Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
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 ending January 31, 2025 is referred to as “fiscal 2025.”
KLH, Vilebrequin, Sonia Rykiel, Fabco and AWWG report results on a calendar year basis rather than on the January 31 fiscal year basis used by G-III. Accordingly, the results of KLH, Vilebrequin, Sonia Rykiel, Fabco and AWWG are included in the financial statements for the quarter ended or ending closest to G-III’s fiscal quarter end. For example, with respect to our results for the nine-month period ended October 31, 2024, the results of KLH, Vilebrequin, Sonia Rykiel, Fabco and AWWG are included for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024. Our retail operations segment uses a 52/53-week fiscal year. For fiscal 2025 and 2024, the three and nine-month periods for the retail operations segment were each 13-week and 39-week periods and ended on November 2, 2024 and October 28, 2023, respectively.
Various statements contained in this Form 10-Q, in future filings by us with the SEC, in our press releases and in oral statements made from time to time by us or on our behalf constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are indicated by words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “will,” “project,” “we believe,” “is or remains optimistic,” “currently envisions,” “forecasts,” “goal” and similar words or phrases and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the future results, performance or achievements expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements also include representations of our expectations or beliefs concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the following:
● the failure to maintain our material license agreements could cause us to lose significant revenues and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations;
● u nless we are able to increase the sales of our other products, acquire new businesses and/or enter into other license agreements covering different products, the limited extension period of the amended Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger license agreements could cause a significant decrease in our net sales and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations;
● any adverse change in our relationship with PVH Corp. and its Calvin Klein or Tommy Hilfiger brands would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations;
● our dependence on the strategies and reputation of our licensors;
● risks relating to our wholesale operations including, among others, maintaining the image of our proprietary brands and business practices of our customers that could adversely affect us;
● our significant customer concentration, and the risk that the loss of one of our largest customers could adversely affect our business;
● risks relating to our retail operations segment;
● our ability to achieve operating enhancements and cost reductions from our retail operations;
● dependence on existing management;
● our ability to make strategic acquisitions and possible disruptions from acquisitions, including our ownership of the entire Karl Lagerfeld business, and the risks associated with such acquisitions on our ability to maintain an effective internal control environment;
● need for additional financing;
● seasonal nature of our business and effect of unseasonable or extreme weather on our business;
● possible adverse effects from disruptions to the worldwide supply chain;
● price, availability and quality of materials used in our products;
● the need to protect our trademarks and other intellectual property;
● risk that our licensees may not generate expected sales or maintain the value of our brands;
● the impact of the current economic and credit environment on us, our customers, suppliers and vendors, including without limitation, the effects of inflationary cost pressures and higher interest rates;
● effects of war, acts of terrorism, natural disasters or public health crises could adversely affect our business and results of operations, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East;
● our dependence on foreign manufacturers;
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● risks of expansion into foreign markets, conducting business internationally and exposures to foreign currencies;
● risks related to the implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong;
● the need to successfully upgrade, maintain and secure our information systems;
● increased exposure to consumer privacy, cybersecurity and fraud concerns, including as a result of a remote working environment;
● possible adverse effects of data security or privacy breaches;
● the impact on our business of the imposition of tariffs by the United States government and the escalation of trade tensions between countries;
● changes in tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities that could impact our business;
● the effect of regulations applicable to us as a U.S. public company;
● focus on corporate responsibility issues by stakeholders;
● potential effect on the price of our stock if actual results are worse than financial forecasts or if we are unable to provide financial forecasts;
● fluctuations in the price of our common stock;
● impairment of our trademarks or other intangibles may require us to record charges against earnings; and
● risks related to our indebtedness.
Any forward-looking statements are based largely on our expectations and judgments and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond our control. A detailed discussion of significant risk factors that have the potential to cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations is described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2024. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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.
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, Kenneth Cole, Cole Haan, Vince Camuto, Dockers, Champion, Converse and BCBG. 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, 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
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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. In February 2024, we relaunched the Donna Karan brand with new designs supported by a powerful ad campaign and an updated digital experience. Our new 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.
We intend to continue to focus on several initiatives to continue the momentum and invest in marketing to further drive awareness of the Donna Karan brand, as well as to expand the brand into complementary categories through licensing. 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.
Investment in AWWG
In May 2024, we acquired a 12.1% minority interest in AWWG Investments B.V. (“AWWG”) for €50 million ($53.6 million). AWWG is a global fashion group and premier platform for international brands. AWWG owns a portfolio of brands including Hackett, Pepe Jeans and Façonnable. In July 2024, we acquired an additional 6.6% minority interest in AWWG for €27.1 million ($29.1 million), increasing our total ownership interest to approximately 18.7%. This investment is intended to leverage AWWG’s expertise and provide for synergies to support our international expansion priority through the development of our operational platform in Europe.
License Agreements
In fiscal 2025, we entered into license agreements for (i) men’s and women’s apparel under the Converse brand and (ii) women’s apparel under the BCBG brand. In fiscal 2024, we entered into license agreements (i) for women’s apparel under the Nautica brand, (ii) to design and produce all categories of men’s and women’s product for the Halston brand and (iii) to design and produce men’s and women’s outerwear collections for the Champion brand.
Each of these license agreements include an initial term of five-years with certain renewal options. The products produced under these license agreements is distributed, or expected to be distributed, in North America through our diversified distribution network, including better department stores, digital channels, as well as other channels. Additionally, our Halston and Converse product is expected to be distributed globally. First deliveries of our Converse and BCBG products are expected to begin in Fall 2025. First deliveries of our Nautica product began in Spring 2024, and Halston and Champion product began in Fall 2024.
We believe that significant opportunity exists in the categories subject to these license agreements where we have strong expertise, and the products produced, or expected to be produced, under these license agreements align with G-III’s core competencies.
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Third Amended and Restated ABL Credit Agreement
In June 2024, our subsidiaries, G-III Leather Fashions, Inc., Riviera Sun, Inc., AM Retail Group, Inc. and The Donna Karan Company Store LLC (collectively, the “Borrowers”), entered into the third amended and restated credit agreement (the “Third ABL Credit Agreement”) with the lenders named therein and with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. The Third ABL Credit Agreement is a five-year senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility providing for borrowings in an aggregate principal amount of up to $700 million. We and certain of our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries, as well as G-III Apparel Canada ULC (collectively, the “Guarantors”), are guarantors under the Third ABL Credit Agreement.
The Third ABL Credit Agreement amends and restates the Second Amended Credit Agreement, dated as of August 7, 2020 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to June 4, 2024, the “Second Credit Agreement”), by and among the Borrowers and the Guarantors, the lenders from time-to-time party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as the administrative agent thereunder. The Second Credit Agreement provided for borrowings of up to $650 million and was due to expire on August 7, 2025. The Third ABL Credit Agreement extends the maturity date to June 2029, subject to a springing maturity date as defined within the credit agreement.
Amounts available under the Third ABL Credit Agreement are subject to borrowing base formulas and overadvances as specified in the Third ABL Credit Agreement. Borrowings bear interest, at the Borrowers’ option, at Adjusted Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus a margin of 1.50% to 2.00%, or the alternate base rate plus a margin of 0.50% to 1.00% (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) SOFR for a borrowing with an interest period of one month plus 1.00%), with the applicable margin determined based on the Borrowers’ average daily availability under the Third ABL Credit Agreement. The Third ABL Credit Agreement is secured by specified assets of the Borrowers and the Guarantors.
Senior Secured Notes Redemption
In August 2024, we used cash on hand and borrowings from our revolving credit facility to make a $400.7 million payment to voluntarily redeem the entire $400 million principal amount of our 7.875% Senior Secured Notes due August 2025 (the “Notes”) at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest.
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 royalty 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.
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We distribute our products through multiple channels, including 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, 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, new license agreements entered into by us, such as our recent license agreements for the Nautica, Halston, Champion and Converse brands and investments to accelerate our strategic priorities, such as our investment in AWWG. Our actions 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.
Political Environment
In November 2024, the U.S. presidential election resulted in the election of a new president and administration that will take effect in January 2025. The potential impact of new policies that may be implemented as a result of the new administration is currently uncertain. Any resulting changes in international trade relations, legislation and regulations (including those related to taxation and importation), economic and monetary policies, heightened diplomatic tensions or political and civil unrest, among other potential impacts, could adversely impact the global economy and our operating results.
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 effective for fiscal 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.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) was signed into law which contains several tax-related provisions. Among other effects, the IRA created an excise tax of 1% on stock repurchases by publicly traded U.S. corporations effective after December 31, 2022. The excise tax on common stock repurchases is classified as an additional cost of the stock acquired included in treasury stock in shareholders' equity. The excise tax did not have a material impact on our results of operations and cash flows as of and for the nine months ended October 31, 2024.
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Inflation and Interest Rates
Inflationary pressures have impacted the entire economy, including our industry. Recent 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. 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.
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates several times in fiscal 2024 in response to concerns about inflation. The Federal Reserve recently decreased interest rates in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, however it is unclear whether the Federal Reserve will further reduce interest rates, maintain the current rates or raise interest rates in the future. 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. 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
The global supply chain continues to be negatively impacted by various factors, including the ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea, port congestion and capacity shortages in Asia and recent and threatened port strikes on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts and in Canada . Although our business has not been significantly impacted by such disruptions, we have experienced some shipping delays impacting the timing of inventory receipts. These delays have not yet resulted in a significant loss of customer sales and the increase in transportation costs to North America has not yet been significant. We have incurred and will continue to incur increased shipping costs to North America and Europe in the second half of fiscal 2025. We continue to monitor supply chain challenges and coordinate with our partners to divert or adjust routes and destinations accordingly to ensure timely 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.
Results of Operations
Three months ended October 31, 2024 compared to three months ended October 31, 2023
Net sales for the three months ended October 31, 2024 increased to $1.09 billion from $1.07 billion in the same period last year. Net sales of our segments are reported before intercompany eliminations.
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Net sales of our wholesale operations segment increased to $1.07 billion for the three months ended October 31, 2024 from $1.05 billion in the comparable period last year. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in net sales of our DKNY and Karl Lagerfeld products, as well as our Donna Karan products and Nautica denim licensed products that primarily started shipping during the current year. The increase in sales of DKNY products was primarily related to performance wear, sportswear and denim categories. The increase in sales of Karl Lagerfeld products was primarily related to women’s suits, shoes, handbags and outerwear. These increases were partially offset by decreases in net sales of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger licensed products.
Net sales of our retail operations segment were $42.3 million for the three months ended October 31, 2024 compared to $32.7 million in the same period last year. The number of retail stores operated by us decreased from 62 at October 31, 2023 to 51 at October 31, 2024. The increase in sales in our retail operations segment was the result of increased sales at our Karl Lagerfeld Paris and DKNY stores. Comparable store sales, which include both stores and digital channels, increased by high double digits at our Karl Lagerfeld Paris and DKNY stores compared to the same period in the prior year.
Gross profit was $432.1 million, or 39.8% of net sales, for the three months ended October 31, 2024, compared to $433.4 million, or 40.6% of net sales, in the same period last year. The gross profit percentage in our wholesale operations segment was 38.4% in the three months ended October 31, 2024 compared to 39.6% in the same period last year. The gross profit percentage in the current year period decreased due to product mix, partially offset by an increased proportion of sales of product related to our owned brands which have no royalty costs and thus result in a higher gross profit percentage . The gross profit percentage in our retail operations segment was 52.3% for the three months ended October 31, 2024 compared to 49.1% for the same period last year. The gross profit percentage in the current year period was positively impacted by product mix with a higher gross profit percentage.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $259.2 million in the three months ended October 31, 2024 from $236.3 million in the same period last year. The increase in expenses was primarily due to increases of $12.0 million in compensation expenses, primarily due to an increase in salaries and bonus expense accruals, $9.0 million in advertising expenses, primarily due to the relaunch of the Donna Karan brand and higher spending on the DKNY brand which was partially offset by reduced royalty advertising expenses resulting from lower net sales of licensed product, and $1.6 million in third-party warehouse and facility expenses
Depreciation and amortization was $6.6 million for both the three months ended October 31, 2024 and 2023.
Other income was $0.9 million in the three months ended October 31, 2024 compared to other loss of $3.1 million in the same period last year. Other income in the current period was impacted by $0.3 million of income from unconsolidated affiliates during the current year period compared to $2.7 million of losses from unconsolidated affiliates in the same period last year. Additionally, other income in the current period was impacted by $0.5 million of foreign currency income during the current year period compared to $0.4 million of foreign currency losses in the same period last year.
Interest and financing charges, net, for the three months ended October 31, 2024 were $6.4 million compared to $11.0 million in the same period last year. The decrease in interest and financing charges was primarily due to a $4.3 million decrease in interest charges resulting from the redemption of the entire $400 million principal amount of the Notes in August 2024 that was partially offset by increased interest charges from higher average borrowings under our revolving credit facility in the current year period. Additionally, there was a decrease of $0.7 million in interest charges related to the LVMH Note as a result of the repayment of $125 million in principal of this Note in fiscal 2024. These decreases were partially offset by a $1.6 million charge to interest expense from extinguished debt issuance costs upon the redemption of the Notes.
Income tax expense was $46.2 million for the three months ended October 31, 2024 compared to $48.8 million for the same period last year. Our effective tax rate increased to 28.7% in the current year’s quarter from 27.7% in last year’s comparable quarter. The higher effective tax rate in the current year period is primarily due to the impact of permanent tax adjustments on the annual effective tax rate.
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Nine months ended October 31, 2024 compared to nine months ended October 31, 2023
Net sales for the nine months ended October 31, 2024 increased to $2.34 billion from $2.33 billion in the same period last year. Net sales of our segments are reported before intercompany eliminations.
Net sales of our wholesale operations segment was $2.28 billion for both the nine months ended October 31, 2024 and 2023. There was increases in net sales of our DKNY and Karl Lagerfeld products, as well as our Donna Karan products and Nautica denim licensed products that primarily started shipping during the current year. The increase in sales of DKNY products was primarily related to performance wear, sportswear and denim categories. The increase in sales of Karl Lagerfeld products was primarily related to women’s suits, shoes, handbags and sportswear. These increases were partially offset by decreases in net sales of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger licensed products.
Net sales of our retail operations segment were $110.1 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2024 compared to $97.3 million in the same period last year. The number of retail stores operated by us decreased from 62 at October 31, 2023 to 51 at October 31, 2024. The increase in sales in our retail operations segment was the result of increased sales at our Karl Lagerfeld Paris stores, partially offset by decreased sales at our DKNY stores. Comparable store sales, which include both stores and digital channels, increased by low double digits at our Karl Lagerfeld Paris and DKNY stores compared to the same period in the prior year.
Gross profit was $966.9 million, or 41.3% of net sales, for the nine months ended October 31, 2024, compared to $959.9 million, or 41.1% of net sales, in the same period last year. The gross profit percentage in our wholesale operations segment was 39.8% in the nine months ended October 31, 2024 compared to 40.0% in the same period last year. The gross profit percentage in our retail operations segment was 51.5% for the nine months ended October 31, 2024 compared to 50.2% for the same period last year. The gross profit percentage in the current year period was positively impacted by product mix with a higher gross profit percentage.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $724.9 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2024 from $703.5 million in the same period last year. The increase in expenses was primarily due increases of $15.5 million in advertising expenses, primarily due to the relaunch of the Donna Karan brand and higher spending on the DKNY brand that was partially offset by reduced royalty advertising expenses resulting from lower net sales of licensed product, and $13.2 million in compensation expenses, primarily due to an increase in salaries. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $8.3 million in third-party warehouse and facility expenses associated with carrying lower levels of inventory.
Depreciation and amortization was $20.7 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2024 compared to $19.1 million in the same period last year. This increase primarily results from higher depreciation and amortization related to information technology expenditures and fixturing costs at department stores.
Other loss was $2.2 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2024 compared to $2.0 million in the same period last year.
Interest and financing charges, net, for the nine months ended October 31, 2024 were $16.7 million compared to $32.7 million in the same period last year. The decrease in interest and financing charges was primarily due to a $7.9 million increase in investment income from having a larger average cash position in fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024. Additionally, there was a $4.5 million decrease in interest charges resulting from the redemption of the entire $400 million principal amount of the Notes in August 2024 that was partially offset by increased interest charges from higher average borrowings under our revolving credit facility in the current year as well as a decrease of $3.6 million in interest charges related to the LVMH Note as a result of the repayment of $125 million in principal of this Note in fiscal 2024. These decreases were partially offset by a $1.6 million charge to interest expense from extinguished debt issuance costs upon the redemption of the Notes.
Income tax expense was $57.9 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2024 compared to $55.7 million for the same period last year. Our effective tax rate increased to 28.6% in the current year’s period from 27.5% in last year’s comparable period. The higher effective tax rate in the current year period is due to the impact of permanent tax adjustments on the annual effective tax rate.
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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. We have also used cash to repurchase our shares, make investments and redeem the Notes.
As of October 31, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $104.7 million and availability under our revolving credit facility of approximately $480 million. As of October 31, 2024, we were in compliance with covenants under our revolving credit facility. In August 2024, we used our cash and borrowings from our revolving credit facility to make a $400.7 million payment to voluntarily redeem the entire principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Senior Secured Notes
We had previously completed a private debt offering of $400 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes.
In August 2024, we used cash on hand and borrowings from our revolving credit facility to make a $400.7 million payment to voluntarily redeem the entire $400 million principal amount of the Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. At the date of redemption, we had unamortized debt issuance costs of $1.6 million associated with the Notes. These debt issuance costs were fully extinguished and charged to interest expense in our results of operations.
Third Amended and Restated ABL Credit Agreement
On June 4, 2024, our subsidiaries, G-III Leather Fashions, Inc., Riviera Sun, Inc., AM Retail Group, Inc. and The Donna Karan Company Store LLC (collectively, the “Borrowers”), entered into the third amended and restated credit agreement (the “Third ABL Credit Agreement”) with the lenders named therein and with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. The Third ABL Credit Agreement is a five-year senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility providing for borrowings in an aggregate principal amount of up to $700 million. We and certain of our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries, as well as G-III Apparel Canada ULC (collectively, the “Guarantors”), are guarantors under the Third ABL Credit Agreement.
The Third ABL Credit Agreement amends and restates the Second Amended Credit Agreement, dated as of August 7, 2020 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to June 4, 2024, the “Second Credit Agreement”), by and among the Borrowers and the Guarantors, the lenders from time-to-time party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as the administrative agent thereunder. The Second Credit Agreement provided for borrowings of up to $650 million and was due to expire on August 7, 2025. The Third ABL Credit Agreement extends the maturity date to June 2029, subject to a springing maturity date as defined within the credit agreement.
Amounts available under the Third ABL Credit Agreement are subject to borrowing base formulas and overadvances as specified in the Third ABL Credit Agreement. Borrowings bear interest, at the Borrowers’ option, at Adjusted Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus a margin of 1.50% to 2.00%, or the alternate base rate plus a margin of 0.50% to 1.00% (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) SOFR for a borrowing with an interest period of one month plus 1.00%), with the applicable margin determined based on the Borrowers’ average daily availability under the Third ABL Credit Agreement. The Third ABL Credit Agreement is secured by specified assets of the Borrowers and the Guarantors. As of October 31, 2024, interest under the Third ABL Credit Agreement was being paid at an average rate of 6.57% per annum.
The Third 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 Third 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 0.375% per annum on the average daily amount of the available commitments when the average usage
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is less than 50% of the total available commitments and decreases to 0.25% 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 Third ABL Credit Agreement contains covenants that, among other things, restricts 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 the agreement, not less than 1.00 to 1.00 for each period of twelve consecutive fiscal months. As of October 31, 2024, we were in compliance with these covenants.
As of October 31, 2024, we had $210.1 million in borrowings outstanding under the Third ABL Credit Agreement. The Third ABL Credit Agreement also includes amounts available for letters of credit. As of October 31, 2024, there were outstanding trade and standby letters of credit amounting to $6.2 million and $2.9 million, respectively.
At the date of the refinancing of the Second ABL Credit Agreement, we had $1.9 million of unamortized debt issuance costs remaining from the Second ABL Credit Agreement. There was no extinguishment of any amount of the unamortized debt issuance costs remaining from the Second ABL Credit Agreement. We incurred new debt issuance costs totaling $3.8 million related to the Third ABL Credit Agreement. We have a total of $5.6 million debt issuance costs related to our Third 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 Third 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 paid 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, we are 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 October 31, 2024, the Company had an aggregate outstanding balance of €6.0 million ($7.3 million) under these various unsecured loans.
Overdraft Facilities
During fiscal 2021 and 2025, certain of the Company’s foreign entities entered into overdraft facilities that allow for applicable bank accounts to be in a negative position up to a certain maximum overdraft. These uncommitted overdraft facilities with HSBC Bank allow for an aggregate maximum overdraft of €10 million. Interest on drawn balances accrues at a 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 the Company or HSBC Bank. As part of a COVID-19 relief program, certain of the Company’s foreign entities have 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 October 31, 2024, the Company had an aggregate of €4.1 million ($4.6 million) drawn under these various facilities.
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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 plus a margin of 1.7%. As of October 31, 2024, KLH had an aggregate balance of €2.0 million ($2.2 million) in borrowings outstanding under this credit facility.
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 $210.1 million in borrowings outstanding under our Third ABL Credit Agreement at October 31, 2024 and no borrowings outstanding under our Third ABL Credit Agreement at October 31, 2023. We redeemed the entire $400 million principal amount of the Notes in August 2024. We had $400 million in borrowings outstanding under the Notes at October 31, 2023. Our contingent liability under open letters of credit was approximately $9.0 million and $4.9 million at October 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. At October 31, 2023, we had $50 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 €6.0 million ($7.3 million) and €8.6 million ($9.1 million) outstanding under the Company’s various unsecured loans as of October 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We had €4.1 million ($4.6 million) and €1.8 million ($1.9 million) outstanding under our various overdraft facilities as of October 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We had €2.0 million ($2.2 million) and €3.9 million ($4.2 million) outstanding under our foreign credit facility as of October 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. Pursuant to this program, during the nine months ended October 2024, we acquired 2,209,832 of our shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $60.0 million, excluding excise tax. 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 October 31, 2024, we had remaining 7,790,168 shares that are authorized for purchase under this program. As of December 5, 2024, we had 43,886,707 shares of common stock outstanding.
Cash from Operating Activities
We used $17.0 million in cash from operating activities during the nine months ended October 31, 2024, primarily as a result of increases of $317.3 million in accounts receivable and $12.0 million in inventories. These items were offset, in part, by our net income of $144.8 million, an increase of $80.6 million in accounts payable and accrued expenses, a decrease of $23.2 million in income taxes and non-cash charges relating primarily to depreciation and amortization of $20.7 million and share-based compensation of $17.9 million.
The changes in operating cash flow items are generally consistent with our seasonal pattern of higher sales and building up inventory for the fall shipping season resulting in the increases in accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable. The fall shipping season begins during the latter half of our second fiscal quarter. Our fiscal year ending January 31, 2023 experienced inventory levels that were unusually high due to supply chain challenges throughout the industry during fiscal 2023. This resulted in a reduction to our inventories as of October 31, 2023 as reflected in our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.
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Cash from Investing Activities
We used $117.6 million of cash in investing activities during the nine months ended October 31, 2024, primarily as a result of our $84.8 million investment in AWWG. We also had $31.8 million in capital expenditures primarily related to information technology expenditures and fixturing costs at department stores.
Cash from Financing Activities
Net cash used by financing activities was $267.5 million during nine months ended October 31, 2024 primarily as a result of $400 million of cash used to redeem the entire principal amount of the Notes, $60.0 million of cash used to repurchase 2,209,832 shares of our common stock under our share repurchase program, excluding excise tax, and $7.5 million for taxes paid in connection with net share settlements of stock grants that vested. These items were offset, in part, by net proceeds of $210.1 million under our revolving credit facility.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our discussion of results of operations and financial condition relies on our consolidated financial statements that are prepared based on certain critical accounting policies that require management to make judgments and estimates that are subject to varying degrees of uncertainty. We believe that investors need to be aware of these policies and how they impact our financial statements as a whole, as well as our related discussion and analysis presented herein. While we believe that these accounting policies are based on sound measurement criteria, actual future events can, and often do, result in outcomes that can be materially different from these estimates or forecasts.
The accounting policies and related estimates described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2024 are those that depend most heavily on these judgments and estimates. As of October 31, 2024, there have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
There are no material changes to the disclosure made with respect to these matters in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2024.
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.