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The Container Store Group, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Fiscal 2020 Financial Results

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Fourth quarter consolidated net sales of $314.7 million, up 30.4%, including $17.7 million from the 53rd week

Fourth quarter earnings per diluted share of $0.69 and adjusted earnings per diluted share* of $0.71, compared to $0.26 in fourth quarter of fiscal 2019

Fiscal 2020 consolidated net sales of $990.1 million, up 8.1%

Fiscal 2020 earnings per diluted share of $1.17 and adjusted earnings per diluted share* of $1.24, compared to $0.30 in fiscal 2019

Fiscal 2020 operating cash flow of $138.3 million and free cash flow* of $121.1 million

COPPELL, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Container Store Group, Inc. (NYSE: TCS) (the “Company”), today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2020 ended April 3, 2021. The fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2020 consisted of 14 weeks and 53 weeks, respectively.

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020:

  • Consolidated net sales were $314.7 million, an increase of 30.4% compared to the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2020. The 53rd week contributed approximately $17.7 million in net sales.

    • Net sales in The Container Store retail business (“TCS”) were $294.2 million, up 31.3%, inclusive of a 41.6% increase in general merchandise categories and a 22.2% increase in Custom Closets.
    • Online sales increased 72.2% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.
    • Elfa International AB (“Elfa”) third-party net sales were $20.5 million, up 18.8% compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019; excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, Elfa third-party net sales were up 5.0%.
  • Consolidated net income increased 180.0% to $35.1 million compared to $12.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Consolidated net income per diluted share (“EPS”) was $0.69 compared to $0.26 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. The 53rd week contributed approximately $0.07 of incremental EPS in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.
  • Adjusted net income per diluted share (“Adjusted EPS”)* was $0.71, inclusive of approximately $0.07 of incremental Adjusted EPS* from the 53rd week, compared to $0.26 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.
  • Adjusted EBITDA* increased 66.7% to $59.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to $35.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. The 53rd week contributed approximately $5.3 million of incremental Adjusted EBITDA* in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.
  • Net cash provided by operating activities was $138.3 million in the fifty-three weeks ended April 3, 2021 compared to $30.7 million in the fifty-two weeks ended March 28, 2020.
  • Free cash flow* increased to $121.1 million compared to ($2.9) million in the fifty-two weeks ended March 28, 2020. In fiscal 2020, the Company utilized $78 million to pay down principal on its Senior Secured Term Loan.

Satish Malhotra, Chief Executive Officer commented, “I am very proud of our team’s accomplishments in fiscal 2020 underscored by outstanding fourth quarter performance driven by broad-based product and channel demand. I want to thank all of our teams for their hard work and dedication in driving these results despite the difficult environment created by the COVID-19 pandemic this fiscal year. In addition, these results could not have been possible without the steady leadership and resolve of my predecessor, Melissa Reiff.”

Mr. Malhotra continued, “As we look to fiscal 2021 and the next chapter for The Container Store, we have developed our strategic priorities and supporting initiatives to make this great company the best version of itself. We will strive to deepen our relationship with our customers, expand our reach, and strengthen our capabilities through continuous improvement and by being an employer of choice. All while championing the enriching benefits of living an organized life. The addressable market is substantial and our solid foundation, combined with our focused strategic priorities, positions us well to capitalize on the many opportunities we see for our business and our brand.”

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2020 Results

For the fourth quarter (fourteen weeks) ended April 3, 2021:

  • Consolidated net sales were $314.7 million, up 30.4% compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. TCS net sales were $294.2 million, an increase of 31.3% with other product categories up 41.6%, contributing 1,940 basis points of the increase, and Custom Closets up 22.2%, contributing 1,190 basis points of the increase. Our online sales increased 72.2% compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Elfa third-party net sales were $20.5 million, up 18.8% compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, Elfa third-party net sales were up 5.0%. As a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our Company’s stores in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 and the Company’s policy of excluding extended store closures from its comparable sales calculation, the Company does not believe that comparable store sales is a meaningful metric to present for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.
  • Consolidated gross margin was 59.3%, an increase of 30 basis points, compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. The increase in consolidated gross margin was driven by the realization of more intercompany profit on sales of elfa® product at TCS this year as compared to last year. TCS gross margin decreased 60 basis points to 57.1%, primarily due to increased shipping costs as a result of a higher mix of online sales and an unfavorable mix of lower margin product and service sales, partially offset by less promotional activity in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. Elfa gross margin decreased 70 basis points primarily due to higher direct material costs.
  • Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) increased by 16.4% to $123.4 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 from $106.1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. SG&A as a percentage of net sales decreased 480 basis points primarily due to leverage of occupancy and payroll costs on higher sales during the quarter.
  • Stock-based compensation increased to $2.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 from $0.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. The increase was primarily due to liability accounting for a portion of performance awards that were significantly impacted by increases in our stock price during fiscal 2020 combined with achievement of fiscal 2020 performance awards at the maximum level. The increase was additionally impacted by the acceleration of expense for awards made to certain executives under employment agreements whose service periods expired in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.
  • Pre-opening costs declined to $0.9 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 from $2.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 primarily due to $2.2 million of net costs associated with the opening of the second distribution center in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company opened one new store in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 and did not open any stores in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.
  • Consolidated net interest expense decreased 29.6% to $3.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 from $5.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. The decrease is primarily due to a lower principal balance on the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility combined with lower interest rates.
  • The effective tax rate was 25.8% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, as compared to 29.7% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the impact of discrete items on higher pre-tax income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.
  • Net income increased 180.0% to $35.1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to $12.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. EPS in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 was $0.69 compared to $0.26 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Adjusted net income* was $35.7 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to adjusted net income* of $12.5 million, or $0.26 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.
  • Adjusted EBITDA* increased 66.7% to $59.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to $35.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, driven by higher consolidated net sales and a 480 basis point improvement in SG&A as a percentage of consolidated net sales as well as consolidated gross margin increase of 30 basis points.

For the year (fifty-three weeks) ended April 3, 2021:

  • Consolidated net sales were $990.1 million, up 8.1% as compared to fiscal 2019. Net sales at TCS were $923.1 million, up 8.3%, with other product categories up 10.4%, contributing 550 basis points of the increase, and Custom Closets up 5.9% contributing 280 points to the increase. Our online sales increased 109.5% compared to fiscal 2019. Elfa third-party net sales were $67.0 million, up 5.3% compared to fiscal 2019; however, excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, Elfa third-party net sales were down 2.2%. TCS and Elfa net sales were negatively impacted by COVID-19 during the first quarter of fiscal 2020. As a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our Company’s stores and the Company’s policy of excluding extended store closures from its comparable sales calculation, the Company does not believe that comparable store sales is a meaningful metric to present for fiscal 2020.
  • Consolidated gross margin was 57.6%, a decrease of 60 basis points compared to fiscal 2019. TCS gross margin decreased 130 basis points to 56.1%, primarily due to increased shipping costs as a result of a higher mix of online sales, partially offset by a favorable mix of higher margin product and service sales. Elfa gross margin increased 310 basis points primarily due to lower direct material costs, favorable customer and product sales mix and production efficiencies.
  • Consolidated SG&A decreased by 3.1% to $426.8 million from $440.4 million in fiscal 2019. SG&A as a percentage of net sales decreased 500 basis points. The decrease was primarily due to reduced spending in payroll and marketing, combined with leverage on occupancy costs due to higher sales in fiscal 2020.
  • Stock-based compensation increased to $7.8 million in fiscal 2020 from $3.1 million in fiscal 2019. The increase was primarily due to liability accounting for a portion of performance awards that were significantly impacted by increases in our stock price during fiscal 2020 combined with the acceleration of expense for awards made to certain executives under employment agreements whose service periods expired in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. The increase was also impacted by fiscal 2020 performance awards that were achieved at the maximum level.
  • Pre-opening costs declined to $1.0 million in fiscal 2020 from $8.2 million in fiscal 2019 primarily due to $7.2 million of net costs associated with the opening of the second distribution center in fiscal 2019. The Company opened one new store in fiscal 2020 as compared to opening two new stores, including one relocation, in fiscal 2019.
  • Other expenses increased to $1.1 million in fiscal 2020 due to severance costs associated with the reduction in workforce as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as compared to $0.4 million for charges primarily related to the closure of Elfa France operations in fiscal 2019.
  • Consolidated net interest expense decreased 19.8% to $17.3 million in fiscal 2020 from $21.5 million in fiscal 2019. The decrease is primarily due to lower interest rates combined with a lower principal balance on the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility. In the third quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company amended its Senior Secured Term Loan Facility and incurred a loss on extinguishment of debt of $0.9 million.
  • The effective tax rate was 27.9% in fiscal 2020, as compared to 31.7% in fiscal 2019. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the impact of discrete items on higher pre-tax income in fiscal 2020.
  • Net income increased 302.3% to $58.3 million in fiscal 2020 compared to $14.5 million in fiscal 2019. EPS in fiscal 2020 was $1.17 compared to $0.30 in fiscal 2019. Adjusted net income* was $61.8 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, in fiscal 2020 compared to adjusted net income* of $14.8 million, or $0.30 per diluted share in fiscal 2019.
  • Adjusted EBITDA* increased 65.7% to $150.5 million in fiscal 2020 compared to $90.8 million in fiscal 2019.

53rd Week Impact

The Company’s fiscal fourth quarter consolidated sales of $314.7 million, Adjusted EBITDA* of $59.5 million, EPS of $0.69, and Adjusted EPS* of $0.71 is inclusive of the benefit from the 53rd week, which contributed approximately $17.7 million to consolidated sales, approximately $5.3 million to Adjusted EBITDA*, and approximately $0.07 to EPS and Adjusted EPS* in the fiscal fourth quarter.

Outlook

The Company currently expects first quarter of fiscal 2021 consolidated sales growth of approximately 50% as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2020. EPS for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 is expected to be approximately $0.08, or $0.09 on an adjusted* basis.

Balance sheet and liquidity highlights:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

April 3, 2021

 

March 28, 2020

Cash

 

$

17,687

 

$

67,755

 

Total debt, net of deferred financing costs

 

$

165,984

 

$

333,487

 

Liquidity (1)

 

$

126,771

 

$

96,421

 

Free cash flow (2)

 

$

121,111

 

$

(2,871

)

________________________

(1)

Cash plus availability on revolving credit facilities.

(2)

See Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures table.

 

Conference Call Information

A conference call to discuss fourth quarter fiscal 2020 financial results is scheduled for today, May 18, 2021, at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial (877) 407-3982 (international callers please dial (201) 493-6780) approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available online at investor.containerstore.com.

A taped replay of the conference call will be available within two hours of the conclusion of the call and can be accessed both online and by dialing (844) 512-2921 (international callers please dial (412) 317-6671). The pin number to access the telephone replay is 13718355. The replay will be available until June 18, 2021.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our future opportunities; our goals, strategies, priorities and initiatives; sales trends and momentum; and our anticipated financial performance.

These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition; our ability to continue to lease space on favorable terms; costs and risks relating to new store openings; quarterly and seasonal fluctuations in our operating results; cost increases that are beyond our control; our inability to protect our brand; our failure or inability to protect our intellectual property rights; overall decline in the health of the economy, consumer spending, and the housing market; our inability to source and market new products to meet consumer preferences; failure to successfully anticipate consumer preferences and demand; competition from other stores and internet-based competition; vendors may sell similar or identical products to our competitors; our and our vendors’ vulnerability to natural disasters and other unexpected events; disruptions at our Elfa manufacturing facilities; deterioration or change in vendor relationships or events that adversely affect our vendors or their ability to obtain financing for their operations, including COVID-19; product recalls and/or product liability, as well as changes in product safety and other consumer protection laws; risks relating to operating two distribution centers; our dependence on foreign imports for our merchandise; our reliance upon independent third party transportation providers; our inability to effectively manage our online sales; effects of a security breach or cyber-attack of our website or information technology systems, including relating to our use of third-party web service providers; damage to, or interruptions in, our information systems as a result of external factors, working from home arrangements, staffing shortages and difficulties in updating our existing software or developing or implementing new software; our indebtedness may restrict our current and future operations, and we may not be able to refinance our debt on favorable terms, or at all; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; our inability to maintain sufficient levels of cash flow to meet growth expectations; our fixed lease obligations; disruptions in the global financial markets leading to difficulty in borrowing sufficient amounts of capital to finance the carrying costs of inventory to pay for capital expenditures and operating costs; changes to global markets and inability to predict future interest expenses; our reliance on key executive management; our inability to find, train and retain key personnel; labor relations difficulties; increases in health care costs and labor costs; violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar worldwide anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws; impairment charges and effects of changes in estimates or projections used to assess the fair value of our assets; effects of tax reform and other tax fluctuations; and significant fluctuations in the price of our common stock; substantial future sales of our common stock, or the perception that such sales may occur, which could depress the price of our common stock; risks related to being a public company; our performance meeting guidance provided to the public; anti-takeover provisions in our governing documents, which could delay or prevent a change in control; and our failure to establish and maintain effective internal controls.

These and other important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, (the “SEC”) on June 17, 2020 and our other reports filed with the SEC could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

About The Container Store

The Container Store Group, Inc. (NYSE: TCS) is the nation’s leading retailer of storage and organization products and solutions – a concept they originated in 1978. Today, with locations nationwide, the retailer offers more than 11,000 products designed to help customers accomplish projects, maximize their space and make the most of their home. The Container Store also offers a full suite of custom closets designed to accommodate all sizes, styles and budgets.

Visit www.containerstore.com for more information about store locations, the product collection and services offered. Visit www.containerstore.com/blog for inspiration, tips and real solutions to everyday organization challenges, and www.whatwestandfor.com to learn more about the company’s unique culture.

* See Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures table.

The Container Store Group, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated statements of operations

 

 

Fiscal Quarter Ended

 

Fiscal Year Ended

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

April 3, 2021

 

March 28, 2020

 

April 3, 2021

 

March 28, 2020

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

314,683

 

$

241,344

 

$

990,088

 

$

915,953

 

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)

 

 

127,990

 

 

98,855

 

 

419,611

 

 

382,488

 

Gross profit

 

 

186,693

 

 

142,489

 

 

570,477

 

 

533,465

 

Selling, general, and administrative expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)

 

 

123,437

 

 

106,081

 

 

426,765

 

 

440,362

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

2,837

 

 

535

 

 

7,823

 

 

3,110

 

Pre-opening costs

 

 

915

 

 

2,249

 

 

1,026

 

 

8,237

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

8,461

 

 

10,501

 

 

34,731

 

 

38,638

 

Other expenses

 

 

23

 

 

2

 

 

1,112

 

 

377

 

Loss (gain) on disposal of assets

 

 

4

 

 

10

 

 

16

 

 

(2

)

Income from operations

 

 

51,016

 

 

23,111

 

 

99,004

 

 

42,743

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

3,728

 

 

5,296

 

 

17,268

 

 

21,541

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

893

 

 

 

Income before taxes

 

 

47,288

 

 

17,815

 

 

80,843

 

 

21,202

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

12,204

 

 

5,287

 

 

22,560

 

 

6,715

 

Net income

 

$

35,084

 

$

12,528

 

$

58,283

 

$

14,487

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share — basic

 

$

0.72

 

$

0.26

 

$

1.20

 

$

0.30

 

Net income per common share — diluted

 

$

0.69

 

$

0.26

 

$

1.17

 

$

0.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares — basic

 

 

48,667,689

 

 

48,316,559

 

 

48,537,883

 

 

48,819,783

 

Weighted-average common shares — diluted

 

 

50,537,033

 

 

48,397,919

 

 

49,712,637

 

 

48,964,564

 

 

The Container Store Group, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated balance sheets

 

 

April 3,

 

March 28,

 

(In thousands)

 

2021

 

2020

 

Assets

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

17,687

 

$

67,755

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

28,949

 

 

24,721

 

Inventory

 

 

130,619

 

 

124,207

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

11,429

 

 

8,852

 

Income taxes receivable

 

 

93

 

 

4,724

 

Other current assets

 

 

14,547

 

 

11,907

 

Total current assets

 

 

203,324

 

 

242,166

 

Noncurrent assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

131,884

 

 

147,540

 

Noncurrent operating lease right-of-use assets

 

 

307,147

 

 

347,170

 

Goodwill

 

 

202,815

 

 

202,815

 

Trade names

 

 

227,669

 

 

222,769

 

Deferred financing costs, net

 

 

255

 

 

170

 

Noncurrent deferred tax assets, net

 

 

2,305

 

 

2,311

 

Other assets

 

 

3,070

 

 

1,873

 

Total noncurrent assets

 

 

875,145

 

 

924,648

 

Total assets

 

$

1,078,469

 

$

1,166,814

 

 

The Container Store Group, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated balance sheets (continued)

 

 

April 3,

 

March 28,

 

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

68,546

 

 

$

53,647

 

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

86,551

 

 

 

66,046

 

 

Current borrowings on revolving lines of credit

 

 

 

 

 

9,050

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

 

2,166

 

 

 

6,952

 

 

Current operating lease liabilities

 

 

50,847

 

 

 

62,476

 

 

Income taxes payable

 

 

6,803

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

214,913

 

 

 

198,171

 

 

Noncurrent liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

 

163,818

 

 

 

317,485

 

 

Noncurrent operating lease liabilities

 

 

285,022

 

 

 

317,284

 

 

Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities, net

 

 

48,923

 

 

 

50,178

 

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

12,124

 

 

 

11,988

 

 

Total noncurrent liabilities

 

 

509,887

 

 

 

696,935

 

 

Total liabilities

 

 

724,800

 

 

 

895,106

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized; 48,838,261 shares issued at April 3, 2021 and 48,316,559 shares issued at March 28, 2020

 

 

488

 

 

 

483

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

873,048

 

 

 

866,667

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(19,003

)

 

 

(36,295

)

 

Retained deficit

 

 

(500,864

)

 

 

(559,147

)

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

 

353,669

 

 

 

271,708

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

1,078,469

 

 

$

1,166,814

 

 

 

Contacts

Investors:

ICR, Inc.

Farah Soi/Caitlin Morahan

203-682-8200

Farah.Soi@icrinc.com
Caitlin.Morahan@icrinc.com

or

Media:

The Container Store Group, Inc.

Katelyn Clinton, 972-538-6491

publicrelations@containerstore.com

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