ofzero percent is used.
Expected Term. For stock options, the expected term represents the period that a stock option award is expected to be outstanding. The Company has limited historical exercise data from which to derive expected term input assumptions. Consequently, the Company calculates expected term using the Securities and Exchange Commission’s simplified method whereby the expected term of a stock option award is equal to the average of the award's contractual term and vesting term.
The Company will continue to use judgment in evaluating the assumptions related to its equity-based compensation on a prospective basis.
Foreign Currencies
The functional currency for the Company and its United States and Cayman subsidiaries is the United States dollar, while the functional currency for the Company’s Australian subsidiaries is the Australian dollar. For those subsidiaries, the assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and an average rate for each period for revenues and expenses. Translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity.
Transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity involved give rise to foreign currency remeasurement gains and losses, which are included in other expense on the consolidated statements of income. Foreign currency transaction losses were $0.4 million, $0.8 million and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is composed of two components: net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenue, expenses, gains and losses that under GAAP are recorded as an element of stockholders’ equity but are excluded from net income. The Company’s other comprehensive income (loss) consists of foreign currency translation adjustments from those subsidiaries not using the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. The Company has disclosed other comprehensive income (loss) as a component of stockholders’ equity.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is primarily derived from the sale of apparel merchandise through the Company’s online websites, stores, third-party marketplaces, wholesale partnerships and, when applicable, shipping revenue.
Revenue is recognized in an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for products. To determine revenue recognition for contracts with customers in accordance with Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), the Company recognizes revenue from the commercial sales of products and contracts by applying the following five steps: (1) identification of the contract, or contracts, with the customer; (2) identification of the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determination of the transaction price; (4) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognition of revenue when, or as, the Company satisfies its performance obligation. A contract is created with the customer at the time the order is placed by the customer, which creates a single performance obligation. The Company recognizes revenue for its single performance obligation at the time control of the product passes to the customer, which is when the goods are transferred to a third-party common carrier, for purchases through the Company’s online websites, or at point of sale, for purchases in its stores. In addition, the Company has elected to treat shipping and handling as fulfillment activities and not a separate performance obligation.
Net sales from product sales includes shipping charged to the customer and is recorded net of taxes collected from customers, which are recorded in accrued liabilities and are remitted to governmental authorities. Cash discounts earned by the customers at the time of purchase and estimates for sales return allowances are deducted from gross revenue in determining net sales.
The Company generally provides refunds for goods returned within 30 to 45 days from the original purchase date. A returns reserve is recorded by the Company based on historical refund experience with a corresponding reduction of sales and cost of sales. The sales return reserve was $7.6 million and $9.6 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The following table presents a summary of the Company’s sales return reserve:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Beginning balance | $9,610 | $3,968 |
| Returns | (123,436) | (101,025) |
| Allowance | 121,413 | 106,667 |
| Ending balance | $7,587 | $9,610 |
The Company also sells gift cards and issues online credits in lieu of cash refunds or exchanges. Proceeds from the issuance of gift cards and online credits issued are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as revenue when the gift cards or online credit are redeemed or upon inclusion in gift card and online credit breakage estimates. Breakage estimates are determined based on prior historical experience.
Revenue recognized in net sales on breakage of gift cards and online credit for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $2.6 million, $1.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
The following table presents the disaggregation of the Company’s net sales by geography, based on customer address:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| United States | $368,799 | $315,496 | $312,977 |
| Australia/New Zealand | 180,328 | 202,777 | 268,873 |
| Rest of world | 25,570 | 27,985 | 29,888 |
| Total | $574,697 | $546,258 | $611,738 |
Cost of sales consists of the purchase price of merchandise sold to customers and includes import duties and other taxes, freight-in, defective merchandise returned from customers, inventory write-offs and other miscellaneous shrinkage.
Selling expenses consist of costs incurred in operating and staffing the fulfillment centers and stores, costs attributable to inspecting and warehousing inventory, picking, packaging and preparing customer orders for shipment, customer service, shipping and other transportation costs incurred in delivering merchandise to customers and customers returning merchandise, merchant processing fees and shipping supplies. The amount of shipping and handling costs included in selling expenses, inclusive of outbound shipping and returned freight costs, was $72.2 million, $69.3 million and $80.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Marketing
Marketing expenses are expensed as incurred and consist primarily of targeted online performance marketing costs, such as display advertising, retargeting, paid search/product listing ads, affiliate marketing, paid social, search engine optimization, personalized email marketing, social media advertising and mobile “push” communications through the Company’s apps. Marketing expenses also include the Company’s spend on brand marketing channels, including cash compensation to influencers, events and other forms of online and offline marketing. Marketing expenses are primarily related to growing and retaining the customer base. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of payroll and related benefit costs and equity-based compensation expense for employees involved in general corporate functions, including merchandising, marketing and technology; costs associated with the use by those functions of facilities and equipment, including depreciation, rent and other occupancy expenses; professional services; and amortization associated with the Company’s intangible assets, including acquired brand names, customer relationships and trademarks.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated using net income attributable to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share reflects the dilutive effects of stock options and restricted stock units outstanding during the period, to the extent such securities would not be anti-dilutive, and is determined using the treasury stock method.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible. The Company determines fair value based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability in the principal or most advantageous market. The carrying amounts for the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short-term maturities. Using level 2 inputs, the fair value of the Company’s borrowings under its term debt and revolving line of credit were below fair value. Refer to Note 7, “Debt,” for further information.
When considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, the following fair value hierarchy distinguishes between observable and unobservable inputs, which are categorized in one of the following levels:
Level 1 Inputs: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 Inputs: Other than quoted prices included in Level 1 inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full-term of the asset or liability.
Level 3 Inputs: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at measurement date.
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Commitments and Contingencies
The Company records a loss contingency when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company also discloses material contingencies when it believes a loss is not probable but reasonably possible. Accounting for contingencies requires the Company to use judgment related to both the likelihood of a loss and the estimate of the amount or range of loss. Although the Company cannot predict with assurance the outcome of any litigation or tax matters, it does not believe there are currently any such actions that, if resolved unfavorably, would have a material impact on the Company’s operating results, financial position or cash flows. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company may provide indemnifications of varying scope and terms to vendors, directors, officers and other parties with respect to certain matters. The Company has not incurred any material costs as a result of such indemnifications and has not accrued any liabilities related to such obligations in the consolidated financial statements.
Segment Information
Operating segments are defined as components of an entity for which separate financial information is available and is regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company has determined that itsfour brands are each an operating segment. The Company has aggregated its operating segments intoone reportable segment based on the similar nature of products sold, production, merchandising and distribution processes involved, target customers and economic characteristics.
Reclassification
As of December 31, 2023, the Company reclassified restricted cash of $2.2 million from its separate balance sheet line item to be included within prepaid expenses and other current assets on the balance sheet. This reclassification had no effect on total current assets or total assets previously reported.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This standard requires disclosure of significant segment expenses and other segment items by reportable segment. This ASU becomes effective for annual periods beginning in 2024 and interim periods in 2025. The Company has adopted this ASU. Refer to Note 16, “Segment Information,” for further information.
In December 2023, FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which will require incremental income tax disclosures on an annual basis for all public entities. The amendments require that public business entities disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items meeting a quantitative threshold. The amendments also require disclosure of income taxes paid to be disaggregated by jurisdiction, and disclosure of income tax expense disaggregated by federal, state and foreign. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual reporting beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. The Company is currently evaluating the incremental disclosures that will be required in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In November 2024, FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (“ASU 2024-03”) and in January 2025, FASB issued ASU 2025-01, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Clarifying the Effective Date, which clarified the effective date of ASU 2024-03. ASU 2024-03 will require the Company to disclose the amounts of purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation and intangible asset amortization, as applicable, included in certain expense captions in the Company’s consolidated statements of income, as well as qualitatively describe remaining amounts included in those captions. The Company intends to adopt ASU 2024-03 for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2027 using a prospective transition method.
Note 3. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets are comprised of the following:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Inventory prepayments | $6,693 | $4,982 |
| Other | 10,027 | 13,034 |
| Total prepaid expenses and other current assets | $16,720 | $18,016 |
Note 4. Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment, net is comprised of the following:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Furniture and fixtures | $5,608 | $2,439 |
| Machinery and equipment | 4,686 | 6,008 |
| Computer equipment and capitalized software | 7,444 | 7,531 |
| Leasehold improvements | 31,230 | 27,680 |
| Total property and equipment | 48,968 | 43,658 |
| Less: accumulated depreciation | (17,706) | (16,504) |
| Total property and equipment, net | $31,262 | $27,154 |
Depreciation expense consisted of the following:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Selling expenses | $5,478 | $5,264 | $3,615 |
| General and administrative expenses | 1,072 | 2,341 | 2,541 |
| Total depreciation expense | $6,550 | $7,605 | $6,156 |
Note 5. Goodwill
The carrying value of goodwill, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, was $89.3 million and $94.9 million, respectively. There was no goodwill impairment recorded for the year ended December 31, 2024. However, as of the annual testing date of October 31, 2024, the estimated fair value of the mnml reporting unit exceeded the carrying value by 11.2% and the carrying value of the related goodwill was $30.0 million.
The goodwill of acquired companies is primarily related to expected improvements in technology performance and functionality, as well as sales growth from future product and service offerings and new customers, together with certain intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition. The goodwill of acquired companies is generally not deductible for tax purposes.
2023 Impairment
In August 2023, due to elevated interest rates and unfavorable demand in Australia, the Company reduced its forecasts and expectations for the Culture Kings and Petal & Pup reporting units. This reduction was identified as a triggering event and a subsequent quantitative test concluded that the carrying value of the Culture Kings and Petal & Pup reporting units exceeded their fair values as of August 31, 2023. As a result, the Company recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $68.5 million during the third quarter of 2023. As of December 31, 2023, $11.3 million of goodwill related to Petal & Pup remained on the consolidated balance sheet, while the goodwill related to Culture Kings was fully impaired.
2022 Impairment
As part of the annual goodwill impairment test conducted in the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company determined that the carrying value of its Culture Kings and Rebdolls reporting units exceeded their fair values and recorded a total non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $173.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. The worsening economic trends in the fourth quarter of 2022, including continued inflation and rising interest rates, as well as unfavorable demand due to changing customer preferences towards a mix of online and physical store shopping led the Company to lower its earnings forecasts and expectations for the Culture Kings and Rebdolls reporting units, driving the reduction in their fair values.
Goodwill Activity
The following table summarizes goodwill activity:
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $167,731 |
|---|---|
| Impairment | (68,524) |
| Changes in foreign currency translation | (4,309) |
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 | 94,898 |
| Changes in foreign currency translation | (5,644) |
| Balance as of December 31, 2024 | $89,254 |
Note 6. Intangible Assets
The gross amounts and accumulated amortization of acquired identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, included in intangible assets, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are as follows:
| December 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Useful life | WeightedAverageAmortizationPeriod 2024 | 2024 | WeightedAverageAmortizationPeriod 2023 | 2023 | |
| Customer relationships | 4 years | 0.3 years | $7,360 | 1.2 years | $21,640 |
| Brands | 10 years | 6.0 years | 83,612 | 6.9 years | 84,023 |
| Trademarks | 5 years | 0.3 years | 98 | 1.3 years | 107 |
| Total intangible assets | 91,070 | 105,770 | |||
| Less: accumulated amortization | (38,716) | (41,448) | |||
| Total intangible assets, net | $52,354 | $64,322 | |||
Amortization of acquired intangible assets with finite useful lives is included in general and administrative expenses and was $11.0 million, $11.5 million and $14.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Future estimated amortization expense for acquired identifiable intangible assets is as follows:
| Year ending December 31: | |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $9,231 |
| 2026 | 9,065 |
| 2027 | 9,065 |
| 2028 | 8,272 |
| 2029 | 7,211 |
| Thereafter | 9,510 |
| Total amortization expense | $52,354 |
Note 7. Debt
Senior Secured Credit Facility
On September 24, 2021, certain subsidiaries of the Company entered into a senior secured credit facility comprised of a $100.0 million term loan and a $50.0 million revolving line of credit, as well as an option for additional term loan of up to $50.0 million through an accordion feature. The senior secured credit facility also allows for the issuance of one or more letters of credit from time to time by syndicate lenders. Effective April 4, 2023, the Company modified its senior secured credit facility under existing contractual provisions to yield interest from interest rates based on Term SOFR, as defined in the credit agreement for the senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”). Key terms and conditions of each facility were as follows:
The $100.0 million term loan matures five years after closing (September 2026) and requires the Company to make amortized annual payments of 5.0% during the first and second years,7.5% during the third and fourth years and 10.0% during the fifth year with the balance of the loan due at maturity. Borrowings under the term loan accrue interest at Term SOFR plus an applicable margin dependent upon the Company’s net leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement. The highest interest rate under the agreement occurs at a net leverage ratio of greater than 2.75 x, yielding an interest rate of Term SOFR plus 3.25%.
The $50.0 million revolving line of credit, which matures five years after closing (September 2026), accrues interest at Term SOFR plus an applicable margin dependent upon the Company’s net leverage ratio. The highest interest rate under the Credit Agreement occurs at a net leverage ratio of greater than 2.75 x, yielding an interest rate of Term SOFR plus 3.25%. Additionally, a margin fee of 25-35 basis points is assessed on unused amounts under the revolving line of credit, subject to adjustment based on the Company’s net leverage ratio.
The $50.0 million accordion feature allows the Company to enter into additional term loan borrowings at terms to be agreed upon at the time of issuance, but on substantially the same basis as the original term loan, which includes the requirement to make amortized annual payments at the same cadence as that of the original term loan.
The senior secured credit facility requires that the Company maintain a maximum total net leverage ratio of 3.50 to 1.00 and maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.00, each as of the last day of any fiscal quarter. In the event that the Company fails to comply with the financial covenant, the Company will have the option to make certain equity contributions, directly or indirectly, to cure any non-compliance with such covenant, subject to certain other conditions and limitations. The Company is required to make a mandatory prepayment as a percentage of excess cash flows, as defined in the Credit Agreement, in the period based on the Company triggering certain net debt leverage ratios. Specifically, a mandatory prepayment of 50% of excess cash flows is required if the Company’s net leverage ratio exceeds 2.75 x, and a mandatory prepayment of 25% of excess cash flows is required if the Company’s net leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 2.25 x. As of December 31, 2024, the Company was in compliance with all financial debt covenants.
The Company incurred $2.7 million of debt issuance costs in relation to the senior secured credit facility. Of this, $0.9 million related to the revolving credit facility and was capitalized and included in prepaid and other current assets as deferred financing costs to be amortized over the life of the facility, or 5 years. The remaining $1.8 million of debt issuance costs related to the term loan and is presented net of outstanding debt in long term debt on the balance sheet. Debt issuance costs are amortized over the life of the outstanding debt, using the effective interest rate method.
During 2024, the Company borrowed $49.5 million under its revolving line of credit, with final payoff due on September 24, 2026, and voluntarily repaid $26.2 million of the amounts outstanding under its revolving line of credit.
As of December 31, 2024, the all-in rate (Term SOFR plus the applicable margin) for the Company’s term loan and borrowings under the revolving line of credit was 7.68%.
Total Debt and Interest
Outstanding debt consisted of the following:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Term loan | $89,050 | $94,450 |
| Revolving credit facility | 23,300 | — |
| Capitalized debt issuance costs | (639) | (1,056) |
| Total debt | 111,711 | 93,394 |
| Less: current portion | (6,300) | (3,300) |
| Total long-term debt | $105,411 | $90,094 |
Interest expense, which included the amortization of debt issuance costs, totaled $10.3 million, $11.2 million and $7.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Additionally, as of December 31,2024, the Company had$2.2 million of outstanding letters of credit. As of December 31,2024, the carrying value of the Company’s total debt was $111.7 million, while the fair value of the Company’s total debt, valued using level 2 inputs, was $103.0 million.
As of December 31, 2024, the maturities of principal amounts of our total debt obligations were as follows:
| 2025 | $6,300 |
| 2026 | 106,050 |
| Total | $112,350 |
Note 8. Leases
The Company leases office locations, warehouse facilities and stores under various non-cancellable operating lease agreements. The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of approximately 1 year to 10 years, which represent the non-cancellable periods of the leases and include extension options that the Company determined are reasonably certain to be exercised. The Company excludes from the lease terms any extension options that are not reasonably certain to be exercised, ranging from approximately 6 months to 3 years. Lease payments consist primarily of fixed rental payments for the right to use the underlying leased assets over the lease terms as well as payments for common area maintenance and administrative services. The Company often receives customary incentives from landlords, such as reimbursements for tenant improvements and rent abatement periods, which effectively reduce the total lease payments owed for these leases. Leases are classified as operating or financing at commencement. The Company does not have any material financing leases.
Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets represent the present value of the remaining lease payments over the remaining lease terms. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate to calculate the present value of the lease payments, as the implicit rates in the leases are not readily determinable. Operating lease costs consist primarily of the fixed lease payments included in the operating lease liabilities and are recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease terms.
The Company’s operating lease costs were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Operating lease costs | $12,845 | $10,005 | $8,890 |
| Variable lease costs | 1,252 | 944 | 609 |
| Short-term lease costs | 488 | 385 | 430 |
| Total lease costs | $14,585 | $11,334 | $9,929 |
The Company does not have any sublease income and the Company’s lease agreements do not contain any residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
Supplemental cash flow information relating to the Company’s operating leases was as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Cash paid for operating lease liabilities | $11,367 | $8,421 | $6,027 |
| Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities | 38,534 | 8,447 | 22,237 |
Other information relating to the Company’s operating leases was as follows:
| As of December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Weighted-average remaining lease term | 6.7 years | 6.4 years |
| Weighted-average discount rate | 6.9% | 5.1% |
As of December 31, 2024, the maturities of operating lease liabilities were as follows:
| 2025 | $13,201 |
| 2026 | 14,401 |
| 2027 | 13,027 |
| 2028 | 11,980 |
| 2029 | 11,913 |
| Thereafter | 28,367 |
| Total remaining lease payments | 92,889 |
| Less: imputed interest | 21,011 |
| Total operating lease liabilities | 71,878 |
| Less: current portion | (8,382) |
| Long-term operating lease liabilities | $63,496 |
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had obligations under several lease agreements with expected commencement dates in the first half of 2025 and terms of between seven andten years. The Company expects to classify these leases as operating leases and recognize lease obligations totaling $18.3 million over the terms of the leases.
Note 9. Income Taxes
Loss before income taxes consisted of the following:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 · 2023 · 2022 | |||
| United States | $(5,016) | $(8,904) | $(7,586) |
| Foreign | (16,645) | (88,061) | (173,028) |
| Loss before income taxes | $(21,661) | $(96,965) | $(180,614) |
The components of the provision for (benefit from) income taxes consisted of the following:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Current: | |||
| Federal | $1,588 | $1,496 | $1,059 |
| State | 826 | 649 | 354 |
| Foreign | 424 | 465 | (1,208) |
| Total | 2,838 | 2,610 | 205 |
| Deferred: | |||
| Federal | 1,654 | (2,305) | (2,325) |
| State | (115) | 467 | (126) |
| Foreign | (48) | 1,149 | (1,671) |
| Total | 1,491 | (689) | (4,122) |
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | $4,329 | $1,921 | $(3,917) |
The provision for (benefit from) income taxes differs from the tax computed using the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate of 21% as a result of the following items:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Benefit from income taxes at U.S. statutory rate | $(4,549) | $(20,363) | $(37,929) |
| State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit | 558 | 512 | 250 |
| Permanent differences | 618 | 555 | 266 |
| Foreign tax rate differential | (1,532) | (8,220) | (14,900) |
| Equity-based compensation | 240 | 1,082 | 860 |
| Goodwill impairment | — | 21,444 | 51,990 |
| Change in valuation allowance | 9,186 | 6,987 | — |
| Change in tax basis of Culture Kings’ inventory and intangibles | — | — | (2,233) |
| Intra-entity transfer of certain intellectual property rights | — | — | (1,030) |
| Other | (192) | (76) | (1,191) |
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | $4,329 | $1,921 | $(3,917) |
The foreign tax rate differential relates to differences between the income tax rates in effect in the foreign countries in which the Company operates, in particular Australia where the corporate tax rate is 30%.
The components of net deferred tax assets were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Deferred tax assets: | ||
| Transaction costs | $341 | $843 |
| Accruals and reserves | 6,175 | 5,201 |
| Lease liabilities | 18,742 | 11,391 |
| Asset retirement obligation | — | 165 |
| Inventory | 3,462 | 2,427 |
| Foreign exchange gains / losses | 653 | 878 |
| Interest limitation | 2,811 | 1,034 |
| Loss carryforwards | 9,949 | 10,472 |
| Other | 679 | 387 |
| Subtotal | 42,812 | 32,798 |
| Less: Valuation allowance | (18,777) | (12,158) |
| Total deferred tax assets | 24,035 | 20,640 |
| Deferred tax liabilities: | ||
| Property and equipment | (754) | (749) |
| Intangible assets | (5,069) | (6,850) |
| Right-of-use assets | (18,066) | (11,472) |
| Asset retirement obligations | (99) | — |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | (23,988) | (19,071) |
| Net deferred tax assets | $47 | $1,569 |
The Company had gross deferred tax assets of $42.8 million and $32.8 million and gross deferred tax liabilities of $24.0 million and $19.1 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to permit use of the existing deferred tax assets. When weighing all available evidence associated with the realizability of its deferred tax assets, in particular, uncertainties related to the future generation of taxable income, the Company determined that it was not “more likely than not” that it would be able to realize the tax benefits associated with certain of its net deferred tax assets. Based on this evaluation, a full valuation allowance of $18.8 million has been recorded on the net deferred tax assets in the Company’s United States and Australian businesses. For the year ended December 31,2024, the valuation allowance increased by $6.6 million, primarily due to the Company placing a valuation allowance on its U.S. deferred tax assets.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had a $18.0 million Australian net operating loss carryforward and a $14.3 million Australian capital loss carryforward, as well as a U.S. capital loss carryforward of $1.0 million on the sale of Rebdolls. As of December 31,2023, the Company had a $26.0 million Australian net operating loss carryforward and a $15.8 million Australian capital loss carryforward, as well as a U.S. capital loss carryforward of $1.7 million on the sale of Rebdolls. The net operating losses and the Australian capital loss carryforwards have no expiration. The U.S. capital loss carryforward will expire in 2028.
The Company hasnot provided deferred taxes on unremitted earnings attributable to foreign subsidiaries that have been considered permanently reinvested. As of December 31, 2024, there areno unremitted earnings from these operations.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company hadno uncertain tax positions.
The Company is subject to taxation in the United States, Cayman Islands and Australia. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, 2021 and later tax years remain open for examination by the tax authorities under the normal three-year statute of limitations. For major U.S. states, 2020 and later tax years remain open for examination by the tax authorities under a four-year statute of limitations. For Australia, 2020 and subsequent tax years remain subject to examination.
Tax Contingencies
The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and Australia. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company’s tax positions and determining the provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of business, the Company considers tax positions for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain for the purpose of determining whether a reserve is required, despite the Company’s belief that the tax positions are fully supportable. To date the Company has not established a reserve provision because the Company believes that all tax positions are highly certain.
Note 10. Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Accrued salaries and other benefits | $10,504 | $8,428 |
| Accrued freight costs | 4,551 | 3,976 |
| Sales tax payable | 3,132 | 4,955 |
| Accrued marketing costs | 5,800 | 2,885 |
| Accrued professional services | 1,160 | 909 |
| Other accrued liabilities | 6,069 | 4,070 |
| Total accrued liabilities | $31,216 | $25,223 |
Note 11. Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue consisted of the following:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Gift cards | $11,473 | $11,303 |
| Other | 742 | 479 |
| Total deferred revenue | $12,215 | $11,782 |
Note 12. Equity-based Compensation
Incentive Plans
2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan
In September 2021, the Company’s board of directors adopted, and its stockholders approved, the 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”) which became effective in connection with the Company’s initial public offering of common stock in September 2021 (the “IPO”). The 2021 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and other forms of equity and cash compensation. A total of 408,355 shares of the Company’s common stock, as adjusted for the Reverse Stock Split (refer to Note 13, “Stockholders’ Equity”), were initially reserved for issuance under the 2021 Plan. The number of shares of common stock reserved and available for issuance under the 2021 Plan increases on January 1 of each year by 1% of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding on the immediately preceding December 31, or such lesser number of shares as determined by the compensation committee of the Company’s board of directors. On May 30, 2023, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the 2021 Plan to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the 2021 Plan by 833,333 shares of the Company’s common stock, as adjusted for the Reverse Stock Split. On May 22, 2024, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the 2021 Plan to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the 2021 Plan by 1,100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. As of December 31, 2024, there were 2,662,075 shares reserved for issuance under the 2021 Plan.
2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In September 2021, the Company’s board of directors adopted, and its stockholders approved, the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) which became effective in connection with the IPO. A total of 102,088 shares of the Company’s common stock, as adjusted for the Reverse Stock Split, were initially reserved for issuance under the ESPP. The number of shares reserved and available for issuance under the ESPP automatically increases on January 1 of each year by 1% of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding on the immediately preceding December 31, or such lesser number of shares as determined by the compensation committee of the Company’s board of directors. As of December 31, 2024, there were 422,475 shares reserved for issuance under the ESPP.
The offering periods of the ESPP aresix months long and are anticipated to be offered twice per year. The price at which common stock is purchased under the ESPP is equal to 85% of the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the first or last day of the offering period, whichever is lower. The fair value of the discount and the look-back period will be estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
2018 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan
Prior to the IPO, the 2018 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended (the “2018 Plan”), provided for the issuance of time-based incentive units and performance-based incentive units issued by Excelerate, L.P. (the predecessor entity of a.k.a. Brands Holding Corp.). In connection with the reorganization transactions and the IPO, all of the equity interests in Excelerate, L.P., including outstanding incentive units issued as equity-based compensation under the 2018 Plan, were transferred to New Excelerate, L.P. The incentive units issued under the 2018 Plan participate in distributions from New Excelerate, L.P., but only after investors receive their return of capital plus a specified threshold amount per unit. The total incentive pool size under the 2018 Plan was 16,475,735 units. The 2018 Plan was terminated in September 2021 in connection with the IPO but continues to govern the terms of outstanding incentive units that were granted prior to the IPO. No further incentive units will be granted under the 2018 Plan.
Grant Activity
Stock Options
The 2021 Plan provides for the issuance of incentive and nonqualified stock options. Under the 2021 Plan, the exercise price of a stock option shall not be less than the fair market value of one share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Stock options have a contractual term, the period during which they are exercisable, not to exceedten years from the date of grant, and generally vest over time, based on performance or based on the achievement of a market condition.
In September 2023, an award, including 416,667 performance-based stock options (the “Bryett Award”), was issued to Wesley Bryett, a member of the Company’s board of directors and co-founder of Princess Polly. This award expires afterten years, or upon the termination of Mr. Bryett’s service to the Company, and includes four tranches of stock options that will vest and become exercisable based upon the achievement of various common stock price targets. The weighted average exercise price for the options in the Bryett Award is $109.27. Each tranche of stock options has a different derived service period, the average of which is approximately 5.5 years. As of December 31, 2024, no options issued as part of the Bryett Award had vested, the options held no intrinsic value, and total unrecognized compensation cost related to the Bryett Award was $0.9 million which is expected to be recognized over 4.2 years.
A summary of the Company's time-based stock option activity under the 2021 Plan for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, as adjusted for the Reverse Stock Split, is as follows:
| Number of Options | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | 42,288 | $83.36 | 9.04 | $— |
| Granted | — | — | ||
| Exercised | — | — | ||
| Forfeited/Repurchased | (2,468) | 114.00 | ||
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 | 39,820 | 81.47 | 8.06 | — |
| Granted | — | — | ||
| Exercised | — | — | ||
| Forfeited/Repurchased | — | — | ||
| Balance as of December 31, 2024 | 39,820 | 81.47 | 7.06 | — |
| Vested as of December 31, 2024 | 34,086 | $80.66 | 7.07 | $— |
As of December 31, 2024, there was $0.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested time-based stock options issued under the 2021 Plan, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.6 years.
Restricted Stock Units
The 2021 Plan provides for the issuance of restricted stock units (“RSUs”). Time-based RSUs issued prior to March 31, 2022, vest over four years while all time-based RSUs issued after that date vest over three years.
In May 2024, an award (the “Interim CEO Award”) of 150,000 performance-based RSUs (“PSUs”) was issued to Ciaran Long, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The Interim CEO Award expires after five years, or upon the termination of Mr. Long’s service to the Company, and includesten tranches of PSUs that will vest based upon the achievement of various common stock price targets. If any common stock price target is achieved for one or more tranches of PSUs prior to April 1, 2025, the vesting date for the applicable tranche(s) will be April 1, 2025. At time of grant, each PSU had a fair value of $29.50 and each tranche of PSUs has a different derived service period, the average of which is approximately 2.9 years. As of December 31, 2024, the common stock price target fortwo tranches of PSUs issued as part of the Interim CEO Award had been achieved, and the total unrecognized compensation cost related to the Interim CEO Award was $0.3 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.
A summary of the Company's time-based RSU activity under the 2021 Plan for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, as adjusted for the Reverse Stock Split, is as follows:
| Number of Shares | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | 367,512 | $32.81 |
| Granted | 387,067 | 7.87 |
| Vested | (130,550) | 34.20 |
| Forfeited/Repurchased | (45,116) | 34.79 |
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 | 578,913 | 15.67 |
| Granted | 403,458 | 14.86 |
| Vested | (274,201) | 16.37 |
| Forfeited/Repurchased | (56,883) | 14.39 |
| Balance as of December 31, 2024 | 651,287 | $14.93 |
As of December 31, 2024, there was $8.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested time-based RSUs issued under the 2021 Plan, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.
Incentive Units
The 2018 Plan provided for the issuance of time-based incentive units and performance-based incentive units. Time-based incentive units generally vest over four years. Performance-based incentive units vested upon the satisfaction of the performance condition as described further below.
Time-Based Incentive Partnership Units
The following table summarizes time-based incentive unit activity under the 2018 Plan for the years ended December 31,2024 and 2023:
| Number of Units | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair value | Weighted Average Participation Threshold | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | 3,363,856 | $1.43 | $18.64 | $— |
| Granted | — | — | — | |
| Vested | (1,987,639) | 1.37 | 17.67 | |
| Forfeited/Repurchased | (16,150) | 3.19 | 22.68 | |
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 | 1,360,067 | 1.50 | 20.01 | — |
| Granted | — | — | — | |
| Vested | (1,185,981) | 1.52 | 19.62 | |
| Forfeited/Repurchased | (30,083) | 1.34 | 22.68 | |
| Balance as of December 31, 2024 | 144,003 | $1.40 | $22.68 | $— |
| Vested as of December 31, 2024 | 9,047,201 | |||
As of December 31, 2024, there was $0.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested time-based incentive units issued under the 2018 Plan, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.3 years.
Performance-Based Incentive Units
Performance-based incentive units vest upon the satisfaction of a performance condition and become exercisable upon the satisfaction of the market condition. The performance condition was satisfied upon the occurrence of the IPO. As it was not deemed probable until it occurred, all compensation expense related to these awards was recognized at the date of the IPO. The market condition is satisfied upon the initial investor in Excelerate, L.P. receiving an aggregate return equal tothree times its aggregate investment. As of December 31, 2024, all outstanding performance-based incentive units had been fully expensed.
ESPP Purchase Rights
A summary of the Company's ESPP activity under the 2021 Plan for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, as adjusted for the Reverse Stock Split, was as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Shares purchased using ESPP purchase rights | 20,937 | 39,050 | 12,348 |
| Weighted average purchase price | $10.89 | $4.14 | $18.36 |
Equity-Based Compensation Expense
The Company recognizes compensation expense in general and administrative expenses within operating expenses for stock options, RSUs, ESPP purchase rights and time-based incentive units granted prior to the IPO by amortizing the grant date fair value on a straight-line basis over the expected vesting period to the extent the vesting of the grant is considered probable. The Company recognizes equity-based award forfeitures in the period such forfeitures occur.
The following table summarizes the Company’s equity-based compensation expense by award type for all Plans:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Stock options | $722 | $572 | $495 |
| RSUs | 5,601 | 4,256 | 2,943 |
| ESPP purchase rights | 100 | 148 | 188 |
| Time-based incentive units | 1,557 | 2,664 | 3,104 |
| Total | $7,980 | $7,640 | $6,730 |
Note 13. Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred Stock
In connection with the IPO, the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation became effective, which authorized the issuance of 50,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock with a par value of $0.001 per share with rights and preferences, including voting rights, designated from time to time by the Company’s board of directors. There wereno shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024.
Common Stock
The Company hasone class of common stock. In connection with the IPO, the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation became effective, which authorized the issuance of 500,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001 per share, withone vote per share. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive any dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Company’s board of directors.
On September 29, 2023, the Company effected a one-for-12 reverse stock split of its common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”). No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split and all holders of such fractional interests received cash equal to such fraction multiplied by the average of the closing sales prices of the Company’s common stock during the regular trading hours for thefive consecutive trading days immediately preceding the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split, with such average closing sales prices being adjusted to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split. All references in these financial statements to the Company’s outstanding common stock, including per share information, prior to the Reverse Stock Split have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the Reverse Stock Split.
Share Repurchase Program & Share Forfeitures
On May 25, 2023, the Company's board of directors approved a share repurchase program (the “Share Repurchase Program”). Pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program, the Company was initially authorized to repurchase up to $2.0 million of shares of the Company’s common stock. Subsequently, in 2023, the Company’s board of directors approved an additional repurchase capacity under the Share Repurchase Program of $3.0 million of shares of the Company’s common stock. The timing of any repurchases by the Company and the actual number of shares repurchased are at the Company’s discretion, and, in deciding when to repurchase shares and the amount of shares to repurchase, the Company will consider available liquidity, general market and economic conditions, alternate uses for the capital and other factors. Share repurchases may be made from time to time through a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, open market transactions, block trades or in private transactions in accordance with applicable securities laws and regulations and other legal requirements. The Share Repurchase Program may be suspended or discontinued at any time and has no expiration date.
Additionally, from time to time, the Company’s employees may surrender shares of the Company’s common stock to satisfy their statutory minimum federal and state tax obligations associated with the vesting of restricted shares of common stock issued under the 2021 Plan. With respect to these surrendered shares, the price paid per share is based on the fair value at the time of surrender.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, inclusive of repurchases under the Share Repurchase Program and shares surrendered by employees to satisfy tax obligations, the Company repurchased 194,255 shares of its common stock for $2.6 million, at an average price of $13.36 per share.
Note 14. Net Loss Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share and a reconciliation of the weighted average number of shares outstanding:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Numerator: | |||
| Net loss | $(25,990) | $(98,886) | $(176,697) |
| Denominator: | |||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted | 10,567,656 | 10,707,024 | 10,726,392 |
| Net loss per share: | |||
| Net loss per share, basic and diluted | $(2.46) | $(9.24) | $(16.47) |
Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) for the period by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share has been calculated in a manner consistent with that of basic net income (loss) per share while giving effect to shares issuable upon exercise and/or vesting of potentially dilutive stock option and RSU grants, as well as ESPP purchase rights, outstanding during the period, if applicable. Due to the net loss for all periods shown, no potentially dilutive securities had an impact on diluted loss per share for any period. For the years ended December 31,2024,2023 and 2022,402,873,333,327 and 112,904 shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding as they had an anti-dilutive effect.
Note 15. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceeding
In April 2024, the Company received a cease and desist letter alleging copyright infringement and related claims. This matter has not proceeded to litigation as of the date that these condensed consolidated financial statements are issued, and the Company has accrued $2.0 million to general and administrative expenses for current estimated losses in connection with these claims. The accrual for estimated losses is based on currently available information and may change as new information becomes available or circumstances change.
Note 16. Segment Information
The Company has determined that itsfour brands are each an operating segment and has aggregated its operating segments intoone reportable segment based on the similar nature of products sold, production, merchandising and distribution processes involved, target customers and economic characteristics. The Chief Executive Officer of the Company is the Chief Operating Decision Maker (the “CODM”). The CODM uses both gross margin and Adjusted EBITDA as measures of profit or loss to evaluate performance and allocate resources. Gross margin is disclosed below as the segment profit measure as it is most consistent with the amounts included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
The following table sets forth gross margin for the periods shown:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Net sales | $574,697 | $546,258 | $611,738 |
| Cost of sales | 247,192 | 245,978 | 274,491 |
| Gross profit | $327,505 | $300,280 | $337,247 |
| Gross margin | 57.0% | 55.0% | 55.1% |
Note 17. Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated subsequent events occurring through the date that these financial statements were issued, and determined the following subsequent event occurred that would require disclosure in these financial statements.
Draws on Revolving Line of Credit
In January 2025, the Company borrowed $21.5 million under the revolving line of credit, which is part of the Company’s senior secured credit facility. The initial weighted average applicable interest rate for the borrowings is 7.68% and final payoff is due on September 24, 2026.
CEO Employment Agreement
On January 7, 2025, the board of directors of the Company appointed Ciaran Long, the Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company (“Chief Financial Officer”), to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Company and removed him from the position of Chief Financial Officer, in each case effective January 13, 2025.
In connection with Mr. Long’s appointment, on January 13, 2025, a.k.a. Brands, Inc., an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Long (the “CEO Employment Agreement”), which supersedes the employment agreement between Mr. Long and a.k.a. Brands, Inc. dated March 23, 2021. The CEO Employment Agreement has an initial term offour years, subject to automatic renewals for additionalone-year periods.
In connection with Mr. Long’s appointment, on January 7, 2025, the board of directors, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee of the board, approved a grant, effective January 13, 2025, of performance-based stock options (the “Options”) to Mr. Long under the 2021 Plan, representing a contingent right to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a specified price, upon the vesting of the Options. The Options expire afterten years, or upon the termination of Mr. Long’s service to the Company, and include four tranches that will each vest and become exercisable based upon the achievement of various common stock price targets. The weighted average exercise price for the Options is $120.00. The total unrecognized compensation cost related to the Options is $1.0 million, which is expected to be recognized over 4.2 years.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.