Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION.
Unless the context otherwise requires, “G-III,” “us,” “we” and “our” refer to G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. and its subsidiaries. References to fiscal years refer to the year ended or ending on January 31 of that year. For example, our fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 is referred to as “fiscal 2024.”
We consolidate the accounts of all of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. Karl Lagerfeld Holding B.V. (“KLH”) is a Dutch limited liability company that was 19% owned by us through May 30, 2022 and was accounted for during that time using the equity method of accounting. Effective May 31, 2022, we acquired the remaining 81% interest in KLH that we did not previously own and, as a result, KLH began being treated as a consolidated wholly-owned subsidiary. KL North America B.V. (“KLNA”) is a Dutch joint venture limited liability that was 49% owned by us and 51% indirectly owned by KLH through May 30, 2022 and was accounted for during that time using the equity method of accounting. KLNA operates the Karl Lagerfeld business in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Effective May 31, 2022, KLNA became an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of us as a result of our acquisition of the remaining 81% interest in KLH we did not previously own. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The results of KLH are included in our consolidated financial statements beginning May 31, 2022.
Each of Vilebrequin International SA (“Vilebrequin”), a Swiss corporation that is wholly-owned by us, KLH, Fabco Holding B.V. (“Fabco”) and Sonia Rykiel report results on a calendar year basis rather than on the January 31 fiscal year basis used by G-III. Accordingly, the results of Vilebrequin, KLH, Fabco and Sonia Rykiel are and will be included in our financial statements for the year ended or ending closest to G-III’s fiscal year. For example, for G-III’s fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, the results of Vilebrequin, KLH, Fabco and Sonia Rykiel are included for the year ended December 31, 2023. For the year ended January 31, 2023, the results of KLH, which includes KLNA, are included for the period from May 31, 2022 through December 31, 2022. The results of our previous 49% ownership interest in KLNA and 19% ownership interest in KLH are included for the period from January 1, 2022 through May 30, 2022. Our retail operations segment uses a 52/53-week fiscal year. The Company’s year ended January 31, 2024 was a 53-week fiscal year for the retail operations segment. The Company’s year ended January 31, 2023 was a 52-week fiscal year for the retail operations segment. For fiscal 2024 and 2023, the retail operations segment ended on February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023, respectively.
The following presentation of management’s discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements, the accompanying notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Report.
A discussion with respect to a comparison of the results of operations of fiscal 2023 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022 (“fiscal 2022”), other financial information related to fiscal 2022 and information with respect to Liquidity and Capital Resources at January 31, 2022 and for fiscal 2022 is contained under the headings “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023.
Overview
G-III designs, sources and markets an extensive range of apparel, including outerwear, dresses, sportswear, swimwear, women’s suits and women’s performance wear, as well as women’s handbags, footwear, small leather goods, cold weather accessories and luggage. G-III has a substantial portfolio of more than 30 licensed and proprietary brands, anchored by our key brands: DKNY, Donna Karan, Karl Lagerfeld, Nautica and Halston, as well as other major brands that currently drive our business, including Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. We distribute our products through multiple channels and in markets located in a variety of geographies.
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Our own proprietary brands include DKNY, Donna Karan, Karl Lagerfeld, Karl Lagerfeld Paris, Vilebrequin, G.H. Bass, Eliza J, Jessica Howard, Andrew Marc, Marc New York, Wilsons Leather and Sonia Rykiel. We have an extensive portfolio of well-known licensed brands, including Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, Halston, Levi’s, Guess?, Kenneth Cole, Cole Haan, Vince Camuto, Dockers and Champion. Through our team sports business, we have licenses with the National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, National Hockey League and over 150 U.S. colleges and universities. We also source and sell products to major retailers for their own private label programs.
Our products are sold through a cross section of leading retailers such as Macy’s, including its Bloomingdale’s division, Dillard’s, Hudson’s Bay Company, including its Saks Fifth Avenue division, Nordstrom, Kohl’s, TJX Companies, Ross Stores, Burlington and Costco. We also sell our products using digital channels through retail partners such as macys.com, nordstrom.com and dillards.com, each of which operates significant digital businesses. In addition, we sell to leading online retail partners such as Amazon, Fanatics, Zalando and Zappos.
We also distribute apparel and other products directly to consumers through our own DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld, Karl Lagerfeld Paris and Vilebrequin retail stores, as well as through our digital sites for our DKNY, Donna Karan, Karl Lagerfeld, Karl Lagerfeld Paris, Vilebrequin, G.H. Bass, Andrew Marc, Wilsons Leather and Sonia Rykiel brands.
We operate in fashion markets that are intensely competitive. Our ability to continuously evaluate and respond to changing consumer demands and tastes, across multiple market segments, distribution channels and geographic areas is critical to our success. Although our portfolio of brands is aimed at diversifying our risks in this regard, misjudging shifts in consumer preferences could have a negative effect on our business. Our continued success depends on our ability to design products that are accepted in the marketplace, source the manufacture of our products on a competitive basis, and continue to diversify our product portfolio and the markets we serve.
We believe that consumers prefer to buy brands they know, and we have continually sought to increase the portfolio of name brands we can offer through different tiers of retail distribution, for a wide array of products at a variety of price points. We have increased the portfolio of brands we offer through licenses, acquisitions and joint ventures. It is our objective to continue to expand our product offerings and we are continually discussing new licensing opportunities with brand owners and seeking to acquire established brands.
Recent Developments
Repositioning and Expansion of Donna Karan
We acquired the DKNY and Donna Karan brands, two of the most iconic American fashion brands, in December 2016. We initially repositioned and relaunched DKNY and we have successfully grown the brand. We are now focused on the repositioning and expansion of the Donna Karan brand for Spring 2024. The new Donna Karan will be a modern system of dressing created to appeal to a woman’s senses on every level, addressing her lifestyle needs. Our Donna Karan product is currently being distributed in the United States through our diversified distribution network, including better department stores, digital channels and our own Donna Karan website. Donna Karan is widely considered to be a top fashion brand and is recognized as one of the most famous designer names in American fashion. We believe that the strength of the Donna Karan brand, along with our success with the DKNY brand, demonstrates the potential for our new Donna Karan products.
License Agreement for Nautica Brand
In March 2023, we entered into a long-term license with Authentic Brands Group for the Nautica brand in North America.
We plan to produce products under the Nautica brand across a number of categories starting with a full women’s jeanswear collection and then expanding in a phased approach into additional categories including sportswear, suit separates and dresses. The new five-year license agreement, effective as of January 2024, includes three extensions, for five years each. First deliveries began in January 2024. The product is expected to be distributed in North America through our diversified distribution network, including better department stores, digital channels and Nautica’s stores and website, as well as in
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franchised stores globally. We believe that significant opportunity exists in the better women’s apparel space in categories where we have strong expertise.
License Agreement for Halston Brand
In May 2023, we entered into a global twenty-five year master license with Xcel Brands, Inc. to design and produce all categories of men’s and women’s product for the Halston brand.
The agreement provides for an initial term of five years, followed by a twenty-year period, with G-III having the right to terminate every five years. We also have a purchase option for the Halston brand at the end of the twenty-five year term. First deliveries of Halston product are expected to begin in July 2024. Our Halston product is expected to be distributed globally through our diversified distribution network, including better department stores and digital channels. We believe that significant opportunity exists in the better women’s apparel space where G-III has significant expertise.
License Agreement for Champion Brand
In September 2023, we entered into a license with HanesBrands Inc. to design and produce a men’s and women’s outerwear collection for their Champion brand in North America.
The agreement provides for an initial term of five years, effective as of January 2024, with a five year renewal option based on achieving certain sales targets. First deliveries of Champion product are expected for the Fall 2024 season. Our Champion product is expected to be distributed in North America through our diversified distribution network, including better department stores and digital channels. Our collections will feature quality heritage pieces that complement and enhance Champion’s principles. We believe this license aligns with G-III’s core competencies in outerwear and will fit seamlessly into our well-developed outerwear business.
Segments
We report based on two segments: wholesale operations and retail operations.
Our wholesale operations segment includes sales of products to retailers under owned, licensed and private label brands, as well as sales related to the Karl Lagerfeld and Vilebrequin businesses, including from retail stores operated by Vilebrequin and Karl Lagerfeld, other than sales of product under the Karl Lagerfeld Paris brand generated by our retail stores and digital sites. Wholesale revenues also include revenues from license agreements related to our owned trademarks including DKNY, Donna Karan, Karl Lagerfeld, G.H. Bass, Andrew Marc, Vilebrequin and Sonia Rykiel.
Our retail operations segment consists primarily of direct sales to consumers through our company-operated stores and product sales through our digital sites for the DKNY, Donna Karan, Karl Lagerfeld Paris, G.H. Bass and Wilsons Leather brands. Our company-operated stores primarily consist of DKNY and Karl Lagerfeld Paris retail stores, substantially all of which are operated as outlet stores.
Trends Affecting Our Business
Industry Trends
Significant trends that affect the apparel industry include retail chains closing unprofitable stores, an increased focus by retail chains and others on expanding digital sales and providing convenience-driven fulfillment options, the continued consolidation of retail chains and the desire on the part of retailers to consolidate vendors supplying them.
In addition, we sell our products online through retail partners such as macys.com, nordstrom.com and dillards.com, each of which has a substantial online business. As sales of apparel through digital channels continue to increase, we are developing additional digital marketing initiatives on both our web sites and third party web sites and through social media. We are investing in digital personnel, marketing, logistics, planning, distribution and other strategic opportunities to expand our digital footprint. Our digital business consists of our own web platforms at www.dkny.com,
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www.donnakaran.com, www.ghbass.com, www.vilebrequin.com, www.wilsonsleather.com, www.soniarykiel.com, www.karllagerfeldparis.com and www.karl.com. In addition, we sell to leading online retail partners such as Amazon, Fanatics, Zalando and Zappos.
A number of retailers have experienced financial difficulties, which in some cases have resulted in bankruptcies, liquidations and/or store closings. The financial difficulties of a retail customer of ours could result in reduced business with that customer. We may also assume higher credit risk relating to receivables of a retail customer experiencing financial difficulty that could result in higher reserves for doubtful accounts or increased write-offs of accounts receivable. We attempt to mitigate credit risk from our customers by closely monitoring accounts receivable balances and shipping levels, as well as the ongoing financial performance and credit standing of customers.
Retailers are seeking to differentiate their offerings by devoting more resources to the development of exclusive products, whether by focusing on their own private label products or on products produced exclusively for a retailer by a national brand manufacturer. Exclusive brands are only made available to a specific retailer. As a result, customers loyal to their brands can only find them in the stores of that retailer.
We have attempted to respond to general trends in our industry by continuing to focus on selling products with recognized brand equity, by attention to design, quality and value and by improving our sourcing capabilities. We have also responded with the strategic acquisitions made by us, such as our purchase of the interests not previously owned by us that resulted in Karl Lagerfeld becoming our wholly-owned subsidiary, and new license agreements entered into by us, such as our recent license agreements for the Nautica, Halston and Champion brands, that added to our portfolio of licensed and proprietary brands and helped diversify our business by adding new product lines and expanding distribution channels. We believe that our broad distribution capabilities help us to respond to the various shifts by consumers between distribution channels and that our operational capabilities will enable us to continue to be a vendor of choice for our retail partners.
Tax Laws and Regulations
In December 2022, the Council of the European Union (“EU”) announced that EU member states reached an agreement to implement the minimum tax component of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s international tax reform initiative, known as Pillar Two. The Pillar Two Model Rules provide for a global minimum tax of 15% for multinational enterprise groups, and is expected to be effective for our fiscal year ending January 31, 2025. While we do not expect these rules to have a material impact on our effective tax rate or financial results, we will continue to monitor evolving tax legislation in the jurisdictions in which we operate.
Inflation and Interest Rates
Inflationary pressures have impacted the entire economy, including our industry. In fiscal 2023, high rates of inflation, including increased fuel and food prices, have led to a softening of consumer demand and increased promotional activity in the apparel categories we sell, which continued into fiscal 2024. Ongoing inflation may lead to further challenges to increase our sales and may also negatively impact our cost structure and labor costs in the future. We expect inflationary pressures to lessen in fiscal 2025.
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates several times in fiscal 2024 in response to concerns about inflation. It is unclear whether the Federal Reserve will reduce interest rates or maintain the current high rates in fiscal 2025. Higher interest rates increase the cost of our borrowing under our revolving credit facility, may increase economic uncertainty and may negatively affect consumer spending. Volatility in interest rates may adversely affect our business or our customers. If the equity and credit markets deteriorate, it may make any necessary debt or equity financing more difficult to obtain in a timely manner or on favorable terms, or at all.
Foreign currency fluctuation
Our consolidated operations are impacted by the relationships between our reporting currency, the U.S. Dollar, and those of our non-United States subsidiaries whose functional/local currency is other than the U.S. Dollar, primarily the Euro.
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Volatility in the global foreign currency exchange rates may have a negative impact on the reported results of certain of our non-United States subsidiaries in the future, when translated to the U.S. Dollar.
Supply Chain
In fiscal 2022 and 2023, there were numerous factors disrupting the shipping industry that negatively affected transit times from our overseas suppliers, as well as our ability to ensure that we were able to import our product in a manner that allows for timely delivery to our customers.
More recently, shipping costs and transit times have returned to levels comparable to, and in some cases lower than, pre-pandemic time periods. We continue to monitor the transportation market for circumstances that may cause delays and negatively impact our ability to deliver product to our retail partners in a timely manner.
As a result of supply chain disruptions, in fiscal 2023, we accelerated production schedules to allow for more lead time and to accommodate the anticipated extended transit times from our overseas suppliers in an effort to import our product in a manner that allows for timely delivery to our customers. As a result, our inventory levels were higher than usual in fiscal 2023.
Elevated inventory levels and disruptions in the shipping industry contributed to us incurring significant demurrage charges in fiscal 2023. We implemented measures to ensure that we did not incur these charges in our current fiscal year, including reducing product buys to account for current inventory levels and adjusting our production schedules to receive inventory closer to the need for delivery. We experienced inventory levels that were higher than normal through the first half of fiscal 2024. As a result, our warehouse operations were less efficient and we continued to incur additional labor and storage costs related to our inventory in the first half of fiscal 2024. Our inventory levels returned to a more normalized level in the second half of fiscal 2024. Our warehouse capacity has been, and we expect it to continue to be, sufficient for our needs which is expected to bring these costs in line with historical norms. As a result, our warehousing and distribution costs have been reduced for the second half of fiscal 2024.
In fiscal 2024, the Panama Canal experienced severe drought conditions which forced the canal to reduce the number of vessels transiting through it on a daily basis by approximately one-third. In addition, conflicts in the Middle East have caused major disruptions to global supply chains by impacting critical shipping routes through the Suez Canal and Red Sea for cargo, adding time and cost to shipments. Transit times have increased to destinations on the east coast of the United States and Europe, however, these delays have not currently resulted in a significant loss of customer sales to us. In fiscal 2024, we did not experience significant increases in transportation costs to North America, but did experience increased transportation costs in Europe. We anticipate moderate increases in our shipping costs in fiscal 2025.
We continue to monitor supply chain challenges and coordinate with our partners to divert or adjust routes accordingly to ensure delivery of our product.
International Conflicts
We are monitoring the direct and indirect impacts from the military conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas, as well as other confrontations in the Middle East related to the Israel and Hamas conflict. These international conflicts and the continued threat of terrorism, heightened security measures and military action in response to acts of terrorism or civil unrest have disrupted commerce and intensified concerns regarding the United States and world economies. Our sales in Russia, Ukraine and Israel are not material to our financial results. However, the imposition of additional sanctions by the United States and/or foreign governments, as well as the sanctions already in place, could lead to restrictions related to sales and our supply chain for which the financial impact is uncertain. In addition, the continuation or escalation of these international conflicts, including the potential for additional countries to declare war against each other, may lead to further, broader unfavorable macroeconomic conditions, including unfavorable foreign exchange rates, increases in fuel prices, food shortages, a weakening of the worldwide economy, lower consumer demand and volatility in financial markets. The possible effects of these international conflicts could have a material adverse effect on our business and our results of operations.
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Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant accounting policies employed by us, including the use of estimates, are presented in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.
Critical accounting policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and our results of operations, and require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments, as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Our most critical accounting estimates, discussed below, pertain to revenue recognition, accounts receivable, inventories, income taxes, goodwill and intangible assets, impairment of long-lived assets and equity awards. In determining these estimates, management must use amounts that are based upon its informed judgments and best estimates. We continually evaluate our estimates, including those related to customer allowances and discounts, product returns, bad debts and inventories, and carrying values of intangible assets. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606 – Revenue From Contracts With Customers (“ASC 606”). Under ASC 606, wholesale revenue is recognized when control transfers to the customer. We consider control to have been transferred when we have transferred physical possession of the product, we have a right to payment for the product, the customer has legal title to the product and the customer has the significant risks and rewards of the product. Wholesale revenues are adjusted by variable considerations arising from implicit or explicit obligations. Variable consideration includes trade discounts, end of season markdowns, sales allowances, cooperative advertising, return liabilities and other customer allowances. We estimate the anticipated variable consideration and record this estimate as a reduction of revenue in the period the related product revenue is recognized.
Variable consideration is estimated based on historical experience, current contractual and statutory requirements, specific known events and industry trends. The reserves for variable consideration are recorded under customer refund liabilities. Historical return rates are calculated on a product line basis. The remainder of the historical rates for variable consideration are calculated by customer by product lines.
We recognize retail sales when the customer takes possession of the goods and tenders payment, generally at the point of sale. Digital revenues from customers through our digital platforms are recognized when the customer takes possession of the goods. Our sales are recorded net of applicable sales taxes.
Both wholesale revenues and retail store revenues are shown net of returns, discounts and other allowances. We classify cooperative advertising as a reduction of net sales.
Accounts Receivable
In the normal course of business, we extend credit to our wholesale customers based on pre-defined credit criteria. Accounts receivable, as shown on our consolidated balance sheet, are net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligation (such as in the case of bankruptcy filings, extensive delay in payment or substantial downgrading by credit sources), a specific reserve for bad debts is recorded against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount reasonably expected to be collected. For all other wholesale customers, an allowance for doubtful accounts is determined through analysis of the aging of accounts receivable at the date of the financial statements, assessments of collectability based on historical trends and an evaluation of the impact of economic conditions.
Our financial instruments consist of trade receivables arising from revenue transactions in the ordinary course of business. We consider our trade receivables to consist of two portfolio segments: wholesale and retail trade receivables. Wholesale
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trade receivables result from credit we extend to our wholesale customers based on pre-defined criteria and are generally due within 30 to 60 days. Retail trade receivables primarily relate to amounts due from third-party credit card processors for the settlement of debit and credit card transactions and are typically collected within 3 to 5 days.
Inventories
Wholesale inventories and Karl Lagerfeld inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined by the first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value, which comprises a significant portion of our inventory. Retail operations segment and Vilebrequin inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined by the weighted average method) or net realizable value.
We continually evaluate the composition of our inventories, assessing slow-turning, ongoing product as well as fashion product from prior seasons. The net realizable value of distressed inventory is based on historical sales trends of our individual product lines, the impact of market trends and economic conditions, expected permanent retail markdowns and the value of current orders for this type of inventory. A provision is recorded to reduce the cost of inventories to the estimated net realizable values, if required.
Income Taxes
As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating our actual current tax expense, together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheet.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
ASC Topic 350 – Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”) requires that goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite life be tested for impairment at least annually and are required to be written down when impaired. We perform our test in the fourth fiscal quarter of each year, or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may be impaired. Goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite life are tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. We have identified two reporting units, which are wholesale operations and retail operations. Fair value is generally determined using discounted cash flows, market multiples and market capitalization. Significant estimates used in the fair value methodologies include estimates of future cash flows, future short-term and long-term growth rates, weighted average cost of capital and estimates of market multiples of the reportable unit. If these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for intangible assets with an indefinite life and any future goodwill.
We perform our annual test for goodwill as of January 31 of each year. The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill is subjective and requires significant judgment at many points during the analysis. The evaluation consists of either using a qualitative approach to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the assets is less than their respective carrying values or a quantitative impairment test, if necessary. In performing a qualitative evaluation, we consider many factors in evaluating whether the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable, including declines in our stock price and market capitalization in relation to our book value and macroeconomic conditions affecting our business. In performing a quantitative evaluation, our first step in the goodwill impairment review is to compare the fair value of the wholesale operations reporting unit to our carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds our carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. To estimate the fair value of a reporting unit for the purposes of our annual or periodic analyses, we make estimates and judgments about the future cash flows of that reporting unit. Although our cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that are consistent with our plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses, there is significant exercise of judgment involved in determining the cash flows attributable to a reporting unit. In addition, we make certain judgments about allocating shared assets to the estimated balance sheets of our reporting units. We also consider our and our competitor’s market capitalization on the date we perform the analysis. Changes in judgment on these assumptions and estimates could result in a goodwill impairment charge.
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We also perform our annual test for intangible assets with indefinite lives as of January 31 of each year using a qualitative evaluation or a quantitative test using a relief from royalty method, another form of the income approach. The relief from royalty method requires assumptions regarding industry economic factors and future profitability. Critical estimates in valuing intangible assets include future expected cash flows from license agreements, trade names and customer relationships. In addition, other factors considered are the brand awareness and market position of the products sold by the acquired companies and assumptions about the period of time the brand will continue to be used in the combined company’s product portfolio. Management’s estimates of fair value are based on assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable.
If we did not appropriately allocate these components or we incorrectly estimate the useful lives of these components, our computation of amortization expense may not appropriately reflect the actual impact of these costs over future periods, which may affect our results of operations.
Trademarks having finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and measured for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired.
We have allocated the purchase price of the companies we acquired to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities we assumed, based on their estimated fair values. These valuations require management to make significant estimations and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets.
The fair values assigned to the identifiable intangible assets acquired were based on assumptions and estimates made by management using unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available.
Annual Goodwill Impairment Testing
We performed our annual test of our wholesale reporting unit as of January 31, 2023 by electing to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test using a discounted cash flows method to estimate the fair value of our wholesale reporting unit. We made this election due to the decline in our market capitalization.
The fair value of the wholesale reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing was determined using an income approach and validated using a market approach. The income approach was based on discounted projected future (debt-free) cash flows for the reporting unit. The discount rate applied to these cash flows were based on the weighted average cost of capital for the wholesale reporting unit, which takes market participant assumptions into consideration, inclusive of a Company-specific 7.5% risk premium to account for the additional risk of uncertainly perceived by market participants related to our overall cash flows. Estimated future operating cash flows were discounted at a rate of 17.5% to account for the relative risks of the estimated future cash flows. For the market approach, used to validate the results of the income approach method, we used the guideline company method, which analyzes market multiples of adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for a group of comparable public companies.
As a result of our fiscal 2023 annual impairment test, we recorded a $347.2 million non-cash impairment charge during our fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 to fully impair the carrying value of our goodwill, which was included in asset impairments in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). This impairment charge was recorded to our wholesale operations segment.
The carrying value of our goodwill was fully impaired in fiscal 2023 as a result of our annual impairment test. There was no new goodwill recognized in fiscal 2024.
Annual Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Testing
We performed our annual test of our indefinite-lived trademarks as of January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2023 using a qualitative evaluation or a quantitative impairment test using a relief from royalty method, another form of the income approach. The relief from royalty method requires assumptions regarding industry economic factors and future profitability. Our fiscal 2024 testing determined that the fair value of each of our indefinite-lived intangible assets
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substantially exceeded its carrying value except for our Sonia Rykiel trademark. As a result of our fiscal 2024 annual impairment test, we recorded a $5.9 million non-cash impairment charge during our fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 to partially impair the carrying value of our Sonia Rykiel trademark, which was included in asset impairments in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). This impairment charge was recorded to our wholesale operations segment.
Our fiscal 2023 testing determined that the fair values of each of our indefinite-lived intangible assets substantially exceeded its carrying value and, therefore, there were no impairments identified as of January 31, 2023 as a result of these tests.
Our indefinite-lived trademark balance is primarily composed of the Donna Karan/DKNY trademarks that were acquired in fiscal 2017 and the Karl Lagerfeld trademark that was acquired in fiscal 2023.
The fair value of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are considered a Level 3 valuation in the fair value hierarchy.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
All property and equipment and other long-lived assets are reviewed for potential impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. If such indicators are present, it is determined whether the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows attributable to such assets are less than the carrying value of the assets. A potential impairment has occurred if projected future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets.
In fiscal 2024, we recorded a $1.3 million impairment charge primarily related to leasehold improvements, furniture, computer hardware and fixtures and operating lease assets at certain DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld and Vilebrequin stores as a result of the performance at these stores.
In fiscal 2023, we recorded a $2.7 million impairment charge primarily related to leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures and operating lease assets at certain DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld Paris and Vilebrequin stores as a result of the performance at these stores.
Equity Awards
Restricted Stock Units
Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) are time based awards that do not have market or performance conditions and generally either (i) cliff vest after three years or (ii) vest over a three year period. The grant date fair value for RSUs are based on the quoted market price on the date of grant. Compensation expense for RSUs are recognized in the consolidated financial statements on a straight-line basis over the service period based on their grant date fair value.
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units
Performance based restricted stock units consist of both performance based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”) and performance stock units (“PSUs”).
PRSUs were granted to executives prior to fiscal 2020 and included (i) market price performance conditions that provide for the award to vest only after the average closing price of the Company’s stock trades above a predetermined market level and (ii) another performance condition that requires the achievement of an operating performance target. PRSUs generally vest over a two to five year period. For restricted stock units with market conditions, the Company estimates the grant date fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation model. This valuation methodology utilizes the closing price of the Company’s common stock on grant date and several key assumptions, including expected volatility of the Company’s stock price, and risk-free rates of return. This valuation is performed with the assistance of a third party valuation specialist. PRSUs are expensed over the service period under the accelerated attribution method.
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PSUs were granted to executives beginning in fiscal 2020 and vest after a three year performance period during which certain earnings before interest and taxes and return on invested capital performance conditions must be satisfied for vesting to occur. PSUs granted in fiscal 2020 are also subject to a lock up period that prevents the sale, contract to sell or transfer shares for two years subsequent to the date of vesting. PSUs are expensed over the service period under the accelerated attribution method and based on an estimated percentage of achievement of certain pre-established goals.
Special Performance Stock Units
Special performance stock units (“SPSUs”) were granted to Morris Goldfarb, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, in fiscal 2024 in recognition of the significantly reduced annual incentive cash payments that Mr. Goldfarb voluntarily agreed to under the terms of his new employment agreement entered into in August 2023. These SPSUs may be earned if certain stock price, relative Total Shareholder Return target and service conditions are achieved. These awards may vest from time to time beginning on the third anniversary of the effective date of the award through the fifth anniversary of the effective date of the award. For restricted stock units with market conditions, the Company estimates the grant date fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation model. This valuation methodology utilizes the closing price of the Company’s common stock on grant date and several key assumptions, including expected volatility of the Company’s stock price, and risk-free rates of return. This valuation is performed with the assistance of a third party valuation specialist. SPSUs are expensed over the service period under the accelerated attribution method.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our operating results both in dollars and as a percentage of our net sales for the fiscal years indicated below:
Year Ended January 31,
2024
2023
(In thousands, except for percentage of net sales amounts)
Net sales
$
3,098,242
100.0
%
$
3,226,728
100.0
%
Cost of goods sold
1,856,395
59.9
2,125,591
65.9
Gross Profit
1,241,847
40.1
1,101,137
34.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses
924,223
29.8
833,151
25.8
Depreciation and amortization
27,523
0.9
27,762
0.9
Asset impairments
6,758
0.2
349,686
10.8
Operating profit (loss)
283,343
9.2
(109,462)
(3.4)
Other income (loss)
(3,149)
(0.1)
27,894
0.9
Interest and financing charges, net
(39,595)
(1.3)
(56,602)
(1.8)
Income (loss) before income taxes
240,599
7.8
(138,170)
(4.3)
Income tax expense (benefit)
65,859
2.1
(3,788)
(0.1)
Net income (loss)
174,740
5.7
(134,382)
(4.2)
Less: Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
(1,428)
—
(1,321)
—
Net income (loss) attributable to G-III Apparel Group, Ltd.
$
176,168
5.7
%
$
(133,061)
(4.2)
%
Year ended January 31, 2024 (“fiscal 2024”) compared to year ended January 31, 2023 (“fiscal 2023”)
Net sales for fiscal 2024 decreased to $3.10 billion from $3.23 billion in the prior year. Net sales of our segments are reported before intercompany eliminations.
Net sales of our wholesale operations segment decreased to $3.01 billion from $3.16 billion in the comparable period last year. This decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in net sales of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger licensed products. This decrease was partially offset by the addition of $118.3 million in net sales due to the inclusion of the results of the acquired Karl Lagerfeld business for all of the current period compared to only seven months in the same period last year.
Net sales of our retail operations segment increased to $148.4 million from $137.2 million in the same period last year. The number of retail stores in our retail operations segment decreased from 59 at January 31, 2023 to 53 at January 31,
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2024. The increase in net sales of our retail operations segment is primarily the result of increased sales at our Karl Lagerfeld Paris stores.
Gross profit was $1.2 billion, or 40.1% of net sales, for fiscal 2024 compared to $1.1 billion, or 34.1% of net sales, last year. The gross profit percentage in our wholesale operations segment was 38.9% for the year ended January 31, 2024 compared to 32.6% for the year ended January 31, 2023. The gross profit percentage in the current year period was positively impacted by lower freight costs in the current year and was negatively impacted in the prior year by $41.6 million in demurrage charges that were incurred. In addition, the acquired Karl Lagerfeld business operates at a higher gross margin percentage than the rest of our wholesale segment and was included in our results for the entire current year and only seven months in the prior year period accounting for an increase of 1.1% in our gross margin percentage. The gross profit percentage in our retail operations segment was 48.1% for the year ended January 31, 2024 compared to 49.9% for the same period last year. The gross profit percentage in our retail operations segment was negatively impacted in the current year by increased promotional activity.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $924.2 million in fiscal 2024 from $833.2 million in fiscal 2023. We recognized an additional $77.6 million of expenses due to the inclusion of the results of the Karl Lagerfeld business for all of fiscal 2024 compared to only seven months in the same period last year. The remainder of the increase in expenses was primarily due to an increase of $40.2 million in compensation expenses, primarily from an increase in salaries and bonus expense accruals. Bonus expense accruals increased as a result of the improved profitability in the current year. This increase was partially offset by decreases of $19.3 million in advertising expenses primarily caused by reduced royalty advertising which decreased due to lower net sales of licensed product and $15.6 million in third-party warehouse and facility expenses associated with carrying lower levels of inventory.
In fiscal 2024, we recorded $6.8 million of asset impairments. This charge is primarily comprised of (i) a $5.9 million impairment charge related to our Sonia Rykiel trademark and (ii) a $1.3 million impairment charge related to leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures, computer hardware and operating lease assets at certain DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld and Vilebrequin stores as a result of the performance at these stores. The annual test of our trademarks resulted in an impairment of the trademark based upon our most recent forecasted results and was impacted by higher interest rates. In fiscal 2023, we recorded $349.7 million of asset impairments. This charge is primarily comprised of (i) a $347.2 million goodwill impairment charge as a result of our decline in our stock price and (ii) a $2.7 million impairment charge related to leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures and operating lease assets at certain DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld Paris and Vilebrequin stores as a result of the performance at these stores.
Other loss was $3.1 million in fiscal 2024 compared to other income of $27.9 million in fiscal 2023. Other income in the prior year period consisted of a gain of $27.1 million as a result of the remeasurement of our previously held 19% investment in Karl Lagerfeld and 49% investment in KLNA as of the effective date of the acquisition by us of the interests in Karl Lagerfeld that we did not previously own. Other loss in the current period consisted of $0.1 million of foreign currency income during fiscal 2024 compared to $4.7 million of foreign currency losses during fiscal 2023. Additionally, we recorded $5.6 million in losses from unconsolidated affiliates during fiscal 2024 compared to $0.7 million in income from unconsolidated affiliates in fiscal 2023.
Interest and financing charges, net for fiscal 2024, were $39.6 million compared to $56.6 million for fiscal 2023. The decrease in interest and financing charges was primarily due to a $6.9 million increase in investment income from having a larger cash position in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023 and a decrease of $5.0 million in interest charges due to lower average borrowings under our revolving credit facility in the current year period. In addition, there was a decrease of $3.1 million in interest charges related to the LVMH Note as a result of the repayment of $75 million and $50 million in principal of this Note on June 1, 2023 and December 1, 2023, respectively.
Income tax expense for fiscal 2024 was $65.9 million compared to an income tax benefit of $3.8 million for the prior year. The income tax benefit of $3.8 million in fiscal 2023 was primarily due to our net loss position resulting from a $347.2 million goodwill impairment charge. Our effective tax rate was 27.4% in fiscal 2024 compared to 2.7% in the prior year. This increase in our effective tax rate is primarily due to the goodwill impairment charges which significantly decreased pretax book income in relation to tax expense in fiscal 2023, as well as operating losses generated in certain foreign jurisdictions during fiscal 2024 that are not expected to be realized.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Availability
We rely on our cash flows generated from operations, cash and cash equivalents and the borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility to meet the cash requirements of our business. The cash requirements of our business are primarily related to the seasonal buildup in inventories, compensation paid to employees, occupancy, payments to vendors in the normal course of business, capital expenditures, interest payments on debt obligations and income tax payments. Principal payments of $75 million and $50 million were made on June 1, 2023 and December 1, 2023, respectively, which resulted in the payment in full of the LVMH Note. We have also used cash to repurchase our shares.
As of January 31, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $507.8 million and availability under our revolving credit facility in excess of $570 million. As of January 31, 2024, we were in compliance with all covenants under our senior secured notes and revolving credit facility.
Senior Secured Notes
In August 2020, we completed a private debt offering of $400 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.875% Senior Secured Notes due August 2025 (the “Notes”). The terms of the Notes are governed by an indenture, dated as of August 7, 2020 (the “Indenture”), among us, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent (the “Collateral Agent”). The net proceeds of the Notes were used (i) to repay the $300 million that was outstanding under our prior term loan facility that was due in 2022 (the “Term Loan”), (ii) to pay related fees and expenses and (iii) for general corporate purposes.
The Notes bear interest at a rate of 7.875% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year.
The Notes are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior-priority secured basis by our current and future wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee any of our credit facilities, including our ABL facility (the “ABL Facility”) pursuant to the ABL Credit Agreement, or certain future capital markets indebtedness of ours or the guarantors.
The Notes and the related guarantees are secured by (i) first priority liens on our Cash Flow Priority Collateral (as defined in the Indenture), and (ii) a second-priority lien on our ABL Priority Collateral (as defined in the Indenture), in each case subject to permitted liens described in the Indenture.
In connection with the issuance of the Notes and execution of the Indenture, we and the Guarantors entered into a pledge and security agreement (the “Pledge and Security Agreement”), among us, the Guarantors and the Collateral Agent.
The Notes are subject to the terms of the intercreditor agreement which governs the relative rights of the secured parties in respect of the ABL Facility and the Notes (the “Intercreditor Agreement”). The Intercreditor Agreement restricts the actions permitted to be taken by the Collateral Agent with respect to the Collateral on behalf of the holders of the Notes.
We may redeem some or all of the Notes at any time and from time to time at the redemption prices set forth in the Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable redemption date.
If we experience a Change of Control (as defined in the Indenture), we are required to offer to repurchase the Notes at 101% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of repurchase.
The Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make other restricted payments, make certain investments, incur restrictions on the ability of our restricted subsidiaries that are not guarantors to pay dividends or make certain other payments, create or incur certain liens, sell assets and subsidiary stock, impair the security interests, transfer all or substantially all of our assets or enter into merger or consolidation transactions, and enter into transactions with affiliates. The Indenture provides for customary events of default which include (subject in certain cases to customary grace and
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cure periods), among others, nonpayment of principal or interest, breach of other agreements in the Indenture, failure to pay certain other indebtedness, failure of certain guarantees to be enforceable, failure to perfect certain collateral securing the Notes, failure to pay certain final judgments, and certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency.
We incurred debt issuance costs totaling $8.5 million related to the Notes. In accordance with ASC 835, the debt issuance costs have been deferred and are presented as a contra-liability, offsetting the outstanding balance of the Notes, and are amortized over the remaining life of the Notes.
Second Amended and Restated ABL Credit Agreement
In August 2020, our subsidiaries, G-III Leather Fashions, Inc., Riviera Sun, Inc., CK Outerwear, LLC, AM Retail Group, Inc. and The Donna Karan Company Store LLC (collectively, the “Borrowers”), entered into the second amended and restated credit agreement (the “ABL Credit Agreement”) with the Lenders named therein and with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. The ABL Credit Agreement is a five year senior secured credit facility subject to a springing maturity date if, subject to certain conditions, the Notes are not refinanced or repaid prior to the date that is 91 days prior to the date of any relevant payment thereunder. The ABL Credit Agreement provides for borrowings in the aggregate principal amount of up to $650 million. We and certain of our subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”), are Loan Guarantors under the ABL Credit Agreement.
The ABL Credit Agreement refinanced, amended and restated the Amended Credit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2016 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to August 7, 2020, the “Prior Credit Agreement”). The Prior Credit Agreement provided for borrowings of up to $650 million and was due to expire in December 2021. The ABL Credit Agreement extended the maturity date to August 2025, subject to a springing maturity date if, subject to certain conditions, the Notes are not refinanced or repaid prior to the date that is 91 days prior to the date of any relevant payment thereunder.
Amounts available under the ABL Credit Agreement are subject to borrowing base formulas and overadvances as specified in the ABL Credit Agreement. Borrowings originally bore interest, at the Borrowers’ option, at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.75% to 2.25% or an alternate base rate margin of 0.75% to 1.25% (defined as the greatest of (i) the “prime rate” of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. from time to time, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5% and (iii) the LIBOR rate for a borrowing with an interest period of one month) plus 1.00%, with the applicable margin determined based on Borrowers’ availability under the ABL Credit Agreement. In April 2023, we amended the ABL Credit Agreement to replace LIBOR with Adjusted Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as a successor rate. All other material terms and conditions of the ABL Credit Agreement were unchanged. Borrowings under the amended ABL Credit Agreement now bear interest, at the Borrower’s option, at the alternate base rate (defined as, for a given day, the greatest of (i) the “prime rate” in effect on such day, (ii) the NYFRB Rate (as defined in the amendment) in effect on such day plus 0.5% and (iii) the Adjusted Term SOFR (defined as an interest rate per annum equal to the Term SOFR for such interest period plus 0.10%) for a one-month interest period as published two business days prior to such day plus 1%) plus an applicable spread or the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate plus an applicable spread. We applied certain provisions and practical expedients of ASC 848 – Reference Rate Reform related to the transition from LIBOR to SOFR. There was not a material change to our interest expense or results of operations as a result of transitioning the reference rate used in our ABL Credit Agreement from LIBOR to SOFR.
The ABL Credit Agreement is secured by specified assets of the Borrowers and the Guarantors. In addition to paying interest on any outstanding borrowings under the ABL Credit Agreement, we are required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the credit agreement with respect to the unutilized commitments. The commitment fee accrues at a tiered rate equal to 0.50% per annum on the average daily amount of the available commitments when the average usage is less than 50% of the total available commitments and decreases to 0.35% per annum on the average daily amount of the available commitments when the average usage is greater than or equal to 50% of the total available commitments.
The revolving credit facility contains covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to, subject to specified exceptions, incur additional debt; incur liens; sell or dispose of certain assets; merge with other companies; liquidate or dissolve the Company; acquire other companies; make loans, advances, or guarantees; and make certain investments. In certain circumstances, the revolving credit facility also requires us to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in
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the agreement, not less than 1.00 to 1.00 for each period of twelve consecutive fiscal months. As of January 31, 2024, we were in compliance with these covenants.
As of January 31, 2024, we had no borrowings outstanding under the ABL credit agreement. The ABL Credit Agreement also includes amounts available for letters of credit. As of January 31, 2024, there were outstanding trade and standby letters of credit amounting to $4.0 million and $2.9 million, respectively.
At the date of the refinancing of the Prior Credit Agreement, we had $3.3 million of unamortized debt issuance costs remaining from the Prior Credit Agreement. We extinguished and charged to interest expense $0.4 million of the prior debt issuance costs and incurred new debt issuance costs totaling $5.1 million related to the ABL Credit Agreement. We have incurred a total of $8.0 million of debt issuance costs related to our ABL Credit Agreement. As permitted under ASC 835, the debt issuance costs have been deferred and are presented as an asset which is amortized ratably over the term of the ABL Credit Agreement.
LVMH Note
We issued to LVMH, as a portion of the consideration for the acquisition of DKI, a junior lien secured promissory note in favor of LVMH in the principal amount of $125 million (the “LVMH Note”) that bore interest at the rate of 2% per year. $75 million of the principal amount of the LVMH Note was repaid on June 1, 2023 and the remaining $50 million of such principal amount was paid on December 1, 2023.
Based on an independent valuation, it was determined that the LVMH Note should be treated as having been issued at a discount of $40 million in accordance with ASC 820 — Fair Value Measurements . This discount was amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the LVMH Note.
Unsecured Loans
Several of our foreign entities borrow funds under various unsecured loans of which a portion is to provide funding for operations in the normal course of business while other loans are European state backed loans that were part of COVID-19 relief programs. In the aggregate, the Company is currently required to make quarterly installment payments of principal in the amount of €0.6 million. Interest on the outstanding principal amount of the unsecured loans accrues at a fixed rate equal to 0% to 5.0% per annum, payable on either a quarterly or monthly basis. As of January 31, 2024, the Company had an aggregate outstanding balance of €8.0 million ($8.8 million) under these various unsecured loans.
Overdraft Facilities
During fiscal 2021, T.R.B International SA (“TRB”), a subsidiary of Vilebrequin, entered into several overdraft facilities that allow for applicable bank accounts to be in a negative position up to a certain maximum overdraft. TRB entered into an uncommitted overdraft facility with HSBC Bank allowing for a maximum overdraft of €5 million. Interest on drawn balances accrues at a fixed rate equal to the Euro Interbank Offered Rate plus a margin of 1.75% per annum, payable quarterly. The facility may be cancelled at any time by TRB or HSBC Bank. As part of a COVID-19 relief program, TRB and its subsidiaries also entered into several state backed overdraft facilities with UBS Bank in Switzerland for an aggregate of CHF 4.7 million at varying interest rates of 0% to 0.5%. As of January 31, 2024, TRB had an aggregate €2.4 million ($2.7 million) drawn under these various facilities.
Foreign Credit Facility
KLH has a credit agreement with ABN AMRO Bank N.V. with a credit limit of €15.0 million which is secured by specified assets of KLH. Borrowings bear interest at the Euro Interbank Offered Rate (“EURIBOR”) plus a margin of 1.7%. As of January 31, 2024, KLH had €8.1 million ($8.9 million) of borrowings outstanding under this credit facility.
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Outstanding Borrowings
Our primary operating cash requirements are to fund our seasonal buildup in inventories and accounts receivable, primarily during the second and third fiscal quarters each year. Due to the seasonality of our business, we generally reach our peak borrowings under our asset-based credit facility during our third fiscal quarter. The primary sources to meet our operating cash requirements have been borrowings under this credit facility and cash generated from operations.
We had no borrowings outstanding under our ABL Credit Agreement as of January 31, 2024 and $80.1 million borrowings outstanding under the facility as of January 31, 2023. We had $400 million in borrowings outstanding under the Notes at each of January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2023. Our contingent liability under open letters of credit was approximately $6.9 million at January 31, 2024 and $8.6 million at January 31, 2023. At January 31, 2023, we had $125.0 million of face value principal amount outstanding under the LVMH Note. The amount outstanding under the LVMH Note was repaid during fiscal 2024. We had an aggregate of €8.0 million ($8.8 million) and €10.1 million ($10.9 million) outstanding under the Company’s various unsecured loans as of January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2023, respectively. We also had €2.4 million ($2.7 million) and €3.4 million ($3.7 million) outstanding under Vilebrequin’s overdraft facilities as of January 31, 2024 and January 31, 2023, respectively and €8.1 million ($8.9 million) and €7.3 million ($7.8 million) outstanding under our foreign credit facility as of January 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Share Repurchase Program
In August 2023, our Board of Directors authorized an increase in the number of shares covered by our share repurchase program to an aggregate amount of 10,000,000 shares. Prior to this increase, we had 6,813,851 authorized shares under this program. Pursuant to this program, during the year ended January 31, 2024, we acquired 1,598,568 of our shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $26.1 million. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased, if any, will depend on a number of factors, including market conditions and prevailing stock prices, and are subject to compliance with certain covenants contained in our loan agreement. Share repurchases may take place on the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or by other means, and would be made in accordance with applicable securities laws. As of January 31, 2024, we had remaining 10,000,000 shares authorized for purchase under this program. As of March 21, 2024, we had 45,417,321 shares of common stock outstanding.
Cash from Operating Activities
We generated $587.6 million of cash from operating activities in fiscal 2024, primarily as a result of our net income of $176.2 million, decreases of $188.9 million in inventories and $112.6 million in accounts receivable and an increase of $35.0 million in accounts payable and accrued expenses. We also generated cash from operating activities as a result of non-cash charges primarily related to depreciation and amortization of $27.5 million, share-based compensation of $17.2 million and asset impairments of $6.8 million.
We used $104.6 million of cash from operating activities in fiscal 2023, primarily due to our net loss of $133.1 million, increases of $163.7 million in inventories and $41.0 million in accounts receivable, as well as a decrease of $107.2 million in accounts payable and accrued expenses. In addition, we had a non-cash charge of $55.1 million in deferred income taxes and a non-cash $27.1 million gain on our 19% investment in the parent of Karl Lagerfeld and 49% investment in the North American operations of Karl Lagerfeld in connection with our acquisition of the remaining interests in the parent of the Karl Lagerfeld business. These items were offset, in part, by non-cash charges relating primarily to asset impairments of $349.7 million, share-based compensation of $32.5 million and depreciation and amortization of $27.8 million.
Cash from Investing Activities
In fiscal 2024, we used $28.3 million of cash in investing activities. We used $24.7 million for capital expenditures primarily related to infrastructure and information technology expenditures and additional fixturing costs at department stores. In addition, we used $3.6 million for an investment in the equity of a private company.
In fiscal 2023, we used $218.0 million of cash in investing activities primarily as a result of cash paid, net of cash acquired, of $168.6 million for the acquisition of KLH. We also used $25.0 million for a minority investment in an e-commerce
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retailer and had $21.5 million in capital expenditures primarily related to infrastructure and information technology expenditures and additional fixturing costs at department stores.
Cash from Financing Activities
In fiscal 2024, we used $244.6 million of cash in financing activities primarily as a result of net repayments of borrowings of $80.1 million under our ABL Credit Agreement, as well as the $125.0 million for the repayment of all outstanding principal under the LVMH Note. In addition, we used $26.1 million of cash to repurchase 1,598,568 shares of our common stock under our share repurchase program and $10.9 million for taxes paid in connection with net share settlements of stock grants that vested.
In fiscal 2023, we generated $51.6 million of cash in financing activities primarily as a result of borrowings of $587.3 million under our ABL Credit Agreement, partially offset by repayments of $507.2 million under that Agreement. These borrowings were also offset, in part, by $26.9 million of cash used to repurchase 1,587,581 shares of our common stock under our share repurchase program and $9.8 million for taxes paid in connection with net share settlements of stock grants that have vested.
Financing Needs
We believe that our cash on hand and cash generated from operations, together with funds available under the ABL Credit Agreement, are sufficient to meet our expected operating and capital expenditure requirements. We may seek to acquire other businesses in order to expand our product offerings. We may need additional financing in order to complete one or more acquisitions. We cannot be certain that we will be able to obtain additional financing, if required, on acceptable terms or at all.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1.19 – Effects of Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements in the accompanying notes to our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of recently adopted accounting pronouncements and issued accounting pronouncements that we believe may have an impact on our consolidated financial statements when adopted.
Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
As of January 31, 2024, our contractual obligations were as follows (in millions):
Payments Due By Period
Less Than
More Than
Contractual Obligations
Total
1 Year
1-3 Years
4-5 Years
5 Years
Operating lease obligations
$
288.3
$
73.3
$
109.7
$
65.2
$
40.1
Minimum royalty payments (1)
308.3
108.6
149.4
48.0
2.3
Long-term debt obligations (2)
420.4
15.0
403.9
1.3
0.2
Purchase obligations (3)
4.0
4.0
—
—
—
Total
$
1,021.0
$
200.9
$
663.0
$
114.5
$
42.6
(1) Includes obligations to pay minimum scheduled royalty, advertising and other required payments under various license agreements.
(2) Includes: (a) $400.0 million related to our Notes that will mature in fiscal 2026, (b) $8.8 million in our various unsecured loans which have maturity dates ranging from fiscal 2026 through fiscal 2029 and requires us to make quarterly installment payments of €0.6 million, (c) $2.7 million in our various overdraft facilities and (d) $8.9 million in our foreign credit facilities. We had no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility as of January 31, 2024.
(3) Includes outstanding trade letters of credit, which represent inventory purchase commitments, which typically mature in less than six months.
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