UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 20222023

 

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ________ to __________

 

Commission file number: 001-05869

 

Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter:

SUPERIOR GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC.

 

State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization:

I.R.S. Employer Identification No.:

Florida 

11-1385670

 

Address of principal executive offices:

10055 Seminole Boulevard200 Central Avenue, Suite 2000

Seminole,St. Petersburg, Florida 33772-253933701

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

727-397-9611

 

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report: ___________________

10055 Seminole Blvd., Seminole, Florida 33772

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock $0.001 par value per share

 

SGC

 

NASDAQ

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒  No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒  No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer  ☐    

Accelerated filer  ☒

 

Non-accelerated filer    ☐

 

Smaller Reporting Company  

 

 

Emerging Growth Company  ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐  No ☒

 

The number of shares of common stock of the registrant outstanding as of April 27, 2022May 1, 2023 was 16,171,03416,498,312 shares.

 

1

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 
  

 

Page

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) 

3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)

5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

6

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

7

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and ResultsSummary of OperationsResults

1918

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

2625

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

26

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

2827

Item 1A. Risk Factors

2827

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

28

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

28

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

28

Item 5. Other Information

28

Item 6. Exhibits

29

SIGNATURES

30

 

2

 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.   Financial Statements

 

 SUPERIOR GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

 

 Three Months Ended March 31,  Three Months Ended March 31, 
 

2022

  

2021

  

2023

  

2022

 

Net sales

 $143,582 $140,847  $130,773 $143,582 
  

Costs and expenses:

          

Cost of goods sold

 93,801 91,804  83,665 93,801 

Selling and administrative expenses

 42,214 35,111  43,379 42,214 

Other periodic pension costs

 528 429  214 528 

Interest expense

  299  275   2,570  299 
  136,842   127,619   129,828   136,842 

Income before taxes on income

 6,740 13,228  945 6,740 

Income tax expense

  1,510  2,750   57  1,510 

Net income

 $5,230 $10,478  $888 $5,230 
  

Net income per share:

          

Basic

 $0.33 $0.69  $0.06 $0.33 

Diluted

 $0.32 $0.66  $0.06 $0.32 
  

Weighted average shares outstanding during the period:

          

Basic

 15,679,027 15,221,336  15,882,994 15,679,027 

Diluted

 16,165,268 15,991,474  16,118,329 16,165,268 
  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

     

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:

     

Recognition of net losses included in net periodic pension costs

 $319 $714  $41 $319 

Loss on cash flow hedging activities

 (5) (5) - (5)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  862  (647)  307  862 

Other comprehensive income

  1,176   62   348   1,176 

Comprehensive income

 $6,406 $10,540  $1,236 $6,406 
  

Cash dividends per common share

 $0.12 $0.10  $0.14 $0.12 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3

 

 

SUPERIOR GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and par value data)

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

  

March 31,

 

December 31,

 
 

2022

  

2021

  

2023

  

2022

 
 (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)   

ASSETS

        

Current assets:

          

Cash and cash equivalents

 $8,315  $8,935  $26,600  $17,722 

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,971 and $6,393, respectively

 105,848  107,053 

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,346 and $7,622, respectively

 94,859  104,813 

Accounts receivable - other

 6,453  5,546  398  3,326 

Inventories

 129,514  120,555  122,214  124,976 

Contract assets

 40,923  38,018  51,390  52,980 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  21,196   19,162   11,856   14,166 

Total current assets

 312,249  299,269  307,317  317,983 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 52,034  49,690  51,460  51,392 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 8,511  8,246  13,853  9,113 

Deferred tax asset

 10,704 10,718 

Intangible assets, net

 59,380  60,420  54,427  55,753 

Goodwill

 39,652  39,434 

Other assets

  13,542   13,186   12,658   11,982 

Total assets

 $485,368  $470,245  $450,419  $456,941 
  

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Current liabilities:

          

Accounts payable

 $52,858  $52,340  $50,580  $42,060 

Other current liabilities

 32,986  38,989  31,608  38,646 

Current portion of long-term debt

 15,286  15,286  3,750  3,750 

Current portion of acquisition-related contingent liabilities

  4,763   4,507   806   736 

Total current liabilities

 105,893  111,122  86,744  85,192 

Long-term debt

 114,740  100,845  139,673  151,567 

Long-term pension liability

 15,545  15,420  13,019  12,864 

Long-term acquisition-related contingent liabilities

 2,719  2,569  1,612  2,245 

Long-term operating lease liabilities

 3,956  3,729  8,468  3,936 

Deferred tax liability

 515  359 

Other long-term liabilities

 9,422  9,211   8,248   8,538 

Total liabilities

 257,764 264,342 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)

              

Shareholders’ equity:

          

Preferred stock, $.001 par value - authorized 300,000 shares (none issued)

 0  0 

Common stock, $.001 par value - authorized 50,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 16,171,034 and 16,127,505 shares, respectively

 16  16 

Preferred stock, $.001 par value - authorized 300,000 shares (none issued)

 -  - 

Common stock, $.001 par value - authorized 50,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 16,498,312 and 16,376,683 shares, respectively

 16  16 

Additional paid-in capital

 70,685  69,351  73,730  72,615 

Retained earnings

 166,914  163,836  121,572  122,979 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

     

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax:

     

Pensions

 (4,258) (4,577) (1,072) (1,113)

Cash flow hedges

 42  47 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  (821)  (1,683)  (1,591)  (1,898)

Total shareholders’ equity

  232,578   226,990   192,655   192,599 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 $485,368  $470,245  $450,419  $456,941 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4

 

 

 

SUPERIOR GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

THREE MONTHS ENDED March 31, 20222023 AND 20212022

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

 

         

Accumulated

            

Accumulated

   
         

Other

            

Other

   
     

Additional

   

Comprehensive

 

Total

      

Additional

   

Comprehensive

 

Total

 
 

Common

 

Common

 

Paid-In

 

Retained

 

(Loss) Income,

 

Shareholders’

  

Common

 

Common

 

Paid-In

 

Retained

 

(Loss) Income,

 

Shareholders’

 
 

Shares

  

Stock

  

Capital

  

Earnings

  

net of tax

  

Equity

  

Shares

  

Stock

  

Capital

  

Earnings

  

net of tax

  

Equity

 

Balance, January 1, 2021

 15,391,660  $15  $61,844  $141,972  $(12,201) $191,630 

Common shares issued upon exercise of options, net

 10,746     298  (168)    130 

Performance based shares issued

 39,675  0  0 0  0  0 

Restricted shares issued

 140,754             0 

Share-based compensation expense

      832       832 

Tax withheld on vesting of performance based shares

   0  (372) 0 0  (372)

Tax benefit from vesting of acquisition-related restricted stock

   0  171  0 0  171 

Cash dividends declared ($0.10 per share)

        (1,548)    (1,548)

Comprehensive income (loss):

 

Net earnings

        10,478     10,478 

Cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $1

          (5) (5)

Pensions, net of taxes of $114

          714  714 

Change in currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $0

                  (647)  (647)

Balance, March 31, 2021

  15,582,835  $15  $62,773  $150,734  $(12,139) $201,383 
 

Balance, January 1, 2022

 16,127,505  $16  $69,351  $163,836  $(6,213) $226,990  16,127,505  $16  $69,351  $163,836  $(6,213) $226,990 

Cumulative-effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2016-13

   0 0  (76) 0  (76)        (76)    (76)

Common shares issued upon exercise of options and SARs, net

 15,702     354 (158)    196  15,702  354 (158)   196 

Performance based shares issued

 11,707  0  0 0  0  0  11,707             - 

Restricted shares issued

 23,677  0  0 0  0  0 

Restricted shares issued, net of forfeitures

 23,677             - 

Share-based compensation expense

      1,212       1,212       1,212       1,212 

Tax withheld on vesting of restricted shares and performance based shares

 (7,557) 0  (232) 0  0  (232) (7,557)    (232)       (232)

Cash dividends declared ($0.12 per share)

        (1,918)    (1,918)

Cash dividends declared ($0.12 per share)

        (1,918)    (1,918)

Comprehensive income (loss):

                 

Net earnings

        5,230     5,230 

Cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $1

          (5) (5)

Pensions, net of taxes of $110

          319  319 

Change in currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $0

                  862   862 

Net income

      5,230    5,230 

Cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $1

          (5) (5)

Pensions, net of taxes of $110

          319  319 

Change in currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $0

                  862   862 

Balance, March 31, 2022

  16,171,034  $16  $70,685  $166,914  $(5,037) $232,578   16,171,034  $16  $70,685  $166,914  $(5,037) $232,578 
 

Balance, January 1, 2023

 16,376,683  $16  $72,615  $122,979  $(3,011) $192,599 

Common shares issued upon exercise of options and SARs, net

 4,604     35      35 

Restricted shares issued, net of forfeitures

 117,025         - 

Share-based compensation expense

      1,080       1,080 

Cash dividends declared ($0.14 per share)

        (2,295)    (2,295)

Comprehensive income (loss):

                

Net income

      888    888 

Pensions, net of taxes of $14

          41  41 

Change in currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $0

               307   307 

Balance, March 31, 2023

  16,498,312  $16  $73,730  $121,572  $(2,663) $192,655 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5

 

 

SUPERIOR GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 Three Months Ended March 31,  Three Months Ended March 31, 
 

2022

  

2021

  

2023

  

2022

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

          

Net income

 $5,230 $10,478  $888 $5,230 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:

     

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used) in operating activities:

     

Depreciation and amortization

 2,923 2,217  3,388 2,923 

Provision for bad debts - accounts receivable

 639 359  (97) 639 

Share-based compensation expense

 1,212 832  1,080 1,212 

Deferred income tax provision (benefit)

 46 (1,145)

Deferred income tax provision

 - 46 

Change in fair value of acquisition-related contingent liabilities

 406 1,199  (563) 406 

Change in fair value of written put options

 (442) - 

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition of businesses:

          

Accounts receivable

 760 (1,731) 10,150 760 

Accounts receivable - other

 (907) (798) 2,928 (907)

Contract assets

 (2,969) (1,447) 1,590 (2,969)

Inventories

 (8,713) 1,881  2,807 (8,713)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 (1,897) (331) 2,403 (1,897)

Other assets

 (524) (771) (657) (524)

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

 (5,744) (15,057) 1,596 (5,744)

Long-term pension liability

 553 446  209 553 

Other long-term liabilities

  258  1,613   (230)  258 

Net cash used in operating activities

  (8,727)  (2,255)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

  25,050   (8,727)
  

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

          

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 (4,188) (6,736) (2,114) (4,188)

Acquisition of businesses

  (125)  (6,000)  -  (125)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (4,313)  (12,736)  (2,114)  (4,313)
  

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

          

Proceeds from borrowings of debt

 62,858 72,359  1,000 62,858 

Repayment of debt

 (48,998) (49,835) (12,938) (48,998)

Payment of cash dividends

 (1,918) (1,548) (2,295) (1,918)

Proceeds received on exercise of stock options

 196 130  35 196 

Tax withholdings on vesting of restricted shares and performance based shares

 (232) (372) - (232)

Tax benefit from vesting of acquisition-related restricted stock

  0  171 

Net cash provided by financing activities

  11,906   20,905 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  (14,198)  11,906 
  

Effect of currency exchange rates on cash

 514 (175) 140 514 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 (620) 5,739  8,878  (620)

Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of period

  8,935   5,172   17,722   8,935 

Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period

 $8,315  $10,911  $26,600  $8,315 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

6

 

 

Superior Group of Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

NOTE 1 – Description of Business and Basis of Presentation:

 

Description of business

 

Superior Group of Companies, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “the Company,” “Superior,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) was organized in 1920 and was incorporated in 1922 as a New York company under the name Superior Surgical Mfg. Co., Inc. In 1998, the Company changed its name to Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and its state of incorporation to Florida. Effective on May 3, 2018, Superior Uniform Group, Inc. changed its name to Superior Group of Companies, Inc.

 

Superior’s Uniforms and RelatedBranded Products segment, primarily through its primarysignature marketing brands BAMKO® and HPI®, produces and sells customized merchandising solutions, promotional products and branded uniform programs. Branded products are manufactured through third parties or in Superior’s own facilities, and are sold to customers in a wide range of industries, including retail, hotel, food service, entertainment, technology, transportation and other industries. The segment currently has sales offices in the United States, Canada, Brazil, the United Kingdom and Colombia, with support services in China and India.

Superior’s Healthcare Apparel segment, primarily through its signature marketing brands Fashion Seal Healthcare®, HPI®, and WonderWink® (also referred to as “Wink”), manufactures (through third parties or in its own facilities) and sells a wide range of uniforms, corporate identityhealthcare apparel, careersuch as scrubs, lab coats, protective apparel and accessories that are worn by employeespatient gowns. This segment sells healthcare service apparel to healthcare laundries, dealers, distributors and retailers primarily in the hospital and healthcare fields; retail stores; hotels; fast food and other restaurants; transportation; and the private security, industrial and commercial markets.United States.

 

Superior services its Remote Staffing SolutionsSuperior’s Contact Centers segment, through multiple The Office Gurus® entities, including its subsidiaries in El Salvador, Belize, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and the United States (collectively, “TOG”). TOG is primarily a near-shore premium provider of cost effective multilingual telemarketing and, provides outsourced, nearshore business process outsourced solutions.outsourcing, contact and call-center support services to North American customers.

 

The

Change in Reportable Segments

Beginning in the second quarter of 2022, the Company realigned its reportable segments to correspond with changes to its organizational responsibilities, management structure and operating model. Prior to implementing the current segment reporting, the Company’s Uniforms and Related Products segment included healthcare apparel, uniforms and corporate overhead. As part of the change in reportable segments, the branded portion of the uniforms business was combined with the previous Promotional Products segment throughto form the BAMKO®, Public Identity®, Tangerine®, Gifts by Design™Branded Products segment, the healthcare apparel business became its own segment named Healthcare Apparel and Sutter's Mill™ brands, services customersincome and expenses related to corporate functions that purchase primarily promotional and related products.are not specifically attributable to an individual reportable segment are no longer presented in segment results. The previous Remote Staffing Solutions segment currentlywas renamed Contact Centers segment. All prior period segment information has sales officesbeen recast to reflect this change in the United States, Brazil and Canada with support services in China, Hong Kong and India.reportable segments. Refer to Note 10 for additional information. 

 

Basis of presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Intercompany items have been eliminated in consolidation. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20212022, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Management believes that the information furnished includes all adjustments of a normal recurring nature that are necessary to fairly present our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods indicated. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year.

 

The Company refers to the condensed consolidated financial statements collectively as “financial statements,” and individually as “statements of comprehensive income,” “balance sheets,” “statements of shareholders’ equity,” and “statements of cash flows” herein.

7

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

We consider the applicability and impact of all Accounting Standard Updates (“ASUs”). ASUsThere have been notno listed below were assessed and determined to be not applicable.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASBnew accounting pronouncements recently issued ASU 2016-13,Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326). The update changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments, including trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities and loans, and requires entities to use a new forward-looking expected loss modelor newly effective that will result in the earlier recognition of allowance for losses. The Company adopted the new standard on January 1, 2022 using a modified retrospective transition approach by recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment of $0.1 million to reduce our opening balance of retained earnings as of the adoption date. Prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to reflect our historical accounting.

7

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04,Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” This update provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease potential accounting impacts associated with transitioning away from reference rates thathad, or are expected to be discontinued, such as interbank offered rates and LIBOR. This guidance includes practical expedients for contract modifications due to reference rate reform. Generally, contract modifications related to reference rate reform may be considered an event that does not require remeasurement or reassessment ofhave, a previous accounting determination atmaterial impact on the modification date. This guidance may be applied through December 31, 2022. The Company will apply this guidance to transactions and modifications to contracts and hedging relationships that reference LIBOR.Company’s financial statements.

 

 

NOTE 2 – Inventories:

 

Inventories consisted of the following amounts (in thousands):

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

  

March 31,

 

December 31,

 
 

2022

  

2021

  

2023

  

2022

 

Finished goods

 $95,345  $90,395  $87,880  $94,228 

Work in process

 1,298  1,351  310  401 

Raw materials

  32,871   28,809   34,024   30,347 

Inventories

 $129,514  $120,555  $122,214  $124,976 

 

 

NOTE 3 – Long-Term Debt:

 

Debt consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

  

March 31,

 

December 31,

 
 2022 2021  2023 2022 

Credit Facilities:

          

Revolving credit facility due February 2026

 $79,198 $61,517 

Term loan due February 2024 (“2017 Term Loan”)

 13,500 15,000 

Term loan due January 2026 (“2018 Term Loan”)

  37,917  40,238 

Revolving credit facility due August 2027

 $72,000 $83,000 

Term loan due August 2027

 72,187 73,125 
  130,615   116,755   144,187   156,125 

Less:

          

Payments due within one year included in current liabilities

 15,286 15,286  3,750 3,750 

Debt issuance costs

  589  624   764  808 

Long-term debt less current maturities

 $114,740  $100,845  $139,673  $151,567 

 

On 8August 23, 2022,


Thethe Company isentered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) among the Company, the domestic subsidiaries of the Company, as guarantors, the lenders party thereto (the “Lenders”), and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent for the Lenders (the “Administrative Agent”), pursuant to awhich the Lenders are providing the Company senior secured credit agreement with Truist Bank, facilities maturing in August 2027 consisting of a revolving credit facility a term loan maturing in February 2024 (“2017 Term Loan”)the aggregate maximum principal amount of $125.0 million and a term loan maturing in January 2026 (“2018 Term Loan”the original aggregate principal amount of $75.0 million (collectively, the “Credit Facilities”). The, and the ability to request incremental revolving credit facility, 2017 Term Loan and 2018 Term Loan are collectively referredor term loan facilities in an aggregate amount of up to as the “Credit Facilities.”

On February 8, 2021, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Truist Bank (the “Credit Agreement”), pursuant to which the maximum availability under the Company’s existing revolving credit facility was increased froman additional $75.0 million, subject to $125.0 millionobtaining additional lender commitments and its maturity date was extended until February 8, 2026. The 2017 Term Loan and the 2018 Term Loan remain outstanding with the same amortization schedules. The floor on LIBOR for the revolving credit facility was increased from zero to 0.25%, but the interest rates on the revolving credit facility and the term loans were not otherwise modified. Except as described above, the covenants, events of default and substantially all of thesatisfying certain other terms that were contained in the Company’s prior credit agreement with Truist Bank remain unchanged in the Credit Agreement.conditions. 

 

Obligations outstanding under the 2018 Term Loan haveCredit Facilities accrue interest at a variable rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) plus an adjustment of between 0.10% and 0.25% (depending on the applicable interest rate of LIBORperiod) plus a margin of between 0.85%1.0% and 1.65% (based2.0% (depending on the Company’s funded debt to EBITDAnet leverage ratio) (1.25%. During the covenant relief period described in Note 12, the applicable margin may reach 2.5% for SOFR rate loans. The weighted average interest rate on our outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facilities was 6.6% at March 31, 20222023). Obligations outstanding underDuring the term of the revolving credit facility, and the 2017 Term Loan generally haveCompany will pay a variable interest rate of one-month LIBOR (with a 0.25% floor on LIBOR for the revolving credit facility) plus a margin of between 0.68% and 1.50% (basedcommitment fee on the Company’s funded debt to EBITDA ratio) (1.08% forunused portion of the revolving credit facility equal to between 0.125% and 2017 Term Loan at March 31, 2022)0.250% (depending on the Company’s net leverage ratio)The Company is obligated to pay aDuring the covenant relief period, the commitment fee of 0.15% per annum on the average unused portion of the commitment under the revolving credit facility.may reach 0.300%. The available balance under the revolving credit facility is reduced by outstanding letters of credit. As of March 31, 20222023, there were 0no outstanding letters of credit under the revolving credit facility.

 

Contractual principal payments for the 2017 Term Loanterm loan are as follows: remainder of 2022 - $4.5 million; 2023 - $6.0$2.8 million; and 2024 - $3.0 million. Contractual principal payments for the 2018 Term Loan are as follows: remainder of 2022 - $6.9$4.7 million;2023 through 2025 - $9.3 million per year; and$5.6 million; 2026 - $3.1$6.6 million and 2027 - $52.5 million. The term loans doloan does not contain pre-payment penalties.

 

8

The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default and negative covenants, including but not limited to those governing indebtedness, liens, fundamental changes, investments, restricted payments, and sales of assets. The Credit Agreement also requires the Company to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of at least 1.25:1 and a funded debt to EBITDA ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) not to exceed 5.0:1. As of March 31, 2022, the Company was in compliance with these ratios. The Credit Facilities are secured by substantially all of the operating assets of the Company, as collateral, and the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facilities are guaranteed by all of its domestic subsidiaries. The Company’s obligations under the Credit Facilities are subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of an event of default as defined in the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default and negative covenants, including but not limited to those governing indebtedness, liens, fundamental changes, investments, restricted payments (including dividends and related distributions), liquidations, mergers, consolidations or acquisitions, affiliate transactions and sales of assets or subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement also requires the Company is a party to an interest rate swapcomply with a total notional valuefixed charge coverage ratio of $6.0 millionat least 1.25 to 1.0 and a net leverage ratio not to exceed 4.0 to 1.0, except during the covenant relief period. The Company’s net leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) is generally calculated as the ratio of (a) indebtedness minus unrestricted cash to (b) consolidated EBITDA for the four most recently ended fiscal quarters. As of March 31, 2022 pursuant to which it makes fixed payments and receives floating payments. The Company entered into the interest rate swap to offset changes in expected cash flows due to fluctuations in the associated variable interest rates. The Company’s interest rate swap expires in February 2024. The interest rate swap is not designated as a hedge transaction. Changes in fair value and gains and losses on settlement on the interest rate swap are recognized in interest expense in our statements of comprehensive income. During the three months ended March 31, 20222023, a gain of $0.1 millionthe Company was recognized onin compliance with these ratios as the interest rate swap. NaN gain or loss was recognized on the interest rate swap during theCompany’s fixed charge coverage and net leverage ratios were 1.5 to three1.0 months endedand 3.8 to March 31, 2021.1.0, respectively. Refer to Note 12 for additional information.

 

 

NOTE 4 – Periodic Pension Expense:Cost:

 

The Company is the sponsor of an unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan in("SERP") which several employees participate.includes one active participant.

 

The Company had previously sponsored 2 noncontributory qualified defined benefit pension plans, providing for normal retirement at age 65, covering all eligible employees (as defined). During 2021, the Company completed the termination of its two noncontributory qualified defined benefit pension plans, which were fully funded. The pension plan terminations did not require a cash outlay by the Company. As of March 31, 2022, an asset surplus of $0.4 million remained undistributed in the pension plans that were terminated.

9

The following table details the net periodic pension expensecost under the Company’s plansSERP for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
 

2022

  

2021

  

2023

  

2022

 

Service cost - benefits earned during the period

 $51  $46 

Service cost on benefits earned during the period

 $21  $51 

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

 100  187  159  100 

Expected return on plan assets

 0  (358)

Recognized actuarial loss

  428   600  55  428 

Net periodic pension cost

 $579  $475  $235  $579 

 

The service cost component is included in selling and administrative expenses in our statements of comprehensive income and the other components of net periodic pension cost are included in other periodic pension costs in our statements of comprehensive income.

 

 

NOTE 5 – Net Sales:

 

For our Uniforms and RelatedBranded Products and Promotional ProductsHealthcare Apparel segments, revenue is primarily generated from the sale of finished products to customers. RevenueRevenues for our Uniforms and RelatedBranded Products and Promotional ProductsHealthcare Apparel segments isare recognized when the performance obligations under the contract terms are satisfied. For certain contracts with customers in which the Company has an enforceable right to payment for goods with no alternative use, revenue is recognized over time upon receipt of finished goods into inventory. Revenue for goods that do have an alternative use or that the customer is not obligated to purchase under the terms of a contract is generally recognized when the goods are transferred to the customer. Revenue from the sale of personal protective equipment, including face masks,facemasks, isolation gowns, sanitizers gloves and COVID-19 testing kits,gloves, is generally recognized at a point in time when the goods are transferred to the customer, which typically occurs upon shipment or delivery depending on the terms of the underlying contract. The Company includes shipping and handling fees billable to customers in net sales. Shipping and handling activities that occur after the transfer of promised goods are accrued as control is transferred to the customer rather than being treated as a separate performance obligation.

 

For our Remote StaffingContact Centers segment, revenue is generated from providing our customers with staffing solutioncontact center services. Revenue for our Remote StaffingContact Centers segment is recognized as services are delivered. 

 

9

Revenue is measured at the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for the goods or services. Variable consideration for estimated returns, allowances and other price variances is recorded based upon historical experience and current allowance programs. Contract termination terms may involve variable consideration clauses such as sales discounts and customer rebates, and revenue is adjusted accordingly for these provisions. Estimated amounts are included in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. The promised amount of consideration in a contract is not adjusted for the effects of a significant financing component when we expect, at contract inception, that the period between our transfer of a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that product or service will be one year or less. Sales taxes are excluded from the measurement of a performance obligation’s transaction price. Sales commissions are expensed as incurred when we expect that the amortization period of such costs will be one year or less.

 

Consistent with the Company’s change in reportable segments described in Note 10


, the Company has changed its presentation of disaggregated revenue to align with the new segment structure. The following table presents disaggregated revenue by operating segment for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 

Uniforms and Related Products Segment:

        

Uniforms and related products

 $61,268  $58,029 

Personal protective equipment

  948   12,539 

Total Uniforms and Related Products Segment

 $62,216  $70,568 
         

Remote Staffing Solutions Segment:

        

Remote staffing solutions services

 $17,973  $13,030 

Net intersegment eliminations

  (2,043)  (1,625)

Total Remote Staffing Solutions Segment

 $15,930  $11,405 
         

Promotional Products Segment:

        

Promotional products

 $61,758  $44,656 

Personal protective equipment

  3,678   14,218 

Total Promotional Products Segment

 $65,436  $58,874 
         

Consolidated Net Sales

 $143,582  $140,847 
  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2023

  

2022

 

Branded Products Segment:

        

Branded products

 $81,730  $93,167 

Personal protective equipment

  121   3,916 

Total Branded Products Segment

 $81,851  $97,083 
         

Healthcare Apparel Segment:

        

Healthcare apparel

 $27,535  $29,858 

Personal protective equipment

  619   710 

Total Healthcare Apparel Segment

 $28,154  $30,568 
         

Contact Centers Segment:

        

Contact centers services

 $22,056  $17,974 

Net intersegment eliminations

  (1,288)  (2,043)

Total Contact Centers Segment

 $20,768  $15,931 
         

Consolidated Net Sales

 $130,773  $143,582 

 

Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities

 

The following table provides information about accounts receivable, contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers (in thousands):

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

  

March 31,

 

December 31,

 
 

2022

  

2021

  

2023

  

2022

 

Accounts receivable

 $105,848  $107,053  $94,859  $104,813 

Current contract assets

 40,923  38,018  51,390  52,980 

Current contract liabilities

 9,180 8,804  2,156 2,213 

 

Contract assets relate to goods produced without an alternative use for which the Company has an enforceable right to payment but which has not yet been invoiced to the customer. A portion of the amounts included in contract assets on December 31, 20212022 were transferred to accounts receivable during the three months ended March 31, 20222023. Contract liabilities relate to payments received in advance of the Company completing its performance under a contract. Contract liabilities are included in other current liabilities in our balance sheets. During the three months ended March 31, 20222023, $4.8$2.0 million of revenue was recognized from the contract liabilities balance as of December 31, 20212022.

 

1110

 

NOTE 6 – Contingencies:

 

The purchase price to acquire substantially all of the assets of BAMKO,Sutter’s Mill Specialties, Inc. (“BAMKO”Sutter’s Mill”) in 2016December 2021 included contingent consideration based on varying levels of BAMKO’s consolidated EBITDA in each measurement period through 2021. The remaining payment for the BAMKO acquisition-related contingent consideration payable is $3.4 million, which is expected to be paid in the second quarter of 2022. The purchase price to acquire substantially all of the assets of Tangerine Promotions, Ltd. and Tangerine Promotions West, Inc. (collectively “Tangerine”) in 2017 included contingent consideration based on varying levels of Tangerine’s EBITDA in each measurement period through 2021. The remaining payment for the Tangerine acquisition-related contingent consideration payable is $1.4 million, which is expected to be paid in the second quarter of 2022. The purchase price to acquire substantially all of the assets of Sutter’s Mill in 2021included contingent consideration based on varying levels of Sutter’s Mill’s EBITDA in each measurement period from 2022 to 2024. The estimated fair value forof Sutter’s Mill acquisition-related contingent consideration payable as of March 31, 20222023 was $2.7 million.$0.8 million, none of which is expected to be paid within the next twelve months. The total estimated undiscounted remaining payment related to this contingent consideration payable is between $2.4$0.5 million and $4.7$1.5 million. The estimated fair value of Guardian acquisition-related contingent consideration payable as of March 31, 2023 was $1.6 million, of which $0.8 million is expected to be paid in the third quarter of 2023. The total estimated undiscounted remaining payment related to this contingent consideration payable is between $1.9 million and $2.5 million. The Company will continue to evaluate this liabilitythese liabilities for remeasurement at the end of each reporting period and any changes will be recorded in the Company’s statements of comprehensive income. The carrying amount of the liability may fluctuate significantly and actual amounts paid may be materially different from the estimated value of the liability.

 

The Company is involved in various legal actions and claims arising from the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of these matters is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

 

 

NOTE 7 – Share-Based Compensation:

 

Share-based compensation expense is recorded in selling and administrative expense in the statements of comprehensive income. The following table details the share-based compensation expense by type of award for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
 

2022

  

2021

  

2023

  

2022

 

Stock options and SARs

 $360  $452  $309  $360 

Restricted stock

 619  203  590  619 

Performance shares

  233   177   181   233 

Total share-based compensation expense

 $1,212  $832  $1,080  $1,212 

 

12

Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”)

 

The Company grants stock options and stock-settled SARs to employees that allow them to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. Stock options are also granted to outside members of the Board of Directors of the Company. The Company determines the fair value of stock options and SARs at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model.

 

All stock options and SARs granted prior to August 3, 2018 vested immediately when granted. Awards issued thereafter vest either between one or and twothree years after the grant date. Employee awards expire five years after the grant date, and those issued to directors expire ten years after the grant date. The Company issues new shares upon the exercise of stock options and SARs. Stock options, andas well as SARs granted in tandem with stock options, are subject to accelerated vesting under certain circumstances as outlined in the 2013 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan (the “2013 Plan”). or 2022 Equity Incentive and Awards Plan (the “2022 Plan”), as applicable. 

 

11

A summary of stock option transactions during the three months ended March 31, 20222023 follows:

 

     Weighted Average Aggregate      Weighted Average Aggregate 
 

No. of

 

Weighted Average

 

Remaining Life

 

Intrinsic Value

  

No. of

 

Weighted Average

 

Remaining Life

 

Intrinsic Value

 
 

Shares

  

Exercise Price

  

(in years)

  

(in thousands)

  

Shares

  

Exercise Price

  

(in years)

  

(in thousands)

 

Outstanding, January 1, 2022

 779,938  $16.12  3.27  $5,097 

Outstanding, January 1, 2023

 962,775  $15.89  3.26  $301 

Granted(1)

 103,203  20.13       182,097  12.04      

Exercised

 (21,108) 16.25       (4,604) 7.60      

Lapsed or cancelled

  (7,252)  17.85        (92,457)  20.77      

Outstanding, March 31, 2022

  854,781   16.59  3.33 2,939 

Exercisable, March 31, 2022

  564,335   13.87  2.66 2,755 

Outstanding, March 31, 2023

  1,047,811   14.83  3.46 30 

Exercisable, March 31, 2023

  536,233   15.41  2.26 30 

 

(1)

The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted was $7.84$4.58 per share.

 

As of March 31, 20222023, the Company had $1.5$1.8 million in unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options to be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period of 1.41.8 years.

 

A summary of stock-settled SARs transactions during the three months ended March 31, 20222023 follows:

 

     Weighted Average Aggregate      Weighted Average Aggregate 
 

No. of

 

Weighted Average

 

Remaining Life

 

Intrinsic Value

  

No. of

 

Weighted Average

 

Remaining Life

 

Intrinsic Value

 
 

Shares

  

Exercise Price

  

(in years)

  

(in thousands)

  

Shares

  

Exercise Price

  

(in years)

  

(in thousands)

 

Outstanding, January 1, 2022

 291,059  $14.99  2.65  $2,205 

Outstanding, January 1, 2023

 320,385  $15.23  2.23  $69 

Granted(1)

 37,297 20.13       51,209 12.04      

Exercised

 (24,836) 15.16       -  -      

Lapsed or cancelled

  (2,308) 16.97        (37,243) 23.59      

Outstanding, March 31, 2022

  301,212   15.60  2.88 1,227 

Exercisable, March 31, 2022

  232,228   13.48  2.43 1,227 

Outstanding, March 31, 2023

  334,351   13.81  2.66 4 

Exercisable, March 31, 2023

  226,088   13.51  1.79 4 

 

(1)

The weighted average grant date fair value of SARs granted was $7.84$4.58 per share.

 

As of March 31, 20222023, the Company had $0.4 million in unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested SARs to be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period of 1.51.7 years.

 

13

Restricted Stock

 

The Company has granted shares of restricted stock to directors and certain employees, which vest at a specified future date, generally after three years, over five years or when certain conditions are met. The shares are subject to accelerated vesting under certain circumstances as outlined in the 2013 Plan.Plan or 2022 Plan, as applicable. Expense for each of these grants is based on the fair value at the date of the grant and is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective service period.

 

12

A summary of restricted stock transactions during the three months ended March 31, 20222023 follows:

 

   

Weighted Average

    

Weighted Average

 
 

No. of

 

Grant Date

  

No. of

 

Grant Date

 
 

Shares

  

Fair Value

  

Shares

  

Fair Value

 

Outstanding, January 1, 2022

 458,166  $19.51 

Outstanding, January 1, 2023

 372,470  $20.45 

Granted

 23,677 20.52  117,025 12.04 

Vested

  (55,039) 19.50  (65,215) 15.00 

Outstanding, March 31, 2022

  426,804   19.57 

Forfeited

  -  - 

Outstanding, March 31, 2023

  424,280   18.97 

 

As of March 31, 20222023, the Company had $6.0$5.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock grants expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period of 2.82.5 years.

 

Performance Shares

 

The Company has granted performance shares, which either contain only service-based vesting conditions or service-based and performance-based vesting conditions. The service-based awards vest after the service period is met, which is generally three to five years. Expense for these grants is based on the fair value on the date of the grant and is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective service period. The performance-based awards generally vest after five years if the performance and service targets are met. The Company evaluates the performance conditions associated with these grants each reporting period to determine the expected number of shares to be issued. ExpensesExpense for grants of performance shares areis recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective service period based on the grant date fair value and expected number of shares to be issued. The awards are subject to accelerated vesting on a pro rata basis under certain circumstances as outlined in the 2013 Plan or 2022 Plan, as applicable, except in those circumstances in which award agreements or change in control agreements specify full vesting.

 

A summary of performance share transactions during the three months ended March 31, 20222023 follows:

 

   

Weighted Average

    

Weighted Average

 
 

No. of

 

Grant Date

  

No. of

 

Grant Date

 
 

Shares

  

Fair Value

  

Shares

  

Fair Value

 

Outstanding, January 1, 2022

 193,523  $21.50 

Outstanding, January 1, 2023

 199,451  $20.57 

Granted

 59,578 19.55  94,028 12.56 

Vested

  (15,750) 16.97  -  - 

Outstanding, March 31, 2022

  237,351   21.31 

Forfeited

  -  - 

Outstanding, March 31, 2023

  293,479   18.00 

 

As of March 31, 20222023, the Company had $3.5$2.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested performance share grants expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted average service period of 4.23.4 years.

 

1413

 

NOTE 8 – Income Taxes:

 

The Company calculates its interim income tax provision in accordance with the accounting guidance for income taxes in interim periods. At the end of each interim period, the Company makes its best estimate of the annual expected effective tax rate and applies that rate to its ordinary year-to-date income or loss. The tax expense or benefit related to significant, unusual, or extraordinary items that will be separately reported or reported net of their related tax effect are individually computed and recognized in the interim period in which those items occur.

 

The computation of the annual expected effective tax rate at each interim period requires certain estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the expected operating income for the year and permanent and temporary differences. The accounting estimates used to compute the provision for income taxes may change as new events occur, additional information is obtained or the tax environment changes.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $0.1 million, which represents an effective tax rate of 6.0%. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was favorably impacted by discrete non-taxable gains on the Company’s written put option and income generated on the Company’s SERP totaling $0.4 million and $0.2 million respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $1.5 million, which represents an effective tax rate of 22.4%. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $2.8 million, which represents an effective tax rate of 20.8%.

 

 

NOTE 9 – Net Income Per Share:

 

The Company’s basic net income per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share includes the effect of the Company’s outstanding stock options, stock appreciation rights, unvestednonvested shares of restricted stock and unvestednonvested performance shares, if the inclusion of these items is dilutive.

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted net income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:periods presented:

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
 

2022

  

2021

  

2023

  

2022

 

Net income used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per share (in thousands)

 $5,230  $10,478  $888  $5,230 
  

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic

 15,679,027  15,221,336  15,882,994  15,679,027 

Dilutive common stock equivalents

  486,241   770,138   235,335   486,241 

Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted

  16,165,268   15,991,474   16,118,329   16,165,268 

Net income per share:

  

Basic

 $0.33  $0.69  $0.06  $0.33 

Diluted

 $0.32  $0.66  $0.06  $0.32 

 

Awards to purchase 415,5291,008,972 and 132,200415,529 shares of common stock with weighted average exercise prices of $23.29$17.03 and $25.75$23.29 per share were outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 20222023 and 20212022, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the awards’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares.

 

1514

 

NOTE 10 Operating Segment Information:

 

TheAs described in Note 1, effective in the second quarter of 2022, the Company classifiesrealigned its businesses into 3reportable segments to correspond with changes to its organizational responsibilities, management structure and operating segments based onmodel. We have reclassified prior period segment disclosures to conform to the typescurrent period presentation. As a result of productsthe change, the Company manages and services provided. The Uniformsreports the following segments:

Branded Products segment: Primarily through our signature marketing brands BAMKO® and Related Products segment consists of sales to customers of uniformsHPI®, we produce and related items. The Remote Staffing Solutions segment consists of sales of staffing solutions. The Promotional Products segment consists of sales to customers ofsell customized merchandising solutions, promotional products and branded uniform programs. Branded products are sold to customers in a wide range of industries, including retail, hotel, food service, entertainment, technology, transportation and other branded merchandise.industries. The segment currently has sales offices in the United States, Canada, Brazil, the United Kingdom and Colombia, with support services in China and India.

Healthcare Apparel segment: Primarily through our signature marketing brands Fashion Seal Healthcare® and Wink™, we manufacture (through third parties or in our own facilities) and sell a wide range of healthcare apparel, such as scrubs, lab coats, protective apparel and patient gowns. This segment sells healthcare service apparel to healthcare laundries, dealers, distributors and retailers primarily in the United States.

Contact Centers: Through multiple The Office Gurus® entities, including our subsidiaries in El Salvador, Belize, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and the United States (collectively, “TOG”), we provide outsourced, nearshore business process outsourcing, contact and call-center support services to North American customers.

Intersegment eliminations include the elimination of revenues and costs from services provided by the Contact Centers segment to the Company’s two other segments. Such costs are recognized as selling and administrative expenses in the Branded Products and Healthcare Apparel segments. Income and expenses related to corporate functions that are not specifically attributable to an individual reportable segment are presented within Other in the tables below.

 

The Company evaluates the performance of each operating segment based on several factors of which the primary financial measures are net sales and income before taxes on income. Amounts for corporate expenses are included in the totals for the Uniforms and Related Products segment. 

 

The following tables set forth financial information related to the Company’s operating segments (in thousands):

 

  Uniforms and Related Products  Remote Staffing Solutions  Promotional Products  Intersegment Eliminations  Total 

As of and For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2022:

               

Net sales

 $62,216  $17,973  $65,436  $(2,043) $143,582 

Cost of goods sold

  41,652   7,292   45,769   (912)  93,801 

Gross margin

  20,564   10,681   19,667   (1,131)  49,781 

Selling and administrative expenses

  21,317   6,372   15,656   (1,131)  42,214 

Other periodic pension cost

  528   0   0   0   528 

Interest expense

  244   0   55   0   299 

Income before taxes on income

 $(1,525) $4,309  $3,956  $0  $6,740 
                     

Depreciation and amortization

 $1,843  $495  $585  $0  $2,923 

Capital expenditures

 $1,947  $1,931  $310  $0  $4,188 

Total assets

 $304,752  $33,429  $147,187  $0  $485,368 

 Uniforms and Related Products Remote Staffing Solutions Promotional Products Intersegment Eliminations Total  

Branded Products

  

Healthcare Apparel

  

Contact Centers

  

Intersegment Eliminations

  

Other

  

Total

 

As of and For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021:

           

As of and For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023:

 

Net sales

 $70,568  $13,030  $58,874  $(1,625) $140,847  $81,851 $28,154 $22,056 $(1,288) $- $130,773 

Cost of goods sold

  46,725   5,309   40,458   (688)  91,804   55,952  18,054  10,267  (608)  -  83,665 

Gross margin

  23,843   7,721   18,416   (937)  49,043   25,899  10,100  11,789  (680)  -  47,108 

Selling and administrative expenses

 20,382  4,722  10,944  (937) 35,111  20,053 9,502 9,664 (680) 4,840 43,379 

Other periodic pension cost

 429  0  0  0  429  - - - - 214 214 

Interest expense

  261   0   14   0   275   -  -  -  -  2,570  2,570 

Income before taxes on income

 $2,771  $2,999  $7,458  $0  $13,228 

Income (loss) before taxes on income

 $5,846  $598  $2,125  $-  $(7,624) $945 
  

Depreciation and amortization

 $1,433  $294  $490  $0  $2,217  $1,664 $974 $668 $- $82 $3,388 

Capital expenditures

 $6,176  $407  $153  $0  $6,736  $1,271 $462 $381 $- $- $2,114 

Total assets

 $286,183 $23,090 $105,750 $0 $415,023 

 

1615

 
  

Branded Products

  

Healthcare Apparel

  

Contact Centers

  

Intersegment Eliminations

  

Other

  

Total

 

As of and For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2022:

                        

Net sales

 $97,083  $30,568  $17,974  $(2,043) $-  $143,582 

Cost of goods sold

  68,868   18,553   7,293   (913)  -   93,801 

Gross margin

  28,215   12,015   10,681   (1,130)  -   49,781 

Selling and administrative expenses

  21,557   10,087   6,372   (1,130)  5,328   42,214 

Other periodic pension cost

  -   -   -   -   528   528 

Interest expense

  55   18   -   -   226   299 

Income (loss) before taxes on income

 $6,603  $1,910  $4,309  $-  $(6,082) $6,740 
                         

Depreciation and amortization

 $1,383  $981  $495  $-  $64  $2,923 

Capital expenditures

 $1,543  $711  $1,931  $-  $3  $4,188 

 

NOTE 11 – Acquisition of Businesses:

 

Gifts By Design,Guardian Products, Inc.

 

On January 29, 2021,May 1, 2022, the Company, through BAMKO, acquired substantially all of the assets of Gifts By Design,Guardian Products, Inc. (“Gifts by Design”Guardian”) of Seattle, Washington. Gifts by DesignNorcross, Georgia. Guardian is a branded merchandise company that is one of the leading providers of promotional products and branded merchandise agency that is well-established as a developer and supplier of corporate awards, incentives, and recognition programs for some of the world’s biggest brands.to automotive dealers nationwide. The purchase price for the acquisition consisted of $6.0 million in cash at closing.

Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

The total purchase price was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of Gifts by Design based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was allocated to goodwill.

The following table presents the allocation of the total fair value of consideration transferred, as shown above, to the acquired tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of Gifts by Design based on their estimated fair values as of the effective date of the transaction (in thousands):

Accounts receivable

 $251 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  196 

Property, plant and equipment

  60 

Intangible assets, net

  3,673 

Goodwill

  2,417 

Total assets

 $6,597 

Accounts payable

  199 

Other current liabilities

  372 

Total liabilities

 $571 

The Company recorded $3.7 million in identifiable intangibles at fair value, consisting of $2.5 million in acquired customer relationships and $1.2 million for the brand name. The intangible assets associated with the customer relationships are being amortized for seven years. The brand name is considered an indefinite-life asset and as such is not being amortized. The difference between the fair value of the consideration transferred and the values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recorded as goodwill, which is primarily attributed to the assembled workforce and expanded market opportunities.

Sutter’s Mill Specialties, Inc.

On December 2, 2021, the Company, principally through BAMKO, acquired substantially all of the assets of Sutter’s Mill Specialties, Inc. (“Sutter’s Mill”) of Tempe, Arizona. Sutter’s Mill is a vertically integrated manufacturer of high quality, decorated promotional products. Sutter’s Mill has the capability to print on demand and create customized promotional programs and products for customers of any size.

The purchase price of the acquisition consisted of the following: (a) approximately $10.5$11.1 million in cash, (b) the issuance of 45,620116,550 restricted shares of Superior’s common stock (the “Guardian Stock”) that vest ratably over a three year-year period, and (c) estimated potential future payments of approximately $4.5$2.3 million in additional contingent consideration for calendar years 2022 through 2024 based on the results of the acquired business.business through April 2025. The Guardian Stock is subject to transfer restrictions over the three-year period following the closing of the acquisition.

 

17

Fair Value of Consideration Transferred

 

A summary of the purchase price is as follows (in thousands):

 

Cash consideration

 $10,533  $11,077 

Restricted shares of Superior common stock issued

 869  2,000 

Contingent consideration

  2,520   1,119 

Total Consideration

 $13,922  $14,196 

 

16

Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

 

The following table below presents the allocation of the total fair value of consideration transferred, as shown above, to the acquired tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of Sutter’s MillGuardian based on their estimated fair values as of the effective date of the transaction. The assets and liabilities of Sutter’s Mill shown below are based on our preliminary estimates of their acquisition date fair values. Our final fair value determination may be different than those shown below.

The following is our preliminary assignment of the aggregate considerationtransaction (in thousands):

 

Accounts receivable

 $4,701 

Inventories

  9,149 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  135 

Property, plant and equipment

  1,043 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

  648 

Intangible assets, net

  2,031 

Goodwill

  1,019 

Other assets

  41 

Total assets

 $18,767 

Accounts payable

  3,209 

Other current liabilities

  389 

Long-term debt

  758 

Long-term operating lease liabilities

  489 

Total liabilities

 $4,845 

In the first quarter of 2022, an adjustment to increase goodwill by $0.1 million was made to the initial amounts recorded, which relates to additional consideration paid by the Company to the seller.

Accounts receivable

 $1,656 

Inventories

  621 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  272 

Property, plant and equipment

  15 

Intangible assets

  5,886 

Goodwill

  6,463 

Total assets

 $14,913 

Accounts payable

  533 

Other current liabilities

  184 

Total liabilities

 $717 

 

The Company recorded $2.0$5.9 million in identifiable intangibles at fair value, consisting of $1.2$5.0 million in acquired customer relationships, $0.1$0.2 million for a non-compete agreement and $0.7 million for the Sutter's Mill SpecialtiesGuardian Products trade name. The intangible assets associated with the customer relationships are being amortized for seven years, and the non-compete agreement is being amortized for five years. Theyears and the trade name is considered an indefinite-life asset and as such is notbeing amortized. amortized for two years.

The difference between the fair value of the consideration transferred and the values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recorded as goodwill, which is primarily attributed to the assembled workforce and expanded market opportunities. The acquisition of Sutter’s MillGuardian was treated as an asset purchase for income tax purpose, and therefore, the resulting goodwill from this acquisition wasis deductible for U.S. income tax purposes.

 The goodwill associated with the Guardian acquisition was fully impaired during the year ended December 31, 2022 as a result of the Company’s goodwill impairment test performed during the third quarter of 2022, which was triggered by the depressed market price of the Company's common stock and corresponding significant decline in the Company’s market capitalization.

 

 

NOTE 12 Subsequent Event:Events:

 

EffectiveOn May 1, 2022,4, 2023, the Company and its domestic subsidiaries entered into the First Amendment to its Credit Agreement with the Administrative Agent and the lenders, which (i) provides a covenant relief period through BAMKO, closed onDecember 31, 2023, which the acquisitionCompany may opt to terminate during the fourth quarter of substantially all of the assets of Guardian Products, Inc. (“Guardian”) of Norcross, Georgia. Guardian is2023 if it has a branded merchandise company that isconsolidated total net leverage ratio at or below 4.00 to one1.0 of the leading providers of promotional products to automotive dealers nationwide. The purchase price for the acquisition consistedtwo preceding consecutive fiscal quarters; (ii) permits a maximum consolidated total net leverage ratio of the following: (a) cash at closing, subject4.5 to working capital adjustments, (b) the potential for future payment in additional contingent consideration through May 1, 4.8 to 2025,1, 4.5 to 1 and (c)4.0 to 1 for the issuancefirst, second, third and fourth quarters of 2023, respectively; (iii) amends the applicable margin pricing grid to add a tier of applicable margins (2.5% for SOFR rate loans) if the consolidated total net leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 4.0 to 1, which tier would only apply during the covenant relief period; (iv) prohibits capital expenditures during the covenant relief period that exceed $10 million, with additional limitations imposed on a quarterly basis; (v) prohibits acquisitions and incremental loans during the covenant relief period; (vi) adds sale and leaseback transactions to the list of transactions that require the Company to use the net proceeds thereof to make a mandatory prepayment under the Credit Agreement; (vii) limits restricted sharespayments to $20 million in any fiscal year, and no more than $10 million during the covenant relief period, with additional limitations imposed on a quarterly basis during the covenant relief period; and (viii) lowers the amount of permissible investments in non-loan party subsidiaries to $5 million during the Company’s common stock that vest over a three-yearcovenant relief period.

 

1817

 

ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 (“Financial Statements”) of this report and in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.2022.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

 

Certain matters discussed in this Form 10-Q are “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” anticipate,"anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “intend,” “project,” “potential,” or “plan” or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may include, without limitation: (1) the projected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our, our customers’, and our suppliers’ businesses, (2) projections of revenue, income, and other items relating to our financial position and results of operations, (3)including short term and long term plans for cash (2) statements of our plans, objectives, strategies, goals and intentions, (4)(3) statements regarding the capabilities, capacities, market position and expected development of our business operations, and (5)(4) statements of expected industry and general economic trends.trends and (5) the projected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our, our customers’, and our suppliers’ businesses.

 

Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may materially adversely affect the anticipated results. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: the impact of competition; the effect of uncertainties related to supply disruptions, inflationary environment (including with respect to the COVID-19 pandemiccost of finished goods and raw materials and shipping costs), including existingemployment levels (including labor shortages) and possible future variants, ongeneral economic and political conditions in the areas of the world in which the Company operates or from which it sources its supplies or the areas of the United States of America (“U.S.” or “United States”) in which the Company’s customers are located; lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including existing and possible future variants, on the United States and global markets, our business, operations, customers, suppliers and employees, including without limitation the length and scope of restrictions imposed by various governments and organizations and the continuing success of efforts to deliver effective vaccines on a timely basis to a number of people sufficient to prevent or substantially lower the severity of incidents of infection or variants,and boosters, among other factors; our ability to navigate successfully the challenges posed by current global supply disruptions; general economic conditions, including employment levels, in the areas of the United States in which the Company’s customers are located;factors; changes in the healthcare, retail, hotel, food service, transportation and other industries where uniforms and service apparel are worn; our ability to identify suitable acquisition targets, discover liabilities associated with such businesses during the diligence process, successfully integrate any acquired businesses, or successfully manage our expanding operations; the price and availability of cotton and other manufacturing materials; attracting and retaining senior management and key personnel; the effect of the Companys material weakness in internal control over financial reporting;the Companys ability to successfully remediate its material weakness in internal control over financial reporting and to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting;and other factors described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those described in the “Risk Factors” section herein and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.2022. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements made herein and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made herein are only made as of the date of this Form 10-Q and we disclaim any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as may be required by law.

 

Recent Acquisitions

 

On January 29, 2021, the Company, through BAMKO, acquired substantially all of the assets of Gifts By Design, Inc. (“Gifts by Design”) of Seattle, Washington. Gifts by Design is a promotional products and branded merchandise agency that is well-established as a developer and supplier of corporate awards, incentives, and recognition programs for some of the world’s biggest brands. The purchase price for the acquisition consisted of $6.0 million in cash at closing.

On December 2, 2021, the Company, principally through BAMKO, acquired substantially all of the assets of Sutter’s Mill Specialties, Inc. (“Sutter’s Mill”) of Tempe, Arizona. Sutter's Mill is a vertically integrated manufacturer of high quality, decorated promotional products. Sutter's Mill has the capability to print on demand and create customized promotional programs and products for customers of any size. The purchase price of the acquisition consisted of the following: (a) approximately $10.5 million in cash, (b) the issuance of 45,620 restricted shares of Superior’s common stock that vest ratably over a three-year period, and (c) potential future payments of approximately $4.5 million in additional contingent consideration for calendar years 2022 through 2024 based on the results of the acquired business.

19

Effective May 1, 2022, the Company, through BAMKO, closed on the acquisition ofacquired substantially all of the assets of Guardian Products, Inc. (“Guardian”) of Norcross, Georgia. Guardian is a branded merchandise company that is one of the leading providers of promotional products to automotive dealers nationwide. The purchase price for the acquisition consisted of the following: (a) $11.1 million in cash, at closing, subject to working capital adjustments, (b) the issuance of 116,550 restricted shares of Superior’s common stock (the “Guardian Stock”) that vest ratably over a three-year period, and (c) estimated potential for future paymentpayments of approximately $2.3 million in additional contingent consideration through May 1, 2025, and (c)based on the issuance of restricted sharesresults of the Company’s common stock that vestacquired business through April 2025. The Guardian Stock is subject to transfer restrictions over athe three-year period.period following the closing of the acquisition.

18

 

Business Outlook

 

Superior Group of Companies, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” “Superior,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is comprised of three reportable business segments: (1) Branded Products, (2) Healthcare Apparel and (3) Contact Centers. Beginning in the second quarter of 2022, the Company realigned its reportable segments to correspond with changes to its organizational responsibilities, management structure and operating model. Prior to implementing the current segment reporting, the Company’s Uniforms and Related Products (2)segment included both healthcare apparel and uniforms. As part of the change in reportable segments, the branded portion of the uniforms business was combined with the previous Promotional Products segment to form the Branded Products segment, the healthcare apparel business became its own segment named Healthcare Apparel and income and expenses related to corporate functions that are not specifically attributable to an individual reportable segment are no longer presented in segment results. The previous Remote Staffing Solutions and (3) Promotional Products.segment was renamed Contact Centers segment. All prior period segment information has been recast to reflect this change in reportable segments.

 

Uniforms and RelatedBranded Products

 

In our Uniforms and RelatedBranded Products segment, we produce and sell customized merchandising solutions, promotional products and branded uniform programs to our customers. As a strategic branding partner, we offer our customers customized branding solutions and strategies that generate favorable brand impressions, bolster customer retention and enhance employee engagement. Our products are sold to customers in a wide range of industries, including retail, hotel, food service, entertainment, technology, transportation and other industries. Sales volumes in this segment are impacted by a number of factors, including marketing programs of our customers and turnover of our customers’ employees, often times driven by the opening and closing of locations. From a long-term perspective, we believe that synergies within this segment will create opportunities to cross-sell products to new and existing customers.

Healthcare Apparel

In our Healthcare Apparel segment, we manufacture (through third parties or in our own facilities) and sell a wide range of uniforms, career apparel and accessories. Our primary products are servicehealthcare apparel, such as scrubs, lab coats, protective apparel and patient gowns, provided to the healthcare industry, and service apparel, such as uniforms, provided to workers employed by our customers in various industries, including retail, hotel, food service, transportation and other industries.gowns. We sell our brands of healthcare service apparel primarily to healthcare laundries, dealers, distributors and retailers. The COVID-19 pandemic initially createdretailers primarily in the United States. In 2021, the Company saw increased demand for healthcare service apparel from laundries, dealers, and distributors, that service hospitals and other medical facilities. However, as a result of the effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare apparel market in 2022 was oversupplied creating a slowdown in demand. This softening of demand has continued thus far in 2023. In an effort to capture additional market share, in the first quarter of 2023 the Company launched a direct-to-consumer website and began rebranding its signature marketing brand WonderWink® to Wink™. From a long-term perspective, we expect that demand for our signature marketing brands, including Fashion Seal Healthcare® and WonderWink®Wink™, will continue to provide opportunities for growth and increased market share. Sales of uniforms are impacted by our customers’ opening and closing of locations and reductions, increases, and turnover of employees. The COVID-19 pandemic reduced demand for uniform apparel in many of our customers’ industries, such as the restaurant, transportation and hospitality industries. This, however, was partially offset by demand from customers in certain retail industries, such as grocery and pharmacy customers. The economic environment in the United States is continuing to return to pre-pandemic economic activity levels. While we continue to source some personal protective equipment for our customers, we anticipate that demand for personal protective equipment, including for our Uniforms and Related Products segment, will continue to decline. Based on the longer-term fundamentals of our uniforms business, however, we believe that we have growth opportunities to expand our market share.

 

Remote Staffing SolutionsContact Centers

 

This business segment (also known as “The Office Gurus”), which operates in El Salvador, Belize, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and the United States, initially startedprovides outsourced, nearshore business process outsourcing, contact and call-center support services to supportNorth American customers. These services are also provided internally to the Company’s back office needs while improving overall efficiencies and loweringother two operating costs. After years of consistently improving key performance indicators, lowering costs and providing exceptional service to our Uniforms and Related Products segment in areas such as order entry, cash collections, vendor payables processing, customer service, sales, and others, The Office Gurus started selling their services to outside companies in 2009.segments. The Office Gurus has become an award-winning business process outsourcer offering inbound and outbound voice, email, text, chat and social media support. AlthoughThe nearshore call-center market has experienced a period of growth as businesses look to reduce operating costs while maintaining high-quality customer support. Nearshore operators are able to provide comparable service to their U.S. counterparts at a fraction of the COVID-19 pandemic has generated uncertainties for our customers and their industries, we continue to see increased demand for our services.price. With an environment and career path designed to attract and maintain top talent across all sites, we believe The Office Gurus is positioned well to continue growing this business.

 

2019

 

Promotional ProductsGlobal Economic and Political Conditions

 

For more thanEconomic and political events this year have altered the landscape in which we and other U.S. companies operate in a decade, we sold promotional products on a limited basisvariety of ways. In response to our existing Uniforms and Related Products customer base. While there were substantial opportunities to sell promotional products to those customers, it was not an area of focus, specialization, or expertise for us. On March 1, 2016, that changed with our acquisition of substantially all ofinflationary pressures, the assets of BAMKO, Inc. (“BAMKO”). BAMKOU.S. Federal Reserve has many strengths, well-developed systems, and time-tested processes that offer significant competitive advantages. With a robust back-office support platform operated out of India, direct-to-factory sourcing operations basedrepeatedly raised interest rates, resulting in China, and proprietary technological platforms and programming capabilities that we believe are competitive, BAMKO is well positioned in the promotional products industry and continues to be a platform for potential future acquisitions. We completed two additional acquisitions in this segment in late 2017, as well as acquisitions in January 2021 and December 2021, and remain open to additional acquisitions going forward. In recent years we have seen an increase in customer orders in our promotional products business and expect growth opportunities for our core promotional products business to continue. The COVID-19 pandemic created significant opportunitiesthe cost of borrowing for us, within the personal protective equipment market. Although we will continue to source some personal protective equipment for our customers, we anticipate, basedour suppliers, and other companies relying on supplydebt financing. It has indicated that it may raise rates further. World events, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and demand factors, that opportunitiesthe resulting economic sanctions, have impacted the global economy, including by exacerbating inflationary and other pressures. Prolonged inflationary conditions, high and/or increased interest rates, and additional sanctions or retaliatory measures related to supply personal protective equipment,the Russia-Ukraine crisis, or other situations, including through our Promotional Products segment, will continue to decline. Our core promotional products business has not experienceddeteriorating or prolonged diplomatic tension between the same downturn duringUnited States and China, could further negatively affect U.S. and international commerce and exacerbate or prolong the pandemic that manyperiod of our competitors experienced as increased activities from customers in certain industries, such ashigh energy prices. At this time, the delivery service industry, more than offset reduced activities from customers in other industries, such as the restaurantextent and entertainment industries. From a long-term perspective, we believe that this segment’s synergistic fit with our uniforms business will create opportunities to cross-sell the products of eachduration of these business segmentseconomic and political events and their effects on the economy and the Company are too difficult to new and existing customers.

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our operations around the world and financial performance, and likely will continue to do so for an undetermined period of time. International, federal, state and local efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 have continued. Government actions to address the situation remain in effect and new actions continue to be enacted or modified, including safety requirements such as recommended or mandatory use of face masks and other personal protective equipment and related products, recommended or mandated vaccinations, social distancing rules and guidelines, travel restrictions, temporary closures of non-essential businesses and other restrictive measures. 

In responding to the needs of our customers, we have sourced personal protective equipment, including face masks, isolation gowns, sanitizers, gloves and COVID-19 testing kits, which contributed $3.7 million and $0.9 million to net sales during the three months ended March 31, 2022 for our Promotional Products segment and Uniforms and Related Products segment, respectively. Personal protective equipment net sales for our Promotional Products segment and Uniforms and Related Products segment were $14.2 million and $12.5 million, respectively, during the three months ended March 31, 2021.predict.

 

Prolonged or recurring disruptions or instability in the United States and global economies, and how the world reacts to those disruptions or instability, could have long-term impacts on our business. These business impacts could negatively affect us in a number of ways, including, but not limited to, reduced demand for our core products and services, reductions to our revenue and profitability, costs associated with complying with new or amended laws and regulations affecting our business, declines in our stock price, reduced availability and less favorable terms of future borrowings, valuation of our pension obligations, reduced credit-worthiness of our customers, and potential impairment of the carrying value of goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately impacts our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows will depend on numerous factors that continue to evolve and which we may not be able to accurately predict at this time, including the delivery of effective vaccines on a timely basis to a number of people sufficient to prevent or substantially lower the severity of incidents of infection or possible future variants of the virus, the extent and effectiveness of containment actions, availability of widespread rapid testing and effective treatment alternatives. Prolonged or recurring periods of difficult market conditions could have material adverse impacts on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

SourcingSummary of Goods and Raw MaterialsResults

 

Along with many manufacturers that source goodsNet Income

The Company generated net income of $0.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and raw materials from abroad, we are currently experiencing continued significant supply disruptions and delaysnet income of $5.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2022. The decrease in net income during the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022 was primarily due to a variety of reasons. These changes aredecreases in Branded Products net sales and Healthcare Apparel net sales, an increase in Contact Centers selling and administrative expenses, and an increase in interest expense, partially drivenoffset by interruptionsan decrease in global supply chains (including as a result of port congestion and trucking shortages) and partially by a shift in customer buying habits to e-commerce, which has the effect of increasing demand for shipping capacity from Asia, leading to capacity constraints. Both factors have increased shipping times as well as the price of shipping, whether by sea, air, rail, or vehicle, this year. Shipping delays combined with significant increases in orders for our products have recently created, and are expected to continue to create, inventory pressure for us.

21

An interruption in any of our supply sources or facilities could adversely affect our results of operations until alternate sources or facilities can be secured. The Uniforms and Related Products segment’s principal fabrics used in the manufacture of its finished goods are cotton, polyester, cotton-synthetic and poly-synthetic blends. The majority of such fabrics are sourced in China. The Promotional Products segment relies on the supply of different types of raw materials as well as textiles, including plastic, glass, fabric and metal. The vast majority of these raw materials are principally sourced from China, either directly by BAMKO or its suppliers. If we are unable to continue to obtain our raw materials and finished products from China or if our suppliers are unable to source raw materials from China, it could significantly disrupt our business. Further, the Company and the Company’s suppliers generally source or manufacture finished goods in parts of the world that may be affected by economic uncertainty, political unrest, logistical challenges (such as port strikes and embargos), foreign currency fluctuations, labor disputes, health emergencies, or the imposition of duties, tariffs or other import regulations by the United States, any of which could result in additional cost or limit our supply of necessary goods and raw materials.income tax expense.

 

We currently believe challenges createdEBITDA

EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) was $6.9 million and $10.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. EBITDA during the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022 decreased primarily due to decreases in Branded Products net sales and Healthcare Apparel net sales and an increase in selling and administrative expenses, partially offset by such supply chain disruptions are manageable. However, we have limited insight into the extentan increase in Contact Centers net sales. For a reconciliation of EBITDA to which COVID-19 or other factors could further impair our sourcing of goodsnet income, its most directly comparable financial measure calculated and materials.presented in accordance with GAAP, please read “Non-GAAP Financial Measure” below.

 

Results of Operations

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 20222023 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 20212022

 

Net Sales (in thousands):

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

     
  

2022

  

2021

  

% Change

 

Uniforms and Related Products

 $62,216  $70,568   (11.8%)

Remote Staffing Solutions

  17,973   13,030   37.9%

Promotional Products

  65,436   58,874   11.1%

Net intersegment eliminations

  (2,043)  (1,625)  25.7%

Consolidated Net Sales

 $143,582  $140,847   1.9%
  

Three Months Ended March 31,

     
  

2023

  

2022

  

% Change

 

Branded Products

 $81,851  $97,083   (15.7%)

Healthcare Apparel

  28,154   30,568   (7.9%)

Contact Centers

  22,056   17,974   22.7%

Net intersegment eliminations

  (1,288)  (2,043)  (37.0%)

Consolidated Net Sales

 $130,773  $143,582   (8.9%)

 

Net sales for the Company increased 1.9% from $140.8decreased 8.9%, or $12.8 million, for the three months ended March 31, 20212023 compared to $143.6the three months ended March 31, 2022. The decrease was driven by declines in Branded Products and Healthcare Apparel, partially offset by an increase in Contact Centers.

20

Branded Products net sales decreased 15.7%, or $15.2 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. The principal componentsdecrease was primarily due to decreased demand as a result of this aggregate increasecurrent market conditions that have tightened our customers’ advertising spending, the timing of new branded uniform rollout programs for certain customers and a decrease of $3.9 million in net sales of personal protective equipment driven by the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic. These decreases were as follows: (1) a decrease inpartially offset by net sales for our Uniforms and Related Products segment (contributing (5.9%)), (2) an increaseof $6.5 million attributable to the acquisition of Guardian in net sales for our Promotional Products segment (contributing 4.7%), and (3) an increase in net sales for our Remote Staffing Solutions segment after intersegment eliminations (contributing 3.1%).May 2022.


Uniforms and Related Products

Healthcare Apparel net sales decreased 11.8%7.9%, or $8.4$2.4 million, for the three months ended March 31, 20222023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021.2022. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease of $11.6 million in sales of personal protective equipment driven by the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in demand for uniformhealthcare apparel asresulting from a numbercontinuation of our customers’ industries, such as the restaurant, transportation and hospitality industries, have mostly recovered from the effects of the COVID-19challenging market conditions with saturated inventory levels post-COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Remote Staffing SolutionsContact Centers net sales increased 37.9%22.7% before intersegment eliminations and 39.7%30.4% after intersegment eliminations for the three months ended March 31, 20222023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021.2022. These increases were primarily attributed to our providing continued services in the current year period to our customer base that was expanded during 2021 and the onboarding of new customers in 2022.during the last twelve months and providing expanded services to our existing customers.

 

Promotional Products net sales increased 11.1%, or $6.6 million,Gross Margin

Gross margin rate for the Company was 36.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $17.1 million in net sales in our core promotional products business, partially offset by a decrease of $10.5 million in net sales of personal protective equipment. The increase in net sales in our core promotional products business was primarily driven by the acquisition of Sutter's Mill in December 2021 that contributed to an increase of net sales of $7.1 million, the growth of our customer base through continued market penetration experienced in 20212023 and improved market conditions. The sale of personal protective equipment during the three months ended March 31, 2021 was driven by market demand as a result of the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic.

22

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold consists primarily of direct costs of acquiring inventory, including cost of merchandise, inbound freight charges, purchasing costs, and inspection costs for our Uniforms and Related Products and Promotional Products segments. Cost of goods sold for our Remote Staffing Solutions segment includes salaries and payroll related benefits for agents. The Company includes shipping and handling fees billed to customers in net sales. Shipping and handling costs associated with out-bound freight are recorded in cost of goods sold. Other shipping and handling costs are included in selling and administrative expenses.

As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold for our Uniforms and Related Products segment was 66.9%34.7% for the three months ended March 31, 20222022. The rate increase was primarily due to an improvement in gross margin rate for our Branded Products segment, the Company's largest segment, and 66.2%the Contact Centers segment, our highest gross margin segment, representing a larger portion of total gross margin.

Gross margin rate for our Branded Products segment was 31.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The percentage increase was primarily driven by higher logistical costs during the current year period. Interruptions in global supply chains have led to higher logistical costs2023 and are expected to continue in 2022, however, the extent to which we will be impacted is dependent on a number of factors that are difficult to predict. For additional information related to logistical challenges, please refer to the section “ITEM 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Business Outlook Sourcing of Goods and Raw Materials.

As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold for our Remote Staffing Solutions segment was 40.6%29.1% for the three months ended March 31, 20222022. The rate increase was primarily driven by a favorable shift in the mix of pricing and 40.7%customers.

Gross margin rate for our Healthcare Apparel segment was 35.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2021. As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold remained relatively flat.

As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold for our Promotional Products segment was 69.9%2023 and 39.3% for the three months ended March 31, 20222022. The rate decrease was primarily driven by challenging market conditions and 68.7%strategic efforts to right size inventory levels resulting in lower selling prices.

Gross margin rate for our Contact Centers segment was 53.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2021.2023 and 59.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The percentage increaserate decrease was primarily the resultdue to increased employee related costs of differences in the mix of products and customers and higher logistical costs during the current year period.our agents, partially offset by price increases.

 

Selling and Administrative Expenses

SellingAs a percentage of net sales, total selling and administrative expenses increased 20.2%, or $7.1 million,was 33.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to2023 and 29.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2021.2022. The selling and administrative expense rate increased across all segments.

As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses for our Branded Products segment was 24.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 22.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The rate increase was primarily due to an increaseexpense deleverage on the 15.7% decrease in employee costs,sales, partially offset by lower selling and administrative expenses resulting from a decrease in expense of $0.8 million which was mostly driven by increasesresulted from the remeasurement of acquisition contingent liabilities and a decrease in headcount and sales commissions, and an increase in depreciation and amortizationcommission expense.

 

As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses for our Uniforms and Related ProductsHealthcare Apparel segment was 34.3%33.8% for the three months ended March 31, 20222023 and 28.9%33.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2021.2022. The percentagerate increase was primarily due to aexpense deleverage on the 7.9% decrease in personal protective equipment net sales, which have disproportionatelypartially offset by lower selling and administrative expenses associated with them, and increasesresulting from a decrease in depreciation expense and third-party professional services.employee related expenses, including sales commissions.

21

 

As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses for our Remote Staffing SolutionsContact Centers segment was 43.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 35.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 36.2%2022. The percentage increase was primarily attributed to increased investment in organizational infrastructure, including personnel, to support future growth of this segment.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased to $2.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses remained relatively flat.

As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses2023 from $0.3 million for three months ended March 31, 2022. This increase was primarily due to an increase in interest rates on our Promotional Products segment was 23.9%outstanding borrowings. The weighted average interest rate on our outstanding borrowings for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 18.6%2023 was 6.6% compared to 0.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The percentage increase was primarily attributed to decrease in personal protective equipment net sales, which have disproportionately lower selling and administrative expenses associated with them, and increased investment to support future growth of this business, including the expansion of our workforce.2022.

 

Interest ExpenseIncome Taxes

InterestIncome tax expense was $0.3 million for each ofthe three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.

Income Taxes

decreased by $1.5 million. The decrease in income tax expense was driven by a decrease in pre-tax income. The effective income tax rate was 22.4%6.0% and 20.8%22.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was favorably impacted by discrete non-taxable gains on the Company’s written put option and 2021,income generated on the Company’s SERP totaling $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The effective tax rate may vary from quarter to quarter due to discrete, unusual or infrequently occurringnon-recurring items, the resolution of income tax audits, changes in tax laws, the tax impact from employee share-based payments, taxes incurred in connection to the territorial style tax system, or other items.

23

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Overview
 
Management uses a number of standards in measuring the Company’s liquidity, such as: working capital, profitability ratios, cash flows from operating activities, and activity ratios. The Company’s balance sheet generally provides the ability to pursue acquisitions, invest in new product lines and technologies and invest in additional working capital as necessary.

 

The Company’s primary source of liquidity has been its net income and the use of credit facilities and term loans as described further below. Management currently believes that cash flows provided by operating activities and availability under the revolving credit facility will be sufficient to satisfy the Company’s anticipated working capital requirements and capital expenditures for the next twelve months. Management also currently believes that cash flows provided by operating activities and availability under the revolving credit facility will be sufficient to satisfy the Company’s anticipated working capital requirements and capital expenditures beyond the next twelve months. In the future, the Company may continue to use credit facilities and other secured and unsecured borrowings as a source of liquidity. The Company may also begin relying on the issuance of equity or debt securities, including under its universal shelf registration statement (File No. 333-249760)., to the extent available. There can be no assurance that any such financings would be available to us on reasonable terms. Any future issuances of equity securities or securities convertible into or exercisable for equity securities may be dilutive to our shareholders. Additionally, the cost of the Company’s future sources of liquidity may differ from the costs of the Company’s sources of liquidity to date.


Working Capital

 

Superior’s Uniforms and Related Products segment markets itself to its customers as a “stock house.” Therefore, Superior carries inventories of both raw materials and finished products, the practice of which requires substantial working capital, which we believe to be common in the industry.


Cash and cash equivalents decreasedincreased by $0.6$8.9 million to $8.3$26.6 million as of March 31, 20222023 from $8.9$17.7 million on December 31, 2021.2022. Working capital increaseddecreased to $206.4$220.6 million at March 31, 20222023 from $188.1$232.8 million at December 31, 2021.2022. The increasedecrease in working capital was primarily due to a decrease in accounts receivable, an increase in inventoriesaccounts payable, a decrease in other accounts receivable and a decrease in inventory, partially offset by an increase in cash and cash equivalents and a decrease in other current liabilities. The decreases in accounts receivable and other accounts receivables were primarily driven by decreased sales for the quarter within our Branded Products segment and the collection of customer payments, including credit card payments. 

The increase in inventoriesaccounts payable and cash and cash equivalents was primarily driven by the timing of payments to vendors and decreased in purchasing activities during the period. The decrease in inventory purchases within our Uniforms and Related Products segment.was primarily driven by a decrease in receipts during the period. The decrease in other current liabilities was primarily related to accruals asthe timing of December 31, 2021payments associated with the Company’s performancecosts incurred in 2021,2022 that were paid in 2022,2023, including accrued commissions and other compensation. 


22

Material Short-Term Plans for Cash

For the remainder of the year 2023, our primary capital requirements are to maintain our operations, meet contractual obligations, fund capital expenditures, pay dividends and for other general corporate purposes. We currently anticipate that we will spend less in capital expenditures in 2023 than we spent in 2022. Management currently believes that the combination of our current cash level, cash flows provided by operating activities and availability under the revolving credit facility will be sufficient to satisfy the above requirements for the next twelve months.

Material Long-Term Plans for Cash

Beyond the next twelve months, our principal demand for funds will be for maintenance of our core business, to satisfy long term contractual obligations and the continuation of the Company’s ongoing capital expenditure program designed to improve the effectiveness and capabilities of its facilities and technology. The Company at all times evaluates its capital expenditure program in light of prevailing economic conditions. The Company’s material contractual obligations include outstanding debt, operating leases, acquisition-related contingent liabilities, unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan liabilities and non-qualified deferred compensation plan liabilities. In the first quarter of 2023, the Company’s Branded Products segment entered into a new long-term lease for a warehouse in Phoenix, Arizona with total estimated rental payments of $7.4 million. This new lease is part of management’s plan to consolidate warehousing facilities related to promotional products inventory. Management currently believes that the combination of our current cash level, cash flows provided by operating activities and availability under the revolving credit facility will be sufficient to satisfy the above requirements. 

Cash Flows
 
Our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the statements of cash flows, are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
 

2022

  

2021

  

2023

  

2022

 

Net cash provided by (used in):

          

Operating activities

 $(8,727) $(2,255) $25,050  $(8,727)

Investing activities

 (4,313) (12,736) (2,114) (4,313)

Financing activities

 11,906  20,905  (14,198) 11,906 

Effect of exchange rates on cash

  514   (175)  140   514 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 $(620) $5,739  $8,878  $(620)


Operating Activities. The increase in net cash used inprovided by operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 20222023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 20212022 was primarily attributable to increaseddecreases in cash outflows for inventory and accounts payable and an increase in cash inflows from accounts receivable, partially offset by an increase in cash outflows for selling and administrative expenses, partially offset by decreaseda decrease in net sales and an increase in interest paid. Working capital cash outflows forchanges during the three months ended March 31, 2023 included a decrease of $10.2 million in accounts payable and other current liabilities.receivable. Working capital cash changes during the three months ended March 31, 2022 included an increase of $8.7 million in inventoriesinventory and a decrease of $5.7 million in accounts payable and other current liabilities. Working capital cash changes during the three months ended March 31, 2021 included a decrease of $15.1 million in accounts payable and other current liabilities.

24

 

Investing Activities. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 20222023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 20212022 was attributable to $6.0 million of cash paid for the acquisition of Gifts by Design in 2021 and a decrease in capital expenditures of $2.5 million primarily relatedin the current period as compared to the expansion of our distribution facility in Eudora, Arkansas, in 2021. From a long-term perspective, the Company expects to continue its ongoing capital expenditure program designed to improve the effectiveness and capabilities of its facilities and technology.prior year period. 

 

Financing Activities. The decreaseincrease in net cash provided byused in financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 20222023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 20212022 was primarily attributable to a decrease$11.9 million in net repayments of debt in the current period compared to $13.9 million of net borrowings of $9.0 milliondebt in debt.the prior year period. Excess cash generated from operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2023 was used to repay outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

 

23

Credit Facilities (See Note 3 to the Financial Statements)

 

On August 23, 2022, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) among the Company, the domestic subsidiaries of the Company, as guarantors, the lenders party thereto (the “Lenders”), and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent for the Lenders (the “Administrative Agent”), pursuant to which the Lenders are providing the Company senior secured credit facilities maturing in August 2027 consisting of a revolving credit facility in the aggregate maximum principal amount of $125.0 million and a term loan in the original aggregate principal amount of $75.0 million (collectively, the “Credit Facilities”), and the ability to request incremental revolving credit or term loan facilities in an aggregate amount of up to an additional $75.0 million, subject to obtaining additional lender commitments and satisfying certain other conditions. 

As of March 31, 2022,2023, the Company had approximately $130.6$144.2 million in outstanding borrowings under its credit facilities with Truist Bank,Credit Facilities, consisting of $79.2$72.0 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility $13.5and $72.2 million outstanding under a term loan maturing in February 2024 (“2017 Term Loan”) and $37.9 million outstanding under a term loan maturing in January 2026 (“2018 Term Loan”). The revolving credit facility, 2017 Term Loan and 2018 Term Loan are collectively referred to as the “Credit Facilities.”

On February 8, 2021,loan.  As of March 31, 2023, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Truist Bank (the “Credit Agreement”), pursuant to which the maximum availabilityhad undrawn capacity of $53.0 million under the Company’s existing revolving credit facility was increased from $75.0 million to $125.0 million and its maturity date was extended until February 8, 2026. The 2017 Term Loan and the 2018 Term Loan remain outstanding with the same amortization schedules. The floor on LIBOR for the revolving credit facility was increased from zero to 0.25%, but the interest rates on the revolving credit facility and the term loans were not otherwise modified.facility.

 

Obligations outstanding under the 2018 Term Loan haveCredit Facilities accrue interest at a variable rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) plus an adjustment of between 0.10% and 0.25% (depending on the applicable interest rate of LIBORperiod) plus a margin of between 0.85%1.0% and 1.65% (based2.0% (depending on the Company’s funded debtnet leverage ratio). During the covenant relief period described in Note 12 to EBITDA ratio) (1.25%the Financial Statements, the applicable margin may reach 2.5% for SOFR rate loans. The weighted average interest rate on our outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facilities was 6.6% at March 31, 2022). Obligations outstanding under2023. During the term of the revolving credit facility, and the 2017 Term Loan generally haveCompany will pay a variable interest rate of one-month LIBOR (with a 0.25% floor on LIBOR for the revolving credit facility) plus a margin of between 0.68% and 1.50% (basedcommitment fee on the Company’s funded debt to EBITDA ratio) (1.08% forunused portion of the revolving credit facility equal to between 0.125% and 2017 Term Loan at March 31, 2022)0.250% (depending on the Company’s net leverage ratio)The Company is obligated to pay aDuring the covenant relief period, the commitment fee of 0.15% per annum on the average unused portion of the commitment under the revolving credit facility.may reach 0.300%. The available balance under the revolving credit facility is reduced by outstanding letters of credit. AtAs of March 31, 2022, the Company had undrawn capacity2023, there were no outstanding letters of $45.8 millioncredit under the revolving credit facility.

 

Contractual principal payments for the 2017 Term Loanterm loan are as follows: remainder of 2022 - $4.5 million; 2023 - $6.0$2.8 million; and 2024 - $3.0 million. Contractual principal payments for the 2018 Term Loan are as follows: remainder of 2022 - $6.9$4.7 million; 2023 through 2025 - $9.3 million per year; and$5.6 million; 2026 - $3.1$6.6 million and 2027 - $52.5 million. The term loans doloan does not contain pre-payment penalties.

 

The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default and negative covenants, including but not limited to those governing indebtedness, liens, fundamental changes, investments, restricted payments, and sales of assets. The Credit Agreement also requires the Company to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of at least 1.25:1 and a funded debt to EBITDA ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) not to exceed 5.0:1. As of March 31, 2022, the Company was in compliance with these ratios. The Credit Facilities are secured by substantially all of the operating assets of the Company, as collateral, and the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facilities are guaranteed by all of its domestic subsidiaries. The Company’s obligations under the Credit Facilities are subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of an event of default as defined in the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default and negative covenants, including but not limited to those governing indebtedness, liens, fundamental changes, investments, restricted payments (including dividends and related distributions), liquidations, mergers, consolidations or acquisitions, affiliate transactions and sales of assets or subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement also requires the Company to comply with a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.25 to 1.0 and a net leverage ratio not to exceed 4.0 to 1.0, except during the covenant relief period. The Company’s net leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) is generally calculated as the ratio of (a) indebtedness minus unrestricted cash to (b) consolidated EBITDA for the four most recently ended fiscal quarters. As of March 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with these ratios as the Company’s fixed charge coverage and net leverage ratios were 1.5 to 1.0 and 3.8 to 1.0, respectively. 

On May 4, 2023, the Company and its domestic subsidiaries entered into a First Amendment to Credit Agreement with the Administrative Agent and the lenders, which (i) provides a covenant relief period through December 31, 2023, which the Company may opt to terminate during the fourth quarter of 2023 if it has a consolidated total net leverage ratio at or below 4.00 to 1.0 for the two preceding consecutive fiscal quarters; (ii) permits a maximum consolidated total net leverage ratio of 4.5 to 1, 4.8 to 1, 4.5 to 1 and 4.0 to 1 for the first, second, third and fourth quarters 2023, respectively; (iii) amends the applicable margin pricing grid to add a tier of applicable margins (2.5% for SOFR rate loans) if the consolidated total net leverage ratio is greater than 4.0 to 1, which tier would only apply during the covenant relief period; (iv) prohibits capital expenditures during the covenant relief period that exceed $10 million, with additional limitations imposed on a quarterly basis; (v) prohibits acquisitions and incremental loans during the covenant relief period; (vi) adds sale and leaseback transactions to the list of transactions that require the Company to use the net proceeds thereof to make a mandatory prepayment under the Credit Agreement; (vii) limits restricted payments to $20 million in any fiscal year, and no more than $10 million during the covenant relief period, with additional limitations imposed on a quarterly basis during the covenant relief period; and (viii) lowers the amount of permissible investments in non-loan party subsidiaries to $5 million during the covenant relief period.


Dividends and Share Repurchase Program
 
During the three months ended March 31, 20222023 and 2021,2022, the Company paid cash dividends of $1.9$2.3 million and $1.5$1.9 million, respectively. The Company anticipates that it will continue to pay dividends in the future as financial conditions permit.

24

 
On May 2, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program of up to 750,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock. There is no expiration date or other restriction governing the period over which the Company can make share repurchases under the program. All purchases under this program will be open market transactions. At March 31, 2022,2023, the Company’s remaining repurchase capacity under its common stock repurchase program was 657,451 shares. Shares purchased under the common stock repurchase program are constructively retired and returned to unissued status. The Company considers several factors in determining when to make share repurchases, including among other things, the cost of equity, the after-tax cost of borrowing, the debt to total capitalization targets and its expected future cash needs.

 

25

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as net income excluding interest expense, income tax expense and depreciation and amortization expense. The Company believes EBITDA is an important measure of operating performance because it allows management, investors and others to evaluate and compare the Company’s core operating results from period to period by removing (i) the impact of the Company’s capital structure (interest expense from outstanding debt), (ii) tax consequences and (iii) asset base (depreciation and amortization). The Company uses EBITDA internally to monitor operating results and to evaluate the performance of its business. In addition, the compensation committee has used EBITDA in evaluating certain components of executive compensation, including performance-based annual incentive programs.

EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net income, cash flows from operating activities or any other measure determined in accordance with GAAP. The items excluded to calculate EBITDA are significant components in understanding and assessing the Company’s results of operations. The presentation of the Company’s EBITDA may change from time to time, including as a result of changed business conditions, new accounting pronouncements or otherwise. If the presentation changes, the Company undertakes to disclose any change between periods and the reasons underlying that change. The Company’s EBITDA may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure of another company because other entities may not calculate EBITDA in the same manner.

The following table reconciles net income to EBITDA (in thousands):

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2023

  

2022

 

Net income

 $888  $5,230 

Interest expense

  2,570   299 

Income tax expense

  57   1,510 

Depreciation and amortization

  3,388   2,923 

EBITDA

 $6,903  $9,962 

 

ITEM 3.          Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

We are subject to market risk exposure related to changes in interest rates on our debt. Interest on our Credit Facilities areis based upon the one-monthsecured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”). As SOFR is a relatively new reference rate with a limited history, there may or may not be more volatility than with other reference rates such as LIBOR, rate. In order to reducewhich may result in increased borrowing costs for the interest rate risk on our debt, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement on a portion of its borrowings. Excluding the effect of the interest rate swap agreement, aCompany. A hypothetical increase in the LIBOR rateSOFR of 100 basis points as of January 1, 20222023 would have resulted in approximately $0.3$0.4 million in additional pre-tax interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2022.2023. For further information regarding our debt instruments, see Note 3 to the Financial Statements.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

 

Sales to customers outside of the United States are subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, which may negatively impact gross margin realized on our sales. Less than 5% of our sales contracts are not denominated in U.S. dollars.foreign currencies. We cannot predict the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on our operating results. In certain cases, we may enter into foreign currency cash flow hedges to reduce the variability of cash flows associated with our sales and expenses denominated in foreign currency. As of March 31, 2022,2023, we had no foreign currency exchange hedging contracts. There can be no assurance that our strategies will adequately protect our operating results from the effect of exchange rate fluctuations.

 

25

Financial results of our foreign subsidiaries in the PromotionalBranded Products segment are denominated in their local currencies, which include the Hong Kong dollar, the Chinese renminbi, the British pound, the Indian rupee, the Brazilian real and the Canadian dollar. These operations may also have net assets and liabilities not denominated in their functional currency, which exposes us to changes in foreign currency exchange rates that impact income. Excluding intercompany payables and receivables considered to be long-term investments, changes in exchange rates for assets and liabilities not denominated in their functional currency are reported as foreign currency transaction gains (losses) within selling and administrative expenses in our statements of comprehensive income. During the three months ended March 31, 20222023 and 2021,2022, foreign currency losses were not significant. We also have exposure to foreign currency exchange risk from the translation of foreign subsidiaries from the local currency into the U.S. dollar. Comprehensive income during the three months ended March 31, 20222023 and 20212022 included a foreign currency translation adjustment gain of $0.3 million and $0.9 and a foreign currency translation adjustment loss of $0.6 million, respectively, primarily related to exchange rate movements of the Brazilian real.

respectively.

 

ITEM 4.          Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

The Company conducted an evaluation, under supervision and with the participation of the Company’s principal executive officer, Michael Benstock, and the Company’s principal financial officer, Andrew D. Demott, Jr.,Michael Koempel, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on such evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective because of the material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting described below and as previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.2022.

 

A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

 

ManagementAs of December 31, 2022, management identified a material weakness relating to segregation of duties, change management and user access and within certain proprietary information technology systems of the accounting for income taxes as of December 31, 2021, principally related to the income tax provision and deferred tax accounts (liabilities and assets).Contact Centers segment. The Company determined that management’s review controls over income taxesthese areas are not operatingdesigned effectively to detect a material misstatement in the financial statements related to the completeness, accuracy, and presentation of the aforementioned areas of income taxes. As of March 31, 2022, this material weakness has not been remediated.financial statements.

 

Notwithstanding the identified material weakness, management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, have determined, based on the procedures they have performed, that the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q present fairly, in all material respects, the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows at the Evaluation Date, and for the periods presented, in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

26

Remediation Efforts with Respect to the Material Weakness

 

The Company’s management, under the oversight of the Audit Committee, is in the process of developinghas developed a plan to remediate the material weakness relating to certain proprietary information technology systems of the Contact Centers segment identified as of December 31, 2022 which is expected to includeincludes the following measures:

(i) develop information technology general controls to manage access and program changes within our proprietary system; (ii) implement a tax reporting software solutionprocesses and controls to streamline our income tax processbetter identify and enhance our statemanage segregation of duties; and federal income tax reporting capabilities;

•  hire(iii) design and implement additional qualified personnel to bolster the Company's in-house tax capabilitiesenhanced review and capacity; and

•  evaluate and, if necessary, enhance the level of precision in the management review controls related to income taxes.monitoring controls.

 

The material weakness will not be considered remediated until management completes the remediation plan above, the enhanced controls operate for a sufficient period of time, and management has concluded, through testing, that the related controls are effective. The Company will monitor the effectiveness of its remediation plan and will refine its remediation plan as appropriate.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

ThereExcept as discussed above under “Ongoing Remediation Efforts with Respect to the Material Weakness," there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 20222023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

2726

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.        Legal Proceedings

 

We are a party to certain lawsuits in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

ITEM 1A.     Risk Factors

 

We are exposed to certain risks and uncertainties that could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and operating results. ThereExcept as set forth below, there have been no material changes to the Risk Factors described in Part I, Item 1A-Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.2022.

 

Adverse developments affecting the financial services industry, including events or concerns involving liquidity, defaults or non-performance by financial institutions or transactional counterparties, could adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Events involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions, transactional counterparties or other companies in the financial services industry or concerns or rumors about any events of these kinds or other similar risks, have in the past and may in the future lead to market-wide liquidity problems. For example, on March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) was closed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, which appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) as receiver; on March 12, 2023, Signature Bank and Silvergate Capital Corp. were each swept into receivership; and on May 1, 2023, First Republic Bank failed and regulators sold substantially all of its assets to JPMorgan Chase & Co. The failure of First Republic Bank occurred despite a previous attempt by some of the nation’s largest banks to shore up First Republic’s capital. Although we assess our banking and customer relationships as we believe necessary or appropriate, our access to funding sources and other credit arrangements in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our current and projected future business operations could be significantly impacted.

In addition, investor concerns regarding the U.S. or international financial systems could result in less favorable commercial financing terms, including higher interest rates or costs and tighter financial and operating covenants, or systemic limitations on access to credit and liquidity sources, thereby making it more difficult for us to acquire financing on acceptable terms or at all. Any decline in available funding or access to our cash and liquidity resources could, among other risks, adversely impact our ability to meet our operating expenses, financial obligations or other obligations, result in breaches of our contractual obligations or result in violations of federal or state wage and hour laws. Any of these impacts, or any other impacts resulting from the factors described above or other related or similar factors not described above, could have material adverse impacts on our liquidity and our business, results of operations or financial condition.

27

 

ITEM 2.         Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

There were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2022,2023, that were not previously reported in a current report on Form 8-K.

 

The table below sets forth information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of Superior Group of Companies, Inc. or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act) of our common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2022.2023.

 

Period

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased

  

Average Price Paid per Share

  

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

  

Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)

 

January 1, 20222023 to January 31, 20222023

  -  $-   -     

February 1, 20222023 to February 28, 20222023

  -   -   -     

March 1, 202231, 2023 to March 31, 20222023

  -   -   -     

Total

  -   -   -   657,451 

 

(1)

On May 2, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program of up to 750,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock. There is no expiration date or other restriction governing the period over which the Company can make share repurchases under the program. All purchases under this program will be open market transactions.

 

Under our Credit Agreement, as amended, with Truist Bank, if an event of default exists, we may not make distributions to our shareholders. The Company is in full compliance with all terms, conditions and covenants of such agreement.

 

ITEM 3.     Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4.     Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5.     Other Information

 

None.On May 4, 2023, the Company and its domestic subsidiaries entered into the First Amendment to its Credit Agreement with the Administrative Agent and the lenders, which (i) provides a covenant relief period through December 31, 2023, which the Company may opt to terminate during the fourth quarter of 2023 if it has a consolidated total net leverage ratio at or below 4.00 to 1.0 for the two preceding consecutive fiscal quarters; (ii) permits a maximum consolidated total net leverage ratio of 4.5 to 1, 4.8 to 1, 4.5 to 1 and 4.0 to 1 for the first, second, third and fourth quarters 2023, respectively; (iii) amends the applicable margin pricing grid to add a tier of applicable margins if the consolidated total net leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 4.0 to 1, which tier would only apply during the covenant relief period; (iv) prohibits capital expenditures during the covenant relief period that exceed $10 million, with additional limitations imposed on a quarterly basis; (v) prohibits acquisitions and incremental loans during the covenant relief period; (vi) adds sale and leaseback transactions to the list of transactions that require the Company to use the net proceeds thereof to make a mandatory prepayment under the Credit Agreement; (vii) limits restricted payments to $20 million in any fiscal year, and no more than $10 million during the covenant relief period, with additional limitations imposed on a quarterly basis during the covenant relief period; and (viii) lowers the amount of permissible investments in non-loan party subsidiaries to $5 million during the covenant relief period.

 

28

 

ITEM 6.     Exhibits

 

Exhibit No. Description

10.1*

First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated May 4, 2023
31.1* Certification by the Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2* Certification by the Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Accounting Officer) pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32** Certification by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS+

 

Inline XBRL Instance Document.

101.SCH+

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.

101.CAL+

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.

101.DEF+

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.

101.LAB+

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.

101.PRE+

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.

104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

 

*Filed herewith.

**Furnished herewith.

+  Submitted electronically herewith.

 

29

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: May 4, 20228, 2023SUPERIOR GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC.
   
               By/s/ Michael Benstock                           
  Michael Benstock
  Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)
   
   
Date: May 4, 20228, 2023  
               By/s/ Andrew D. Demott, Jr.Michael Koempel                           
  Andrew D. Demott, Jr.Michael Koempel
  

Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

30