Advantage Solutions Inc
For the period ended Dec 31, 2023. Filed Mar 1, 2024.
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FY2023 · Filed Mar 1, 2024
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
On July 25, 2014, Advantage Solutions Inc. (“ASI Intermediate”) acquired Advantage Sales & Marketing Inc. (the “2014 Topco Acquisition”). As a result of the 2014 Topco Acquisition, Advantage Sales & Marketing Inc. became a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of ASI Intermediate and Karman Topco L.P. (“Topco”) became the sole stockholder of ASI Intermediate.
The units of Topco are held by equity funds affiliated with or advised by CVC Capital Partners, Leonard Green & Partners, Juggernaut Capital Partners, Centerview Capital, L.P., and Bain Capital, as well as by current and former members of the Company’s management.
On September 7, 2020, ASI Intermediate entered into an agreement and plan of merger (as amended, modified, supplemented or waived, the “Merger Agreement”), with Conyers Park II Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation, now known as Advantage Solutions Inc. (“Conyers Park”), CP II Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Conyers Park (“Merger Sub”), and Topco.
On October 28, 2020, Conyers Park consummated the merger pursuant to the Merger Agreement, by and among Merger Sub, ASI Intermediate, and Topco. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub was merged with and into Legacy Advantage with Legacy Advantage being the surviving company in the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Conyers Park (the “Merger”). On October 28, 2020, Conyers Park changed its name to Advantage Solutions Inc. (the “Company” or “Advantage”) and ASI Intermediate changed its name to ASI Intermediate Corp.
In connection with the entry into the Merger Agreement, Conyers Park also entered into subscription agreements with certain investors (the “PIPE Investors”), pursuant to which, among other things, Conyers Park agreed to issue and sell in a private placement shares of Conyers Park Class A common stock for a purchase price of $10.00 per share. The PIPE Investors, other than theequity holders of Topco that participated in the PIPE Investment (the “Advantage Sponsors”) and their affiliates, agreed to purchase an aggregate of 51,130,000 shares of Conyers Park Class A common stock. Certain of the Advantage Sponsors or their affiliates agreed to purchase an aggregate of 34,410,000 shares of Conyers Park Class A common stock, and, at their sole discretion. The shares of Conyers Park Class A common stock purchased by the PIPE Investors in the private placement are referred to as the “PIPE Shares” and the aggregate purchase price paid for the PIPE Shares is referred to as the “PIPE Investment.” On October 28, 2020, the PIPE Investment was consummated, and 85,540,000 shares of Class A common stock were issued for aggregate gross proceeds of $855.4 million.
The Company is headquartered in Irvine, California and is a business solutions provider to consumer goods manufacturers and retailers.
The Company’s common stock and public warrants (as further described in Note 12, Equity) are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “ADV” and warrants to purchase the common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “ADVWW”.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The financial information set forth herein reflects: (a) the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 and (b) the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 reflect Topco’s basis in the assets and liabilities of the Company, as a result of the 2014 Topco Acquisition. The Company’s share in the earnings or losses for its investments in affiliates is reflected in “Investments in unconsolidated affiliates” and “Income from unconsolidated investments” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income, respectively. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. Reclassifications of certain immaterial prior period amounts have been made to conform to the current period presentation that were combined in previous years.
On November 30, 2023 the Company reduced its equity interest in Advantage Smollan Limited ("ASL"), its European joint venture, from a majority interest of under 60% to a minority interest of 49.6% in exchange for $1.0 millionin cash. The Company also removed certain participating rights with ASL related to capital allocation and certain of the Company’s decision making rights, resulting in a loss of control. Therefore, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 810 ("ASC 810"), Consolidation, ASL wasdeconsolidated from the Company’s consolidated financial statements resulting in the recognition of a$58.9 million gain for the year ended December 31, 2023. Effective December 1, 2023, the Company’s investment in ASL is accounted for under the equity method of accounting, with the investment reported in “Investments in unconsolidated affiliates” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and equity income (loss) reported in “Income from unconsolidated investments” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income.
Reportable Segments
The Company provides services across two segments — sales and marketing.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, certain organizational changes were announced that will impact the Company’s future internal reporting. As a result of these changes, the Company expects to have three reportable segments. The Company expects that any operational changes impacting the reportable segments will be effective in the first quarter of 2024.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from such estimates. The most significant estimates include revenues, workers’ compensation and employee medical claim reserves, fair value of contingent consideration, leases, income taxes, equity-based compensation, derivative instruments and fair value considerations in applying purchase accounting and assessing goodwill and other asset impairments.
Foreign Currency
The Company’s reporting currency is U.S. dollars as that is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates. The Company translates the assets and liabilities of its non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the end of each period. Revenues and expenses for these subsidiaries are translated using rates that approximate those in effect during the period. Gains and losses from these translations are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income” in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. Transactions in foreign currencies other than the entities’ functional currency are converted using the rate of exchange at the date of transaction. The gains or losses arising from the revaluation of foreign currency transactions to functional currency are included in “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income. Unrealized foreign currency exchange gains and losses on certain intercompany transactions that are of a long-term investment nature (i. e., settlement is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future) are also recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income in stockholders’ equity. The Company reports gains and losses from foreign exchange rate changes related to intercompany receivables and payables that are of a long-term investment nature, in “Other comprehensive (loss) income” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income. These items represented a net loss of $0.2 million, a gain of $7.3 million, and a gain of $1.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid investments having an original maturity of three months or less. The Company’s investments consist primarily of U.S. Treasury securities. The Company’s investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company has restricted cash related to funds received from clients that will be disbursed at the direction of those clients. Corresponding liabilities have been recorded in “Other accrued expenses” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
| December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| (in thousands) | |||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $126,479 | $120,715 | $164,622 |
| Restricted cash | 16,363 | 17,817 | 16,015 |
| Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $142,842 | $138,532 | $180,637 |
Accounts Receivable and Expected Credit Losses
Accounts receivable consist of amounts due from clients for services provided in normal business activities and are recorded at invoiced amounts. The Company measures expected credit losses against certain billed receivables based upon the latest information regarding whether invoices are ultimately collectible. Assessing the collectability of client receivables requires management judgment. The Company determines its expected credit losses by specifically analyzing individual accounts receivable, historical bad debts, client creditworthiness, current economic conditions, and accounts receivable aging trends. Valuation reserves are periodically re-evaluated and adjusted as more information about the ultimate collectability of accounts receivable becomes available. Upon determination that a receivable is uncollectible, the receivable balance and any associated reserve is written off.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of accounts receivable and cash balances at various financial institutions. The Company maintains cash balances in accounts at various financial institutions. At times such cash balances may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.
Derivatives
The Company uses financial instruments to hedge interest rate and foreign exchange risk. Derivative instruments, used to hedge interest rates, consist of interest rate swaps and interest rate caps. Interest rate swap contracts involve the exchange of floating rate interest payment obligations for fixed interest rate payments without the exchange of the underlying principal amounts. Interest rate cap contracts limit the floating interest rate exposure to the indicative rate in the agreement. Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value on the date a contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at fair value. The fair values of derivatives are measured using observable market prices or, where market prices are not available, by using discounted expected future cash flows at prevailing interest and exchange rates. The Company does not designate these derivatives as hedges for accounting purposes, and as a result, all changes in the fair value of derivatives used to hedge interest rates and foreign exchange risk are recorded in “Interest expense” and in “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income, respectively. Cash flows associated with such derivatives are reported in cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. These arrangements contain an element of risk in that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of such arrangements. In the event the counterparties are unable to fulfill their related obligations, the Company could potentially incur significant additional costs by replacing the positions at then current market rates. The Company manages its risk of exposure by limiting counterparties to those banks and institutions deemed appropriate by management.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost, and the balances are presented net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The following table provides the range of estimated useful lives used for each asset type:
| Leasehold improvements | 3—10 years |
|---|---|
| Furniture and fixtures | 3—7 years |
| Computer hardware and other equipment | 3—5 years |
| Software | 3—5 years |
The Company capitalizes certain direct costs associated with the development and purchase of internal-use software within property and equipment. Costs incurred in the preliminary stages of development are expensed as incurred. Once an application has reached the development stage, internal and external costs, if direct and incremental, are capitalized until the software is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. Capitalization ceases upon completion of all substantial testing. The Company also capitalizes costs related to specific upgrades and enhancements when it is probable the expenditures will result in additional functionality. Maintenance and training costs are expensed as incurred. Capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the software, generally not exceeding five years. The Company evaluates the useful lives of these assets on an annual basis and tests for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances occur that could impact the recoverability of these assets. There were no impairments to capitalized internal-use software for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their respective lease terms or their respective estimated useful lives. The cost and accumulated depreciation of assets sold or otherwise disposed of are removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in the “Cost of revenues” and “Selling, general, administrative expenses” within the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income, depending on the nature of the assets. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, whereas expenditures for improvements and replacements are capitalized.
Equity Method Investments
Investments in companies in which the Company exercises significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee and are not required to be consolidated are accounted for using the equity method. The Company’s proportionate share of the net income or loss of equity method investments is included in the results of operations and any dividends received reduce the carrying value of the investment. The excess of the cost of the Company’s investment over its proportionate share of the fair value of the net assets of the investee at the acquisition date is recognized as goodwill and included in the carrying amount of the investment. Goodwill in the equity method investments is not amortized. Gains and losses from changes in the Company’s ownership interests are recorded in results of operations until control is achieved. In instances in which a change in the Company’s ownership interest results in obtaining control, the existing carrying value of the investment is remeasured to the acquisition date fair value and any gain or loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income.
Distributions received from unconsolidated entities that represent returns on the investor’s investment are reported as cash flows from operating activities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Cash distributions from unconsolidated entities that represent returns of the Company’s investment are reported as cash flows from investing activities.
Business Combinations
The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method. Under this method, the purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. To the extent the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, such excess is allocated to goodwill. Factors giving rise to goodwill generally include assembled workforce, geographic presence, expertise, and synergies that are anticipated as a result of the business combination, including enhanced product and service offerings. The Company determines the estimated fair values after review and consideration of relevant information, including discounted cash flows, quoted market prices and estimates made by management. The Company adjusts the preliminary purchase price allocation, as necessary, during the measurement period of up to one year after the acquisition closing date as the Company obtains more information as to facts and circumstances existing at the acquisition date impacting asset valuations and liabilities assumed. Goodwill acquired in business combinations is assigned to the reporting unit expected to benefit from the combination as of the acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs are recognized separately from the acquisition and are expensed as incurred.
Divestitures
The Company nets the proceeds on the divestitures of businesses with the carrying amount of the related net assets and liabilities and records a gain or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income. Any contingent payments that are potentially due to the Company as a result of these divestitures are recorded when it is probable that a significant reversal of such consideration will not occur, or in the case of a business, when such payments are realizable. For divestitures of businesses, the Company includes the relative fair value of goodwill associated with the businesses in the determination of the gain or loss on sale.
Held for Sale
Assets and liabilities to be disposed of by sale are classified as “held for sale” if their carrying amounts are expected to be recovered through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. The classification occurs when the disposal group is available for immediate sale and the sale is probable. These criteria are generally met when management has committed to a plan to sell the assets within one year. Components and businesses that meet accounting requirements to be classified as held for sale are presented as single asset and liability amounts in the Company's financial statements with a valuation allowance, if necessary, to recognize the net carrying amount at the lower of cost or fair value, less costs to sell. The Company reviews its businesses and assets held for sale each reporting period to determine whether the existing carrying amounts are fully recoverable in comparison to estimated fair values. When the net realizable value of a disposal group increases during a period, a gain can be recognized to the extent that it does not increase the value of the disposal group beyond its original carrying value when the disposal group was reclassified as held for sale.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired in an acquisition. The Company tests for impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit level. The Company generally combines components that have similar economic characteristics, nature of services, types of clients, distribution methods and regulatory environment. The Company has two reporting units, sales and marketing, which are also the Company’s operating segments.
The Company tests its goodwill for impairment at the beginning of the fourth quarter of a given fiscal year and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit may exceed its fair value. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value before performing a quantitative impairment test. To the extent that the qualitative approach indicates that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount is less than its fair value, the Company applies a quantitative approach. When it is determined that a quantitative impairment test should be performed, if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, goodwill is impaired and the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value over the fair value is recognized as an impairment loss; however, the loss recognized would not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
The Company’s annual goodwill impairment assessment for each year is performed as of October 1. The Company utilizes a combination of income and market approaches to estimate the fair value of its reporting units. The income approach utilizes estimates of discounted cash flows of the reporting units, which requires assumptions for the reporting units’ revenue growth rates, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”) margins, terminal growth rate, discount rate, and incremental net working capital, all of which require significant management judgment. The market approach applies market multiples derived from the historical earnings data of selected guideline publicly-traded companies to the Company’s reporting units’ businesses, which requires significant management judgment. The guideline companies are first screened by industry group and then further narrowed based on the reporting units’ business descriptions, markets served, competitors, EBITDA margins and revenue size. Market multiples are then selected from within the range of these guideline companies’ multiples based on the subject reporting unit. The Company compares a weighted average of the output from the income and market approaches to the carrying value of each reporting unit. The Company also compares the aggregate estimated fair value of its reporting units to the estimated fair value of its total market capitalization. The assumptions in the income and market approach are based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy (described in “Fair Value Measurements,” below). The Company based its fair value estimates on assumptions it believes to be reasonable but which are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. A change in these underlying assumptions would cause a change in the results of the tests and, as such, could cause fair value to be less than the carrying amounts and result in an impairment of goodwill in the future. Additionally, if actual results are not consistent with the estimates and assumptions or if there are significant changes to the Company’s planned strategy, it may cause fair value to be less than the carrying amounts and result in an impairment of goodwill in the future.
In connection with the Company's annual quantitative impairment test effective as of October 1, 2023, the Company concluded that the goodwill was not impaired as of October 1, 2023. The fair value of the sales and marketing reporting units exceeded their carrying value by 19.1% and 6.8%, respectively, as of October 1, 2023. The Company determined that no additional goodwill impairment occurred through December 31, 2023.
In connection with the Company's annual quantitative impairment test effective as of October 1, 2022, the Company’s sales and marketing reporting units were written down to their respective fair values, resulting in zero excess fair value over their carrying values. The Company recognized $1,275.7 million and $91.8 million impairment charges in the sales and marketing reporting units, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2022, which has been reflected in “Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets” inthe Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income. While there was no single determinative event or factor, the consideration of the weight of evidence of several factors that culminated during the fourth quarter of 2022 led the Company to conclude that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the sales and marketing reporting units were below their carrying values. These factors included: (a) sustained decline in the Company’s share price; (b) challenges in the labor market and continued inflationary pressures; and (c) an increase to the discount rate as a result of the recent increases in interest rates which adversely affected the results of the quantitative impairment tests.
The uncertainty and volatility in the economic environment in which the Company operates could have an impact on the Company's future growth and could result in future impairment charges. There is no assurance that actual future earnings, cash flows or other assumptions for the reporting units will not significantly decline from these projections.
In connection with the Company's annual quantitative impairment test effective as of October 1, 2021, the Company concluded that the goodwill was not impaired for the year ended December 31, 2021. The fair value of the sales and marketing reporting units exceeded their carrying value by 23.8% and 41.6%, respectively, as of October 1, 2021.
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets
The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets are its sales and marketing trade names. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but tested annually, at the beginning of the fourth quarter, for impairment or more often if events occur or circumstances change that would create a triggering event. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value is less than its carrying value before performing a quantitative impairment test. The Company tests its indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment using a relief from royalty method by comparing the estimated fair values of the indefinite-lived intangible assets with the carrying values. The estimates used in the determination of fair value are subjective in nature and involve the use of significant assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates, terminal growth rate, discount rates and royalty rate, all of which require significant management judgment. The assumptions are based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. The Company based its fair value estimates on assumptions it believes to be reasonable, but which are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. Actual future results may differ from the estimates.
In connection with the Company’s annual quantitative impairment test effective as of October 1, 2023, the Company concluded that the indefinite-lived intangible assets were not impaired as of October 1, 2023. The fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets related to the sales trade name exceeded its carrying value by 23.2% as of October 1, 2023. The fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset related to the marketing trade name exceeded its carrying value by 6.9% as of October 1, 2023.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company determined a triggering event occurred and an impairment assessment was warranted for the sales indefinite-lived trade name due to the deconsolidation of the Company’s European joint venture and the planned divestitures of a collection of foodservice businesses, which was determined to be held for sale. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company determined a triggering event occurred and an impairment assessment was warranted for the marketing indefinite-lived trade name due to the planned divestitures of a collection of foodservice businesses.
As a result, the Company recognized a non-cash intangible asset impairment charge of $43.5 million related to itsindefinite-lived sales trade name during the year ended December 31, 2023, which has been reflected in “Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets” in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income. The fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets related to sales and marketing trade names exceeded their carrying value by 0.0% and 17.0%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2023.
In connection with the Company's annual quantitative impairment test effective as of October 1, 2022, the Company concluded the carrying value of the indefinite-lived trade names in the sales and marketing reporting units exceeded their estimated fair values. As a result, the Company recognized non-cash intangible asset impairment charges of $146.0 million and $59.0 million related to the Company’sindefinite-lived sales and marketing trade names, respectively, which has been reflected in “Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income. While there was no single determinative event or factor, the factors that led to the impairment were the same circumstances outlined in the goodwill impairment discussion above.
In connection with the Company's annual quantitative impairment test effective as of October 1, 2021, the Company concluded that the indefinite-lived intangible assets were not impaired. The fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets related to sales and marketing trade names exceeded their carrying value by 65.0% and 33.3%, respectively.
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets to be held and used, including finite-lived intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances may include a significant deterioration of operating results, changes in business plans, or changes in anticipated future cash flows. If an impairment indicator is present, the Company evaluates recoverability by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If the assets are impaired, the impairment recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the assets. Fair value is generally determined by estimates of discounted cash flows. The discount rate used in any estimate of discounted cash flows would be the rate required for a similar investment of like risk. No impairment related to the Company’s long-lived assets were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Contingent Consideration
Certain of the Company’s acquisitions include contingent consideration arrangements, which are generally based on the achievement of future financial performance. If it is determined the contingent consideration arrangements are not compensatory, the fair values of these contingent consideration arrangements are included as part of the purchase price of the acquisitions or divestitures on their respective transaction dates. For each transaction, the Company estimates the fair value of contingent consideration payments as part of the initial purchase price and records the estimated fair value of contingent consideration related to proceeds from divestitures as an asset in “Other Assets” or related to purchases of businesses as a liability in “Other accrued expenses” or “Other long-term liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company reviews and assesses the estimated fair value of contingent consideration on a quarterly basis, and the updated fair value could differ materially from these initial estimates. Adjustments to the estimated fair value related to changes in all other unobservable inputs are reported in “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income.
The portion of the cash settlement up to the acquisition date fair value of the contingent consideration is classified as “Contingent consideration payments” in cash flows from financing activities, and amounts paid in excess of the acquisition date fair value are classified as “Other accrued expenses and other liabilities” in cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Leases
The Company has obligations under various real estate leases, equipment leases, and software license agreements. The Company assesses whether these arrangements are or contain leases at lease inception. Classification of the leases between financing and operating leases is determined by assessing whether the lease transfers ownership of the asset to the Company, the lease grants an option for the Company to purchase the underlying asset, the lease term is for the majority of the asset’s remaining economic life, or if the minimum lease payments equal or substantially exceed all of the leased asset’s fair market value. As of December 31, 2023, the Company's finance leases were not material. See Note 8, Leases, for further information regarding the Company’s operating leases.
Self-Insurance Liability
The Company maintains a high deductible program for workers’ compensation claims. Losses and liabilities relating to workers’ compensation claims and employee medical claims are fully insured beyond the Company’s deductible limits. The Company’s estimated liabilities are not discounted and are based on information provided by third party administrators, combined with management’s judgment regarding a number of assumptions and factors, including the frequency and severity of claims, claims development history, case jurisdiction, applicable legislation and claims settlement practices.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when control of promised goods or services are transferred to the client in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for such goods or services. Substantially all of the Company’s contracts with clients involve the transfer of a service to the client, which represents a performance obligation that is satisfied over time because the client simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of the services provided. In most cases, the contracts consist of a performance obligation that is comprised of a series of distinct services that are substantially the same and that have the same pattern of transfer (i. e., distinct days of service). For these contracts, the Company allocates the ratable portion of the consideration based on the services provided in each period of service to such period.
Revenues related to the sales segment are primarily recognized in the form of commissions, fee-for-service, or on a cost-plus basis for providing headquarter relationship management, analytics, insights and intelligence services, administrative services, retail services, retailer client relationships and in-store media programs, and digital technology solutions (which include business intelligence solutions, e-commerce services, and content services).
Marketing segment revenues are primarily recognized in the form of fee-for-service (including retainer fees, fees charged to clients based on hours incurred, project-based fees, or fees for executing in-person consumer engagements or experiences, which engagements or experiences the Company refers to as “events”), commissions, or on a cost-plus basis for providing experiential marketing, shopper and consumer marketing services, private label development and digital, social, and media services.
The Company disaggregates revenues from contracts with clients by reportable segment. Revenues within each segment are further disaggregated between brand-centric services and retail-centric services. Brand-centric services are centered on providing solutionsto support manufacturers’ sales and marketing strategies. Retail-centric services are centered on providing solutions to retailers. Disaggregated revenues were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| (in thousands) | |||
| Sales brand-centric services | $1,362,612 | $1,364,673 | $1,292,639 |
| Sales retail-centric services | 1,082,403 | 1,142,344 | 1,031,245 |
| Total sales revenues | 2,445,015 | 2,507,017 | 2,323,884 |
| Marketing brand-centric services | 545,243 | 559,218 | 554,447 |
| Marketing retail-centric services | 1,234,588 | 983,507 | 723,967 |
| Total marketing revenues | 1,779,831 | 1,542,725 | 1,278,414 |
| Total revenues | $4,224,846 | $4,049,742 | $3,602,298 |
The Company is party to certain client contracts that include variable consideration, whereby the ultimate consideration is contingent on future events such as the client’s sales to retailers, hours worked, event count, costs incurred, and performance incentive bonuses. For commission-based service contracts, the consideration received from the client is variable because the Company earns an agreed upon percentage of the client’s sales to retailers, which is agreed upon on a manufacturer-by-manufacturer basis. Revenues are recognized for the commission earned during the applicable reporting period. The Company generally earns commission revenues from headquarter relationship management, analytics, insights and intelligence, e-commerce, administration, private label development and retail services arrangements. As part of these arrangements, the Company provides a variety of services to consumer goods manufacturers in order to improve the manufacturer’s sales at retailers. This includes primarily outsourced sales, business development, category and space management, relationship management, and sales strategy services. In exchange for these services, the Company earns an agreed upon percentage of its client’s sales to retailers, which is agreed upon on a manufacturer-by-manufacturer basis.
For service contracts whereby the client is charged a fee per hour incurred or fee per event completed, revenues are recognized over time as actual hours are incurred or as events are completed, respectively. For service contracts with a cost-plus arrangement, revenues are recognized on a gross basis over time for a given period based on the actual costs incurred plus a fixed mark-up fee that is negotiated on a client-by-client basis.
For certain contracts with clients, the Company is entitled to additional fees upon meeting specific performance goals or thresholds, which are referred to as bonus revenues. Bonus revenues are estimated and are recognized as revenues as the related services are performed for the client.
The variability of the consideration for the services transferred during a reporting period is typically resolved by the end of the reporting period. However, for certain client contracts, the Company is required to estimate the variable consideration for the services that have been transferred to the client during the reporting period. The Company typically estimates the variable consideration based on the expected value method. Estimates are based on historical experience and current facts known during the reporting period. The Company only recognizes revenues related to variable consideration if it is probable that a significant reversal of revenues recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. When such probable threshold is not satisfied, the Company will constrain some or all of the variable consideration and the constrained variable consideration will not be recognized as revenues. The Company records an adjustment to revenue for differences between estimated revenues and the amounts ultimately invoiced to the client. Adjustments to revenue during the current period related to services transferred during prior periods were not material during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.
The Company has contracts that include fixed consideration such as a fee per project or a fixed monthly fee. For contracts with a fee per project, revenues are recognized over time using an input method such as hours worked that reasonably depicts the Company’s performance in transferring control of the services to the client. The Company determined that the input method represents a reasonable method to measure the satisfaction of the performance obligation to the client. For contracts with a fixed monthly fee, revenues are recognized using a time-based measure resulting in a straight-line revenue recognition. A time-based measure was determined to represent a reasonable method to measure the satisfaction of the performance obligation to the client because the Company has a stand ready obligation to make itself available to provide services upon the client’s request or the client receives the benefit from the Company’s services evenly over the contract period.
The Company evaluates each client contract individually in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance to determine whether the Company acts as a principal (whereby the Company would present revenues on a gross basis), or as an agent (whereby the Company would present revenues on a net basis). While the Company primarily acts as a principal in its arrangements and reports revenues on a gross basis, the Company will occasionally act as an agent and accordingly presents revenues on a net basis. For example, for certain advertising arrangements, the Company’s clients purchase media content in advance, and the Company does not take on any risk of recovering its cost to acquire the media content. As a result, the Company determined it acts as the agent in these arrangements and records revenues and their related costs on a net basis. However, in cases where media content is not purchased in advance by its clients, the Company records such revenues and its related costs on a gross basis, as it bears the risk of recovering the costs to acquire the revenues related to such media content and it is responsible for fulfillment of the services thereunder.
Substantially all of the Company’s contracts with its clients either have a contract term that is less than one year with options for renewal and/or can be canceled by either party upon 30 to 120 days’ notice. For the purpose of disclosing the transaction price allocated to remaining unsatisfied performance obligations or partially satisfied performance obligations, the Company elected policies to: (1) exclude contracts with a contract term of one year or less and (2) exclude contracts with variable consideration that is allocated entirely to a wholly unsatisfied performance obligation or to a wholly unsatisfied promise to transfer a distinct service that forms part of a single performance obligation when that performance obligation qualifies as a series of remaining performance obligations. After applying these policy elections, the Company determined that it does not have a significant amount of fixed consideration allocated to remaining performance obligations for contracts with a contract term that exceeds one year.
When the Company satisfies its performance obligation and recognizes revenues accordingly, the Company has a present and unconditional right to payment and records the receivable from clients in “Accounts receivable” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s general payment terms are short-term in duration and the Company does not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component.
Contract liabilities represent deferred revenues which are cash payments that are received in advance of the Company’s satisfaction of the applicable obligation(s) and are included in “Deferred revenues” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Deferred revenues are recognized as revenues when the related services are performed for the client. Revenues recognized during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, included $21.5 million, $34.3 million, and $37.2 million of deferred revenues from the respective prior years.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and for operating losses and tax credit carry- forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which those tax assets are expected to be realized or settled. The income tax provision (benefit) is computed on the pre-tax income (loss) of the entities located within each taxing jurisdiction based on current tax law. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is recorded to the extent that the ultimate realization of the deferred tax assets is not considered more likely than not. The Company believes its deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized based on historical and projected future results, or a valuation allowance is established.
Realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets is principally dependent upon its achievement of future taxable income, the estimation of which requires significant management judgment. These judgments regarding future profitability may change due to many factors, including future market conditions and the Company’s ability to successfully execute its business plans. These changes, if any, may require adjustments to deferred tax asset balances and deferred income tax expense.
Equity-based Compensation
The Company measures the cost of non-employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the measurement date fair value consistent with the vesting of the awards and measuring the fair value of these units at the end of each measurement period. The cost is recognized over the requisite service period. The Company’s equity-based compensation is based on grant date fair value determined utilizing the Backsolve Option Pricing Method (“OPM”) for the Topco Common Series C Units and a combination of the OPM and Monte Carlo valuation model for the Topco Common Series C-2 Units.
Warrant Liability
The Company accounts for warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to the Company’s Common Stock and whether the warrant holders could potentially require “net cash settlement” in a circumstance outside of the Company’s control, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and on the date of issuance and remeasured to fair value at each balance sheet date thereafter.
For issued or modified warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. For issued or modified warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded as liabilities at their initial fair value on the date of issuance and remeasured to fair value at each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants are recognized in “Changes in fair value of warrant liability” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income.
Based on the availability of sufficient observable information, the Company determines the fair value of the liability classified private placement warrants by approximating the value with the price of the public warrants at the respective period end, which is inherently less subjective and judgmental given it is based on observable inputs.
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
The Company’s comprehensive (loss) income includes net income (loss) as well as foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax. Unrealized foreign currency exchange gains and losses on certain intercompany transactions that are of a long-term investment nature (i.e., settlement is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future) are also recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income in stockholders’ equity.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities, which are required to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which the Company would transact and the market-based risk measurements or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, such as risks inherent in valuation techniques, transfer restrictions and credit risk. Fair value is estimated by applying the following hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:
| Level 1 | — | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
| Level 2 | — | Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. |
| Level 3 | — | Inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimate of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. |
The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of all other financial instruments, all of which have counterparties with high credit ratings, were valued based on quoted market prices or model driven valuations using significant inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data.
Variable Interest Entities and Investments
In accordance with the guidance for the consolidation of a variable interest entity (“VIE”), the Company analyzes its variable interests, including loans, leases, guarantees, and equity investments, to determine if the entity in which it has a variable interest is a VIE. The Company’s analysis includes both quantitative and qualitative considerations. The Company bases its quantitative analysis on the forecasted cash flows of the entity, and its qualitative analysis on its review of the design of the entity, its organizational structure including decision-making ability and financial agreements. The Company also uses its quantitative and qualitative analyses to determine if it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE, and if such determination is made, it includes the accounts of the VIE in its consolidated financial statements.
Impact of the War in Ukraine
The Company recorded pretax charges of $2.8 million in the first quarter of 2022, primarily consisting of its proportionate share of the net investment in an indirect interest in Russian agencies in “Loss on divestitures” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income. This relates to the Company’s minority-interest holding in a European joint venture that has a minority interest in a European company that has majority-ownership interests in local agencies in Russia. As of December 31, 2023, the European joint venture has completely written off its investment in this European company and no amounts pertaining to this European company remain on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Recently Issued but Not Yet Adopted by the Company
In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires entities to expand their existing income tax disclosures, specifically related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2025, with early adoption permitted. The new standard is expected to be applied prospectively, but retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-09 on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires entities to disclose incremental segment information on an annual and interim basis, including significant segment expenses and measures of profit or loss that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”). The standard is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2024 and interim periods within fiscal year 2025, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-07 on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and expects to adopt the new standard using a retrospective approach.
All other new accounting pronouncements issued, but not yet effective or adopted have been deemed to be not relevant to the Company and, accordingly, are not expected to have a material impact once adopted.
- Acquisitions, Divestitures and Deconsolidation
2023 Foodservice Businesses Held for Sale
The Company has included businesses classified as held for sale within its continuing operations as their dispositions do not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results.
As of December 31, 2023, certain assets and liabilities of a collection of foodservice businesses were classified as held for sale in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and “Other accrued expenses” on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. The collection of foodservice businesses were sold during the first quarter of 2024. As part of the sale, the foodservice businesses were combined with an entity owned by the buyer, with the Company receiving approximately $91.0 million, less estimated working capital adjustments and an ongoing 7.5% stake in the entity with which the foodservice businesses will be combined.
The following table presents the carrying amounts of the major classes of the disposal group's assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023:
| (in thousands) | December 31, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Carrying amounts of major classes of assets | |
| Accounts receivable | $13,095 |
| Prepaid and other current assets | 2,128 |
| Total current assets | 15,223 |
| Property and equipment | 1,043 |
| Goodwill | 15,200 |
| Other intangibles | 12,719 |
| Other noncurrent assets | 1,122 |
| Total assets | $45,307 |
| Carrying amounts of major classes of liabilities | |
| Accounts payable | $1,555 |
| Accrued compensation and benefits | 1,475 |
| Other accrued expenses | 466 |
| Deferred revenues | 1,810 |
| Other noncurrent liabilities | 549 |
| Total liabilities | $5,855 |
| Total net assets of the disposal group classified as held for sale | $39,452 |
2023 Deconsolidation of ASL
On November 30, 2023 the Company reduced its equity interest in Advantage Smollan Limited (“ASL”), its European joint venture, from a majority interest of under 60% to a minority interest of 49.6% in exchange for $1.0 million in cash. The Company also removed certain participating rights with ASL related to capital allocation and certain of the Company’s decision making rights, resulting in a loss of control. Therefore, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 810 ("ASC 810"), Consolidation, ASL was deconsolidated from the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Effective December 1, 2023, the Company’s investment in ASL is accounted for under the equity method of accounting, with the investment reported in “Investments in unconsolidated affiliates” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and equity income (loss) reported in “Income from unconsolidated investments” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income. Transactions between the Company and ASL are considered to be related-party transactions from the date of deconsolidation.
The fair value of the Company's continuing investment in ASL of $91.9 million was determined at the date of deconsolidation, recorded within “Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and is assessed for impairment at each reporting period. The estimated fair value of the underlying business was determined based on a combination of the income and market approaches. The income approach utilizes estimates of discounted cash flows for the underlying business, which requires assumptions for growth rates, EBITDA margins, terminal growth rate, discount rate, and incremental net working capital, all of which require significant management judgment. The market approach applies market multiples derived from historical earnings data of selected guideline publicly traded companies. The Company compared a weighted average of the output from the income and market approaches to compute the fair value of ASL. The assumptions in the income and market approach are based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy (described in Note 1.) The difference between the carrying value of the assets and liabilities of ASL that were deconsolidated and the fair value of the continuing investment, as determined at the date of deconsolidation, was $58.9 million, before tax, and this gain on deconsolidation is reflected within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the year ended December 31, 2023. As a result of the ASL deconsolidation, the Company determined a triggering event occurred for the sales indefinite-lived trade name and a non-cash intangible asset impairment charge of $43.5 million was recorded. As part of the Company derecognizing ASL, the Company attributed $18.2 million of the Sales reporting unit goodwill to that business, which was derecognized and reflected in the calculated gain on sale. The Company determined that the remaining Sales reporting unit goodwill was not impaired.
ASL is party to transactions with the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries entered into in the normal course of business; these transactions include corporate expenses for services benefiting ASL. Up to the date of the deconsolidation, these transactions were eliminated on consolidation and had no impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income. After deconsolidating ASL, these transactions are treated as third-party transactions in the Company’s financial statements. The amount of these related-party transactions is included within Note 14, Related Parties.
2023 Divestitures
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized aloss on the sale of businesses of $19.1 million, as a component of “Loss on divestitures” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income. The Company determined the sale of the businesses did not meet the criteria for classification as discontinued operations. The Company received $21.1 million of proceeds, which are net of transaction fees and holdbacks.
2022 Acquisitions
The Company acquired four businesses during the year ended December 31, 2022. The acquisitions were accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. As such, the purchase consideration for each acquired business was allocated to the acquired tangible and intangible assets and liabilities assumed based upon their respective fair values. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combinations were recorded on the Company’s financial statements as of the acquisition date based upon the estimated fair value at such date. The excess of the purchase consideration over the estimated fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. The results of operations of each acquired business has been included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income since its respective date of acquisition.
The aggregate purchase price for the acquisitions referenced above was $75.5 million, which includes $74.2 million paid in cash, $0.5 million recorded as contingent consideration liabilities, and $0.8 million recorded as holdback amounts. Contingent consideration payments are determined based on future financial performance and payment obligations (as defined in the applicable purchase agreement) and are recorded at fair value. The maximum potential payment outcome related to the acquisitions is $1.6 million. Holdback amounts are used to withhold a portion of the initial purchase price payment until certain post-closing conditions are satisfied and are typically settled within 24 monthsof the acquisition. The goodwill related to the acquisitions represented the value paid for the assembled workforce, geographic presence, and expertise. Of the resulting goodwill relating to these acquisitions, $1.0 million is deductible for tax purposes.
The fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquisitions less post-close adjustments related to working capital completed during the year ended December 31, 2022, as of the applicable acquisition dates, are as follows:
| (in thousands) | |
|---|---|
| Consideration: | |
| Cash | $74,206 |
| Holdback | 810 |
| Fair value of contingent consideration | 510 |
| Total consideration | $75,526 |
| Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: | |
| Assets | |
| Accounts receivable | $6,817 |
| Other assets | 3,446 |
| Identifiable intangible assets | 25,546 |
| Total assets | 35,809 |
| Liabilities | |
| Accounts payable | 7,363 |
| Deferred tax liabilities and other | 8,546 |
| Total liabilities | 15,909 |
| Redeemable noncontrolling interest | 1,987 |
| Noncontrolling interest | 974 |
| Total identifiable net assets | 16,939 |
| Goodwill arising from acquisitions | $58,587 |
The identifiable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The fair value and estimated useful lives of the intangible assets acquired are as follows:
| (in thousands) | Amount | WeightedAverageUseful Life |
|---|---|---|
| Client relationships | $24,413 | 6 years |
| Trade names | 1,133 | 5 years |
| Total identifiable intangible assets | $25,546 |
The operating results of the businesses acquired during the year ended December 31, 2022 contributed total revenues of $35.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. The Company has determined that the presentation of net income (loss) from the date of acquisition is impracticable due to the integration of the operations upon acquisition.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company incurred $0.8 million in transaction costs related to the acquisitions described above. These costs have been included in “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income.
2021 Acquisitions
The Company acquiredsix businesses during the year ended December 31, 2021. The acquisitions were accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. As such, the purchase consideration for each acquired business was allocated to the acquired tangible and intangible assets and liabilities assumed based upon their respective fair values. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combination were recorded on the Company’s financial statements as of the acquisition date based upon the estimated fair value at such date. The excess of the purchase consideration over the estimated fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. The allocation of the excess purchase price was based upon preliminary estimates and assumptions. The results of operations of each acquired business has been included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income since its respective date of acquisition.
The aggregate purchase price for the acquisitions referenced above was $76.0 million, which includes $42.7 million paid in cash, $19.8 million recorded as contingent consideration liabilities, and $13.5 million recorded as holdback amounts. Contingent consideration payments are determined based on future financial performance and payment obligations (as defined in the applicable purchase agreement) and are recorded at fair value. The maximum potential payment outcome related to the acquisitions is $71.4 million. Holdback amounts are used to withhold a portion of the initial purchase price payment until certain post-closing conditions are satisfied and are typically settled within 24 months of the acquisition. The goodwill related to the acquisitions represented the value paid for the assembled workforce, geographic presence, and expertise. Of the resulting goodwill relating to these acquisitions, $14.3 million is deductible for tax purposes.
The fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquisitions completed during the year ended December 31, 2021, at the respective acquisition dates, are as follows:
| (in thousands) | |
|---|---|
| Consideration | |
| Cash | $42,668 |
| Holdbacks | 13,464 |
| Fair value of contingent consideration | 19,832 |
| Total consideration | $75,964 |
| Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: | |
| Assets | |
| Accounts receivable | $12,677 |
| Other assets | 4,315 |
| Property and equipment | 998 |
| Identifiable intangible assets | 35,571 |
| Total assets | 53,561 |
| Liabilities | |
| Total liabilities | 21,206 |
| Redeemable noncontrolling interest | 1,793 |
| Total identifiable net assets | 30,562 |
| Goodwill arising from acquisitions | $45,402 |
The identifiable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The fair value and estimated useful lives of the intangible assets acquired are as follows:
| (in thousands) | Amount | WeightedAverageUseful Life |
|---|---|---|
| Client relationships | $27,387 | 7 years |
| Trade names | 5,084 | 5 years |
| Developed technology | 3,100 | 7 years |
| Total identifiable intangible assets | $35,571 |
The operating results of the businesses acquired during the year ended December 31, 2021 contributed total revenues of $75.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company has determined that the presentation of net income (loss) from the date of acquisition is impracticable due to the integration of the operations upon acquisition.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company incurred $1.6 million, in transaction costs related to the acquisitions described above. These costs have been included in “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income.
- Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, are as follows:
| Sales | Marketing | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | |||
| Gross carrying amount as of January 1, 2022 | $2,144,771 | $713,233 | $2,858,004 |
| Accumulated impairment charge | (652,000) | — | (652,000) |
| Balance at January 1, 2022 | 1,492,771 | 713,233 | 2,206,004 |
| Acquisitions | 5,732 | 52,855 | 58,587 |
| Measurement period adjustments | (392) | — | (392) |
| Impairment charge | (1,275,719) | (91,804) | (1,367,523) |
| Foreign exchange translation effects | (8,727) | — | (8,727) |
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | 213,665 | 674,284 | 887,949 |
| Measurement period adjustments | 350 | — | 350 |
| Divestitures | (2,727) | — | (2,727) |
| Foodservice businesses held for sale | (6,900) | (8,300) | (15,200) |
| Deconsolidation of subsidiaries | (18,193) | — | (18,193) |
| Foreign exchange translation effects | 3,212 | — | 3,212 |
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $189,407 | $665,984 | $855,391 |
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized non-cash goodwill impairment charges of $1,275.7 million and $91.8 million related to the Company’s sales and marketing reporting units, respectively, as a result of the Company’s annual evaluation of goodwill impairment test (as further described in Note 1 above). Accumulated impairment losses to goodwill were $2,019.5 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
The following tables set forth information for intangible assets:
| (amounts in thousands) · Weighted Average Useful Life · Gross CarryingValue · AccumulatedAmortization · AccumulatedImpairment Charges · Net Carrying Value | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finite-lived intangible assets: | |||||||||
| Client relationships | 14 years | $2,335,872 | $1,444,375 | $— | $891,497 | ||||
| Trade names | 10 years | 88,600 | 53,493 | — | 35,107 | ||||
| Developed technology | 7 years | 3,100 | 1,070 | — | 2,030 | ||||
| Total finite-lived intangible assets(1) | 2,427,572 | 1,498,938 | — | 928,634 | |||||
| Indefinite-lived intangible assets: | |||||||||
| Trade names | 1,480,000 | — | 828,500 | 651,500 | |||||
| Total other intangible assets | $3,907,572 | $1,498,938 | $828,500 | $1,580,134 | |||||
| (amounts in thousands) · Weighted Average Useful Life · Gross CarryingValue · AccumulatedAmortization · AccumulatedImpairment Charges · Net Carrying Value | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finite-lived intangible assets: | |||||||||
| Client relationships | 14 years | $2,488,802 | $1,338,381 | $— | $1,150,421 | ||||
| Trade names | 10 years | 97,009 | 47,986 | — | 49,023 | ||||
| Developed technology | 6 years | 7,500 | 4,441 | — | 3,059 | ||||
| Total finite-lived intangible assets(1) | 2,593,311 | 1,390,808 | — | 1,202,503 | |||||
| Indefinite-lived intangible assets: | |||||||||
| Trade names | 1,480,000 | — | 785,000 | 695,000 | |||||
| Total other intangible assets | $4,073,311 | $1,390,808 | $785,000 | $1,897,503 | |||||
(1) Intangible assets, along with the related accumulated amortization, are removed from the table above at the end of the fiscal year they become fully amortized.
As of December 31, 2023, estimated future amortization expenses of the Company’s finite-lived intangible assets are as follows:
| (in thousands) | |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $182,811 |
| 2025 | 177,061 |
| 2026 | 173,552 |
| 2027 | 171,862 |
| 2028 | 136,426 |
| Thereafter | 86,922 |
| Total amortization expense | $928,634 |
The Company records all intangible assets at their respective fair values and assesses the estimated useful lives of the assets at the time of acquisition. Client relationships were valued using the multi-period excess earnings method under the income approach. The values of client relationships are generally regarded as the estimated economic benefit derived from the incremental revenues and related cash flows as a direct result of the client relationships in place versus having to replicate them. Further, the Company evaluated the legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors in determining the useful life. Trade names were valued using the relief-from-royalty method under the income approach. This method relies on the premise that, in lieu of ownership, a company would be willing to pay a royalty to obtain access to the use and benefits of the trade names. The Company has considered its sales and marketing trade names related to the 2014 Topco Acquisition to be indefinite, as there is no foreseeable limit on the period of time over which such trade names are expected to contribute to the cash flows of the reporting entity. Further, the Company evaluated legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic and other factors in determining the useful life.
In connection with the acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded intangible assets of $25.6 million. Amortization expenses included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were $196.4 million, $200.8 million, and $198.9 million, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized a non-cash intangible asset impairment charge of $43.5 million related to the Company's indefinite-lived sales trade name, in connection with the Company’s deconsolidation of its European joint venture and planned disposition of its foodservice businesses (as further described in Notes 1 and 2 above). During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized non-cash intangible asset impairment charges of $146.0 million and $59.0 million related to the Company's indefinite-lived sales and marketing trade names, respectively, in connection with the Company’s annual intangible asset impairment test on October 1, 2022 (as further described in Note 1 above). No impairment related to the Company’s intangible assets was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2021.
During fiscal year 2022, the Company concluded the impact of challenges in the labor market and continued inflationary pressures was an indicator that impairment may exist related to its client relationship intangible assets and as a result, the Company performed a recoverability test and determined that there was no impairment.
- Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
| Assets held for sale | $45,307 | $4,959 |
| Prepaid expenses | 43,767 | 46,547 |
| Inventory and supplies | 29,731 | 78,273 |
| Interest rate caps | 26,279 | — |
| Other receivables | 10,898 | 6,604 |
| Prepaid income taxes | 2,889 | 7,385 |
| Other current assets | 7,069 | 5,708 |
| Total prepaid expenses and other current assets | $165,940 | $149,476 |
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Costs are determined on the first-in, first-out basis. The Company records write-downs of inventories which are obsolete or in excess of anticipated demand or net realizable value based on a consideration of marketability, historical sales and demand forecasts which consider assumptions about future demand and market conditions.
Other assets consist of the following:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | $35,765 | $61,744 |
| Interest rate caps | 65 | 47,493 |
| Deposits | 3,642 | 4,596 |
| Workers' compensation receivable | 3,941 | 3,525 |
| Other long-term assets | 3,048 | 2,164 |
| Total other assets | $46,461 | $119,522 |
- Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consist of the following:
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | $121,403 | $129,329 |
| Computer hardware | 61,067 | 55,736 |
| Leasehold improvements | 19,222 | 20,860 |
| Furniture, fixtures, and other | 4,995 | 10,473 |
| Total property and equipment | 206,687 | 216,398 |
| Less: accumulated depreciation | (132,777) | (145,500) |
| Total property and equipment, net | $73,910 | $70,898 |
Depreciation expense was $28.3 million, $32.2 million, and $41.1 million related to property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
- Other Liabilities
Other accrued expenses consist of the following:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| (in thousands) | ||
| Accrued interest payable | $35,637 | $33,168 |
| Contingent consideration | 18,355 | 1,674 |
| Operating lease liabilities | 15,204 | 21,584 |
| Taxes | 10,948 | 7,286 |
| General liability insurance reserve | 12,926 | 12,937 |
| Client deposits | 11,516 | 16,521 |
| Rebates due to retailers | 11,432 | 12,693 |
| Client refunds related to the Take 5 Matter | 9,416 | 9,416 |
| Employee medical self-insurance reserves | 8,864 | 10,007 |
| Liabilities held for sale | 5,855 | — |
| Holdbacks | — | 2,247 |
| Other accrued expenses | 12,862 | 5,640 |
| Total other accrued expenses | $153,015 | $133,173 |
Other long-term liabilities consist of the following:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| (in thousands) | ||
| Operating lease liabilities | $35,441 | $56,371 |
| Workers' compensation | 35,025 | 32,377 |
| Contingent consideration | 117 | 18,660 |
| Other long-term liabilities | 5,664 | 3,146 |
| Total other long-term liabilities | $76,247 | $110,554 |
Under the workers’ compensation programs, the estimated liability for claims incurred but unpaid at December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $63.0 million and $57.2 million, respectively. These amounts include reported claims as well as claims incurred but not reported. As of December 31, 2023, $28.0 million and $35.0 million of this liability was included in the “Accrued compensation and benefits” and “Other long-term liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, $24.8 million and $32.4 million of this liability was included in the “Accrued compensation and benefits” and “Other long-term liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. In connection with its deductible limits, the Company has standby letters-of-credit in the amount of $44.1 million and $44.5 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $16.0 million surety bond as of such years supporting the estimated unpaid claim liabilities.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) (as further described in Note 15, Income Taxes) provides for deferred payment of the employer portion of social security taxes between March 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020, with 50% of the deferred amount due December 31, 2021 and the remaining 50% due December 31, 2022. The Company began deferring payment of the employer share of the social security taxes in April 2020. The Company repaid $23.8 million and $24.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, and as a result of such payments, no payments were made during the year ended December 31, 2023 andno amounts were owed as of December 31, 2023.
Contingent Consideration Liabilities
Each reporting period, the Company measures the fair value of its contingent liabilities by evaluating the significant unobservable inputs and probability weightings using Monte Carlo simulations. Any resulting decreases or increases in the fair value result in a corresponding gain or loss reported in “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income. The Company has reassessed the fair value of contingent consideration based on the achievement of performance targets as defined in the respective purchase agreements and it resulted in a fair value adjustment of a $10.4 million loss that was included in “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income. As of December 31, 2023, the maximum potential payment outcomes were $50.9 million.
The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying value of the contingent consideration liabilities:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
| Beginning of the period | $20,334 | $58,366 |
| Fair value of acquisitions | — | 510 |
| Changes in fair value | 10,362 | 4,774 |
| Payments | (11,941) | (42,711) |
| Foreign exchange translation effects | (283) | (605) |
| End of the period | $18,472 | $20,334 |
- Debt
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
| Term Loan Facility | $1,149,057 | $1,298,500 |
| Senior Secured Notes | 743,000 | 775,000 |
| Government loans for COVID-19 relief and other | 5,398 | 5,687 |
| Total long-term debt | 1,897,455 | 2,079,187 |
| Less: current portion | 13,580 | 13,991 |
| Less: debt issuance costs | 31,091 | 42,377 |
| Long-term debt, net of current portion | $1,852,784 | $2,022,819 |
Senior Secured Credit Facilities
Effective October 28, 2020, Advantage Sales & Marketing Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Borrower”), entered into (i) a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $400.0 million, subject to borrowing base capacity (as amended and/or restated from time to time, the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and (ii) a secured first lien term loan credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.325 billion (as amended and/or/restated from time to time, the “Term Loan Facility” and together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”).
Revolving Credit Facility
The Revolving Credit Facility provides for revolving loans and letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $500.0 million, subject to borrowing base capacity. Letters of credit are limited to the lesser of (a) $150.0 million and (b) the aggregate unused amount of commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility then in effect. Loans under the Revolving Credit Facility may be denominated in either U.S. dollars or Canadian dollars. Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”), will act as administrative agent and collateral agent. The Revolving Credit Facility matures five years after the date the Company enters into the Company's Revolving Credit Facility. The Borrower may use borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility to fund working capital and for other general corporate purposes, including permitted acquisitions and other investments.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are limited by borrowing base calculations based on the sum of specified percentages of eligible accounts receivable plus specified percentages of qualified cash, minus the amount of any applicable reserves. Borrowings will bear interest at a floating rate, which can be either an adjusted Term SOFR or Alternative Currency Spread rate plus an applicable margin or, at the Borrower’s option, a base rate or Canadian Prime Rate plus an applicable margin. The applicable margins for the Revolving Credit Facility are 1.75%,2.00% or 2.25%, with respect to Term SOFR or Alternative Currency Spread rate borrowings and 0.75%,1.00%, or 1.25%, with respect to base rate or Canadian Prime Rate borrowings, in each case depending on average excess availability under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Borrower’s ability to draw under the Revolving Credit Facility or issue letters of credit thereunder will be conditioned upon, among other things, the Borrower’s delivery of prior written notice of a borrowing or issuance, as applicable, the Borrower’s ability to reaffirm the representations and warranties contained in the credit agreement governing the Revolving Credit Facility and the absence of any default or event of default thereunder.
The Borrower’s obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are guaranteed by Karman Intermediate Corp. (“Holdings”) and all of the Borrower’s direct and indirect wholly owned material U.S. subsidiaries (subject to certain permitted exceptions) and Canadian subsidiaries (subject to certain permitted exceptions, including exceptions based on immateriality thresholds of aggregate assets and revenues of Canadian subsidiaries) (the “Guarantors”). The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a lien on substantially all of Holdings’, the Borrower’s and the Guarantors’ assets (subject to certain permitted exceptions). The Revolving Credit Facility has a first-priority lien on the current asset collateral and a second-priority lien on security interests in the fixed asset collateral (second in priority to the liens securing the Notes and the Term Loan Facility discussed below), in each case, subject to other permitted liens.
The Revolving Credit Facility has the following fees: (i) an unused line fee of 0.375% or 0.250% per annum of the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility, depending on average excess availability under the Revolving Credit Facility; (ii) a letter of credit participation fee on the aggregate stated amount of each letter of credit equal to the applicable margin for adjusted Eurodollar rate loans, as applicable; and (iii) certain other customary fees and expenses of the lenders and agents thereunder.
The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary covenants, including, but not limited to, restrictions on the Borrower’s ability and that of its subsidiaries to merge and consolidate with other companies, incur indebtedness, grant liens or security interests on assets, make acquisitions, loans, advances or investments, pay dividends, sell or otherwise transfer assets, optionally prepay or modify terms of any junior indebtedness, enter into transactions with affiliates or change its line of business. The Revolving Credit Facility will require the maintenance of a fixed charge coverage ratio (as set forth in the credit agreement governing the Revolving Credit Facility) of 1.00 to 1.00 at the end of each fiscal quarter when excess availability is less than the greater of $25.0 million and 10% of the lesser of the borrowing base and maximum borrowing capacity. Such fixed charge coverage ratio will be tested at the end of each quarter until such time as excess availability exceeds the level set forth above.
The Revolving Credit Facility provides that, upon the occurrence of certain events of default, the Borrower’s obligations thereunder may be accelerated and the lending commitments terminated. Such events of default include payment defaults to the lenders thereunder, material inaccuracies of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, voluntary and involuntary bankruptcy, insolvency, corporate arrangement, winding-up, liquidation or similar proceedings, material money judgments, material pension-plan events, certain change of control events and other customary events of default.
On October 28, 2021, the Borrower and Holdings also entered into the First Amendment to ABL Revolving Credit Agreement (the “ABL Amendment”), which amended the ABL Revolving Credit Agreement, dated October 28, 2020, by and among the Borrower, Holdings, the lenders from time-to-time party thereto and Bank of America, as administrative agent. The ABL Amendment was entered into by the Borrower to amend certain terms and provisions, including (i) reducing the interest rate floor for Eurocurrency rate loans from 0.50% to 0.00% and base rate loans from 1.50% to 1.00%, and (ii) updating the provisions by which U.S. Dollar LIBOR will eventually be replaced with SOFR or another interest rate benchmark to reflect the most recent standards and practices used in the industry. The ABL amendment was deemed to be a modification of the revolving credit facility for accounting purposes.
On December 2, 2022, the Borrower, Holdings and certain of the Borrower’s subsidiaries, entered into the Second Amendment to ABL Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Second Amendment”), which amends the ABL Revolving Credit Agreement, by and among the Borrower, Holdings, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, as administrative agent, and the other parties thereto. The Second Amendment was entered into by the Borrower to amend certain terms and provisions of the Revolving Credit Facility, including, among other things: (i) increasing the aggregate amount of maximum revolving commitments available from $400 million to $500 million; (ii) replacing the Eurocurrency Rate interest rate metric with a metric based on Term SOFR (as defined in the Second Amendment), whereby applicable borrowings in United States dollars will bear interest at a floating rate based on Term SOFR plus an applicable margin; (iii) reducing each applicable interest rate pricing tier based on the Average Historical Excess Availability (as defined therein) with respect to Term SOFR borrowings, Alternative Currency borrowings, base rate borrowings and Canadian Prime Rate borrowings, in each case for each pricing tier by 0.25% per annum; and (iv) extending the scheduled maturity date of the borrowings to December 2, 2027.
Term Loan Facility
The Term Loan Facility consists of a term loan credit facility denominated in U.S. dollars in an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $1.149 billion. Borrowings under the Term Loan Facility amortize in equal quarterly installments in an amount equal to 1.00% per annum of the principal amount. Borrowings will bear interest at a floating rate of Term SOFR plus an applicable margin of 4.50% per annum, subject to additional spread adjustment on SOFR ranging from 0.11% to 0.26%.
The Borrower may voluntarily prepay loans or reduce commitments under the Term Loan Facility, in whole or in part, subject to minimum amounts, with prior notice but without premium or penalty. The Company voluntarily repurchased an aggregate of $136.2 million principal amount of its Term Loan Facility during the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company recognized a gain on the repurchase of $7.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as a component of “Interest expense, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income.
The Borrower will be required to prepay the Term Loan Facility with 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales (such percentage subject to reduction based on the achievement of specific first lien net leverage ratios) and subject to certain reinvestment rights,100% of the net cash proceeds of certain debt issuances and 50% of excess cash flow (such percentage subject to reduction based on the achievement of specific first lien net leverage ratios). The Borrower was not required to make any excess cash flow payment for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the Borrower did not make any other mandatory or voluntary prepayments of the Term Loan Facility for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
The Borrower’s obligations under the Term Loan Facility are guaranteed by Holdings and the Guarantors. The Term Loan Facility is secured by a lien on substantially all of Holdings’, the Borrower’s and the Guarantors’ assets (subject to certain permitted exceptions). The Term Loan Facility has a first- priority lien on the fixed asset collateral (equal in priority with the liens securing the
Notes) and a second-priority lien on the current asset collateral (second in priority to the liens securing the Revolving Credit Facility), in each case, subject to other permitted liens.
The Term Loan Facility contains certain customary negative covenants, including, but not limited to, restrictions on the Borrower’s ability and that of its restricted subsidiaries to merge and consolidate with other companies, incur indebtedness, grant liens or security interests on assets, pay dividends or make other restricted payments, sell or otherwise transfer assets or enter into transactions with affiliates.
The Term Loan Facility provides that, upon the occurrence of certain events of default, the Company’s obligations thereunder may be accelerated. Such events of default will include payment defaults to the lenders thereunder, material inaccuracies of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, voluntary and involuntary bankruptcy, insolvency, corporate arrangement, winding-up, liquidation or similar proceedings, material money judgments, change of control and other customary events of default.
On October 28, 2021, the Borrower, together Holdings and certain of the Borrower’s subsidiaries, entered into Amendment No. 1 to the First Lien Credit Agreement (the “First Lien Amendment”), which amended the Term Loan Facility, dated October 28, 2020, by and among the Borrower, Holdings, Bank of America, as administrative agent and collateral agent, each lender party from time to time thereto, and the other parties thereto. The First Lien Amendment was entered into by the Borrower to reduce the applicable interest rate on the term loan to 5.25% per annum. Additional terms and provisions amended include (i) resetting the period for six months following October 28, 2021 in which a 1.00% prepayment premium shall apply to any prepayment of the term loan in connection with certain repricing events, and (ii) updating the provisions by which U.S. Dollar LIBOR will eventually be replaced with SOFR or another interest rate benchmark to reflect the most recent standards and practices used in the industry. The First Lien Amendment was deemed to be a modification of the term loan facility for accounting purposes. In connection with the First Lien Amendment, the Company incurred $2.3 million of third-party fees and expenses and recognized $1.5 million of non-cash expense on the extinguishment of debt from write off of unamortized debt issuance costs which were recorded in "Interest expense, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income during the year ended December 31, 2021. In May 2023, the Company amended the Term Loan Facility to replace the U.S. Dollar LIBOR provisions with SOFR, effective June 30, 2023.
Senior Secured Notes
Effective as of October 28, 2020, Advantage Solutions FinCo LLC (“Finco”) issued $775.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (the “Notes”). Substantially concurrently with the issuance of the Notes, Finco merged with and into Advantage Sales & Marketing Inc. (the “Issuer”), with the Issuer continuing as the surviving entity and assuming the obligations of Finco. The Notes were sold to certain financial institutions and the Notes were then resold to certain non-U.S. persons pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act at a purchase price equal to 100% of their principal amount. The terms of the Notes are governed by an Indenture, dated as of October 28, 2020 (the “Indenture”), among Finco, the Issuer, the guarantors named therein (the “Notes Guarantors”) and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent.
Interest and maturity
Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 at a rate of 6.50% per annum, commencing on May 15, 2021. The Notes will mature on November 15, 2028.
Guarantees
The Notes are guaranteed by Holdings and each of the Issuer’s direct and indirect wholly owned material U.S. subsidiaries (subject to certain permitted exceptions) and Canadian subsidiaries (subject to certain permitted exceptions, including exceptions based on immateriality thresholds of aggregate assets and revenues of Canadian subsidiaries) that is a borrower or guarantor under the Term Loan Facility.
Security and ranking
The Notes and the related guarantees are the general, senior secured obligations of the Issuer and the Notes Guarantors, are secured on a first-priority pari passu basis by security interests on the fixed asset collateral (equal in priority with liens securing the Term Loan Facility), and are secured on a second-priority basis by security interests on the current asset collateral (second in priority to the liens securing the Revolving Credit Facility and equal in priority with liens securing the Term Loan Facility), in each case, subject to certain limitations and exceptions and permitted liens.
The Notes and related guarantees rank (i) equally in right of payment with all of the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ senior indebtedness, without giving effect to collateral arrangements (including the Senior Secured Credit Facilities) and effectively equal to all of the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ senior indebtedness secured on the same priority basis as the Notes, including the Term Loan Facility, (ii) effectively subordinated to any of the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ indebtedness that is secured by assets that do not constitute collateral for the Notes to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness and to indebtedness that is secured by a senior-priority lien, including the Revolving Credit Facility to the extent of the value of the current asset collateral and (iii) structurally subordinated to the liabilities of the Issuer’s non-Guarantor subsidiaries.
Optional redemption for the Notes
The Notes are redeemable on or after November 15, 2023 at the applicable redemption prices specified in the Indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Notes were also redeemable at any time prior to November 15, 2023 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of such Notes to be redeemed plus a “make-whole” premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, the Issuer could have redeemed up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of Notes before November 15, 2023 with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 106.5% of the aggregate principal amount of such Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Furthermore, prior to November 15, 2023, the Issuer could have redeemed during each calendar year up to 10% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes at a redemption price equal to 103% of the aggregate principal amount of such Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest. If the Issuer or its restricted subsidiaries sell certain of their respective assets or experience specific kinds of changes of control, subject to certain exceptions, the Issuer must offer to purchase the Notes at par. In connection with any offer to purchase all Notes, if holders of no less than 90% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes validly tender their Notes, the Issuer is entitled to redeem any remaining Notes at the price offered to each holder. The Borrower may voluntarily prepay loans or reduce commitments under the Notes, in whole or in part without premium or penalty at a mutually agreeable rate between the buyer and the seller. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Borrower repurchased Notes with a par value of $32.0 million for $28.0 million.
Restrictive covenants
The Notes are subject to covenants that, among other things limit the Issuer’s ability and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to: incur additional indebtedness or guarantee indebtedness; pay dividends or make other distributions in respect of, or repurchase or redeem, the Issuer’s or a parent entity’s capital stock; prepay, redeem or repurchase certain indebtedness; issue certain preferred stock or similar equity securities; make loans and investments; sell or otherwise dispose of assets; incur liens; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into agreements restricting the Issuer’s subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends; and consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of the Issuer’s assets. Most of these covenants will be suspended on the Notes when they have investment grade ratings from both Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and S&P Global Ratings and so long as no default or event of default under the Indenture has occurred and is continuing.
Events of default
The following constitute events of default under the Notes, among others: default in the payment of interest; default in the payment of principal; failure to comply with covenants; failure to pay other indebtedness after final maturity or acceleration of other indebtedness exceeding a specified amount; certain events of bankruptcy; failure to pay a judgment for payment of money exceeding a specified aggregate amount; voidance of subsidiary guarantees; failure of any material provision of any security document or intercreditor agreement to be in full force and effect; and lack of perfection of liens on a material portion of the collateral, in each case subject to applicable grace periods.
Government Loans for COVID-19 Relief
On May 25, 2020, a majority owned subsidiary of the Company operating in Japan entered into two loan agreements with a bank lender pursuant to a local government loan program. Subsequently, one of the loans was refinanced on October 26, 2020. The loans, bear interest rates of 1.82% and 1.83% per annum with maturity dates of May 27, 2029 and October 27, 2029, respectively, and the amounts under the loans will be repayable to the lender in monthly installments.
On December 28, 2021, the same subsidiary entered into a loan agreement from the bank lender pursuant to a local government loan program. The purpose of the loan is to use the borrowed funds for working capital and to fund the anticipated recovery of business operations from the COVID-19 pandemic. The loan bears an interest rate of 0.35% per annum until December 24, 2024, at which time the loan will bear an interest rate of 1.25% until the maturity date of December 31, 2036.
On April 18, 2023, the same subsidiary entered into a loan agreement from the bank lender pursuant to a local government loan program. Thepurpose of the loan is to use the borrowed funds for working capital and to fund the anticipated recovery of business operations from the COVID-19 pandemic. Half of the loan bears an interest rate of 1.70% per annum until the maturity date of April 30, 2043. The remainder of the loan bears an interest rate of 0.80% per annum until April 18, 2026, at which time the loan will bear an interest rate of 1.70% until the maturity date of April 30, 2043.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had aggregate principal amounts of $5.3 million and $4.5 million borrowings outstanding, respectively, associated with government loan programs for relief associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Debt Maturities
Future minimum principal payments on long-term debt are as follows:
| (in thousands) | |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $13,580 |
| 2025 | 13,760 |
| 2026 | 13,764 |
| 2027 | 1,109,811 |
| 2028 | 743,557 |
| Thereafter | 2,983 |
| Total future minimum principal payments | $1,897,455 |
- Leases
The Company leases facilities, and equipment under noncancelable leases that have been classified as operating leases for financial reporting purposes. These leases often include one or more options to renew and the lease term includes the renewal terms when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise the option. In general, for the Company’s material leases, the renewal options are not included in the calculation of its right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, as the Company does not believe that it is reasonably certain that these renewal options will be exercised. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
All operating lease expenses are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as a component of “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income. Payments under the Company’s lease arrangements are primarily fixed. However, certain lease agreements contain variable costs, which are expensed as incurred and not included in the calculation of the Company’s right-of-use assets and related liabilities for those leases. These costs typically include real estate taxes, common area maintenance and utilities for which the Company is obligated to pay under the terms of those leases.
During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company expensed approximately $27.8 million, $30.7 million, and $28.7 million, respectively, of total operating lease costs, which includes $4.8 million, $4.4 million, and $4.6 million, of variable lease costs, respectively.
Based on the present value of the lease payments for the remaining lease term of the Company’s existing leases, the Company’s right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
| December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | Classification | 2023 | 2022 |
| Assets | |||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | Other assets | $35,766 | $61,072 |
| Liabilities | |||
| Current operating lease liabilities | Other accrued expenses | 15,204 | 21,584 |
| Noncurrent operating lease liabilities | Other long-term liabilities | 35,441 | 56,371 |
| Total lease liabilities | $50,645 | $77,955 | |
Because the rate implicit in each lease is not readily determinable, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of the lease payments. In determining its incremental borrowing rate, the Company reviewed the terms of its leases, its credit facilities, and other factors.
Information related to the Company’s right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Cash paid for operating lease liabilities | $26,769 | $23,298 | $25,022 |
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations | 18,187 | 31,007 | 19,869 |
| Weighted-average remaining lease term | 3.8 years | 4.2 years | 4.1 years |
| Weighted-average discount rate | 9.7% | 8.6% | 7.7% |
Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023 were as follows:
| (in thousands) | |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $18,567 |
| 2025 | 16,216 |
| 2026 | 11,829 |
| 2027 | 6,495 |
| 2028 | 3,795 |
| Thereafter | 4,966 |
| Total lease payments | $61,868 |
| Less: imputed interest | (11,223) |
| Present value of lease liabilities | $50,645 |
- Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company measures fair value based on the prices that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements are based on a three-tier hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value.
As of December 31, 2023, and 2022, the Company’s interest rate derivatives and forward contracts are Level 2 assets and liabilities with the related fair values based on third-party pricing service models. These models use discounted cash flows that utilize market-based forward swap curves commensurate with the terms of the underlying instruments.
As of December 31, 2023, and 2022, the contingent consideration liabilities are Level 3 liabilities with the related fair values based on the significant unobservable inputs and probability weightings in using the income approach.
The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at fair value, categorized by input level within the fair value hierarchy. The carrying amounts of “Cash and cash equivalents”, “Accounts receivable”, and “Accounts payable” approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these financial instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
| (in thousands) | Fair Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assets measured at fair value | ||||
| Derivative financial instruments | $26,344 | $— | $26,344 | $— |
| Total assets measured at fair value | $26,344 | $— | $26,344 | $— |
| Liabilities measured at fair value | ||||
| Warrant liability | $667 | $— | $667 | $— |
| Contingent consideration liabilities | 18,472 | — | — | 18,472 |
| Total liabilities measured at fair value | $19,139 | $— | $667 | $18,472 |
| (in thousands) | Fair Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assets measured at fair value | ||||
| Derivative financial instruments | $47,493 | $— | $47,493 | $— |
| Total assets measured at fair value | $47,493 | $— | $47,493 | $— |
| Liabilities measured at fair value | ||||
| Warrant liability | $953 | $— | $953 | $— |
| Contingent consideration liabilities | 20,334 | — | — | 20,334 |
| Total liabilities measured at fair value | $21,287 | $— | $953 | $20,334 |
Interest Rate Cap Agreements
The Company had interest rate cap and interest rate collar contracts with an aggregate notional value of principals of $650.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 from various financial institutions to manage the Company’s exposure to interest rate movements on variable rate credit facilities. On April 3, 2023, the Company entered into two interest rate collar contracts in an aggregate notional amount of $300.0 million with a maturity date of April 5, 2026 to manage the Company's exposure to potential interest rate increases that may result from fluctuation in SOFR.
The fair value of the Company's outstanding interest rate caps and collars of $26.3 million and $47.5 million were included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and “Other assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, with changes in fair value recognized as a component of “Interest expense, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income.
During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company recognized interest income of $7.7 million, $43.8 million and $8.3 million, respectively, related to changes in the fair value of its derivative instruments.
Warrant Liability
The estimated fair value of the liability is recorded using sufficient observable information and is therefore classified as a Level 2 financial instrument. The warrant liability is stated at fair value at each reporting period with the change in fair value recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income until the warrants are exercised, expire or other facts and circumstances lead the warrant liability to be reclassified as an equity instrument.
On October 28, 2020, the Company recorded the initial warrant liability of the private placement warrants of $7.9 million. Subsequently, the warrant liability was remeasured to fair value resulting in a gain of $0.3 million, a gain of $21.2 million and a loss of $1.0 million reflected in “Change in fair value of warrant liability” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, and 2022,7,333,333 private placement warrants remained outstanding at a fair value of $0.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
The Company previously valued its private placement warrants using a Black-Scholes Model. The private placement warrants were classified as Level 3 at the initial measurement date due to the use of unobservable inputs. Beginning in the first quarter of 2022, they are classified as Level 2 based on the availability of sufficient observable information using the price of the public warrants as an indirectly observable quoted price in active markets to measure the fair value of the private placement warrants, which is inherently less subjective and judgmental given it is based on observable inputs. Transfers to/from Levels 1, 2 and 3 are recognized at the end of the reporting period in which a change in valuation technique or methodology occurs.
Long-term Debt
The following table sets forth the carrying values and fair values of the Company’s financial liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis, categorized by input level within the fair value hierarchy:
| (in thousands) | Carrying Value | Fair Value(Level 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Term Loan Facility | $1,149,057 | $1,221,012 |
| Notes | 743,000 | 745,223 |
| Government loans for COVID-19 relief and other | 5,398 | 4,680 |
| Total long-term debt | $1,897,455 | $1,970,915 |
| (in thousands) | Carrying Value | Fair Value(Level 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Term Loan Facility | $1,298,500 | $1,372,125 |
| Notes | 775,000 | 736,517 |
| Government loans for COVID-19 relief and other | 5,687 | 5,930 |
| Total long-term debt | $2,079,187 | $2,114,572 |
The fair value of debt reported in the table above is based on adjusted price quotations on the debt instruments in an active market. The Company believes that the carrying value of its other borrowings, including amounts outstanding, if any, for the Revolving Credit Facility, approximate fair market value based on maturities for debt of similar terms.
- Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
The carrying value of the Company’s investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for under the equity method was $211.4 million and $129.5 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The investment as of December 31, 2023 comprised the Company’s investment in ASL and Global Smollan Holdings (“GSH”). The investment as of December 31, 2022 comprised of the Company’s investment in GSH, Smollan Holdings Proprietary Limited (“SH”), Ceuta Holdings Limited (“Ceuta”), and Partnership SPV 1 Limited (“SPV”). Income from the Company’s unconsolidated investments was $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Income from the Company’s unconsolidated investments was not material for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company’s proportionate share in their net assets at December 31, 2023, and 2022 were $205.6 million and $123.2 million, respectively.
The Company’s equity method investments are not considered significant based on Regulation S-X Rule 4-08(g); therefore, no summarized financial information for the Company’s unconsolidated subsidiaries have been presented.
Contribution of Equity Method Investment in Smollan Holdings Proprietary Limited
In May 2023, the Company entered into a transaction in which it contributed its 25% ownership in the common stock of SH to GSH. Subsequent to this contribution, the Company holds a 25% non-voting equity investment in SH that provides the Company with preferred rights to non-cumulative dividends declared by SH with specified annual maximum dividends (“SH Dividend Shares”). Other than the preferred non-cumulative dividend rights, the equity investment in SH has no other economic rights and the Company does not have any significant influence over SH through its non-voting equity investments. As a result of this contribution, the Company no longer has significant influence in SH and ceased to account for its investment in SH under the equity method of accounting at the time of the contribution. In regard to the accounting for the SH Dividend Shares, the Company elected the measurement alternative to value this equity investment without a readily determinable fair value. The Company will continue to apply the alternative measurement guidance until this investment does not qualify to be so measured. The carrying value of the investment was not material as of December 31, 2023.
Ceuta Holdings Limited
In November 2023, the Company entered into an agreement and sold all of its 8.8% investment in Ceuta. The Company recognized a loss on sale of investment of $4.2 million, as a component of “Loss on divestitures” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income during the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company received $4.3 million of its common stock in exchange for its investment.
ASL Transaction
On November 30, 2023, the Company reduced its equity interest in ASL, its European joint venture, from a majority interest of under 60% to a minority interest of 49.6% in exchange for $1.0 million in cash (“ASL Transaction”). As part of the ASL Transaction, the Company ceased to have a controlling financial interest in ASL. The Company reassessed the VIE and voting interest models and concluded the Company no longer has control. Therefore, in accordance with ASC 810, ASL was deconsolidated and the Company recorded a gain on deconsolidation of $58.9 million that has been included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income. Subsequent to the ASL Transaction, the Company retained significant influence over ASL, and the investment in ASL is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company’s equity method investment in ASL was recognized at its fair value totaling $91.9 million.
In conjunction with the ASL Transaction, the Company sold its 12.5% interest in SPV in exchange for a non-voting interest in GSH, resulting in an insignificant impact on the consolidated financial statements as a result of this transaction.
As a result of the above transactions, as of December 31, 2023, the Company’s investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for under the equity method consist of GSH (25.4%) and ASL (49.6%).
ATV Investment
The Company also holds 9.9% of the outstanding common shares of a subsidiary of a Japanese supermarket chain (“ATV”). The Company does not have significant influence over ATV and, as a result, the Company elected the measurement alternative to value this equity investment without a readily determinable fair value. The Company will continue to apply the alternative measurement guidance until this investment does not qualify to be so measured. The carrying value of the investment was $5.8 million and $6.3 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
- Stock-Based Compensation and Other Benefit Plans
The Company has nonqualified stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and performance restricted stock units (“PSUs”) under the Advantage Solutions Inc. 2020 Incentive Award Plan (the “Plan”). The Company’s RSUs and PSUs are expensed based on the fair value at the grant date. The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense and equity-based compensation expense associated with the Common Series C Units of Karman Topco L.P. as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Restricted share-based unit awards | $25,261 | $25,353 | $22,053 |
| Other share-based awards | 13,951 | 11,580 | 17,245 |
| Total share-based compensation before tax | 39,212 | 36,933 | 39,298 |
| Tax benefit | 8,812 | 7,883 | 6,558 |
| Total share-based compensation expense included in net (loss) income | $30,400 | $29,050 | $32,740 |
Performance Restricted Stock Units
Performance restricted stock units are subject to the achievement of certain performance conditions based on the Company’s revenues (“PSU Revenues”) and Adjusted EBITDA (“PSU EBITDA”) targets in the respective measurement period and the recipient’s continued service to the Company. The PSUs are scheduled to vest over athree-year period from the date of grant and may vest from 0% to 150% of the number of shares set forth in the table below. The number of PSUs earned shall be adjusted to be proportional to the partial performance between the Threshold Goals, Target Goals and Maximum Goals as defined in the award agreements. Details for each aforementioned defined term for each grant have been provided in the table below.
During the first quarter of 2024, the Compensation Committee determined that the achievement of the performance objectives applicable to the PSU EBITDA 2023 and PSU Revenues 2023 objectives were 150.0% of Target Goals. The value of these PSU awards above the Target Goals remain subject to additional performance requirements (i.e., the above target performance must be maintained in 2024 and 2025) and service-based vesting conditions. The performance period for those PSU awards up to the Target Goals ended on December 31, 2023, but remain subject to service-based vesting conditions.
During the first quarter of 2023, the Compensation Committee determined that the achievement of the performance objective applicable to the PSU EBITDA 2022 objective did not meet the minimum threshold and the achievement of the performance objective applicable to the PSU Revenues 2022 objective was 83.2% of Target Goals. The performance period for those awards ended on December 31, 2022 but remain subject to service-based vesting conditions.
During the first quarter of 2022, the Compensation Committee determined that the achievement of the performance objective applicable to the PSU EBITDA 2021 objective was 64.6% of target and the achievement of the performance objective applicable to the PSU Revenues 2021 objective was 126.2% of target. In the first quarter of 2022, the Compensation Committee determined that the PSU Revenues and PSU EBITDA metrics will be measured separately when determining whether above-target performance has been maintained for future year performance. Such determination is applicable to the PSUs grants made in 2021 and in 2022. As a result, the 26.2% above-target performance on PSU Revenues for 2021 must be maintained in 2022 and 2023 in order for the corresponding above-target PSUs to vest in January 2024. During the first quarter of 2024, the Compensation Committee determined that there was nodecline in performance with respect to PSU Revenues in 2022 and 2023 and as a result, an amount equal to approximately 9.2% of the target number of PSUs granted in January 2021 that were still outstanding in 2024 vested in January 2024.
Under the provision of ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, the Company determined that 2021 PSUs granted were modified as of March 11, 2022 related to 205,834 above-target PSU Revenues metrics. The stock-based compensation expense for such modification was accounted for as a cancellation of the original award and the issuance of a new award using the fair value of the award on the date of modification.
The fair value of PSU grants was equal to the closing price of the Company's stock on the date of the applicable grant. The maximum potential expense if the Maximum Goals were met for these awards has been provided in the table below.
Recognition of expense associated with performance-based stock is not permitted until achievement of the performance targets are probable of occurring.
| Measurement Period | Number ofSharesThreshold | Number ofSharesTarget | Number ofSharesMaximum | WeightedAverage FairValue perShare | Maximum Remaining Unrecognized Compensation Expense | Weighted-average remaining requisite service periods |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3,272,133 | 6,544,266 | 9,816,399 | $2.04 | $12,770,316 | 2.4 years |
| 2022 | 484,441 | 484,441 | 484,441 | $5.37 | $731,378 | 1.4 years |
| 2021 | 183,315 | 183,315 | 310,422 | $10.18 | $50,417 | 0.5 years |
The following table summarizes the PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2023:
| Performance Share Units | Weighted Average GrantDate Fair Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Outstanding at January 1, 2023 | 6,373,064 | $7.05 |
| Granted | 7,031,565 | $2.03 |
| Distributed | (1,420,066) | $9.54 |
| Forfeited | (1,476,009) | $5.44 |
| PSU performance adjustment | (3,169,425) | $5.40 |
| Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | 7,339,129 | $2.60 |
Restricted Stock Units
Restricted stock units are subject to the recipient’s continued service to the Company. The RSUs are generally scheduled to vest over three years and are subject to the provisions of the agreement under the Plan.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the following activities involving RSUs occurred under the Plan:
| Number of RSUs | Weighted Average GrantDate Fair Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Outstanding at January 1, 2023 | 9,576,760 | $5.91 |
| Granted | 16,186,632 | $2.02 |
| Distributed | (4,799,010) | $5.56 |
| Forfeited | (2,725,759) | $3.49 |
| Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | 18,238,623 | $2.92 |
As of December 31, 2023, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs amounted to $39.4 million, which will be amortized over the weighted-average remaining requisite service periods of 2.2 years.
Common Series C Units and C-2 Units
The Limited Partnership Agreement allows profits interests in Topco to be granted to directors, officers, employees, and consultants of Topco and its subsidiaries. The performance-based profits interests (“Common Series C Units”) are subject to certain vesting requirements, as described below.
Common Series C Units were granted at no cost to employees of the Company. As the result of an amendment and restatement of the Limited Partnership Agreement, on March 15, 2018,75% of all Common Series C Units awards are subject to vesting over four fiscal years from their respective issuance date. The remaining 25% of the units were forfeited. To the extent the Common Series C Units vest, such units may still be forfeited as a result of termination of the employment of the applicable holders or upon a non-qualifying exit event. Certain awards vest over the remaining initial four-year term, subject to the employee’s continued employment. In addition, Topco issued certain Common Series C Units in connection with the 2017 acquisition of Daymon Worldwide Inc. (“Daymon”) to certain Daymon employees, certain of which were deemed to have vested upon issuance, and certain of which vested in four annual installments, subject to such employee’s continued employment with the Company. The Limited Partnership Agreement also authorizes Topco to issue 35,000 Common Series C-2 Units to employees of the Company, which are deemed to be vested upon issuance and subject to substantially similar forfeiture provisions as the Common Series C Units, including forfeiture upon certain terminations of employment with the Company of the applicable holders or a non-qualifying exit event. Topco has the option to repurchase Common Series C Units for cash.
The following table summarizes the activity in the Common Series C Units and Common Series C-2 Units for the year ended December 31, 2023:
| Common Series C | Common Series C-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Outstanding at January 1, 2023 | 132,890 | 25,095 |
| Forfeited | (20) | (6,700) |
| Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | 132,870 | 18,395 |
Common Series D Units
In 2014, Topco issued the Company 30,000 time-vested profit interests (“Common Series D Units”), which vested on a monthly basis over a five-year vesting period, to entities affiliated with one equity sponsor of Topco. The Company measured the fair value of the Common Series D Units quarterly throughout thefive-year vesting period and recognized this cost ratably over the vesting period. There wereno grants during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021. The OPM was used to estimate the Common Series D Units fair value of $300 as of the grant date. The expected share price volatility is based on the average of the historical volatility of comparable public companies. The risk-free rate is based on U.S. Treasury yields in effect at the time of grant over the expected term. The Company did not use a dividend yield as it has not historically paid distributions. The fair value of these units at the end of each measurement period were $46, $5, and $143 per unit as of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021. Since the Common Series D Units that were issued under the Limited Partnership Agreement were for interests in Topco, which is outside of the consolidated group, the value of the profit interests were marked to market at each of the Company’s reporting periods.
The following assumptions were used in determining the fair value of Common Series D Units for the year ended December 31, 2023:
| Grant date fair value | $300.00 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.0% | |
| Expected volatility | 67.0% | |
| Risk-free interest rate | 4.5% | |
| Lack of marketability discount | 31.0% | |
| Expected term | 1.4 years |
On December 31, 2023, there were 30,000 Common Series D Units outstanding. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company recorded equity-based compensation expense of $1.1 million, gain of $4.1 million, and gain of $15.0 million, respectively, included in “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income.
Stock Options
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the following activities involving stock options occurred under the Plan:
| Stock Options | Weighted Average Exercise Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Outstanding at January 1, 2023 | 2,115,664 | $3.92 |
| Granted | 17,375,000 | $6.00 |
| Exercised | (390,000) | $2.24 |
| Forfeited | (1,410,443) | $3.92 |
| Cancelled/Expired | (315,221) | $5.99 |
| Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | 17,375,000 | $6.00 |
Stock-based compensation costs related to stock options granted to employees are measured at the date of grant based on the estimated fair value of the award, net of estimated forfeitures. The Company estimates the grant date fair value, and the resulting stock-based compensation expense, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company recognizes compensation costs for awards with service vesting conditions on an accelerated method under the graded vesting method over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the vesting term ofthree years.
The Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires the use of highly subjective assumptions which determine the fair value of stock-based awards. The assumptions used in the Company's option-pricing model represent management’s best estimates. These estimates are complex, involve a number of variables, uncertainties and assumptions and the application of management’s judgment, so that they are inherently subjective. If factors change and different assumptions are used, the Company's stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. These assumptions are estimated as follows:
| • | Fair Value of Common Stock. Represents the publicly quoted price as the fair value of ADV common stock. |
| • | Risk-Free Interest Rate. The Company based the risk-free interest rate used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model on the implied yield available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equivalent remaining term of the options for each option group. |
| • | Expected Term. The expected term represents the period that the stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding. Because of the limitations on the sale or transfer or the Company's common stock as a previously privately held company, the Company does not believe its historical exercise pattern for similar awards is indicative of the pattern the Company will experience as a publicly traded company. The Company has consequently used the Staff Accounting Bulletin, or SAB 110, Simplified Method to calculate the expected term, which is the mid-point between the vesting period and the contractual term for each vesting-tranche. The Company plans to continue to use the SAB 110 Simplified Method until the Company has sufficient trading history as a publicly traded company. |
| • | Volatility. Management determined the price volatility factor based on the historical volatilities of a relevant peer group as the Company did not have a sufficient trading history of common stock. Industry peers consist of several public companies that provide similar services with comparable characteristics including enterprise value, risk profiles and position within the industry. The Company intends to continue to consistently apply this process using the same or similar public companies until a sufficient amount of historical information regarding the volatility of the Company's own common stock share price becomes available, or unless circumstances change such that the identified companies are no longer similar, in which case, more suitable companies whose share prices are publicly available would be utilized in the calculation. |
| • | Dividend Yield. The expected dividend assumption is based on expectations about the Company's anticipated dividend policy. The Company currently does not expect to issue any dividends. |
In addition to assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, the Company must also estimate a forfeiture rate to calculate the stock-based compensation for the Company's awards. The Company will continue to use judgment in evaluating the assumptions related to the Company's stock-based compensation on a prospective basis. As the Company continues to accumulate additional data, the Company may have refinements to the Company's estimates, which could materially impact the Company's future stock-based compensation expense.
The fair value of the employee stock options was estimated using the following assumptions for the year ended December 31, 2023:
| Share Price | $2.13 |
|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.0% |
| Expected volatility | 40.0% |
| Risk-free interest rate | 3.5% |
| Expected term | 6.4 years |
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had approximately $6.2 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options, net of related forfeiture estimates, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.6 years. The weighted average remaining contractual term of all options outstanding as of December 31, 2023 was 9.1 years. The intrinsic value of all outstanding options as of December 31, 2023 was $6.9 million based on the market price of the Company's common stock of $3.62 per share. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $0.1 million. As of December 31, 2023, there wereno stock options that were exercisable.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Company provides compensation benefits to employees under the amended 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, (the “ESPP”). Employees, may have to satisfy one or more of the following service requirements before participating in the ESPP, as determined by the administrator: (a) customary employment with the Company for more than 20 hours per week and more than five months per calendar year, or (b) continuous employment with the Company for a minimum period of time, not to exceed two years, prior to the first date of an offering. An employee may not be granted rights to purchase stock under the ESPP if such employee (x) immediately after the grant would own stock possessing five percent or more of the total combined voting power or value of the common stock, or (y) would purchase in excess of $25,000 of fair market value of such stock in an offering period. Additionally, “highly compensated employees” may not be granted rights to purchase stock under the ESPP. This includes individuals with compensation above a specified level, who is an officer and/or is subject to the disclosure requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.
The administrator may approve offerings with a duration of not more than 27 months, and may specify one or more shorter purchase periods within each offering (“Offering Period”). Each offering will have one or more purchase dates on which shares of the common stock will be purchased for the employees who are participating in the offering. The administrator, in its discretion, will determine the terms of offerings under the ESPP.
The ESPP permits participants to purchase shares of the common stock through payroll deductions with up to 15% of their earnings. The purchase price of the shares will not be less than 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the common stock on the first day of an offering or on the date of purchase. Payroll deductions shall be equal to at least one percent (1%) of the participant’s compensation as of each payday of the Offering Period following the Enrollment Date, but not more than the lesser of fifteen percent (15%) of the participant’s compensation as of each payday of the Offering Period following the Enrollment Date or $25,000 per offering period.
A participant may not transfer purchase rights under the ESPP other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or as otherwise provided under the ESPP.
In the event of a specified corporate transaction, such as a merger or change in control, a successor corporation may assume, continue or substitute each outstanding purchase right. If the successor corporation does not assume, continue or substitute for the outstanding purchase rights, the offering in progress will be shortened and a new exercise date will be set. The participants’ purchase rights will be exercised on the new exercise date and such purchase rights will terminate immediately thereafter.
The ESPP will remain in effect until terminated by the administrator in accordance with the terms of the ESPP. The board of directors has the authority to amend, suspend or terminate the ESPP, at any time and for any reason.
Employee Benefit Plans
The Company sponsors 401(k) plans for certain employees who meet specified age and length of service requirements. The 401(k) plans include a deferral feature under which employees may elect to defer a portion of their salary, subject to Internal Revenue Service limitations. The Company provides a matching contribution based on a percentage of participating employees’ salaries and contributions made. Total contributions to the plan for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 were $13.7 million, $13.3 million, and $12.5 million, respectively.
- Equity
Class A Common Stock—The Company is authorized to issue 3,290,000,000 shares of Class A common stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Holders of the Company’s Class A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share on each matter on which they are entitled to vote. At December 31, 2023, there were 322,235,261 shares of Class A common stock legally issued and outstanding. At December 31, 2022, there were 319,690,300 shares of Class A common stock legally issued and outstanding.
Preferred stock—The Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock withno par value of $0.0001 per share. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, there isno preferred stock issued or outstanding.
Common stock held in treasury, at cost— On November 9, 2021, the Company announced that the board of directors authorized a new share repurchase program (the “2021 Share Repurchase Program”) pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to $100 million of the Company’s Class A common stock.
The 2021 Share Repurchase Program does not have an expiration date, but provides for suspension or discontinuation at any time. The 2021 Share Repurchase Program permits the repurchase of the Company’s Class A common stock on the open market and in other means from time to time. The timing and amount of any share repurchase is subject to prevailing market conditions, relevant securities laws and other considerations, and the Company is under no obligation to repurchase any specific number of shares.
During the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2021, the Company executed open market purchases of $6.4 million and $12.6 million of the Company’s Class A common stock under the 2021 Share Repurchase Program. The Company did not make any repurchases during the year ended December 31, 2022. As a result of repurchases during the year ended December 31, 2023, there remains $81.1 million of share repurchase availability under the 2021 Share Repurchase Program as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
In December 2023, the Company entered into a trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act authorizing the repurchase of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. No stock repurchases were made pursuant to this plan for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Warrants—As of December 31, 2023 and 2022,11,244,988 public warrants were outstanding. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one whole share of the Company’s Class A common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment. Warrants may only be exercised for a whole number of shares of Class A common stock. No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole warrants will trade. The warrants became exercisable on November 27, 2020 and will expire on October 28, 2025, or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022,7,333,333 private placement warrants were outstanding. The private placement warrants are identical to the public warrants, except that the private placement warrants and the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the private placement warrants were not transferable, assignable or salable until November 27, 2020, subject to certain limited exceptions. Additionally, the private placement warrants will be non-redeemable so long as they are held by the initial purchasers or such purchasers’ permitted transferees. If the private placement warrants are held by someone other than the initial stockholders or their permitted transferees, the private placement warrants will be redeemable by the Company and exercisable by such holders on the same basis as the public warrants.
The Company may call the warrants for redemption:
For cash:
in whole and not in part;
at a price of $0.01 per warrant;
upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption; and
if, and only if, the last reported closing price of the common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share dividends, reorganizations, reclassifications, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the Company sends the notice of redemption to the warrant holders.
For cash or Class A common stock:
in whole and not in part;
at a price of $0.10 per warrant, provided that the warrant holders will be able to exercise their warrants prior to redemption and receive that number of shares of Class A common stock to be determined by reference to a table included in the warrant agreement, based on the redemption date and the fair market value of the Class A common stock;
upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption;
if, and only if, the last reported closing price of the common stock equals or exceeds $10.00 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share dividends, reorganizations, reclassifications, recapitalizations and the like) on the trading day prior to the date on which the Company sends notice of redemption to the warrant holders; and
if, and only if, an effective registration statement covering the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants and a current prospectus relating thereto is available throughout the 30-day period after which written notice of redemption is given, or the Company has elected to require the exercise of the warrants on a “cashless” basis.
If the Company calls the warrants for redemption, management will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise the warrants to do so on a “cashless basis,” as described in the warrant agreement.
The exercise price and number of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event of a share dividend. Additionally, in the event of a recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation, the kind and amount of shares of stock or other securities or property (including cash) issuable upon exercise of the warrants may be adjusted. However, the warrants will not be adjusted for issuance of Class A common stock at a price below its exercise price. Additionally, in no event will the Company be required to net cash settle the warrants shares.
Noncontrolling interests
Deconsolidation of ASL— On November 30, 2023 the Company reduced its equity interest in ASL, its European joint venture, from a majority interest of under 60% to a minority interest of 49.6% in exchange for $1.0 million in cash. The Company also removed certain participating rights with ASL related to capital allocation and certain of the Company’s decision making rights, resulting in a loss of control. Therefore, in accordance with ASC 810, ASL was deconsolidated from the Company’s consolidated financial statements. As part of the deconsolidation, the $108.9 million noncontrolling interest was derecognized as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.
Purchase of Interests—During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company acquired a majority stake in an acquisition and received contributions from noncontrolling interest of $5.2 million. The fair value of the noncontrolling interest of the acquisition was $1.0 million. The Company did not purchase any additional minority interests held in a subsidiary during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Dividend to noncontrolling interest—Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries may, from time to time, declare dividends. There wereno dividends related to the Company’s minority interests during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
- Earnings Per Share
The Company calculates earnings per share using a dual presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding without the consideration for potential dilutive shares of common stock. Diluted earnings per share represents basic earnings per share adjusted to include the potentially dilutive effect of outstanding performance stock units, restricted stock units, public and private placement warrants, the employee stock purchase plan and stock options.
Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income by the weighted-average number of common share equivalents outstanding for the period determined using the treasury stock method and if-converted method, as applicable.
The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands, except share and earnings per share data) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Basic earnings per share computation: | |||
| Numerator: | |||
| Net (loss) income attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc. | $(63,258) | $(1,380,502) | $54,494 |
| Denominator: | |||
| Weighted average common shares - basic | 323,677,515 | 318,682,548 | 318,198,860 |
| Basic (loss) earnings per common share | $(0.20) | (4.33) | 0.17 |
| Diluted earnings per share computation: | |||
| Numerator: | |||
| Net (loss) income attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc. | $(63,258) | $(1,380,502) | $54,494 |
| Denominator: | |||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding | 323,677,515 | 318,682,548 | 318,198,860 |
| Performance Stock Units | — | — | 1,998,848 |
| Restricted Stock Units | — | — | 559,649 |
| Warrants | — | — | 4,468 |
| Employee stock purchase plan and stock options | — | — | 242,931 |
| Weighted average common shares - diluted | 323,677,515 | 318,682,548 | 321,004,756 |
| Diluted (loss) earnings per common share | $(0.20) | $(4.33) | $0.17 |
During periods of net loss, diluted loss per share is equal to basic loss per share because the antidilutive effect of potential common shares is disregarded.
The Company had 11,244,988 of public warrants and 7,333,333 of private placement warrants held by the CP Sponsor (as defined below), to purchase Class A common stock at $11.50 per share, which remain outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022.
See Note 12 —Equity for additional information regarding the terms of public and private placement warrants.
In accordance with the treasury method the weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution include the incremental effect of stock-based awards, except when such effect would be antidilutive. Stock-based awards in accordance with the treasury stock method were 6.9 million shares during the year ended December 31, 2023, but were not included in the computation of diluted loss per common share, because the net loss position of the Company made them antidilutive. Stock-based awards in accordance with the treasury stock method were 0.8 million shares during the year ended December 31, 2022, but were not included in the computation of diluted loss per common share, because the net loss position of the Company made them antidilutive.
- Related Parties
Conyers Park
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had outstanding private placement warrants that allowed holders to purchase 7,333,333 shares of the Company’s common stock. Such private placement warrants were held by Conyers Park II Sponsor, LLC (“CP Sponsor”), a related party. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of the Company’s Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share.
Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Following the deconsolidation of ASL, the Company recorded the continuing investment in ASL at fair value of $91.9 million at the date of deconsolidation, within “Investments in unconsolidated affiliates.” For further details, see Note 2. Acquisitions, Divestitures and Deconsolidation. Transactions between the Company and ASL are considered to be related-party transactions from the date of deconsolidation. Subsequent to the deconsolidation of ASL, the Company recognized immaterial revenues, from ASL and as of December 31, 2023, Accounts receivables from ASL were immaterial.
During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company recognized revenues of $22.2 million, $14.3 million, and $18.1 million, respectively, from the parent company of an investment in unconsolidated affiliates. Accounts receivable from this client were $3.7 million and $1.7 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Loans to Karman Topco L.P.
Advantage Sales & Marketing Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into loan agreements with Topco, pursuant to which Topco has borrowed various amounts totaling $6.0 million from Advantage Sales & Marketing Inc. to facilitate the payment to certain former associates for their equity interests in Topco. On September 1, 2020, Advantage Sales & Marketing Inc. entered into a loan agreement with Topco consolidating all outstanding amounts under the prior agreements. Pursuant to such loan agreement Topco borrowed $6.0 million at an interest rate of 0.39% per annum. This loan matured on December 31, 2023 and was pre-payable at any time without penalty. During the first quarter of 2024, the parties entered into a new loan agreement for $6.3 million to refinance the matured loan. The loan bears interest at a rate of 10.09% per annum and matures on December 31, 2026. The loan is pre-payable at any time without penalty.
Other related parties
Beginning February 2023, an officer of the Company has served as a member of the board of directors of a client of the Company. The Company recognized revenues from such client of $4.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. Accounts receivable from this client were $0.6 million as of December 31, 2023.
Beginning July 2023, a member of the board of directors of the Company has served as an officer of a client of the Company. The Company recognized $3.3 million of revenues from such client during the year ended December 31, 2023. Accounts receivable from this client were $0.5 million as of December 31, 2023.
- Income Taxes
The (benefit from) provision for income taxes is as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| (in thousands) | |||
| Current tax expense | |||
| Federal | $27,317 | $23,351 | $22,085 |
| State | 10,635 | 8,148 | 7,667 |
| Foreign | 13,456 | 13,918 | 13,877 |
| Total current tax expense | 51,408 | 45,417 | 43,629 |
| Deferred tax (benefit) expense | |||
| Federal | (61,431) | (129,055) | (16,007) |
| State | (15,917) | (59,512) | 5,827 |
| Foreign | (3,068) | (2,187) | 168 |
| Total deferred tax benefit | (80,416) | (190,754) | (10,012) |
| Total (benefit from) provision for income taxes | $(29,008) | $(145,337) | $33,617 |
A reconciliation of the Company's effective income tax rate as compared to the federal statutory income tax rate is as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| Statutory U.S. rate | 21.0% | 21.0% | 21.0% |
| State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit | 4.7% | 2.7% | 11.7% |
| Foreign tax, net of federal tax benefit | (3.3%) | (0.2%) | 5.3% |
| Deconsolidation of ASL | 18.6% | — % | — % |
| Goodwill impairment | — % | (14.0%) | — % |
| Equity-based compensation | (3.6%) | — % | (2.4%) |
| Work opportunity tax credit | 3.2% | 0.2% | (2.5%) |
| Disallowed executive compensation | (2.3%) | (0.1%) | 2.3% |
| Meals and entertainment | (2.8%) | (0.1%) | 1.6% |
| Contingent consideration fair value adjustment | (0.5%) | — % | (1.8%) |
| Fair value of warrant liability | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.2% |
| Other | (2.6%) | (0.2%) | 1.5% |
| Effective tax rate | 32.5% | 9.6% | 36.9% |
The geographic components of (loss) income before income taxes are as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| (in thousands) | |||
| U.S. sources | $(188,064) | $(1,544,387) | $65,202 |
| Non-U.S. sources | 98,738 | 21,758 | 25,964 |
| (Loss) income before income taxes | $(89,326) | $(1,522,629) | $91,166 |
Net deferred tax liabilities consist of the following:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
| Deferred tax assets | ||
| Accrued liabilities | $82,600 | $68,016 |
| Interest expense | 71,478 | 53,320 |
| Right-of-use liabilities | 12,748 | 14,356 |
| Net operating losses | 5,471 | 7,904 |
| Transaction expenses | 6,511 | 7,649 |
| Capitalized research and development costs | 4,849 | 3,911 |
| Contingent liabilities | 1,662 | 3,903 |
| Insurance reserves | 2,204 | 2,522 |
| Acquired intangible assets, including goodwill | 1,302 | 1,487 |
| Other | 6,274 | 4,382 |
| Total deferred tax assets | 195,099 | 167,450 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | ||
| Acquired intangible assets, including goodwill | 357,657 | 413,728 |
| Interest rate caps | 6,799 | 12,079 |
| Right-of-use assets | 8,955 | 10,044 |
| Debt issuance costs | 7,242 | 7,532 |
| Restructuring expenses | 3,276 | 3,427 |
| Depreciation | 1,571 | 2,397 |
| Other | 8,105 | 8,545 |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | 393,605 | 457,752 |
| Less: deferred income tax asset valuation allowances | (3,491) | (5,360) |
| Net deferred tax liabilities | $201,997 | $295,662 |
| December 31, | ||
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
| Reported as: | ||
| Noncurrent deferred tax asset | $2,254 | $2,212 |
| Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities | 204,251 | 297,874 |
| Net deferred tax liabilities | $201,997 | $295,662 |
The CARES Act allows employers to defer payment of a portion of payroll taxes otherwise due on wages paid between the enactment date and December 31, 2020 and remit the deferred payroll taxes in equal amounts on December 31, 2022 and 2021. Under this provision of the CARES Act, the Company has recorded the tax impact of $6.4 million as a deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2021 andno remaining balance as of December 31, 2022.
On August 16, 2022, the U.S. government enacted the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”), which, among other things, imposes a new corporate alternative minimum tax and an excise tax on stock buybacks. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has determined that the Act had no tax impacts on its consolidated financial statements.
The Company held cash and cash equivalents in foreign subsidiaries of $43.8 million and $81.8 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries was $125.7 million and $196.4 million, respectively.
The Company has not recorded a deferred tax liability related to undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries as of December 31, 2023, except for a $0.4 million of deferred tax liability recorded as of December 31, 2023 for unremitted earnings in Canada with respect to which the Company no longer has an indefinite reinvestment assertion. Taxes have not been provided on the remaining $114.9 million of undistributed foreign earnings. The incremental tax liability associated with these earnings is expected to be immaterial.
The Company evaluates its deferred tax assets, including a determination of whether a valuation allowance is necessary, based upon its ability to utilize the assets using a more likely than not analysis. Deferred tax assets are only recorded to the extent that they are realizable based upon past and future income. As a result of the evaluation, the Company established a valuation allowance of $3.5 million, $5.4 million and $6.9 million on its deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $4.3 million of United States Federal Net Operating Losses (“NOL”), $26.9 million state NOL, and $12.4 million foreign NOL. The change of ownership provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 may limit utilization of a portion of the Company’s domestic NOL to future periods. The United States Federal NOL expires in tax year 2037, $18.2 million of the state NOL expires between tax years 2023 and 2042 and the remaining $8.7 million of the state NOL carry forward indefinitely. Foreign NOL of $6.3 million expires between tax years 2024 and 2032 and the remaining $6.1 million of the foreign NOL carry forward indefinitely.
Uncertain Tax Positions
The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions when it is more likely than not that the tax position will not be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. As of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits were $2.9 million, $0.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The Company recorded uncertain tax positions related to capitalizing interest to inventory and California research and development credits for the year ended December 31, 2023. $2.2 million out of the $2.9 million of the unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2023 would be included in the effective tax rate if recognized in future periods.
| December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Beginning unrecognized tax benefits | $560 | $563 | $698 |
| Increases for tax positions related to prior years | 2,350 | — | — |
| Decreases due to lapsed statutes of limitations | (23) | (3) | (135) |
| Ending unrecognized tax benefits | $2,887 | $560 | $563 |
The Company is unaware of any positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase within the next twelve months. The Company files tax returns in the United States, various states and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, as of December 31, 2023, the Company is no longer subject to federal, state, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2019. The Company does not have any material ongoing income tax audits.
The Company has elected to classify interest and penalties as components of tax expense. These amounts were $0.9 million, $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
- Segments and Geographic Information
The Company’s operations are organized intotwo reportable segments: sales and marketing. The operating segments reported below are the segments of the Company for which separate financial information is available and for which segment results are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker (the chief executive officer) in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Through the Company’s sales segment, the Company serves as a strategic intermediary between consumer goods manufacturers and retailer partners and performs critical merchandising services on behalf of both consumer goods manufacturers and retail partners. Through the Company’s marketing segment, the Company develops and executes marketing programs for manufacturers and retailers. These reportable segments are organized by the types of services provided, similar economic characteristics, and how the Company manages its business. The assets and liabilities of the Company are managed centrally and are reported internally in the same manner as the consolidated financial statements; therefore, no additional information is produced or included herein. The Company and its chief operating decision maker evaluate performance based on revenues and operating (loss) income.
| (in thousands) | Sales | Marketing | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | $2,445,015 | $1,779,831 | $4,224,846 |
| Depreciation and amortization | $154,891 | $69,806 | $224,697 |
| Income from unconsolidated investments | $5,273 | $— | $5,273 |
| Operating income | $38,443 | $37,747 | $76,190 |
| Revenues | $2,507,017 | $1,542,725 | $4,049,742 |
| Depreciation and amortization | $161,385 | $71,690 | $233,075 |
| Operating loss | $(1,323,192) | $(116,214) | $(1,439,406) |
| Revenues | $2,323,884 | $1,278,414 | $3,602,298 |
| Depreciation and amortization | $170,076 | $69,965 | $240,041 |
| Operating income | $182,529 | $47,519 | $230,048 |
Revenues and long-lived assets by services provided in geographic region are as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Revenues | |||
| North America | $3,694,470 | $3,562,168 | $3,153,768 |
| International | 530,376 | 487,574 | 448,530 |
| Total revenues | $4,224,846 | $4,049,742 | $3,602,298 |
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
| Long-Lived Assets | ||
| North America | $73,371 | $60,071 |
| International | 539 | 10,827 |
| Total long-lived assets | $73,910 | $70,898 |
North American revenues were primarily services provided in the U.S. representing revenues of $3.5 billion, $3.6 billion, and $3.0 billion during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. North American long-lived assets were primarily in the U.S. representing long-lived assets of $73.1 million and $60.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The classification “International” primarily includes the Company’s operations in the U.K., Germany, the Netherlands and Japan.
- Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
The Company was an indirect party to a put and call option agreement with respect to the common securities that represent the remaining noncontrolling interest from a then majority-owned subsidiary, which was established through a then majority-owned international joint venture during the year ended December 31, 2021. The put and call option agreement representing 20% of the total outstanding noncontrolling equity interest of that subsidiary may be exercised at the discretion of the noncontrolling interest holder by providing written notice to the Company beginning in 2026 and expiring in 2028. The redemption value of the put and call option agreement is based on a multiple of the majority-owned subsidiary’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization subject to certain adjustments. The noncontrolling interest is subject to a put option that is outside of the Company’s control and is presented as redeemable noncontrolling interest in the temporary equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company recorded its redeemable noncontrolling interest at fair value on the date of the related business combination transaction and recognizes changes in the redemption value at the end of each reporting period. As part of the ASL Transaction, the Companyno longer has a carrying value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest as of December 31, 2023.
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interest for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, are as follows:
| (in thousands) | |
|---|---|
| Balance at January 1, 2022 | $1,893 |
| Fair value at acquisition | 1,987 |
| Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | 215 |
| Dividend distribution | (223) |
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | (126) |
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | 3,746 |
| Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | 301 |
| Dividend distribution | (154) |
| Deconsolidation of subsidiaries | (3,912) |
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | 19 |
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $— |
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company, through its then majority owned international joint venture, acquired one sales business which included a put option exercisable by the 20% shareholder that allowed such shareholder to sell its 20% noncontrolling interest to the Company for a multiple of the acquired subsidiary’s adjusted earnings. As the put option was outside of the Company’s control, the estimated value of the 20% noncontrolling interest was presented as a redeemable noncontrolling interest outside of permanent equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest and put option at the acquisition date was valued based on a mix of the income approach for determining the value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest and market approach for determining the most advantageous redemption point for the put option using a Monte Carlo simulation method. The fair value assigned to this interest was estimated using Level 3 inputs based on unobservable inputs. As part of the ASL Transaction, the Company no longer has a carrying value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest as of December 31, 2023.
- Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
The Company is involved in various legal matters that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Some of these legal matters purport or may be determined to be class and/or representative actions, or seek substantial damages, or penalties. The Company has accrued amounts in connection with certain legal matters, including with respect to certain of the matters described below. There can be no assurance, however, that these accruals will be sufficient to cover such matters or other legal matters or that such matters or other legal matters will not materially or adversely affect the Company’s financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.
Employment Matters
The Company has also been involved in various litigation, including purported class or representative actions with respect to matters arising under the California Labor Code and Private Attorneys General Act. The Company has retained outside counsel to represent it in these matters and is vigorously defending its interests.
Commercial Matters
The Company has also been involved in various litigation matters and arbitrations with respect to commercial matters arising with clients, vendors and third-party sellers of businesses. The Company has retained outside counsel to represent it in these matters and is vigorously defending its interests.
Legal Matters Related to Take 5
The Company voluntarily disclosed to the United States Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation certain misconduct occurring at Take 5, a line of business that the Company closed in July 2019. The Company intends to cooperate in this and any other governmental investigations that may arise in connection with the Take 5 Matter. At this time, the Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of any investigation related to the Take 5 Matter and is unable to estimate the potential impact such an investigation may have on the Company. In August 2019, as a result of the Take 5 Matter, the Company provided a written indemnification claim notice to the sellers of Take 5 (the “Take 5 Sellers”) seeking monetary damages (including interest, fees and costs) based on allegations of breach of the asset purchase agreement (the “Take 5 APA”), as well as fraud. The Company and the Take 5 Sellers engaged in arbitration proceedings. In October 2022, the arbitrator made a final award in the Company’s favor. The Company is actively pursuing the collection of this award in state court in Florida. The Company is currently unable to estimate if or when it will be able to collect any amounts associated with this arbitration. The Take 5 Matter may result in additional litigation against the Company, including lawsuits from clients, or governmental investigations, which may expose the Company to potential liability in excess of the amounts being offered by the Company as refunds to Take 5 clients. The Company is currently unable to determine the amount of any potential liability, costs or expenses (above the amounts already being offered as refunds) that may result from any lawsuits or investigations associated with the Take 5 Matter or determine whether any such issues will have any future material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, liquidity, or results of operations. Although the Company has insurance covering certain liabilities, the Company cannot assure that the insurance will be sufficient to cover any potential liability or expenses associated with the Take 5 Matter.
Surety Bonds
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is required to provide financial commitments in the form of surety bonds to third parties as a guarantee of its performance on and its compliance with certain obligations. If the Company were to fail to perform or comply with these obligations, any draws upon surety bonds issued on its behalf would then trigger the Company’s payment obligation to the surety bond issuer. The Company has outstanding surety bonds issued for its benefit of $16.0 million as of December 31, 2023, and 2022.
- Subsequent Events
In January 2024, the Company entered into an agreement and sold its collection of foodservice businesses, most notably Wayp oint. The Company received approximately $91.0 million in cash proceeds, less estimated working capital adjustments and an ongoing 7.5% stake in the entity with which the foodservice businesses were combined. The Company is currently in the process of finalizing the accounting for this transaction and has determined that the gain or loss related to this sale is impractical to report as of the date of this filing.
In December 2023, the Company entered into a trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act authorizing the repurchase of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. From January 2, 2024 to February 29, 2024, the Company purchased 3.0 million shares of Class A common stock. No stock repurchases were made pursuant to this plan for the year ended December 31, 2023.
SCHEDULE I
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
| ASSETS | ||
| Investment in subsidiaries | $1,106,029 | $1,124,933 |
| Total assets | $1,106,029 | $1,124,933 |
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||
| Warrant liability | $667 | $953 |
| Total liability | 667 | 953 |
| Equity attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc. | ||
| Common stock $0.0001 par value, 3,290,000,000 shares authorized; 322,235,261 and 319,690,300 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively | 32 | 32 |
| Additional paid-in capital | 3,449,261 | 3,408,836 |
| Accumulated deficit | (2,314,650) | (2,247,109) |
| Loans to Karman Topco L.P. | (6,387) | (6,363) |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (3,945) | (18,849) |
| Common stock in treasury, at cost; 3,600,075 and 1,610,014 shares as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively | (18,949) | (12,567) |
| Total equity attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc. | 1,105,362 | 1,123,980 |
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $1,106,029 | $1,124,933 |
See Notes to Condensed Registrant Only Financial Statements
SCHEDULE I
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Revenues | $— | $— | $— |
| Cost of revenues | — | — | — |
| Selling, general, and administrative expenses | — | — | — |
| Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets | — | — | — |
| Depreciation and amortization | — | — | — |
| Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiaries | — | — | — |
| Loss on divestitures | — | — | — |
| Income from unconsolidated investments | — | — | — |
| Total expenses | — | — | — |
| Operating income | — | — | — |
| Other (income) expenses: | |||
| Change in fair value of warrant liability | (286) | (21,236) | 955 |
| Interest expense, net | — | — | — |
| Total other (income) expenses | (286) | (21,236) | 955 |
| Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in net income of subsidiaries | 286 | 21,236 | (955) |
| Provision for income taxes | — | — | — |
| Net income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries | 286 | 21,236 | (955) |
| Equity in net (loss) income of subsidiaries | (63,544) | (1,401,738) | 55,449 |
| Net (loss) income attributable to subsidiaries | (63,258) | (1,380,502) | 54,494 |
| Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax equity in comprehensive (loss) income of subsidiaries | 5,817 | (14,370) | (5,152) |
| Total comprehensive (loss) income | $(57,441) | $(1,394,872) | $49,342 |
See Notes to Condensed Registrant Only Financial Statements
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED REGISTRANT ONLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- Basis of Presentation
In the registrant company only financial statements, Advantage Solutions Inc.’s (the “Registrant”) investment in subsidiaries is stated at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings of the subsidiaries during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The accompanying condensed registrant company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 12-04, Schedule 1 of Regulation S-X. A condensed statement of cash flows was not presented because Registrant’s operating activities have no cash impact and there were no investing or financing cash flow activities during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021. This information should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
- Debt Restrictions
Pursuant to the terms of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and the Notes discussed in Note 7, Debt, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Registrant’s subsidiaries have restrictions on their ability to pay dividends or make intercompany loans and advances to the Registrant. Since the restricted net assets of the Registrant’s subsidiaries exceed 25% of the consolidated net assets of the Registrant and its subsidiaries, the accompanying condensed registrant company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 12-04, Schedule 1 of Regulation S-X.
Advantage Sales & Marketing Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Borrower”) has obligations under the Term Loan Facility that are guaranteed by Karman Intermediate Corp. (“Holdings”) and all of the Borrower’s direct and indirect wholly owned material U.S. subsidiaries (subject to certain permitted exceptions) and Canadian subsidiaries (subject to certain permitted exceptions, including exceptions based on immateriality thresholds of aggregate assets and revenues of Canadian subsidiaries) (the “Guarantors”). The Term Loan Facility is secured by a lien on substantially all of Holdings’, the Borrower’s and the Guarantors’ assets (subject to certain permitted exceptions). The Term Loan Facility has a first- priority lien on the fixed asset collateral (equal in priority with the liens securing the Notes) and a second-priority lien on the current asset collateral (second in priority to the liens securing the Revolving Credit Facility), in each case, subject to other permitted liens.
The Borrower will be required to prepay the Term Loan Facility with 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales (such percentage subject to reduction based on the achievement of specific first lien net leverage ratios) and subject to certain reinvestment rights,100% of the net cash proceeds of certain debt issuances and 50% of excess cash flow (such percentage subject to reduction based on the achievement of specific first lien net leverage ratios).
The Term Loan Facility contains certain customary negative covenants, including, but not limited to, restrictions on the ability of Holdings and that of its restricted subsidiaries to merge and consolidate with other companies, incur indebtedness, grant liens or security interests on assets, pay dividends or make other restricted payments, sell or otherwise transfer assets or enter into transactions with affiliates.
The Term Loan Facility provides that, upon the occurrence of certain events of default, the Company’s obligations thereunder may be accelerated. Such events of default will include payment defaults to the lenders thereunder, material inaccuracies of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, voluntary and involuntary bankruptcy, insolvency, corporate arrangement, winding-up, liquidation or similar proceedings, material money judgments, change of control and other customary events of default.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.