# Zumiez Inc (ZUMZ) FY 2024 MD&A

Verbatim Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis from Zumiez Inc's 10-K for fiscal year 2024.

SEC filing source: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1318008/000095017024031449/zumz-20240203.htm
Accession: 0000950170-24-031449
Filing date: 2024-03-14
Report date: 2024-02-03
Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary.
Confidence: high

Company profile: /company/ZUMZ/
All MD&A years: /company/ZUMZ/mda/
Previous year: /company/ZUMZ/mda/fy2023/ (FY 2023)
Next year: /company/ZUMZ/mda/fy2025/ (FY 2025)

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis compares the change in the consolidated financial statements for years ended and February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023 and should be read together with our consolidated financial statements, the accompanying notes, and other information included in this Annual Report. In particular, the risk factors contained in Item 1A may reflect trends, demands, commitments, events, or uncertainties that could materially impact our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources. For comparisons of years ended January 28, 2023 and January 29, 2022, see our Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 2 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28,2023, filed with the SEC on March 20, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.

This discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed in the section titled” Risk Factors” and in other parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See also the section titled “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this report.

For Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) related to the year ended January 29, 2022, refer to this same section in our 2022 annual report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 20, 2023.

Fiscal 2023—A Review of This Past Year

After achieving record sales in fiscal 2021, we have now experienced two challenging years in a row. Though we ended the year down 8.6% in net sales, the sales trends improved each quarter throughout the year with sales down 17.1% in the first quarter, down 11.6% in the second quarter, down 8.9% in the third quarter, and turned positive in the fourth quarter with growth of 0.6% inclusive of the 53rd week. Overall consolidated sales were down low single digits for the quarter excluding the 53rd week.While inflation declined throughout the first half 2023 and moderated for the last half of the year, the multi-year inflationary impact on consumer discretionary income, particularly with our younger customer base, negatively affected sales. This coupled with higher competition for the discretionary dollar with consumers appearing to favor experiences vs. apparel and negative trends in the business around areas like Skate had a material impact on our results. The improvement in year-over-year sales trends throughout fiscal 2023 reflects positive momentum in emerging brands on the men’s side of the business as the men’s category had positive sales growth both in the back to school weeks of the third quarter and the entire fourth quarter. We are also beginning to see some of the more difficult categories over the past two years become less of a negative impact on total sales growth as we reach lower levels of sales and continue to try new things in these categories.

In fiscal year 2023, product margin declined 70 basis points from the prior year, while fiscal 2022 had declined 80 basis points from fiscal 2021. The decline of 150 basis points in product margin over the past two years was driven largely by the difficult sales environment which necessitated discounting to maintain a healthy inventory position. In a more normalized sales environment, we believe that we can begin to recover and continue to grow product margins through existing initiatives in the business over time. In addition to the decline of 70 basis points in product margin in fiscal 2023, the 8.6% decrease in net sales created deleverage of other significant fixed costs included in gross margin such as occupancy and merchandising expenses, resulting in a decrease of 180 basis points in total Gross Margin from the prior year. Selling General and Administrative costs increased 17.7% in fiscal year 2023 inclusive of a one-time goodwill impairment charge of $41.1 million which represented 14.0% of the total growth for these expenses during the year. Our loss per share in fiscal 2023 of $3.25 includes a one-time goodwill impairment charge worth $2.14 cents per share was down from earnings per share in fiscal 2022 of $1.08.

As a leading global lifestyle retailer, we continue to differentiate ourselves through our distinctive brand offering and diverse product selection, as well as the unique customer experience across all our platforms. We remain committed to serving the customer launching nearly 200 new brands in 2023, continuing to focus on our localized fulfillment platform that provides substantial improvements in the speed of delivery to our customers and connecting with our customers in a unique way through our events and digital communications.

27

The following table shows net sales, operating (loss) profit, operating margin and diluted (loss) earnings per share for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022:

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","","Fiscal 2023","","","Fiscal 2022","","","% Change"],["Net sales (in thousands) (1)","","$","875,486","","","$","958,380","","","","-8.6","%"],["Operating profit (in thousands)","","$","(64,789",")","","$","31,100","","","","-308.3","%"],["Operating margin","","","-7.4","%","","","3.2","%"],["Diluted earnings per share","","$","(3.25",")","","$","1.08","","","","-400.9","%"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

(1)
The decrease in net sales was primarily driven by continued inflationary pressures on the consumer, continued challenges in competition for the discretionary dollar, and tougher trends in certain categories of our business. The decrease in net sales resulted from a decrease in transactions, partially offset by an increase in dollars per transaction. The increase in dollars per transaction was driven by an increase in average unit retail, partially offset by a decrease in units per transaction. For the year, all categories were down in comparable sales to the prior year. The footwear category was our largest declining category followed by women’s, accessories, hardgoods and men’s.

Fiscal 2024—A Look At the Upcoming Year

In fiscal 2024, our focus will continue to be serving the customer with strategic investments focused on enhancing the customer experience while growing sales and market share to create operational efficiencies to drive long-term operating margin expansion. Though the last two years have been challenging, the balance sheet remains strong with $171.6 million in current cash and marketable securities at the end of fiscal 2023. We were able to minimize the decrease in current cash and marketable securities through this difficult sales cycle with diligent expense management and a reduction in inventory of 4.4% from fiscal 2022. We believe we have the balance sheet to manage through potential difficulties, while also investing strategically in important long-term initiatives and returning value to our shareholders.

Following a difficult sales and earnings cycle through fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023, the macro-economic environment in 2024 is unclear. While inflation is moderating from the peaks in 2022 and early 2023, the impact of multiple years of compounding growth in the cost of consumer goods continues to put pressure on the discretionary income of our customer base. Comparing fiscal 2023 quarterly performance to pre-pandemic fiscal 2019 which had more typical seasonality throughout the year, our sales in fiscal 2023 stabilized, but remained below 2019 levels. As we move through 2024, our focus will be to grow sales by building on the momentum we are seeing in emerging brands within the Men’s category during 2023, and continuing to showcase our growing private label offering while also testing new brands to drive sales growth across all of our categories. We also believe that we can achieve product margin expansion while also diligently controlling spending to drive back to profitability. As we turn our attention to same store sales, we plan to pull back on new unit growth, slowing new store openings to 10 throughout the year with our largest percentage decline in Europe as we focus on the profitability of the region and driving cash flow. From a total store count perspective, we expect to end 2024 with less stores than we had at the end of 2023 as we pair back underperforming stores. With our relentless focus on the customer, we believe we can win in our space as we move through the year despite significant macro challenges to the business.

General

Net sales constitute gross sales, net of actual and estimated returns and deductions for promotions, and shipping revenue. Net sales include our store sales and our ecommerce sales. We record the sale of gift cards as a current liability and recognize revenue when a customer redeems a gift card. Additionally, the portion of gift cards that will not be redeemed (“gift card breakage”) is recognized based on our historical redemption rate in proportion to the pattern of rights exercised by the customer.

28

We report “comparable sales” based on net sales beginning on the first anniversary of the first day of operation of a new store or ecommerce business. We operate a sales strategy that integrates our stores with our ecommerce platform. There is significant interaction between our store sales and our ecommerce sales channels and we believe that they are utilized in tandem to serve our customers. Therefore, our comparable sales also include our ecommerce sales. Changes in our comparable sales between two periods are based on net sales of store or ecommerce business which were in operation during both of the two periods being compared and, if a store or ecommerce business is included in the calculation of comparable sales for only a portion of one of the two periods being compared, then that store or ecommerce business is included in the calculation for only the comparable portion of the other period. Any increase or decrease less than 25% in square footage of an existing comparable store, including remodels and relocations within the same mall, or temporary closures less than seven days does not eliminate that store from inclusion in the calculation of comparable sales. Any store or ecommerce business that we acquire will be included in the calculation of comparable sales after the first anniversary of the acquisition date. Current year foreign exchange rates are applied to both current year and prior year comparable sales to achieve a consistent basis for comparison. There may be variations in the way in which some of our competitors and other apparel retailers calculate comparable sales. As a result, data herein regarding our comparable sales may not be comparable to similar data made available by our competitors or other retailers.

Cost of goods sold consists of branded merchandise costs and our private label merchandise costs including design, sourcing, importing and inbound freight costs. Our cost of goods sold also includes shrinkage, buying, occupancy, ecommerce fulfillment, distribution and warehousing costs (including associated depreciation) and freight costs for store merchandise transfers. This may not be comparable to the way in which our competitors or other retailers compute their cost of goods sold. Cash consideration received from vendors is reported as a reduction of cost of goods sold if the inventory has sold, a reduction of the carrying value of the inventory if the inventory is still on hand, or a reduction of selling, general and administrative expense if the amounts are reimbursements of specific, incremental and identifiable costs of selling the vendors’ products.

With respect to the freight component of our ecommerce sales, amounts billed to our customers are included in net sales and the related freight cost is charged to cost of goods sold.

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of store personnel wages and benefits, administrative staff and infrastructure expenses, freight costs for merchandise shipments from the distribution centers to the stores, store supplies, depreciation on fixed assets at our home office and stores, facility expenses, training expenses and advertising and marketing costs. Credit card fees, insurance, public company expenses, legal expenses, amortization of intangibles, and other miscellaneous operating costs are also included in selling, general and administrative expenses. This may not be comparable to the way in which our competitors or other retailers compute their selling, general and administrative expenses.

Key Performance Indicators

Our management evaluates the following items, which we consider key performance indicators, in assessing our performance:

Net sales. Net sales constitute gross sales, net of sales returns and deductions for promotions, and shipping revenue. Net sales includes comparable sales and new store sales for all our store and ecommerce businesses. We consider net sales to be an important indicator of our current performance. Net sales results are important to achieve leveraging of our costs, including store payroll and store occupancy. Net sales also have a direct impact on our operating profit, cash and working capital.

Gross profit. Gross profit measures whether we are optimizing the price and inventory levels of our merchandise. Gross profit is the difference between net sales and cost of goods sold. Any inability to obtain acceptable levels of initial markups or any significant increase in our use of markdowns could have an adverse effect on our gross profit and results of operations.

29

Operating profit. We view operating profit as a key indicator of our success. Operating profit is the difference between gross profit and selling, general and administrative expenses. The key drivers of operating profit are net sales, gross profit, our ability to control selling, general and administrative expenses and our level of capital expenditures affecting depreciation expense.

Diluted earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding during the period. We view diluted earnings per share as a key indicator of our success in increasing shareholder value.

Results of Operations

The following table presents selected items on the consolidated statements of (loss) income as a percent of net sales:

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","","Fiscal 2023","","","Fiscal 2022","","","Fiscal 2021"],["Net sales","","","100.0","%","","","100.0","%","","","100.0","%"],["Cost of goods sold","","","67.9","%","","","66.1","%","","","61.4","%"],["Gross profit","","","32.1","%","","","33.9","%","","","38.6","%"],["Selling, general and administrative expenses","","","39.5","%","","","30.7","%","","","25.3","%"],["Operating profit","","","-7.4","%","","","3.2","%","","","13.3","%"],["Interest and other income, net","","","0.3","%","","","0.2","%","","","0.3","%"],["Earnings before income taxes","","","-7.1","%","","","3.4","%","","","13.6","%"],["Provision for income taxes","","","0.1","%","","","1.2","%","","","3.5","%"],["Net income","","","-7.2","%","","","2.2","%","","","10.1","%"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

Fiscal 2023 Results Compared With Fiscal 2022

Net Sales

Net sales were $875.5 million for fiscal 2023 compared to $958.4 million for fiscal 2022, a decrease of $82.9 million or 8.6%. The decrease in sales was primarily driven by continued inflationary pressures on the consumer, continued challenges in competition for the discretionary dollar, and tougher trends in certain categories of our business.

The decrease in net sales included a decrease in transactions, partially offset by an increase in dollars per transaction. The increase in dollars per transaction was driven by an increase in average unit retail, partially offset by a decrease in units per transaction. For the year, the footwear category was our largest declining category followed by women’s, accessories, hardgoods and men’s.

By region, North America sales decreased $104.7 million or -13.1% and other international sales increased $21.8 million or 14.0% during fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. Net sales for the year ended February 3, 2024 included a $2.5 million increase due to the change in foreign exchange rates, which consisted of $4.7 million in Europe, which was offset by decrease of $1.2 million in Canada, and decrease of $1.1 million in Australia. Excluding the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, North America sales decreased $103.5 million or -12.9% and other international sales increased $18.2 million or 11.8% during fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022.

Gross Profit

Gross profit was $280.9 million for fiscal 2023 compared to $324.7 million for fiscal 2022, a decrease of $43.8 million, or 13.5%. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased 180 basis points in fiscal 2023 to 32.1%, as we saw significant deleverage on lower sales across our fixed costs as well as rate increases in numerous areas. The decrease was primarily driven by a 130 basis points deleverage in store occupancy costs and, 70 basis points decrease in product margin. These decreases were partially offset by a 20 basis points of efficiencies in distribution costs.

30

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $345.7 million for fiscal 2023 compared to $293.6 million for fiscal 2022, an increase of $52.1 million, or 17.7%. SG&A expenses as a percent of net sales increased 880 basis points in fiscal 2023 to 39.5%. The increase was primarily driven by 470 basis points due to impairment of goodwill worth $41.1 million, 180 basis points due to store wages tied to both deleverage on lower sales as well as rate increase that we could not offset by management of hours, 110 basis points due to store costs not tied to wages primarily impacted by deleverage on lower sales, 80 basis points in corporate costs, and 60 basis points in non-store wages. These increases were partially offset by a 20 basis points decrease in training events.

Net (Loss) Income

Net loss for fiscal 2023 was $62.6 million, or $3.25 per diluted share, compared with net income of $21.0 million, or $1.08 per diluted share, for fiscal 2022. Our effective income tax rate for fiscal 2023 was -1.2% compared to 35.2% for fiscal 2022. The change in effective income tax rate for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 was primarily related to an increase in foreign losses in certain jurisdictions, including Blue Tomato goodwill impairment, which are subject to a valuation allowance. Due to cumulative and ongoing foreign losses in such jurisdictions, the realization of such deferred tax assets is uncertain and thus subject to a valuation allowance. The increase in the valuation allowance in fiscal 2023 resulted in $12.3 million of income tax expense when compared to fiscal 2022 of $3.0 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our cash requirements are subject to change as business conditions warrant and opportunities arise. Our primary uses of cash are for operational expenditures, inventory purchases, common stock repurchases and capital investments, including new stores, store remodels, store relocations, store fixtures and ongoing infrastructure improvements. Historically, our main source of liquidity has been cash flows from operations.

The significant components of our working capital are inventories and liquid assets such as cash, cash equivalents, current marketable securities and receivables, reduced by accounts payable and accrued expenses. Our working capital position benefits from the fact that we generally collect cash from sales to customers the same day or within several days of the related sale, while we typically have longer payment terms with our vendors.

At February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023, cash, cash equivalents and current marketable securities were $171.6 million and $173.5 million. Working capital, the excess of current assets over current liabilities, was $182.5 million at the end of fiscal 2023, a decrease of 6.1% from $194.4 million at the end of fiscal 2022. The decrease in cash, cash equivalents and current marketable securities in fiscal 2023 was due primarily to cash provided by operating activities of $14.8 million, partially offset by capital expenditures of $20.3 million primarily related to the opening of 19 new stores and 4 remodels and relocations.

The following table summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities (in thousands):

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","","Fiscal 2023","","","Fiscal 2022","","","Fiscal 2021"],["Total cash (used in) provided by"],["Operating activities","","$","14,755","","","$","(379",")","","$","134,950"],["Investing activities","","","(8,548",")","","","54,209","","","","101,643"],["Financing activities","","","704","","","","(87,257",")","","","(191,409",")"],["Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents","","","(1,080",")","","","(2,172",")","","","(1,822",")"],["Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash","","$","5,831","","","$","(35,599",")","","$","43,362"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

31

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $15.1 million in fiscal 2023 to $14.8 million cash provided by operating activities from $0.4 million cash used in operating activities in fiscal 2022. Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $135.3 million in fiscal 2022 to $0.4 million cash used in operating activities from $135.0 million cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2021. Our operating cash flows result primarily from cash received from our customers, offset by cash payments we make for inventory, employee compensation, store occupancy expenses and other operational expenditures. Cash received from our customers generally corresponds to our net sales. Because our customers primarily use credit and debit cards or cash to buy from us, our receivables from customers settle quickly. Changes to our operating cash flows have historically been driven primarily by changes in operating income, which is impacted by changes to non-cash items such as depreciation, impairment, amortization and accretion, deferred taxes, and changes to the components of working capital.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $8.5 million in fiscal 2023 related to $20.4 million of capital expenditures primarily for new store openings and existing store remodels or relocations primarily offset by $11.7 million in net sales of marketable securities. Net cash provided by investing activities was $54.2 million in fiscal 2022 related to $79.8 million in net sales of marketable securities and $25.6 million of capital expenditures primarily for new store openings and existing store remodels or relocations. Net cash provided by investing activities was $101.6 million in fiscal 2021 related to $117.4 million in net sales of marketable securities and $15.7 million of capital expenditures primarily for new store openings and existing store remodels or relocations.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2023 was $0.7 million related to proceeds from the issuance and exercise of stock-based awards. Net cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2022 was $87.3 million related to $87.9 million used in the repurchase of common stock and $0.5 million in payments for tax withholding obligations upon vesting of restricted stock partially offset by $1.1 million in proceeds from the issuance and exercise of stock-based awards. Net cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2021 was $191.4 million related to $193.8 million used in the repurchase of common stock and $0.6 million in payments on tax withholding obligation upon vesting of restricted stock partially offset by $3.0 million in proceeds from the issuance and exercise of stock-based awards.

Capital Expenditures

Our capital requirements include construction and fixture costs related to the opening of new stores and remodel and relocation expenditures for existing stores. Future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including the pace of new store openings, the availability of suitable locations for new stores and the nature of arrangements negotiated with landlords. In that regard, our net investment to open a new store has varied significantly in the past due to a number of factors, including the geographic location and size of the new store, and is likely to vary significantly in the future.

During fiscal 2023, we spent $20.4 million on capital expenditures which consisted of $8.1 million of costs related to investment in 19 new stores and 4 remodeled or relocated stores, $8.0 million associated with improvements to our websites and $4.3 million in other improvements.

During fiscal 2022, we spent $25.6 million on capital expenditures which consisted of $13.8 million of costs related to investment in 32 new stores and 2 remodeled or relocated stores, $6.6 million associated with improvements to our websites and $5.2 million in other improvements.

During fiscal 2021, we spent $15.7 million on capital expenditures which consisted of $11.5 million of costs related to investment in 23 new stores and 3 remodeled or relocated stores, $1.1 million associated with improvements to our websites and $3.1 million in other improvements.

32

In fiscal 2024, we expect to spend approximately $14 million to $16 million on capital expenditures, a majority of which will relate to leasehold improvements and fixtures for the approximately 10 new stores we plan to open in fiscal 2024 and remodels or relocations of existing stores. There can be no assurance that the number of stores that we actually open in fiscal 2024 will not be different from the number of stores we plan to open, or that actual fiscal 2024 capital expenditures will not differ from this expected amount.

Other Material Cash Requirements

Our material cash requirements include the following contractual and other obligations: (1) purchase obligations (for additional information, see Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements); (2) supply and service arrangements entered in the normal course of business; (3) operating lease payments (for additional information, see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements); and (4) employee wages, benefits, and incentives; (5) commitments for capital expenditures; and (6) tax payables. Moreover, we may be subject to additional material cash requirements that are contingent upon the occurrence of certain events, e.g., legal contingencies, uncertain tax positions, and other matters.

At February 3, 2024, we did not have any “off-balance sheet arrangements,” as defined in relevant SEC regulations that are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Sources of Liquidity

Our most significant sources of liquidity continue to be funds generated by operating activities and available cash, cash equivalents and current marketable securities. We expect these sources of liquidity and available borrowings under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to meet our foreseeable cash requirements for operations and planned capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months. Beyond this time frame, if cash flows from operations are not sufficient to meet our capital requirements, then we will be required to obtain additional equity or debt financing in the future. However, there can be no assurance that equity or debt financing will be available to us when we need it or, if available, that the terms will be satisfactory to us and not dilutive to our then-current shareholders.

As of February 3, 2024, we maintained a secured credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., which provided us with a senior secured credit facility (“credit facility”) of up to $25.0 million through December 1, 2024. The credit facility is available for working capital and other general corporate purposes. The credit facility provides for the issuance of standby letters of credit in an amount not to exceed $17.5 million outstanding at any time and with a term not to exceed 365 days beyond the maturity of the credit facility. The commercial line of credit provides for the issuance of commercial letters of credit in an amount not to exceed $10.0 million and with terms not to exceed 120 days beyond the maturity of the credit facility. The credit facility will mature on December 1, 2024. The credit facility is secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all personal property (but not the real property) of the borrowers and guarantors. There were no borrowings or open commercial letters of credit outstanding under the secured credit facility at February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023. We had $3.5 million and $0.6 million in issued, but undrawn, standby letters of credit at February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023, respectively.

On November 30, 2023, we entered a third amendment to our credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The amendment, among other things, (a) amended the credit limit to $25 million through December 1, 2024; (b) amended the EBITDA covenant to not less than $9 million for the quarter ending October 28, 2023, not less than $2.5 million for the quarter ending February 3, 2024, not less than $9 million in the quarter ending May 4, 2024, not less than $12 million for the quarter ending August 3, 2024, and not less than $20 million for the quarter ending November 2, 2024; (c) amended the borrowing rate to SOFR plus 1.75% per annum; (d) introduced an unused commitment fee of 0.50% per annum; and (e) disallows distribution of dividends or execution of stock buybacks through December 1, 2024 without bank approval.

33

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In connection with the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, we are required to make assumptions and estimates about future events, and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and the related disclosures. We base our assumptions, estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors that we believe to be relevant at the time our consolidated financial statements are prepared. On a regular basis, we review the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that our consolidated financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with U.S. GAAP. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.

Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements found in Part IV Item 15 of this Form 10-K. We believe that the following accounting estimates involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have had or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["Description","","Judgments and Uncertainties","","","Effect If Actual Results Differ From Assumptions"],["Valuation of Merchandise Inventories"],["We value our inventory at the lower of average cost or net realizable value through the establishment of write-down and inventory loss reserves. Our write-down reserve represents the excess of the carrying value over the amount we expect to realize from the ultimate sales or other disposal of the inventory. Write-downs establish a new cost basis for our inventory. Subsequent changes in facts or circumstances do not result in the restoration of previously recorded write-downs or an increase in that newly established cost basis.Our inventory loss reserve represents anticipated physical inventory losses (\u201cshrinkage reserve\u201d) that have occurred since the last physical inventory.","","Our write-down reserve contains uncertainties because the calculation requires management to make assumptions based on the current rate of sales, the age and profitability of inventory and other factors.Our shrinkage reserve contains uncertainties because the calculation requires management to make assumptions and to apply judgment regarding a number of factors, including historical percentages that can be affected by changes in merchandise mix and changes in actual shrinkage trends.","","","We have not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to calculate our write-down and shrinkage reserves in the past three fiscal years. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates we use to calculate our inventory reserves. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates, we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material. Our inventory reserves have decreased by $0.3 million in fiscal 2023.A 10% decrease in the sales price of our inventory at February 3, 2024 would have decreased net income by $0.7 million in fiscal 2023.A 10% increase in actual physical inventory shrinkage rate at February 3, 2024 would have decreased net income by less than $0.1 million in fiscal 2023."]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

34

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["Description","","Judgments and Uncertainties","","","Effect If Actual Results Differ From Assumptions"],["Valuation of Long-Lived Assets"],["We review the carrying value of our long-lived assets, including fixed assets and operating lease right-of-use assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is determined by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by comparing the fair value of the asset to the asset carrying value.","","Events that may result in an impairment include the decision to close a store or facility or a significant decrease in the operating performance of a long-lived asset group. Our impairment calculations contain uncertainties because they require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate future cash flows and asset fair values, including forecasting future sales, gross profit, operating expenses, or sub-lease income. In addition to historical results, current trends and initiatives, and long-term macro-economic and industry factors are qualitatively considered. Additionally, management seeks input from store operations related to local economic conditions, including the impact of closures of selected co-tenants who occupy the mall.","","","We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions we use to calculate long-lived asset impairment losses. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions, our operating results could be adversely affected. Declines in projected cash flow of the assets could result in impairment. We recognized impairment losses of $2.9 million related to long-lived assets in fiscal 2023. A 10 basis point decrease in forecasted sales assumptions would have resulted in an additional impairment charge of $0.1 million in fiscal 2023."],["Right-of-use Assets and Lease Liabilities We determine if a contract contains a lease at inception. Our operating leases primarily consist of retail store locations, distribution centers and corporate office space. We do not have any material leases, individually or in the aggregate, classified as a finance leasing arrangement. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term, net of lease incentives received and initial direct costs paid. Our retail store leases are generally for an initial period of 5-10 years, with some of our international leases structured to include renewal options at our election. We include renewal options that we are reasonably certain to exercise in the measurement of our lease liabilities and right-of-use assets.","","Significant judgment is required in determining our incremental borrowing rate and the expected lease term, both of which impact the determination of lease classification and the present value of lease payments. Generally, our lease contracts do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate and, therefore, we use an estimated incremental borrowing rate as of the lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The estimated incremental borrowing rate reflects considerations such as market rates for our outstanding collateralized debt and interpolations of rates for leases with terms that differ from our outstanding debt. Our lease terms include option periods to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that those options will be exercised, which is generally through an initial period of 5-10 years.","","","We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions we use to calculate right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. Given the significant operating lease assets and liabilities recorded, changes in the estimates made by management or the underlying assumptions could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Total undiscounted future payments for lease liabilities were $256.4 million at February 3, 2024. If the incremental borrowing rate increased 10 basis points from the rate in effect at February 3, 2024, the lease liability balance would decrease by $0.2 million."]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

35

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["Description","","Judgments and Uncertainties","","","Effect If Actual Results Differ From Assumptions"],["Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized upon purchase at our retail store locations. For our ecommerce sales, revenue is recognized upon shipment to the customer. Revenue is recorded net of sales returns and deductions for promotions.Revenue is not recorded on the sale of gift cards. We record the sale of gift cards as a current liability and recognize revenue when a customer redeems a gift card. Additionally, the portion of gift cards that will not be redeemed (\u201cgift card breakage\u201d) is recognized in proportion of the patterns used by the customer based on our historical redemption patterns.","","Our revenue recognition accounting methodology contains uncertainties because it requires management to make assumptions regarding future sales returns and the amount and timing of gift cards projected to be redeemed by gift card recipients. Our estimate of the amount and timing of sales returns and gift cards to be redeemed is based primarily on historical experience.","","","We have not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to measure future sales returns or gift card breakage in the past three fiscal years. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to recognize revenue. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material. Our sales return reserve has decreased by $0.1 million in fiscal 2023. A 10% increase in our sales return reserve at February 3, 2024 would have decreased net income by $0.3 million in fiscal 2023. Our gift card breakage reserve has increased by $1.8 million in fiscal 2023. A 1% increase in the estimated gift card redemption rate would have decreased net income by $0.1 million in fiscal 2023."],["Accounting for Income Taxes"],["As part of the process of preparing the consolidated financial statements, income taxes are estimated for each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating actual current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included on the consolidated balance sheets. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.We regularly evaluate the likelihood of realizing the benefit for income tax positions we have taken in various federal, state and foreign filings by considering all relevant facts, circumstances and information available to us. If we believe it is more likely than not that our position will be sustained, we recognize a benefit at the largest amount that we believe is cumulatively greater than 50% likely to be realized.","","Significant judgment is required in evaluating our tax positions and determining our provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. For example, our effective tax rates could be adversely affected by earnings being lower than anticipated in jurisdictions where we have lower statutory rates and higher than anticipated in jurisdictions where we have higher statutory rates. The assessment of whether we will realize the value of our deferred tax assets requires estimates and judgments related to amount and timing of future taxable income. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Additionally, changes in the relevant tax, accounting and other laws, regulations, principles and interpretations may adversely affect financial results.","","","Although management believes that the income tax related judgments and estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ and we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material.At February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023, we had valuation allowances on our deferred tax assets of $25 million and $12.8 million, respectively. Significant changes in performance or estimated taxable income may result in a change in our assessment of the valuation allowance. Upon income tax audit, any unfavorable tax settlement generally would require use of our cash and may result in an increase in our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution. A favorable tax settlement may be recognized as a reduction in our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution."]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

36

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["Description","","Judgments and Uncertainties","","","Effect If Actual Results Differ From Assumptions"],["Accounting for Contingencies"],["We are subject to various claims and contingencies related to lawsuits, insurance, regulatory and other matters arising out of the normal course of business. We accrue a liability if the likelihood of an adverse outcome is probable and the amount is estimable. If the likelihood of an adverse outcome is only reasonably possible (as opposed to probable), or if an estimate is not determinable, we provide disclosure of a material claim or contingency.","","Significant judgment is required in evaluating our claims and contingencies, including determining the probability that a liability has been incurred and whether such liability is reasonably estimable. The estimated accruals for claims and contingencies are made based on the best information available, which can be highly subjective.","","","Although management believes that the contingency related judgments and estimates are reasonable, our accrual for claims and contingencies could fluctuate as additional information becomes known, thereby creating variability in our results of operations from period to period. Additionally, actual results could differ and we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material. See Note 11, \u201cCommitments and Contingencies,\u201d in the Notes to the consolidated financial statements found in Part IV Item 15 of this Form 10-K."],["Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets"],["We assess goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if indicators of impairment arise. We perform this analysis at the reporting unit level. We have an option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we choose not to perform the qualitative test or we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, we compare the carrying value of the reporting unit to its estimated fair value, which is based on the perspective of a market-participant. If the fair value of the reporting unit is lower than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded for the amount in which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value.","","The goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment tests require management to make assumptions and judgments. Our quantitative goodwill analysis of fair value is determined using a combination of the income and market approaches. Key assumptions in the income approach include estimating future cash flows, long-term growth rates and weighted average cost of capital. Our ability to realize the future cash flows used in our fair value calculations is affected by factors such as changes in economic conditions, operating performance and our business strategies. Key assumptions in the market approach include identifying companies and transactions with comparable business factors, such as earnings growth, profitability, business and financial risk. The fair value of the trade names and trademarks is determined using the relief from royalty method, which requires assumptions including forecasting future sales, discount rates and royalty rates.","","","Based on the results of our annual impairment test for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, an impairment was recorded related to the goodwill from Blue Tomato acquisition of $41.1 million. No impairment was recorded for indefinite-lived intangible assets. If actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, or there are significant changes in any of these estimates, projections and assumptions, could have a material effect of the fair value of these assets in future measurement periods and result in an additional impairment, which could materially affect our results of operations. See Note 7 Goodwill and Intangible Assets for the details of the impairment."]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements found in Part IV Item 15 of this Form 10-K.

37
