Lifetime Brands, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Strong performance driven by 5.5% growth in gross profit
Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend

GARDEN CITY, N.Y., Nov. 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lifetime Brands, Inc. (NasdaqGS: LCUT), a leading global designer, developer and marketer of a broad range of branded consumer products used in the home, today reported its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2021.

Robert Kay, Lifetime’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are pleased to report another strong quarter of growth in a challenging macroeconomic environment, as we continue to see robust demand for our products. Our growth has been achieved as a result of the Lifetime 2.0 strategy the company implemented over the past two plus years and aided by the mitigating actions we have taken to offset inflationary and supply chain disruptions. Compared to a very strong quarter last year, gross profit increased 5.5%. This strong performance has resulted in our ability to generate adjusted EBITDA of $96.7 million over the trailing twelve month period ended September 30, 2021, an increase of 25.1% compared to adjusted EBITDA over the trailing twelve month period ended December 31, 2020. The transformation of our international business continues to deliver improved profitability and year over growth in net sales of 16.8%. In addition, we believe that we are making good progress on our strategic growth initiatives, which have now been formalized into our next five-year plan and from which we expect to drive significant growth and long-term value creation.”

Mr. Kay continued, “Our team has done an excellent job mitigating the impact from global supply chain disruptions, as evidenced by our strong gross margin improvement in the third quarter. Our proactive actions to manage inventory levels and implement price increases, coupled with our best-in-class supply chain and logistics capabilities, have enabled us to continue meeting strong customer demand and positioned us well for the fourth quarter despite shipping challenges. As a result of these actions, and notwithstanding continued supply chain disruptions that have caused some missed shipments, we have once again raised our adjusted EBITDA guidance for the full year.”

Third Quarter Financial Highlights:

Consolidated net sales were $224.8 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. In constant currency, a non-GAAP financial measure, consolidated net sales decreased by $1.4 million, or 0.6%, as compared to consolidated net sales in the corresponding period in 2020. A table reconciling this non-GAAP financial measure to consolidated net sales, as reported, is included below.

Gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was $83.1 million, or 37.0%, as compared to $78.8 million, or 35.1%, for the corresponding period in 2020.

Income from operations was $21.7 million, as compared to $21.5 million for the corresponding period in 2020.

Net income was $12.6 million, or $0.57 per diluted share, as compared to a net income of $13.9 million, or $0.65 per diluted share, in the corresponding period in 2020.

Adjusted net income was $13.4 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, as compared to adjusted net income, of $13.9 million, or $0.65 per diluted share, in the corresponding period in 2020. A table reconciling this non-GAAP financial measure to net income, as reported, is included below.

Nine Months Financial Highlights:

Consolidated net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 were $607.1 million, an increase of $87.1 million, or 16.8%, as compared to net sales of $520.0 million for the corresponding period in 2020. In constant currency, a non-GAAP financial measure, consolidated net sales increased by $82.5 million, or 15.7%, as compared to consolidated net sales in the corresponding period in 2020.

Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was $215.3 million, or 35.5%, as compared to $185.9 million, or 35.8%, for the corresponding period in 2020.

Income from operations was $41.9 million, as compared to income from operations of $0.6 million for the corresponding period in 2020. Excluding a $20.1 million non-cash charge for goodwill impairment, and a $2.8 million non-cash charge for bad debt reserves to establish a provision against potential credit problems from certain retail customers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, income from operations would have been $23.5 million, for the corresponding period in 2020.

Net income was $21.4 million, or $0.98 per diluted share, as compared to a net loss of $(18.2) million, or $(0.87) per diluted share, in the corresponding period in 2020.

Adjusted net income was $22.4 million, or $1.02 per diluted share, as compared to adjusted net income, of $5.1 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, in the corresponding period in 2020. A table reconciling this non-GAAP financial measure to net income (loss), as reported, is included below.

Adjusted EBITDA, after giving effect to certain adjustments as permitted and defined under our debt agreements, was $96.7 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2021. A table reconciling this non-GAAP financial measure to net income, as reported, is included below.

Full Year 2021 Guidance Update

For the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2021, the Company is providing raised financial guidance:

This guidance is based on a forecasted GBP to USD rate of $1.35. Net income and diluted income per common share were calculated based on an effective tax rate of 30%. Tables reconciling non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures, as reported, are included below.

The Company has previously provided long term financial objectives within its investor presentations, available on the Company's website in the 'Investor Relations' section. Based upon the company's accelerated growth and success in achieving its previously disclosed long term financial objectives, the Company has revised those objectives upward, including the following forward-looking financial measures:

(1)The Company is not providing a quantitative reconciliation with respect to this forward-looking non-GAAP measure in reliance on the “unreasonable efforts” exception set forth in SEC rules because certain financial information, the probable significance of which cannot be determined, is not available and cannot be reasonably estimated. For example, unusual, one-time, non-ordinary, or non-recurring costs, which cannot be reasonably estimated.

Mr. Kay added, “Since launching Lifetime 2.0 in 2018, we have taken significant steps to optimize our business model, utilize our infrastructure more efficiently, and invest in meaningful growth opportunities. Our strategy is working, and thanks to the hard work of our team, we have made incredible progress improving our operations and taking our business to the next level. As we embark on our next stage of growth at Lifetime, we are pleased to announce our new five-year financial objectives, demonstrating our confidence in the prospects for the business. Our revised targets, which were recently finalized and approved by our Board of Directors, reflect our progress to date as well as greater visibility into key growth opportunities, including commercial foodservice, our Year & Day® brand and new product categories that already are or will be shipping this year. In addition to these growth drivers, we also plan to undertake an expansion and redesign of our U.S. distribution operations that will support our planned growth and drive further efficiencies and incremental profitability moving forward. We are proud of what we have accomplished over the past few years, and look forward to continuing to execute the next phase of our strategy, which we believe will enable us to achieve these long-term financial objectives to the benefit of our shareholders.”

Dividend

On November 2, 2021, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.0425 per share payable on February 14, 2022 to shareholders of record on January 31, 2022.

Conference Call

The Company has scheduled a conference call for Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. The dial-in number for the conference call is (877) 876-9177 (U.S.) or (785) 424-1672 (International), Conference ID: LCUTQ321.

A live webcast of the conference call will be accessible through:
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3492211/A3C2AC18245173CCAC310C2D77C2058B

For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, an audio replay of the webcast will be available.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This earnings release contains non-GAAP financial measures, including consolidated net sales in constant currency, adjusted income from operations, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted income per common share, and adjusted EBITDA. A non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding amounts, that are included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in the statements of income, balance sheets, or statements of cash flows of a company; or, includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of including amounts, that are excluded from the most directly comparable measure so calculated and presented. As required by SEC rules, the Company has provided reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures are provided because management of the Company uses these financial measures in evaluating the Company’s on-going financial results and trends, and management believes that exclusion of certain items allows for more accurate period-to-period comparison of the Company’s operating performance by investors and analysts. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures as indicators of business performance. These non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, GAAP financial measures of performance.

Forward-Looking Statements
In this press release, the use of the words “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “positioned,” “project,” “projected,” “should,” “will,” “would” or similar expressions is intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements include all statements regarding the growth of the Company, our financial guidance, our ability to navigate the current environment and advance our strategy, including our five-year strategic plan, our commitment to increasing investments in future growth initiatives, our initiatives to create value, our efforts to mitigate geopolitical factors and tariffs, our current and projected financial and operating performance, results, and profitability and all guidance related thereto, including forecasted exchange rates and effective tax rates, as well as our continued growth and success, future plans and intentions regarding the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. Such statements represent the Company’s current judgments, estimates, and assumptions about possible future events. The Company believes these judgments, estimates, and assumptions are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any events or financial or operational results, and actual results may differ materially due to a variety of important factors. Such factors might include, among others, the Company’s ability to comply with the requirements of its credit agreements; the availability of funding under such credit agreements; the Company’s ability to maintain adequate liquidity and financing sources and an appropriate level of debt, as well as to deleverage its balance sheet; the possibility of impairments to the Company’s goodwill; the possibility of impairments to the Company’s intangible assets; changes in U.S. or foreign trade or tax law and policy; the impact of tariffs on imported goods and materials; changes in general economic conditions which could affect customer payment practices or consumer spending; the impact of changes in general economic conditions on the Company’s customers; customer ordering behavior; the performance of our newer products; expenses and other challenges relating to the integration of any future acquisitions; changes in demand for the Company’s products; changes in the Company’s management team; the significant influence of the Company’s largest stockholder; fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; changes in U.S. trade policy or the trade policies of nations in which we or our suppliers do business; uncertainty regarding the long-term ramifications of the U.K.’s exit from the European Union; shortages of and price volatility for certain commodities; global health epidemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; social unrest, including related protests and disturbances; our expectations regarding the future level of demand for our products; our ability to execute on the goals and strategies set forth in our five-year plan; and significant changes in the competitive environment and the effect of competition on the Company’s markets, including on the Company’s pricing policies, financing sources and ability to maintain an appropriate level of debt. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements other than as required by law.

Lifetime Brands, Inc.
Lifetime Brands is a leading global designer, developer and marketer of a broad range of branded consumer products used in the home. The Company markets its products under well-known kitchenware brands, including Farberware®, KitchenAid®, Sabatier®, Amco Houseworks®, Chef’n® Chicago™ Metallic, Copco®, Fred® & Friends, Houdini™, KitchenCraft®, Kamenstein®, La Cafetière®, MasterClass®, Misto®, Swing-A-Way®, Taylor® Kitchen, and Rabbit®; respected tableware and giftware brands, including Mikasa®, Pfaltzgraff®, Fitz and Floyd®, Empire Silver™, Gorham®, International® Silver, Towle® Silversmiths, Wallace®, Wilton Armetale®, V&A®, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew® and Year & Day®; and valued home solutions brands, including BUILT NY®, Taylor® Bath, Taylor® Kitchen, Taylor® Weather and Planet Box®. The Company also provides exclusive private label products to leading retailers worldwide.

The Company’s corporate website is www.lifetimebrands.com.

Contacts:

Lifetime Brands, Inc.
Laurence Winoker, Chief Financial Officer
516-203-3590
investor.relations@lifetimebrands.com

or

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
Ed Trissel / Andrew Squire / Rose Temple
212-355-4449

LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands—except per share data)
(unaudited)

LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands—except share data)

LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
Supplemental Information
(in thousands)

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Operating Results

Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months ended September 30, 2021:

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure which is defined in the Company’s debt agreements. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income, adjusted to exclude undistributed equity in (losses) earnings, income tax provision, interest expense, mark to market gain on interest rate derivatives, depreciation and amortization, stock compensation expense, and other items detailed in the table above that are consistent with exclusions permitted by our debt agreements.

LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
Supplemental Information
(in thousands—except per share data)

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Operating Results (continued)

Adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted diluted income (loss) per common share (in thousands -except per share data):

Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted income per common share in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 excludes acquisition related expenses, mark to market (gain) on interest rate derivatives, foreign currency translation loss reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, gain on change in ownership in equity method investment and Wallace facility remedial design expense. The income tax effect on adjustments reflects the statutory tax rates applied on the adjustments.

Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted income per common share in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 excludes acquisition related expenses, restructuring expenses, warehouse relocation, mark to market (gain) loss on interest rate derivatives, goodwill and other impairments, and foreign currency translation loss reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. The income tax effect on adjustments reflects the statutory tax rates applied on the adjustments.

(1)Adjusted diluted income per common share is calculated based on diluted weighted-average shares outstanding of 22,085 and 21,285 for the three month period ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Adjusted diluted income per common share is calculated based on diluted weighted-average shares outstanding of 21,964 and 21,015 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the three and nine month period ended September 30, 2021 include the effect of dilutive securities of 536 and 621, respectively. The diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the three and nine month period ended September 30, 2020 include the effect of dilutive securities of 350 and 180 shares, respectively.

LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
Supplemental Information
(in thousands)

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Operating Results (continued)

Constant Currency:

(1) “Constant Currency” is determined by applying the 2021 average exchange rates to the prior year local currency sales amounts, with the difference between the change in “As Reported” net sales and “Constant Currency” net sales, reported in the table as “Currency Impact”. Constant currency sales growth is intended to exclude the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
Supplemental Information

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Guidance

Adjusted EBITDA guidance for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2021 (in millions):

(1) Includes estimates for acquisition related expenses, undistributed equity in (earnings) losses, Wallace facility remedial design expense, and other items that are consistent with exclusions permitted by our debt agreements.

Adjusted income from operations guidance for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2021 (in millions):

(1) Includes estimates for acquisition related expenses, mark to market (gain) on interest rate derivatives, foreign currency translation loss reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and gain on change in ownership in equity method investment.

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Operating Results

Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2020:

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure which is defined in the Company’s debt agreements. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), adjusted to exclude undistributed equity in (earnings) losses, income tax (benefit) provision, interest expense, depreciation and amortization, mark to market loss (gain) on interest rate derivatives, goodwill and other impairments, stock compensation expense, and other items detailed in the table above that are consistent with exclusions permitted by our debt agreements.

LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
Supplemental Information
(in thousands—except per share data)

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Operating Results (continued)

Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted income per common share (in thousands - except per share data):

(1)Adjusted diluted income per common share is calculated based on diluted weighted-average shares outstanding of 21,179 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2020 include the effect of dilutive securities of 319 shares.

Adjusted income from operations (in thousands):

(1) Bad debt reserve recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 to establish a provision against potential credit problems from certain retail customers who may have financial difficulty that has been caused or increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This reflects the Company's assessment of risk of not being able to collect such receivables from certain customers in the U.S. that are at risk of seeking or have already obtained bankruptcy protection and our international customer base which has a higher proportion of small and independent brick-and-mortar retailers. This charge was taken in response to the Company's assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these accounts