Leslie’s, Inc. Announces Second Quarter Fiscal 2022 Financial Results; Raises Full Year Outlook


  • Record second quarter sales of $228.1 million, an increase of 18.5% from the prior year period; Comparable sales growth of 13.3%
  • Net loss of $(7.4) million compared to $(6.5) million in the prior year period; Adjusted net loss of $(2.7) million compared to $(2.8) million in the prior year period
  • Diluted earnings per share of $(0.04) compared to $(0.03) in the prior period and Adjusted diluted earnings per share remained consistent at $(0.01) compared to the prior year period
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $8.7 million compared to $9.5 million in the prior year period
  • Raises Fiscal 2022 sales outlook by $85 million, gross profit by $38 million, Adjusted EBITDA by $18 million, and Adjusted earnings per share by $0.06

PHOENIX, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leslie's, Inc. ("Leslie's", "we”, "our” or "its”; NASDAQ: LESL), the largest and most trusted direct-to-consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry, today announced its financial results for the second quarter of Fiscal 2022.

Mike Egeck, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are very pleased to report fiscal second quarter results that exceeded our expectations on the top and bottom line despite the comparison against the unprecedented 'Texas Freeze' weather driven spike in Q2 demand last year. The non-discretionary, recurring nature of after-market pool industry demand, our team’s strong execution against our strategic growth initiatives, and an advantaged inventory position were all key drivers of our performance."

“We enter pool season ready to meet the needs of our customers with our Leslie’s Connect capabilities, AccuBlue water testing solution and strong in-stock positions. We are raising our outlook for Fiscal 2022 to reflect our outperformance in the second quarter as well as an updated view of inflation and the contribution of M&A activity this year,” Mr. Egeck concluded.

For the Thirteen-Weeks Ended April 2, 2022 Highlights

  • Sales increased $35.7 million, or 18.5%, to $228.1 million compared to $192.4 million in the prior year period. Comparable sales increased 13.3% in the current year period. Comparable sales increased 35.5% in the prior year period, on a shifted based, which uses a realigned period in 2020 for comparability given the 53rd week in Fiscal 2020.
  • Gross profit increased $13.9 million, or 19.5%, to $85.6 million compared to $71.7 million in the prior year period and gross margin increased 30 basis points to 37.5% compared to 37.2% in the prior year period.
  • Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") increased $19.2 million, or 27.3%, to $89.6 million compared to $70.4 million in the prior year period, primarily driven by the sales increase, continued investments to support our growth, and expenses associated with acquisitions completed after the end of the second quarter of Fiscal 2021.
  • Operating loss was $(4.0) million compared to operating income of $1.3 million in the prior year period.
  • Net loss was $(7.4) million compared to $(6.5) million in the prior year period.
  • Adjusted net loss was $(2.7) million compared to $(2.8) million in the prior year period.
  • Diluted earnings per share of $(0.04) compared to $(0.03) in the prior year period. Adjusted diluted earnings per share also remained consistent with the prior year period at $(0.01).
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $8.7 million compared to $9.5 million in the prior year period.

For the Twenty-Six Weeks Ended April 2, 2022 Highlights

  • Sales increased $75.5 million, or 22.4%, to $412.9 million compared to $337.4 million in the prior year period. Comparable sales increased 16.4% in the current year period. Comparable sales increased 31.1% in the prior year period, on a shifted basis, which uses a realigned period in 2020 for comparability given the 53rd week in Fiscal 2020.
  • Gross profit increased $29.5 million, or 23.9%, to $152.9 million compared to $123.4 million in the prior year period and gross margin increased 40 basis points to 37.0% compared to 36.6% in the prior year period.
  • SG&A increased $21.5 million, or 14.6%, to $169.4 million compared to $147.9 million in the prior year period, primarily driven by the sales increase, continued investments to support our growth, and expenses associated with acquisitions completed after the end of the second quarter of Fiscal 2021. During the second quarter of Fiscal 2022, we also incurred lower non-cash equity-based compensation costs of $8.4 million and did not incur certain one-time payments of contractual amounts of $8.2 million, as compared to the prior year period. The elevated costs in Fiscal 2021 were primarily incurred in connection with our initial public offering ("IPO").
  • Operating loss improved by $8.0 million to $(16.5) million compared to $(24.5) million in the prior year period.
  • Net loss improved by $14.8 million to $(21.9) million compared to $(36.7) million in the prior year period.
  • Adjusted net loss was $(13.7) million compared to $(13.4) million in the prior year period.
  • Diluted earnings per share of $(0.12) compared to $(0.20) in the prior year period. Adjusted diluted earnings per share also remained consistent with the prior year period at $(0.07).
  • Adjusted EBITDA improved by $0.5 million to $9.8 million compared to $9.3 million in the prior year period.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Highlights

  • Cash and cash equivalents totaled $52.0 million as of April 2, 2022 compared to $88.7 million as of April 3, 2021, a decrease of $36.7 million.
  • Inventories totaled $345.0 million as of April 2, 2022, compared to $277.9 million as of April 3, 2021, an increase of $67.1 million, or 24.2%, reflecting a continued investment to meet heightened consumer demand.
  • Funded debt totaled $846.9 million as of April 2, 2022, compared to $810.0 million as of April 3, 2021. The total as of April 2, 2022, included $45.0 million borrowed on the revolver and these borrowings were repaid in full subsequent to quarter end. There were no borrowings on the revolver as of April 3, 2021.
  • Net cash used in operating activities totaled $136.8 million during the first six months of Fiscal 2022 compared to $111.8 million during the first six months of Fiscal 2021.
  • Capital expenditures totaled $14.3 million during the first six months of Fiscal 2022 compared to $9.5 million during the first six months of Fiscal 2021.
  • Net cash used for acquisition of businesses totaled $30.0 million during the first six months of Fiscal 2022 compared to $6.0 million during the first six months of Fiscal 2021.
  • During the first six months of Fiscal 2022, we repurchased 7.5 million shares of common stock totaling $151.9 million, excluding offering costs. As of April 2, 2022, $148.1 million remained available under our existing share repurchase authorization.

Fiscal 2022 Outlook

The Company raised its outlook for the full year of Fiscal 2022:

  Current Outlook Prior Outlook
Sales $1,575 to $1,610 million $1,495 to $1,520 million
Gross profit $700 to $715 million $665 to $675 million
Net income $178 to $190 million $170 to $180 million
Adjusted net income $193 to $205 million $183 to $193 million
Adjusted EBITDA $315 to $330 million $300 to $310 million
Adjusted diluted earnings per share $1.02 to $1.10 $0.97 to $1.03
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 187 to 189 million 187 to 189 million

Conference Call Details

A conference call to discuss the Company's financial results for the second quarter of Fiscal 2022 is scheduled for today, Thursday, May 5, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial 877-407-0784 (international callers please dial 1-201-689-8560) approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available online at https://ir.lesliespool.com/.

A recorded replay of the conference call will be available within approximately three hours of the conclusion of the call and can be accessed, along with the associated slides, online at https://ir.lesliespool.com/ for 90 days.

About Leslie's

Founded in 1963, Leslie’s is the largest and most trusted direct-to-consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry. The Company serves the aftermarket needs of residential and professional consumers with an extensive and largely exclusive assortment of essential pool and spa care products. The Company operates an integrated ecosystem of over 950 physical locations, and a robust digital platform, enabling consumers to engage with Leslie’s whenever, wherever, and however they prefer to shop. Its dedicated team of associates, pool and spa care experts, and experienced service technicians are passionate about empowering Leslie’s consumers with the knowledge, products, and solutions necessary to confidently maintain and enjoy their pools and spas.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Operating Measures

In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), we use certain non-GAAP financial measures and other operating measures, including comparable sales growth and Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income (loss), and Adjusted earnings per share, to evaluate the effectiveness of its business strategies, to make budgeting decisions, and to compare its performance against that of other peer companies using similar measures. These non-GAAP financial measures and other operating measures should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for our results as reported under GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures and other operating measures are not calculated in the same manner by all companies, and accordingly, are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies and may not be appropriate measures for performance relative to other companies.

Comparable Sales Growth
We measure comparable sales growth as the increase or decrease in sales recorded by the comparable base in any reporting period, compared to sales recorded by the comparable base in the prior reporting period. The comparable base includes sales through our locations and through our e-commerce websites and third-party marketplaces. Comparable sales growth is a key measure used by management and our board of directors to assess our financial performance.

Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is a key measure used by management and our board of directors to assess our financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA is also frequently used by analysts, investors, and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry, when considered alongside other GAAP measures.

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest (including amortization of debt costs), taxes, depreciation and amortization, management fees, equity-based compensation expense, loss on debt extinguishment, costs related to equity offerings, strategic project costs, executive transition costs, loss (gain) on disposition of assets, mark-to-market on interest rate cap, and other non-recurring, non-cash or discrete items. Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized measure of financial performance under GAAP but is used by some investors to determine a company’s ability to service or incur indebtedness. Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an indicator of a company’s operating performance in isolation from, or as a substitute for, net income, cash flows from operations or cash flow data, all of which are prepared in accordance with GAAP. We have presented Adjusted EBITDA solely as supplemental disclosure because we believe it allows for a more complete analysis of results of operations. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to represent, and should not be considered more meaningful than, or as an alternative to, measures of operating performance as determined in accordance with GAAP. In the future, we may incur expenses or charges such as those included in the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by these items.

Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted Earnings per Share
Adjusted net income (loss) and Adjusted earnings per share are additional key measures used by management and our board of directors to assess our financial performance. Adjusted net income (loss) and Adjusted earnings per share are also frequently used by analysts, investors, and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry, when considered alongside other GAAP measures.

Adjusted net income (loss) is defined as net income (loss) adjusted to exclude management fees, equity-based compensation expense, loss on debt extinguishment, costs related to equity offerings, strategic project costs, executive transition costs, loss (gain) on disposition of assets, mark-to-market on interest rate cap, and other non-recurring, non-cash or discrete items. Adjusted diluted earnings per share is defined as Adjusted net income (loss) divided by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements about us and our industry that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our future results of operations or financial condition, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” or “would” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. Actual results or outcomes could differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including, among others:

  • our ability to execute on our growth strategies;
  • our ability to maintain favorable relationships with suppliers and manufacturers;
  • competition from mass merchants and specialty retailers;
  • impacts on our business from the sensitivity of our business to weather conditions, changes in the economy, and the housing market;
  • our ability to implement technology initiatives that deliver the anticipated benefits, without disrupting our operations;
  • our ability to attract and retain senior management and other qualified personnel;
  • regulatory changes and development affecting our current and future products;
  • our ability to obtain additional capital to finance operations;
  • commodity price inflation and deflation;
  • impacts on our business from the COVID-19 pandemic;
  • impacts on our business from cyber incidents and other security threats or disruptions; and
  • other risks and uncertainties, including those listed in the section titled “Risk Factors” in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

You should not rely on forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We have based the forward-looking statements contained in this press release primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition, and operating results. The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors described above. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. The results, events, and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur, and actual results or outcomes could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this press release. And while we believe that information provides a reasonable basis for these statements, that information may be limited or incomplete. Our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on these statements.

The forward-looking statements made in this press release are based on events or circumstances as of the date on which the statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, or investments.

Contact
Investors
Farah Soi/Caitlin Churchill
ICR
investorrelations@lesl.com

 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
       
  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  April 2, 2022  April 3, 2021  April 2, 2022  April 3, 2021 
Sales $228,072  $192,441  $412,896  $337,447 
Cost of merchandise and services sold  142,443   120,758   259,951   214,049 
Gross profit  85,629   71,683   152,945   123,398 
Selling, general and administrative expenses  89,618   70,374   169,403   147,863 
Operating (loss) income  (3,989)  1,309   (16,458)  (24,465)
Other expense:            
Interest expense  6,949   8,126   13,812   19,642 
Loss on debt extinguishment     1,888      9,169 
Other expenses, net  161   1,057   550   1,057 
Total other expense  7,110   11,071   14,362   29,868 
Loss before taxes  (11,099)  (9,762)  (30,820)  (54,333)
Income tax benefit  (3,659)  (3,310)  (8,929)  (17,624)
Net loss $(7,440) $(6,452) $(21,891) $(36,709)
Earnings per share            
Basic $(0.04) $(0.03) $(0.12) $(0.20)
Diluted $(0.04) $(0.03) $(0.12) $(0.20)
Weighted average shares outstanding            
Basic  182,678   186,810   185,592   181,900 
Diluted  182,678   186,810   185,592   181,900 
                 


 
Other Financial Data(1)
(amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
       
  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  April 2, 2022  April 3, 2021  April 2, 2022  April 3, 2021 
Adjusted EBITDA $8,696  $9,528  $9,792  $9,285 
Adjusted net loss $(2,738) $(2,781) $(13,654) $(13,400)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share $(0.01) $(0.01) $(0.07) $(0.07)

(1)  See section titled “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation”.


 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
          
  April 2, 2022  October 2, 2021  April 3, 2021 
Assets (Unaudited)  (Audited)  (Unaudited) 
Current assets         
Cash and cash equivalents $51,971  $343,498  $88,732 
Accounts and other receivables, net  33,619   38,860   41,733 
Inventories  345,046   198,789   277,860 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  41,240   20,564   40,001 
Total current assets  471,876   601,711   448,326 
Property and equipment, net  70,547   70,335   63,632 
Operating lease right-of-use assets  208,531   212,284   181,581 
Goodwill and other intangibles, net  146,865   129,020   127,851 
Deferred tax assets  2,429   3,734   15,293 
Other assets  29,947   25,148   20,632 
Total assets $930,195  $1,042,232  $857,315 
Liabilities and stockholders’ deficit         
Current liabilities         
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $268,475  $233,597  $262,266 
Operating lease liabilities  61,612   61,071   55,395 
Income taxes payable     6,945    
Current portion of long-term debt  8,100   8,100   8,100 
Total current liabilities  338,187   309,713   325,761 
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent  149,818   160,037   130,496 
Revolving credit facility  45,000       
Long-term debt, net  782,921   786,125   789,339 
Other long-term liabilities     3,915   2,729 
Total liabilities  1,315,926   1,259,790   1,248,325 
Commitments and contingencies         
Stockholders’ deficit         
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized and 182,784,211, 189,821,011, and 186,884,621 issued and outstanding as of April 2, 2022, October 2, 2021, and April 3, 2021, respectively.  183   190   187 
Additional paid in capital  83,074   204,711   194,605 
Retained deficit  (468,988)  (422,459)  (585,802)
Total stockholders’ deficit  (385,731)  (217,558)  (391,010)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit $930,195  $1,042,232  $857,315 
             


 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(amounts in thousands)
(unaudited)
    
  Six Months Ended 
  April 2, 2022  April 3, 2021 
Operating Activities      
Net loss $(21,891) $(36,709)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization  15,817   12,858 
Equity-based compensation  5,535   14,111 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts  986   1,134 
Provision for doubtful accounts  418   64 
Deferred income taxes  1,305   (8,711)
Gain on disposition of assets  118   (1,753)
Loss on debt extinguishment     9,169 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Accounts and other receivables  4,823   (10,316)
Inventories  (132,358)  (127,814)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  (20,306)  (17,095)
Other assets  (4,922)  (6,150)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  26,588   64,007 
Income taxes payable  (6,945)  (1,857)
Operating lease assets and liabilities, net  (5,925)  (2,728)
Net cash used in operating activities  (136,757)  (111,790)
Investing Activities      
Purchases of property and equipment  (14,322)  (9,490)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired  (29,988)  (6,040)
Proceeds from disposition of fixed assets  407   2,404 
Net cash used in investing activities  (43,903)  (13,126)
Financing Activities      
Borrowings on revolving credit facility  45,000    
Repayment of long-term debt  (4,050)  (392,085)
Proceeds from options exercised  329   907 
Repurchase and retirement of common stock  (152,146)  (9,562)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon initial public offering, net     458,587 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities  (110,867)  57,847 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (291,527)  (67,069)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period  343,498   155,801 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $51,971  $88,732 
Supplemental Information:      
Interest $13,325  $27,081 
Income taxes, net of refunds received  7,358   3,998 
         


 
GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation
(amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
       
  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  April 2, 2022  April 3, 2021  April 2, 2022  April 3, 2021 
Net loss $(7,440) $(6,452) $(21,891) $(36,709)
Interest expense  6,949   8,126   13,812   19,642 
Income tax benefit  (3,659)  (3,310)  (8,929)  (17,624)
Depreciation and amortization expense(1)  6,576   6,263   15,817   12,858 
Management fees(2)           382 
Equity-based compensation expense(3)  2,918   1,951   5,712   14,111 
Loss on debt extinguishment(4)     1,888      9,169 
Costs related to equity offerings(5)  161   1,057   550   9,209 
Strategic project costs(6)  2,274      3,787    
Executive transition costs and other(7)  917   5   934   (1,753)
Adjusted EBITDA $8,696  $9,528  $9,792  $9,285 
             
  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  April 2, 2022  April 3, 2021  April 2, 2022  April 3, 2021 
Net loss $(7,440) $(6,452) $(21,891) $(36,709)
Management fees(2)           382 
Equity-based compensation expense(3)  2,918   1,951   5,712   14,111 
Loss on debt extinguishment(4)     1,888      9,169 
Costs related to equity offerings(5)  161   1,057   550   9,209 
Strategic project costs(6)  2,274      3,787    
Executive transition costs and other(7)  917   5   934   (1,753)
Tax effects of these adjustments(8)  (1,568)  (1,230)  (2,746)  (7,809)
Adjusted net loss $(2,738) $(2,781) $(13,654) $(13,400)
             
Diluted earnings per share $(0.04) $(0.03) $(0.12) $(0.20)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share $(0.01) $(0.01) $(0.07) $(0.07)
Weighted average shares outstanding            
Basic  182,678   186,810   185,592   181,900 
Diluted  182,678   186,810   185,592   181,900 

(1)  Includes depreciation related to our distribution centers and locations, which is reported in cost of merchandise and services sold in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
(2)  Represents amounts paid or accrued in connection with our management services agreement, which was terminated upon the completion of our IPO in November 2020 and are reported in SG&A in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
(3)  Represents equity-based compensation and the related Company payroll tax expense which are reported in SG&A in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
(4)  Represents non-cash expense due to the write-off of deferred financing costs primarily related to the term loan modification during the three months ended April 3, 2021 and the repayment of our senior unsecured notes during the six months ended April 3, 2021 which are reported in loss on debt extinguishment in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
(5)  Includes one-time payments of contractual amounts incurred in connection with our IPO that was completed in November 2020 which are reported in SG&A, and costs incurred for follow-on equity offerings in December 2021 which are reported in other expenses, net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
(6)  Represents non-recurring costs, such as third-party consulting costs that are not part of our ongoing operations and are incurred to execute differentiated, strategic projects, and are reported in SG&A in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
(7)  Includes executive transition costs, losses (gains) on disposition of fixed assets, and other non-recurring, non-cash or discrete items as determined by management. Amounts are reported in SG&A and other expenses, net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
(8)  Represents the tax effect of the total adjustments based on our actual statutory tax rate. Amounts are reported in income tax benefit in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Note: A reconciliation of non-GAAP guidance measures to corresponding GAAP measures is not available on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable effort due to the uncertainty of expenses that may be incurred in the future, although it is important to note that these factors could be material to our results computed in accordance with GAAP.