Whole Earth Brands Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results
- Positive financial results for the full year and fourth quarter of 2023.
- Consolidated revenue increased by 2.3% to $550.9 million for the full year.
- Operating income of $15.4 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $78.3 million.
- Fourth-quarter revenue rose by 8.8% to $151.2 million.
- Operating income of $2.7 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $22.5 million for the fourth quarter.
- Pending go-private transaction with Ozark Holdings, LLC expected to close in the second quarter of 2024.
- None.
Insights
The reported financial results from Whole Earth Brands, Inc. indicate a modest revenue growth across both its Branded CPG and Flavors & Ingredients segments. The increase in consolidated revenue by 2.3% on a reported basis and 2.4% on a constant currency basis year-over-year suggests resilience in the company's business model, despite potential challenges in the food industry such as commodity price fluctuations and changing consumer preferences. The significant lift in free cash flow generation, from a cash usage of $5.8 million to a positive cash flow of $25.3 million, is a strong indicator of improved operational efficiency and financial health.
From an investor's perspective, the reduction in balance sheet leverage, coupled with the completion of a supply chain reinvention project, implies potential for increased profitability and reduced operational risk moving forward. However, the net decrease in Adjusted EBITDA by 1.1% to $78.3 million could be seen as a slight concern, potentially indicating higher costs not captured by traditional income measures. The pending go-private transaction with Ozark Holdings, LLC, at a premium price, suggests a positive outlook from the buyers regarding the company's future performance and intrinsic value and could be seen as a vote of confidence for current shareholders.
Whole Earth Brands' performance in the Flavors & Ingredients segment, with a reported revenue growth of 7.8%, indicates an effective strategy in capturing market demand for natural and plant-based food ingredients. This aligns with broader consumer trends favoring healthier lifestyle choices and could position the company well in a growing niche market. The strategic decision to sell bulk sugar at high prices also demonstrates agility in capitalizing on market conditions to optimize inventory and reduce warehousing costs.
It is noteworthy that the company's performance in the Branded CPG segment shows reliance on pricing actions to drive revenue, with a modest 0.9% growth on a reported basis. This suggests potential volume challenges or competitive pressures in the branded consumer goods space. The company's ability to navigate these challenges through strategic pricing and volume growth, as evidenced by the 8.5% revenue increase in the fourth quarter, will be crucial for sustaining long-term growth within this segment.
The definitive agreement for Whole Earth Brands to be acquired by Ozark Holdings, LLC, represents a significant corporate event with implications for shareholders and the company's governance structure. The premium offered over the share price and the 60-day VWAP indicates a strategic move by Ozark Holdings, LLC to consolidate ownership, which may be perceived as an attractive exit opportunity for current investors. The transaction's approval process, requiring a majority in voting power and a supermajority of disinterested stockholders, ensures a level of fairness and protection for minority shareholders.
Additionally, the absence of financing conditions for the acquisition reduces the risk of deal failure due to funding issues, providing a clearer path to completion. However, the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including antitrust clearance, which will require careful navigation to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
CHICAGO, March 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Whole Earth Brands, Inc. (the “Company” or “we” or “our”) (Nasdaq: FREE), a global food company enabling healthier lifestyles through premium plant-based sweeteners, flavor enhancers and other foods, today announced its financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.
Full Year Highlights
- Consolidated revenue of
$550.9 million , an increase of2.3% on a reported basis and2.4% on a constant currency basis compared to the prior year period. - Branded CPG revenue growth of
0.9% on a reported basis and1.0% on a constant currency basis, driven primarily by pricing, partially offset by lower volume. - Flavors & Ingredients revenue growth of
7.8% compared to 2022 on both a reported and constant currency basis, driven by a combination of strong volume growth and increased pricing. - Operating income of
$15.4 million and Adjusted EBITDA of$78.3 million . - Cash provided by operating activities was
$25.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to cash usage of$5.8 million in the prior year, resulting in an improvement of$31.1 million .
Fourth Quarter Highlights
- Consolidated revenue of
$151.2 million , an increase of8.8% on a reported basis and8.3% on a constant currency basis compared to the prior year period. - Branded CPG revenue increased
8.5% on a reported basis and7.9% on a constant currency basis as compared to 2022 due to price and volume growth. - Flavors & Ingredients revenue grew
10.2% on a reported basis and9.6% on a constant currency basis compared to the prior year period, to a record$32.5 million , driven by strong volume growth. - Operating income of
$2.7 million and Adjusted EBITDA of$22.5 million .
| Full Year Net Segment Revenue Growth Overview | ||||||
| Reported | Foreign Currency Exchange | Constant Currency | ||||
| Branded CPG | (0.1)% | |||||
| Flavors & Ingredients | ||||||
| Total | 2.3% | (0.1)% | 2.4% | |||
| Fourth Quarter Net Segment Revenue Growth Overview | ||||||
| Reported | Foreign Currency Exchange | Constant Currency | ||||
| Branded CPG | ||||||
| Flavors & Ingredients | ||||||
| Total | 8.8% | 0.6% | 8.3% | |||
“We ended 2023 on a high note, demonstrating continued operational improvement across both segments that drove a significant lift in our free cash flow generation and resulted in reduced balance sheet leverage,” said Irwin D. Simon, Executive Chairman. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank our entire team for their focus this year – we overcame challenges and seized on several opportunities to improve the business. Together we have created a strong foundation for future growth and we look forward to completing the pending go-private transaction with Ozark Holdings, LLC expected later in the second quarter of 2024.”
FOURTH QUARTER 2023 RESULTS
- Consolidated product revenues were
$151.2 million , an increase of8.8% on a reported basis and8.3% on a constant currency basis, as compared to the prior year fourth quarter. - Reported gross profit was
$40.4 million , compared to$28.3 million in the prior year fourth quarter. The increase was largely driven by volume and pricing, lower freight costs and a decline in costs associated with the supply chain reinvention project. Adjusted gross profit was$44.9 million , compared to$40.1 million in the prior year fourth quarter. - Reported gross profit margin increased to
26.7% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to20.4% in the prior year period. Adjusted gross profit margin increased to29.7% , compared to28.9% in the prior year fourth quarter. - Consolidated operating income was
$2.7 million compared to an operating loss of$46.2 million in the prior year fourth quarter, which included non-cash goodwill impairment charges of$7.2 million and$46.5 million , respectively. The increase excluding the impairment charges was driven by the increase in revenues, lower supply chain reinvention costs, bonus expense and import duties, partially offset by strategic review costs. - Consolidated net loss was
$7.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to a net loss of$60.3 million in the prior year period primarily as a result of the improvement in operating income, partially offset by higher interest expense due to higher interest rates. - Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was
$22.5 million compared to$20.2 million in the prior year quarter, representing an increase of11.6% .
SEGMENT RESULTS
Branded CPG Segment
Branded CPG segment product revenues were
Operating income was
Flavors & Ingredients Segment
Flavors & Ingredients segment product revenues increased
Operating income of
Corporate
Corporate expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were
FULL YEAR 2023 HIGHLIGHTS
- Consolidated product revenues were
$550.9 million , representing an increase of2.3% on a reported basis, as compared to the full year 2022. On a constant currency basis, product revenues increased2.4% compared to the prior year period. - Consolidated operating income was
$15.4 million compared to a loss of$24.6 million in the prior year period, which included non-cash goodwill impairment charges of$7.2 million and$46.5 million , respectively. - Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA decreased
$0.8 million , or1.1% , to$78.3 million .
BALANCE SHEET
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of
Cash provided by operating activities was
DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT TO BE ACQUIRED
As previously announced, on February 12, 2024, the Company entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Ozark Holdings, LLC (which, going forward, intends to do business as Sweet Oak Parent) (“Sweet Oak”), an affiliate of Sababa Holdings FREE, LLC (“Sababa”), will acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock that it does not already own in an all-cash transaction for
A special committee of the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”), consisting solely of disinterested members of the Board (the “Special Committee”), in consultation with its independent financial and legal advisors, unanimously recommended the Transaction and the disinterested members of the Board unanimously approved the Transaction.
The Transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2024. Consummation of the Transaction is conditioned on, among other things, the approval at a special meeting of the Company’s stockholders (i) of the holders of a majority in voting power of the Company’s outstanding stock and (ii) of the holders of 66 2/
About Whole Earth Brands
Whole Earth Brands is a global food company enabling healthier lifestyles and providing access to high quality plant-based sweeteners, flavor enhancers and other foods through our diverse portfolio of trusted brands and delicious products, including Whole Earth®, Pure Via®, Wholesome®, Swerve®, Canderel® and Equal®. With food playing a central role in people’s health and wellness, Whole Earth Brands’ innovative product pipeline addresses the growing consumer demand for more dietary options, baking ingredients and taste profiles. Our world-class global distribution network is the largest provider of plant-based sweeteners in more than 100 countries with a vision to expand our portfolio to responsibly meet local preferences. We are committed to helping people enjoy life’s everyday moments and the celebrations that bring us together. For more information on how we “Open a World of Goodness®,” please visit www.WholeEarthBrands.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain of the matters discussed in this communication constitute forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding the intent, belief or expectations of the Company and can be identified by the use of words such as “achieve,” “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “drive,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “guidance,” “grow,” “improve,” “increase,” “intend,” “maintain,” “may,” “opportunities,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strategy,” “will,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” “would,” or the negative version of these words and other comparable terms. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the statements made by Mr. Simon.
All of our forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that we are expecting. There are a number of factors that could have material adverse effects on our future results, performance or achievements and cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the ability of the parties to satisfy the conditions precedent and consummate the proposed Transaction, the timing of consummation of the proposed Transaction, the ability of the parties to secure any required stockholder approval in a timely manner or on the terms desired or anticipated, failure of Sweet Oak to obtain the financing required to consummate the Transaction, the ability to achieve anticipated benefits and savings of the proposed Transaction, risks related to the potential disruption of management’s attention due to the pending Transaction, operating results and businesses generally, the outcome of any legal proceedings related to the proposed Transaction and the general risks associated with the respective businesses of the Company and Sweet Oak, including the general volatility of the capital markets, terms and employment of capital, the volatility of the Company’s share price, interest rates or general economy, potential adverse effects or changes to the relationships with the parties’ customers, competitors, suppliers or employees or other parties resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed Transaction, unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including but not limited to the risks related to the effects of pandemics and global outbreaks of contagious diseases (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) and domestic or geopolitical crises, such as terrorism, military conflict (including the outbreak of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas), war or the perception that hostilities may be imminent, political instability or civil unrest, or other conflict. Discussions of some of these other important factors and assumptions are contained in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and are available at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, including Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this communication, unless noted otherwise. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to the forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this communication or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Contacts:
Investor Relations Contact:
Whole Earth Brands
312-840-5001
investor@wholeearthbrands.com
ICR
Jeff Sonnek
646-277-1263
jeff.sonnek@icrinc.com
Whole Earth Brands, Inc.
Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(Unaudited)
The Company reports its financial results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). However, management believes that also presenting certain non-GAAP financial measures provides additional information to facilitate the comparison of the Company’s historical operating results and trends in its underlying operating results, and provides additional transparency on how the Company evaluates its business. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in making financial, operating and planning decisions and in evaluating the Company’s performance. The Company also believes that presenting these measures allows investors to view its performance using the same measures that the Company uses in evaluating its financial and business performance and trends. The Company considers quantitative and qualitative factors in assessing whether to adjust for the impact of items that may be significant or that could affect an understanding of its ongoing financial and business performance and trends. The adjustments generally fall within the following categories: constant currency adjustments, intangible asset non-cash impairments, purchase accounting charges, transaction-related costs, long-term incentive expense, non-cash pension expenses, severance and related expenses associated with productivity initiatives, public company readiness, M&A transaction expenses, supply chain reinvention costs and other one-time items affecting comparability of operating results. See below for a description of adjustments to the Company’s U.S. GAAP financial measures included herein. Non-GAAP information should be considered as supplemental in nature and is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In addition, the Company’s non-GAAP financial measures may not be the same as or comparable to similar non-GAAP measures presented by other companies.
DEFINITIONS OF THE COMPANY’S NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
The Company’s non-GAAP financial measures and corresponding metrics reflect how the Company evaluates its operating results currently and provide improved comparability of operating results. As new events or circumstances arise, these definitions could change. When these definitions change, the Company provides the updated definitions and presents the related non-GAAP historical results on a comparable basis. When items no longer impact the Company’s current or future presentation of non-GAAP operating results, the Company removes these items from its non-GAAP definitions.
The following is a list of non-GAAP financial measures which the Company has discussed or expects to discuss in the future:
- Constant Currency Presentation: We evaluate our product revenue results on both a reported and a constant currency basis. The constant currency presentation, which is a non-GAAP measure, excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe providing constant currency information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our product revenue results, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons of our business performance and is consistent with how management evaluates the Company’s performance. We calculate constant currency percentages by converting our current period local currency product revenue results using the prior period exchange rates and comparing these adjusted amounts to our prior period reported product revenues.
- Adjusted EBITDA: We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income or loss from our consolidated statements of operations before interest income and expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, as well as certain other items that arise outside of the ordinary course of our continuing operations specifically described below:
- Goodwill impairment charges: We exclude the impact of charges related to the impairment of goodwill. We believe that the exclusion of these impairments, which are non-cash, allows for more meaningful comparisons of operating results to peer companies. We believe that this increases period-to-period comparability and is useful to evaluate the performance of the company.
- Purchase accounting adjustments: We exclude the impact of purchase accounting adjustments, including the revaluation of inventory at the time of the business combination. These adjustments are non-cash and we believe that the adjustments of these items allows for more meaningful comparison of our operating results.
- Long-term incentive plan: We exclude the impact of costs relating to the long-term incentive plan. We believe that the adjustments of these items allow for more meaningful comparison of our operating results.
- Non-cash pension expenses: We exclude non-cash pension expenses/credits related to closed, defined pension programs of the Company. We believe that the adjustments of these items allow for more meaningful comparison of our operating results.
- Severance and related expenses: We exclude employee severance and associated expenses related to roles that have been eliminated or reduced in scope as a productivity measure taken by the Company. We believe that the adjustments of these items allow for more meaningful comparison of our operating results.
- M&A transaction/strategic review: We exclude expenses directly related to the acquisition of businesses and the Company’s strategic review. We believe that the adjustments of these items allow for more meaningful comparison of our operating results.
- Supply chain reinvention: To measure operating performance, we exclude certain one-time and other costs associated with reorganizing our North America Branded CPG operations and facilities in connection with our supply chain reinvention program, which will drive long-term productivity and cost savings. These costs include incremental expenses such as hiring, training, startup, exit and other temporary costs. We believe that the adjustments of these items allow for more meaningful comparison of our operating results.
- Other items: To measure operating performance, we exclude certain expenses and include certain gains that we believe are not operational in nature. We believe the exclusion or inclusion of such amounts allows management and the users of the financial statements to better understand our financial results.
Adjusted EBITDA is not a presentation made in accordance with GAAP, and our use of the term Adjusted EBITDA may vary from the use of similarly titled measures by others in our industry due to the potential inconsistencies in the method of calculation and differences due to items subject to interpretation. Adjusted EBITDA margin is Adjusted EBITDA for a particular period expressed as a percentage of product revenues for that period.
We use Adjusted EBITDA to measure our performance from period to period both at the consolidated level as well as within our operating segments, to evaluate and fund incentive compensation programs and to compare our results to those of our competitors. In addition to Adjusted EBITDA being a significant measure of performance for management purposes, we also believe that this presentation provides useful information to investors regarding financial and business trends related to our results of operations and that when non-GAAP financial information is viewed with GAAP financial information, investors are provided with a more meaningful understanding of our ongoing operating performance.
Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income or loss, operating income, cash flows from operating activities or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP as measures of operating performance or cash flows as measures of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA has important limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.
The Company cannot reconcile its expected Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income under “Outlook” without unreasonable effort because certain items that impact net income and other reconciling metrics are out of the Company’s control and/or cannot be reasonably predicted. These items include, but are not limited to, stock-based compensation expense and acquisition-related charges. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors, and could have a material impact on GAAP reported results for the guidance period.
Adjusted Gross Profit Margin: We define Adjusted Gross Profit Margin as Gross Profit excluding all cash and non-cash adjustments impacting Cost of Goods Sold, included in the Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation, as a percentage of Product Revenues, net. Such adjustments include: depreciation, purchase accounting adjustments, long-term incentives and other items adjusted by management to better understand our financial results.
| Whole Earth Brands, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands of dollars, except for share and per share data) (Unaudited) | |||||||
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||
| Assets | |||||||
| Current Assets | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 30,513 | $ | 28,676 | |||
| Accounts receivable (net of allowances of | 74,012 | 66,653 | |||||
| Inventories | 209,271 | 218,975 | |||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 6,429 | 10,530 | |||||
| Total current assets | 320,225 | 324,834 | |||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment, net | 54,937 | 58,092 | |||||
| Other Assets | |||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 19,223 | 18,238 | |||||
| Goodwill | 193,610 | 193,139 | |||||
| Other intangible assets, net | 229,936 | 245,376 | |||||
| Deferred tax assets, net | 500 | 539 | |||||
| Other assets | 7,266 | 8,785 | |||||
| Total Assets | $ | 825,697 | $ | 849,003 | |||
| Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||
| Current Liabilities | |||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 55,662 | $ | 47,002 | |||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 32,173 | 27,488 | |||||
| Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 7,370 | 8,804 | |||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 3,750 | 3,750 | |||||
| Total current liabilities | 98,955 | 87,044 | |||||
| Non-Current Liabilities | |||||||
| Long-term debt | 417,929 | 432,172 | |||||
| Deferred tax liabilities, net | 31,579 | 32,585 | |||||
| Operating lease liabilities, less current portion | 14,336 | 12,664 | |||||
| Other liabilities | 11,208 | 9,987 | |||||
| Total Liabilities | 574,007 | 574,452 | |||||
| Commitments and Contingencies | — | — | |||||
| Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||
| Preferred shares, | — | — | |||||
| Common stock, | 4 | 4 | |||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 365,721 | 360,777 | |||||
| Accumulated deficit | (123,284 | ) | (85,188 | ) | |||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | 9,249 | (1,042 | ) | ||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 251,690 | 274,551 | |||||
| Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | $ | 825,697 | $ | 849,003 | |||
| Whole Earth Brands, Inc. | |||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Operations | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands of dollars, except for per share data) | |||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Product revenues, net | $ | 151,164 | $ | 138,897 | $ | 550,913 | $ | 538,272 | |||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 110,736 | 110,574 | 407,236 | 398,060 | |||||||||||
| Gross profit | 40,428 | 28,323 | 143,677 | 140,212 | |||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 25,805 | 23,421 | 102,354 | 99,735 | |||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | 4,709 | 4,625 | 18,698 | 18,623 | |||||||||||
| Goodwill impairment charges | 7,230 | 46,500 | 7,230 | 46,500 | |||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 2,684 | (46,223 | ) | 15,395 | (24,646 | ) | |||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (11,090 | ) | (9,926 | ) | (43,974 | ) | (30,600 | ) | |||||||
| Other (expense) income, net | (1,855 | ) | (1,702 | ) | (3,188 | ) | 2,283 | ||||||||
| Loss before income taxes | (10,261 | ) | (57,851 | ) | (31,767 | ) | (52,963 | ) | |||||||
| (Benefit) provision for income taxes | (2,909 | ) | 2,432 | 6,329 | 5,789 | ||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (7,352 | ) | $ | (60,283 | ) | $ | (38,096 | ) | $ | (58,752 | ) | |||
| Net loss per share: | |||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | (0.17 | ) | $ | (1.44 | ) | $ | (0.90 | ) | $ | (1.42 | ) | |||
| Diluted | $ | (0.17 | ) | $ | (1.44 | ) | $ | (0.90 | ) | $ | (1.42 | ) | |||
| Whole Earth Brands, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Year Ended | |||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||
| Operating activities | |||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | (38,096 | ) | $ | (58,752 | ) | $ | 83 | |||
| Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | 7,029 | 4,933 | 8,715 | ||||||||
| Depreciation | 6,638 | 6,001 | 4,727 | ||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | 18,698 | 18,623 | 18,295 | ||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | (1,054 | ) | (456 | ) | (12,300 | ) | |||||
| Goodwill impairment charges | 7,230 | 46,500 | — | ||||||||
| Amortization of inventory fair value adjustments | — | (2,537 | ) | (3,396 | ) | ||||||
| Non-cash loss on extinguishment of debt | — | — | 4,435 | ||||||||
| Amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount | 2,252 | 1,982 | 1,783 | ||||||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liabilities | (78 | ) | (1,232 | ) | (29 | ) | |||||
| Changes in current assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | (5,455 | ) | 1,222 | 964 | |||||||
| Inventories | 10,282 | (7,684 | ) | (22,957 | ) | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 1,572 | 201 | (1,030 | ) | |||||||
| Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and income taxes | 14,266 | (11,574 | ) | 12,050 | |||||||
| Other, net | 2,034 | (3,037 | ) | (1,858 | ) | ||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 25,318 | (5,810 | ) | 9,482 | |||||||
| Investing activities | |||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | (5,661 | ) | (8,887 | ) | (12,198 | ) | |||||
| Acquisitions, net of cash acquired | — | — | (190,231 | ) | |||||||
| Proceeds from sale of fixed assets | 18 | 468 | 4,516 | ||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (5,643 | ) | (8,419 | ) | (197,913 | ) | |||||
| Financing activities | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from revolving credit facility | — | 54,000 | 25,000 | ||||||||
| Repayments of revolving credit facility | (12,000 | ) | (3,000 | ) | (47,855 | ) | |||||
| Long-term borrowings | — | — | 375,000 | ||||||||
| Repayments of long-term borrowings | (3,750 | ) | (3,750 | ) | (139,314 | ) | |||||
| Debt issuance costs | (461 | ) | (719 | ) | (11,589 | ) | |||||
| Payment of contingent consideration | — | (29,108 | ) | — | |||||||
| Proceeds from sale of common stock and warrants | — | — | 1 | ||||||||
| Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of stock-based awards | (1,468 | ) | (898 | ) | (1,913 | ) | |||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (17,679 | ) | 16,525 | 199,330 | |||||||
| Whole Earth Brands, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued) (In thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Year Ended | |||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (159 | ) | (1,916 | ) | 499 | ||||||
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 1,837 | 380 | 11,398 | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 28,676 | 28,296 | 16,898 | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 30,513 | $ | 28,676 | $ | 28,296 | |||||
| Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information | |||||||||||
| Interest paid | $ | 41,770 | $ | 28,386 | $ | 21,203 | |||||
| Taxes paid, net of refunds | $ | 4,815 | $ | 9,113 | $ | 4,523 | |||||
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing | |||||||||||
| Non-cash capital expenditures | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3,796 | |||||
| Whole Earth Brands, Inc. | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands of dollars) | |||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 | Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023 | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Product revenues, net | $ | 151,164 | $ | 138,897 | $ | 550,913 | $ | 538,272 | |||||||
| Net loss | $ | (7,352 | ) | $ | (60,283 | ) | $ | (38,096 | ) | $ | (58,752 | ) | |||
| (Benefit) provision for income taxes | (2,909 | ) | 2,432 | 6,329 | 5,789 | ||||||||||
| Other expense (income), net | 1,855 | 1,702 | 3,188 | (2,283 | ) | ||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 11,090 | 9,926 | 43,974 | 30,600 | |||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 2,684 | (46,223 | ) | 15,395 | (24,646 | ) | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 1,600 | 1,677 | 6,638 | 6,001 | |||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | 4,709 | 4,625 | 18,698 | 18,623 | |||||||||||
| Goodwill impairment charges | 7,230 | 46,500 | 7,230 | 46,500 | |||||||||||
| Purchase accounting adjustments | - | - | - | (2,537 | ) | ||||||||||
| Long term incentive plan | (320 | ) | 2,806 | 4,214 | 7,763 | ||||||||||
| Severance and related expenses | 981 | 334 | 2,179 | 1,381 | |||||||||||
| Non-cash pension expense | 108 | 198 | 108 | 228 | |||||||||||
| M&A transaction/strategic review | 906 | - | 1,898 | 723 | |||||||||||
| Supply chain reinvention | 2,353 | 9,508 | 14,995 | 22,842 | |||||||||||
| Other items | 2,277 | 762 | 6,978 | 2,289 | |||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 22,528 | $ | 20,187 | $ | 78,332 | $ | 79,167 | |||||||
| Whole Earth Brands, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Constant Currency Product Revenues, Net Reconciliation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands of dollars) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ change | % change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product revenues, net | 2023 | 2022 | Reported | Constant Dollar | Foreign Exchange (1) | Reported | Constant Dollar | Foreign Exchange | ||||||||||||||||||
| Branded CPG | $ | 118,707 | $ | 109,431 | $ | 9,276 | $ | 8,668 | $ | 607 | ||||||||||||||||
| Flavors & Ingredients | 32,458 | 29,466 | 2,992 | 2,826 | 165 | 10.2% | 9.6% | 0.6% | ||||||||||||||||||
| Combined | $ | 151,164 | $ | 138,897 | $ | 12,267 | $ | 11,494 | $ | 773 | ||||||||||||||||
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ change | % change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product revenues, net | 2023 | 2022 | Reported | Constant Dollar | Foreign Exchange (1) | Reported | Constant Dollar | Foreign Exchange | ||||||||||||||||||
| Branded CPG | $ | 426,287 | $ | 422,638 | $ | 3,649 | $ | 4,121 | $ | (472 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||
| Flavors & Ingredients | 124,626 | 115,634 | 8,992 | 8,975 | 17 | 7.8% | 7.8% | 0.0% | ||||||||||||||||||
| Combined | $ | 550,913 | $ | 538,272 | $ | 12,641 | $ | 13,096 | $ | (455 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||
| (1)The "foreign exchange" amounts presented, reflect the estimated impact from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on product revenues. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whole Earth Brands, Inc. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP to Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 | Three Months Ended December 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP | Non-cash adj. | Cash adj. | Adjusted EBITDA | GAAP | Non-cash adj. | Cash adj. | Adjusted EBITDA | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product revenues, net | $ | 151,164 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 151,164 | $ | 138,897 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 138,897 | $ | 12,267 | 8.8% | ||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 110,736 | (3,106 | ) | (1,345 | ) | 106,286 | 110,574 | (4,712 | ) | (7,114 | ) | 98,748 | 7,538 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 40,428 | 3,106 | 1,345 | 44,878 | 28,323 | 4,712 | 7,114 | 40,149 | 4,730 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit margin % | 26.7% | 29.7% | 20.4% | 28.9% | 0.8% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 25,805 | (693 | ) | (2,762 | ) | 22,350 | 23,421 | (2,934 | ) | (525 | ) | 19,962 | 2,388 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | 4,709 | (4,709 | ) | - | - | 4,625 | (4,625 | ) | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill impairment charges | 7,230 | (7,230 | ) | - | - | 46,500 | (46,500 | ) | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 2,684 | $ | 15,738 | $ | 4,107 | $ | 22,528 | $ | (46,223 | ) | $ | 58,771 | $ | 7,639 | $ | 20,187 | $ | 2,341 | 11.6% | |||||||||||
| Operating margin % | 1.8% | 14.9% | (33.3%) | 14.5% | 0.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023 | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP | Non-cash adj. | Cash adj. | Adjusted EBITDA | GAAP | Non-cash adj. | Cash adj. | Adjusted EBITDA | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product revenues, net | $ | 550,913 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 550,913 | $ | 538,272 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 538,272 | $ | 12,641 | 2.3% | ||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 407,236 | (11,467 | ) | (12,253 | ) | 383,516 | 398,060 | (7,845 | ) | (19,303 | ) | 370,912 | 12,604 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 143,677 | 11,467 | 12,253 | 167,397 | 140,212 | 7,845 | 19,303 | 167,360 | 37 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit margin % | 26.1% | 30.4% | 26.0% | 31.1% | (0.7%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 102,354 | (8,009 | ) | (5,280 | ) | 89,065 | 99,735 | (8,826 | ) | (2,717 | ) | 88,193 | 872 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | 18,698 | (18,698 | ) | - | - | 18,623 | (18,623 | ) | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill impairment charges | 7,230 | (7,230 | ) | - | - | 46,500 | (46,500 | ) | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 15,395 | $ | 45,404 | $ | 17,533 | $ | 78,332 | $ | (24,646 | ) | $ | 81,793 | $ | 22,020 | $ | 79,167 | $ | (835 | ) | (1.1%) | ||||||||||
| Operating margin % | 2.8% | 14.2% | (4.6%) | 14.7% | (0.5%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whole Earth Brands, Inc. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments to Operating Income by Income Statement Line and Nature | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 | Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-Cash adjustments | Cost of Goods Sold | SG&A | Amort. Of Intangibles | Goodwill impairment charges | Operating Income | Cost of Goods Sold | SG&A | Amort. Of Intangibles | Goodwill impairment charges | Operating Income | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation | $ | 1,412 | $ | 188 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 1,600 | $ | 1,364 | $ | 313 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 1,677 | |||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | - | - | 4,709 | - | 4,709 | - | - | 4,625 | - | 4,625 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill impairment charges | - | - | - | 7,230 | 7,230 | - | - | - | 46,500 | 46,500 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-cash pension expense | - | 108 | - | - | 108 | - | 198 | - | - | 198 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Long term incentive plan | 120 | (439 | ) | - | - | (320 | ) | 441 | 2,364 | - | - | 2,806 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Supply chain reinvention | 1,000 | - | - | - | 1,000 | 2,251 | - | - | - | 2,251 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other items | 573 | 837 | - | - | 1,410 | 656 | 58 | - | - | 714 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total non-cash adjustments | $ | 3,106 | $ | 693 | $ | 4,709 | $ | 7,230 | $ | 15,737 | $ | 4,712 | $ | 2,934 | $ | 4,625 | $ | 46,500 | $ | 58,771 | |||||||||||
| Cash adjustments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Severance and related expenses | - | 981 | - | - | 981 | - | 334 | - | - | 334 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| M&A transaction/strategic review | - | 906 | - | - | 906 | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Supply chain reinvention | 1,345 | 8 | - | - | 1,353 | 7,114 | 144 | - | - | 7,257 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other items | - | 867 | - | - | 867 | - | 48 | - | - | 48 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total cash adjustments | $ | 1,345 | $ | 2,762 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 4,107 | $ | 7,114 | $ | 525 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 7,639 | |||||||||||
| Total adjustments | $ | 4,450 | $ | 3,455 | $ | 4,709 | $ | 7,230 | $ | 19,844 | $ | 11,826 | $ | 3,459 | $ | 4,625 | $ | 46,500 | $ | 66,410 | |||||||||||
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023 | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-Cash adjustments | Cost of Goods Sold | SG&A | Amort. Of Intangibles | Goodwill impairment charges | Operating Income | Cost of Goods Sold | SG&A | Amort. Of Intangibles | Goodwill impairment charges | Operating Income | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation | $ | 5,879 | $ | 759 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 6,638 | $ | 5,075 | $ | 927 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 6,001 | |||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | - | - | 18,698 | - | 18,698 | - | - | 18,623 | - | 18,623 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill impairment charges | - | - | - | 7,230 | 7,230 | - | - | - | 46,500 | 46,500 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-cash pension expense | - | 108 | - | - | 108 | - | 228 | - | - | 228 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Long term incentive plan | 417 | 3,798 | - | - | 4,214 | 604 | 7,159 | - | - | 7,763 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchase accounting costs | - | - | - | - | - | (2,537 | ) | - | - | - | (2,537 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Supply chain reinvention | 2,798 | - | - | - | 2,798 | 3,023 | - | - | - | 3,023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other items | 2,373 | 3,345 | - | - | 5,718 | 1,680 | 512 | - | - | 2,192 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total non-cash adjustments | $ | 11,467 | $ | 8,009 | $ | 18,698 | $ | 7,230 | $ | 45,404 | $ | 7,845 | $ | 8,826 | $ | 18,623 | $ | 46,500 | $ | 81,793 | |||||||||||
| Cash adjustments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Severance and related expenses | 54 | 2,125 | - | - | 2,179 | 102 | 1,279 | - | - | 1,381 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| M&A transaction/strategic review | - | 1,898 | - | - | 1,898 | - | 723 | - | - | 723 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Supply chain reinvention | 12,199 | (3 | ) | - | - | 12,196 | 19,202 | 617 | - | - | 19,819 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other items | - | 1,261 | - | - | 1,261 | - | 98 | - | - | 98 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total cash adjustments | $ | 12,253 | $ | 5,280 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 17,533 | $ | 19,303 | $ | 2,717 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 22,020 | |||||||||||
| Total adjustments | $ | 23,720 | $ | 13,289 | $ | 18,698 | $ | 7,230 | $ | 62,937 | $ | 27,148 | $ | 11,542 | $ | 18,623 | $ | 46,500 | $ | 103,813 | |||||||||||
FAQ
What was Whole Earth Brands, Inc.'s consolidated revenue for the full year of 2023?
What were the company's operating income and Adjusted EBITDA for the full year of 2023?
How much did the revenue increase in the fourth quarter of 2023?
What is the pending transaction involving Whole Earth Brands, Inc.?
Who is acquiring Whole Earth Brands, Inc.?
