LL Flooring Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

LL Flooring Holdings, Inc. reports challenging fourth-quarter results with a 19.6% decline in comparable store sales. Despite external headwinds, the company focuses on brand transformation and strategic initiatives for long-term growth. Financially, net sales decreased, gross margin increased, but operating margin and earnings per share declined. The company closed stores, opened new ones, and aims to maintain adjusted gross margins in 2024.

Positive

• LL Flooring reported a 19.6% decline in comparable store sales in the fourth quarter.
• The company is focusing on brand transformation and strategic initiatives for long-term growth.
• Net sales decreased by 19.7% in the fourth quarter compared to the same period last year.
• Gross margin increased by 270 basis points to 38.6% in the fourth quarter.
• Operating margin loss increased by 170 basis points to 8.3% in the fourth quarter.
• Loss per Diluted Share increased by $0.09 to $0.62 in the fourth quarter.
• The company closed seven stores and opened one new store in the fourth quarter.
• For the full year, net sales decreased by 18.5% compared to the previous year.
• Gross margin decreased to 35.7% for the full year.
• Adjusted gross margin increased to 37.5% for the full year.
• SG&A as a percentage of net sales increased by 740 basis points to 44.6% for the full year.
• Operating margin loss increased by 780 basis points to 8.9% for the full year.
• Loss per Diluted Share increased by $3.17 to $3.59 for the full year.
• The company opened three new stores and closed eight during the year.
• The company had liquidity of $118.2 million as of December 31, 2023.
• Cash flows from operating activities were $21.3 million in 2023.
• The company is not providing financial guidance for 2024 due to uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment.
• Adjusted gross margins are expected to maintain year-over-year in 2024.
• SG&A spend is expected to increase year-over-year in 2024.
• Capital expenditures of approximately $15 million are expected in 2024.

Negative

• Comparable store sales declined by 19.6% in the fourth quarter.
• Operating margin and earnings per share declined in the fourth quarter.
• SG&A as a percentage of net sales increased significantly for the full year.
• Loss per Diluted Share increased substantially for the full year.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The reported decline in net sales by 19.7% for the fourth quarter and 18.5% for the full year at LL Flooring is a significant metric for investors, as it indicates a sizeable reduction in consumer and professional spending within the flooring industry. This is likely reflective of broader economic trends, such as a slowdown in the housing market and a decrease in home improvement activities, which are traditionally correlated with existing home sales. The decrease in transaction count and average transaction size suggests a reduced consumer confidence and a potential shift in market demand.

Moreover, the increase in gross margin points to successful cost management strategies, such as vendor negotiations and lower transportation costs. However, the substantial increase in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales, despite a decrease in absolute terms, highlights the challenge of maintaining operational efficiency in the face of declining sales. This suggests that fixed costs, such as store rents and distribution centers, are taking up a larger share of revenue, which could impact profitability if sales do not rebound.

Financial Analyst

The operating margin loss widening to 8.3% and 8.9% for the quarter and year respectively, coupled with an increased loss per diluted share, raises concerns about the company's profitability in the near term. Investors would be prudent to consider the company's liquidity position, which remains robust at $118.2 million, as an indicator of its ability to weather the current economic headwinds. The generation of $21.3 million in cash flows from operating activities is a positive signal of effective inventory management and cost control measures.

However, the absence of financial guidance for 2024 due to macroeconomic uncertainties could be perceived as a lack of visibility into future performance, which might contribute to investor caution. The company's focus on strategic initiatives, such as CRM and Pro initiatives and the rollout of new products like carpet, are intended to drive long-term growth, but their impact on sales and margins in the short term remains uncertain.

Economist

The reported financial results by LL Flooring reflect broader macroeconomic challenges, such as low consumer confidence, inflation and volatile interest and mortgage rates. These factors are likely contributing to the reported decline in existing home sales and, by extension, the home improvement industry. The company's expectation of continued challenges through the first half of 2024 is indicative of the potential for a prolonged period of economic stagnation or even recession, which could have wider implications for consumer spending and investment.

The company's strategic focus on improving customer experience and operational efficiencies may be essential for adapting to the shifting economic landscape. However, the potential benefits of these initiatives will likely be contingent on the normalization of the macroeconomic environment, which remains uncertain.

RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- LL Flooring Holdings, Inc. (“LL Flooring” or “Company”) (NYSE: LL), a leading specialty retailer of hard and soft surface flooring in the U.S., today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023.

"Fourth quarter business conditions remain difficult as we continue to experience the impact of weakness in existing home sales and the corresponding softness in the home improvement industry. We reported comparable store sales down 19.6% as we saw continued declines in traffic and lower average project sizes for our consumer and pro customers. Despite external headwinds, we are focused on our ability to deliver the high-touch service of an independent flooring retailer combined with the value, assortment, and convenience of a national brand,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Charles Tyson.

Tyson continued "Leading economic indicators suggest that home improvement spending will continue to be challenged through at least the first half of 2024, however, the long-term fundamentals of our business are strong due to aging housing stock, increased household formation and rising home values. To that end, we remain focused on executing on our brand transformation and on our strategic initiatives which we believe will drive revenue growth, increase brand awareness, spur product innovation and deliver a consistent customer experience. We are also gaining traction on several of our operating strategies, focusing on the customer experience, driving and improving NPS scores, innovating products including the execution of our carpet initiatives, and maintaining a strong focus on improving operational efficiencies and working capital management. All of which, gives us confidence in achieving long-term growth.”

Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights

• Net sales decreased 19.7% to $211.8 million compared to the same period last year, driven by a decrease in transaction count and average transaction size reflecting lower spend by consumers and Pros.
• Total comparable store sales decreased 20.2% versus the same period last year.
• Gross margin increased 270 basis points to 38.6% and Adjusted gross margin¹ increased 260 basis points to 38.3% compared to the same period last year, primarily driven by vendor cost outs and lower transportation costs, partially offset by headwinds from higher vinyl sourcing costs as we increased sourcing from domestic vendors.
• SG&A as a percentage of net sales increased 430 basis points to 46.8% compared to the fourth quarter of last year and Adjusted SG&A¹ as a percentage of net sales increased 800 basis points to 46.8% compared to the fourth quarter of last year. The increases in both SG&A and Adjusted SG&A as a percentage of net sales were due primarily to expense deleverage from lower sales volumes; Adjusted SG&A spending decreased $3.1 million primarily due to restructuring activities and lower advertising spend.
• Operating margin loss increased 170 basis points to 8.3% compared to the fourth quarter of last year. Adjusted operating margin loss¹ increased 550 basis points to 8.6% compared to the fourth quarter of last year.
• Loss per Diluted Share increased $0.09 to $0.62 compared to the fourth quarter of last year. Adjusted Loss per Diluted Share¹ increased $0.35 to $0.64 compared to the fourth quarter of last year.
• We’ve continued to evaluate our store portfolio, resulting in the closure of seven stores during the fourth quarter. We also opened one new store, bringing our total store portfolio to 437 stores as of December 31, 2023.

¹Please refer to the “Non-GAAP and Other Information” section and the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation tables below for more information.

Full Year Financial Highlights

• Net sales decreased 18.5% to $904.7 million compared to last year, driven by a decrease in transaction count and average transaction size reflecting lower spend by consumers and Pros.
• Total comparable store sales decreased 19.6% versus last year.
• Gross margin decreased 40 basis points to 35.7% compared to 2022 and Adjusted gross margin¹ increased 140 basis points to 37.5% compared to 2022. Gross margin decreased due to unfavorable antidumping duty rate changes and customs detentions on certain vinyl flooring products from Asia. The increase in adjusted gross margin¹ was primarily due to lower vendor and transportation costs.
• SG&A as a percentage of net sales increased 740 basis points to 44.6% compared to last year and adjusted SG&A¹ increased 820 basis points to 44.5% compared to last year. Both SG&A and Adjusted SG&A increased as a percentage of net sales primarily due to expense deleverage on lower net sales; Adjusted SG&A spend remained relatively flat compared to 2022, as the cost savings from our restructuring activities and lower spend on advertising were offset by higher occupancy costs associated with the addition of a third distribution center, rents of new stores and lease renewals at higher rental rates, non-recurring professional services and IT spend associated with the rollout of our CRM.
• Operating margin loss increased 780 basis points to 8.9% compared to last year. Adjusted operating margin loss¹ increased 680 basis points to 7.0% compared to last year.
• Loss per Diluted Share increased $3.17 to $3.59 compared to last year. Adjusted Loss per Diluted Share¹ increased $2.84 to $3.01 compared to last year.
• During 2023, the Company opened three new stores and closed eight, bringing total stores to 437 as of December 31, 2023.

¹Please refer to the “Non-GAAP and Other Information” section and the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation tables below for more information.

Cash Flow & Liquidity

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had liquidity of $118.2 million, consisting of excess availability under its Credit Agreement of $109.4 million, and cash and cash equivalents of $8.8 million.

During 2023, the Company generated $21.3 million of cash flows from operating activities, primarily driven by our effective inventory management and our cost savings initiatives implemented by management.

2024 Business Outlook

The Company continues to navigate uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment due to low consumer confidence, inflation, a volatile interest and mortgage rate environment and continued declines in existing home sales. As a result, the Company is not providing financial guidance at this time.

The Company is, however, providing the following commentary. The Company expects:

• In terms of our sales outlook for 2024, while we strongly believe that our strategic initiatives of our CRM and Pro initiatives will improve the customer experience and help drive traffic to stores, our visibility is limited as to when the macroeconomic environment will normalize.

• Adjusted gross margins¹ are expected to maintain year-over-year, driven primarily by potential reductions in transportation costs. The Company will continue to monitor the competitive pricing environment to inform its pricing and promotion strategies.

• SG&A dollar spend and SG&A spend as a percentage of sales are expected to increase year-over-year, primarily due to lower net sales as we continue to invest in our strategic initiatives while navigating a dynamic macroeconomic environment.

• Capital expenditures of approximately $15 million in 2024, primarily related to our strategic initiatives such as the rollout of Carpet across our store portfolio, and maintenance capital investments.

¹Please refer to the “Non-GAAP and Other Information” section and the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation tables below for more information.

Learn More about LL Flooring

• Our commitment to quality, compliance, the communities we serve and corporate giving: https://llflooring.com/corp/quality.html
• Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

The Company plans to host a conference call and audio webcast on March 4, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The conference may be accessed by dialing (833) 470-1428 or (929) 526-1599 and entering pin number 918613. You may also use this website https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/638357847 in lieu of speaking to an operator. A replay will be available approximately two hours after the call ends through March 11, 2024 and may be accessed by dialing (929) 458-6194 and entering pin number 285260. The live conference call and replay can also be accessed via audio webcast at the Investor Relations section of the Company's website, www.LLFlooring.com.

About LL Flooring

LL Flooring is one of the country’s leading specialty retailers of hard-surface flooring with more than 430 stores nationwide. The Company seeks to offer the best customer experience online and in stores, with more than 500 varieties of hard and soft surface floors featuring a range of quality styles and on-trend designs. LL Flooring's online tools also help empower customers to find the right solution for the space they've envisioned. LL Flooring's extensive selection includes waterproof hybrid resilient, waterproof vinyl plank, solid and engineered hardwood, laminate, bamboo, porcelain tile, and cork, with a wide range of flooring enhancements and accessories to complement. LL Flooring stores are staffed with flooring experts who provide advice, Pro partnership services and installation options for all of LL Flooring's products, the majority of which is in stock and ready for delivery.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release includes statements of the Company’s expectations, intentions, plans and beliefs that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meanings of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which may be identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” "assumes," “believes,” “thinks,” “estimates,” “seeks,” “predicts,” “could,” “projects,” "targets," “potential,” "will likely result," and other similar terms and phrases, are based on the beliefs of the Company’s management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management as of the date of such statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control.

The Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update these statements, which speak only as of the dates on which such statements are made, except as may be required under the federal securities laws. For a discussion of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Such filings are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Company’s Investor Relations website at https://investors.llflooring.com.

Non-GAAP and Other Information

To supplement the financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the Company uses the following non-GAAP financial measures in the body of this press release and in the supplemental tables at the end of the release: (i) Adjusted Gross Profit; (ii) Adjusted Gross Margin; (iii) Adjusted SG&A; (iv) Adjusted SG&A as a percentage of net sales; (v) Adjusted Operating Income (Loss); (vi) Adjusted Operating Margin (Loss); (vii) Adjusted Other Expense; (viii) Adjusted Other Expense as a percentage of net sales; (ix) Adjusted Earnings (Loss); and (x) Adjusted Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share. These non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not in lieu of, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. These supplemental measures may vary from, and may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures by other companies.

The non-GAAP financial measures are presented because we believe the non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends related to our financial condition and results of operations, These measures provide an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating our ongoing operating performance, and management, in certain cases, uses them to determine incentive compensation. The presented non-GAAP financial measures exclude items that management does not believe reflect our core operating performance, which include regulatory and legal settlements and associated legal and operating costs, changes in antidumping and countervailing duties, and goodwill impairment, as such items are outside of our control or due to their inherent unusual, non-operating, unpredictable, non-recurring, or non-cash nature. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures are provided on the pages that follow.

Reconciliations of forward-looking non-GAAP measures are not provided because the company is unable to provide such reconciliations without unreasonable effort due to the uncertainty and inherent difficulty of predicting the occurrence and financial impact of certain items, including, but not limited to, the timing and significance of antidumping rate changes or vinyl charges.

(Tables Follow)

LL Flooring Holdings, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands)
		December 31,				December 31,
		2023				2022
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents		$	8,772			$	10,800
Merchandise Inventories, Net			265,290				332,296
Prepaid Expenses			5,658				9,054
Other Current Assets			8,473				17,598
Total Current Assets			288,193				369,748
Property and Equipment, Net			100,490				101,758
Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets			141,210				123,172
Deferred Tax Assets, Net			—				13,697
Other Assets			5,681				5,578
Total Assets		$	535,574			$	613,953
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable		$	67,195			$	47,733
Customer Deposits and Store Credits			39,468				43,767
Accrued Compensation			6,915				9,070
Sales and Income Tax Liabilities			2,103				3,574
Accrual for Legal Matters and Settlements			15,344				22,159
Operating Lease Liabilities - Current			31,815				34,509
Other Current Liabilities			24,382				19,712
Total Current Liabilities			187,222				180,524
Other Long-Term Liabilities			8,391				6,162
Operating Lease Liabilities - Long-Term			116,651				99,186
Credit Agreement			66,000				72,000
Total Liabilities			378,264				357,872
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common Stock ($0.001 par value; 35,000 shares authorized; 30,983 and 30,758 shares issued and 28,849 and 28,695 shares outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively)			31				31
Treasury Stock, at cost (2,134 and 2,063 shares, respectively)			(153,617	)			(153,331	)
Additional Capital			236,848				231,839
Retained Earnings			74,048				177,542
Total Stockholders’ Equity			157,310				256,081
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity		$	535,574			$	613,953

LL Flooring Holdings, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income (in thousands, except per share amounts)
		Three Months Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
		2023				2022				2023				2022				2021
Net Sales
Net Merchandise Sales		$	183,059			$	226,883			$	779,326			$	957,927			$	993,943
Net Services Sales			28,721				36,986				125,420				152,752				158,401
Total Net Sales			211,780				263,869				904,746				1,110,679				1,152,344
Cost of Sales
Cost of Merchandise Sold			103,919				139,733				477,495				589,719				588,166
Cost of Services Sold			26,187				29,385				104,538				119,797				124,136
Total Cost of Sales			130,106				169,118				582,033				709,516				712,302
Gross Profit			81,674				94,751				322,713				401,163				440,042
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses			99,205				112,080				403,499				412,885				387,356
Operating (Loss) Income			(17,531	)			(17,329	)			(80,786	)			(11,722	)			52,686
Other Expense			1,082				986				9,307				1,816				(104	)
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes			(18,613	)			(18,315	)			(90,093	)			(13,538	)			52,790
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)			(668	)			(3,235	)			13,401				(1,457	)			11,092
Net (Loss) Income and Comprehensive (Loss) Income		$	(17,945	)		$	(15,080	)		$	(103,494	)		$	(12,081	)		$	41,698
Net (Loss) Income per Common Share—Basic		$	(0.62	)		$	(0.53	)		$	(3.59	)		$	(0.42	)		$	1.44
Net (Loss) Income per Common Share—Diluted		$	(0.62	)		$	(0.53	)		$	(3.59	)		$	(0.42	)		$	1.41
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic			28,845				28,691				28,806				28,860				29,041
Diluted			28,845				28,691				28,806				28,860				29,525

LL Flooring Holdings, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2023				2022						2021
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net (Loss) Income		$	(103,494	)		$	(12,081	)				$	41,698
Adjustments to Reconcile Net (Loss) Income:
Depreciation and Amortization			18,647				18,410						18,833
Impairment on Long-Lived Assets			1,316				—						—
Impairment of Goodwill			—				9,693						—
Deferred Income Taxes Provision			13,979				(2,361	)					276
Income on Redeemed or Expired Vouchers for Legal Settlements			(2,491	)			(1,300	)					(1,676	)
Stock-Based Compensation Expense			5,009				3,738						5,113
Provision for Inventory Obsolescence Reserves			3,469				1,615						2,345
Antidumping Adjustments			353				(1,036	)					(6,279	)
(Gain) Loss on Disposal of Fixed Assets			27				(2	)					44
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
Merchandise Inventories			61,243				(81,833	)					(15,104	)
Accounts Payable			17,254				(16,595	)					(8,538	)
Customer Deposits and Store Credits			(4,299	)			(23,296	)					5,674
Tariff Recovery Receivable			—				36						4,078
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets			13,758				(2,968	)					700
Accrued Compensation			(2,156	)			(1,058	)					(5,219	)
Accrual for Legal Matters and Settlements			543				303						7,773
Payments for Legal Matters and Settlements			(345	)			(8,148	)					(101	)
Deferred Rent Payments			(187	)			(157	)					(2,315	)
Deferred Payroll Taxes			—				(2,585	)					(2,542	)
Other Assets and Liabilities			(1,341	)			2,916						(6,090	)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities			21,285				(116,709	)					38,670
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchases of Property and Equipment			(17,029	)			(22,048	)					(19,443	)
Other Investing Activities			2				65						71
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities			(17,027	)			(21,983	)					(19,372	)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Borrowings on Credit Agreement			306,000				289,500						—
Payments on Credit Agreement			(312,000	)			(217,500	)					(101,000	)
Common Stock Repurchased			(286	)			(7,994	)					(2,360	)
Other Financing Activities							297						(690	)
Net Cash (Used In) Provided by Financing Activities			(6,286	)			64,303						(104,050	)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents			(2,028	)			(74,389	)		—			(84,752	)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period			10,800				85,189						169,941
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period		$	8,772			$	10,800					$	85,189
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Operating and Financing Activities:
Relief of Inventory for Vouchers Redeemed for Legal Settlements		$	2,294			$	2,307					$	2,783
Tenant Improvement Allowance for Leases			(196	)			(1,155	)					(1,230	)

LL Flooring Holdings, Inc.

GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation

(in thousands, except percentages)

Items impacting gross margin with comparisons to the prior-year periods include:

	Three Months Ended December 31,																Year Ended December 31,
	2023								2022								2023								2022
	$				% of Sales				$				% of Sales				$				% of Sales				$				% of Sales
	(in thousands, except percentage data)
Gross Profit/Margin, as reported (GAAP)	$	81,674				38.6	%		$	94,751				35.9	%		$	322,713				35.7	%		$	401,163				36.1	%
Vinyl Charges1		(701	)			(0.3	)%			—				—				5,426				0.6	%			—				—	%
Antidumping and Countervailing Adjustments2		95				—				(564	)			(0.2	)%			10,809				1.2	%			413				0.0	%
Adjustment Items Subtotal		(606	)			(0.3	)%			(564	)			(0.2	)%			16,235				1.8	%			413				—
Adjusted Gross Profit/Margin (non-GAAP measures)	$	81,068				38.3	%		$	94,187				35.7	%		$	338,948				37.5	%		$	401,576				36.1	%

	1		This amount represents costs related to CBP detention on flooring products that contain PVC as a consequence of the UFLPA.
	2		This amount represents net antidumping and countervailing (income)/expense associated with applicable prior-year shipments of engineered hardwood from China.

Items impacting SG&A with comparisons to the prior-year periods include:

	Three Months Ended December 31,																Year Ended December 31,
	2023								2022								2023								2022
	$				% of Sales				$				% of Sales				$				% of Sales				$				% of Sales
	(in thousands, except percentage data)
SG&A, as reported (GAAP)	$	99,205				46.8	%		$	112,080				42.5	%		$	403,499				44.6	%		$	412,885				37.2	%
Recovery from Legal Matters and Settlements1		—				—	%			—				—	%			—				—	%			(150	)			—	%
Legal and Professional Fees2		(36	)			—	%			—				—	%			886				0.1	%			—				—	%
Goodwill Impairment Charge3		—				—	%			9,693				3.7	%			—				0.0	%			9,693				0.9	%
Adjusted SG&A (a non-GAAP measure)	$	99,241				46.8	%		$	102,387				38.8	%		$	402,613				44.5	%		$	403,342				36.3	%

	1.		The 2022 amount represents insurance recovery related to the Gold Litigation recorded in the third quarter of 2022. This item is described more fully in Item 8, Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements filed in the December 31, 2022 10-K.
	2.		This amount represents charges to earnings related to our defense of certain significant legal actions during the period. This does not include all legal costs incurred by the Company.
	3.		This amount represents an impairment charge resulting from the Company's evaluation of goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2022. This item is described more fully in Item 8, Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements filed in the December 31, 2022 10-K.

LL Flooring Holdings, Inc.

GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation

(in thousands, except percentages)

Items impacting operating income and operating margin with comparisons to the prior-year periods include:

	Three Months Ended December 31,																Year Ended December 31,
	2023								2022								2023								2022
	$				% of Sales				$				% of Sales				$				% of Sales				$				% of Sales
	(in thousands, except percentage data)
Operating Loss, as reported (GAAP)	$	(17,531	)			(8.3	)%		$	(17,329	)			(6.6	)%		$	(80,786	)			(8.9	)%		$	(11,722	)			(1.1	)%
Gross Profit/Margin Adjustment Items:
Vinyl Charges1		(701	)			(0.3	)%			—				—	%			5,426				0.6	%			—				—	%
Antidumping and Countervailing Adjustments2		95				0.0	%			(564	)			(0.2	)%			10,809				1.2	%			413				—
Gross Profit/Margin Adjustment Items Subtotal		(606	)			(0.3	)%			(564	)			(0.2	)%			16,235				1.8	%			413				—
SG&A Adjustment Items:
Recovery from Legal Matters and Settlements3		—				—	%			—				—	%			—				—	%			(150	)			—	%
Legal and Professional Fees4		(36	)			0.0	%			—				—	%			886				0.1	%			—				—	%
Goodwill Impairment Charge5		—				—	%			9,693				3.7	%			—				0.0	%			9,693				0.9	%
SG&A Adjustment Items Subtotal		(36	)			0.0	%			9,693				3.7	%			886				0.1	%			9,543				0.9	%
Adjusted Operating Loss / Margin (a non-GAAP measure)	$	(18,173	)			(8.6	)%		$	(8,200	)			(3.1	)%		$	(63,665	)			(7.0	)%		$	(1,766	)			(0.2	)%

^1,2,3,4,5 See the Gross Profit and SG&A sections above for more detailed explanations of these individual items.

Items impacting other expense (income) with comparisons to the prior year periods include:

		Three Months Ended December 31,																Year Ended December 31,
		2023								2022								2023								2022
		$				% of Sales				$				% of Sales				$				% of Sales				$				% of Sales
		(in thousands, except percentage data)
Other Expense, as reported (GAAP)		$	1,082				0.5	%		$	986				0.4	%		$	9,307				1.0	%		$	1,816				0.2	%
Interest Impact Related to Antidumping and Countervailing Adjustments1			27				0.0	%			(147	)			0.0	%			5,565				0.6	%			(148	)			—	%
Adjusted Other Expense/Adjusted Other Expense as a % of Sales (a non-GAAP measure)		$	1,055				0.5	%		$	1,133				0.4	%		$	3,742				0.4	%		$	1,964				0.2	%

1.

This amount represents net interest (income)/expense impact of certain antidumping and countervailing adjustments related to applicable prior-year shipments of engineered hardwood from China.

LL Flooring Holdings, Inc.

GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation

(in thousands, except per share data)

Items impacting earnings per diluted share with comparisons to the prior-year periods include:

		Three Months Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
		2023				2022				2023				2022
		(in thousands, except per share data)
Net Loss, as reported (GAAP)		$	(17,945	)		$	(15,080	)		$	(103,494	)		$	(12,081	)
Net Loss per Diluted Share (GAAP)		$	(0.62	)		$	(0.53	)		$	(3.59	)		$	(0.42	)
Gross Profit/Margin Adjustment Items:
Vinyl Charges1			(701	)			—				5,426				—
Antidumping and Countervailing Adjustments2			95				(564	)			10,809				413
Gross Profit/Margin Adjustment Items Subtotal			(606	)			(564	)			16,235				413
SG&A Adjustment Items:
Recovery from Legal Matters and Settlements3			—				—				—				(150	)
Legal and Professional Fees4			(36	)			—				886				—
Goodwill Impairment Charge5			—				9,693				—				9,693
SG&A Adjustment Items Subtotal			(36	)			9,693				886				9,543
Other Expense (Income) Adjustment Items:
Interest Impact Related to Antidumping and Countervailing Adjustment6			27				(147	)			5,565				(148	)
Other Expense (Income) Adjustment Items Subtotal			27				(147	)			5,565				(148	)
Income Tax Adjustment7			158				(2,353	)			(5,830	)			(2,570	)
Adjusted Loss		$	(18,402	)		$	(8,451	)		$	(86,638	)		$	(4,843	)
Adjusted Loss per Diluted Share (a non-GAAP measure)		$	(0.64	)		$	(0.29	)		$	(3.01	)		$	(0.17	)

1,2,3,4,5,6		See the Gross Profit, SG&A and Other Expense (Income) sections above for more detailed explanations of these individual items.
7		Income Tax Adjustment is defined as the sum of Gross Profit/Margin, SG&A, and Other Expense (Income) Adjustment Items multiplied by the Company’s federal incremental rate, which was 25.7% for the 2023 period and 26.2% for the 2022 period.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240301411085/en/

For further information contact:

LL Flooring Investor Relations

ICR

Bruce Williams

ir@llflooring.com

Tel: 804-420-9801

Source: LL Flooring Holdings, Inc.

FAQ

What was the percentage decrease in net sales for LL Flooring in the fourth quarter?

Net sales decreased by 19.7% in the fourth quarter compared to the same period last year.

How did LL Flooring's gross margin change in the fourth quarter?

Gross margin increased by 270 basis points to 38.6% in the fourth quarter.

What was the operating margin loss for LL Flooring in the fourth quarter?

Operating margin loss increased by 170 basis points to 8.3% in the fourth quarter.

How many stores did LL Flooring close and open in the fourth quarter?

The company closed seven stores and opened one new store in the fourth quarter.

What was the percentage decrease in net sales for LL Flooring for the full year?

Net sales decreased by 18.5% for the full year compared to last year.

What was the gross margin for LL Flooring for the full year?

Gross margin decreased to 35.7% for the full year.

What was the liquidity of LL Flooring as of December 31, 2023?

The company had liquidity of $118.2 million as of December 31, 2023.

Is LL Flooring providing financial guidance for 2024?

The company is not providing financial guidance for 2024 due to uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment.

What are LL Flooring's expectations for adjusted gross margins in 2024?

Adjusted gross margins are expected to maintain year-over-year in 2024.

How much are LL Flooring's capital expenditures expected to be in 2024?

Capital expenditures of approximately $15 million are expected in 2024.