Successful Initial Public Offering (IPO)
On September 22, 2021, the Company priced its initial public offering, in which it sold 23,334,000 shares resulting in net proceeds of $263.2 million on September 27, 2021. Subsequent to the IPO, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional 3,500,100 shares of common stock and on October 5, 2021, the Company closed its sale of these shares, resulting in net proceeds of $39.5 million. As of October 5, 2021, shares outstanding were approximately 101 million.
Third Quarter 2021 Results
Net sales of $178.7 million represented an increase of $41.8 million, or 31%, for the 13 weeks ended September 25, 2021, compared to the 13 weeks ended September 26, 2020. The Birch Benders brand, which was acquired in October 2020 and was therefore not included in results for the 13 weeks ended September 25, 2020, contributed $13.8 million of the increase. The remainder of the net sales increase was primarily attributable to increased shipments, with Rao’s and noosa driving the most significant increases.
Gross profit of $49.9 million increased 9% versus the prior year period. Gross margin was 27.9% versus 33.3% for the prior year period. This decline was primarily due to higher logistics costs, input cost inflation and higher promotional spending compared to abnormally lower spending in the prior year period, as well as the acquisition of Birch Benders.
Total operating expenses of $38.4 million decreased 2% versus the prior year period. Depreciation and amortization expenses of $7.2 million increased 20% versus the prior year period due to the intangible assets amortized as part of the Birch Benders acquisition. Excluding adjustments of $4.6 million for the third quarter of 2021 and $5.1 million for the prior year period, adjusted operating expenses3 of $33.9 million declined by 1%, primarily due to the timing of marketing expenses and lower general and administrative expenses, partially offset by the inclusion of Birch Benders.
Operating income of $11.4 million grew 81% versus the prior year period. Interest expense was $12.5 million for the quarter compared to $4.3 million in the prior year period. The increase resulted from a higher balance of borrowings related to funding a June 2021 shareholder distribution, as well as the acquisition of Birch Benders.
Net loss was $4.6 million, or a loss of $0.06 per diluted share, versus a net income of $2.2 million, or $0.03 per diluted share in the prior year period. The decrease resulted from higher interest expense and higher tax expense related to non-deductible expenses for tax purposes, partially offset by the increase in operating income. Excluding after-tax costs of $11.8 million for acquisition related costs, initial public offering readiness, non-cash stock compensation expense, and other items detailed in the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures, adjusted net income3 of $7.1 million decreased by 26% compared to the prior year period. Adjusted diluted earnings per share3 for the quarter were $0.10 per share versus $0.13 per share in the prior year period.
Adjusted EBITDA3 of $25.8 million increased 31% versus the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA margin3 for the third quarter of 14.4% was consistent with the prior year period.