UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 29, 201927, 2020
OR
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: 001-35249
THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 20-3031526
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
100 East Ridge Road
Ridgefield, Connecticut
06877
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
100 East Ridge Road
Ridgefield, Connecticut06877
(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) (203) 894-1345

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01CHEFThe NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Preferred Stock Purchase RightsCHEFThe NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
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 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  
Number of shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding at April 29, 2019: 29,937,683May 4, 2020: 31,031,894





THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
FORM 10-Q
Table of Contents




CAUTION CONCERNING
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


Statements in this report regarding the business of The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (the “Company”) that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that involve risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and management estimates; actual results may differ materially. Words such as “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “seeks”, “estimates” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, are difficult to predict and/or could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties which could impact these statements include, but are not limited to the following: our sensitivity to general economic conditions, including disposable income levels and changes in consumer discretionary spending; our ability to expand our operations in our existing markets and to penetrate new markets through acquisitions; we may not achieve the benefits expected from our acquisitions, which could adversely impact our business and operating results; we may have difficulty managing and facilitating our future growth; conditions beyond our control could materially affect the cost and/or availability of our specialty food products or center-of-the-plate products and/or interrupt our distribution network; our increased distribution of center-of-the-plate products, like meat, poultry and seafood, involves increased exposure to price volatility experienced by those products; our business is a low-margin business and our profit margins may be sensitive to inflationary and deflationary pressures; because our foodservice distribution operations are concentrated in certain culinary markets, we are susceptible to economic and other developments, including adverse weather conditions, in these areas; fuel cost volatility may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations; our ability to raise capital in the future may be limited; we may be unable to obtain debt or other financing, including financing necessary to execute on our acquisition strategy, on favorable terms or at all; our business operations and future development could be significantly disrupted if we lose key members of our management team; significant public health epidemics or pandemics, including COVID-19, may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition; and other risks and uncertainties included under the heading Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2019February 24, 2020 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). and in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.








PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1.            CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
 March 27, 2020
(unaudited)
 December 27, 2019
ASSETS 
  
Current assets: 
  
Cash and cash equivalents$193,517
 $140,233
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $25,618 in 2020 and $8,846 in 2019144,263
 175,044
Inventories, net129,999
 124,056
Prepaid expenses and other current assets24,914
 13,823
Total current assets492,693
 453,156
Equipment, leasehold improvements and software, net125,635
 92,846
Operating lease right-of-use assets127,255
 127,649
Goodwill212,510
 197,743
Intangible assets, net145,752
 138,751
Other assets3,069
 3,534
Total assets$1,106,914
 $1,013,679
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
  
Current liabilities: 
  
Accounts payable$92,621
 $94,097
Accrued liabilities29,477
 29,847
Short-term operating lease liabilities18,091
 17,453
Accrued compensation8,172
 8,033
Current portion of long-term debt4,069
 721
Total current liabilities152,430
 150,151
Long-term debt, net of current portion495,860
 386,106
Operating lease liabilities119,786
 120,572
Deferred taxes, net8,983
 10,883
Other liabilities and deferred credits10,238
 10,034
Total liabilities787,297
 677,746
Commitments and contingencies


 


Stockholders’ equity: 
  
Preferred Stock - $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at March 27, 2020 and December 27, 2019
 
Common Stock, - $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 30,989,742 and 30,341,941 shares issued and outstanding at March 27, 2020 and December 27, 2019, respectively310
 304
Additional paid in capital210,381
 212,240
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(2,426) (2,048)
Retained earnings111,352
 125,437
Total stockholders’ equity319,617
 335,933
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,106,914
 $1,013,679
 March 29, 2019
(unaudited)
 December 28, 2018
ASSETS 
  
Current assets: 
  
Cash and cash equivalents$17,317
 $42,410
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $7,461 in 2019 and $7,460 in 2018152,123
 161,758
Inventories, net113,540
 112,614
Prepaid expenses and other current assets12,216
 11,953
Total current assets295,196
 328,735
Equipment, leasehold improvements and software, net88,549
 85,276
Operating lease right-of-use assets118,792
 
Goodwill195,546
 184,280
Intangible assets, net145,242
 130,033
Other assets3,787
 4,074
Total assets$847,112
 $732,398
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
  
Current liabilities: 
  
Accounts payable$78,120
 $87,799
Accrued liabilities22,872
 24,810
Short-term operating lease liabilities16,499
 
Accrued compensation8,536
 12,872
Current portion of long-term debt1,804
 61
Total current liabilities127,831
 125,542
Long-term debt, net of current portion281,675
 278,169
Operating lease liabilities111,140
 
Deferred taxes, net9,952
 9,601
Other liabilities and deferred credits8,091
 10,410
Total liabilities538,689
 423,722
Commitments and contingencies
 
Stockholders’ equity: 
  
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding March 29, 2019 and December 28, 2018
 
Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 29,941,184 and 29,968,483 shares issued and outstanding at March 29, 2019 and December 28, 2018, respectively300
 300
Additional paid-in capital207,911
 207,326
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(2,166) (2,221)
Retained earnings102,378
 103,271
Stockholders’ equity308,423
 308,676
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$847,112
 $732,398
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.




THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Thirteen Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended
March 29, 2019 March 30, 2018March 27,
2020
 March 29,
2019
Net sales$357,027
 $318,615
$375,431
 $357,027
Cost of sales266,838
 239,093
284,530
 266,838
Gross profit90,189
 79,522
90,901
 90,189
Operating expenses84,039
 73,782
107,917
 84,039
Operating income6,150
 5,740
Operating (loss) income(17,016) 6,150
Interest expense4,551
 4,979
5,124
 4,551
Loss on asset disposal34
 
42
 34
Income before income taxes1,565
 761
Provision for income tax expense431
 217
Net income$1,134
 $544
Other comprehensive income (loss): 
  
(Loss) income before income taxes(22,182) 1,565
Provision for income taxes(8,097) 431
Net (loss) income$(14,085) $1,134
Other comprehensive (loss) income:   
Foreign currency translation adjustments55
 (922)(378) 55
Comprehensive income (loss)$1,189
 $(378)
Net income per share: 
  
Comprehensive (loss) income$(14,463) $1,189
Net (loss) income per share: 
  
Basic$0.04
 $0.02
$(0.48) $0.04
Diluted$0.04
 $0.02
$(0.48) $0.04
Weighted average common shares outstanding: 
  
   
Basic29,457,257
 28,122,723
29,621,433
 29,457,257
Diluted29,840,979
 28,197,247
29,621,433
 29,840,979

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.






THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)amounts)
 Common Stock Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Retained Earnings Total
 Shares Amount    
Balance December 28, 201829,968,483
 $300
 $207,326
 $(2,221) $103,271
 $308,676
Cumulative effect adjustment due to adoption of new accounting standard
 
 
 
 (2,027) (2,027)
Net income
 
 
 
 1,134
 1,134
Stock compensation(23,680) 
 915
 
 
 915
Exercise of stock options20,383
 
 412
 
 
 412
Cumulative translation adjustment
 
 
 55
 
 55
Shares surrendered to pay withholding taxes(24,002) 
 (742) 
 
 (742)
Balance March 29, 201929,941,184
 $300
 $207,911
 $(2,166) $102,378
 $308,423
 Common Stock 
Additional
Paid in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
 
Retained
Earnings
 Total
 Shares Amount    
Balance December 27, 201930,341,941
 $304
 $212,240
 $(2,048) $125,437
 $335,933
Net loss
 
 
 
 (14,085) (14,085)
Stock compensation807,433
 8
 843
 
 
 851
Cumulative translation adjustment
 
 
 (378) 
 (378)
Shares surrendered to pay tax withholding(159,632) (2) (2,702) 
 
 (2,704)
Balance March 27, 202030,989,742
 $310
 $210,381
 $(2,426) $111,352
 $319,617

Balance December 29, 201728,442,208
 $284
 $166,997
 $(1,549) $82,869
 $248,601
Balance December 28, 201829,968,483
 $300
 $207,326
 $(2,221) $103,271
 $308,676
Cumulative effect adjustment due to adoption of new accounting standard
 
 
 
 (2,027) (2,027)
Net income
 
 
 
 544
 544

 
 
 
 1,134
 1,134
Stock compensation284,618
 3
 834
 
 
 837
(23,680) 
 915
 
 
 915
Exercise of stock options20,383
 
 412
 
 
 412
Cumulative translation adjustment
 
 
 (922) 
 (922)
 
 
 55
 
 55
Shares surrendered to pay withholding taxes(20,100) 
 (472) 
 
 (472)
Balance March 30, 201828,706,726
 $287
 $167,359
 $(2,471) $83,413
 $248,588
Shares surrendered to pay tax withholding(24,002) 
 (742) 
 
 (742)
Balance March 29, 201929,941,184
 $300
 $207,911
 $(2,166) $102,378
 $308,423


See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.





THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands)
Thirteen Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended
March 29, 2019 March 30, 2018March 27, 2020 March 29, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities: 
  
 
  
Net income$1,134
 $544
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 
  
Depreciation2,881
 2,316
Amortization2,877
 2,903
Net (loss) income$(14,085) $1,134
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities: 
  
Depreciation and amortization4,762
 2,881
Amortization of intangible assets3,298
 2,877
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts851
 497
18,431
 851
Non-cash operating lease expense537
 312
244
 537
Deferred taxes1,131
 340
(1,900) 1,131
Amortization of deferred financing fees522
 549
762
 522
Stock compensation915
 837
851
 915
Change in fair value of contingent earn-out liability107
 124
Change in fair value of contingent earn-out liabilities(6,812) 107
Loss on asset disposal34
 
42
 34
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: 
  
 
  
Accounts receivable13,778
 6,497
33,141
 13,778
Inventories677
 754
2,501
 677
Prepaid expenses and other current assets(207) 2,759
(8,855) (207)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and accrued compensation(18,010) (7,324)(14,311) (18,010)
Other assets and liabilities164
 (568)3,916
 164
Net cash provided by operating activities7,391
 10,540
21,985
 7,391
   
Cash flows from investing activities: 
  
 
  
Capital expenditures(4,125) (2,903)(3,093) (4,125)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash received(27,990) (2,377)(63,450) (27,990)
Net cash used in investing activities(32,115) (5,280)(66,543) (32,115)
   
Cash flows from financing activities: 
  
 
  
Payment of debt, finance lease and other financing obligations(37) (1,179)(687) (37)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options412
 

 412
Surrender of shares to pay withholding taxes(742) (472)(838) (742)
Net cash used in financing activities(367) (1,651)
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash equivalents(2) (39)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(25,093) 3,570
Cash paid for contingent earn-out liability(500) 
Borrowings under asset-based loan facility100,000
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities97,975
 (367)
   
Effect of foreign currency on cash and cash equivalents(133) (2)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents53,284
 (25,093)
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period42,410
 41,504
140,233
 42,410
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period$17,317
 $45,074
$193,517
 $17,317


See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.




THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except share amounts and per share data)amounts)


Note 1 - Operations and Basis of Presentation

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

The financial statements include the consolidated accounts of The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (the “Company”), and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company’s quarterly periods end on the thirteenth Friday of each quarter. Every six to seven years, the Company will add a fourteenth week to its fourth quarter to more closely align its year endyear-end to the calendar year. The Company operates in oneCompany’s business consists of 3 operating segments: East Coast, Midwest and West Coast that aggregate into 1 reportable segment, foodservice distribution, which is concentrated primarily in the United States. The Company’s customer base consists primarily of menu-driven independent restaurants, fine dining establishments, country clubs, hotels, caterers, culinary schools, bakeries, patisseries, chocolatiers,chocolateries, cruise lines, casinos and specialty food stores.


The COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic (“COVID-19”) has had a material impact on the Company’s business and operations and those of its customers. In an effort to limit the spread of the virus, federal, state and local governments have implemented measures that have resulted in the closure of non-essential businesses in many of the markets the Company serves, which has forced its customers in those markets to either transition their establishments to take-out service, delivery service or temporarily cease operations. Due to COVID-19, the Company incurred estimated non-cash charges of approximately $15,800 related to incremental bad debt expense and approximately $3,300 related to incremental inventory obsolescence. The adverse impact to the Company’s customer base and its market capitalization were triggering events and, accordingly, the Company performed interim goodwill and long-lived asset quantitative impairment tests as described in Note 8 to these financial statements.

Consolidation


The consolidated financial statements include all the accounts of the Company and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.


Unaudited Interim Financial Statements


The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related interim information contained within the notes to such unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim information and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 28, 201827, 2019 filed as part of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on March 1, 2019.February 24, 2020.


The unaudited consolidated financial statements appearing in this Form 10-Q have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on March 1, 2019,February 24, 2020, and in the opinion of management, include all normal recurring adjustments that are necessary for the fair statement of the Company’s interim period results. The year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. Due to seasonal fluctuations, COVID-19 and other factors, the results of operations for the thirteen weeks ended weeks ended March 29, 201927, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.


The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from management’s estimates.






Guidance Adopted in 2019Fiscal 2020


Leases: In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued guidance (“ASC 842”) to increase the transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing right-of-use assets (“ROU assets”) and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The Company adopted ASC 842 on December 29, 2018, using an optional transition method that allows entities to initially apply the new lease standard at the adoption date. Under this approach, comparative periods are not restated. The Company adopted a package of practical expedients that allowed the Company to:

apply hindsight in determining the lease term of its leases;
not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases;
not reassess the lease classification of any expired or existing leases; and
not reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases.


The use of hindsight in assessing lease term resulted in a $2,027 cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings. Adoption had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a result of recognizing ROU assets and lease liabilities for its operating leases of $118,031 and $126,309, respectively, but it did not materially impact the Company’s consolidated statements of operations or debt covenants. There has been no significant change to the accounting of finance leases.

Comprehensive Income: In February 2018, the FASB issued guidance that permits a Company to reclassify the stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from the enactment of H.R. 1, originally known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), to retained earnings. The Company elected to not reclassify such amounts to retained earnings. The Company releases disproportionate tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income as individual items are liquidated. The Company adopted this guidance on December 29, 2018 and adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement Service Contract: In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance that aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to obtain or develop internal-use software. The Company adopted this guidance prospectively on December 29, 2018 and adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Guidance Not Yet Adopted

Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments: In June 2016 and as further amended in November 2018, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidance which requires entities to use a forward-looking expected loss model to estimate credit losses. It also requires additional disclosure related to credit quality of trade and other receivables, including information related to management’s estimate of credit allowances. The Company adopted this guidance on December 28, 2019. The Company analyzes customer creditworthiness, accounts receivable balances, payment history, payment terms and historical bad debt levels when evaluating the adequacy of its allowance for doubtful accounts. In instances where a reserve has been recorded for a particular customer, future sales to the customer are either conducted using cash-on-delivery terms or the account is closely monitored so that agreed-upon payments are received prior to orders being released. A failure to pay results in held or cancelled orders. The Company also estimates receivables that will ultimately be uncollectible based upon historical write-off experience. Management incorporates current macro-economic factors in existence as of the balance sheet date that may impact the food-away-from-home industry and/or its customers, and specifically in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the impact of COVID-19. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Guidance Not Yet Adopted

Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes: In December 2019, the FASB issued guidance that eliminates certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocations, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and other simplifications and clarifications. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019.2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt this guidance when effective and is evaluating the impact of adoption is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’sits consolidated financial statements.


Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies– Revenue Recognition
 
Revenue Recognition

Revenues from product sales are recognized at the point at which control of each product is transferred to the customer. The Company’s contracts contain performance obligations which are satisfied when customers have physical possession of each product. The majority of customer orders are fulfilled within a day and customer payment terms are typically 20 to 60 days from delivery. Shipping and handling activities are costs to fulfill the Company’s performance obligations. These costs are expensed as incurred and presented within operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company offers certain sales incentives to customers in the form of rebates or discounts. These sales incentives are accounted as variable consideration. The Company estimates these amounts based on the expected amount to be provided to customers and records a corresponding reduction in revenue. The Company does not expect a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized. Sales tax billed to customers is not included in revenue but rather recorded as a liability owed to the respective taxing authorities at the time the sale is recognized.


The following table presents the Company’s net sales disaggregated by principal product category:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2020 March 29, 2019
Center-of-the-Plate$163,820
 43.6% $156,616
 43.9%
Dry Goods67,654
 18.0% 63,754
 17.9%
Pastry54,904
 14.6% 50,205
 14.1%
Cheese and Charcuterie38,130
 10.2% 35,355
 9.9%
Dairy and Eggs24,716
 6.6% 25,614
 7.2%
Oils and Vinegars18,190
 4.8% 18,693
 5.2%
Kitchen Supplies8,017
 2.2% 6,790
 1.8%
Total$375,431
 100% $357,027
 100%

 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 29, 2019 March 30, 2018
Center-of-the-Plate$156,616
 43.9% $141,743
 44.5%
Dry Goods63,754
 17.9% 54,673
 17.2%
Pastry50,205
 14.1% 43,677
 13.7%
Cheese and Charcuterie35,355
 9.9% 32,911
 10.3%
Dairy and Eggs25,614
 7.2% 22,768
 7.1%
Oils and Vinegar18,693
 5.2% 16,874
 5.3%
Kitchen Supplies6,790
 1.8% 5,969
 1.9%
Total$357,027
 100% $318,615
 100%




The Company determines its product category classification based on how the Company currently markets its products to its customers. The Company’s definition of its principal product categories may differ from the way in which other companies present similar information.







Deferred Revenue


Certain customer arrangements in the Company’s direct-to-consumer business, prepaid gift plans and gift card purchases, result in deferred revenues when cash payments are received in advance of performance. The Company recognizes revenue on its prepaid gift plans when control of each product is transferred to the customer. Performance obligations under the Company’s prepaid gift plans are satisfied within a period of twelve months or less. Gift cards issued by the Company do not have expiration dates. The Company records a liability for unredeemed gift cards at the time gift cards are sold and the liability is reducedrelieved when the card is redeemed, the value of the card is escheated to the appropriate government agency, or through breakage. Gift card breakage is estimated based on the Company’s historical redemption experience and expected trends in redemption patterns. Amounts recognized through breakage represent the portion of the gift card liability that is not subject to unclaimed property laws and for which the likelihood of redemption is remote. The Company recorded deferred revenues, reflected as accrued liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, of $1,362$1,351 and $1,496$1,345 as of March 29, 201927, 2020 and December 28, 2018,27, 2019, respectively.


Right of Return


The Company’s standard terms and conditions provide customers with a right of return if the goods received are not merchantable. Customers are either issued a replacement order at no cost, or are issued a credit for the returned goods. The Company recorded a refund liability of $288$245 and $314 as of March 29, 2019.27, 2020 and December 27, 2019, respectively. Refund liabilities are reflected as accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognized a corresponding asset of $181$151 and $194 as of March 29,27, 2020 and December 27, 2019, respectively, for its right to recover products from customers on settling its refund liabilities. This asset is reflected as inventories, net on the consolidated balance sheets.


Contract Costs


Sales commissions are expensed when incurred because the amortization period is one year or less. These costs are presented within operating expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.


Leases

The Company leases various distribution centers, office facilities, vehicles and equipment. The Company determines if an arrangement contains a lease at contract inception. An arrangement is or contains a lease if the agreement identifies an asset, implicitly or explicitly, that the Company has the right to use over a period of time. If an arrangement contains a lease, the Company classifies the lease as either an operating lease or as a finance lease based on the five criteria defined in ASC 842.

Lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of the remaining lease payments over the lease term. The corresponding ROU asset is recognized for the same amount as the lease liability adjusted for any payments made at or before the commencement date, any lease incentives received, and any initial direct costs. The Company’s lease agreements may include options to renew, extend or terminate the lease. These clauses are included in the initial measurement of the lease liability when at lease commencement the Company is reasonably certain that it will exercise such options. The discount rate used is based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate since the implicit rate in the Company’s leases is not readily determinable.

Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and presented within operating expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Finance lease right-of-use assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the lease term. Interest expense on the finance lease liability is recognized using the effective interest rate method and is presented within interest expense on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Variable rent payments related to both operating and finance leases are expensed as incurred. The Company’s variable lease payments primarily consists of real estate taxes, maintenance and usage charges. The Company made an accounting policy election to combine lease and non-lease components (maintenance, taxes and insurance) when measuring lease liabilities for vehicle and equipment leases.

The Company has elected to exclude short-term leases from the recognition requirements of ASC 842. A lease is short-term if, at the commencement date, it has a term of less than or equal to one year. Lease expense related to short-term leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.


Note 3 Earnings Per– Net (Loss) Income per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 29, 2019 March 30, 2018
Net income per share:   
Basic$0.04
 $0.02
Diluted$0.04
 $0.02
Weighted average common shares: 
  
Basic29,457,257
 28,122,723
Diluted29,840,979
 28,197,247

Reconciliation of net(loss) income per common share:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2020 March 29, 2019
Net (loss) income per share:   
Basic$(0.48) $0.04
Diluted$(0.48) $0.04
Weighted average common shares:   
Basic29,621,433
 29,457,257
Diluted29,621,433
 29,840,979


Reconciliation of net (loss) income per common share:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2020 March 29, 2019
Numerator:   
Net (loss) income$(14,085) $1,134
Denominator:   
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding29,621,433
 29,457,257
Dilutive effect of stock options and unvested common shares
 383,722
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding29,621,433
 29,840,979




 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 29, 2019 March 30, 2018
Numerator:   
Net income$1,134
 $544
Denominator: 
  
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding29,457,257
 28,122,723
Dilutive effect of unvested common shares383,722
 74,524
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding29,840,979
 28,197,247


The following table presents potentiallyPotentially dilutive securities that have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net (loss) income per common share because the effect is anti-dilutive:
anti-dilutive are as follows:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 29, 2019 March 30, 2018
Restricted share awards (RSAs)
 81,218
Stock options
 191,808
Convertible notes91,053
 1,237,374
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2020 March 29, 2019
Restricted share awards (“RSAs”)27,649
 
Convertible notes3,484,788
 91,053


Note 4 Fair Value Measurements

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

The Company’s contingent earn-out liabilities are measured at fair value. These liabilities were estimated using Level 3 inputs. Long-term earn-out liabilities were $5,960$7,478 and $2,792$7,957 as of March 29, 201927, 2020 and December 28, 2018,27, 2019, respectively, and are reflected as other liabilities and deferred credits on the consolidated balance sheets. The remaining short-term earn-out liabilities are reflected asaccrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of contingent consideration was determined based on a probability-based approach which includes projected results, percentage probability of occurrence and the application of a discount rate to present value the payments. A significant change in projected results, discount rate, or probabilities of occurrence could result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. Changes in the fair value of contingent earn-out liabilities are reflected in operating expenseson the consolidated statements of operations.




The following table presents the changes in Level 3 contingent earn-out liabilities:
 Fells Point Bassian Other Acquisitions Total
Balance December 28, 2018$3,649
 $
 $1,441
 $5,090
Acquisition
 4,080
 
 4,080
Changes in fair value79
 
 28
 107
Balance March 29, 2019$3,728
 $4,080
 $1,469
 $9,277
 Fells Point Bassian Sid Wainer Other Acquisitions Total
Balance December 27, 2019$4,544
 $7,957
 $
 $2,197
 $14,698
Acquisition value
 
 2,081
 1,383
 3,464
Cash payments
 
 
 (500) (500)
Changes in fair value(2,583) (1,777) (1,602) (850) (6,812)
Balance March 27, 2020$1,961
 $6,180
 $479
 $2,230
 $10,850


Fair Value of Financial Instruments


The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s convertible unsecured note.notes. In estimating the fair value of the Note,convertible notes, the Company utilized Level 3 inputs including prevailing market interest rates to estimate the debt portion of the instrument and a Black Scholes valuation model to estimate the fair value of the conversion option. The Black Scholes model utilizes the market price of the Company’s common stock, estimates of the stock’s volatility and the prevailing risk-free interest rate in calculating the fair value estimate.

  March 29, 2019
  Carrying Value Fair Value
Convertible unsecured note $4,000
 $4,029
 March 27, 2020 December 27, 2019
 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value
Convertible Senior Notes$150,000
 $130,977
 $150,000
 $165,000
Convertible Unsecured Note$4,000
 $3,595
 $4,000
 $4,282


Note 5 Acquisitions

BassianSid Wainer


On February 25, 2019,January 27, 2020, pursuant to an asset purchase agreement, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets, including certain real-estate assets, of Bassian Farms, Inc. and certain affiliated entitiesSid Wainer & Son (“Bassian”Sid Wainer”), a specialty protein manufacturerfood and produce distributor based in northern California.New England. The aggregate purchase price for the transaction at acquisition date was approximately $31,990$46,450 paid in cash at closing and is subject to a customary working capital true-up. The acquisition was funded with $27,990 in cash and the issuance of a $4,000 unsecured convertible note.

The Company will also pay additional contingent consideration, if earned, in the form of an earn-out amount which could total $9,000$4,000 over a four yeartwo-year period. The payment of the earn-out liability is subject to the successful achievement of certain gross profit targets. At March 29, 2019 and February 25, 2019, theThe Company estimated the fair value of this contingent earn-out liability to be $4,080. $2,081 and $479 as of January 27, 2020 and March 27, 2020, respectively.



The Company is in the process of finalizing a valuation of the earn-out liability, and tangible and intangible assets of BassianSid Wainer as of the acquisition date. These assets will be valued at fair value usingWhen applicable, these valuations require the use of Level 3 inputs. Goodwill for the BassianSid Wainer acquisition will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes. The goodwill recorded primarily reflects the value of acquiring an established meat processorspecialty food and produce distributor to growleverage the Company's protein businessCompany’s existing products in the West Coast region, as well asmarkets served by Sid Wainer, to supply Sid Wainer’s produce offerings to our New York market and any intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition. The Company recognized professional feesreflected net sales of $178$25,751 and an operating loss of $1,105 for Sid Wainer in operating expenses related to the Bassian acquisition. Forits consolidated statement of operations for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019,27, 2020.

The table below presents unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement information of the Company reflected net sales of $5,527 for Bassian in its consolidated statement of operations.as if the Sid Wainer acquisition had occurred on December 29, 2018. The Company has determined that separate disclosure of Bassian earnings is impracticable due topro forma results were prepared from financial information obtained from the commencement of integrationsellers of the Bassian business, intoas well as information obtained during the Company'sdue diligence process associated with the acquisition. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the Company’s results of operations had the acquisition been completed on the above date, nor is it necessarily indicative of the Company’s future results. The pro forma information does not reflect any cost savings from operating efficiencies or synergies that could result from the acquisition, any incremental costs for Sid Wainer transitioning to become a public company, and also does not reflect additional revenue opportunities following the acquisition. The pro forma information reflects amortization and depreciation of the Sid Wainer acquisition at their respective fair values.
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2020
March 29, 2019
Net sales$388,209
 $402,074
Loss before income taxes(23,187) (439)


Additionally, during the quarter ended March 27, 2020, the Company paid approximately $17,000 for a specialty center-of-the plate distributor in the San Francisco market.New England.


The table below sets forth the purchase price allocation of these acquisitions:
 Sid WainerOther Acquisitions
Current assets$24,735
$6,790
Customer relationships
6,200
Trademarks3,500
700
Goodwill9,645
5,131
Fixed assets21,055
503
Right-of-use assets8,259
1,019
Lease liabilities(8,259)(1,019)
Current liabilities(10,404)(941)
Earn-out liability(2,081)(1,383)
Total consideration$46,450
$17,000


The Company recognized professional fees of $435 in operating expenses related to the Bassian acquisition:
acquisitions in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.
 Bassian
Current assets (includes cash acquired)$6,659
Customer relationships11,984
Trademarks6,071
Goodwill11,247
Fixed assets1,159
Other assets10
Current liabilities(1,060)
Earn-out liability(4,080)
Total consideration$31,990



Note 6 Inventories

Inventories consist primarily of finished product. Our different entities record inventories using a mixture of first-in, first-outproduct and average cost, which we believe approximates first-in, first-out. Inventories are reflected net of adjustments for shrinkage, excess and obsolescence totaling $2,044$5,268 and $1,921$1,937 at March 29, 201927, 2020 and December 28, 2018,27, 2019, respectively. The Company incurred estimated inventory valuation adjustments of approximately $3,300 related to inventory obsolescence due to COVID-19.




Note 7 Equipment, Leasehold Improvements and Software

Equipment, leasehold improvements and software as of March 29, 201927, 2020 and December 28, 201827, 2019 consisted of the following:
  Useful Lives March 27, 2020 December 27, 2019
Land Indefinite $5,020
 $1,170
Buildings 20 years 15,871
 1,360
Machinery and equipment 5-10 years 25,881
 21,718
Computers, data processing and other equipment 3-7 years 13,653
 12,686
Software 3-7 years 29,331
 29,305
Leasehold improvements 1-40 years 71,297
 70,903
Furniture and fixtures 7 years 3,322
 3,309
Vehicles 5-7 years 19,464
 6,410
Other 7 years 95
 95
Construction-in-process   9,772
 9,200
    193,706
 156,156
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization   (68,071) (63,310)
Equipment, leasehold improvements and software, net   $125,635
 $92,846

  Useful Lives March 29, 2019 December 28, 2018
Land Indefinite $1,170
 $1,170
Buildings 20 years 1,292
 1,292
Machinery and equipment 5-10 years 18,467
 17,837
Computers, data processing and other equipment 3-7 years 11,962
 11,244
Software 3-7 years 22,779
 22,779
Leasehold improvements 7-22 years 60,580
 60,565
Furniture and fixtures 7 years 3,277
 3,268
Vehicles 5-7 years 3,227
 2,769
Other 7 years 95
 95
Construction-in-process   19,887
 15,757
    142,736
 136,776
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization   (54,187) (51,500)
Equipment, leasehold improvements and software, net   $88,549
 $85,276


Construction-in-process at March 29, 201927, 2020 and December 28, 201827, 2019 related primarily to the implementation of the Company’s ERP systemEnterprise Resource Planning system.

The components of depreciation and the buildout of the Company’s headquarters in Ridgefield, CT and distribution center in Dallas, TX. The buildout of the Company’s headquarters and distribution center is expected to be completed during fiscal 2019. The rollout of its ERP system will continue through fiscal 2020.amortization expense were as follows:

 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2020 March 29, 2019
Depreciation expense$3,568
 $1,973
Software amortization$1,194
 $908
 $4,762
 $2,881


The net book value of equipment financed under finance leases at March 29, 201927, 2020 and December 28, 201827, 2019 was $910$16,337 and $52, respectively. The Company recorded depreciation of $43 and $16 on these assets during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019 and March 30, 2018,$3,905, respectively.

Depreciation expense, excluding finance leases, was $1,930 and $1,827 for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019 and March 30, 2018, respectively. Amortization expense on software was $908 and $473 for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019 and March 30, 2018, respectively.


Note 8 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

COVID-19 has had a material impact on the Company’s customers. In an effort to limit the spread of the virus, federal, state and local governments have implemented measures that have resulted in the closure of non-essential businesses in many of the markets the Company serves, which has forced its customers in those markets to either transition their establishments to take-out service, delivery service or temporarily cease operations. These actions have led to a significant decrease in demand for the Company’s products. The adverse impact to the Company’s customer base and its market capitalization were triggering events and accordingly, the Company performed interim goodwill and long-lived asset quantitative impairment tests as of March 27, 2020.

Goodwill Impairment Test

The Company estimated the fair value of its reporting units using an income approach that incorporates the use of a discounted cash flow model that involves many management assumptions that are based upon future growth projections which include estimates of COVID-19’s impact on our business. Assumptions include estimates of future revenues, growth rates which take into account estimated inflation rates, estimates of future levels of gross profit and operating profit, projected capital expenditures and discount rates based upon industry and competitor analyses. On the basis of these assumptions, the Company determined that the fair values of its reporting units exceeded the net carry values of their assets and liabilities by approximately $400,000, $19,000 and $14,000 for the East Coast, Midwest and West Coast reporting units, respectively. As such, goodwill was not impaired.




Long-lived Impairment Test

Long-lived assets, including other intangible assets, were tested for recoverability at the asset group level. The Company estimated the net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the asset group over the expected useful of the asset group’s primary asset. Key assumptions include future revenues, growth rates, estimates of future levels of gross profit and operating profit and projected capital expenditures necessary to maintain the operating capacity of each asset group. On the basis of these assumptions, the Company determined that the undiscounted cash flows for each of the Company’s asset groups exceeded their respective carry values and therefore long-lived assets were not impaired.

Although the interim quantitative goodwill and long-lived asset impairment tests indicated no impairment existed as of March 27, 2020, the impacts of COVID-19 on our business are uncertain and will depend on future developments, and as such, it is possible that another triggering event could occur that under certain circumstances could cause us to recognize an impairment charge in the future.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are presented as follows:
Carrying amount as of December 27, 2019$197,743
Acquisitions14,776
Foreign currency translation(9)
Carrying amount as of March 27, 2020$212,510

Carrying amount as of December 28, 2018$184,280
Acquisitions11,247
Foreign currency translation19
Carrying amount as of March 29, 2019$195,546











Other intangible assets consist of customer relationships being amortized over a period ranging from four to twenty years, trademarks being amortized over a period of one to forty years, and non-compete agreements being amortized over a period of two to six years.

Other intangible assets as of March 29, 201927, 2020 and December 28, 201827, 2019 consisted of the following:
March 29, 2019:Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount
March 27, 2020Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount
Customer relationships$131,476
 $(38,334) $93,142
$141,384
 $(47,889) $93,495
Non-compete agreements7,579
 (7,269) 310
8,579
 (7,552) 1,027
Trademarks65,960
 (14,170) 51,790
68,646
 (17,416) 51,230
Total$205,015
 $(59,773) $145,242
$218,609
 $(72,857) $145,752
December 27, 2019     
Customer relationships$135,226
 $(45,454) $89,772
Non-compete agreements8,579
 (7,479) 1,100
Trademarks64,505
 (16,626) 47,879
Total$208,310
 $(69,559) $138,751

December 28, 2018: 
  
  
Customer relationships$119,488
 $(36,185) $83,303
Non-compete agreements7,579
 (7,251) 328
Trademarks59,862
 (13,460) 46,402
Total$186,929
 $(56,896) $130,033


The Company occasionally makes small, tuck-in acquisitions that are immaterial, both individually and in the aggregate. Therefore, increases in goodwill and gross intangible assets per the above tables may not agree to the increases of these assets as shown for specific acquisitions in Note 5 “Acquisitions.”

Amortization expense for other intangiblesintangible assets was $2,877$3,298 and $2,903$2,877 for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2020 and March 29, 2019, and March 30, 2018, respectively.


Estimated amortization expense for other intangiblesintangible assets for the remainder of the fiscal year ending December 27, 201925, 2020 and each of the next four fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:
2020$9,956
202113,270
202212,490
202311,463
202411,119
Thereafter87,454
Total$145,752
2019$10,394
202012,230
202112,204
202211,340
202310,380
Thereafter88,694
Total$145,242



Note 9 Debt Obligations

Debt obligations as of March 29, 201927, 2020 and December 28, 201827, 2019 consisted of the following:
  March 27, 2020 December 27, 2019
Senior secured term loan $238,129
 $238,129
Convertible senior notes 150,000
 150,000
Asset-based loan facility 100,000
 
Convertible unsecured note 4,000
 4,000
Finance lease and other financing obligations 16,337
 3,905
Deferred finance fees and original issue discount (8,537) (9,207)
Total debt obligations 499,929
 386,827
Less: current installments (4,069) (721)
Total debt obligations excluding current installments $495,860
 $386,106

 March 29, 2019 December 28, 2018
Senior secured term loan$239,745
 $239,745
Convertible unsecured note4,000
 
Asset based loan facility44,185
 44,185
Finance leases and other financing obligations1,021
 193
Deferred finance fees and original issue discount(5,472) (5,893)
Total debt obligations283,479
 278,230
Less: current installments(1,804) (61)
Total debt obligations excluding current installments$281,675
 $278,169


Convertible Unsecured Note

On February 25, 2019, the Company issued a $4,000 convertible unsecured note (the “Note”), maturing on June 29, 2023, to Bassian Farms, Inc. (the “Holder”) as partial consideration in the Bassian acquisition. The interest rate charged on the Note is 4.5% per annum and increases to 5.0% after the two-year anniversary of the closing date. The Company may, in certain instances beginning eighteen months after issuance of the Note, redeem the Note in whole or in part for cash or convert the Note into shares of the Company’s common stock at the conversion price of $43.93 per share. After the two-year anniversary of the closing date, the Holder may convert the Note into shares of the Company’s common stock at the conversion price. Upon a


change of control event, the Holder may convert the Note into shares of the Company’s common stock at the conversion price or redeem the Note for cash.

As of March 29, 2019,27, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants and the Company had reserved $15,800$16,641 of the asset basedasset-based loan facility (“ABL Facility”) for the issuance of letters of credit. As of March 29, 2019,27, 2020, funds totaling $90,015$33,359 were available for borrowing under the ABL Facility. The interest rates on the Company’s senior secured term loan and ABL Facility were 6.0%5.1% and 4.0%1.9%, respectively, at March 29, 2019.27, 2020.


Note 10 Leases– Stockholders’ Equity


The componentsPreferred Stock Purchase Rights

On March 22, 2020, the Company’s board of net lease cost were as follows:
 March 29, 2019
Operating lease cost$6,632
Finance lease cost 
Amortization of right-of-use asset43
Interest expense on lease liabilities17
Total finance lease cost$60
Short-term lease cost411
Variable lease cost651
Sublease income(180)
Total lease cost, net$7,574

Supplemental balance sheet information related to finance leases was as follows:
 Balance Sheet LocationMarch 29, 2019
Short-term finance lease liabilitiesCurrent portion of long-term debt$179
Long-term finance lease liabilitiesLong-term debt, net of current portion$824

The maturitiesdirectors approved a limited duration Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Agreement (the “Rights Agreement”). Under the Rights Agreement, the board of directors approved a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) for each share outstanding share of the Company’s operating and finance lease liabilities for the remaindercommon stock to purchase one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock of the fiscal year ending December 27, 2019 and eachCompany at a price of $40.00 per Unit of Preferred Stock, subject to adjustment as provided in the next four fiscal years and thereafter were as follows:
 Operating Leases Finance Leases
 Related Party Real Estate Third Party Real Estate Vehicles and Equipment Total Vehicles and Equipment
2019$388
 $7,489
 $10,048
 $17,925
 $181
2020365
 11,172
 11,621
 23,158
 242
2021
 10,685
 9,338
 20,023
 236
2022
 10,657
 7,293
 17,950
 227
2023
 10,120
 4,797
 14,917
 171
Thereafter
 84,439
 2,354
 86,793
 151
Total$753
 $134,562
 $45,451
 $180,766
 $1,208
Less interest      (53,127) (205)
Present value      $127,639
 $1,003

AtRights Agreement. The Rights will expire on March 29, 2019,21, 2021, unless the weighted-average lease term for operating and finance leases was 10.4 years and 5.3 years, respectively. At March 29, 2019, the weighted-average discount rate for operating and finance leases was 6.6% and 5.7%, respectively.

As of March 29, 2019,Rights are earlier redeemed or exchanged by the Company is contractually obligated to make paymentsor upon the occurrence of approximately $23,500, related to a lease for a distribution center and for several vehicle and equipment leases that have not commenced. Accordingly, the Company has not recognized ROU assets or lease liabilities associated with these leases.certain transactions.



Equity Awards


The Company’s future minimum lease payments as of December 28, 2018, in accordance with legacy lease accounting standards, under non-cancelable operating and finance lease agreements were as follows:
  Operating Leases Finance Leases
2019 $24,666
 $56
2020 23,047
 55
2021 19,918
 50
2022 17,838
 42
2023 14,876
 4
Thereafter 47,330
 
Total minimum lease payments $147,675
 207
Less interest   (49)
Present value of capital lease obligations   $158

Note 11         Stockholders’ Equity

The following table reflects the activity of RSAs during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019:
27, 2020:
 Shares Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
 Shares 
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 28, 2018 526,730
 $20.60
Unvested at December 27, 2019 740,609
 $27.68
Granted 
 
 822,134
 18.57
Vested (67,610) 19.99
 (192,357) 23.89
Forfeited (23,680) 18.30
 (14,701) 22.06
Unvested at March 29, 2019 435,440
 $20.81
Unvested at March 27, 2020 1,355,685
 $22.76



The Company granted 822,134 RSAs to its employees at a weighted average grant date fair value of $18.57 during the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2020. These awards are a mix of time-, market- and performance-based grants that generally vest over a range of periods up to three years. The Company recognized expense totaling $801$851 and $687$801 on its RSAs during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 201927, 2020 and March 30, 2018, respectively.

At March 29, 2019, respectively.

At March 27, 2020, the total unrecognized compensation cost for unvested RSAs was $3,993$19,556 and the weighted-average remaining useful lifeperiod was approximately 1.82.8 years. Of this total, $2,059$12,869 related to RSAs with time-based vesting provisions and $1,934$6,687 related to RSAs with performance-based vesting provisions. At March 29, 2019,27, 2020, the weighted-average remaining useful livesperiod for time-based vesting and performance-based vesting RSAs were approximately 1.92.8 years and 1.73.0 years, respectively.


The following table summarizesCompany’s stock option activityoptions fully vested during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019:
 Shares Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 Aggregate Intrinsic Value 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
(in years)
Outstanding December 28, 2018191,808
 $20.23
 $2,129
 7.2
Granted
 
    
Exercised(20,383) 20.23
    
Canceled/Forfeited
 
    
Outstanding and vested at March 29, 2019171,425
 $20.23
 $1,855
 6.9
Exercisable at March 29, 2019171,425
 $20.23
 $1,855
 6.9

first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company recognized expense of $114 and $150 on stock options during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019 and March 30, 2018, respectively.2019. NaN share-based compensation expense related to the Company’s RSAs or stock options has been capitalized.



As of March 29, 2019,27, 2020, there were 266,9371,414,655 shares available for grant under the Company’s 20112019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan. No share-based compensation

Note 11 – Income Taxes

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The legislation provides temporary changes to the extent to which companies can carryback net operating losses, changes to interest expense has been capitalized.deduction limitations and other tax relief provisions.


The Company’s effective income tax rate was 36.5% and 27.5% for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2020 and March 29, 2019, respectively. The higher effective tax rate in the current period is primarily related to the Company’s current net loss forecast for fiscal 2020 which, under the CARES Act, allows the Company to claim tax refunds against taxes paid in fiscal 2015 and 2017, both of which were at statutory tax rates of 35%. The Company recorded an income tax refund receivable of $8,762 as of March 27, 2020 which is reflected in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.



Note 12 Related Parties

The Chefs’ Warehouse Mid-Atlantic, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, leases a distribution facility that is 100% owned by entities controlled by Christopher Pappas, the Company’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, and John Pappas, the Company’s vice chairman and one of its directors, and are deemed to be affiliates of these individuals. Expense related to this facility totaled $108$118 and $133$108 during the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2020 and March 29, 2019, and March 30, 2018.respectively. This lease was amended during the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 and expires on September 30, 2020.2023.

Christopher Pappas’s brother, John Pappas, is one of the Company’s employees and a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company paid John Pappas approximately $436 and $427 in total compensation for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019 and March 30, 2018, respectively. John Pappas did not receive any compensation during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019 or March 30, 2018 for his service on the Company’s Board of Directors.


Note 13 Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2020 March 29, 2019
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:   
Cash paid for income taxes, net of cash received$334
 $964
Cash paid for interest, net of cash received$2,883
 $5,271
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:   
Operating cash flows from operating leases$6,700
 $5,890
Operating cash flows from finance leases$111
 $17
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities:   
Operating leases$4,989
 $131,819
Finance leases$13,208
 $854
Other non-cash investing and financing activities:   
Convertible notes issued for acquisitions$
 $4,000
Contingent earn-out liabilities for acquisitions$3,464
 $4,080

Note 14 – Subsequent Events

On April 27, 2020, the Company paid $2,250 to the former owners of Bassian related to their successful attainment of the gross profit targets in their earn-out agreement.

On April 16, 2020, the White House Coronavirus Task Force released guidelines for a three-phased approach to reopening the U.S. economy. The guidelines were issued to help state and local governments plan for a responsible reopening of their economies along with certain health and safety precautions. Certain state governors, including those of Florida, Ohio and Texas, markets in which we operate, announced phased reopenings of their economies in May 2020. The timing of a broad reopening of the U.S. economy cannot be predicted at this time nor can COVID-19’s impact on future consumer spending behavior. The Company continues to support its customer base as they serve their communities while managing its liquidity effectively during this time of demand uncertainty. As of April 30, 2020, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $200,000 and availability on its asset-based loan facility of $33,359.

 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 29, 2019 March 30, 2018
Supplemental cash flow disclosures: 
  
Cash paid for income taxes, net of cash received$964
 $(585)
Cash paid for interest$5,271
 $4,035
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:   
Operating cash flows from operating expenses$5,890
 $
Operating cash flows from finance leases$17
 $
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities:   
Operating leases$131,819
 $
Finance leases$854
 $
Other non cash investing and financing activities:   
Convertible notes issued for acquisitions$4,000
 $
Contingent earn-out liabilities for acquisitions$4,080
 $




ITEM 2.         MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is provided as a supplement to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and footnotes to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in our financial condition and results of operations. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with information included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 1, 2019.February 24, 2020. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “Company”, “Chefs’ Warehouse”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. and its subsidiaries.


OVERVIEWBusiness Overview


We are a premier distributor of specialty foods in eightnine of the leading culinary markets in the United States. We offer more than 55,000 SKUs,stock-keeping units (“SKUs”), ranging from high-quality specialty foods and ingredients to basic ingredients and staples and center-of-the-plate proteins. We serve more than 34,000 customer locations, primarily located in our 16sixteen geographic markets across the United States and Canada, and the majority of our customers are independent restaurants and fine dining establishments. As a result of our acquisition of Allen Brothers, Inc. (“Allen Brothers”), we also sell certain of our center-of-the-plate products directly to consumers.


Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on our Business and Operations

The COVID-19 pandemic (“COVID-19”) has had a material impact on our business and operations and those of our customers. In an effort to limit the spread of the virus, federal, state and local governments have implemented measures that have resulted in the closure of non-essential businesses in many of the markets we serve, which has forced our customers in those markets to either transition their establishments to take-out service, delivery service or temporarily cease operations. These developments have resulted in a $23.5 million decline in organic sales compared to the prior year quarter. Due to COVID-19, we incurred estimated non-cash charges of $15.8 million related to incremental bad debt expense and approximately $3.3 million related to estimated inventory obsolescence.

Our management team is responding rapidly to the changing landscape and pursuing alternate sources of revenue to mitigate the extent of sales declines in our core customer base. Our sales force is working closely with our core customers and developing solutions to help them fulfill the demand in their communities whilst complying with health and safety restrictions. We are actively entering into new business relationships with retail food outlets as they experience a sharp increase in demand. As we develop these new sales channels, we are negotiating favorable credit terms given the nature of the underlying customer base and the current market environment. In addition, our purchasing teams have worked diligently to shift our product purchases to SKUs that are in high demand. Thus far, we have not experienced difficulties in procuring products from our suppliers.

In response to the pandemic, we expanded our direct-to-consumer product offerings by launching our “Shop Like a Chef” online home delivery platform in several of the markets we serve. We now offer products directly to consumers through our Allen Brothers and “Shop Like a Chef” online platforms.

We believe several key differentiating factorshave implemented cost control measures during this time of demand volatility. Our variable cost structure naturally decreases as our sales decrease, however, we are also reducing our fixed cost structure. Among other actions, we have postponed planned capital expenditures, returned certain equipment on short-term rental agreements, and reduced compensation expense through salary reductions, furloughs and lay-offs as we right-size our organization to current levels of demand.

Management determined COVID-19’s adverse impact on our operations and our market capitalization were triggering events that required us to test goodwill and long-lived assets for impairment as of March 27, 2020. No impairments were recorded as a result of these tests. However, the impacts of COVID-19 on our business model have enabledare uncertain and will depend on future developments, and as such, it is possible that another triggering event could occur that under certain circumstances could cause us to execute our strategy consistentlyrecognize an impairment charge in the future.

We closed the quarter with total cash and profitably across our expanding customer base. These factors consistcash equivalents of $193.5 million, inclusive of a portfolio$100.0 million draw on our asset-based loan facility on March 18, 2020. Subsequent to this draw, we had approximately $33.4 million of distinctiveremaining availability under our asset-based loan facility as of March 27, 2020. We are actively monitoring our working capital to effectively manage our liquidity during this time of uncertainty and hard-to-find specialty food products, an extensive selectionexpect to use the proceeds of center-of-the-plate proteins, athe draw, if any, to rescale our business when demand returns.



The future impact of COVID-19 on our business, operations and liquidity is difficult to predict at this time and is highly traineddependent upon decisions made by federal, state and motivated sales force, strong sourcing capabilities, a fully integrated warehouse management system, a highly sophisticated distributionlocal governments and logistics platform and a focused, seasoned management team.future consumer spending behavior.

In recent years, our sales to existing and new customers have increased through the continued growth in demand for specialty food products and center-of-the-plate products in general; increased market share driven by our large percentage of sophisticated and experienced sales professionals, our high-quality customer service and our extensive breadth and depth of product offerings; the acquisition of other specialty food and center-of-the-plate distributors; the expansion of our existing distribution centers; our entry into new distribution centers; and the import and sale of our proprietary brands. Through these efforts, we believe that we have been able to expand our customer base, enhance and diversify our product selections, broaden our geographic penetration and increase our market share.


RECENT ACQUISITIONSRecent Acquisitions


On February 25, 2019, pursuant to3, 2020, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement we acquiredto acquire substantially all of the assets of Bassian Farms,Cambridge Packing Co, Inc. and certain affiliated entities (“Bassian”), a specialty protein manufacturercenter-of-the-plate producer and distributor based in northern California.New England. The aggregate purchase price for the transaction at acquisition date was approximately $32.0$17.0 million paid in cash at closing and is subject to a customary working capital true-up. The acquisitionCompany is required to pay additional contingent consideration, if earned, of up to $3.0 million over a two-year period upon successful attainment of certain gross profit targets.

On January 27, 2020, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets, including certain real-estate assets, of Sid Wainer & Son, a specialty food and produce distributor in New England. The purchase price was funded with $28.0approximately $46.5 million paid in cash at closing and the issuanceis subject to a customary working capital true-up. The Company is required to pay additional contingent consideration, if earned, of aup to $4.0 million unsecured convertible note.

Our Growth Strategies and Outlook

We continue to invest in our people, facilities and technology in an effort to achieve the following objectives and maintain our premier position within the specialty foodservice distribution market:

sales and service territory expansion;
operational excellence and high customer service levels;
expanded purchasing programs and improved buying power;
product innovation and new product category introduction;
operational efficiencies through system enhancements; and
operating expense reduction through the centralizationover a two-year period upon successful attainment of general and administrative functions.

Our growth has allowed us to improve upon our organization’s infrastructure, open new distribution facilities and pursue selective acquisitions. Over the last several years, we have increased our distribution capacity to approximately 1.6 million square feet in 29 distribution facilities at March 29, 2019 and have invested significantly in acquisitions, infrastructure and management.




Key Factors Affecting Our Performance

Due to our focus on menu-driven independent restaurants, fine dining establishments, country clubs, hotels, caterers, culinary schools, bakeries, patisseries, chocolatiers, cruise lines, casinos and specialty food stores, our results of operations are materially impacted by the success of the food-away-from-home industry in the United States and Canada, which is materially impacted by general economic conditions, weather, discretionary spending levels and consumer confidence. When economic conditions deteriorate, our customers’ businesses are negatively impacted as fewer people eat away-from-home and those who do spend less money. As economic conditions begin to improve, our customers’ businesses historically have likewise improved, which contributes to improvements in our business. Likewise, the direct-to-consumer business of our Allen Brothers subsidiary is significantly dependent on consumers’ discretionary spending habits, and weakness or uncertainty in the economy could lead to consumers buying less from Allen Brothers.

Volatile food costs may have a direct impact upon our profitability. Prolonged periods of product cost inflation may have a negative impact on our profit margins and results of operations to the extent we are unable to pass on all or a portion of such product cost increases to our customers. In addition, product cost inflation may negatively impact consumer discretionary spending decisions within our customers’ establishments, which could adversely impact our sales. Conversely, our profit levels may be negatively impacted during periods of product cost deflation even though ourcertain gross profit as a percentage of sales may remain relatively constant. However, some of our products, particularly certain of our center-of-the-plate items, are priced on a “cost plus” markup, which helps mitigate the negative impact of deflation.targets.

Given our wide selection of product categories, as well as the continuous introduction of new products, we can experience shifts in product sales mix that have an impact on net sales and gross profit margins. This mix shift is most significantly impacted by the introduction of new categories of products in markets that we have more recently entered, the shift in product mix resulting from acquisitions, as well as the continued growth in item penetration on higher velocity items such as dairy products.

The foodservice distribution industry is fragmented but consolidating, and we have supplemented our internal growth through selective strategic acquisitions. We believe that the consolidation trends in the foodservice distribution industry will continue to present acquisition opportunities for us, which may allow us to grow our business at a faster pace than we would otherwise be able to grow the business organically.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, certain income and expense items expressed as a percentage of net sales:
 Thirteen Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended
 March 29, 2019 March 30, 2018March 27, 2020 March 29, 2019
Net sales 100.0% 100.0%$375,431
 $357,027
Cost of sales 74.7% 75.0%284,530
 266,838
Gross profit 25.3% 25.0%90,901
 90,189
Operating expenses 23.5% 23.2%107,917
 84,039
Operating income 1.8% 1.8%
Other expense 1.3% 1.6%
Income before income tax expense 0.5% 0.2%
Operating (loss) income(17,016) 6,150
Interest and other expense5,166
 4,585
(Loss) income before income taxes(22,182) 1,565
Provision for income taxes 0.1% 0.1%(8,097) 431
Net income 0.4% 0.1%
Net (loss) income$(14,085) $1,134


Management evaluates the results of operations and cash flows using a variety of key performance indicators, including net sales compared to prior periods and internal forecasts, costs of our products and results of our cost-control initiatives, and use of operating cash. These indicators are discussed throughout the “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections of this MD&A.




Thirteen Weeks Ended March 29, 201927, 2020 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended March 30, 201829, 2019


Net Sales

Our net sales for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019 increased approximately 12.1%, or $38.4 million, to $357.0 million
 2020 2019 $ Change % Change
Net sales$375,431
 $357,027
 $18,404
 5.2%

Sales growth from $318.6 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2018. Organic growthacquisitions contributed $17.9$41.9 million, or 5.6%11.8%, to sales growth in the quarter. The remaininggrowth. Organic sales growth of $20.5declined $23.5 million, or 6.5%6.6%resulted from acquisitions.versus the prior year period primarily due to impacts of COVID-19. Organic case count grewdeclined approximately 5.2%,5.0% in our specialty category withcategory. In addition, specialty unique customers and placements growth at 6.2%declined 1.9% and 5.2%9.6%, respectively, compared to the prior year quarter.period. Pounds sold in our center-of-the-plate category increased 3.1%decreased 10.0% compared to the prior year quarter.year. Estimated inflationdeflation was 1.4%2.1% in our specialty category and 1.3%inflation was 3.1% in our center-of-the-plate category compared to the prior year quarter.period.









Gross Profit

 2020 2019 $ Change % Change
Gross profit$90,901
 $90,189
 $712
 0.8%
Gross profit margin24.2% 25.3%    

Gross profit increased approximately 13.4%, or $10.7 million, to $90.2 million forwas relatively unchanged versus the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019, from $79.5 million forprior year quarter despite the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2018.increase in net sales. Gross profit margin increaseddecreased approximately 30105 basis points to 25.3% from 25.0%.points. Gross profit margins decreased 311 basis points in the Company’s specialty category decreased 39 basis points and increased 106157 basis points in the Company’s center-of-the-plate category compared to the prior year quarter.period. Our specialty category gross profit results include a charge of approximately $3.3 million related to estimated inventory losses from obsolescence due to impacts of COVID-19. Center-of-the-plate category gross profit was favorably impacted by a greater mix of retail sales in the current year period.


Operating Expenses

 2020 2019 $ Change % Change
Operating expenses107,917
 84,039
 $23,878
 28.4%
Percentage of net sales28.7% 23.5%    

The increase in operating expenses relates primarily to our recent acquisitions and an estimated non-cash charge of approximately $15.8 million related to incremental bad debt expense as a result COVID-19, partially offset by a decrease in non-cash charges due to changes in the fair value of our contingent earn-out liabilities. Total operating expenses increased by approximately 13.9%, or $10.3for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2020 includes a $6.8 million credit due to $84.0a reduction in the fair value of our contingent earn-out liabilities compared to a charge of $0.1 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019 from $73.8 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2018. The increase in2019. Our ratio of operating expense relates primarilyexpenses to certain corporate related costs and facilities costsnet sales was higher as a result of growth. Asadverse COVID-19 impacts to our sales growth and a percentage of net sales, operating expenses were 23.5%467 basis point increase in non-cash charges related to bad debt expense, partially offset by a 184 basis point decrease in non-cash charges related to changes in the first quarterfair value of 2019 compared to 23.2% in the first quarter of 2018.our contingent earn-out liabilities.

Operating Income

Operating income for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019 was $6.2 million compared to $5.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2018. The increase in operating income was driven primarily by increased gross profit, offset in part by higher operating expenses, as discussed above. As a percentage of net sales, operating income was 1.8% for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019 and March 30, 2018.


Interest Expense and Other Expense

 2020 2019 $ Change % Change
Interest and other expense5,166
 4,585
 $581
 12.7%

Interest and other expense decreasedincreased primarily due to $4.6the interest charged on our Convertible Senior Notes issued on November 22, 2019 and the $100.0 million for the thirteen weeks endeddraw on our asset-based loan facility on March 29, 2019 compared to $5.0 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2018 due to18, 2020, partially offset by lower effective interest rates charged on the Company’sour outstanding debt and the conversion of the $36.8 million of convertible subordinated notes during the third quarter of 2018.debt.


Provision for Income Taxes

For the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019, we recorded an
 2020 2019 $ Change % Change
Provision for income taxes(8,097) 431
 $(8,528) (1,978.7)%
Effective tax rate36.5% 27.5%    

The higher effective income tax rate is primarily related to our current net loss forecast for fiscal 2020 which allows us to claim tax refunds against taxes paid in fiscal 2015 and 2017, both of 27.5%. For the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2018, our effective incomewhich were at statutory tax rate was 28.5%rates of 35%.


Net Income


Reflecting the factors described above, net income was $1.1 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019, compared to net income of $0.5 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2018.




LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES


We finance our day-to-day operations and growth primarily with cash flows from operations, borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities and other indebtedness, equity financing, operating leases, trade payables and trade payables.equity financing.


Senior Secured Term Loan Credit FacilityIndebtedness


On June 22, 2016, Chefs’ Warehouse Parent, LLC (“CW Parent”)The following table presents selected financial information on our indebtedness (in thousands):
 March 27, 2020 December 27, 2019
Senior secured term loan$238,129
 $238,129
Total convertible debt$154,000
 $154,000
Borrowings outstanding on asset-based loan facility$100,000
 $
Finance leases and other financing obligations$16,337
 $3,905

As of March 27, 2020, we have various floating- and Dairyland USA Corporation (“Dairyland”), as co-borrowers, and The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (the “Company”) and certain other subsidiaries of the Company, as guarantors, entered into a credit agreement (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”)fixed-rate debt instruments with a group of lendersvarying maturities for which Jefferies Finance LLC (“Jefferies”) acts as administrative agent and collateral agent. The Term Loan Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured term loan B facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) in an aggregate amount of $305.0 million with a $50.0 million six-month delayed draw term loan facility (the “DDTL”; the loans outstanding under the Term Loan Facility (including the DDTL), the “Term Loans”). On June 27, 2016, the Company drew $14.0 million from the DDTL to help pay fund the acquisition of M.T. Food Service, Inc. On September 14, 2016, the Company entered into an amendment to the Term Loan Credit Agreement under which the remaining portion of the DDTL was terminated, the Company’s interest rate schedule was modified and the Company repaid $25.0 million of the outstanding balance of the Term Loans. Additionally, the Term Loan Facility includes an accordion which permits the Company to request that the lenders extend additional Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $50.0 million (less the aggregate amount of certain indebtedness incurred to finance acquisitions) plus an unlimited amount subject to the Company’s consolidated Total Leverage Ratio not exceeding 4.90:1.00 on a pro forma basis. Borrowings under the Term Loan Facility were used to repay the Company’s senior secured notes, as well as the prior term loan and revolving credit facility. Remaining funds will be used for capital expenditures, permitted acquisitions, working capital and general corporate purposes of the Company.$492.1 million.


On December 13, 2017, the Company completed a repricing of the Term Loan Facility to reduce the Applicable Rate (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement) from 475 basis points to 400 basis points over LIBOR. In connection with the repricing, the Company paid debt financing costs of $0.8 million which were capitalized as deferred financing charges. On July 6, 2018, the Company made a $47.1 million prepayment and is no longer required to make quarterly amortization payments on the Term Loan Facility. On November 16, 2018, the Company completed a repricing of the Term Loan Facility to reduce the Applicable Rate from 400 basis points to 350 basis points over LIBOR. In connection with the repricing, the Company paid debt financing costs of $0.6 million which were capitalized as deferred financing charges. The Company wrote off unamortized deferred financing fees of $1.1 million as a result of this repricing.

The interest rates per annum applicable to Term Loans, will be, at the co-borrowers’ option, equal to either a base rate or an adjusted LIBOR rate for one, two, three, six or (if consented to by the lenders) twelve-month interest periods chosen by the Company, in each case plus an applicable margin percentage. The interest rate on this facility at March 29, 2019 was 6.0% and the final maturity of the Term Loan Facility is June 22, 2022.

The Term Loan Facility contains customary affirmative covenants, negative covenants (including restrictions, subject to customary exceptions, on incurring debt or liens, paying dividends, repaying subordinated and junior lien debt, disposing assets, and making investments and acquisitions), and events of default for a term loan B facility of this type, as more particularly described in the Term Loan Credit Agreement. As of March 29, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants under the Term Loan Facility.

Asset Based Loan Facility

On June 29, 2018, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “ABL Credit Agreement”) with a group of lenders for which BMO Harris Bank, N.A. acts as administrative agent. The ABL Credit Agreement provides for an asset based loan facility (the “ABL Facility”) in the aggregate amount of up to $150.0 million. Availability under the ABL Facility will be limited to a borrowing base equal to the lesser of: (i) the aggregate amount of commitments or (ii) the sum of specified percentages of eligible receivables and eligible inventory, minus certain availability reserves. The co-borrowers under the ABL Facility are entitled on one or more occasions, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, to request an increase in the commitments under the ABL Facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $25.0 million. The ABL Facility matures on the earlier of June 29, 2023 and 90 days prior to the maturity date of the Company’s Term Loan Facility.

The interest rates per annum applicable to loans, other than swingline loans, under the ABL Facility will be, at the co-borrowers’ option, equal to either a base rate or an adjusted LIBOR rate for one, two, three, six or (if consented to by the lenders) twelve-month, interest periods chosen by the Company, in each case plus an applicable margin percentage. The Company will pay certain recurring fees with respect to the ABL Facility, including fees on the unused commitments of the


lenders. The ABL Facility contains customary affirmative covenants, negative covenants and events of default as more particularly described in the ABL Credit Agreement. The ABL Facility will require compliance with a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of 1:1 if the amount of availability under the ABL Facility falls below the greater of $10.0 million or 10% of the borrowing base. Borrowings under the ABL Facility will be used, and are expected to be used, for capital expenditures, permitted acquisitions, working capital and general corporate purposes of the Company. On July 6, 2018, the Company borrowed $47.1 million under the ABL Facility and made an equivalent prepayment on its senior secured term loan. There was $44.2 million outstanding under the ABL Facility as of March 29, 2019, bearing an interest rate of 4.0%.

As of March 29, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants under the ABL Facility and the Company had reserved $15.8 million of the ABL Facility for the issuance of letters of credit. As of March 29, 2019, funds totaling $90.0 million were available for borrowing under the ABL Facility.

Convertible Unsecured Note

On February 25, 2019, the Company issued a $4.0 million convertible unsecured note (the “Note”), maturing on June 29, 2023, to Bassian Farms, Inc. (the “Holder”) as partial consideration in the Bassian acquisition. The interest rate charged on the Note is 4.5% per annum and increases to 5.0% after the two-year anniversary of the closing date. The Company may, in certain instances beginning eighteen months after issuance of the Note, redeem the Note in whole or in part for cash or convert the Note into shares of the Company’s common stock at the conversion price of $43.93 per share. After the two-year anniversary of the closing date, the Holder may convert the Note into shares of the Company’s common stock at the conversion price. Upon a change of control event, the Holder may convert the Note into shares of the Company’s common stock at the conversion price or redeem the Note for cash.

Liquidity


The following table presents selected financial information on liquidity (in thousands):
 March 27, 2020 December 27, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents$193,517
 $140,233
Working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents
$146,746
 $162,772
Availability under asset-based loan facility$33,359
 $133,359

We believe ouranticipate capital expenditures, excluding cash paid for acquisitions, for fiscal 20192020 will be in the range of $24.0$10.0 million to $26.0$12.0 million which is down from our original estimate of $38.0 million to $42.0 million. The increase in projecteddecrease is a result of us postponing certain investments due to COVID-19. We believe our existing balances of cash and cash equivalents, working capital and the availability under our asset-based loan facility, are sufficient to satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures, in fiscal 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018 isdebt service and other liquidity requirements associated with our current operations over the result of planned expansions of several of our distribution facilities and renovations to our corporate headquarters. Recurring capital expenditures will be financed with cash generated from operations and borrowings under our ABL Facility. Our planned capital projects will provide both new and expanded facilities and improvements to our technology that we believe will produce increased efficiency and the capacity to continue to support the growth of our customer base. Future investments and acquisitions will be financed through either internally generated cash flow, borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities in place at the time of the potential investment or acquisition or through the issuance of equity or debt securities, including, but not limited to, longer-term, fixed-rate debt securities and shares of our common stock.next 12 months.


Cash Flows
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2020 March 29, 2019
Net (loss) income$(14,085) $1,134
Non-cash charges$19,678
 $9,855
Changes in working capital$16,392
 $(3,598)
Cash provided by operating activities$21,985
 $7,391
Cash used in investing activities$(66,543) $(32,115)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities$97,975
 $(367)

Net cash provided by operations was $7.4$22.0 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019,27, 2020 consisting of a decreasenet loss of $3.1$14.1 million from the $10.5offset by $19.7 million provided by operations for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2018. The primary reasons for the decrease was a decrease inof non-cash charges and cash generated from working capital changes,of $16.4 million. The increase in non-cash charges of $9.8 million is primarily driven by an increase in non-cash bad debt expense due to COVID-19, partially offset by increaseda $6.8 million credit due to the reduction in the fair value of our contingent earn-out liabilities. The cash generated through net income. The primary cause for the increase in net income was an increase in operating income and lower interest expense. The decrease in cash provided by changes infrom working capital wasincrease of $20.0 million is primarily due todriven by a decrease in cash$19.4 million increase from accounts payable changes and prepaid expenses and other current assets changes of $10.7 million and $3.0 million, respectively, partially offset by increases in cash from accounts receivable changes of $7.3 million.receivable.


Net cash used in investing activities was $32.1$66.5 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019, an increase of $26.827, 2020, driven by $63.5 million from the netin cash used to fund acquisitions and $3.1 million in investingcapital expenditures which included implementations of our Enterprise Resource Planning system.



Net cash provided by financing activities of $5.3was $98.0 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2018. The increase in net cash used was primarily due to more cash paid for acquisitions and capital expenditures.

Net cash used in financing activities was $0.427, 2020, driven by a $100.0 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019, a cash increase of $1.3 million from the $1.7 million used in financing activities for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2018. This increase was primarily due to the fact we are no longer required to make quarterly amortization paymentsdraw on our Term Loan as a result of the $47.1 million prepayment we made in the second quarter of 2018.asset-based loan facility.


Seasonality


Excluding our direct-to-consumer business, we generally do not experience any material seasonality. However, our sales and operating results may vary from quarter to quarter due to factors such as changes in our operating expenses, management’s ability to execute our operating and growth strategies, personnel changes, demand for our products, supply shortages, weather patterns and general economic conditions.




Our direct-to-consumer business is subject to seasonal fluctuations, with direct-to-consumer center-of-the-plate protein sales typically higher during the holiday season in our fourth quarter; accordingly, a disproportionate amount of operating cash flows from this portion of our business is generated by our direct-to-consumer business in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. Despite a significant portion of these sales occurring in the fourth quarter, there are operating expenses, principally advertising and promotional expenses, throughout the year.


Inflation


Our profitability is dependent on, among other things, our ability to anticipate and react to changes in the costs of key operating resources, including food and other raw materials, labor, energy and other supplies and services. Substantial increases in costs and expenses could impact our operating results to the extent that such increases cannot be passed along to our customers. The impact of inflation and deflation on food, labor, energy and occupancy costs can significantly affect the profitability of our operations.


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements


As of March 29, 2019,27, 2020, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K.


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates


The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements requires it to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The SEC has defined critical accounting policies as those that are both most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results and require its most difficult, complex or subjective judgments or estimates. Based on this definition, we believe our critical accounting policies include the following: (i) determining our allowance for doubtful accounts, (ii) inventory valuation, with regard to determining inventory balance adjustments for excess and obsolete inventory, (iii) business combinations, (iv) valuing goodwill and intangible assets, (iv)(v) vendor rebates and other promotional incentives, (v)(vi) self-insurance reserves, and (vi)(vii) accounting for income taxes and (vii)(viii) contingent earn-out liabilities. There have been no material changes to ourOur critical accounting policies and estimates as compared to our critical accounting policies and estimatesare described in the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2019.February 24, 2020. Pursuant to our adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments on December 28, 2019, our accounting policy for determining our allowance for doubtful accounts has been changed as follows:


Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We analyze customer creditworthiness, accounts receivable balances, payment history, payment terms and historical bad debt levels when evaluating the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts. In instances where a reserve has been recorded for a particular customer, future sales to the customer are either conducted using cash-on-delivery terms or the account is closely monitored so that agreed-upon payments are received prior to orders being released. A failure to pay results in held or cancelled orders. We also estimate receivables that will ultimately be uncollectible based upon historical write-off experience. Management incorporates current macro-economic factors in existence as of the balance sheet date that may impact the food-away-from-home industry and/or its customers, and specifically in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We may be required to increase or decrease our allowance for doubtful accounts due to various factors, including the overall economic environment and particular circumstances of individual customers. 



ITEM 3.         QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


Interest Rate Risk


As of March 29, 2019,27, 2020, we had an aggregate of $283.9$338.1 million of indebtedness outstanding under the Term Loan and ABL Facility that bore interest at variable rates. A 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would decrease our after tax earnings by approximately $2.1 million per annum, holding other variables constant.


ITEM 4.         CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures


The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's "disclosureCompany’s “disclosure controls and procedures"procedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")“Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 29, 2019.27, 2020.


Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting


We have implemented new internal controls to ensure we adequately evaluated our contracts and properly assessed the impact of the new accounting standard related to leases on our financial statements as a result of its adoptionon December 29, 2018. There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 29, 201927, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.







PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1.         LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


We are involved in legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising out of the ordinary conduct of our business. Although we cannot assure the outcome, management presently believes that the result of such legal proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements, and no material amounts have been accrued in our consolidated financial statements with respect to these matters.


ITEM 1A.         RISK FACTORS


There hasExcept as stated below, there have been no material changes to our risk factors as previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2019 filed with respectthe SEC on February 24, 2020. In addition to the information contained herein, you should consider the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed10-K.

Significant public health epidemics or pandemics, including COVID-19, may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

A public health epidemic or pandemic can significantly impact our business or those of our core customers or suppliers, particularly if located in geographies in which we have significant operations. Such events could significantly impact the food-away-from-home industry and other industries that are sensitive to changes in consumer discretionary spending habits. In addition, our operations could be disrupted if we were required to quarantine employees that work at our various distribution centers and processing facilities.

For instance, the recent outbreak of COVID-19 and its development into a pandemic is resulting in governmental authorities in many locations where we operate, and in which our customers are present and suppliers operate, to impose mandatory closures, seek voluntary closures and impose restrictions on, or advisories with respect to, travel, business operations and public gatherings or interactions. Among other matters, these actions have required or strongly urged various venues where foodservice products are served, including restaurants and hotels, to reduce or discontinue operations, which has and will continue to adversely affect demand in the SECfoodservice industry, including demand for our products and services. In addition, the perceived risk of infection and health risk associated with COVID-19, and the illness of many individuals across the globe, is resulting in many of the same effects intended by such governmental authorities to stop the spread of COVID-19. These events have had, and could continue to have, an adverse impact on March 1, 2019.numerous aspects of our business, financial condition and results of operations including, but not limited to, our growth, product costs, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, logistics constraints, customer demand for our products and industry demand generally, consumer spending, our liquidity, the price of our securities and trading markets with respect thereto, our ability to access capital markets, and the global economy and financial markets generally. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our financial condition or results of operations is uncertain and will depend on future developments including new information that may emerge on the severity of the disease, the extent of the outbreak, and federal, state and local government responses, among others.


ITEM 2.         ISSUER PURCHASESUNREGISTERD SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
Total Number
of Shares
Repurchased(1)
 
Average
Price
Paid Per
Share
 
Total
Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of Shares
That May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
December 30, 2018 to January 25, 2019
 $
 
 
January 26, 2019 to February 22, 2019
 $
 
 
February 23, 2019 to March 29, 201924,002
 $30.85
 
 
Total24,002
 $30.85
 
 

  
Total Number
of Shares
Repurchased(1)
 
Average
Price
Paid Per Share
 
Total
Number of Shares
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Maximum
Number (or
Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
December 28, 2019 to January 24, 2020 
 $
 
 
January 25, 2020 to February 21, 2020 22,899
 37.28
 
 
February 22, 2020 to March 27, 2020 136,733
 13.50
 
 
Total 159,632
 $16.91
 
 



(1)During the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019,27, 2020, we withheld 24,002159,632 shares of our common stock to satisfy tax withholding requirements upon the vesting ofrelated to restricted shares of our common stock awarded to our officers and key employees.employees resulting from either elections under 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or upon vesting of such awards.


ITEM 3.     DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES


None.


ITEM 4.         MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES


None.


ITEM 5.         OTHER INFORMATION


None.





ITEM 6.         EXHIBITS


Exhibit No. Description
   
Certificate of Designation of the Voting Powers, Designation, Preferences and Relative, Participating,
Optional or Other Special Rights and Qualifications, Limitations and Restrictions of the Series A
Preferred Stock of The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 23, 2020)
Rights Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2020, between The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 23, 2020)
Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement under The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan*
The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. Executive Change in Control Plan*
Form of Executive Severance Agreement*
 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
101.INS XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear on the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
  
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
  
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
  
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
  
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
  
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

* Compensatory Plan or Arrangement


SIGNATURE


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 on May 1, 2019.6, 2020.
 THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
 (Registrant)
  
Date: May 1, 20196, 2020  /s/ James Leddy
 James Leddy
 Chief Financial Officer
 (Principal Financial Officer)
  
Date: May 1, 20196, 2020  /s/ Timothy McCauley
   Timothy McCauley
   Chief Accounting Officer
   (Principal Accounting Officer)



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