pyx-20210331
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED March 31 , 2021
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _______ TO _______.
001-13684
(Commission File Number)
Pyxus International, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Virginia 85-2386250
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
8001 Aerial Center Parkway
Morrisville, North Carolina 27560
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
( 919 ) 379-4300
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock (no par value)
(Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☒
Accelerated filer ☐
Smaller reporting company ☒
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transaction period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes ☒ No ☐
As of September 30, 2020, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $ 57.9 million based on the closing price of the common stock as reported on the OTC Pink Marketplace.
As of May 31, 2021, there were 24,999,947 shares of common stock outstanding (no par value).
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain information contained in the Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (to be held August 19, 2021) of the registrant is incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.
Table of Contents
Page No.
Part I
Item 1. Business
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Item 1A. Risk Factors
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Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
26
Item 2. Properties
26
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
26
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
26
Executive Officers of Pyxus International, Inc.
26
Part II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
27
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
28
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
28
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
46
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
47
Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
117
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
118
Item 9B. Other Information
118
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
119
Part III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
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Item 11. Executive Compensation
119
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
120
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
120
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
120
Part IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
120
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
123
Signatures
124
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PART I
Item 1. Business
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (this "Annual Report") is being filed by Pyxus International, Inc. (the “Company,” “Pyxus,” “we,” or “us”). The Company is the successor issuer to Old Holdco, Inc. (“Old Pyxus”) and was incorporated as a Virginia corporation in August 2020 to facilitate the Restructuring described below. The terms the “Company,” “Pyxus,” “we,” or “us” when used with respect to periods commencing prior to the effectiveness of the Plan (as defined below), refer to Old Pyxus, unless the context would indicate otherwise. As the context requires, the “Company,” “Pyxus,” “we” and “us” also includes the consolidated subsidiaries of Pyxus International, Inc.
On June 15, 2020 (the "Petition Date"), Old Pyxus (then named Pyxus International, Inc.) and its then subsidiaries Alliance One International, LLC, Alliance One North America, LLC, Alliance One Specialty Products, LLC and GSP Properties, LLC (collectively, the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions (the “Chapter 11 Cases”) under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code with the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”) to implement a prepackaged Chapter 11 plan of reorganization to effectuate a financial restructuring (the “Restructuring”) of Old Pyxus’ secured debt. On August 21, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court issued an order (the “Confirmation Order”) confirming the Amended Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”) filed by the Debtors in the Chapter 11 Cases. On August 24, 2020, the Plan became effective in accordance with its terms, and the Debtors emerged from the Chapter 11 Cases. In connection with the satisfaction of the conditions to effectiveness as set forth in the Confirmation Order and the Plan, Old Pyxus completed a series of transactions pursuant to which the business assets and operations of Old Pyxus were vested in a new Virginia corporation, Pyxus Holdings, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of the Company. Pursuant to the Confirmation Order and the Plan, at the effectiveness of the Plan, all outstanding shares of common stock, and rights to acquire the common stock, of Old Pyxus were cancelled and the shares of common stock of the Company were delivered to certain creditors of Old Pyxus. Other than our Chief Executive Officer, our Board of Directors does not include any of the individuals who served as directors of Old Pyxus at the time the Chapter 11 Cases were commenced or at the effectiveness of the Plan. These and other related matters are discussed in greater detail in " Note 3. Emergence from Voluntary Reorganization under Chapter 11 " to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements," which is incorporated herein by reference. Cross references included in this Annual Report to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” are to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report.
Company Overview
Pyxus provides responsibly produced, independently verified, and traceable agricultural products, ingredients and services to businesses and customers. Headquartered in the Research Triangle Park region of North Carolina, we contract with growers across five continents to help them produce sustainable, compliant crops.
Historically, Pyxus’ core business has been as a tobacco leaf merchant, purchasing, processing, packing, storing and shipping tobacco to manufacturers of cigarettes and other consumer tobacco products throughout the world. Through our predecessor companies, we have a long operating history in the leaf tobacco industry with some customer relationships beginning in the early 1900s. Our core leaf tobacco operations continued to account for almost all of our revenues for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021.
We are committed to responsible crop production that supports economic viability for the grower, provides a safe working atmosphere for those involved in crop production and minimizes negative environmental impact. Our agronomists maintain frequent contact with growers prior to and during the growing and curing seasons to provide technical assistance to improve the quality and yield of the crop. Throughout the entire production process, from seed through processing and final shipment, our SENTRI SM traceability system provides clear visibility into how products are produced throughout the supply chain, supporting product integrity.
In an increasing number of markets, we also provide agronomy expertise for growing leaf tobacco. Our contracted tobacco grower base often produces a significant volume of non-tobacco crop utilizing the agronomic assistance that our team provides. Pyxus is working to find markets for these crops as part of our ongoing efforts to improve farmer livelihoods and the communities in which they live.
Beginning in 2017, we undertook a strategic process designed to diversify the Company's products and services by leveraging our core strengths in agronomy and traceability. In general, our diversification strategy focused on products that were value-added, required some degree of processing and offered a higher margin potential than our core tobacco leaf business. In support of this strategy, the Company made the following investments:
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E-liquids
• On April 2, 2018, we purchased a 51% interest in Humble Juice, LLC ("Humble Juice"), a manufacturer and distributor of flavored e-liquids. Humble Juice is a consolidated subsidiary of the Company.
• On August 21, 2017, the Company completed a purchase of a 40% interest in Nicotine River, LLC ("Nicotine River"), a manufacturer, retailer and wholesale supplier of compounds used for e-liquid production, and on August 14, 2020, the Company exchanged its 40.0% ownership interest in Nicotine River for an additional 14.3% interest in Humble Juice, increasing the Company's ownership interest in Humble to 65.3%.
Industrial hemp/CBD
• On December 18, 2017, a subsidiary of the Company completed a purchase of a 40% interest in Criticality LLC ("Criticality"), a North Carolina-based industrial hemp company to engage in cannabidiol ("CBD") extraction and other applications for industrial hemp. On April 22, 2020, that subsidiary completed a purchase of the 60% interest in Criticality not owned by the subsidiary, and as a result Criticality became a wholly owned subsidiary of Pyxus.
Legal cannabis in Canada
• On January 25, 2018, a wholly owned Canadian subsidiary of the Company acquired a 75% equity position in Canada’s Island Garden Inc. (“Figr East”). Figr East is fully licensed to produce and sell medicinal and adult-use cannabis in most of the provinces in the Canadian market. We acquired an additional 18% and 1.2% equity interest in Figr East on March 22, 2019 and October 15, 2019, respectively, increasing the ownership percentage to 94.2%.
• On January 29, 2018, a wholly owned Canadian subsidiary of the Company acquired an 80% equity position in Figr Norfolk Inc. ("Figr Norfolk" and, together with Figr East "Figr"), formerly known as Goldleaf Pharm Inc., which is fully licensed to produce and sell medicinal and adult-use cannabis in most of the provinces in the Canadian market.
Following the effectiveness of the Plan and the election of additional members of our Board of Directors in October 2020, our Board of Directors determined to exit the industrial hemp, CBD and Canadian cannabis businesses in light of the Company’s limited capital resources and the continuing capital requirements to develop and expand these early-stage businesses. In December 2020, the Company commenced actions to exit operations of the industrial hemp businesses, including the production and sale of products containing extracts of industrial hemp, including CBD products, by Criticality. Criticality’s CBD extraction facility has ceased operations.
On January 21, 2021, Figr Norfolk Inc. (“Figr Norfolk”) and Figr Brands, Inc. (“Figr Brands”), which are indirect subsidiaries of the Company, and Canada’s Island Garden Inc. (“Figr East,” and together with Figr Norfolk and Figr Brands, the “Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries”), which, prior to its sale on June 28, 2021 was an indirect subsidiary of the Company, applied for relief from their respective creditors pursuant to Canada’s Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (the “CCAA”) in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) (the “Canadian Court”) in Ontario, Canada as Court File No. CV-21-00655373-00CL (the “CCAA Proceeding”). On January 21, 2021 (the “Order Date”), upon application by the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, the Canadian Court issued an order for creditor protection of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries pursuant to the provisions of the CCAA and the appointment of FTI Consulting Canada Inc. to serve as the Canadian Court-appointed monitor of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries during the pendency of the CCAA Proceeding (the “Monitor”). On January 29, 2021, the Canadian Court issued an order permitting the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries to initiate a sale and investment solicitation process to be conducted by the Monitor and its affiliate to solicit interest in, and opportunities for, a sale of, or investment in, all or substantially all, or one or more components, of the assets and/or the business operations of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries. The Canadian Court also approved a debtor-in-possession financing facility (the "Canadian DIP Facility") provided to Figr Brands by another non-U.S. subsidiary of Pyxus (the "DIP Lender") in an initial amount of up to Cdn.$8.0 million, which following approval by the Canadian Court was increased to Cdn.$16.0 million, to fund the working capital needs of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries.
On May 10, 2021, a definitive agreement for the sale of the assets of Figr Norfolk was entered into for an estimated purchase price of Cdn.$5.0 million. On June 10, 2021, the Canadian Court approved the sale agreement. The consummation of the sale under this agreement is subject to approval of the buyers by Health Canada and the satisfaction of certain other conditions.
On May 25, 2021, a definitive agreement was entered into with a separate buyer for the sale of the outstanding equity of Figr East and certain intangible assets of Figr Brands for an estimated aggregate purchase price of Cdn.$24.8 million. On June 10, 2021, the Canadian Court approved the sale agreement. On June 25, 2021, Health Canada approved the buyers of Figr East and certain intangible assets of Figr Brands. The consummation of the sale of Figr East and certain intangible assets of Figr Brands occurred on June 28, 2021.
The amount of recovery that the Company may receive from the sale of the assets of Figr Norfolk, the sale of the outstanding equity of Figr East, and the sale of certain intangible assets of Figr Brands will be impacted by the amount of claims against the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries submitted in the CCAA Proceeding, the extent to which such claims are approved by the
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Canadian Court, and the extent to which the Company's interest in the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries are determined by the Canadian Court to be debt claims entitled to recovery on the same basis as other unsecured creditor claims with respect to the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries. These and other related matters are discussed in greater detail in “Note 5. CCAA Proceeding and Deconsolidation of Subsidiaries” and “ Note 30. Subsequent Events ” to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”.
As of March 31, 2021, we owned a 50% noncontrolling interest in Purilum, LLC ("Purilum"), a U.S. company that develops, produces, and sells consumable e-liquids and e-liquid components to manufacturers and distributors of vapable products. During the periods reported in the financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the results of Purilum, and for periods during which we owned a non-controlling interest in Criticality and Nicotine River, the respective results of those businesses, are not consolidated in our financial results reported in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and we accounted for our respective interests in these businesses during those periods under the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, our interest in their financial results for those periods, along with our interests in the financial results of several unconsolidated joint ventures with leaf tobacco operations, are reflected as “Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net” in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. As a result of the commencement of the CCAA Proceeding and the appointment of the Monitor, and in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries have been deconsolidated from the Company’s financial statements as of the Order Date.
As a result of the deconsolidation of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, as of March 31, 2021, our consolidated operations are managed and reported in nine operating segments that are organized by product category and geographic area and aggregated into three reportable segments for financial reporting purposes: Leaf - North America, Leaf - Other Regions, and Other Products and Services. The Other Products and Services segment includes Global Specialty Products ("GSP") - E-liquids, GSP - Hemp, GSP - Other, and Value-Added Agriculture Products. The Other Products and Services segment included, for periods prior to the Order Date, the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, which comprised an operating segment within the reportable segment.
Leaf Tobacco Operations
Our leaf tobacco revenues are primarily comprised of sales of processed leaf tobacco and fees charged for processing and related services to these manufacturers of tobacco products. Processing and other revenues are approximately 5% of our total revenues. Our leaf tobacco operations deal primarily in flue-cured, burley, and oriental tobaccos that are used in international brand cigarettes. Leaf tobacco revenues are primarily comprised of sales of processed tobacco and fees charged for processing and related services to these manufacturers of tobacco products.
We purchase tobacco in more than 32 countries and ship to approximately 90 coun tries. We primarily purchase tobacco directly from suppliers. In those instances, we assume the risk of matching the quantities and grades required by our customers to the entire crop we must purchase under contract.
Our arrangements with suppliers vary depending on our predictions of future supply and demand, local historical practice and availability of capital. In some locales, we purchase seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, and other products related to growing tobacco, which represent prepaid inventory, and issue them to suppliers with whom we have purchase contracts. The suppliers then utilize these inputs to grow tobacco, which we are contractually obligated to purchase. The advances of inputs for the current crop generally include the original cost of the inputs plus a mark-up and interest as it is earned. Where contractually permitted, we charge interest to the suppliers during the period the current crop advance is outstanding. We generally advance inputs at a price greater than our cost, which results in a mark-up on the inputs. We account for our advances to tobacco suppliers using a cost accumulation model, which results in us reporting our advances at the lower of cost or recoverable amounts excluding the mark-up and interest. The mark-up and interest on our advances are recognized when the tobacco is delivered as a decrease in our cost of the current crop. Upon delivery of tobacco, part of the purchase price paid to the supplier is paid in cash and part through a reduction of the advance balance. The advances applied to the delivery are reclassified out of advances and into unprocessed inventory. We advance inputs only to suppliers with whom we have purchase contracts. Under longer-term arrangements with suppliers, we may advance or guarantee financing on suppliers' capital assets, which are also recovered through the delivery of tobacco to us by our suppliers.
Our agronomists maintain frequent contact with suppliers prior to and during the growing and curing seasons to provide technical assistance to improve the quality and yield of the crop. As a result of various factors including weather, not all suppliers are able to settle the entire amount of advances through delivery of tobacco in a given crop year. Throughout the crop cycle, we monitor events that may impact the suppliers’ ability to deliver tobacco. If we determine we will not be able to recover the original cost of the advances with deliveries of the current crop, or future crop deliveries, the unit cost of tobacco actually received is increased when unrecoverable costs are within a normal range which is based on our historical results or expensed immediately when they are above a normal range based on our historical results. We account for the unrecoverable costs in this manner to ensure only costs within a normal range are capitalized in inventory and costs that are above a normal range are expensed immediately as current period charges.
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We process tobacco to meet each customer's specifications as to quality, yield, chemistry, particle size, moisture content, and other characteristics. Unprocessed tobacco is a semi-perishable commodity. The processing of leaf tobacco facilitates shipping and prevents spoilage and is an essential service to our customers because the quality of processed leaf tobacco substantially affects the quality of the manufacturer’s end product. Accordingly, we have located our production facilities in proximity to our principal sources of tobacco. We process tobacco in Company-owned and third-party facilities around the world, including Argentina, Brazil, China, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Macedonia, Malawi, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, United States, and Zimbabwe. These facilities encompass all leading export locations of flue-cured, burley, and oriental tobaccos. After processing, whole leaves, bundles, strips or stems and scrap where applicable are separately packed in cases, bales, cartons or hogsheads for storage and shipment. Packed flue-cured, burley and oriental tobacco generally is transported in the country of origin by truck or rail, and exports are moved by ship.
During the seven months ended March 31, 2021, the five months ended August 31, 2020, and the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, approximate ly 16%, 13%, 15%, and 17%, respectively, of our purchases of leaf tobacco were from the Leaf - North America operating segment and approximately 84%, 87%, 85%, and 83%, respectively, were from the Leaf - Other Regions operating segment. Within the Leaf - Other Regions operating segment, approximat ely 60%, 68%, 67% , and 67% of our total purchases for the seven months ended March 31, 2021, five months ended August 31, 2020, and the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, were from Brazil, China, Turkey, and the Africa Region. We have entered into contracts, joint ventures and other arrangements for the purchase of tobacco grown in substantially all other countries that produce export-quality flue-cured and burley tobacco.
Key Customers
In our leaf tobacco business, our primary customers are major consumer tobacco product manufacturers. Refer to “ Note 29. Segment Information ” to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information regarding customers, and their respective affiliates, that account for more than 10% of our annual revenues. Pyxus delivered approximately 35% and 41% of its tobacco sales to customers in Europe and approximately 16% and 13% to customers in the United States for the seven months ended March 31, 2021 and the five months ended August 31, 2020, respectively. The remaining sales of leaf tobacco are to customers located in Asia, Africa, and other geographic regions of the world.
Competition
The leaf tobacco industry is highly competitive and competition is based primarily on the price charged for products and services as well as the merchant's ability to meet customer specifications in the buying, processing, residue compliance and financing of tobacco. The Company is one of only two global, publicly held leaf tobacco merchants. We hold a leading position in most major tobacco growing regions in the world, including the principal export markets for flue-cured, burley and oriental tobacco. In addition to the primary global independent leaf tobacco merchants, there are a number of other independent global, regional or national competitors. Local independent leaf merchants with low fixed costs and overhead also supply cigarette manufacturers. In many areas, total leaf tobacco processing capacity exceeds demand.
Seasonality
The purchasing and processing activities of our leaf tobacco business are seasonal. Tobacco purchases vary by market and tobacco variety. Flue-cured tobacco grown in the North America is purchased, processed, and marketed generally during the five-month period beginning in July and ending in November. North American burley tobacco is purchased, processed, and marketed usually from late November through January or February. Tobacco grown in South America is usually purchased, processed, and marketed from January through July and in Africa from April through September. Other tobacco markets around the world have similar purchasing periods, although at different times of the year. During the purchasing, processing and marketing seasons, inventories of unprocessed tobacco, inventories of redried tobacco, and trade accounts receivable normally reach peak levels in succession. Current liabilities, particularly advances from customers, and short-term notes payable to banks, normally reach their peak in this period as a means of financing the seasonal expansion of current assets. At March 31, the end of our fiscal year, the seasonal components of our working capital reflect primarily the operations related to foreign-grown tobacco.
Track and Trace Technology
In connection with its leaf tobacco operations, the Company uses a proprietary “track and trace” system, which we have branded as the SENTRI SM platform, which we believe provides transparency into the lifecycle of agricultural products by monitoring information and obtaining data related to the growth, cultivation, harvest, processing, formulation, testing, and release of individual batches of products. By obtaining data on products at each stage of the supply chain, SENTRI SM permits proactive decision-making for both the Company and its leaf tobacco customers. The key features of the SENTRI SM platform include:
• Product Tracking : Data collection and tracking at various stages in the product lifecycle permits customers and consumers to gain an understanding of where products originate from, how they were produced, and the product testing data in order to understand ingredients and the product journey.
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• Control and Visibility : With access to increased data regarding the supply chain, we are able to monitor quality control at various points in the product route to market.
• Sustainability Commitments : SENTRI SM incorporates visibility into the practices and procedures of the product supply chain.
• Lot Number Tracking : We are able to track specific products through the manufacturing process by lot number with full visibility to our customers. This permits us and our customers to discover more about the product, its origin and other information relevant to quality control and product transparency.
• Agronomic Services : SENTRI SM utilizes an experienced team of agronomists to track data and insights regarding growing practices.
Regulation
See Item 1A. “Risk Factors” for a discussion of applicable government regulation of leaf tobacco.
E-liquids
The Company conducts an e-liquids business primarily through its majority-owned, consolidated subsidiary, Humble Juice, and an investment in Purilum, an unconsolidated joint venture. Humble Juice sells branded, flavored e-liquids (that is, the liquid containing tobacco-derived nicotine used in vaporizers, electronic cigarettes, and other vaping hardware and accessories) to retailers for sale to consumers and directly to consumers. Humble Juice has historically offered consumers flavored e-liquid products under the Humble Juice Co. brand name through its website. Humble Juice operates out of a facility in Thousand Oaks, California.
Purilum offers flavor formulation and development for vaping products, including e-liquids. In addition to creating original flavors for manufacturers, Purilum replicates formulations and flavors, matching brand requirements. In addition, Purilum develops and manufactures vaping products, including vapable oils and nicotine salts, for sale to consumers through retailers, as well as for business-to-business commerce.
Competition
The market for the e-liquid products is highly competitive and subject to rapid change and regulatory requirements. While historically the e-liquids niche of the vaping industry had low barriers to entry, recent regulatory requirements in the U.S. have created regulatory hurdles and authorizations for new entrants to those markets. The e-liquids market is highly fragmented, and many of the competitors of each of Humble Juice and Purilum have significantly greater resources than it does. Each of Humble Juice and Purilum competes primarily on the basis of product quality, brand recognition, brand loyalty, service, marketing, advertising, and price.
Regulation
The FDA has authority to regulate e-liquids, e-cigarettes and other vaping products that contain (or are used to consume e-liquid containing) tobacco-derived ingredients (e.g., nicotine) as "tobacco products" under the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (the "Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act"), as amended by Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009 (the "Tobacco Control Act"). Via the issuance of the "Deeming Regulation" that became effective on August 8, 2016, the FDA began regulating e-liquids, e-cigarettes, and other vaping products that qualify as "tobacco products" under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act's requirements added by the Tobacco Control Act. The Deeming Regulations extended the FDA's "tobacco products" authorities to apply to most previously unregulated products that meet the statutory definition of "tobacco product," including e-liquids, e-cigarettes and other vaping products that contain (or are used to consume e-liquid containing) tobacco-derived ingredients ("Deemed Tobacco Products"). Beginning August 8, 2016, Deemed Tobacco Products became subject to all existing statutory controls initially applicable only to cigarettes, cigarette tobacco, roll-your-own tobacco, and smokeless tobacco (including components, parts, and accessories of such products) as well as some existing and some new FDA regulations related to the sale and distribution of tobacco products. As a result, Deemed Tobacco Products are now subject to various federal restrictions and requirements, including without limitation:
• a prohibition on sales to those younger than 21 years of age and requirements for verification by means of photographic identification by purchasers under 27 (which we anticipate the FDA will increase to 30 via regulatory amendment);
• requirements to include addictiveness warnings on product packages and in advertisements;
• a ban on vending machine sales unless the vending machines are located in a facility where the retailer ensures that individuals under 18 years of age (which we anticipate the FDA will increase to 21 via regulatory amendment) are prohibited from entering at any time, provided the facility's operator otherwise complies with the prohibition on sales to consumers younger than 21;
• requirements for owners and operators of domestic tobacco product manufacturing establishments to register their establishments with the FDA and submit listings of products manufactured at those establishments to the FDA;
• requirements for submission of health documents, ingredient listings, and listings of the quantities of harmful and potentially harmful constituents in products and their emissions;
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• a prohibition on marketing of "new tobacco products" (i.e., products not commercially marketed in the United States "as of" February 15, 2007, or modified in any physical respect since) without prior FDA authorization;
• a prohibition on making direct and implied claims of reduced risk such as through the use of "light", "low" and "mild" descriptors unless the FDA confirms (a) that scientific evidence supports the claim and (b) that marketing the product will benefit public health; and
• a ban on the distribution of free samples.
The Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act requires that any Deemed Tobacco Product that was not commercially marketed as of the "grandfathering" date of February 15, 2007 obtain premarket authorization before it can be marketed in the United States. However, the FDA has announced a compliance policy for such Deemed Tobacco Products that qualify as "new tobacco products" under which the agency will not enforce these requirements for non-finished products (i.e., those intended solely for use in future manufacturing), which include certain products manufactured by Purilum. As modified by orders issued by the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, the current compliance policy also generally allows companies to market finished Deemed Tobacco Products that qualify as "new tobacco products" but that were on the U.S. market on August 8, 2016, until September 9, 2020, and the continued marketing of such products without otherwise-required authorization for up to one year during the FDA's review of a pending marketing application submitted by September 9, 2020. The current compliance policy does not apply to flavored, cartridge-based e-liquid products, other than tobacco- or menthol-flavored products, which the Company does not market directly. The current compliance policy also does not apply to otherwise-eligible products (i) for which the manufacturer has failed to take (or is failing to take) adequate measures to prevent minors’ access and (ii) that are targeted to minors or with marketing that is likely to promote use by minors. In the absence of this policy, Humble Juice and Purilum would have had to obtain prior authorization from the FDA to market these products after August 8, 2016. Accordingly, such finished e-liquid products have been marketed pursuant to the FDA's current compliance policy based on evidence that they were on the U.S. market on August 8, 2016, and have not been physically modified since.
FDA authorization to introduce a "new tobacco product" (or to continue marketing a "new tobacco product" covered by the current compliance policy for Deemed Tobacco Products that were on the U.S. market on August 8, 2016) could be obtained via any of the following three authorization pathways: (1) submission of a premarket tobacco product application ("PMTA") and receipt of a marketing authorization order; (2) submission of a substantial equivalence report and receipt of a substantial equivalence order; or (3) submission of a request for an exemption from substantial equivalence requirements and receipt of a substantial equivalence exemption determination. The Company cannot predict if the finished, nicotine-containing e-liquid products of Humble Juice and Purilum, all of which would be considered "new tobacco products," will receive the required marketing authorization from the FDA if they were to seek premarket approval through an available authorization pathway.
Since there were few, if any, e-liquid, e-cigarette or other vaping products on the market as of February 15, 2007, there is no way to utilize the less onerous substantial equivalence or substantial equivalence exemption pathways that traditional tobacco corporations can utilize for cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and other traditional tobacco products. In order to obtain marketing authorizations, manufacturers of practically all e-liquid, e-cigarette or other vaping products would have to use the PMTA pathway, which could potentially cost hundreds of thousands of dollars or even millions of dollars per application. Furthermore, the Deeming Regulations created a significant barrier to entry for any new e-liquid, e-cigarette or other vaping product seeking to enter the market after August 8, 2016, since any such product would require an FDA marketing authorization through one of the aforementioned pathways. Humble Juice filed PMTAs for its line of finished Deemed New Tobacco Products by the September 9, 2020 deadline. These PMTAs are pending with the FDA.
Provisions included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, the omnibus appropriations and COVID-19 stimulus bill enacted on December 27, 2020 (the “2021 Appropriations Act”), require the United States Postal Service (the “USPS”) to issue regulations prohibiting the mailing of e-cigarettes and other vaping devices, as well as nicotine e-liquids products. On February 19, 2021, the USPS published its proposed regulations (the “Proposed Regulations”). The Proposed Regulations would subject e-cigarettes, vaping devices products, and e-liquid products to all existing restrictions on and exceptions for the mailing of cigarettes, except that the existing exceptions permitting the mailing of cigarettes (i) for consumer testing purposes and (ii) by federal agencies for public health purposes would not be available for the mailing of e-cigarettes, vaping devices products, and e-liquid products. If the Proposed Regulations were enacted as proposed by the USPS, subject to limited exceptions in applicable USPS regulations (including between legally operating businesses pursuant to applications approved by the USPS), shipment of these products via the USPS, including shipments to consumers, would be prohibited on and after the date on which the USPS promulgates the final regulations.
Provisions of the 2021 Appropriations Act subject e-cigarettes and other vaping devices, as well as e-liquids products, to the provisions of the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act of 2009 (the “PACT Act”), which imposes stringent rules on online sellers. Under the PACT Act, online retailers are required to (i) register with the U.S. Attorney General, (ii) verify the age of customers using a commercially available database, (iii) use private shipping services that collect an adult signature at the point of delivery, (iv) if selling in states that tax vaping products, register with the federal government and with the tobacco tax administrators of the states, (v) collect all applicable local and state taxes, and affix any required tax stamps to the products
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sold, (vi) send each taxing state’s tax administrator a list of all transactions with customers in their state, including the names and addresses of each customer sold to, and the quantities and type of each product sold and (vii) maintain records for five years of any delivery interrupted because the carrier or delivery service determines or has reason to believe that the person ordering the delivery is in violation of the PACT Act. Sellers who do not register or do not comply with the shipping and reporting rules of the PACT Act are subject to civil and criminal penalties, including up to three years in prison.
State and local governments also currently regulate tobacco products, including nicotine-containing vaping products. Certain states and municipalities have enacted local ordinances that prohibit the use of e-liquid, e-cigarette and other vaping products where traditional tobacco-burning cigarettes cannot be used, and certain state and local jurisdictions have enacted total or partial bans on the sale of flavored tobacco products, including e-liquid, e-cigarette and other vaping products. A growing number of states have imposed excise taxes on e-liquids, e-cigarettes, and other vaping products. Other states and local jurisdictions imposed restrictions or prohibitions on internet sales of such products, and have challenged the marketing of such products under consumer protection statutes (e.g., on the basis that certain marketers unlawfully target underage consumers or make unsubstantiated or misleading claims about their products). See Item 1A. “Risk Factors” for a discussion of applicable government regulation of e-liquids.
Human Capital Management
Our workforce is one of our most important stakeholder groups and is critical to achieving our purpose–to transform people’s lives so that together we can grow a better world. The attraction, development, and retention of talent enables us to make progress against our business strategy, and it is essential that we create and maintain a culture of conducting business the right way. It is for these reasons that we dedicate resources to employee engagement, focus on creating a safe workplace, and recognizing employees for the results that they deliver.
At March 31, 2021, we employed approximately 2,900 people, excluding seasonal employees, in our worldwide operations. We maintain positive relationships with the Company’s employees and their respective organizations. We have collective bargaining agreements in place in many of the countries in which we operate and we have long-term agreements in-place in certain jurisdictions to resolve disputes through binding arbitration.
Oversight and Management
Our Human Resources department is responsible for managing employment-related matters, including recruiting and hiring, onboarding, compensation design and implementation, performance management, advancement and succession planning, and professional and learning development. Our Board of Directors provides oversight of various matters pertaining to our workforce. The Compensation Committee of the Board is responsible for executive compensation matters and oversight of the risks and programs related to talent management. Our Human Rights Policy and Code of Business Conduct highlight our commitment to diversity, inclusion, fairness, safety, and equal opportunity in all aspects of employment.
In response to COVID-19, we focused on business continuity, health and safety of our employees, and adapting our ways of working to a new environment. We quickly implemented additional safety measures to protect essential employees in our offices and facilities, including social distancing protocols, face covering requirements, temperature checks, and additional cleaning and sanitation practices. We also enhanced remote-work arrangements and digital collaboration and related risk management.
Supply Chain Human Rights Matters
We support efforts to address human rights concerns in the tobacco supply chain. For example, in our tobacco supply chain, we use on-farm good agricultural practices assessments to assess growers’ compliance with labor practices. Our subsidiaries establish contract terms and conditions with tobacco suppliers related to issues such as forced and child labor, and they conduct social compliance due diligence throughout our tobacco-growing regions.
Environmental Compliance
Currently, there are no material estimated capital expenditures related to environmental control facilities. In addition, there is no material effect on capital expenditures, results of operations or competitive position anticipated as a result of compliance with current or pending federal or state laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment.
Available Information
Our website is www.pyxus.com . Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available free of charge at http://investors.pyxus.com as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such material with, or furnish it to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The information contained on our website shall not be deemed part of this annual report on Form 10-K. The SEC maintains a website (www.sec.gov ) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
Forward-looking Statements
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We may from time to time make written or oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in filings with the SEC, in reports to stockholders and in press releases and investor calls and webcasts, which are forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by use of words such as “strategy,” “expects,” “continues,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “will,” “estimates,” “intends,” “projects,” “goals,” “targets” and other words of similar meaning. You can also identify them by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realized, although we believe we have been prudent in our plans and assumptions. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and inaccurate assumptions. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, or projected. Investors should bear this in mind as they consider forward-looking statements and whether to invest in or remain invested in the Company’s securities. In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, this Annual Report includes disclosure of risks and uncertainties, including in " Item 1A. Risk Factors ", that, individually or in the aggregate, could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements made by us. Any such statement is qualified by reference to these cautionary statements. It is not possible to predict or identify all risk factors. Consequently, the risks and uncertainties identified in this Annual Report should not be considered a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that we may make from time to time except as may be required by law.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The following risk factors should be read carefully in connection with evaluating our business and the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report. Any of the following risks could materially adversely affect our business, our operating results, our financial condition, and the actual outcome of matters as to which forward-looking statements are made in this Annual Report.
Risks Related to Our Liquidity
We may not be able to achieve our stated goals, which may adversely affect our liquidity.
Even though the Plan has been consummated, we continue to face a number of risks, such as changes in economic conditions, continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in the leaf tobacco market and the markets for our other products, other changes in demand for our products and increasing expenses. We may need to raise additional funds through public or private debt or equity financing or other various means to fund our business, including short-term operating credit lines to fund the needs of our non-U.S. local leaf tobacco operations. Our access to necessary financing may be limited, if it is available at all. Therefore, adequate funds may not be available when needed or may not be available on favorable terms, or at all.
Developments with respect to our liquidity needs and sources of liquidity could result in a deficiency in liquidity.
Our liquidity requirements are affected by various factors from our core tobacco leaf business, including crop seasonality, foreign currency and interest rates, green tobacco prices, customer mix and shipping requirements, crop size, and quality. Our leaf tobacco business is seasonal, and purchasing, processing, and selling activities have several associated peaks where cash on-hand and outstanding indebtedness may vary significantly during the fiscal year. We anticipate periods in the next twelve months during which our liquidity needs will approach the levels of our anticipated available cash and permitted borrowings under our credit facilities. Developments affecting our liquidity needs, including with respect to the foregoing factors, and sources of liquidity, including impacts affecting our cash flows from operations (including as a result of delays with respect to the anticipated timing of shipments of leaf tobacco, whether due to the impact of COVID-19 or customer preferences) and the availability of capital resources (including an inability to renew or refinance seasonal lines of credit), may result in a deficiency in liquidity. To address a potential liquidity deficiency, we may continue to undertake plans to minimize cash outflows, which could include exiting operations that do not generate positive cash flow. It is possible that, depending on the occurrence of events affecting our liquidity needs and sources of liquidity, such plans may not be sufficient to adequately or timely address a liquidity deficiency.
We may be unable to continue to access short-term operating credit lines to fund local operations on terms that are acceptable or at all.
We have historically financed our non-U.S. local leaf tobacco operations with short-term operating credit lines at the local level. These operating lines are typically seasonal in nature, corresponding to the tobacco crop cycle in that location. Certain of these facilities are uncommitted in that the lenders have the right to cease making loans or demand payment of outstanding loans at any time. Moreover, as these facilities mature, local lenders may not renew them or otherwise offer replacement financing facilities. Since the commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases, the terms and conditions on which certain local lenders have agreed to offer short-term operating credit lines have become more restrictive. If local lenders lose confidence in us, they may cease making loans or demand payment of outstanding loans with respect to uncommitted facilities or, with respect to committed facilities, decline to renew or extend existing facilities, or require stricter terms and conditions with respect to future facilities. We may not find these terms and conditions acceptable or they may overly restrict our ability to conduct our
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businesses successfully. An inability to maintain adequate financing to fund our non-U.S. local leaf tobacco operations in any significant location could result in a significant decline in our revenues, profitability and cash flow and may require us to exit operations in that jurisdiction.
Risks Related to our Indebtedness
We have substantial debt which may adversely affect us by limiting future sources of financing, interfering with our ability to pay interest, and principal on our indebtedness and subjecting us to additional risks.
We have a significant amount of indebtedness and d ebt service obligations. As of March 31, 2021, we had approximately $925.5 million in aggregate principal amount of indebtedness. This indebtedness included (i) approximately $67.5 million of outstanding borrowings pursuant to an Exit ABL Credit Agreement (the “ABL Credit Agreement”), dated as of August 24, 2020 by and among, amongst others, our Pyxus Holdings, Inc. subsidiary (“Pyxus Holdings”), certain lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and collateral agent which governs an asset-based revolving credit facility (the “ABL Credit Facility”) which permits borrowings in an initial maximum principal amount of $75.0 million, subject to certain limitations, and matures on February 24, 2023, (ii) approximately $215.6 million in aggregate principal amount of term loans (the “Term Loans”) under an Exit Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of August 24, 2020 (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”), by and among, amongst others, Pyxus Holdings, certain lenders party thereto and Alter Domus (US) LLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent, which Term Loans mature on February 24, 2025, (iii) approximately $267.4 million in aggregate principal amount of 10.00% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2024 (the “Notes”) of Pyxus Holdings pursuant to an Indenture (the “Indenture”) dated as of August 24, 2020 among Pyxus Holdings, the initial guarantors party thereto (including Pyxus International, Inc.), and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, and collateral agent, which Notes mature on August 24, 2024, and (iv) approximately $116.4 million in aggregate outstanding borrowings under a Second Amendment and Restatement Agreement (the “TDB Facility Agreement”) among Alliance One International Holdings, Ltd., a subsidiary of Pyxus and the Company’s subsidiaries in Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia and Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (“TDB”), which TDB Facility Agreement terminates on June 30, 2021 for Kenya and Uganda and on June 30, 2022 for Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia and may be renewed at TDB’s discretion. Such indebtedness does not include borrowings under a $120.0 million delayed-draw term loan lending facility (the “DDTL Facility”) established under a term loan credit agreement (the “DDTL Facility Credit Agreement”) dated April 23, 2021 among Intabex Netherlands B.V. (“Intabex”), our indirect wholly owned subsidiary, as the borrower, the Company, Pyxus Holdings, Pyxus Parent, Inc., Alliance One International, LLC and Alliance One International Holdings, Ltd as guarantors, and certain funds managed by Glendon Capital Management LP and Monarch Alternative Capital LP, as lenders, which borrowings were $120.0 million at Ju ne 29, 20 21.
Our substantial debt could have important consequences, including:
• making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the ABL Credit Facility, the Term Loans, the Notes, the DDTL Facility and our other obligations;
• limiting our ability to obtain additional financing on satisfactory terms and to otherwise fund working capital, capital expenditures, debt refinancing, acquisitions, and other general corporate requirements;
• hampering our ability to adjust to changing market conditions;
• increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
• placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt or are less leveraged;
• limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business, and the industries in which we operate; and
• restricting us from making strategic acquisitions or exploiting business opportunities.
We require a significant amount of cash to service our indebtedness. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.
We require a significant amount of cash to service our indebtedness, and a substantial portion of our cash flow is required to fund the interest payments on our indebtedness. Our ability to service our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures depends on our ability to generate cash. This is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control, including the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, a substantial portion of our debt, including any borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility, bears interest at variable rates. If market interest rates increase, variable-rate debt will create higher debt-service requirements, which would adversely affect our cash flow. We cannot assure you that our businesses will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us under in an amount sufficient to enable us to service our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs.
We may not be able to refinance or renew our indebtedness, including the ABL Credit Facility, the Term Loans, the Notes, the DDTL Facility, or indebtedness under the TDB Facility Agreement, other seasonal credit lines, or other credit facilities, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
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We may not be able to renew or refinance our indebtedness, including the ABL Credit Facility, the Term Loans, the Notes, the DDTL Facility or indebtedness under the TDB Facility Agreement, other seasonal credit lines, or other credit facilities, on substantially similar terms, or at all. Our ability to access short-term and long-term lending and capital markets to obtain, and the availability of acceptable terms and conditions of, financing are impacted by many factors, including: (i) our credit ratings; (ii) the liquidity and volatility of the overall lending and capital markets; and (iii) the current state of the economy, including the tobacco industry. There can be no assurances that we will be able to access the lending and capital markets to refinance our indebtedness. We may have to pay additional fees and expenses that we might not have to pay under normal circumstances, and we may have to agree to terms that could increase the cost of our debt structure. If we are unable to renew or refinance our indebtedness on terms that are not materially less favorable than the terms currently available to us or obtain alternative or additional financing arrangements, we may not be able to timely repay certain of our indebtedness, which may result in a default under other indebtedness. Failure to refinance or renew any material indebtedness would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
We may not be able to satisfy the covenants included in our financing arrangements, which could result in the default of our outstanding debt obligations.
The agreement governing the ABL Credit Facility includes certain restrictive covenants and a springing covenant requiring that our fixed charge coverage ratio be no less than 1.00 to 1.00 during any cash dominion period under the ABL Credit Agreement. Certain agreements governing our seasonal credit facilities, including the TDB Agreement, include financial and restrictive covenants applicable to the subsidiaries that borrow thereunder and in certain cases with respect to Pyxus. The agreements governing our other indebtedness, including the Term Loan Credit Agreement, the Indenture and the DDTL Facility Credit Agreement, also include restrictive covenants. These covenants limit our ability to, among other things:
• incur additional indebtedness or issue disqualified stock or preferred stock;
• make investments;
• pay dividends and make other restricted payments;
• sell certain assets;
• create liens;
• consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of their assets;
• enter into transactions with affiliates; and
• designate subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement, the Indenture and the Term Loan Credit Agreement).
Complying with these covenants may cause us to take actions that we otherwise would not take or not take actions that we otherwise would take.
Our failure to comply with certain of these covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of a substantial portion of our indebtedness, much of which is cross-defaulted to other indebtedness. In the past, we sought and obtained waivers and amendments under our then-existing financing arrangements to avoid future non-compliance with financial covenants and cure past defaults under restrictive covenants, including recent waivers with respect to financial covenants included in the TDB Facility Agreement and waivers under the Indenture, ABL Credit Facility and the Term Loan Credit Agreement with respect to the commencement of the CCAA Proceeding and the contemplated disposition of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries. We also paid significant fees to obtain certain of these waivers and consents. You should consider this in evaluating our ability to comply with financial and restrictive covenants in our debt instruments and the financial costs of our ability to do so. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain compliance with, or obtain waivers and amendments related to, financial or restrictive covenants in the future.
Despite current indebtedness levels, we may still be able to incur substantially more debt. This could exacerbate further the risks associated with our significant leverage.
We may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future to the extent permitted under the ABL Credit Agreement, the Term Loan Credit Agreement, the Indenture and the DDTL Facility Credit Agreement. As of March 31, 2021 , $352.6 million was available for borrowing under our short and long-term credit facilities. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the risks discussed above could intensify.
Risks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
We have been and will likely continue to be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic and its related impacts to our employees, operations, customers and suppliers .
The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected, and is likely to continue to adversely affect, our businesses, and we have experienced and expect to continue to experience delays in shipments of leaf tobacco and other disruptions to our operations. Although, in many jurisdictions, our operations have been classified as “essential” under various governmental orders restricting business activities implemented in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, that classification has not been universal and
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we have been, and may in the future be, required to suspend operations at certain facilities as a result of similar governmental orders. We cannot predict whether our operations classified as “essential” will continue to be so classified or, even if so classified, whether site-specific health and safety concerns related to COVID-19 might otherwise require operations at any of our facilities to be halted for some period of time. Other operational disruptions may result from restrictions on the ability of employees and others in the supply chain to travel and work, such as caused by quarantine or individual illness, or which may result from border closures imposed by governments to deter the spread of COVID-19, or determinations by us or shippers to temporarily suspend operations in affected areas, or other actions which restrict the ability to ship our products or which may otherwise negatively impact our ability to ship our products. Ports or channels of entry may be closed, operate at only a portion of capacity or require quarantining of vessels, or transportation of products within a region or country may be limited, if workers are unable to report to work due to travel restrictions or personal illness. These factors have also impacted certain of our suppliers and we have been and will likely continue to be impacted by disruptions in the supply of certain materials used in our operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic may further damage our business due to negative consumer purchasing behavior with respect to the products of our leaf tobacco customers and our other products. Public health officials around the world have recommended, and local, state, and national governments have mandated, precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including prohibitions on congregating in groups, shelter-in-place orders or similar measures. Consumer purchasing behavior may be impacted by reduced consumption by consumers who may not be able to leave home or otherwise shop in a normal manner as a result of these restrictions. In addition, in view of uncertainties with respect to the spread of COVID-19 and the duration and terms of related governmental orders restricting activities, we cannot predict whether demand for our products will persist at current levels or decrease on a global or regional basis.
Due to the scope of our operations, including emerging markets, and our sale to customers around the world, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and the demand for our products may not coincide with impacts experienced in the United States in the event that the impacts in the United States improve over time due to increased vaccinations or improved medical treatments. Accordingly, to the extent that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States may improve over time, results of operations may continue to be adversely affected by COVID-19 impacts in other areas of the world.
Risks Related to Our Business Strategy
Our Board of Directors was reconstituted in connection with and following the effectiveness of the Plan in the Chapter 11 Cases and may implement changes in our business strategy that could affect the scope of our operations, including the countries in which we continue to operate and the business lines that we continue to pursue, and may result in the recognition of restructuring or asset impairment charges.
Our corporate business strategy is subject to continued development and evaluation by our management and Board of Directors. In connection with the effectiveness of the Plan in the Chapter 11 Cases, the Company’s Board of Directors was reconstituted, with six of the seven members of the Board of Directors having joined the Board of Directors on or after the August 24, 2020 effective date of the Plan. The new directors have different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives from those individuals who previously served on the Board of Directors of Old Pyxus at the time of the commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases and, thus, may have different views on the issues that will determine our future, including our strategic plans. The Board of Directors, as reconstituted, has determined to change our business strategy and exit our industrial hemp and Canadian cannabis businesses. The Board of Directors may further determine, from time to time, to implement additional changes in our business strategy, which could affect the scope of our operations, including the countries in which we continue to operate and the business lines that we continue to pursue. Such changes could result in our incurring restructuring charges or the impairment of assets that could materially adversely impact our results of operations.
Risks Relating to Our Leaf Tobacco Operations
Our reliance on a small number of significant customers may adversely affect our financial statements.
The customers of our leaf tobacco business are manufacturers of cigarette and other tobacco products. Several of these customers individually may account for a significant portion of our sales in a normal year. For the year ended March 31, 2021, Philip Morris International Inc. accounted for more than 10% of our revenues from continuing operations. In addition, tobacco product manufacturers have experienced consolidation and further consolidation among our customers could decrease such customers’ demand for our leaf tobacco or processing services. The loss of any one or more of our significant customers could have a material adverse effect on our financial statements.
Continued vertical integration by our customers could materially adversely affect our financial statements.
Demand for our leaf tobacco or processing services could be materially reduced if cigarette manufacturers continue to significantly vertically integrate their operations, either through acquisition of our competitors, establishing new operations or contracting directly with suppliers. Japan Tobacco, Inc. has vertically integrated operations in Malawi, Brazil, and the United States. In addition, Philip Morris International Inc. acquired supplier contracts and related assets in Brazil in order to procure
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leaf directly. In general, our results of operations have been adversely affected by vertical integration initiatives. Although some customers have reversed certain aspects of their previous vertical integration of operations, further vertical integration by our customers could have a material adverse effect on our financial statements.
Global shifts in sourcing customer requirements may negatively affect our organizational structure and asset base.
The global leaf tobacco industry has experienced shifts in the sourcing of customer requirements for tobacco. For example, significant tobacco production volume decreases have occurred in the United States and Europe from historical levels. At the same time, production volumes in other sourcing origins have stabilized. Additional shifts in sourcing may occur as a result of currency fluctuations, including changes in currency exchange rates against the United States Dollar ("USD"), the imposition of tariffs and other changes in international trade policies. A shift in sourcing origins in Europe has been influenced by modifications to the tobacco price support system in the European Union. Customer requirements have changed due to these variations in production, which could influence our ability to plan effectively for the longer term in the United States and Europe.
We may not be able to timely or efficiently adjust to shifts in sourcing origins, and adjusting to shifts may require changes in our production facilities in certain origins and changes in our fixed asset base. We have incurred, and may continue to incur, restructuring charges as we continue to adjust to shifts in sourcing. Adjusting our capacity and adjusting to shifts in sourcing may have an adverse impact on our ability to manage our costs and could have an adverse effect on our financial performance.
Our financial results will vary according to growing conditions, customer indications, and other factors, which significantly impacts our ability to forecast our quarterly and annual financial performance.
Our financial results, particularly the quarterly financial results, may be significantly affected by fluctuations in tobacco growing seasons and crop sizes which affect the supply of tobacco. Crop sizes may be affected by, among other things, crop infestation and disease, the volume of annual tobacco plantings and yields realized by suppliers, and suppliers' elections to grow crops other than tobacco. The cultivation period for tobacco is dependent upon a number of factors, including the weather and other natural events, such as hurricanes or tropical storms, and our processing schedule and results of operations for any quarterly period can be significantly altered by these factors.
The cost of acquiring tobacco can fluctuate greatly due to crop sizes and increased competition in certain markets in which we purchase tobacco. For example, short crops in periods of high demand translate into higher average green prices, higher throughput costs and less volume to sell. Furthermore, large crops translate into lower average green prices, lower throughput costs and excess volume to sell.
The timing and unpredictability of customer indications, orders, and shipments cause us to keep tobacco in inventory, increase our risk, and result in variations in quarterly and annual financial results. The timing of shipments can be materially impacted by shortages of containers and vessels for shipping as well as infrastructure and accessibility issues in ports we use for shipment. We may, from time to time in the ordinary course of business, keep a significant amount of processed tobacco in inventory for our customers to accommodate their inventory management and other needs. Sales recognition by us and our subsidiaries is based on the passage of ownership, usually with shipment of product. Because individual shipments may represent significant amounts of revenue, our quarterly and annual financial results may vary significantly depending on our customers’ needs and shipping instructions. These fluctuations result in varying volumes and sales in given periods, which also reduces your ability to compare our financial results in different periods or in the same periods in different years.
Loss of confidence in us by our customers, farmers and other suppliers, as a result of the Chapter 11 Cases, may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
If our customers, farmers and other suppliers lose confidence in us as a result of the Chapter 11 Cases or for other reasons, they may seek to establish alternative commercial relationship. In addition, in such circumstances, our suppliers, farmers, vendors, counterparties and service providers to renegotiate the terms of our agreements, attempt to terminate their relationship with us or require financial assurances from us. If our suppliers, farmers, vendors and other providers require stricter terms and conditions, we may not find these terms and conditions acceptable. Any failure to timely obtain suitable inventory at competitive prices could materially adversely affect our businesses, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
Suppliers who have historically grown tobacco and from whom we have purchased tobacco may elect to grow other crops instead of tobacco, which affects the world supply of tobacco and may impact our quarterly and annual financial performance.
Increases in the prices for other crops have led and may in the future lead suppliers who have historically grown tobacco, and from whom we have purchased tobacco, to elect to grow these other, more profitable, items instead of tobacco. A decrease in the volume of tobacco available for purchase may increase the purchase price of such tobacco. As a result, we could experience an increase in tobacco crop acquisition costs, which may impact our quarterly and annual financial performance.
Our advancement of inputs to tobacco suppliers could expose us to losses.
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Advances to tobacco suppliers are settled as part of the consideration paid upon the suppliers delivering us unprocessed tobacco at market prices. Two primary factors determine the market value of the tobacco suppliers deliver to us: the quantity of tobacco delivered and the quality of the tobacco delivered. Unsatisfactory quantities or quality of the tobacco delivered could result in losses with respect to advances to our tobacco suppliers or the deferral of those advances.
When we purchase tobacco directly from suppliers, we bear the risk that the tobacco will not meet our customers’ quality and quantity requirements.
In countries where we contract directly with tobacco suppliers, we bear the risk that the tobacco delivered will not meet quality and quantity requirements of our customers. If the tobacco does not meet such market requirements, we may not be able to sell the tobacco we agreed to buy and may not be able to meet all of our customers’ orders, which would have an adverse effect on our profitability and results of operations.
Weather and other conditions can affect the marketability of our inventory.
Like other agricultural products, the quality of tobacco is affected by weather and the environment, which can change the quality or size of the crop. If a weather event is particularly severe, such as a major drought or hurricane, the affected crop could be destroyed or damaged to an extent that it would be less desirable to our customers, which would result in a reduction in revenues. If such an event is also widespread, it could affect our ability to acquire the quantity of products required by customers. In addition, other items can affect the marketability of tobacco, including, among other things, the presence of:
• non-tobacco related material;
• genetically modified organisms; and
• excess residues of pesticides, fungicides and herbicides.
A significant event impacting the condition or quality of a large amount of any of the tobacco crops we buy could make it difficult for us to sell such tobacco or to fill our customers’ orders. In addition, in the event of climate change, adverse weather patterns could develop in the growing regions in which we purchase tobacco. Such adverse weather patterns could result in more permanent disruptions in the quality and size of the available crop, which could adversely affect our business.
We face increased risks of doing business due to the extent of our international operations.
Some of the countries we do business in do not have stable economies or governments. Our international operations are subject to international business risks, including unsettled political conditions, uncertainty in the enforcement of legal obligations, including the collection of accounts receivable, fraud risks, expropriation, import and export restrictions, exchange controls, inflationary economies, currency risks, and risks related to the restrictions on repatriation of earnings or proceeds from liquidated assets of foreign subsidiaries. These risks are exacerbated in countries where we have advanced substantial sums or guaranteed local loans or lines of credit for the purchase of tobacco from suppliers. For example, in 2006 as a result of the political environment, economic instability, foreign currency controls, and governmental regulations in Zimbabwe, we deconsolidated our Zimbabwe subsidiary, Mashonaland Tobacco Company LTD ("MTC"). Subsequently, we determined that the significant doubt about our ability to control MTC was eliminated and reconsolidated MTC as of March 31, 2016. The Company utilizes the Zimbabwe RTGS system for local transactions. RTGS is a local currency equivalent that is exchanged at a government specified rate with USD. In order to convert these units to USD, the Company must obtain foreign currency resources from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, which are subject to the monetary and exchange control policy in Zimbabwe. If the foreign exchange restrictions and government-imposed controls become severe, we may have to reassess our ability to control MTC.
Our international operations are in areas where the demand is for the export of lower priced tobacco. We have significant investments in our purchasing, processing and exporting operations in Argentina, Brazil, Malawi, Tanzania and Turkey.
In recent years, economic problems in certain countries where we have international operations have received wide publicity related to devaluation and appreciation of the local currency and inflation, including the classification of the Argentina, Malawi, and Zimbabwe economies as highly inflationary. Devaluation and appreciation of the local currency and inflation can affect our purchase costs of tobacco and our processing costs. In addition, we conduct business with suppliers and customers in countries that have recently had or may be subject to dramatic political regime change. In the event of such dramatic changes in the government of such countries, we may be unable to continue to operate our business, or adequately enforce legal obligations, after the change in a manner consistent with prior practice.
Failure of foreign banks in which our subsidiaries deposit funds or the failure to transfer funds or honor withdrawals may affect our results of operations.
Funds held by our foreign subsidiaries are often deposited in their local banks. In addition, we maintain deposit accounts with numerous financial institutions around the world in amounts that exceed applicable governmental deposit insurance levels. Banks in certain foreign jurisdictions may be subject to a higher rate of failure or may not honor withdrawals of deposited funds. In addition, the countries in which these local banks operate may lack sufficient regulatory oversight or suffer from
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structural weaknesses in the local banking system. Due to uncertainties and risks relating to the political stability of certain foreign governments, these local banks also may be subject to exchange controls and therefore unable to perform transfers of certain currencies. If our ability to gain access to these funds was impaired, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
We are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) and we operate in jurisdictions that pose a high risk of potential FCPA violations.
We are subject to the FCPA, which generally prohibits companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or keeping business and/or other benefits. We operate in a number of jurisdictions that pose a high risk of potential FCPA violations. Although our corporate policy prohibits foreign bribery and we have adopted procedures to promote compliance, we cannot assure you that our policy or procedures will work effectively all of the time or protect us against liability under the FCPA for actions taken by our agents, employees, and intermediaries with respect to our business or any businesses that we acquire. Failure to comply with the FCPA, other anti-corruption laws and other laws governing the conduct of business with government entities (including local laws) could lead to criminal and civil penalties and other remedial measures (including further changes or enhancements to our procedures, policies, and controls, the imposition of a compliance monitor at our expense and potential personnel changes and/or disciplinary actions), any of which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. Any investigation of any potential violations of the FCPA or other anti-corruption laws by U.S. or foreign authorities also could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
In 2010, we entered into settlements with the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve their investigations regarding potential criminal and civil violations of the FCPA. The settlements resulted in the disgorgement in profits and fines totaling $19.5 million, which have been paid. Both settlements also required us to retain an independent compliance monitor for a three-year term that was completed on September 30, 2013.
Our exposure to foreign tax regimes, and changes in U.S. or foreign tax regimes, could adversely affect our business.
We do business in countries that have tax regimes in which the rules are not clear, are not consistently applied and are subject to sudden change. This is especially true with regard to international transfer pricing. Our earnings could be reduced by the uncertain and changing nature of these tax regimes. Certain of our subsidiaries are and may in the future be involved in tax matters in foreign countries. While the outcome of any of these existing matters cannot be predicted with certainty, we are vigorously defending them and do not currently expect that any of them will have a material adverse effect on our business or financial position. However, should one or more of these matters be resolved in a manner adverse to our current expectation, the effect on our results of operations for a particular fiscal reporting period could be material.
We seek to optimize our tax footprint across all operations in U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions alike. These benefits are contingent upon existing tax laws and regulations in the U.S. and in the countries in which our international operations are located. Future changes in domestic or international tax laws and regulations could adversely affect our ability to continue to realize these tax benefits.
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange and interest rates could adversely affect our results of operations.
We conduct our business in many countries around the world. Our business is generally conducted in USD, as is the business of the leaf tobacco industry as a whole. We generally must purchase tobacco in non-U.S. countries using local currency. As a result, local country operating costs, including the purchasing and processing costs for tobaccos, are subject to the effects of exchange fluctuations of the local currency against the USD. When the USD weakens against foreign currencies, our costs for purchasing and processing tobacco in such currencies increases. We attempt to minimize such currency risks by matching the timing of our working capital borrowing needs against the tobacco purchasing and processing funds requirements in the currency of the country where the tobacco is grown. Fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies can significantly affect our operating results.
In addition, the devaluation of foreign currencies has resulted and may in the future result in reduced purchasing power from customers whose capital resources are denominated in those currencies. We may incur a loss of business as a result of the devaluation of these currencies now or in the future.
Competition could erode our earnings.
The leaf tobacco industry is highly competitive. Competition is based primarily on the prices charged for products and services as well as the merchant’s ability to meet customer specifications in the buying, processing, and financing of tobacco. In addition, there is competition in all countries to buy the available tobacco. The loss or substantial reduction of any large or significant customer could reduce our earnings.
In addition to the two primary global independent publicly held leaf tobacco merchants, the cigarette manufacturers increasingly buy tobacco directly from local and regional suppliers. We also face increasing competition from new local and
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regional independent leaf merchants with low fixed costs and overhead and good local customer connections, where the new entrants have been able to capitalize in the global transition to those markets. Any of these sources of new competition may result in less tobacco available for us to purchase and process in the applicable markets.
Risks Related to Our E-liquids Businesses
The results of operations and financial position of our e-liquids businesses may differ materially from the expectations of the Company's management.
Due to numerous uncertainties, the results of operations and financial position of our e-liquids businesses may differ materially from the expectations of the Company’s management. The process for estimating the revenue, net income, and cash flow of these businesses requires the use of judgment in determining the appropriate assumptions and estimates. These estimates and assumptions may be revised as additional information becomes available and as additional analyses are performed. In addition, the assumptions used in planning may not prove to be accurate, and other factors may affect the financial condition or results of operations of these businesses.
As the markets in which our e-liquids businesses compete continue to develop, competition from market participants may have a negative impact on their business and prospects.
The markets in which our e-liquids businesses compete are competitive and are expected to become increasingly competitive. Certain of these competitors have significantly greater financial, production, marketing, research and development, technical, and human resources than we do. The commercial opportunity for these businesses could be reduced or eliminated if their competitors produce and commercialize products that, among other things, are safer, more effective, more convenient or less expensive, have greater sales, marketing, and distribution support, enjoy enhanced timing of market introduction and perceived advantages of better quality and receive more favorable publicity. As a result, these competitors may be more successful in gaining market penetration and market share. If our e-liquids businesses do not achieve an adequate level of acceptance in their respective markets, they may not generate sufficient revenue from their products, and their businesses may not be profitable.
To remain competitive while complying with regulatory requirements, our e-liquids businesses will require continued significant investment in regulatory compliance, research and development, marketing, sales, and customer support. These businesses may not have sufficient resources to maintain research and development, marketing, sales and customer support efforts on a competitive basis, which could materially and adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Changing consumer preferences may adversely affect consumer retention and results of operations.
As a result of changing consumer preferences, many novel products attain financial success for a limited period of time. Even if certain of our e-liquids products find retail success, we cannot assure you that any of these products will continue to see extended financial success. The success of our e-liquids businesses will be significantly dependent upon their ability to develop new and improved product lines and to adapt to consumer preferences. Even if we are successful in introducing new products or developing current products, a failure to gain consumer acceptance or to update products with compelling content could cause a decline in popularity of these products that could reduce revenues and harm the Company's e-liquids brands, business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Consumer perception and reputational risk may negatively affect our e-liquids businesses.
The respective markets for the products of our e-liquids businesses are highly dependent upon consumer perception regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of their products. Consumer perception can be significantly influenced by scientific research or findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention and other publicity regarding the consumption of these products. We cannot assure you that future scientific research, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other research findings or publicity will be favorable to the these markets or any particular product, or consistent with currently held views. Future research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity that are perceived as less favorable than, or that question, earlier research reports, findings or publicity could have a material adverse effect on the respective industries and demand for the products of our e-liquids businesses, which could affect their businesses, results of operations and cash flows. This dependence upon consumer perception means that adverse scientific research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity, whether or not accurate or with merit, could have a material adverse effect on our e-liquids businesses and their respective business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Further, adverse publicity, reports or other media attention regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of the vaping industry's products in general, or associating the consumption of these types of products with illness or other negative effects or events, could have a material adverse effect. Such adverse publicity reports or other media attention could arise even if the adverse effects associated with such products resulted from consumers' failure to consume such products legally, appropriately, or as directed. Any litigation that might affect consumer perception regarding the products of our e-liquids businesses could take the form of class proceedings or individual proceedings.
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There have been a number of highly publicized cases involving lung and other illness and deaths that appear to be related to vaporizer devices or products used in such devices. For example, in February 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported that federal and state agencies were investigating an outbreak of over 2,807 lung injury cases involving patients from all 50 states and one U.S. territory, including 68 confirmed deaths. As a result of the outbreak or future developments related to potential health risks associated with vaping, governments and private sector parties initiated actions aimed at reducing the incidence of vaping and/or seeking to hold manufacturers of nicotine e-liquids, and other vaping products, responsible for the adverse health effects associated with the use of vaping products. As there has been a limited period of time to study the long-term effects of vaporizer use, there is limited data on the safety and health effects. If scientific or medical research ultimately determines that use of vaporizer devices poses a significant risk to health or safety, the demand for vaporizer products may decrease, and regulation of these products could become significantly more restrictive. Certain states and local governments have already implemented regulations that prohibit the sale of vaporizers, the sale of flavored products (including nicotine, non-nicotine, e-liquid, e-cigarette and other vaping products) or have implemented additional restrictions on the composition of the product (e.g., maximum nicotine content restrictions). Additional states and localities may implement similar restrictions and the regulations may become more restrictive at the federal level. Additional or more restrictive regulatory changes may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Actions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) and other federal, state, or local governments or agencies may impact consumers’ acceptance of or access to nicotine e-liquids, and other vaping products (for example, through product standards related to flavored products promulgated by the FDA), limit consumers’ choices, delay or prevent the launch of new or modified products or products with claims of reduced risk, require the recall or other removal of products from the marketplace (for example, as a result of product contamination or regulations that ban certain flavors or ingredients), restrict communications to consumers, restrict the ability to differentiate products, create a competitive advantage or disadvantage for certain companies, impose additional manufacturing, labeling, or packaging requirements, interrupt manufacturing or otherwise significantly increase the cost of doing business, or restrict or prevent the use of specified products in certain locations or the sale of products by certain retail establishments. Any one or more of these actions may have a material adverse impact on the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Restrictions on our ability to ship e-liquids products to consumers from online sales, including recently enacted prohibitions with respect to shipments through on the U.S. Postal Service, could materially adversely affect our e-liquids businesses.
On February 19, 2021, the USPS published its Proposed Regulations regarding the mailing of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping device products, and e-liquids. The Proposed Regulations would subject e-cigarettes, vaping devices products, and e-liquid products to all existing restrictions on and exceptions for the mailing of cigarettes, except that the existing exceptions permitting the mailing of cigarettes (i) for consumer testing purposes and (ii) by federal agencies for public health purposes would not be available for the mailing of e-cigarettes, vaping devices products, and e-liquid products. If the Proposed Regulations were enacted as proposed by the USPS, subject to limited exceptions in applicable USPS regulations (including between legally operating businesses pursuant to applications approved by the USPS), shipment of these products via the USPS would be prohibited on and after the date on which the USPS promulgates the final regulations.
While the USPS did not meet its deadline for issuing the final regulations, the Company expects publication of the final regulations in the second or third quarter of 2021, which would result in a general federal prohibition on the mailing of e-cigarettes and other vaping devices, as well as e-liquids products, by businesses to consumers. Any such shipments are subject to seizure, and the sender is subject to criminal fines, imprisonment, and civil penalties. It has generally been reported that certain private delivery services, such as United Parcel Service, DHL and FedEx, have voluntarily implemented similar prohibitions on the use of their services for the delivery of e-cigarettes and other vaping devices, as well as e-liquids products. In light of the amended PACT Act, described below, it is uncertain whether any other reliable private delivery service will undertake to deliver e-liquids products to consumers. Historically, a substantial portion of our e-liquids products are sold to consumers through online orders. Accordingly, our e-liquids businesses will be materially adversely affected by these prohibitions and other restrictions if we are unable to effect shipment of e-liquids products to consumers through reliable and efficient delivery services.
Other provisions of the 2021 Appropriations Act significantly increase the federal regulation of the online sale of our e-liquids products, which may increase our costs and affect the competitiveness of our products as compared to those sold by local retailers, and violations of these regulations could expose us to significant penalties.
Provisions of the 2021 Appropriations Act subject e-cigarettes and other vaping devices, as well as e-liquids products, to the provisions of the PACT Act, which imposes stringent rules on online sellers, including requirements for online retailers to register with the U.S. Attorney General, verify the age of customers using a commercially available database, collect an adult signature at the point of delivery, and collect all applicable local and state taxes, and affix any required tax stamps to the products sold. Sellers who do not register or do not comply with the shipping and reporting rules of the PACT Act are subject to civil and criminal penalties, including up to three years in prison. Accordingly, compliance with the requirements of the PACT Act may significantly increase the costs of our e-liquids online businesses, increasing the prices of our online products and
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making them less attractive to consumers as compared to products sold at local retailers. In addition, failure to comply with the PACT Act could expose us to significant penalties that could materially adversely affect our e-liquids businesses and our financial condition and results of operations.
There are limited long-term data with respect to the efficacy and side effects of nicotine e-liquids products, and future studies may lead to conclusions that dispute or conflict with the Company's understanding and belief regarding the benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing and social acceptance of such products.
In particular, the rapid development of nicotine e-liquids and other vaping products has not provided sufficient time for the medical profession to study the long-term health effects of using such products. Therefore, it is uncertain as to whether or not nicotine e-liquids and other vaping products are safe for their intended use. If the medical profession were to determine that using nicotine e-liquids and other vaping products posed a significant threat to long-term human health, consumption could decline rapidly and we may be forced to modify our e-liquids and other vaping products. Such an outcome may have a material adverse effect on the Company's e-liquids businesses, and results of operations. In addition, these products could have unexpected side effects, the discovery of which could materially and adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our e-liquids businesses face inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action, and litigation if their products are alleged to have caused significant loss, injury, or death.
As manufacturers and distributors of products that are ingested or otherwise consumed by humans, our e-liquids businesses face the risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action and litigation (including class proceedings and individual proceedings) if their products are alleged to have caused loss, injury or death. They may be subject to these types of claims due to allegations that their products caused or contributed to injury, illness or death, made false, misleading or impermissible claims, failed to include adequate labelling and instructions for use or failed to include adequate warnings concerning possible side effects or interactions with other substances. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human consumption of our e-liquids products alone or in combination with other medications or substances could also occur. In addition, the manufacture and sale of any ingested or consumable product involves a risk of injury to consumers due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. Our e-liquids businesses may in the future have to recall certain of their products as a result of potential contamination and quality assurance concerns. A product liability claim or regulatory action against these businesses could result in increased costs and could adversely affect their reputation and goodwill with their consumers. We cannot assure you that product liability insurance can be maintained on acceptable terms or with adequate coverage against potential liabilities. Such insurance is expensive and may not be available in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. The inability to obtain sufficient insurance coverage on reasonable terms or to otherwise protect against potential product liability claims could result in the Company's becoming subject to significant liabilities that are uninsured and also could adversely affect commercial arrangements between our e-liquids businesses and third parties.
The risk of class-based litigation (and individual litigation) for manufacturers and distributors of e-liquids and other vaping products, and others involved in the vaping industry, is significant, particularly in the face of increasing health and marketing concerns, the potential for product recalls or other product-related issues. The United States has highly active plaintiffs’ bar. Recent years have seen a number of purported class action lawsuits in the United States against manufacturers and distributors of e-liquids and other vaping products. These circumstances create enhanced risk and exposure for the Company given the nature of its operations, the products it manufactures, distributes and sells, and its business environment.
The Company could incur unexpected expenses due to product recalls and any legal proceedings that may arise in connection with product recalls.
Manufacturers and distributors of products are sometimes subject to the recall or return of their products for a variety of reasons, including product defects, such as contamination, unintended harmful side effects or interactions with other substances, packaging safety and inadequate or inaccurate labeling disclosure, or other alleged or actual regulatory compliance violations. If any of the Company's products, including our e-liquids businesses, are recalled due to an alleged product defect or for any other reason, the Company could be required to incur the unexpected expense of the recall and any legal proceedings that might arise in connection with the recall. The Company may lose a significant amount of sales and may not be able to replace those sales at an acceptable margin or at all. In addition, a product recall may require significant attention from management. Although the Company has detailed procedures in place for testing its products, we cannot assure you that any quality, potency or contamination problems will be detected in time to avoid unforeseen product recalls, regulatory action or lawsuits. Additionally, if one of the products produced by the Company were subject to recall, the image and reputation of that product and the Company as a whole could be harmed. A recall for any of the foregoing reasons could lead to decreased demand for the Company's products and could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial condition and reputation of the Company.
Additionally, product recalls may lead to increased scrutiny of the Company's operations by applicable regulatory agencies, requiring further management attention and potential legal fees and other expenses.
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Risks Relating to the CCAA Proceedings
Certain of the sales contemplated in the CCAA Proceeding remain subject to the satisfaction of conditions and may not occur, in which case we may be unable to recover funds advanced to the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries under the Canadian DIP Facility, and if such sales transactions occur the amount of recovery that the Company may receive with respect to its interests in the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries will depend on the amount of claims against the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries submitted in the CCAA Proceeding, the extent to which such claims are approved by the Canadian Court and the extent to which the Company’s advancements with respect to Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries determined by the Canadian Court as debt claims entitled to recovery on the same basis as other unsecured creditor claims and, accordingly, Pyxus may incur additional impairments charges related to our investments in and advances to the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, and Pyxus may be liable under its guarantees of obligations of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries to the extent that those obligations are not fully satisfied by the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries in the CCAA Proceeding.
The consummation of all of the contemplated sales with respect to the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries are subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, some of which have not yet been satisfied. In the event that conditions to the consummation of the respective sales are not satisfied, such sale transaction may not occur, and accordingly the anticipated sales with respect to the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries may not generate sufficient net proceeds to fund repayment in full of aggregate borrowings owed under the Canadian DIP Facility. Further, even if such sales transactions are completed as contemplated and borrowings under the Canadian DIP facility are repaid, the amount of any recovery that the Company may receive related to advancements with respect to the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries will depend on the amount of claims against the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries submitted in the CCAA Proceeding, the extent to which such claims are approved by the Canadian Court and the extent to which the Company’s advancements with respect to Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries are determined by the Canadian Court to be debt claims entitled to recovery on the same basis as other unsecured creditor claims with respect to the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries. In the event that such advancements by the Company are not treated in the CCAA Proceedings as debt claims entitled to recovery on the same basis as other unsecured creditor claims Pyxus may not recover a substantial portion or any amounts with respect to such advancements. In such case, Pyxus may incur further impairment with respect to its advancements in respect to the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries. In addition, Pyxus has guaranteed certain obligations of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, including office lease obligations and severance that may be owed to certain executives of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries. To the extent that such obligations are not satisfied by the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, Pyxus may have liability under such guarantees. To the extent that consummation of the sales transactions contemplated in the CCAA Proceeding, or other aspects of the CCAA Proceeding, are delayed, borrowings of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries under the Canadian DIP Facility may be greater than anticipated and exacerbate concerns with respect to our maintenance of necessary liquidity.
Risks Relating to Other Aspects of Our Operations
Low investment performance by our defined benefit pension plan assets may increase our pension expense, and may require us to fund a larger portion of our pension obligations, thus, diverting funds from other potential uses.
We sponsor defined benefit pension plans that cover certain eligible employees. Our pension expense and required contributions to our pension plans are directly affected by the value of plan assets, the projected rate of return on plan assets, the actual rate of return on plan assets, and the actuarial assumptions we use to measure the defined benefit pension plan obligations.
If plan assets perform below the assumed rate of return used to determine pension expense, future pension expense will increase. Further, as a result of the global economic instability or other economic market events, our pension plan investment portfolio may experience significant volatility.
The proportion of pension assets to liabilities, which is called the funded status, determines the level of contribution to the plan that is required by law. In recent years, we have funded the plan in amounts as required, but changes in the plan’s funded status related to the value of assets or liabilities could increase the amount required to be funded. We cannot predict whether changing market or economic conditions, regulatory changes or other factors will further increase our pension funding obligations, diverting funds that would otherwise be available for other uses.
We rely on internal and externally hosted information technology systems and disruption, failure, or security breaches of these systems could adversely affect our business.
We rely on information technology ("IT") systems, including systems hosted by service providers. The enterprise resource planning system we have implemented throughout the Company, for example, is hosted by iTelligence and our domestic employee payroll system is hosted by Ceridian. Although we have disaster recovery plans and several intrusion preventive mitigating tools and services in place, which are active inline services or are tested routinely, our portfolio of hardware and software products, solutions and services and our enterprise IT systems, including those hosted by service providers, may be vulnerable to damage or disruption caused by circumstances beyond our control, such as catastrophic events, power outages,
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natural disasters, computer system, or network failures, computer viruses or other malicious software programs, and cyber-attacks, including system hacking and other cyber-security breaches. For example, in April 2019, the Company discovered that the email accounts of two Canadian employees had been compromised resulting in the unauthorized access of customer and vendor data. These incidents were neither material nor compromised the Company’s other IT systems. The failure or disruption of our IT systems to perform as anticipated for any reason could disrupt our business and result in decreased performance, significant remediation costs, transaction errors, loss of data, processing inefficiencies, downtime, litigation, and the loss of suppliers or customers. A significant disruption or failure could have a material adverse effect on our business operations, financial performance and financial condition.
We cannot assure you that material weaknesses will not be identified in the future.
In certain prior years, we identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. Although we intend to continue to aggressively monitor and improve our internal controls, we cannot assure you that other material weaknesses will not occur in the future. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations or result in misstatements in our financial statements in amounts that could be material. Ineffective internal controls could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the value of our common stock and could also require additional restatements of our prior reported financial information. In addition, because we are no longer an “accelerated filer” under applicable SEC regulations, we are no longer required to obtain and present a report of our independent accounting firm with respect to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and we have not obtained such a report with respect to an evaluation of our internal controls as of March 31, 2021 and, accordingly, no such report is included in this Form 10-K.
Regulations regarding environmental matters may affect the Company by substantially increasing the Company's costs and exposing it to potential liability.
The Company is subject to environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations in each jurisdiction in which the Company operates. Such regulations govern, among other things, emissions of pollutants into the air, wastewater discharges, waste disposal, the investigation and remediation of soil, and groundwater contamination, and the health and safety of the Company's employees. For example, the Company's products and the raw materials used in its production processes are subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations. The Company may be required to obtain environmental permits from governmental authorities for certain of its current or proposed operations. The Company may not have been, nor may it be able to be at all times, in full compliance with such laws, regulations and permits. If the Company violates or fails to comply with these laws, regulations or permits, the Company could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators.
As with other companies engaged in similar activities or that own or operate real property, the Company faces inherent risks of environmental liability at its current and historical production sites. Certain environmental laws impose strict and, in certain circumstances, joint and several liability on current or previous owners or operators of real property for the cost of the investigation, removal or remediation of hazardous substances as well as liability for related damages to natural resources. In addition, the Company may discover new facts or conditions that may change its expectations or be faced with changes in environmental laws or their enforcement that would increase its liabilities. Furthermore, its costs of complying with current and future environmental, health, and safety laws, or the Company's liabilities arising from past or future releases of, or exposure to, regulated materials, may have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Derivative transactions may expose us to potential losses and counterparty risk.
We may, from time to time, enter into certain derivative transactions, including interest rate swaps and foreign exchange contracts. Changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments that are not accounted for as cash flow hedges are reported as income, and accordingly could materially affect our reported income in any period. In addition, the counterparties to these derivative transactions may be financial institutions or affiliates of financial institutions, and we would be subject to risks that these counterparties default under these transactions. In some of these transactions, our exposure to counterparty credit risk may not be secured by any collateral. Global economic conditions over the last few years have resulted in the actual or perceived failure or financial difficulties of many financial institutions, including bankruptcy. If one or more of the counterparties to one or more of our derivative transactions not secured by any collateral becomes subject to insolvency proceedings, we would become an unsecured creditor in those proceedings with a claim equal to our exposure at the time under those transactions. We cannot assure you of the financial stability or viability of any of our counterparties.
To the extent that any of our indebtedness that extends beyond 2021 bears interest at rates based on LIBOR, the interest rates for these obligations might be subject to change based on recent regulatory changes .
The chief executive of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which regulates the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), announced that the FCA intends to stop compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. The Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York organized the Alternative Reference Rates Committee which identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as its preferred alternative to USD-LIBOR in derivatives and other financial contracts. In November 2020, the ICE Benchmark Administration Limited, the benchmark administrator for USD LIBOR rates, proposed extending the publication of certain commonly used USD LIBOR settings until
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June 30, 2023 and the FCA issued a statement supporting such proposal. In connection with this proposal, certain U.S. banking regulators issued guidance strongly encouraging banks to generally cease entering into new contracts referencing USD LIBOR as soon as practicable and in any event by December 31, 2021. It is not possible to predict the effect of these changes, including when LIBOR will cease to be available or when there will be sufficient liquidity in the SOFR markets. The future of LIBOR at this time is uncertain. If LIBOR ceases to exist, we may need to renegotiate applicable agreements that utilize LIBOR as a factor in determining the interest rate that extend beyond the scheduled LIBOR termination dates to replace LIBOR with the new standard that is established, which may have an adverse effect on our interest expense and results of operations.
Risks Relating to the Ownership of Our Common Stock
Certain shareholders have the ability to exercise controlling influence on various corporate matters.
Upon our emergence from Chapter 11, two shareholders and their respective affiliates, Glendon Capital Management LP (together with its affiliates, the “Glendon Investor”) and Monarch Alternative Capital LP (together with its affiliates, the “Monarch Investor”; the Glendon Investor and the Monarch Investor are together referred to as the “Significant Shareholders”) beneficially own in the aggregate approximately 56% of our issued and outstanding common stock and, therefore, have significant control on the outcome of matters submitted to a vote of shareholders, including, but not limited to, electing directors and approving corporate transactions. Pursuant to the terms of a Shareholders Agreement dated as of August 24, 2020 among the Company and certain shareholders, including the Significant Shareholders, each of the Glendon Investor and the Monarch Investor has the right (depending on its continued ownership of a specified percentage of the outstanding shares of our common stock) to nominate up to two individuals for election as directors, and each of them and the other shareholders that are parties to the Shareholders Agreement have agreed to take all necessary action to elect such nominees as directors. Under our articles of incorporation, the affirmative vote of each of the Glendon Investor and the Monarch Investor, so long as it continues to maintain an Investor Percentage Interest (as defined in the Shareholders Agreement) of at least five percent, is required for the approval of any amendment to the articles of incorporation. It is our understanding that each of the Glendon Investor and the Monarch Investor hold a significant amount of the Notes and the Term Loans. In addition, the Glendon Investor and the Monarch Investor are the lenders under the DDTL Facility. Circumstances may occur in which the interests of the Significant Shareholders could be in conflict with the interests of other shareholders, and the Significant Shareholders could have substantial influence to cause us to take actions that align with their interests. Should conflicts arise, we can provide no assurance that the Significant Shareholders would act in the best interests of other shareholders or that any conflicts of interest would be resolved in a manner favorable to our other shareholders.
The price of our common stock may be negatively impacted by factors that are unrelated to our operations.
Although our common stock is currently listed for quotation on the OTC Markets, we understand that no securities brokerage firm is making a market in the Company’s common stock. Trading through the OTC Markets is frequently thin and may be highly volatile. There is no assurance that a sufficient market will continue in our stock, in which case it could be difficult for shareholders to sell their stock. The market price of our common stock could fluctuate substantially due to a variety of factors, including market perception of the markets in which our businesses operate, quarterly operating results of our competitors, trading volume in our common stock, changes in general conditions in the economy and the financial markets or other developments affecting our competitors or us. In addition, the stock market is subject to extreme price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant effect on the market price of securities issued by many companies for reasons unrelated to their operating performance and could have the same effect on our common stock.
Our actual financial results may vary significantly from the projections that were filed with the Bankruptcy Court.
Certain projected financial information was included in the disclosure statement relating to the Plan filed with the Bankruptcy Court to support the feasibility of the Plan and our ability to continue operations upon emergence from the Chapter 11 Cases. This projected financial information was prepared by, and is the responsibility of, our management. At the time they were prepared, the projections reflected numerous assumptions concerning our anticipated future performance and with respect to prevailing and anticipated market and economic conditions that were and remain beyond our control and that may not materialize. Projections are inherently subject to substantial and numerous uncertainties and to a wide variety of significant business, economic and competitive risks and the assumptions underlying the projections and/or valuation estimates may prove to be wrong in material respects. Actual results may vary significantly from those contemplated by the projections. Those projections were prepared solely for the purpose of the Chapter 11 Cases and have not been, and will not be, updated on an ongoing basis. Accordingly, such projections are now stale and should no longer be relied upon as a forecast of expected results.
Risks Relating to the Tobacco Industry
Reductions in demand for consumer tobacco products could adversely affect our results of operations.
The tobacco industry, both in the United States and abroad, continues to face a number of issues that may reduce the consumption of cigarettes and adversely affect our business, sales volume, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
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These issues, some of which are more fully discussed below, include:
• governmental actions seeking to ascribe to tobacco product manufacturers liability for adverse health effects associated with smoking and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke;
• smoking and health litigation against tobacco product manufacturers;
• increased consumer acceptance of electronic cigarettes;
• tax increases on consumer tobacco products;
• potential prohibition on the sale of menthol cigarettes in the United States;
• current and potential actions by state attorneys general to enforce the terms of the Master Settlement Agreement, or MSA, between state governments in the United States and tobacco product manufacturers;
• governmental and private bans and restrictions on smoking;
• actual and proposed price controls and restrictions on imports in certain jurisdictions outside the United States;
• restrictions on tobacco product manufacturing, marketing, advertising and sales;
• the diminishing social acceptance of smoking;
• increased pressure from anti-smoking groups;
• other tobacco product legislation that may be considered by Congress, the states, municipalities and other countries; and
• the impact of consolidation among multinational cigarette manufacturers.
Legislation and regulatory and other governmental initiatives could impose burdensome restrictions on the tobacco industry and reduce consumption of consumer tobacco products and demand for our services.
The Tobacco Control Act, which amended the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, extends the authority of the FDA to regulate tobacco products. This act authorizes the FDA to adopt product standards for tobacco products, including the level of nicotine yield and the reduction or elimination of other constituents of the products, along with provisions for the testing of products against these standards. The act imposes further restrictions on advertising of tobacco products, authorizes the FDA to limit the sales of tobacco products to face-to-face transactions permitting the verification of the age of the purchaser, authorizes a study to determine whether the minimum age for the purchase of tobacco products should be increased and requires submission of reports from manufacturers of tobacco products to the FDA regarding product ingredients and other matters, including reports on health, toxicological, behavioral, or physiologic effects of tobacco products and their constituents. The act also mandates warning labels and requires packaging to indicate the percentage of domestically grown tobacco and foreign grown tobacco included in the product, although the FDA has issued guidance to the industry announcing its intent to enforce the latter requirements until further notice. The FDA has adopted regulations under the act establishing requirements for the sale, distribution, and marketing of cigarettes, as well as package warnings and advertising limitations.
The act directs the FDA to promulgate regulations requiring that the methods used in, and the facilities and controls used for, the manufacture, preproduction design validation, packing, and storage of a tobacco product conform to current good manufacturing practice. Regulations under the act do not apply to tobacco leaf that is not in the possession of a manufacturer of tobacco products, or to the producers of tobacco leaf, including tobacco suppliers, tobacco warehouses, and tobacco supplier cooperatives unless those entities are controlled by a tobacco product manufacturer, but do apply to our U.S. cut rag processing facility with respect to covered tobacco products.
In May 2016, the FDA finalized regulations, which became effective in August 2016, that extend its regulatory authority under the act to tobacco products not previously covered by its regulations, including vaporizers, vape pens, hookah pens, electronic cigarettes (or, e-cigarettes), e-pipes, and other types of electronic nicotine delivery systems, including e-liquids used in these devices, as well as pipe tobacco and cigars (including little cigars and cigarillos), and future novel tobacco products. These regulations require manufacturers of these additional tobacco products to, among other things submit an application and obtain FDA authorization to market a new tobacco product (as noted above); register establishment(s) and submit product listing to FDA; submit listing of ingredients; submit information on harmful and potentially harmful constituents; submit tobacco health documents; not introduce into interstate commerce modified-risk tobacco products (e.g., products with label, labeling, or advertising representing that they reduce risk or are less harmful compared to other tobacco products on the market) without an FDA order; and include the required warning statement on packaging and advertisements. These regulations apply to certain of our operations that had not previously been subject to the act, including the processing of pipe tobacco and tobacco for little cigars and cigarillos at our U.S. cut rag processing facility, and to joint ventures and subsidiaries that develop, produce and sell consumable e-liquids. In addition, the May 2016 regulations make these additional tobacco products subject to certain existing restrictions on the sale of cigarettes, including then-existing restrictions prohibiting sale to individuals under 18 years of age. In addition, recent federal legislation established a national minimum purchase age of 21 for tobacco and tobacco-based products, including e-liquids.
The full impact of the act, including the May 2016 regulations and any future regulatory action to implement the act, is uncertain. However, if the effect of the act and FDA regulations under the act is a significant reduction in consumption of
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tobacco products, it could materially adversely affect our business, volume, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
On April 28, 2021, the FDA announced its intention to propose regulations that would ban the sale of menthol flavored cigarettes in the United States. It is uncertain whether any such regulations will be proposed or adopted. If such regulations are adopted, consumption of tobacco products in the United States could be materially reduced. Such a reduction could adversely impact customer demand for our leaf tobacco products, which could materially adversely affect our business, volume, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Reports with respect to the harmful physical effects of cigarette smoking have been publicized for many years, and the sale, promotion and use of cigarettes continue to be subject to increasing governmental regulation. Since 1964, the Surgeon General of the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services have released a number of reports linking cigarette smoking with a broad range of health hazards, including various types of cancer, coronary heart disease and chronic lung disease, and recommending various governmental measures to reduce the incidence of smoking. More recent reports focus upon the addictive nature of cigarettes, the effects of smoking cessation, the decrease in smoking in the United States, the economic and regulatory aspects of smoking in the Western Hemisphere, and cigarette smoking by adolescents, particularly the addictive nature of cigarette smoking in adolescence. Numerous state and municipal governments have taken and others may take actions to diminish the social acceptance of smoking of tobacco products, including banning smoking in certain public and private locations.
A number of foreign nations also have taken steps to restrict or prohibit cigarette advertising and promotion, to increase taxes on cigarettes and to discourage cigarette smoking. In some cases, such restrictions are more onerous than those in the United States. For example, advertising and promotion of cigarettes has been banned or severely restricted for a number of years in Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Italy, Singapore and other countries. Further, in February 2005, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) treaty, the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (“FCTC”), entered into force. This treaty, which the WHO reports has been signed by 182 nations as of March 31, 2021, requires signatory nations to enact legislation that would require, among other things, specific actions to prevent youth smoking; restrict or prohibit tobacco product marketing; inform the public about the health consequences of smoking and the benefits of quitting; regulate the content of tobacco products; impose new package warning requirements including the use of pictorial or graphic images; eliminate cigarette smuggling and counterfeit cigarettes; restrict smoking in public places; increase and harmonize cigarette excise taxes; abolish duty-free tobacco sales; and permit and encourage litigation against tobacco product manufacturers.
Due to the present regulatory and legislative environment, a substantial risk exists that tobacco product sales may decline. A significant decrease in worldwide tobacco consumption brought about by existing or future governmental laws and regulations would reduce demand for tobacco products and services and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Government actions can have a significant effect on the sourcing of tobacco. If some of the current efforts are successful, we could have difficulty obtaining sufficient tobacco to meet our customers’ requirements, which could have an adverse effect on our performance and results of operations.
The WHO, through the FCTC, created a formal study group to identify and assess crop diversification initiatives and alternatives to leaf tobacco growing in countries whose economies depend upon tobacco production. In its initial report published in 2007, the study group indicated that the FCTC did not aim to phase out tobacco growing, but the study group's focus on alternatives to tobacco crops was in preparation for its anticipated eventual decrease in demand resulting from the FCTC's other tobacco control initiatives.
If the objective of the FCTC study group were to change to seek to eliminate or significantly reduce leaf tobacco production and certain countries were to partner with the study group in pursuing this objective, we could encounter difficulty in sourcing leaf tobacco to fill customer requirements, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
In addition, continued government and public emphasis on environmental issues, including climate change, conservation, and natural resource management, could result in new or more stringent forms of regulatory oversight of industry activities, which may lead to increased levels of expenditures for environmental controls, land use restrictions affecting us or our suppliers, and other conditions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. For example, certain aspects of our business generate carbon emissions. Regulatory restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions have been proposed in certain countries in which we operate. These may include limitations on such emissions, taxes or emission allowance fees on such emissions, various restrictions on industrial operations, and other measures that could affect land-use decisions, the cost of agricultural production, and the cost and means of processing and transporting our products. These actions could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
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We have been subject to governmental investigations into, and litigation concerning, leaf tobacco industry buying and other payment practices.
The leaf tobacco industry, from time to time, has been the subject of government investigations regarding trade practices. For example, we were the subject of an investigation by the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice into certain buying practices alleged to have occurred in the industry, we were named defendants in an antitrust class action litigation alleging a conspiracy to rig bids in the tobacco auction markets, and we were the subject of an administrative investigation into certain tobacco buying and selling practices alleged to have occurred within the leaf tobacco industry in some countries within the European Union, including Spain, Italy, Greece and potentially other countries.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2. Properties
Our corporate headquarters are located in Morrisville, North Carolina and are leased under an agreement that expires in May 2022. We own a total of 10 facilities in seven countries. We operate our leaf tobacco processing facilities for seven to nine months per year, corresponding with the applicable harvesting seasons. Our production facilities in the other products and services segment operate on a year-round basis. We continually compare our production capacity and organization with the transitions occurring in global sourcing of tobacco and other specialty products. We believe our domestic production facilities and certain foreign production facilities have the capacity to process additional volumes of tobacco and other specialty products, if required by customer demand.
The following is a listing of the various material properties used in operations, all of which are owned by the Company, as of March 31, 2021:
Location Use
Leaf - North America Segment
North America
Wilson, North Carolina, USA Factory / Storage
Farmville, North Carolina, USA Storage
Danville, Virginia, USA Storage
Leaf - Other Regions Segment
South America
Venancio Aires, Brazil Factory / Storage
Ararangua, Brazil Factory / Storage
El Carril, Argentina Storage
Africa
Lilongwe, Malawi Factory / Storage
Morogoro, Tanzania Factory / Storage
Harare, Zimbabwe Factory / Storage
Asia
Ngoro, Indonesia Factory / Storage
Other Products and Services
North America
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada Factory / Storage
Simcoe, Ontario, Canada Factory / Storage
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Refer to "Note 26. Contingencies and Other Information" to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information with respect to legal proceedings, which is incorporated by reference herein.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Executive Officers of Pyxus International, Inc.
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The following information is furnished with respect to the Company's executive officers and the capacities in which they serve.
Name Age Title
J. Pieter Sikkel 57 President and Chief Executive Officer
Tracy G. Purvis 59 Executive Vice President - Business Services
Joel L. Thomas 54 Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer
Laura D. Jones 53 Senior Vice President - Human Resources
William L. O'Quinn, Jr. 52 Senior Vice President - Chief Legal Officer and Secretary
The business experience summaries provided below for the Company's executive officers describe positions held by the named individuals during the last five years.
J. Pieter Sikkel has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Pyxus International, Inc., since August 2020, having previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Old Pyxus since March 2013, as President of Old Pyxus from December 14, 2010 through February 2013, Executive Vice President - Business Strategy and Relationship Management of Old Pyxus from May 2007 through December 13, 2010, and Regional Director of Asia of Old Pyxus from May 2005 through April 2007.
Tracy G. Purvis has served as Executive Vice President - Business Services since August 2020, having previously served as Executive Vice President - Business Services of Old Pyxus since February 2019, Senior Vice President - Business Services of Old Pyxus from September 2018 through January 2019, Vice President - Global Information Services of Old Pyxus from January 2011 through August 2018, Vice President - Chief Application Architect of Old Pyxus from April 2009 through December 2010, and Vice President - Chief Technology Officer of Old Pyxus from May 2005 through March 2009.
Joel L. Thomas has served as Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer since August 2020, having previously served as Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer of Old Pyxus since January 2014 and Vice President - Treasurer of Old Pyxus from December 2005 through December 2013.
Laura D. Jones has served as Senior Vice President - Human Resources since August 2020, having previously served as Senior Vice President - Human Resources of Old Pyxus since September 2018, Vice President - Human Resources of Old Pyxus from January 2011 through August 2018, Vice President - Human Capital of Old Pyxus from August 2009 through December 2010, and Vice President - Compensation and Benefits of Old Pyxus from May 2005 through July 2009.
William L. O’Quinn, Jr. has served as Senior Vice President - Chief Legal Officer and Secretary since August 2020, having previously served as Senior Vice President - Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of Old Pyxus since April 2011, Senior Vice President - Assistant General Counsel and Secretary of Old Pyxus from January 2011 through March 2011, and Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Old Pyxus from August 2005 through December 2010.
Each of these executive officers served as executive officers of Old Pyxus in the capacities described above at the commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Pyxus’ common stock is traded on the OTC Pink Marketplace maintained by the OTC Markets Group, Inc., under the symbol "PYYX". Over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down, or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
As of March 31, 2021, the outstanding shares of our common stock were held by one shareholder of record and there were approximately 1,500 beneficial holders of our common stock.
The payment of dividends by Pyxus is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on business conditions, compliance with debt agreements, achievement of anticipated cost savings, financial condition and earnings, regulatory considerations, and other factors. The declaration of future dividends by Pyxus is at the discretion of our Board of Directors and subject to our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, and other factors and restrictions
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under applicable law, and our debt agreements. Refer to "Note 20. Debt Arrangements" to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Not applicable.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements
Readers are cautioned that the statements contained in this report regarding expectations of our performance or other matters that may affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which are based on current expectations of future events, may be identified by the use of words such as “strategy,” “expects,” “continues,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “will,” “estimates,” “intends,” “projects,” “goals,” “targets,” and other words of similar meaning. These statements also may be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, or if known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, or projected. Some of these risks and uncertainties include the risks, uncertainties, and other factors set forth in "Item 1A, Risk Factors" in this Annual Report and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that we may make from time to time.
Executive Summary
In what was an unprecedented and challenging year, our Company adapted to constant change as we navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate the continued support from all of our stakeholders and, in particular, we would like to thank the entire Pyxus team for their hard work and unwavering commitment to the Company and the communities in which we operate under extraordinary circumstances.
During fiscal 2021, we implemented a series of restructurings and process changes that allowed our business to continue to operate throughout the year and positioned us for success in fiscal 2022 and beyond. Through these actions, we were able to reduce our debt by $396.0 million and we made the strategic decision to exit our cash flow negative Canadian cannabis businesses. The pending divestiture of the Canadian cannabis businesses further supports our SG&A cost containment efforts and provides us with more flexibility to utilize our working capital for the opportunities we anticipate in the tobacco and e-liquids industries.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our production facilities continued to operate although, in some instances, at lower production levels than planned due to social distancing requirements and safety practices implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect our employees. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in shipping delays of leaf tobacco for certain customer orders from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 into fiscal 2022. However, the effect of COVID-19 on our business yielded innovative changes that will enable us to be more flexible in the future and potentially accelerate certain activities in the crop cycle. Also, COVID-19 has pushed the tobacco industry to continue to look for ways to reduce supply chain complexity in a responsible manner. As a leader in sustainable and traceable crop production, we have demonstrated our ability to service the evolving needs of the tobacco industry over time and will continue to do so in fiscal 2022 and beyond.
Overview
Historically, Pyxus’ core business has been as a tobacco leaf merchant, purchasing, processing, packing, storing and shipping tobacco to manufacturers of cigarettes and other consumer tobacco products throughout the world. Through our predecessor companies, we have a long operating history in the leaf tobacco industry with some customer relationships beginning in the early 1900s. Our core leaf tobacco operations continued to account for almost all of our revenues for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021.
We are committed to responsible crop production that supports economic viability for the grower, provides a safe working atmosphere for those involved in crop production and minimizes negative environmental impact. Our agronomists maintain frequent contact with growers prior to and during the growing and curing seasons to provide technical assistance to improve the quality and yield of the crop. Throughout the entire production process, from seed through processing and final shipment, our SENTRI SM traceability system provides clear visibility into how products are produced throughout the supply chain, supporting product integrity.
In an increasing number of markets, we also provide agronomy expertise for growing leaf tobacco. Our contracted tobacco grower base often produces a significant volume of non-tobacco crop utilizing the agronomic assistance that our team provides. Pyxus is working to find markets for these crops as part of our ongoing efforts to improve farmer livelihoods and the communities in which they live.
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Our consolidated operations are managed and reported in nine operating segments that are organized by product category and geographic area and aggregated into three reportable segments for financial reporting purposes: Leaf - North America, Leaf - Other Regions, and Other Products and Services. Refer to "Note 1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information.
U.S. Bankruptcy Proceedings
On June 15, 2020, Old Pyxus (then named Pyxus International, Inc.) and its then subsidiaries Alliance One International, LLC, Alliance One North America, LLC, Alliance One Specialty Products, LLC and GSP Properties, LLC (collectively, the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions (the “Chapter 11 Cases”) under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code with the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”) to implement a prepackaged Chapter 11 plan of reorganization to effectuate a financial restructuring (the “Restructuring”) of Old Pyxus’ secured debt. On August 21, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court issued an order (the “Confirmation Order”) confirming the Amended Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”) filed by the Debtors in the Chapter 11 Cases. On August 24, 2020, the Plan became effective in accordance with its terms, and the Debtors emerged from the Chapter 11 Cases. In connection with the satisfaction of the conditions to effectiveness as set forth in the Confirmation Order and the Plan, Old Pyxus completed a series of transactions pursuant to which the business assets and operations of Old Pyxus were vested in a new Virginia corporation, Pyxus Holdings, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of the Company. Pursuant to the Confirmation Order and the Plan, at the effectiveness of the Plan, all outstanding shares of common stock, and rights to acquire the common stock, of Old Pyxus were cancelled and the shares of common stock of the Company were delivered to certain creditors of Old Pyxus. Accordingly, upon the effectiveness of the Plan the Company, through its subsidiaries, operated all of the businesses operated by Old Pyxus and its subsidiaries immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Plan and the Company is the successor issuer to Old Pyxus. Other than our Chief Executive Officer, our Board of Directors does not include any of the individuals who served as directors of Old Pyxus at the time the Chapter 11 Cases were commenced or at the effectiveness of the Plan. Refer to "Note 3. Emergence from Voluntary Reorganization under Chapter 11" to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information.
Development of Businesses
Beginning in 2017, we undertook a strategic process designed to diversify the Company's products and services by leveraging our core strengths in agronomy and traceability. In general, our diversification strategy focused on products that were value-added, required some degree of processing and offered a higher margin potential than our core tobacco leaf business. In support of this strategy, the Company investments in e-liquids, industrial hemp/CBD, and legal cannabis in Canada. Refer to "Item 1. "Business" for additional information regarding these investments.
Following the effectiveness of the Plan and the election of additional members of our Board of Directors in October 2020, our Board of Directors determined to exit the industrial hemp, CBD and Canadian cannabis businesses in light of the Company’s limited capital resources and the continuing capital requirements to develop and expand these early-stage businesses. In December 2020, the Company commenced actions to exit operations of the industrial hemp businesses, including the production and sale of products containing extracts of industrial hemp, including CBD products, by Criticality. Criticality’s CBD extraction facility has ceased operations.
CCAA Proceeding and Deconsolidation and Disposition of Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries
On January 21, 2021, Figr East, Figr Norfolk, and Figr Brands, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of the Company and the majority parent corporation of Figr East and Figr Norfolk (“Figr Brands”, and together with Figr East and Figr Norfolk, the “Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries”) applied for relief from their respective creditors pursuant to Canada’s Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (the “CCAA”) in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) (the “Canadian Court”) in Ontario, Canada as Court File No. CV-21-00655373-00CL (the “CCAA Proceeding”). On January 21, 2021 (the “Order Date”), upon application by the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, the Canadian Court issued an order for creditor protection of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries pursuant to the provisions of the CCAA and the appointment of FTI Consulting Canada Inc. to serve as the Canadian Court-appointed monitor of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries during the pendency of the CCAA Proceeding (the “Monitor”). On January 29, 2021, the Canadian Court issued an order permitting the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries to initiate a sale and investment solicitation process to be conducted by the Monitor and its affiliate to solicit interest in, and opportunities for, a sale of, or investment in, all or substantially all, or one or more components, of the assets and/or the business operations of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries. The Canadian Court also approved a debtor-in-possession financing facility (the "Canadian DIP Facility") provided to Figr Brands by another non-U.S. subsidiary of Pyxus (the "DIP Lender") in an initial amount of up to Cdn.$8.0 million, which following approval by the Canadian Court was increased to Cdn.$16.0 million, to fund the working capital needs of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries.
While the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries have been majority owned by the Company, the administration of the CCAA Proceeding, including the Canadian Court’s appointment of the Monitor and the related authority of the Monitor, including approval rights with respect to significant actions of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries during the pendency of the CCAA Proceeding, resulted in the Company losing control (in accordance with U.S. GAAP) of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries,
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and the deconsolidation of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities and elimination of their equity components from the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of January 21, 2021. The Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries’ financial results are included in the Company’s consolidated results through January 20, 2021, which is the day prior to the Order Date. Prior to the deconsolidation of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, they comprised an operating segment within the Other Products and Services reportable segment.
On May 10, 2021, a definitive agreement for the sale of the assets of Figr Norfolk was entered into for an estimated purchase price of Cdn.$5.0 million. On June 10, 2021, the Canadian Court approved the sale agreement. The consummation of the sale under this agreement is subject to approval of the buyers by Health Canada and the satisfaction of certain other conditions.
On May 25, 2021, a definitive agreement was entered into with a separate buyer for the sale of the outstanding equity of Figr East and certain intangible assets of Figr Brands for an estimated aggregate purchase price of Cdn.$24.8 million. On June 10, 2021, the Canadian Court approved the sale agreement. On June 25, 2021, Health Canada approved the buyers of Figr East and certain intangible assets of Figr Brands. The consummation of the sale of Figr East and certain intangible assets of Figr Brands occurred on June 28, 2021.
The amount of recovery that the Company may receive from the sale of the assets of Figr Norfolk, the sale of the outstanding equity of Figr East, and the sale of certain intangible assets of Figr Brands will be impacted by the amount of claims against the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries submitted in the CCAA Proceeding, the extent to which such claims are approved by the Canadian Court, and the extent to which the Company's interest in the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries are determined by the Canadian Court to be debt claims entitled to recovery on the same basis as other unsecured creditor claims with respect to the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries. These and other related matters are discussed in greater detail in “Note 5. CCAA Proceeding and Deconsolidation of Subsidiaries” and “Note 30. Subsequent Events” to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”.
COVID-19
We continue to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our Company and our workforce. In March 2020, the World Health Organization recognized the COVID-19 outbreak as a global pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic and government actions implemented to contain further spread of COVID-19 have severely restricted economic activity around the world. Our production facilities are still operating but, in some instances, at lower production levels than planned due to social distancing requirements and safety practices implemented in accordance with Company policy. We continue to monitor the measures we implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and make updates and improvements, as necessary. While our supply chains and distribution channels continue to experience delays due to COVID-19, we currently have adequate supply of products to meet the near-term forecasted demand. In addition, we have experienced procedural delays during fulfillment of customer orders for leaf tobacco due to COVID-19.
We implemented various measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 including the implementation of health safety practices, providing personal protective equipment, the implementation of travel restrictions, work-from-home policies where possible, restricting visitors to production locations, splitting production workforce, reducing the on-site production workforce levels, screening workers before they enter facilities, implementing social distancing, and encouraging employees to adhere to prevention measures recommended by the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. In addition, we have developed a robust Return to Work Program to ensure our employees are returning to a safe working environment as federal, state, and local governments begin lifting their COVID-19 related restrictions.
Broad economic factors from the COVID-19 pandemic, including increasing unemployment rates and reduced consumer spending, may extend billing and collection cycles. Deterioration in the collectability of accounts receivable from extended billing and collection cycles would adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows, leading to working capital constraints. If general economic conditions in the markets in which we operate continue to deteriorate or remain uncertain for an extended period of time, our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows will be adversely affected. Due to the scope of our operations, including emerging markets, and our sale to customers around the world, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and the demand for our products may not coincide with impacts experienced in the United States in the event that the impacts in the United States improve over time due to increased vaccinations or improved medical treatments. Accordingly, to the extent that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States may improve over time, results of operations may continue to be adversely affected by COVID-19 impacts in other areas of the world. We cannot predict the extent or duration of the COVID pandemic, the effects of the COVID pandemic on the global, national or local economy, or the effect of the COVID pandemic on our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
Fresh Start Reporting
The Company applied Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 852 – Reorganizations (“ASC 852”) in preparing the consolidated financial statements. For periods subsequent to the commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases, ASC 852 requires distinguishing transactions associated with the reorganization separate from activities related to the ongoing
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operations of the business. Upon the effectiveness of the Plan and the emergence of the Debtors from the Chapter 11 Cases, the Company determined it qualified for fresh start reporting under ASC 852, which resulted in the Company becoming a new entity for financial reporting purposes on the Effective Date (as defined below). Our financial results for the five months ended August 31, 2020 and for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 are referred to as those of the “Predecessor.” Our financial results for the seven months ended March 31, 2021 are referred to as those of the “Successor.” Our results of operations as reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements for these periods are prepared in accordance with fresh start reporting, which requires that we report on our results for the periods prior to the Effective Date separately from the period following the Effective Date. The Company elected to apply fresh start reporting using a convenience date of August 31, 2020 (the "Fresh Start Reporting Date"). The Company evaluated and concluded the events between August 24, 2020 and August 31, 2020 were not material to the Company's financial reporting on both a quantitative or qualitative basis. Refer to " Note 4 . Fresh Start Reporting " to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information.
We do not believe that reviewing the results of periods that span the Fresh Start Reporting Date in isolation would be useful in identifying any trends in or reaching any conclusions regarding our overall operating performance. Management believes that operating metrics for the Successor for the seven months ended March 31, 2021 when combined with those of the Predecessor for the five months ended August 31, 2020 provides a more meaningful comparison to the results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020 and are useful in identifying current business trends. Accordingly, in addition to presenting our results of operations as reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the table and discussion below also present the combined results for these periods. The combined results (referenced as “Combined (Non-GAAP)” or “combined”) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 represent the sum of the reported amounts for the Predecessor period April 1, 2020 through August 31, 2020 combined with the Successor period from September 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021. These combined results are not considered to be prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The combined operating results are presented for supplemental purposes only, may not reflect the actual results we would have achieved absent our emergence from bankruptcy, may not be indicative of future results and should not be viewed as a substitute for the financial results of the Predecessor period and Successor period presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In the following discussion of results of operations, comparisons of combined results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 are to the comparable U.S. GAAP measures for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020.
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Results of Operations
Years Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated
Successor Predecessor Combined
(Non-GAAP) Predecessor
(in millions) Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2021 Year ended
March 31, 2020
Sales and other operating revenues $ 884.3 $ 447.6 $ 1,331.9 $ 1,527.3
Total cost of goods and services sold 767.9 402.6 1,170.5 1,302.6
Gross profit* 116.5 45.0 161.5 224.7
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 110.0 87.9 197.9 199.0
Other (expense) income, net (9.6) (0.5) (10.1) 2.1
Restructuring and asset impairment charges 11.8 0.6 12.4 5.6
Goodwill impairment 1.1 — 1.1 33.8
Operating loss (16.0) (44.0) (60.0) (11.6)
Loss on deconsolidation of subsidiaries 70.2 — 70.2 —
Debt retirement expense — 0.8 0.8 —
Interest expense 56.7 46.6 103.3 136.7
Interest income 1.3 1.4 2.7 3.9
Reorganization items — 106.0 106.0 —
Income tax expense 13.2 0.3 13.5 131.8
Income from unconsolidated affiliates 11.9 2.4 14.3 5.9
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (6.3) (1.0) (7.3) (5.7)
Net (loss) income attributable to Pyxus International, Inc.* $ (136.7) $ 19.0 $ (117.7) $ (264.7)
*Amounts may not equal column totals due to rounding.
Combined sales and other operating revenues decreased $195.4 million, or 12.8%, to $1,331.9 million for the year ended March 31, 2021 from $1,527.3 million for the year ended March 31, 2020. This decrease was due to a 4.8% decrease in leaf volume and a 10.3% decrease in leaf average selling prices. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in cannabinoid revenue attributable to sales occurring in most of the Canadian provinces, as well as the launch of the GO! cannabinoid product line in Canada. The 4.8% decrease in leaf volume was primarily due to smaller crop sizes in Africa and shipments delayed into fiscal 2022 by the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa, Asia, and North America as well as customer shipping instructions in North America . This decrease was partially offset by higher volume in South America driven by the timing of shipments. The 10.3% decrease in leaf average sales prices was due to changes in foreign exchange rates in Europe and South America and product mix in Africa and Europe having a lower concentration of lamina. This decrease was partially offset by product mix having a higher concentration of lamina in Asia, North America, and South America.
Combined cost of goods sold decreased $132.1 million, or 10.1%, to $1,170.5 million for the year ended March 31, 2021 from $1,302.6 million for the year ended March 31, 2020. This decrease was mainly due to the reduction in sales and other operating revenues. This decrease was partially offset by $32.1 million of inventory write-offs related to the Company's actions to exit operations of the industrial hemp businesses and shifts in expected future products mix in response to market supply conditions.
Combined gross profit as a percent of sales decreased to 12.1% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 from 14.7% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. This decrease was mainly due to the inventory write-offs described above and product mix in Africa and Europe having a lower concentration of lamina.
Combined selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased $1.1 million, or 0.6%, to $197.9 million for the year ended March 31, 2021 from $199.0 million for the year ended March 31, 2020. This decrease was driven by lower travel expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, current-year savings from restructuring initiatives, and $13.8 million of costs incurred to evaluate and develop plans for a potential partial monetization of interests in subsidiaries in the Other Products and Services segment in the prior year. The decrease was partially offset by $21.8 million of expenses in the current year associated with the Chapter 11 Cases. Combined selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percent of sales increased to 14.9% for the year ended
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March 31, 2021 from 13.0% for the year ended March 31, 2020 primarily due to the decrease in sales and other operating revenues.
Combined restructuring and asset impairment charges increased $6.8 million or 121.4% to $12.4 million for the year ended March 31, 2021 from $5.6 million for the year ended March 31, 2020. This increase was attributable to employee separation and impairment charges related to the CCAA Proceeding and the restructuring of certain U.S. operations, which included the industrial hemp and CBD businesses, and the continued restructuring of certain African operations.
Combined loss on deconsolidation of subsidiaries of $70.2 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 related to the deconsolidation of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries in connection with the commencement of the CCAA Proceeding.
Combined interest expense decreased $33.4 million, or 24.4%, to $103.3 million for the year ended March 31, 2021 from $136.7 million for the year ended March 31, 2020. This decrease was driven by lower outstanding long-term debt balances, as well as lower balances on the African seasonal lines of credit.
Combined reorganization items of $106.0 million for the year ended March 31, 2021 were comprised of the $462.3 million gain on settlement of liabilities subject to compromise as a result of the Chapter 11 Cases, partially offset by fees and costs incurred in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases, including with respect to the debtor-in-possession financing, and fresh start reporting adjustments.
Combined income tax expense decreased $118.3 million, or 89.8%, to $13.5 million for the year ended March 31, 2021 from $131.8 million for the year ended March 31, 2020. This decrease was primarily due to the reversal of valuation allowances recorded in the prior year, which were driven by substantial doubt regarding the Company's ability to continue as a going concern prior to the implementation of the Plan.
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Leaf - North America Region Supplemental Information
Successor Predecessor Combined
(Non-GAAP) Predecessor
(in millions, except per kilo amounts) Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2021 Year ended
March 31, 2020
Kilos sold 19.8 9.5 29.3 36.1
Tobacco sales and other operating revenues:
Sales and other operating revenues $ 113.4 $ 51.2 $ 164.6 $ 192.5
Average price per kilo 5.73 5.39 5.62 5.33
Processing and other revenues 23.8 6.5 30.3 32.2
Total sales and other operating revenues 137.2 57.7 194.9 224.7
Tobacco cost of goods sold:
Tobacco costs 91.1 39.3 130.4 153.4
Transportation, storage and other period costs 8.9 5.6 14.5 18.4
Derivative financial instrument and exchange (gains) losses (0.1) 0.3 0.2 (0.1)
Total tobacco cost of goods sold 99.9 45.2 145.1 171.7
Average cost per kilo 5.05 4.76 4.95 4.76
Processing and other revenues costs of services sold 20.2 4.4 24.6 25.6
Total cost of goods and services sold 120.1 49.6 169.7 197.3
Gross profit 17.1 8.1 25.2 27.4
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 8.1 7.2 15.3 15.3
Other expense, net (0.3) (0.5) (0.8) (1.4)
Restructuring and asset impairment charges (recovery) 0.4 — 0.4 (0.1)
Goodwill impairment — — — 2.8
Operating income $ 8.3 $ 0.4 $ 8.7 $ 8.0
Combined total sales and other operating revenues decreased $29.8 million, or 13.3%, to $194.9 million f or the year ended March 31, 2021 from $224.7 million for the year ended March 31, 2020. This decrease was due to an 18.8% decrease in volume attributable to shipments delayed into fiscal 2022 by the COVID-19 pandemic and customer shipping instructions. This decrease was partially offset by a 5.4% increase in average sales price due to product mix having a higher concentration of lamina and changes in customer mix.
Combined cost of goods and services sold decreased $27.6 million, or 14.0%, to $169.7 million f or the year ended March 31, 2021 from $197.3 million for the year ended March 31, 2020. This decrease was mainly due to the decrease in sales and other operating revenues.
Combined gross profit as a percent of sales increased slightly to 12.9% f or the year ended March 31, 2021 from 12.2% for the year ended March 31, 2020 due to a 5.4% increase in average sales price due to product mix having a higher concentration of lamina and changes in customer mix.
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Leaf - Other Regions Supplemental Information
Successor Predecessor Combined
(Non-GAAP) Predecessor
(in millions, except per kilo amounts) Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2021 Year ended
March 31, 2020
Kilos sold 194.4 102.5 296.9 306.7
Tobacco sales and other operating revenues:
Sales and other operating revenues $ 701.1 $ 355.9 $ 1,057.0 $ 1,236.0
Average price per kilo 3.61 3.47 3.56 4.03
Processing and other revenues 26.2 24.6 50.8 46.6
Total sales and other operating revenues 727.3 380.5 1,107.8 1,282.6
Tobacco cost of goods sold:
Tobacco costs 554.1 292.0 846.1 989.0
Transportation, storage and other period costs 39.5 16.9 56.4 57.4
Derivative financial instrument and exchange losses (gains) 1.9 (1.6) 0.3 8.2
Total tobacco cost of goods sold 595.5 307.3 902.8 1,054.6
Average cost per kilo 3.06 3.00 3.04 3.44
Processing and other revenues costs of services sold 16.4 20.0 36.4 33.9
Total cost of goods and services sold 611.9 327.3 939.2 1,088.5
Gross profit 115.4 53.2 168.6 194.1
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 67.1 54.5 121.6 119.0
Other (expense) income, net (13.3) 0.8 (12.5) 13.2
Restructuring and asset impairment charges 6.3 0.5 6.8 5.5
Goodwill impairment — — — 13.7
Operating income (loss) $ 28.7 $ (1.0) $ 27.7 $ 69.1
Combined total sales and other operating revenues decreased $174.8 million, or 13.6%, to $1,107.8 million f or the year ended March 31, 2021 from $1,282.6 million for the year ended March 31, 2020. This decrease was due to an 11.7% decrease in average sales prices and a 3.2% decrease in volume. The decrease in average sales price was due to changes in foreign exchange rates in Europe and South America and product mix in Africa and Europe having a lower concentration of lamina. This decrease was partially offset by product mix in Asia and South America having a higher concentration of lamina. The decrease in volume was driven by smaller crop sizes in Africa and shipments delayed into fiscal 2022 by the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa and Asia. This decrease was partially offset by higher volume in South America driven by the timing of shipments.
Combined cost of goods and services sold decreased $149.3 million, or 13.7%, to $939.2 million f or the year ended March 31, 2021 from $1,088.5 million for the year ended March 31, 2020. This decrease was mainly due to the decrease in sales and other operating revenues.
Combined gross profit as a percent of sales increased slightly to 15.2% f or the year ended March 31, 2021 from 15.1% for the year ended March 31, 2020 due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates in Europe and South America.
Combined selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $2.6 million, or 2.2%, to $121.6 million f or the year ended March 31, 2021 from $119.0 million for the year ended March 31, 2020 driven by higher accounts receivable write-offs and higher allocations of general corporate services. This increase was partially offset by lower travel expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in foreign currency exchange rates in Europe and South America. Combined selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percent of sales increased to 11.0% f or the year ended March 31, 2021 from 9.3% for the year ended March 31, 2020 due to the decrease in sales and other operating revenues.
Restructuring and asset impairment charges increased $1.3 million, or 23.6%, to $6.8 million for the year ended March 31, 2021 from $5.5 million for the year ended March 31, 2020. This increase was primarily due to employee separation and impairment charges for certain African operations. Refer to "Note 8. Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges" to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information.
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Other Products and Services Segment Supplemental Information
Successor Predecessor Combined
(Non-GAAP) Predecessor
(in millions) Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2021 Year ended
March 31, 2020
Sales and other operating revenues $ 19.9 $ 9.4 $ 29.3 $ 19.9
Cost of goods and services sold 35.9 25.7 61.6 16.8
Gross (loss) profit (16.0) (16.3) (32.3) 3.1
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 34.8 26.2 61.0 64.7
Other income (expense), net 4.0 (0.8) 3.2 (9.6)
Restructuring and asset impairment charges 5.2 — 5.2 0.3
Goodwill impairment 1.1 — 1.1 17.3
Operating loss $ (53.1) $ (43.3) $ (96.4) $ (88.8)
Combined sales and other operating revenues increased $9.4 million, or 47.2%, to $29.3 million f or the year ended March 31, 2021 from $19.9 million for the year ended March 31, 2020. This increase was primarily due to an increase in cannabinoid revenue attributable to sales occurring in most of the Canadian provinces, as well as the launch of the GO! cannabinoid product line in Canada. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in e-liquids revenue related to a general industry slow-down amid health and regulatory concerns, and by the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Combined cost of goods and services sold increased $44.8 million, or 266.7%, to $61.6 million f or the year ended March 31, 2021 from $16.8 million for the year ended March 31, 2020. This increase was mainly due to $32.1 million of inventory write-offs of cannabis and industrial hemp inventory driven by a shift in expected future products mix in response to market supply conditions and continued market price compression, as well as the Company's actions to exit operations of the industrial hemp businesses.
Combined gross (loss) profit as a percent of sales decreased to (110.2)% f or the year ended March 31, 2021 from 15.6% for the year ended March 31, 2020. This decrease was mainly due to the inventory write-downs described above.
Combined selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased $3.7 million, or 5.7%, to $61.0 million f or the year ended March 31, 2021 from $64.7 million for the year ended March 31, 2020. Combined selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percent of sales decreased to 208.2% f or the year ended March 31, 2021 from 325.1% for the year ended March 31, 2020. These decreases were mainly due to the increase in combined sales and other operating revenues and higher expenses in the prior year for the evaluation of a partial monetization of the Company's investments in certain businesses in the segment.
Restructuring and asset impairment charges of $5.2 million f or the year ended March 31, 2021 were incurred in connection with employee separation and impairment charges related to the CCAA Proceeding and the restructuring of certain U.S. operations, which included the industrial hemp and CBD businesses. Refer to "Note 8. Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges" to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information.
Goodwill impairment charges of $1.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2021 were related to the full write-off of the carrying value of goodwill for the Other Products and Services - Cannabis reporting unit. Refer to "Note 17. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net" to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information.
Comparison of the Year Ended March 31, 2020 to the Year Ended March 31, 2019
For a comparison of our results of operations for the years ended March 31, 2020 to March 31, 2019, see "Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020 of Old Pyxus, filed with the SEC on August 24, 2020.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Our liquidity requirements are affected by various factors from our core tobacco leaf business, including crop seasonality, foreign currency and interest rates, green tobacco prices, customer mix, crop size, and quality. Our leaf tobacco business is seasonal, and purchasing, processing, and selling activities have several associated peaks where cash on-hand and outstanding indebtedness may vary significantly compared to fiscal year end. Although we believe that our sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund our anticipated needs for the next twelve months, we anticipate periods during which our liquidity needs will approach the levels of our anticipated available cash and permitted borrowings under our credit facilities. Unanticipated developments affecting our liquidity needs, including with respect to the foregoing factors, and sources of liquidity, including impacts affecting our cash flows from operations and the availability of capital resources (including an inability to renew or refinance seasonal lines of credit), may result in a deficiency in liquidity. To address a potential liquidity deficiency, we may undertake plans to minimize cash outflows, which could include exiting operations that do not generate positive cash flow. It is possible that, depending on the occurrence of events affecting our liquidity needs and sources of liquidity, such plans may not be sufficient to adequately or timely address a liquidity deficiency.
As of March 31, 2021, we are in our leaf working capital build. In South America, we are in the process of purchasing and processing the most recent crop, while the peak tobacco sales season for South America is in its beginning stages. Africa is in the beginning of its buying, processing, and selling season and is utilizing working capital funding as well. Asia, Europe, and North America are still selling and planning for the next crop that is now being grown.
ABL Credit Facility
On the Effective Date, Pyxus Holdings entered into an Exit ABL Credit Agreement (the “ABL Credit Agreement”), dated as of August 24, 2020 by and among, amongst others, Pyxus Holdings, certain lenders party thereto (the “ABL Lenders”) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and collateral agent to establish an asset-based revolving credit facility (the “ABL Credit Facility”). The ABL Credit Facility may be used for revolving credit loans and letters of credit from time to time up to an initial maximum principal amount of $75.0 million, subject to the limitations described below in this paragraph. Under certain conditions, Pyxus Holdings may solicit the ABL Lenders to provide additional revolving loan commitments under the ABL Credit Facility in an aggregate amount not to exceed $15.0 million. The ABL Credit Facility is required to be drawn at all times in an amount greater than or equal to the lesser of (i) 25% of total commitments under the ABL Credit Facility and (ii) $18.75 million. The amount available under the ABL Credit Facility is limited by a borrowing base consisting of eligible accounts receivable and inventory as follows:
• 85% of eligible accounts receivable, plus
• the lesser of (i) 70% of eligible inventory valued at the lower of cost (based on a first-in first-out basis) and market value thereof (net of intercompany profits) or (ii) 85% of the appraised net-orderly-liquidation value of eligible inventory.
The ABL Credit Facility permits both base rate borrowings and LIBOR borrowings. Borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility bear interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 475 basis points or 375 basis points above base rate, as applicable, with a fee on unutilized commitments at an annual rate of 100 basis points.
Pyxus Holdings’ obligations under the ABL Credit Facility (and certain related obligations) are (a) guaranteed by Pyxus Parent, Inc. and the Company and all of Pyxus Holdings’ material domestic subsidiaries, and each of Pyxus Holdings’ future material domestic subsidiaries is required to guarantee the ABL Credit Facility on a senior secured basis (including Pyxus Holdings, collectively, the “ABL Loan Parties”) and (b) secured by certain collateral owned by the ABL Loan Parties.
Under the terms of the ABL Credit Facility, if (i) an event of default has occurred and is continuing or (ii) excess borrowing availability under the ABL Credit Facility (based on the lesser of the commitments thereunder and the borrowing base) (the “Excess Availability”) falls below the greater of (x) $7.5 million and (y) 10% of the lesser of (A) the commitments under the ABL Credit Facility at such time and (B) the borrowing base at such time (such greater amount being the “Cash Dominion Threshold”), the ABL Loan Parties will become subject to cash dominion, which will require daily prepayment of loans under the ABL Credit Facility with the cash deposited in certain deposit accounts of the ABL Loan Parties, including concentration accounts, and will restrict the ABL Loan Parties’ ability to transfer cash from their concentration accounts to their disbursement accounts. Such cash dominion period (a “Dominion Period”) shall end when (i) if arising as a result of a continuing event of default, such event of default ceases to exist, or (ii) if arising as a result of non-compliance with the Excess Availability threshold, Excess Availability shall be equal to or greater than the Cash Dominion Threshold for a period of 30 consecutive days. No Dominion Period existed as of March 31, 2021. The ABL Credit Agreement governing the ABL Credit Facility contains a covenant requiring that the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio be no less than 1.00 to 1.00 during any Dominion Period.
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The ABL Credit Facility matures on February 24, 2023, subject to extension on terms and conditions set forth in the ABL Credit Agreement. At March 31, 2021, $7.5 million was available for borrowing under the ABL Credit Facility, after reducing availability by the aggregate borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility of $67.5 million outstanding on that date. As of March 31, 2021, Pyxus Holdings was in compliance with all covenants under the ABL Credit Agreement.
Term Loan Credit Facility
On the Effective Date, Pyxus Holdings entered into an Exit Term Loan Credit Agreement (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”), dated as of August 24, 2020 by and among, amongst others, Pyxus Holdings, certain lenders party thereto and Alter Domus (US) LLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent to establish a term loan credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $213.4 million (the “Term Loan Credit Facility”). The aggregate principal amount of loans outstanding under Debtors’ debtor-in-possession financing facility, and related fees, were converted into, or otherwise satisfied with the proceeds of, the Term Loan Credit Facility.
The Term Loan Credit Facility permits both base rate borrowings and LIBOR borrowings. Borrowings under the Term Loan Credit Facility bear interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 800 basis points or 700 basis points above base rate, as applicable. In addition to the cash interest payments, from and after the first anniversary of the Term Loan Credit Agreement, the term loans (the “Term Loans”) under the Term Loan Credit Facility bear “payment in kind” interest in an annual rate equal to 100 basis points, which rate increases by an additional 100 basis points on each of the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the Term Loan Credit Agreement.
Pyxus Holdings’ obligations under the Term Loan Credit Facility (and certain related obligations) are (a) guaranteed by Pyxus Parent, Inc. and the Company, all of Pyxus Holdings’ material domestic subsidiaries and certain of Pyxus Holdings’ foreign subsidiaries (the “Foreign Guarantors”), and each of Pyxus Holdings’ future material domestic subsidiaries is required to guarantee the Term Loan Credit Facility on a senior secured basis (including Pyxus Holdings, collectively, the “Term Facility Loan Parties”) and (b) secured by certain collateral owned by the Term Facility Loan Parties.
The Term Loans and the Term Loan Credit Facility mature on February 24, 2025. At March 31, 2021, the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loans outstanding was approximately $215.6 million. As of March 31, 2021, Pyxus Holdings was in compliance with all covenants under the Term Loan Credit Agreement.
Senior Secured First Lien Notes
On the Effective Date, Pyxus Holdings issued approximately $280.8 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10.00% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2024 (the “Notes”) to holders of Allowed First Lien Notes Claims (as defined in the Plan) pursuant to the Indenture (the “Indenture”) dated as of the Effective Date among Pyxus Holdings, the initial guarantors party thereto, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, and collateral agent. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 10.00% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on February 15 and August 15 of each year. The Notes are initially guaranteed on a senior secured basis by the Company, all of the Company’s material domestic subsidiaries (other than Pyxus Holdings) and the Foreign Guarantors, on a subordinated basis to the guarantees securing the Term Loan Facility, and each of its future material domestic subsidiaries are required to guarantee the Notes on a senior secured basis (collectively, the "Notes Guarantors"). The obligations of Pyxus Holdings and the Notes Guarantors with respect to the Notes and the Indenture are secured by certain collateral owned by Pyxus Holdings and the Notes Guarantors. The Notes mature on August 24, 2024. At March 31, 2021, the aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding was approximately $280.8 million. At March 31, 2021, each of Pyxus Holdings and each guarantor of the Notes was in compliance with all covenants under the Indenture.
DDTL Facility
On April 23, 2021, Intabex Netherlands B.V. (“Intabex”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Term Loan Credit Agreement (the “DDTL Facility Credit Agreement”), dated as of April 23, 2021 (the “Closing Date”), by and among (i) Intabex, as borrower, (ii) the Company, Pyxus Parent, Inc., Pyxus Holdings, Inc., Alliance One International, LLC, Alliance One International Holdings, Ltd, as guarantors (collectively, the “Parent Guarantors”), (iii) certain funds managed by Glendon Capital Management LP and Monarch Alternative Capital LP, as lenders (collectively and, together with any other lender that is or becomes a party thereto as a lender, the “DDTL Facility Lenders”), and (iv) Alter Domus (US) LLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent. The DDTL Facility Credit Agreement establishes a $120.0 million delayed-draw term loan credit facility (the “DDTL Facility”) permitting borrowings by Intabex in up to four draws on or prior to June 30, 2021 in a minimum amount of $30.0 million each (or, if less than $30.0 million remains available under the DDTL Facility, the remaining commitments under the DDTL Facility) (the “DDTL Loans”). The proceeds of the DDTL Loans are to be used to provide ongoing working capital and for other general corporate purposes of Intabex, the Guarantors (as defined below) and their subsidiaries.
Interest on the aggregate principal amount of outstanding DDTL Loans accrues at an annual rate of LIBOR plus 9.00%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.50%, for “LIBOR loans” or, for loans that are not LIBOR loans, at an annual rate of an alternative base rate (as specified in the DDTL Facility Credit Agreement) plus 8.00%. The obligations of Intabex under the DDTL Facility
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Credit Agreement (and certain related obligations) are (a) guaranteed by the Parent Guarantors and Alliance One International Tabak B.V., an indirect subsidiary of the Company, and each of the Company’s domestic and foreign subsidiaries that is or becomes a guarantor of borrowings under the Term Loan Credit Agreement (which subsidiaries are referred to collectively, together with the Parent Guarantors, as the “Guarantors”).
The DDTL Facility and all DDTL Loans made thereunder mature on July 31, 2022. At June 29, 2021, the DDTL Facility was fully drawn and the aggregate principal amount outstanding was $120.0 million, and the Company and each of the Guarantors were in compliance with all covenants under the DDTL Credit Facility Agreement.
Related Party Transaction
Based on a Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on September 3, 2020 by Glendon Capital Management, L.P., Glendon Opportunities Fund, L.P. and Glendon Opportunities Fund II, L.P., Glendon Capital Management, L.P. reported beneficial ownership of 7,938,792 shares of the Company’s common stock, representing approximately 31.8% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock. Based on a Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on September 3, 2020 by Monarch Alternative Capital LP, MDRA GP LP and Monarch GP LLC, Monarch Alternative Capital LP reported beneficial ownership of 6,033,340 shares of the Company’s common stock, representing approximately 24.1% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock. Pursuant to a Shareholders Agreement dated as of August 24, 2020 (the “Shareholders Agreement”) among Pyxus and certain of its shareholders, including Glendon Capital Management L.P., on behalf of its managed funds and accounts, and Monarch Alternative Capital LP, as investment manager of Monarch Special Opportunities Master Fund Ltd, Monarch Debt Recovery Master Fund Ltd and Monarch Capital Master Partners IV LP, Holly Kim and Patrick Fallon were designated to serve as directors of Pyxus and each continues to serve as a director of Pyxus. Ms. Kim is a Partner at Glendon Capital Management L.P. and Mr. Fallon is a Managing Principal at Monarch Alternative Capital LP.
The DDTL Facility Credit Agreement, any and all borrowings thereunder and the guaranty transactions described above were approved, and determined to be on terms and conditions at least as favorable to the Company and its subsidiaries as could reasonably have been obtained in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with an unaffiliated party, by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of Pyxus.
African Seasonal Lines of Credit
On August 13, 2020, certain then subsidiaries of Old Pyxus, which are now subsidiaries of the Company, Alliance One International Holdings, Ltd. (“AOI Holdings”) and the subsidiaries in Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia (collectively, the “African Subsidiaries”) entered into an Amendment and Restatement Agreement (the “Initial TDB Facility Agreement”) with Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (“TDB”). On August 24, 2020, AOI Holdings, the African Subsidiaries, the Company, Pyxus Parent, Inc., Pyxus Holdings and TDB entered into a Second Amendment and Restatement Agreement (the “TDB Facility Agreement”) to amend and restate the Initial TDB Facility Agreement to add the Company, Pyxus Parent, Inc. and Pyxus Holdings as guarantors thereunder and to otherwise amend provisions thereof to permit the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Plan. The TDB Facility Agreement sets forth the terms that govern the foreign seasonal lines of credit of each of the African Subsidiaries with TDB and supersedes the prior terms in effect. These lines of credit provide borrowings to fund the purchase of leaf tobacco in the respective jurisdictions to be repaid upon the sale of that tobacco. The original aggregate maximum borrowing availability under these separate existing foreign seasonal lines of credit was $255.0 million, and the aggregate borrowings were $240.5 million as of August 13, 2020. Subject to certain conditions, the TDB Facility Agreement increased the maximum aggregate borrowing capacity to $285.0 million, less the amount of outstanding loans borrowed under the existing foreign seasonal lines of credit with TDB. Loans under the TDB Facility Agreement bear interest at LIBOR plus 6%. The TDB Facility Agreement initially provided that it terminated on June 30, 2021 and may be renewed at TDB’s discretion.
On June 24, 2021, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, including the African Subsidiaries, entered into a letter agreement with TDB to amend the TDB Facility Agreement to, among other things, extend the term of the separate lines of credit of each of the Company’s subsidiaries in Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia by 365 days, effective from and including July 1, 2021, and to cancel the separate lines of credit of the Companies’ subsidiaries in Kenya and Uganda, effective from and including June 24, 2021(with outstanding borrowings for Kenya and Uganda to be repaid by June 30, 2021). As a result of such amendment, the maximum aggregate borrowing pursuant to the lines of credit under the TDB Facility Agreement is $190.0 million, subject to an increase of an additional $15.0 million upon satisfaction of certain documentation requirements applicable to the line of credit of the Company’s subsidiary in Tanzania. Refer to "Note 30. Subsequent Events" to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.
Each of AOI Holdings, the Company, Pyxus Parent, Inc. and Pyxus Holdings guarantees the obligations of the African Subsidiaries under the TDB Facility Agreement. The obligations of each African Subsidiary under the TDB Facility Agreement are required to be secured by a first priority pledge of:
• tobacco purchased by that African Subsidiary that is financed by TDB;
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• intercompany receivables arising from the sale of the tobacco financed by TDB;
• customer receivables arising from the sale of the tobacco financed by TDB; and
• such African Subsidiary’s local collection account receiving customer payments for purchases of tobacco financed by TDB.
The TDB Facility Agreement also requires Alliance One International, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, to pledge customer receivables arising from the sale of the tobacco financed by TDB and pledge its collection accounts designated for receiving customer payments for purchases of tobacco financed by TDB.
The Company’s subsidiary in Tanzania failed to satisfy a loan-to-value ratio requirement under the TDB Facility Agreement during November and December of 2020 under the TDB Facility Agreement. As a result, TDB was permitted to declare an event of default with respect to the Tanzania subsidiary’s borrowings under its credit facility under the TDB Facility Agreement and demand repayment of that subsidiary’s borrowings, which were approximately $50.4 million at December 31, 2020. TDB entered into a First Amendment and Waiver Letter to the TDB Facility Agreement dated December 30, 2020 (the “TDB Waiver”) in which TDB waived the Tanzania subsidiary’s defaults and adjusted the required loan-to-value ratio for the Tanzania subsidiary for each month through June 2021. The existence of these defaults by the Tanzania subsidiary under the TDB Facility Agreement (the “Tanzania Default”) resulted in defaults and events of default arising under the ABL Credit Facility and the Term Loan Credit Facility, which would have permitted the respective lenders thereunder to demand repayment of the amounts outstanding under the respective facility. In December 2020, the required lenders under each of the ABL Credit Facility and the Term Loan Credit Facility entered into agreements with the Company waiving the defaults and events of default arising under the respective facility as a result of the Tanzania Default.
In April 2021, the Company discovered that, as a result of certain customer invoice coding errors, its subsidiary in Malawi failed to satisfy a loan-to-value ratio requirement under the TDB Facility Agreement at March 31, 2021 and prior periods. The subsidiary in Malawi repaid a portion of its borrowings under its credit facility under the TDB Facility Agreement within the time allotted to cure such failure for the March 31, 2021 loan-to-value ratio requirement under the TDB Facility Agreement and, within three business days after the Company’s discovery of the invoicing errors for the prior periods. TDB waived any default that arose therefrom including with respect to any failure of the subsidiary in Malawi to satisfy the loan-to-value ratio requirement.
Except for the failure by the Malawi subsidiary to satisfy a loan-to-value ratio requirement, which failure was waived as described above, at March 31, 2021, the Company and its subsidiaries party to the TDB Facility Agreement were in compliance with all covenants under the TDB Facility Agreement, as amended by the TDB Waivers, and $168.6 million was available for borrowing under the TDB Facility Agreement, after reducing availability by the aggregate borrowings under the TDB Facility Agreement of $116.4 million outstanding on that date.
Short-Term Borrowings
Excluding its long-term credit arrangements, the Company has typically financed its non-U.S. operations with uncommitted unsecured short-term seasonal lines of credit arrangements with a number of banks. These operating lines are generally seasonal in nature, typically extending for a term of 180 to 270 days corresponding to the tobacco crop cycle in that location. These facilities are typically uncommitted in that the lenders have the right to cease making loans and demand repayment of loans at any time. These loans are typically renewed at the outset of each tobacco season. At March 31, 2021, the aggregate outstanding
borrowings of the Company under these seasonal credit lines was approximately $372.2 million and approximately $345.0 million was available for borrowing under these seasonal credit lines, subject to limitations as provided for in the ABL Credit Agreement. The weighted average variable interest rate for these seasonal lines of credit for the year ended March 31, 2021 was 6.1%. Certain of the foreign seasonal lines of credit, with aggregate outstanding borrowings at March 31, 2021 of approximately $172.5 million, are secured by inventories as collateral of $167.8 million at March 31, 2021.
Additional Information
Additional Information with respect to the ABL Credit Facility, the Term Loan Credit Facility, the Notes and the Indenture, the DDTL Facility, the TDB Facility Agreement and the Company’s seasonal lines of credit, including descriptions of respective affirmative, negative and financial covenants, payment obligations, including certain prepayment obligations, collateral and intercreditor arrangements with respect thereto, provisions establishing events of default thereunder, fees, and other terms and conditions, is set forth in "Note 20. Debt Arrangements" to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” and with respect to the DDTL Facility in "Note 30. Subsequent Events" to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” which information is incorporated by reference herein.
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Working Capital
The following summarizes our working capital:
Successor Predecessor Change
(in millions except for current ratio) March 31, 2021 March 31, 2020 $ %
Cash and cash equivalents $ 92.7 $ 170.2 (77.5) (45.5)
Trade and other receivables, net 188.4 239.7 (51.3) (21.4)
Inventories and advances to
tobacco suppliers 771.5 768.9 2.6 0.3
Total current assets 1,122.5 1,232.4 (109.9) (8.9)
Notes payable to banks 372.2 540.2 (168.0) (31.1)
Accounts payable 103.5 67.1 36.4 54.2
Advances from customers 12.1 18.8 (6.7) (35.6)
Current portion of long-term debt 2.1 45.0 (42.9) (95.3)
Total current liabilities 601.7 789.1 (187.4) (23.7)
Current ratio 1.9 to 1 1.6 to 1
Working capital 520.8 443.3 77.5 17.5
Long-term debt 551.2 904.3 (353.1) (39.0)
Stockholders’ equity (deficit) attributable to Pyxus International, Inc. 247.7 (78.0) 325.7 417.6
Our working capital increased to $520.8 million at March 31, 2021 from $443.3 million at March 31, 2020. Our current ratio was 1.9 to 1 at March 31, 2021 and 1.6 to 1 at March 31, 2020. The increase in working capital is attributable to the decrease in short-term borrowings primarily due to lower balances on the African seasonal lines of credit resulting from cash payments and shorter crops resulting in decreased inventory purchases.
Sources and Uses of Cash
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations, cash collections from our securitized receivables, short-term borrowings under our foreign seasonal lines of credit, and borrowings under the DDTL Facility. We have typically financed our non-U.S. tobacco operations with uncommitted short-term foreign seasonal lines of credit. These foreign lines of credit are generally seasonal in nature, normally extending for a term of 180 to 270 days, corresponding to the tobacco crop cycle in that market. These short-term foreign seasonal lines of credit are typically uncommitted and provide lenders the right to cease making loans and demand repayment of loans. These short-term foreign seasonal lines of credit are typically renewed at the outset of each tobacco season. We maintain various other financing arrangements to meet the cash requirements of our businesses. Refer to "Note 20. Debt Arrangements" to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information.
We utilize capital in excess of cash flow from operations to finance accounts receivable, inventory, and advances to tobacco suppliers in foreign countries. In addition, we may periodically elect to purchase, redeem, repay, retire, or cancel indebtedness prior to stated maturity under our various foreign credit lines and senior secured credit agreement or indentures, as permitted therein.
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The following summarizes our sources and uses of our cash flows:
Successor Predecessor Combined
(Non-GAAP) Predecessor
(in millions) Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2021 Year ended
March 31, 2020
Operating activities $ (44.5) $ (182.1) $ (226.6) $ (358.6)
Investing activities 71.8 61.7 $ 133.5 181.4
Financing activities (49.3) 63.7 $ 14.4 159.9
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 1.7 1.6 $ 3.3 (7.3)
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (20.3) (55.1) $ (75.4) (24.7)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 93.1 170.2 $ 263.3 192.0
Restricted cash at beginning of period 24.8 2.9 $ 27.7 5.8
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 97.6 $ 118.0 $ 215.6 $ 173.1
Net cash used by operating activities decreased on a combined basis for the seven months ended March 31, 2021 and the five months ended August 31, 2020 compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2020 primarily due to (excluding non-cash activities) decreased inventory driven by smaller crop sizes in Africa and currency devaluation in Europe and South America.
Net cash provided by investing activities decreased on a combined basis for the seven months ended March 31, 2021 and the five months ended August 31, 2020 compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2020 primarily due to lower collections on beneficial interests on securitized trade receivables driven by lower tobacco sales and lower qualifying receivables available for sale into securitization facilities.
Net cash provided by financing activities decreased on a combined basis for the seven months ended March 31, 2021 and the five months ended August 31, 2020 compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2020 primarily due to lower net proceeds resulting from higher repayments of short term borrowings and the repayment of the ABL facility in place at the Petition Date, partially offset by proceeds from debtor-in-possession financing facility in place during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases and borrowings under ABL Credit Facility.
Fluctuation of the USD versus many of the currencies in which we have costs may have an impact on our working capital requirements. We monitor and hedge foreign currency costs, as needed.
Approximately $50.7 million of our outstanding cash balance at March 31, 2021 was held in foreign jurisdictions. If these funds in foreign jurisdictions were repatriated, the tax cost of repatriation would not have a material financial impact.
Debt Financing
Seasonal liquidity beyond cash flow from operations is provided by our foreign seasonal lines of credit, advances from customers, and sales of accounts receivable. For the years ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, our average short-term borrowings, aggregated peak short-term borrowings outstanding, and weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings were as follows:
Successor Predecessor
(in millions) March 31, 2021 March 31, 2020
Average short-term borrowings $ 461.8 $ 543.1
Aggregated peak short-term borrowings outstanding $ 818.9 $ 712.4
Weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings 6.1 % 6.9 %
Aggregated peak borrowings for fiscal 2021 occurred during the first q uarter and were due to the timing of purchases of tobacco and repayments in Africa and South America. Peak borrowings for fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020 were repaid with cash provided by operating activities. For further information on our debt financing as of March 31, 2021, refer to "Note 20. Debt Arrangements" to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have off-balance sheet arrangements within the meaning of Item 303(a)(4) of SEC Regulation S-K.
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Aggregate Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The following summarizes our contractual cash obligations and other commercial commitments as of March 31, 2021 :
Payments / Expirations by Fiscal Year
(in millions) Total 2022 Years
2023-2024 Years
2025-2026 After
2026
Long-Term Debt Obligations $ 551.2 $ — $ 68.2 $ 483.0 $ —
Short-Term Debt Obligations (1)
374.3 374.3 — — —
Interest on Debt Obligations (2)
191.8 58.5 105.5 27.8 —
Pension and Postretirement Obligations 90.8 11.0 18.2 18.5 43.1
Operating Lease Obligations 57.5 14.0 17.6 9.0 16.9
Tobacco and Other Purchase Obligations 411.1 411.1 — — —
Amounts Guaranteed for Tobacco Suppliers 93.5 93.5 — — —
Total Contractual Obligations and Other
Commercial Commitments $ 1,770.2 $ 962.4 $ 209.5 $ 538.3 $ 60.0
(1) Short-term debt obligations consist of the current portion of long-term debt and our seasonal foreign credit lines.
(2) Interest obligations includes interest for the ABL Facility and other long-term debt. The projected interest includes both fixed and variable rate debt. The variable rate used in the projections is the rate that was being charged on our variable rate debt as of March 31, 2021. Furthermore, we assume there will be no additional drawings after March 31, 2021 on the ABL Facility until the maturity on February 24, 2023 in these calculations. These calculations also assume there is no refinancing of debt.
Tobacco and Other Purchase Obligations
Tobacco purchase obligations result from contracts with suppliers, primarily in Africa, Europe, North America, and South America, to buy either specified quantities of tobacco or the supplier’s total tobacco production. Amounts shown as tobacco purchase obligations are estimates based on projected purchase prices of the future crop tobacco. Payment of these obligations is net of our advances to these suppliers. Our tobacco purchase obligations do not exceed our projected requirements over the related terms and are in the normal course of business. Other purchase obligations consist primarily of purchase commitments of agricultural material.
Amounts Guaranteed for Tobacco Suppliers
In Africa and South America, we provide guarantees to ensure financing is available to our tobacco suppliers. In the event these suppliers should default, we would be responsible for repayment of the funds provided to these suppliers. We also provide guarantees for the financing of certain unconsolidated subsidiaries in Asia and South America. Refer to "Note 22. Guarantees" to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information.
Planned Capital Expenditures
We are estimatin g $17.2 million i n capital investments, primarily in leaf operations, for the 2022 fiscal year for routine replacement of equipment, as well as investments in assets that will add value to the customer or increase efficiency.
Beneficial Interest in Receivables Sold
We sell accounts receivable under two revolving trade accounts receivable securitization programs. Under the agreements, we receive either 80% or 90% of the face value of the receivable sold, less contractual dilutions which limit the amount that may be outstanding from any one particular customer and insurance reserves that also have the effect of limiting the risk attributable to any one customer. Our beneficial interest is subordinate to the purchaser of the receivables. Refer to "Note 21. Securitized Receivables” to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information.
Tax and Repatriation Matters
We are subject to income tax laws in each of the countries in which we do business through wholly owned subsidiaries and through affiliates. We make a comprehensive review of the income tax requirements of each of our operations, file appropriate returns, and make appropriate income tax planning analyses directed toward the minimization of our income tax obligations in these countries. Appropriate income tax provisions are determined on an individual subsidiary level and at the corporate level on both an interim and annual basis. These processes are followed using an appropriate combination of internal staff at both the subsidiary and corporate levels as well as independent outside advisors in review of the various tax laws and in compliance reporting for the various operations. We regularly review the status of the accumulated unremitted earnings of each of our foreign subsidiaries. We would provide deferred income taxes, net of creditable foreign taxes, if applicable, on any earnings that are determined to no longer be indefinitely invested. Refer to "Note 9. Income Taxes” to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") requires the use of estimates and assumptions that have an impact on the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management considers an accounting estimate critical if it: (i) requires us to make judgments and estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain, (ii) it is important to an understanding of our financial condition or operating results, and (iii) has a material impact to the financial statements.
We base our estimates on currently available information, historical experience, and various other assumptions we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. Management has discussed the development, selection, and disclosure of our critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Management believes the following accounting estimates are most critical to our business operations and to an understanding of our financial condition and results of operations and reflect the more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Application of Fresh Start Reporting
We applied FASB ASC 852 in preparing the consolidated financial statements. For periods subsequent to the Chapter 11 filing and before emergence, ASC 852 requires distinguishing transactions associated with the reorganization separate from activities related to the ongoing operations of the business. Upon the effectiveness of the Plan and the emergence of the Debtors from the Chapter 11 Cases, the Company determined it qualified for fresh start reporting under ASC 852, which resulted in the Company becoming a new entity for financial reporting purposes on the Effective Date. We elected to apply fresh start reporting using a convenience date of August 31, 2020. We evaluated and concluded that the events between August 24, 2020 and August 31, 2020 were not material to our financial reporting on both a quantitative or qualitative basis.
In accordance with ASC 852 and the application of fresh start reporting, we allocated our reorganization value to our individual assets based on our estimated fair values in conformity with ASC 805, Business Combinations. Deferred income tax amounts were determined in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740"). Reorganization value represents the fair value of the Successor Company's assets before considering liabilities. The excess reorganization value over the fair value of identified tangible and intangible assets is reported as goodwill.
The Effective Date fair values of the Successor assets and liabilities differ materially from their recorded values as reflected on the historical balance sheet of the Predecessor and required the use of a number of judgments, assumptions, and estimates. It is reasonably possible that changes in these judgments, assumptions, and estimates could have a material effect on our allocation of reorganization value to our individual assets. Among the most material judgments, assumptions, and estimates utilized was our determination of reorganization value. The reorganization value was derived from, and falls within the court approved range of, enterprise values associated with the Plan. The enterprise values were based on management projections and the valuation models as determined by the Plan of Reorganization.
We determined the enterprise and corresponding equity value of the Successor using various valuation approaches and methods, including: (i) the income approach using a calculation of the present value of future cash flows based on our financial projections, (ii) the market approach using selling prices of similar business/assets and (iii) the cost approach, using estimated costs to replace or rebuild our assets. We primarily utilized the discounted cash flow (“DCF”) method of the income approach, utilizing detailed revenue and expense projections that reflected the financial and operational facts and circumstances specific to the business. Our future cash flows were projected based on estimates of future revenues, gross margins, operating income, capital expenditures, and other cash flow factors, including income taxes and net working capital requirements. We utilized estimated revenue growth rates and cash flow projections. The discount rates utilized in the DCF method were based on a weighted-average cost of capital determined from relevant market comparisons and adjusted for specific risk premiums, country risk premiums, and capital structure. A terminal value estimated growth rate was applied to the final year of the projected period and reflected our estimate of perpetual growth. We then calculated a present value of the respective cash flows and adjusted for the value of other aspects not reflected in the projections, such as excess net working capital, the value of non-consolidated investments, and non-operating assets and liabilities to arrive at an estimate of fair value under the income approach. We then reconciled the estimated fair value to the court approved range of enterprise values associated with the Plan . Refer to “Note 4. Fresh Start Reporting” to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information.
Income Taxes
Our annual effective income tax rate is based on our jurisdictional mix of pretax income, statutory tax rates, exchange rates, and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Tax laws are complex, subject to change, and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective governmental taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining our tax expense and in evaluating our tax positions including evaluating uncertainties under ASC 740. We record unrecognized tax benefits in multiple jurisdictions and evaluate the future potential outcomes of tax
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positions, based upon our interpretation of the country-specific tax law and the likelihood of future settlement. We review our tax positions quarterly and adjust the balances as new information becomes available.
Deferred income tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable on taxable income in future years. Such assets arise because of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as well as from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We evaluate the recoverability of these future tax deductions by assessing the impact from changes in or issuance of new tax law and the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies. These sources of income inherently rely on estimates. To provide insight, we use our historical experience along with our short and long-range business forecasts. In addition, we make adjustments to historical data for objectively verifiable information when deemed appropriate.
We believe it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred income tax assets may expire as unused and have established a valuation allowance against them. Although realization is not assured for the remaining deferred income tax assets, we believe it is more likely than not such remaining deferred tax assets will be fully recoverable within the applicable statutory expiration periods. However, deferred tax assets could be reduced in the near term if estimates of taxable income are significantly reduced or available tax planning strategies are no longer viable. Refer to "Note 9. Income Taxes” to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information.
Pensions and Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefits
The valuation of our pension and other postretirement health care and life insurance plans requires the use of assumptions and estimates that are used to develop actuarial valuations of expenses, assets and liabilities. These assumptions include discount rates, investment returns, projected salary increases and benefits and mortality rates. The significant assumptions used in the calculation of pension and postretirement obligations are:
• Discount rate: The discount rate is based on investment yields available at the measurement date on high-quality fixed income obligations, such as those included in the Moody’s Aa bond index.
• Salary increase assumption: The salary increase assumption reflects our expectations with respect to long-term salary increases of our workforce. Historical pay increases, expectations for the future, and anticipated inflation and promotion rates are considered in developing this assumption.
• Cash balance crediting rate: Interest is credited on cash balance accounts based on the yield on one-year Treasury Constant Maturities plus 1%. The assumed crediting rate thus considers the discount rate, current treasury rates, current inflation rates, and expectations for the future.
• Mortality rates: Mortality rates are based on gender-distinct group annuity mortality tables.
• Expected return on plan assets: The expected return reflects asset allocations, investment strategy, and our historical actual returns.
• Termination and retirement rates: Termination and retirement rates are based on standard tables reflecting past experience and anticipated future experience under the plan. No early retirement rates are used since benefits provided are actuarially equivalent and there are not early retirement subsidies in the plan.
• Inflation: The inflation assumption is based on an evaluation of external market indicators, including real gross domestic product growth and central bank inflation targets.
• Expected contributions: The expected amount and timing of contributions are based on an assessment of minimum requirements, cash availability, and other considerations (e.g., funded status, avoidance of regulatory premiums, and levies, and tax efficiency).
• Health care cost trends: The health care cost trend assumptions are developed based on historical cost data, the near-term outlook, and an assessment of likely long-term trends.
Assumptions are set at each year-end and are generally not changed during the year unless there is a major plan event such as a curtailment or settlement that would trigger a plan remeasurement.
Management periodically reviews actual demographic experience as it compares to the actuarial assumptions. Changes in assumptions are made if there are significant deviations or if future expectations change significantly. Based upon anticipated changes in assumptions, pension and postretirement expense is expected to decrease b y $0.8 million i n the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 as compared to March 31, 2021. Th e cash contribution to our employee benefit plans in fiscal 2021 for the seven months ended March 31, 2021 and the five months ended August 31, 2020 were $3.8 million and $2.3 million respectively, and is expected to be $5.9 million in fiscal 2022.
The effect of actual results differing from our assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods. Changes in other assumptions and future investment returns could potentially have a material impact on our pension and postretirement expenses and related funding requirements. The effect of a change in certain assumptions is shown below:
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(in thousands) Estimated Change
in Projected
Benefit Obligation
Increase (Decrease) Estimated Change in
Annual Expense
Increase (Decrease)
Change in Assumption (Pension and Postretirement Plans)
1% increase in discount rate $ (15,002) $ 651
1% decrease in discount rate $ 17,490 $ (787)
1% increase in salary increase assumption $ 171 $ 42
1% decrease in salary increase assumption $ (159) $ (41)
1% increase in cash balance crediting rate $ 814 $ 24
1% decrease in cash balance crediting rate $ (733) $ (21)
1% increase in rate of return on assets $ (947)
1% decrease in rate of return on assets $ 947
Changes in assumptions for other postretirement benefits are no longer applicable as the benefit is capped and no longer subject to inflation. Refer to "Note 25. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits" to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Information with respect to recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted is included in "Note 2. New Accounting Standards" to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements," which information is incorporated by reference herein.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Derivatives policies
Hedging foreign exchange exposure using forward contracts are specifically contemplated to manage risk in accordance with management's policies and reduce the risks inherent in currency fluctuations. We do not utilize derivatives for speculative purposes or enter into market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes. Derivatives are transaction specific such that a specific contract or invoice determines the amount, maturity, and other specifics of the hedge.
Foreign exchange rates
Our business is generally conducted in USD, as is the business of the tobacco industry as a whole. However, local country operating costs, including the purchasing and processing costs for tobaccos, are subject to the effects of exchange fluctuations of the local currency against the USD. We attempt to minimize such currency risks by matching the timing of our working capital borrowing needs against the tobacco purchasing and processing funds requirements in the currency of the country where the tobacco is grown. Also, in some cases, our sales pricing arrangements with our customers allow adjustments for the effect of currency exchange fluctuations on local purchasing and processing costs. Fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies can significantly affect our operating results. In our cost of goods and services sold, we have recognized exchange (losses) gains of $(1.8) million, $1.4 million, $(4.7) million, and $4.0 million for the seven months ended March 31, 2021, the five months ended August 31, 2020, and the fiscal years ended 2020 and 2019, respectively. We recognized exchange losses of $(0.1) million, $(0.1) million, $(1.2) million, and $(1.6) million related to tax balances in our tax expense for the seven months ended March 31, 2021, the five months ended August 31, 2020, and the fiscal years ended 2020 and 2019, respectively. In addition, foreign currency fluctuations in the Euro and (U.K.) Sterling can significantly impact the currency translation adjustment component of accumulated other comprehensive income. We recognized (losses) gains of $(4.6) million, $4.4 million, ($0.5) million, and $(9.3) million for the seven months ended March 31, 2021, the five months ended August 31, 2020, and the fiscal years ended 2020 and 2019, respectively, as a result of fluctuations in these currencies.
Our consolidated SG&A expenses denominated in foreign currencies are subject to translation risks from currency exchange fluctuations. These foreign denominated expenses accounted for approximately 28.3% or $31.1 million of our total SG&A expenses for the seven months ended March 31, 2021 and approximately 19.9% or $17.5 million of our total SG&A expenses for the five months ended August 31, 2020. A 10% change in the value of the USD relative to those currencies would have caused the reported value of those expenses to increase or decrease by approximately $3.1 million and $1.8 million for the seven months ended March 31, 2021 and the five months ended August 31, 2020, respectively.
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Interest rates
We manage our exposure to interest rate risk through the proportion of fixed rate and variable rate debt in our total debt portfolio. A 1% change in variable interest rates would have increased or decreased our reported interest cost by approximately $7.6 million and $3.7 million for the seven months ended March 31, 2021 and the five months ended August 31, 2020, respectively. A substantial portion of our borrowings are denominated in USD and bear interest at commonly quoted rates.
The Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom intends to phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. Our seasonal foreign credit lines that contain interest rates benchmarked to LIBOR will include negotiated terms in consideration of this discontinuation for next season's financing. See "Item 1A. Risk Factors" for further information.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Table of Contents
Page No.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
48
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
49
Consolidated Balance Sheets
50
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
51
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
52
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
53
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
115
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Pyxus International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Successor Predecessor
(in thousands, except per share data) Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended March 31, 2020 Year ended March 31, 2019
Sales and other operating revenues $ 884,328 $ 447,600 $ 1,527,261 $ 1,801,593
Cost of goods and services sold 767,855 402,594 1,302,582 1,550,779
Gross profit 116,473 45,006 224,679 250,814
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 110,007 87,858 199,016 172,831
Other (expense) income, net ( 9,615 ) ( 539 ) 2,133 14,217
Restructuring and asset impairment charges 11,817 566 5,646 4,946
Goodwill impairment 1,082 — 33,759 —
Operating (loss) income ( 16,048 ) ( 43,957 ) ( 11,609 ) 87,254
Loss on deconsolidation of subsidiaries 70,242 — — —
Debt retirement expense (benefit) — 828 — ( 1,753 )
Interest expense 56,724 46,616 136,656 135,553
Interest income 1,348 1,426 3,850 3,629
Reorganization items:
Gain on settlement of liabilities subject to compromise — 462,304 — —
Professional fees — ( 30,526 ) — —
United States trustee fees — ( 970 ) — —
Write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and discount — ( 5,303 ) — —
Issuance of exit facility shares and DIP financing fees — ( 208,538 ) — —
Other debt restructuring costs — ( 19,442 ) — —
Fresh start reporting adjustments — ( 91,541 ) — —
(Loss) income before income taxes and other items ( 141,666 ) 16,009 ( 144,415 ) ( 42,917 )
Income tax expense 13,215 292 131,789 37,840
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net 11,875 2,358 5,885 9,589
Net (loss) income ( 143,006 ) 18,075 ( 270,319 ) ( 71,168 )
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests ( 6,320 ) ( 962 ) ( 5,658 ) ( 701 )
Net (loss) income attributable to Pyxus International, Inc. $ ( 136,686 ) $ 19,037 $ ( 264,661 ) $ ( 70,467 )
(Loss) earnings per share:
Basic $ ( 5.47 ) $ 1.91 $ ( 28.93 ) $ ( 7.78 )
Diluted $ ( 5.47 ) $ 1.91 $ ( 28.93 ) $ ( 7.78 )
See "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements"
48
Pyxus International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Successor Predecessor
(in thousands) Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended March 31, 2020 Year ended March 31, 2019
Net (loss) income $ ( 143,006 ) $ 18,075 $ ( 270,319 ) $ ( 71,168 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment ( 5,004 ) 4,377 ( 583 ) ( 9,048 )
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans 541 734 ( 405 ) ( 1,238 )
Cash flow hedges ( 2,625 ) ( 531 ) 3,145 ( 2,614 )
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax ( 7,088 ) 4,580 2,157 ( 12,900 )
Total comprehensive (loss) income ( 150,094 ) 22,655 ( 268,162 ) ( 84,068 )
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests ( 6,675 ) ( 1,030 ) ( 5,711 ) ( 452 )
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Pyxus International, Inc. $ ( 143,419 ) $ 23,685 $ ( 262,451 ) $ ( 83,616 )
See "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements"
49
Pyxus International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Successor Predecessor
(in thousands) March 31, 2021 March 31, 2020
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 92,705 $ 170,208
Restricted cash 4,619 2,486
Trade receivables, net 175,912 226,742
Other receivables 12,445 12,997
Accounts receivable, related parties 3,585 5,030
Notes receivable, related parties 11,890 406
Inventories, net 727,893 730,019
Advances to tobacco suppliers, net 43,569 38,877
Recoverable income taxes 4,781 7,562
Prepaid expenses 29,532 23,383
Other current assets 15,569 14,658
Total current assets 1,122,500 1,232,368
Restricted cash 389 389
Long-term notes receivable, related parties 21 7,450
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 96,356 67,967
Goodwill 36,853 —
Other intangible assets, net 51,417 65,948
Deferred income taxes, net 7,063 2
Long-term recoverable income taxes 4,133 3,038
Other noncurrent assets 40,334 48,434
Right-of-use assets 40,259 41,471
Property, plant, and equipment, net 140,137 295,996
Total assets $ 1,539,462 $ 1,763,063
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities
Notes payable to banks $ 372,174 $ 540,157
Accounts payable 103,500 67,094
Accounts payable, related parties 22,376 11,820
Advances from customers 12,120 18,810
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 71,656 89,928
Income taxes payable 8,254 5,049
Operating leases payable 9,529 11,160
Current portion of long-term debt 2,122 45,048
Total current liabilities 601,731 789,066
Long-term taxes payable 7,623 8,543
Long-term debt 551,235 904,316
Deferred income taxes 12,944 22,903
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits 14,835 12,311
Long-term leases 29,508 27,843
Pension, postretirement, and other long-term liabilities 67,646 74,389
Total liabilities 1,285,522 1,839,371
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock— no par value:
250,000 authorized shares, 25,000 issued and outstanding ( 9,976 at March 31, 2020)
391,089 469,677
Retained deficit ( 136,686 ) ( 488,545 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss ( 6,733 ) ( 59,132 )
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) of Pyxus International, Inc. 247,670 ( 78,000 )
Noncontrolling interests 6,270 1,692
Total stockholders' equity (deficit) 253,940 ( 76,308 )
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,539,462 $ 1,763,063
See "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements"
50
Pyxus International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Attributable to Pyxus International, Inc.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
(in thousands) Common
Stock Retained
(Deficit) Earnings Currency
Translation
Adjustment Pensions,
Net of Tax Derivatives,
Net of Tax Noncontrolling
Interest Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Balance, March 31, 2020 (Predecessor) $ 469,677 $ ( 488,545 ) $ ( 22,509 ) $ ( 37,154 ) $ 531 $ 1,692 $ ( 76,308 )
Net loss — ( 92,161 ) — — — ( 648 ) ( 92,809 )
Stock-based compensation 117 — — — — — 117
Dividends paid — — — — — ( 120 ) ( 120 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax — — ( 64 ) 494 ( 531 ) ( 76 ) ( 177 )
Balance, June 30, 2020 (Predecessor) 469,794 ( 580,706 ) ( 22,573 ) ( 36,660 ) — 848 ( 169,297 )
Net income — 111,198 — — — ( 314 ) 110,884
Stock-based compensation 8 — — — — — 8
Dividends paid — — — — — ( 180 ) ( 180 )
Change in investment in subsidiaries ( 1,655 ) — — — — ( 461 ) ( 2,116 )
Other comprehensive income, net of tax — — 4,509 240 — 8 4,757
Cancellation of Predecessor equity ( 468,147 ) 469,508 18,064 36,420 — 99 55,944
Balance, August 31, 2020 (Predecessor) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Balance, September 1, 2020 (Successor) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Issuance of Successor common stock 391,402 — — — — — 391,402
Fresh start adjustment to noncontrolling interests — — — — — 4,359 4,359
Net loss — ( 5,313 ) — — — ( 485 ) ( 5,798 )
Dividends paid — — — — — ( 123 ) ( 123 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax — — ( 828 ) — — 21 ( 807 )
Balance, September 30, 2020 (Successor) 391,402 ( 5,313 ) ( 828 ) — — 3,772 389,033
Net loss — ( 8,165 ) — — — ( 55 ) ( 8,220 )
Fresh start adjustments ( 313 ) — — — — ( 246 ) ( 559 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax — — ( 3 ) 47 ( 619 ) ( 142 ) ( 717 )
Balance, December 31, 2020 (Successor) 391,089 ( 13,478 ) ( 831 ) 47 ( 619 ) 3,329 379,537
Net loss — ( 123,208 ) — — — ( 5,780 ) ( 128,988 )
Deconsolidation of subsidiaries — — — — — 8,972 8,972
Dividends paid — — — — — ( 17 ) ( 17 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax — — ( 3,818 ) 494 ( 2,006 ) ( 234 ) ( 5,564 )
Balance, March 31, 2021 (Successor) $ 391,089 $ ( 136,686 ) $ ( 4,649 ) $ 541 $ ( 2,625 ) $ 6,270 $ 253,940
Pyxus International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (continued)
Attributable to Pyxus International, Inc.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
(in thousands) Common
Stock Retained
Deficit Currency
Translation
Adjustment Pensions,
Net of Tax Derivatives,
Net of Tax Noncontrolling
Interest Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Balance, March 31, 2019 (Predecessor) $ 468,936 $ ( 223,884 ) $ ( 21,979 ) $ ( 36,749 ) $ ( 2,614 ) $ 8,309 $ 192,019
Net loss attributable to Pyxus International, Inc. — ( 61,797 ) — — — ( 366 ) ( 62,163 )
Stock-based compensation 429 — — — — — 429
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax — — ( 430 ) 311 369 30 280
Balance, June 30, 2019 (Predecessor) 469,365 ( 285,681 ) ( 22,409 ) ( 36,438 ) ( 2,245 ) 7,973 130,565
Net loss attributable to Pyxus International, Inc. — ( 16,518 ) — — — ( 86 ) ( 16,604 )
Restricted stock surrender ( 12 ) — — — — — ( 12 )
Stock-based compensation 383 — — — — — 383
Dividends paid — — — — — ( 480 ) ( 480 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax — — ( 1,925 ) ( 1,701 ) 1,428 ( 19 ) ( 2,217 )
Balance, September 30, 2019 (Predecessor) 469,736 ( 302,199 ) ( 24,334 ) ( 38,139 ) ( 817 ) 7,388 111,635
Net loss attributable to Pyxus International, Inc. — ( 21,993 ) — — — ( 453 ) ( 22,446 )
Stock-based compensation 242 — — — — — 242
Purchase of noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary ( 528 ) — 33 — — ( 426 ) ( 921 )
Other comprehensive income, net of tax — — 1,789 1,111 576 48 3,524
Balance, December 31, 2019 (Predecessor) 469,450 ( 324,192 ) ( 22,512 ) ( 37,028 ) ( 241 ) 6,557 92,034
Net loss attributable to Pyxus International, Inc. — ( 164,353 ) — — — ( 4,753 ) ( 169,106 )
Stock-based compensation 227 — — — — — 227
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax — — 3 ( 126 ) 772 ( 112 ) 537
Balance, March 31, 2020 (Predecessor) $ 469,677 $ ( 488,545 ) $ ( 22,509 ) $ ( 37,154 ) $ 531 $ 1,692 $ ( 76,308 )
Pyxus International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (continued)
Attributable to Pyxus International, Inc.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
(in thousands) Common
Stock Retained
Deficit Currency
Translation
Adjustment Pensions,
Net of Tax Derivatives,
Net of Tax Noncontrolling
Interest Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Balance, March 31, 2018 (Predecessor) $ 473,476 $ ( 156,348 ) $ ( 12,682 ) $ ( 32,580 ) $ — $ 10,962 $ 282,828
Net loss attributable to Pyxus International, Inc. — ( 759 ) — — — ( 654 ) ( 1,413 )
Stock-based compensation 295 — — — — — 295
Purchase of investment in subsidiary — — — — — 5,531 5,531
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax — — ( 5,136 ) 366 ( 1,496 ) ( 175 ) ( 6,441 )
Balance, June 30, 2018 (Predecessor) 473,771 ( 157,107 ) ( 17,818 ) ( 32,214 ) ( 1,496 ) 15,664 280,800
Net loss attributable to Pyxus International, Inc. — ( 54,634 ) — — — ( 208 ) ( 54,842 )
Restricted stock surrender ( 8 ) — — — — — ( 8 )
Stock-based compensation 458 — — — — — 458
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax — — ( 257 ) 973 780 251 1,747
Balance, September 30, 2018 (Predecessor) 474,221 ( 211,741 ) ( 18,075 ) ( 31,241 ) ( 716 ) 15,707 228,155
Net (loss) income attributable to Pyxus International, Inc. — ( 5,095 ) — — — 93 ( 5,002 )
Restricted stock surrender ( 20 ) — — — — — ( 20 )
Stock-based compensation 402 — — — — — 402
Dividends paid — — — — — ( 390 ) ( 390 )
Impact of adoption of ASU 2018-02 — 2,931 — ( 2,931 ) — — —
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax — — ( 1,787 ) ( 877 ) ( 1,591 ) ( 523 ) ( 4,778 )
Balance, December 31, 2018 (Predecessor) 474,603 ( 213,905 ) ( 19,862 ) ( 35,049 ) ( 2,307 ) 14,887 218,367
Net (loss) income attributable to Pyxus International, Inc. — ( 9,979 ) — — — 68 ( 9,911 )
Stock-based compensation 389 — — — — — 389
Dividends paid — — — — — ( 330 ) ( 330 )
Purchase of noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary ( 6,056 ) — ( 461 ) — — ( 7,012 ) ( 13,529 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax — — ( 1,656 ) ( 1,700 ) ( 307 ) 696 ( 2,967 )
Balance, March 31, 2019 (Predecessor) $ 468,936 $ ( 223,884 ) $ ( 21,979 ) $ ( 36,749 ) $ ( 2,614 ) $ 8,309 $ 192,019
See "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements"
51
Pyxus International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Successor Predecessor
(in thousands) Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended March 31, 2020 Year ended March 31, 2019
Operating activities:
Net (loss) income $ ( 143,006 ) $ 18,075 $ ( 270,319 ) $ ( 71,168 )
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 11,839 16,580 35,828 35,747
Loss on deconsolidation of subsidiaries 70,242 — — —
Debt amortization/interest 11,272 4,862 12,875 11,843
(Gain) loss on foreign currency transactions ( 4,512 ) ( 11,077 ) 14,105 ( 2,383 )
Asset impairment charges 4,001 213 34,813 891
Bad debt expenses (recovery) 5,700 ( 1,037 ) 8,644 6,821
(Income) loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends ( 11,735 ) 2,915 820 ( 3,936 )
Reorganization items — ( 130,215 ) — —
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:
Trade and other receivables ( 128,114 ) 10,101 ( 186,334 ) ( 258,984 )
Inventories and advances to tobacco suppliers 112,062 ( 123,833 ) ( 82,639 ) 32,725
Deferred items 3,309 637 105,977 9,356
Recoverable income taxes ( 1,189 ) 1,737 ( 2,955 ) ( 884 )
Payables and accrued expenses 44,923 3,821 ( 15,607 ) 7,435
Advances from customers ( 4,801 ) 562 3,354 ( 5,703 )
Current derivative asset ( 917 ) — — ( 3,495 )
Prepaid expenses 6,941 ( 2,812 ) ( 16,945 ) ( 1,916 )
Income taxes 457 4,188 2,462 ( 2,302 )
Other operating assets and liabilities ( 16,127 ) 39,092 ( 11,388 ) ( 1,900 )
Other, net ( 4,820 ) ( 15,870 ) 8,687 ( 428 )
Net cash used by operating activities ( 44,475 ) ( 182,061 ) ( 358,622 ) ( 248,281 )
Investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment ( 16,628 ) ( 7,757 ) ( 61,063 ) ( 47,539 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment 947 311 9,677 5,148
Collections on beneficial interests on securitized trade receivables 94,062 74,328 240,994 242,966
Loans to unconsolidated affiliates — — ( 5,250 ) —
DIP loan to deconsolidated subsidiary ( 5,790 ) — — —
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired — ( 4,805 ) — —
Payments to acquire additional interests, net of cash acquired — — — ( 8,692 )
Other, net ( 767 ) ( 420 ) ( 3,005 ) 3,391
Net cash provided by investing activities 71,824 61,657 181,353 195,274
Financing activities:
Net proceeds (repayments) of short-term borrowings ( 83,895 ) ( 99,969 ) 122,524 23,043
Proceeds from DIP facility — 206,700 — —
Repayment of DIP facility — ( 213,418 ) — —
Proceeds from term loan facility — 213,418 — —
Proceeds from 10.0 % first lien notes
— 280,844 — —
Repayment of 8.5 % first lien notes
— ( 280,844 ) — —
Proceeds from revolving loan facilities 37,500 27,438 44,900 —
Proceeds from long-term borrowings 670 2,568 500 —
Repayment of long-term borrowings ( 119 ) ( 93 ) ( 335 ) ( 25,132 )
Repayment of revolving loan facilities — ( 44,900 ) — —
Repayment of second lien notes — ( 1,199 ) — —
Share repurchases — ( 1,000 ) — —
Debt issuance costs ( 3,291 ) ( 8,486 ) ( 6,313 ) ( 5,285 )
Additional investment in consolidated affiliates — — ( 921 ) ( 13,470 )
DIP financing fees — ( 9,344 ) — —
Other debt restructuring costs — ( 7,574 ) — —
Other, net ( 183 ) ( 472 ) ( 480 ) ( 788 )
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities ( 49,318 ) 63,669 159,875 ( 21,632 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 1,706 1,628 ( 7,333 ) 4,416
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash ( 20,263 ) ( 55,107 ) ( 24,727 ) ( 70,223 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 93,138 170,208 192,043 264,660
Restricted cash at beginning of period 24,838 2,875 5,767 3,373
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 97,713 $ 117,976 $ 173,083 $ 197,810
Other information:
Cash paid for income taxes, net $ 11,724 $ 5,560 $ 20,549 $ 26,634
Cash paid for interest 44,314 54,233 121,179 125,055
Cash received from interest ( 1,444 ) ( 1,356 ) ( 4,066 ) ( 3,845 )
Cash paid for reorganization items — 7,314 — —
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment included in accounts payable 1,060 1,759 2,087 7,095
Sales of property, plant, and equipment included in notes receivable 81 304 334 1,957
Noncash amounts obtained as a beneficial interest in exchange for transferring trade receivables in a securitization transaction 105,118 66,821 229,751 247,386
Cancellation of second lien notes — ( 634,487 ) — —
See "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements"
52
Pyxus International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share data)
Note 1
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
54
Note 2
New Accounting Standards
62
Note 3
Emergence from Voluntary Reorganization under Chapter 11
63
Note 4
Fresh Start Reporting
66
Note 5
CCAA Proceeding and Deconsolidation of Subsidiaries
71
Note 6
Revenue Recognition
72
Note 7
Other Income, Net
74
Note 8
Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges
74
Note 9
Income Taxes
76
Note 10
(Loss) Earnings Per Share
81
Note 11
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
82
Note 12
Inventories, Net
82
Note 13
Advances to Tobacco Suppliers, Net
82
Note 14
Acquisitions
82
Note 15
Equity Method Investments
84
Note 16
Variable Interest Entities
85
Note 17
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net
86
Note 18
Leases
87
Note 19
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net
88
Note 20
Debt Arrangements
89
Note 21
Securitized Receivables
95
Note 22
Guarantees
96
Note 23
Derivative Financial Instruments
96
Note 24
Fair Value Measurements
97
Note 25
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
99
Note 26
Contingencies and Other Information
106
Note 27
Other Comprehensive Loss
108
Note 28
Related Party Transactions
109
Note 29
Segment Information
110
Note 30
Subsequent Event s
112
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1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Pyxus International, Inc. (the “Company” or “Pyxus”) is a global agricultural company with more than 145 years of experience delivering value-added products and services to businesses and customers. The Company is a trusted provider of responsibly sourced, independently verified, sustainable, and traceable products and ingredients. As the context requires, the “Company” and “Pyxus” also includes the consolidated subsidiaries of Pyxus International, Inc.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable to annual reporting on Form 10-K.
The Company applied Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 852, Reorganizations (“ASC 852”) in preparing the consolidated financial statements. For periods subsequent to the Chapter 11 filing, ASC 852 requires distinguishing transactions associated with the reorganization separate from activities related to the ongoing operations of the business. Upon the effectiveness of the Plan and the emergence of the Debtors from the Chapter 11 Cases, the Company determined it qualified for fresh start reporting under ASC 852, which resulted in the Company becoming a new entity for financial reporting purposes on the Effective Date (as defined below). The Company elected to apply fresh start reporting using a convenience date of August 31, 2020 (the “Fresh Start Reporting Date”). The Company evaluated and concluded that the events between August 24, 2020 and August 31, 2020 were not material to the Company's financial reporting on both a quantitative or qualitative basis. Refer to “ Note 4. Fresh Start Reporting ” for additional information.
Due to the application of fresh start reporting, the pre-emergence and post-emergence periods are not comparable. The lack of comparability is emphasized by the use of a “black line” to separate the Predecessor and Successor periods in the consolidated financial statements and footnote tables. References to “Successor” relate to our financial position and results of operations after August 31, 2020. References to “Predecessor” relate to our financial position and results of operations on or before August 31, 2020.
Bankruptcy Proceedings
On June 15, 2020 (the "Petition Date"), Old Holdco, Inc. (then named Pyxus International, Inc.) (“Old Pyxus”) and its then subsidiaries Alliance One International, LLC, Alliance One North America, LLC, Alliance One Specialty Products, LLC, and GSP Properties, LLC (collectively, the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions (the “Chapter 11 Cases”) under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code with the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”) to implement a prepackaged Chapter 11 plan of reorganization to effectuate a financial restructuring (the “Restructuring”) of Old Pyxus’ secured debt. On August 21, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court issued an order (the “Confirmation Order”) confirming the Amended Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”) filed by the Debtors in the Chapter 11 Cases. On August 24, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), the Plan became effective in accordance with its terms, and the Debtors emerged from the Chapter 11 Cases. In connection with the satisfaction of the conditions to effectiveness as set forth in the Confirmation Order and the Plan, Old Pyxus completed a series of transactions pursuant to which the business assets and operations of Old Pyxus were vested in a new Virginia corporation, Pyxus Holdings, Inc., which is a subsidiary of the Company. Pursuant to the Confirmation Order and the Plan, at the effectiveness of the plan all outstanding shares of common stock, and rights to acquire the common stock, of Old Pyxus were cancelled and the shares of common stock of the Company were delivered to certain creditors of Old Pyxus. Refer to “ Note 3. Emergence from Voluntary Reorganization under Chapter 11 ” for additional information.
Reorganization Items
Expenditures, gains, and losses that were realized or incurred by the Debtors subsequent to the Petition Date and as a direct result of the Chapter 11 Cases are reported as reorganization items in the consolidated statements of operations. Reorganization items are primarily composed of write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and discount, fresh start reporting adjustments, legal, valuation, and consulting professional fees pertaining to the Chapter 11 Cases, United States trustee fees, DIP financing fees, other debt restructuring costs, gain on settlement of liabilities subject to compromise, and the issuance of exit facility shares.
COVID-19
We continue to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our Company and our workforce. In March 2020, the World Health Organization recognized the COVID-19 outbreak as a global pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic and government actions implemented to contain further spread of COVID-19 have severely restricted economic activity around the world. Our production facilities are still operating but, in some instances, at lower production levels than planned due to social distancing requirements and safety practices implemented in accordance with Company policy. We continue to monitor the measures we implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and make updates and improvements, as necessary. While our supply chains and distribution channels continue to experience delays due to COVID-19, we currently have adequate supply of products to meet the near-term forecasted demand. In addition, we have experienced procedural delays during fulfillment of customer orders for leaf tobacco due to COVID-19.
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Broad economic factors from the COVID-19 pandemic, including increasing unemployment rates and reduced consumer spending, may extend billing and collection cycles. Deterioration in the collectability of accounts receivable from extended billing and collection cycles would adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows, leading to working capital constraints. If general economic conditions in the markets in which we operate continue to deteriorate or remain uncertain for an extended period of time, our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows will be adversely affected. Due to the scope of our operations, including emerging markets, and our sale to customers around the world, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and the demand for our products may not coincide with impacts experienced in the United States in the event that the impacts in the United States improve over time due to increased vaccinations or improved medical treatments. Accordingly, to the extent that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States may improve over time, results of operations may continue to be adversely affected by COVID-19 impacts in other areas of the world. We cannot predict the extent or duration of the COVID pandemic, the effects of the COVID pandemic on the global, national or local economy, or the effect of the COVID pandemic on our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
CCAA Proceeding
On January 21, 2021, Figr Norfolk Inc. (“Figr Norfolk”) and Figr Brands, Inc. (“Figr Brands”), which are indirect subsidiaries of the Company, and Canada’s Island Garden Inc. (“Figr East,” and together with Figr Norfolk and Figr Brands, the “Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries”), which, prior to its sale on June 28, 2021 was an indirect subsidiary of the Company, applied for relief from their respective creditors pursuant to Canada’s Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (the “CCAA”) in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) (the “Canadian Court”) in Ontario, Canada as Court File No. CV-21-00655373-00CL (the “CCAA Proceeding”). On January 21, 2021 (the “Order Date”), upon application by the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, the Canadian Court issued an order for creditor protection of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries pursuant to the provisions of the CCAA and the appointment of FTI Consulting Canada Inc. to serve as the Canadian Court-appointed monitor of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries during the pendency of the CCAA Proceeding (the “Monitor”).
The Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries collectively operate businesses, under licenses issued by Health Canada, for the production and sale of cannabis products to retailers in Canada. The Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries are the only subsidiaries of the Company engaged in such business. Refer to “ Note 5. CCAA Proceeding and Deconsolidation of Subsidiaries ” for additional information.
Deconsolidation
In accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation ("ASC 810"), a parent company must deconsolidate a subsidiary as of the date the parent ceases to have a controlling financial interest in that subsidiary, or if the parent no longer has the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the subsidiary’s economic performance. Due to the CCAA Proceeding, the Company lost control of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries and they were deconsolidated from the Company's financial statements as of the Order Date due to the CCAA Proceeding and the appointment of the Monitor. Prior to the deconsolidation of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, they comprised an operating segment within the Other Products and Services reportable segment. Refer to "Note 5. CCAA Proceeding and Deconsolidation of Subsidiaries" for additional information.
Related Party Relationship
The commencement of the CCAA Proceeding and the subsequent deconsolidation results in transactions with the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries no longer being eliminated in consolidation. As such, transactions between the Company and the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries are treated as related party transactions. Refer to "Note 28. Related Party Transactions" for transactions between the Company and the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries from January 21, 2021 to March 31, 2021.
Discontinued Operations
The Company determined the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries do not meet the qualifications as outlined under ASC 205-20, Discontinued Operations ("ASC 205-20") to be reported as discontinued operations. The Company reached this conclusion as the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries do not represent, individually or in the aggregate, a ‘strategic shift’ that has a major effect on the consolidated operations and financial results of the Company.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Equity Method Investments
The Company’s equity method investments and its cost method investments are non-marketable securities. When not required to consolidate its investment in another entity, the Company uses the equity method if it (i) can exercise significant influence over the other entity, and (ii) holds common stock and/or in-substance common stock of the other entity. Under the equity method, investments are carried at cost, plus or minus the Company’s equity in the increases or decreases of the investee’s net assets after the date of acquisition. The Company continually monitors its equity method investments for factors indicating
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other-than-temporary impairment. The Company's proportionate share of the net income or loss of these entities is included in income from unconsolidated affiliates, net within the consolidated statements of operations. Dividends received from the investee reduce the carrying amount of the investment. Distributions from equity method investees are accounted for based on the cumulative earnings approach to determine whether they represent a return of investment, or a return on investment.
Variable Interest Entities
The Company holds variable interests in multiple variable interest entities, which primarily procure or process inventory on behalf of the Company or are securitization entities. These variable interests relate to equity investments, receivables, guarantees, and securitized receivables. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of the majority of these entities as it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entities, due to the entities’ management and board of directors’ structure. As a result, the majority of these variable interest entities are not consolidated. The Company holds a majority voting interest and is the primary beneficiary of its variable interest in Criticality and Humble Juice, consolidated entities for which the related intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Creditors of the Company’s variable interest entities do not have recourse against the general credit of the Company.
The Company's investments in unconsolidated variable interest entities are classified as investments in unconsolidated affiliates in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company's receivables with variable interest entities are classified as long-term notes receivable, related parties and accounts receivable, related parties in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company's maximum exposure to loss in these variable interest entities is represented by the investments, receivables, guarantees, and the deferred purchase price on the sale of securitized receivables.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. These estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from the Company's estimates and assumptions. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, determining the entity's enterprise value upon emergence from the Chapter 11 Cases, revenue recognition, pension and postretirement health care benefits, inventory reserves, accounts receivable reserves, bank loan guarantees to suppliers and unconsolidated subsidiaries, useful lives for depreciation and amortization, future cash flows associated with impairment testing for long-lived assets, deferred tax assets an d uncertain income tax positions, intrastate tax credits in Brazil, fair value determinations of financial assets and liabilities, including derivatives, securitized beneficial interests, and counterparty risk.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Segment Information
As a result of the deconsolidation of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, as of March 31, 2021, t he Company's operations are managed and reported in nine operating segments that are organized by product category and geographic area and aggregated into three reportable segments for financial reporting purposes: Leaf - North America, Leaf - Other Regions, and Other Products and Services. In reviewing operations, the Company concluded that the economic characteristics of Leaf - North America operations were dissimilar from the other Leaf geographic operating segments in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America, which have been consolidated into one reportable segment, "Leaf - Other Regions". The four other operating segments are aggregated into the "Other Products and Services" reportable segment as they do not meet the quantitative thresholds to be individually reportable. The Other Products and Services segment included, for periods prior to the Order Date, the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries. These segment groupings are consistent with information used by the chief operating decision maker to assess performance and allocate resources.
The types of products and services from which each reportable segment derived its revenues during the reported periods are as follows:
• Leaf - North America ships tobacco to manufacturers of cigarettes and other consumer tobacco products around the world. Leaf - North America is more concentrated on processing and other activities compared to the rest of the world.
• Leaf - Other Regions ships tobacco to manufacturers of cigarettes and other consumer tobacco products around the world. Leaf - Other Regions sells a small amount of processed but un-threshed flue-cured and burley tobacco in loose-leaf and bundle form to certain customers.
• Other Products and Services primarily consists of e-liquid products and industrial hemp and included, for periods prior to the Order Date, the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries. E-liquids and industrial hemp products are sold through retailers and directly to consumers via e-commerce platforms and other distribution channels. The Canadian Cannabis
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Subsidiaries collectively operate businesses, under licenses issued by Health Canada, for the production and sale of cannabis products to retailers in Canada.
The Company evaluates the operating performance of its segments based upon information included in management reports. Corporate general expenses are allocated to the segments based upon segment selling, general, and administrative expenses.
Revenue Recognition
The Company's revenue consists primarily of the sale of processed tobacco and fees charged for processing and related services to the manufacturers of tobacco products. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer. The Company’s performance obligations are satisfied when the transfer of control of the distinct product or service to the customer occurs. For products, control is transferred and revenue is recognized at a point in time, in accordance with the shipping terms of the contract. For services, control is transferred and revenue is recognized over time using the input method based on a kilogram of packed tobacco. A kilogram of processed tobacco (or tobacco processing services resulting in a kilogram of processed tobacco) is the only material and distinct performance obligation for the Company’s tobacco revenue streams. Consideration is attributed to the performance of this obligation. The Company does not disclose information related to its unsatisfied performance obligations with an expected duration of one year or less.
Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Contract costs primarily include labor, material, shipping and handling, and overhead expenses.
Contract Balances
The Company generally records a receivable when revenue is recognized as the timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of payment from customers. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract, although terms generally include a requirement of payment within 30 to 60 days. The Company's trade receivables do not bear interest, and they are recorded at the invoiced amount less an estimated allowance for expected credit losses. In addition to estimating an allowance based on specific identification of certain receivables that have a higher probability of not being paid, the Company also records an estimate for expected credit losses for the remaining receivables in the aggregate using a loss-rate method that considers historical bad debts, age of customer receivable balances, and current customer receivable balances. Additionally, the Company considers future reasonable and supportable forecasts of economic conditions to adjust historical loss rate percentages as necessary. Balances are written-off when determined to be uncollectible. T he provision for expected credit losses is recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Significant Judgments
The Company has identified two main forms of variable consideration in its contracts with customers: warehousing fees for storing customer-controlled tobacco until the customer requests shipment and claims resulting from tobacco that does not meet customer specifications. Warehousing fees are either included in the price of tobacco based on the customers' best estimate of the date they will request shipment or separately charged using a per-day storage rate. When the Company enters into a contract with a customer, the price communicated is the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive. Price adjustments for tobacco not meeting customer specifications for shrinkage, improper blend, or chemical makeup, etc. are handled through a claims allowance that is assessed quarterly. Since the Company has a large number of customer contracts with similar characteristics, the volume of tobacco sold each year is substantial, and the Company has historical data related to claims, the Company is able to estimate the amount of expected claims using the expected value method.
Taxes Collected from Customers
Certain subsidiaries are subject to value-added taxes on local sales. Value-added taxes on local sales are recorded in sales and other operating revenues and cost of goods and services sold in the consolidated statements of operations.
Shipping and Handling
The Company elected to account for shipping and handling as activities to fulfill its performance obligations, regardless of when control transfers. Shipping and handling fees that are billed to customers are recognized in sales and other operating revenues and the associated shipping and handling costs are recognized in cost of goods and services sold in the statements of consolidated operations.
Income Taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method to account for income taxes. The objective of the asset and liability method is to establish deferred tax assets and liabilities for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the income tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized or settled.
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The Company’s annual tax rate is based on its income, statutory tax rates, and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which it operates. Tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective governmental taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining tax expense and in evaluating tax positions, including evaluating uncertainties. The Company reviews its tax positions quarterly and adjusts the balances as new information becomes available.
Deferred income tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable on taxable income in future years. Such assets arise because of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as well as from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The Company evaluates the recoverability of these future tax deductions by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings, and available tax planning strategies. As these sources of income inherently rely on estimates, the Company uses historical experience and short and long-range business forecasts to provide insight.
The Company believes it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred income tax assets may expire as unused and has established a valuation allowance against them. Although realization is not assured for the remaining deferred income tax assets, the Company believes it is more likely than not such remaining deferred tax assets will be fully recoverable within the applicable statutory expiration periods. However, deferred tax assets could be reduced in the near term if estimates of taxable income are significantly reduced or available tax planning strategies are no longer viable.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in banks and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.
Inventories, Net
Costs in inventory include processed tobacco inventory, unprocessed tobacco inventory, other tobacco related, and other inventory. Costs of unprocessed tobacco inventories are determined by the average cost method, which include the cost of green tobacco. Costs of processed tobacco inventories are determined by the average cost method, which include both the cost of unprocessed tobacco, as well as direct and indirect costs related to processing the product. Costs of other non-tobacco inventory are determined by the first-in, first-out method, which include costs of packing materials, non-tobacco agricultural products, and agricultural supplies including seed, fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides.
Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value (“LCM”). The Company evaluates its inventories for LCM adjustments by country and type of inventory. Processed tobacco and unprocessed tobacco are evaluated separately for LCM purposes. The Company compares the cost of its processed tobacco to net realizable value based on the estimated selling price of similar grades when evaluating those balances for LCM adjustments. The Company also considers whether its processed tobacco is committed to a customer, whereby the expected sales price is utilized in determining the net realizable value for committed tobacco. In addition, the Company writes-down inventory balances for estimates of obsolescence. LCM and obsolescence inventory write-downs are recorded in cost of goods and services sold within the consolidated statements of operations.
Advances to Tobacco Suppliers, Net
The Company purchases seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, and other products related to growing tobacco and advances them to tobacco suppliers to assist in crop production. These seasonal advances are short term, represent prepaid inventory, and are recorded as advances to tobacco suppliers. Upon delivery of tobacco, part of the purchase price to the supplier is paid in cash and part through a reduction of the advance balance. The advances applied to the delivery are reclassified from advances to unprocessed inventory.
The Company also has noncurrent advances, which generally represent the cost of advances to tobacco suppliers for infrastructure, such as curing barns, recovered through the delivery of tobacco to the Company by the tobacco suppliers. Tobacco suppliers may not be able to settle the entire amount of advances due in a given year. In these situations, the Company may allow the farmers to deliver tobacco over future crop years to recover its advances. Noncurrent advances to tobacco suppliers are recorded in other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company accounts for its advances to tobacco suppliers using a cost accumulation model, which reports advances at the lower of cost or recoverable amounts exclusive of the mark-up and interest. The mark-up and interest on its advances are recognized upon delivery of tobacco as a decrease in the cost of the current crop. Unrecovered advances are recorded in cost of goods and services sold in the consolidated statements of operations for abnormal yield adjustments or unrecovered advances from prior crops. Normal yield adjustments are capitalized into the cost of the current crop and are recorded in cost of goods and services sold as that crop is sold.
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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The Company's goodwill was primarily recorded upon emergence from the Chapter 11 Cases in accordance with ASC 852. Goodwill represents the excess of reorganization value over fair value of identified assets and liabilities allocated to the appropriate each reporting unit. A reporting unit is an operating segment, or one level below an operating segment, referred to as a component. The components within the Company’s operating segments are aggregated into nine reporting units due to their similar economic characteristics. Goodwill is not subject to amortization and is tested for impairment annually, on the first day of the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, or whenever events and circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred.
The Company utilizes a qualitative assessment to evaluate whether it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the Company's qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, no further analysis is performed. Otherwise, the Company performs a quantitative assessment using the discounted cash flow (“DCF”) method of the income approach. The future cash flows of the Company’s reporting units are projected based on estimates of future revenues, gross margins, operating income, excess net working capital, capital expenditures, and other factors. The Company utilizes estimated revenue growth rates and cash flow projections. The discount rates utilized in the DCF method are based on a weighted-average cost of capital determined from relevant market comparisons and adjusted for specific reporting unit risks, country risk premiums, and capital structure. A terminal value estimated growth rate is applied to the final year of the projected period and reflects the Company’s estimate of perpetual growth. The Company then calculates a present value of the respective cash flows for each reporting unit to arrive at an estimate of fair value under the income approach.
The Company has intangible assets with definite useful lives. These intangible assets are assessed annually and tested for impairment whenever factors indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The trade name, customer relationship, technology, and license intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over twenty , eight to twenty years , fifteen , and five to twenty years , respectively. The amortization period is the term of the contract or, if no term is specified in the contract, management’s best estimate of the useful life based on past experience. Technology includes internally developed software, which is amortized on a straight-line basis over three to five years once the software testing is complete. Events and changes in circumstance may either result in a revision in the estimated useful life or impairment of an intangible. Amortization expense associated with finite-lived intangible assets is recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Leases
The Company has operating leases for land, buildings, automobiles, and other equipment that expire at various dates through 2040. Leases for real estate generally have initial terms ranging from 2 to 15 years, excluding renewal options. Leases for equipment generally have initial terms ranging from 2 to 5 years excluding renewal options. Most leases have fixed rentals, with many of the real estate leases requiring additional payments for real estate taxes. These lease terms may include optional renewals, terminations or purchases, which are considered in the Company’s assessments when such options are reasonably certain to be exercised.
The Company measures right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities based on the present value of remaining lease payments, including in-substance fixed payments, the current payment amount when payments depend on an index or rate (e.g., inflation adjustments, market renewals), and the amount the Company believes is probable to be paid to the lessor under residual value guarantees, when applicable. Lease contracts may include fixed payments for non-lease components, such as maintenance, which are included in the measurement of lease liabilities for certain asset classes based on the Company’s election to combine lease and non-lease components. The Company does not recognize short-term leases, those lease contracts with durations of twelve months or lease, in the consolidated balance sheets.
As applicable borrowing rates are not typically implied within the lease arrangements, the Company discounts lease payments based on its estimated incremental borrowing rate at lease commencement, or modification, which is based on the Company’s estimated credit rating, the lease term at commencement, and the contract currency of the lease arrangement.
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net
Property, plant, and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings are depreciated over a range of nine to forty years . Machinery and equipment are depreciated over a range of two to nineteen years . Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. The cost of major improvements are capitalized. Upon sale or disposition of an asset, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet accounts and the resulting gain or loss is included in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations.
Long-lived assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows at which the asset could be
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bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties and may be estimated using a number of techniques, including quoted market prices or valuations, present value techniques based on estimates of cash flows, or multiples of earnings or revenue performance measures.
Guarantees
The Company's guarantees are primarily related to bank loans to suppliers for crop production financing. The Company guarantees bank loans of certain unconsolidated subsidiaries in Asia and South America. Under longer-term arrangements, the Company may guarantee financing on suppliers’ construction of curing barns or other tobacco production assets. Guaranteed loans are generally repaid concurrent with the delivery of tobacco to the Company. The Company is obligated to repay guaranteed loans should the supplier default. If default occurs, the Company has recourse against its various suppliers and their production assets. The fair value of the Company's guarantees are recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and included in crop costs, except for the joint venture in Brazil, which are included in accounts receivable, related parties.
In Brazil, certain suppliers obtain government subsidized rural credit financing from local banks that is guaranteed by the Company. Upon delivery of tobacco, the Company remits payments to the local banks on behalf of the suppliers before paying the supplier. Amounts owed to suppliers are recorded in accounts payable in the consolidated balance sheets. Rural credit financing repayment is due to local banks based on contractual due dates.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses forward or option currency contracts to manage risks associated with foreign currency exchange rates on foreign operations. These contracts are for green tobacco purchases, processing costs, and selling, general, and administrative expenses. The Company does not hold derivatives contracts for speculative or trading purposes.
Derivative financial instruments are recorded in other current assets and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and are measured at fair value. Changes in fair value are recognized in earnings, unless the derivative is designated and qualifies to be in a hedge accounting relationship. For derivatives designated in a hedge accounting relationship, the Company evaluates hedge effectiveness at inception and on an ongoing basis. If a hedge relationship is no longer expected to be effective, the derivative in that relationship is de-designated and hedge accounting is discontinued.
Changes in fair value of foreign currency derivatives designated in cash flow hedging relationships are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheets and reclassified to earnings when the hedged item affects earnings. Cash flows from derivatives are classified in the consolidated statements of cash flows in the same category as the cash flows from the underlying hedged items.
The Company has elected not to offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Retirement Benefits
The Company sponsors multiple benefit plans. The Company has a defined benefit plan that provides retirement benefits for certain U.S. salaried personnel based on years of service rendered, age, and compensation. The Company also maintains various other excess benefit and supplemental plans that provide additional benefits to certain individuals in key positions and individuals whose compensation and the resulting benefits that would have actually been paid are limited by regulations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, a Supplemental Retirement Account Plan defined contribution plan is maintained. Additional non-U.S. plans sponsored by certain subsidiaries cover certain of the full-time employees located in Germany, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
Postretirement Health and Life Insurance Benefits
The Company provides certain health and life insurance benefits to retired U.S. employees (and their eligible dependents) who meet specified age and service requirements. The plan excludes new employees after September 2005 and caps the Company’s annual cost commitment to postretirement benefits for retirees. The Company retains the right, subject to existing agreements, to modify or eliminate these postretirement health and life insurance benefits in the future. The Company provides certain health and life insurance benefits to retired Brazilian directors and certain retirees located in Europe including their eligible dependents who meet specified requirements.
Plan Assets
The Company's policy is to contribute amounts to the plans sufficient to meet or exceed funding requirements of local governmental rules and regulations. Funding of our qualified defined benefit pension plans is determined in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), as amended by the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
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The Company's investment objectives for plan assets are to generate consistent total investment return to pay anticipated plan benefits, while minimizing long-term costs and portfolio volatility. The financial objectives underlying this policy include maintaining plan contributions at a reasonable level relative to benefits provided and assuring unfunded obligations do not grow to a level that would adversely affect the Company's financial health. Portfolio performance is measured against investment objectives and objective benchmarks, including but not limited to: Citibank 90 Day Treasury Bill, Bloomberg Barclays Intermediate Govt/Credit, Bloomberg Barclays Aggregate, Russell 1000 Value, Russell 1000 Growth, Russell 2500 Value, Russell 2500 Growth, MSCI EAFE, HFR Absolute Return, and HFR Equity Hedge. The portfolio objective is to exceed the actuarial return on assets assumption. Management and the plan's consultant regularly review portfolio allocations and periodically rebalance the portfolio to the targeted allocations according to the guidelines set forth in the Company's investment policy. Equity securities do not include the Company's common stock. The Company's diversification and risk control processes serve to minimize the concentration and experience of risk. There are no significant concentrations of risk, in terms of sector, industry, geography, or individual company or companies.
In order to project the long-term investment return for the total portfolio, estimates are prepared for the total return of each major asset class over the subsequent 10-year period, or longer. Those estimates are based on a combination of factors including the current market interest rates and valuation levels, consensus earnings expectations and historical long-term risk premiums. To determine the aggregate return for the pension trust, the projected return of each individual asset class is then weighted according to the allocation to that investment area in the trust’s long-term asset allocation policy.
The Company’s plan assets primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, equity securities, fixed income securities, equity and fixed income funds, real estate investments, and diversified investments. Plan assets are measured at fair value annually on March 31, the measurement date. The following are descriptions, valuation methodologies, and inputs used to determine the fair value of each major category of plan assets:
• Cash and cash equivalents include short-term investment funds, primarily in diversified portfolios of investment grade money market instruments that are valued using quoted market prices or other valuation methods, and classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
• Equity securities are investments in common stock of domestic and international corporations in a variety of industry sectors, and are valued primarily using quoted market prices and generally classified within Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
• Fixed income securities include U.S. Treasuries and agencies, debt obligations of foreign governments, and debt obligations in corporations of domestic and foreign issuers. The fair value of fixed income securities is based on observable prices for identical or comparable assets, adjusted by benchmark curves, sector grouping, matrix pricing, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads, and are generally classified within Level 1 or Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
• Investments in equity and fixed income mutual funds are publicly traded and valued primarily using quoted market prices and generally classified within Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Investments in commingled funds used in certain non-U.S. pension plans are not publicly traded, but the underlying assets held in these funds are traded in active markets and the prices for these assets are readily observable. Holdings in these commingled funds are generally classified as Level 2 investments.
• Real estate investments include those in private limited partnerships that invest in various domestic and international commercial and residential real estate projects and publicly traded REIT securities. The fair values of private real estate assets are typically determined by using income and/or cost approaches or comparable sales approach, taking into consideration discount and capitalization rates, financial conditions, local market conditions, and the status of the capital markets, and are generally classified within Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Publicly traded REIT securities are valued primarily using quoted market prices and are generally classified within Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
• Diversified investments include those in limited partnerships that invest in non-publicly traded companies and mutual funds with an absolute return strategy. Their investment strategies include leveraged buyouts, venture capital, distressed investments, and investments in natural resources. These investments are valued using inputs such as trading multiples of comparable public securities, merger and acquisition activity and pricing data from the most recent equity financing taking into consideration illiquidity, and are classified within Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Mutual fund investments with absolute return strategies are publicly traded and valued using quoted market prices and are generally classified within Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
Foreign Currency Translation and Remeasurement
The Company translates assets and liabilities of its foreign subsidiaries from their respective functional currencies to USD using exchange rates in effect at period end, except for non-monetary balance sheet accounts, which are translated at historical exchange rates. The Company's results of operations and its cash flows are translated using average exchange rates for each
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reporting period. Resulting currency translation adjustments are reflected as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheets.
The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries, for which the USD is the functional currency and which have certain transactions denominated in a local currency, are remeasured into USD. The remeasurement of local currencies into USD results in remeasurement adjustments that are included in net income. Exchange gains (losses) from remeasurement are recorded in cost of goods and services sold and other income (expense), net within the consolidated statements of operations.
Securitized Receivables
The Company sold trade receivables to unaffiliated financial institutions under two accounts receivable securitization facilities. Under the facilities, the receivables sold for cash are removed from the consolidated balance sheets. Under the first and second facilities, a portion of the purchase price for the receivables is paid by the unaffiliated financial institutions in cash and the balance is a deferred purchase price receivable, which is paid as payments on the receivables are collected from account debtors.
The net cash proceeds received by the Company in cash at the time of sale (cash purchase price) are included as cash used by operating activities in the statements of consolidated cash flows. The deferred purchase price receivable represents a continuing involvement and a beneficial interest in the transferred financial assets and is recognized at fair value as part of the sale transaction. The deferred purchase price receivables are included in trade and other receivables, net in the consolidated balance sheets and are valued using unobservable inputs (i.e., Level three inputs), primarily discounted cash flow. The net cash proceeds received by the Company as deferred purchase price are included in net cash provided by investing activities in the statements of consolidated cash flows. Additionally, cash obtained as a beneficial interest for transferring trade receivables in a securitization transaction has been added as a noncash disclosure to the statements of consolidated cash flows.
The difference between the carrying amount of the receivables sold under these facilities and the sum of the cash and fair value of the other assets received at the time of transfer is recognized as a loss on sale of the related receivables and recorded in other income (expense), net in the statements of consolidated operations. Program costs are recorded in other income (expense), net in the statements of consolidated operations.
Stock-Based Compensation
Prior to the Company’s emergence from the Chapter 11 Cases, Old Pyxus’ shareholders approved the 2016 Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”) at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on August 12, 2016. The 2016 Plan is the successor to the 2007 Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”), which was amended on August 11, 2011 and August 6, 2009. The 2016 Plan is an omnibus plan that provided the Company the flexibility to grant a variety of stock-based awards including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance-based restricted stock units, and cash-settled awards to its officers, directors, and employees. The Company estimated forfeitures of stock-based awards using historical experience. Stock-based compensation expense was included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the statements of consolidated operations.
Subsequent to the Company’s emergence from the Chapter 11 Cases, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2020 Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”) on November 18, 2020. The 2020 Plan provides the Company the flexibility to grant a variety of stock-based awards including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, performance share awards, and incentive awards to its officers, directors, and employees. For stock-based awards without performance conditions, the Company recognizes stock-based compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the award. For stock-based awards with performance conditions, the Company recognizes stock-based compensation cost using the accelerated attribution method over the requisite service period when the Company determines it is probable that the performance condition will be satisfied. The Company estimates forfeitures of stock-based awards using historical experience. Stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the statements of consolidated operations.
2. New Accounting Standards
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . ASU 2016-13 and its related amendments are intended to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial assets held at amortized cost and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. Based on the Company's scoping assessment, ASU 2016-13 primarily impacts trade receivables. This guidance was early adopted by the Company as of April 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption of this new accounting standard did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
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In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans . ASU 2018-14 updates disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans. This guidance was adopted using a retrospective approach and was effective beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. This new accounting standard did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes . ASU 2019-12 eliminates certain exceptions related to the approach for intra-period tax allocations, the methodology for calculating income taxes during interim periods when there are changes in tax laws or when year-to-date losses exceed anticipated losses, and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences in foreign investments. This guidance also simplifies aspects of the accounting for franchise taxes that are partially based on income, separate financial statements of legal entities not subject to tax, and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. The guidance is effective for the Company on April 1, 2021, with early adoption permitted. This new accounting standard will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
3. Emergence from Voluntary Reorganization under Chapter 11
Bankruptcy Proceedings
On June 15, 2020, the Debtors filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to implement a prepackaged Chapter 11 plan of reorganization in order to effectuate a financial restructuring of the Debtors’ debt. On August 21, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court entered the Confirmation Order pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code, which approved and confirmed the Amended Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Pyxus International, Inc. and Its Affiliated Debtors.
Summary Features of the Plan of Reorganization
On August 24, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), the Plan became effective in accordance with its terms, and the Debtors emerged from the Chapter 11 Cases. In connection with the satisfaction of the conditions to effectiveness as set forth in the Confirmation Order and the Plan, Old Pyxus completed a series of transactions pursuant to which the business assets and operations of Old Pyxus were vested in a new Virginia corporation, Pyxus Holdings, Inc. (“Pyxus Holdings”), which is a subsidiary of the Company. Under the Plan, all suppliers, vendors, employees, trade partners, foreign lenders, and landlords were unimpaired and were to be satisfied in full in the ordinary course of business, and the existing trade and customer contracts and terms of Old Pyxus were to be maintained by the Company and its subsidiaries. Commencing upon the Effective Date, the Company, through its subsidiaries, continued to operate the Old Pyxus business in the ordinary course. Old Pyxus, which retained no assets, has commenced a dissolution process and is being wound down.
Treatment of Claims and Interests
The Plan treated claims against and interest in Old Pyxus upon the effectiveness of the Plan as follows:
• Other Secured Claims (as defined in the Plan) were either (i) paid in full in cash, (ii) satisfied by delivery of collateral securing any such Claim (as defined in the Plan) and payment of any required interest, or (iii) reinstated.
• Other Priority Claims (as defined in the Plan) were paid in full in cash.
• Holders of First Lien Notes Claims (as defined in the Plan) received (i) payment in full in cash of all accrued and unpaid interest on such First Lien Notes, and (ii) the Notes (as defined below).
• Holders (as defined in the Plan) of Second Lien Notes Claims (as defined in the Plan) received, at the Holder’s election, (i) their pro rata share of the Company's common stock distributed in connection with the effectiveness of the Plan or (ii) cash equal to 2.00 % of the principal amount of all Second Lien Notes beneficially owned by such Holder.
• Lenders under Foreign Credit Lines (as defined in the Plan) were paid in the ordinary course of business in accordance with the terms of the relevant agreement.
• General Unsecured Claims (as defined in the Plan) were paid in the ordinary course of business.
• The existing common stock, and rights to acquire common stock, of Old Pyxus was discharged, cancelled, released, and extinguished and of no further force or effect.
Third Party Releases
Upon the effectiveness of the Plan, certain Holders of Claims and Interests (as such terms are defined in the Plan) with respect to the Debtors, except as otherwise specified in the Plan or Confirmation Order, were deemed to release and discharge the Released Parties (as defined in the Plan) from certain claims, obligations, rights, suits, damages, causes of action and liabilities in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases.
Transactions in Connection with Emergence
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As contemplated by the Plan, certain transactions were effected on or prior to the effectiveness of the Plan, including the following:
• Three new Virginia corporations (i.e., the Company (then known as “Pyxus One, Inc.”), Pyxus Parent, Inc. and Pyxus Holdings) were organized.
• Pyxus Parent, Inc. issued all of its equity i nterests to the Company in exchange for 25,000 shares of common stock, no par value, of the Company (such common stock is referred to as “New Common Stock” and the 25,000 shares of which are referred to as the “Equity Consideration”). Pyxus Holdings then issued all of its equity interests to Pyxus Parent, Inc. in exchange for the Equity Consideration.
• Pyxus Holdings entered into the ABL Credit Agreement (as defined below) to borrow cash under the ABL Credit Facility (as defined below) which together with cash on-hand was sufficient to fund (1) the distributions to holders of Allowed Second Lien Notes Claims (as defined in the Plan) that elected to take the Second Lien Notes Cash Option (as defined in the Plan) and (2) the Existing Equity Cash Pool (as defined in the Plan) (collectively such amount of cash is referred to as the “Cash Con sideration”).
• Pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement, Old Pyxus transferred to Pyxus Holdings all of its assets (including by assuming and assigning all of Old Pyxus’ Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases (as such terms are defined in the Plan) to Pyxus Holdings in accordance with the Plan, other than those Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases that were rejected) and Pyxus Holdings assumed all of Old Pyxus’ obligations that are not discharged under the Plan (including all of Old Pyxus’ obligations to satisfy Allowed Administrative Claims, Allowed Professional Fee Claims, Allowed Other Secured Claims, Allowed Other Priority Claims, Allowed Foreign Credit Line Claims, Allowed General Unsecured Claims, Allowed Debtor Intercompany Claims, and Allowed Debtor Intercompany Claims as set forth in the Plan (as such terms are defined in the Plan)) in exchange for (i) Pyxus Holdings transferring the Equity Consideration to Old Pyxus, (ii) Pyxus Holdings transferring the Cash Consideration to Old Pyxus, (iii) Pyxus Holdings issuing the Notes (as defined below) under the Indenture (as defined below) which, on behalf of Old Pyxus, was issued to the Holders of Allowed First Lien Notes Claims (as defined in the Plan) as set forth in the Plan, and (iv) Pyxus Holdings issuing the Term Loans (as defined below) under the Term Loan Credit Facility (as defined below) which, on behalf of Old Pyxus, was issued to the holders of the DIP Facility Claims (as defined in the Plan) as set forth in the Plan. In addition to the transfer of assets to Pyxus Holdings, Pyxus Holdings made an offer of employment to all employees of Old Pyxus and all such employees became employed by Pyxus Holdings, or a designated subsidiary, upon the effectiveness of the Plan on the same terms and conditions existing immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Plan.
• The Company and Pyxus Parent, Inc., along with each applicable subsidiary of the Company, guaranteed the Notes, the Term Loan Credit Facility, and the ABL Credit Facility.
• Old Pyxus provided for the distribution of (i) the Notes to the Holders of Allowed First Lien Notes Claims pursuant to the Plan, (ii) approximately 12,500 shares of New Common Stock to Holders of Allowed Second Lien Notes Claims (as defined in the Plan) that elected to receive New Common Stock under the Second Lien Notes Stock Option (as defined in the Plan) pursuant to the Plan, (iii) cash to the Holders of Allowed Second Lien Notes Claims that elected to take or are deemed to elect to take the Second Lien Notes Cash Option (as defined in the Plan), (iv) cash to the Qualifying Holders (as defined in the Plan) of the common stock of Old Pyxus pursuant to the Plan, (v) the Term Loans under the Term Loan Credit Facility and approximately 11,100 shares of New Common Stock to the Holders of the DIP Facility Claims pursuant to the Plan, and (vi) approximately 1,400 shares of New Common Stock in satisfaction of the Second Lien Notes RSA Fee Shares (as defined in the Plan) and in satisfaction of the Backstop Fee Shares (as defined in the Plan) to the persons entitled thereto pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Restructuring Support Agreement, dated June 14, 2020, by and among Old Pyxus and certain of its creditors party thereto, which was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Old Pyxus filed on June 15, 2020.
• Old Pyxus changed its name to Old Holdco, Inc., and the Company changed its name to Pyxus International, Inc.
• The Company elected a Board of Directors, initially comprising J. Pieter Sikkel, Holly Kim, and Patrick Fallon, and appointed as its officers the individuals serving as officers of Old Pyxus to the same offices held immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Old Plan.
The Company as Successor Issuer
As a result of these transactions, the Company is deemed to be the successor issuer to Old Pyxus under Rule 12g‑3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). As a result, the shares of New Common Stock were deemed to be registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act and the Company was thereby deemed to be subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and, in accordance therewith, is required to file reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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ABL Credit Facility
On the Effective Date, Pyxus Holdings entered into an Exit ABL Credit Agreement (the “ABL Credit Agreement”), dated as of August 24, 2020 by and among, amongst others, Pyxus Holdings, certain lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and collateral agent to establish an asset-based revolving credit facility (the “ABL Credit Facility”). The ABL Credit Facility may be used for revolving credit loans and letters of credit from time to time up to an initial maximum principal amount of $ 75,000 , subject to certain limitations. The ABL Credit Facility matures on February 24, 2023, subject to potential extension on terms and conditions set forth in the ABL Credit Agreement. Refer to “Note 20. Debt Arrangements” for a description of the ABL Credit Agreement and the ABL Credit Facility.
Term Loan Credit Facility
On the Effective Date, Pyxus Holdings entered into an Exit Term Loan Credit Agreement (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”), dated as of August 24, 2020 by and among, amongst others, Pyxus Holdings, certain lenders party thereto and Alter Domus (US) LLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent to establish a term loan credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $ 213,418 (the “Term Loan Credit Facility”). The aggregate principal amount of loans outstanding under Debtors’ debtor-in-possession financing facility (the "DIP Facility”), and related fees, were converted into, or otherwise satisfied with the proceeds of, the Term Loan Credit Facility. The loans made under the Term Loan Credit Facility (the “Term Loans”) and the Term Loan Credit Facility mature on February 24, 2025. Re fer to “Note 20. Debt Arrangements” for a description of the Term Loan Credit Agreement, the Term Loan Credit Facility and the Term Loans.
Senior Secured First Lien Notes
On the Effective Date, Pyxus Holdings issued approximately $ 280,844 in aggregate principal amount of its 10.00 % Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2024 (the “Notes”) to holders of Allowed First Lien Notes Claims (as defined in the Plan) pursuant to an Indenture (the “Indenture”) dated as of the Effective Date among Pyxus Holdings, the initial guarantors party thereto, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, and collateral agent. The Notes mature on August 24, 2024. Refer to “Note 20. Debt Arrangements” for a description of the Notes and the Indenture.
Shareholders Agreement
On August 24, 2020, the Company entered into a Shareholders Agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”), among the Company and the investors listed therein, each other beneficial owner of the Company's common stock as of the date of the Shareholder Agreement deemed to be a party thereto pursuant to the Plan and other persons that may from time to time become parties thereto (collectively, the “Investors”). The Shareholders Agreement provides that each of Glendon Capital Management LP (together with its affiliates, the “Glendon Investor”) and Monarch Alternative Capital LP (together with its affiliates, the “Monarch Investor”) shall be entitled to nominate two individuals to serve on the seven -member Board of Directors of the Company so long as it beneficially owns at least 20 % of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock, or one individual to serve as such a director if it beneficially owns fewer than 20 % of the outstanding shares but at least 10 % of the outstanding shares. The Shareholders Agreement provides that the Investors shall take all necessary action to elect such nominees of each of the Glendon Investor and the Monarch Investor as directors, as well as the election of the chief executive officer of the Company as a director and other individuals qualifying as independent directors to be selected by Investors that beneficially own 5 % or more of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company, as determined by a majority of the shares of the Company's common stock beneficially owned by such Investors. The Shareholders Agreement provides that the chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Company is to be elected by a majority of the directors that had been nominated by the Glendon Investor (the “Glendon Directors”) and those that had been nominated by the Monarch Investor (the “Monarch Directors”), with the chairperson of such Board to be elected by the Board of Directors of the Company if the Glendon Directors and Monarch Directors are together fewer than three in number or fail to appoint a chairperson. The Shareholders Agreement also includes provisions for the removal and replacement of the Glendon Directors at the request of the Glendon Investor and the removal and replacement of the Monarch Directors at the request of the Monarch Director, as well as provisions with respect to the calling and quorum of meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company, membership of committees of the Board of Directors of the Company, and compensation and insurance of members of the Board of Directors of the Company.
The Shareholders Agreement also provides for tag-along rights for Investors beneficially owning 1 % or more of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock (the “ 1 % Investors”) upon the transfer by an Investor or group of Investors of 20 % or more of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock, drag-along rights upon the transfer of shares by an Investor or group of Investors of 50 % or more of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock, rights of first offer with respect to the transfer by an Investor, subject to certain exceptions, of 1 % or more of the outstanding shares of the Company common stock, pre-emptive rights to the 1 % Investors upon issuance of new securities by the Company, and demand and piggyback registration rights.
The Shareholders Agreement includes the agreement of the Investors not to transfer shares of common stock of the Company (i) in violation of federal and state securities laws, (ii) in a transfer that would cause the Company to be regarded as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (iii) in a transfer, at any time that the
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Company is not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that would cause the number of holders of the Company's common stock to exceed specified thresholds, or (iv) in a transfer that is, to the knowledge of the transferor after reasonable inquiry, (A) to any specified competitor of the Company (B) or to a person that would become either a beneficial owner of 5 % of the outstanding common stock of the Company or a “5-percent shareholder” within the meaning of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, a “ 5 % Holder”). The Shareholders Agreement provides that the Board of Directors may waive these restrictions, provided that any waiver of the restriction with respect to a person that would become a 5 % Holder upon such transfer may be waived only if the transferee enters into a joinder agreeing to be bound by the Shareholders Agreement.
4. Fresh Start Reporting
In connection with the emergence from Chapter 11 Cases, the Company qualified for fresh start reporting as (i) the holders of existing voting shares of the Predecessor received less than 50% of the voting shares of the Successor Company and (ii) the preliminary reorganization value of the Company's assets immediately prior to confirmation of the Plan was less than the post-petition liabilities and allowed claims. In accordance with ASC 852, with the application of fresh start reporting, the Company allocated the preliminary reorganization value to its individual assets and liabilities based on their estimated fair values. The Effective Date estimated fair values of certain of the Company's assets and liabilities differed materially from their recorded values as reflected on the historical balance sheets.
Reorganization Value
The reorganization value represents the fair value of the Company’s total assets before considering liabilities and is intended to approximate the amount a willing buyer would pay for the Company’s assets immediately after restructuring. The reorganization value was derived from the enterprise value, which represents the estimated fair value of an entity’s long-term debt and equity. As set forth in the Plan, the enterprise value (excluding cash) of the Company was estimated to be in the range of $ 1,251,000 to $ 1,524,000 with a midpoint of $ 1,388,000 . The Company estimated its enterprise value to be $ 1,252,379 , which is near the low point of the range. The Company believes utilizing an estimated enterprise value near the low point of the range is appropriate due to the identification of Level 1 trading activity that indicated the estimated enterprise value was near the low point of the range, the Company's performance lagging behind plan (due in part to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic), and the utilization of an increased discount rate for the Other Products and Services long-term projections.
The estimated enterprise value is not necessarily indicative of actual value or financial results. Changes in the economy or the financial markets could result in a different estimated enterprise value. The calculated enterprise value relies on the three methodologies listed below collectively. The actual value of the business is subject to certain uncertainties and contingencies that are difficult to predict and will fluctuate with changes in various factors affecting the financial conditions and prospects of the business.
The following reconciles the estimated enterprise value to the estimated fair value of the Successor common stock as of the Fresh Start Reporting Date:
Enterprise value, excluding cash $ 1,252,379
Plus: cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 117,587
Less: fair value of debt ( 974,205 )
Fair value of Successor stockholders’ equity $ 395,761
Shares issued upon emergence 25,000
Per share value $ 15.83
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The following reconciles estimated enterprise value to the reorganization value of the Successor assets to be allocated to individual assets as of the Fresh Start Reporting Date:
Enterprise value, excluding cash $ 1,252,379
Plus: cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 117,587
Plus: working capital liabilities 170,905
Plus: other operating liabilities 54,700
Plus: non-operating liabilities 113,954
Reorganization value of Successor assets $ 1,709,525
With the assistance of financial advisors, the Company determined the estimated enterprise value and the corresponding estimated equity value of the Successor by considering various valuation methods, including (i) discounted cash flow method, (ii) guideline public company method, and (iii) selected transaction analysis method.
In order to estimate the enterprise value using the discounted cash flow analysis approach, the Company’s estimated future cash flow projections through 2024, plus a terminal value calculated using a capitalization rate applied to normalized cash flows were discounted to an assumed present value using our estimated weighted average cost of capital ( 12 %), which represents the internal rate of return.
The identified intangible assets of $ 70,999 , which principally consisted of trade names, technology, licenses, and customer relationships, were also valued with the assistance of financial advisors and were estimated based on either the relief-from-royalty or multi-period excess earnings methods. Significant assumptions included discount rates and certain assumptions that form the basis of the forecasted results such as revenue growth rates, margins, customer attrition, and royalty rates. Some of these estimates are inherently uncertain and may be affected by future economic and market conditions.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
The adjustments set forth in the following consolidated balance sheet as of August 31, 2020 reflect the effects of the transactions contemplated by the Plan and executed on the Fresh Start Reporting Date (reflected in the column entitled “Reorganization Adjustments”) as well as the fair value and other required accounting adjustments resulting from the adoption of fresh start reporting (reflected in the column entitled “Fresh Start Reporting Adjustments”).
August 31, 2020
Fresh Start Reporting Adjustments
Predecessor Reorganization Adjustments As Reported at September 30, 2020 As Adjusted at December 31, 2020 Successor
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 111,427 $ ( 18,289 ) (1) $ — $ — $ 93,138
Restricted cash 2,949 21,500 (2) — — 24,449
Trade receivables, net 152,309 — — — 152,309
Other receivables 13,227 — — — 13,227
Accounts receivable, related parties 2,780 — — — 2,780
Inventories, net 861,851 — — — 861,851
Advances to tobacco suppliers, net 44,061 — — — 44,061
Recoverable income taxes 5,830 — — — 5,830
Prepaid expenses 34,350 — — — 34,350
Other current assets 15,059 — — — 15,059
Total current assets 1,243,843 3,211 — — 1,247,054
Restricted cash 389 — — — 389
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 54,460 — 13,291 30,531 (13) 84,991
Goodwill 6,120 — 48,756 31,815 (14) 37,935
Other intangible assets, net 64,924 — 1,596 6,075 (15) 70,999
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Deferred income taxes, net 125 — 9,638 7,484 (16) 7,609
Long-term recoverable income taxes 3,130 — — — 3,130
Other noncurrent assets 45,821 3,139 (3) ( 310 ) ( 310 ) (17) 48,650
Right-of-use assets 39,576 — ( 4,281 ) ( 4,281 ) (18) 35,295
Property, plant, and equipment, net 299,293 — ( 124,965 ) ( 125,820 ) (19) 173,473
Total assets $ 1,757,681 $ 6,350 $ ( 56,275 ) $ ( 54,506 ) 1,709,525
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities
Notes payable to banks $ 461,783 $ — $ — $ — $ 461,783
DIP financing 206,700 ( 206,700 ) (4) — — —
Accounts payable 58,813 334 (5) 25 25 59,172
Accounts payable, related parties 26,125 — — — 26,125
Advances from customers 23,967 — — — 23,967
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 113,118 ( 31,853 ) (6) ( 1,792 ) ( 1,792 ) (20) 79,473
Income taxes payable 8,319 — — — 8,319
Operating leases payable 11,083 — ( 992 ) ( 992 ) (21) 10,091
Current portion of long-term debt 90 — — — 90
Total current liabilities 909,998 ( 238,219 ) ( 2,759 ) ( 2,759 ) 669,020
Long-term taxes payable 7,623 — — — 7,623
Long-term debt 277,090 250,546 (7) ( 15,304 ) ( 15,304 ) (22) 512,332
Deferred income taxes 20,749 91 (8) ( 10,070 ) ( 7,742 ) (23) 13,098
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits 13,420 — — — 13,420
Long-term leases 25,728 — ( 2,263 ) ( 2,263 ) (21) 23,465
Pension, postretirement, and other long-term liabilities 71,898 — 3,467 3,467 (24) 75,365
Total liabilities not subject to compromise 1,326,506 12,418 ( 26,929 ) ( 24,601 ) 1,314,323
Liabilities subject to compromise
Debt subject to compromise 635,686 ( 635,686 ) (9) — — —
Accrued interest on debt subject to compromise 26,156 ( 26,156 ) (9) — — —
Total liabilities subject to compromise 661,842 ( 661,842 ) — — —
Total liabilities 1,988,348 ( 649,424 ) ( 26,929 ) ( 24,601 ) 1,314,323
Stockholders’ equity
Common Stock— no par value:
Predecessor common stock (shares) 9,976 ( 9,976 ) — — —
Successor common stock (shares) — 25,000 — — 25,000
Predecessor additional paid-in capital 468,147 ( 468,147 ) (10) — — —
Successor additional paid-in capital — 391,402 (11) — ( 313 ) 391,089
Retained deficit ( 644,250 ) 728,160 (12) ( 83,910 ) ( 83,910 ) (25) —
Accumulated other comprehensive loss ( 54,484 ) — 54,484 54,484 (26) —
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) of Pyxus International, Inc. ( 230,587 ) 651,415 ( 29,426 ) ( 29,739 ) 391,089
Noncontrolling interests ( 80 ) 4,359 80 ( 166 ) 4,113
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) ( 230,667 ) 655,774 ( 29,346 ) ( 29,905 ) 395,202
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 1,757,681 $ 6,350 $ ( 56,275 ) $ ( 54,506 ) $ 1,709,525
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(1) The following summarizes the change in cash and cash equivalents:
Proceeds from ABL Credit Facility, net of debt issuance costs $ 26,861
Repayment of DIP Facility ( 213,418 )
Proceeds from Term Loan Credit Facility 213,418
Proceeds from 10.0 % first lien notes
280,844
Repayment of 8.5 % first lien notes
( 280,844 )
Payment to fund professional fee escrow account ( 21,500 )
Payment of other professional and administrative fees ( 11,828 )
Payment of accrued interest on DIP Facility ( 494 )
Payment to holders of Predecessor second lien notes that elected the cash option ( 1,199 )
Payment to holders of Predecessor common stock ( 1,000 )
Payment of accrued interest on prepetition Predecessor first lien notes ( 9,129 )
$ ( 18,289 )
(2) Represents the funding of an escrow account for professional fees associated with the Chapter 11 Cases.
(3) Represents the capitalization of debt issuance costs related to the ABL Credit Facility.
(4) Represents the conversion of the DIP Facility that was exchanged for the Term Loans, and accordingly reclassified to long-term debt.
(5) Reflects the recognition of payables for professional fees to be paid subsequent to the Company's emergence from Chapter 11 Cases.
(6) The following summarizes the net change in accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
Payment of accrued interest on the DIP Facility $ ( 494 )
Payment of accrued interest on the Predecessor first lien notes ( 9,129 )
Settlement of accrued backstop fee through the issuance of common stock ( 18,000 )
Reclassification of DIP Facility exit fee to long-term debt ( 6,718 )
Recognition of accrued interest from the Effective Date to the Convenience Date 1,044
Accrual for professional fees 1,444
$ ( 31,853 )
(7) The following summarizes the changes in long-term debt:
Draw on the ABL Credit Facility $ 30,000
Issuance of the Term Loans (1)
213,418
Conversion of redemption fee on Predecessor first lien notes to Successor Notes 5,843
Derecognition of the original issue discount and the debt issuance costs on Predecessor first lien notes 1,285
$ 250,546
(1) Includes $ 6,718 related to the DIP Facility exit fee
(8) Represents the recognition of deferred tax liabilities as a result of the cumulative tax impact of the reorganization adjustments herein.
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(9) Represents the settlement of liabilities subject to compromise in accordance with the Plan, which resulted in a gain on the discharge of the Predecessor second lien notes as follows:
Debt subject to compromise $ 635,686
Accrued interest on debt subject to compromise 26,156
Total second lien notes discharged 661,842
Payment to holders of second lien notes electing cash option ( 1,199 )
Value of common stock issued to holders of second lien notes ( 198,339 )
Gain on discharge of second lien notes $ 462,304
(10) Represents the cancellation of Predecessor common stock.
(11) The changes in Successor additional paid-in capital were as follows:
Value of Successor common stock, second lien notes $ 198,339
Value of Successor common stock, other 193,063
$ 391,402
(12) Represents $ 260,013 of cumulative impact to Predecessor retained deficit as a result of the reorganization adjustments described above and $ 468,147 for the elimination of Predecessor common stock.
(13) Represents fair value adjustments to the Company's equity method investments.
(14) Represents reorganization value in excess of value allocable to tangible and intangible assets.
(15) Represents the fair value adjustments to recognize the customer relationships, licenses, technology (inclusive of patents and know how), trade names, and internally developed software intangible assets.
(16) Represents the recognition of deferred tax assets as a result of the cumulative tax impact of the fresh start adjustments herein.
(17) Represents an adjustment to pension assets of ($ 352 ), partially offset by other adjustments of $ 42 .
(18) Represents the fair value adjustments to right-of-use lease assets.
(19) Represents the following fair value adjustments to property, plant, and equipment, net:
Predecessor
Historical Value Fair Value
Adjustment Successor
Fair Value
Land $ 33,562 $ ( 104 ) $ 33,458
Buildings 259,255 ( 195,797 ) 63,458
Machinery and equipment 198,708 ( 122,151 ) 76,557
Total 491,525 ( 318,052 ) 173,473
Less: Accumulated Depreciation ( 192,232 ) 192,232 —
Total property, plant, and equipment, net $ 299,293 $ ( 125,820 ) $ 173,473
(20) Represents the revaluation of the current pension liability of ($ 1,800 ), partially offset by an adjustment to financing leases of $ 8 .
(21) Represents the Company's recalculation of lease obligations using a higher incremental borrowing rate applicable upon emergence from Chapter 11 Cases and commensurate with the new capital structure.
(22) Represents the fair value adjustment to the first lien notes.
(23) Represents the adjustment of deferred tax liabilities as a result of the cumulative tax impact of the fresh start valuation adjustments herein.
(24) Represents the recalculation of the present value of the Company's pension liability.
(25) Represents the cumulative impact of the remeasurement of assets and liabilities from fresh start reporting, $ 7,631 of tax effect of reorganization items, and the elimination of Predecessor's accumulated other comprehensive losses for the five months ended August 31, 2020.
(26) Represents the derecognition of accumulated other comprehensive loss as a result of reorganization pension adjustments, and the elimination of Predecessor's foreign currency translation adjustments.
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5. CCAA Proceeding and Deconsolidation of Subsidiaries
CCAA Proceeding
The order issued by the Court in the CCAA Proceeding on the Order Date included the following relief:
• approval for the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries to borrow under a debtor-in-possession financing facility (the “Canadian DIP Facility”);
• a stay of proceedings in respect of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, the directors and officers of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries (the “Canadian Directors and Officers”) and the Monitor; and
• the granting of super priority charges against the property of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries in favor of: (a) certain administrative professionals; (b) the Canadian Directors and Officers; and (c) the lender under the Canadian DIP Facility for amounts borrowed under the Canadian DIP Facility.
On January 29, 2021, the Canadian Court issued an order permitting the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries to initiate a sale and investment solicitation process to be conducted by the Monitor and its affiliate to solicit interest in, and opportunities for, a sale of, or investment in, all or substantially all, or one or more components, of the assets and/or the business operations of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries.
On May 10, 2021, a definitive agreement for the sale of the assets of Figr Norfolk was entered into for an estimated purchase price of Cdn.$ 5,000 . On June 10, 2021, the Canadian Court approved the sale agreement. The consummation of the sale under this agreement is subject to approval of the buyers by Health Canada and the satisfaction of certain other conditions.
On May 25, 2021, a definitive agreement was entered into with a separate buyer for the sale of the outstanding equity of Figr East and certain intangible assets of Figr Brands for an estimated aggregate purchase price of Cdn.$ 24,750 . On June 10, 2021, the Canadian Court approved the sale agreement. On June 25, 2021, Health Canada approved the buyers of Figr East and certain intangible assets of Figr Brands. The consummation of the sale of Figr East and certain intangible assets of Figr Brands occurred on June 28, 2021.
The amount of recovery that the Company may receive from the sale of the assets of Figr Norfolk, the sale of the outstanding equity of Figr East, and the sale of certain intangible assets of Figr Brands will be impacted by the amount of claims against the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries submitted in the CCAA Proceeding, the extent to which such claims are approved by the Canadian Court, and the extent to which the Company's interest in the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries are determined by the Canadian Court to be debt claims entitled to recovery on the same basis as other unsecured creditor claims with respect to the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries. Refer to "Note 30. Subsequent Events" for additional information.
Canadian DIP Financing
Pursuant to the Canadian DIP Facility, another non-U.S. subsidiary of Pyxus (the "DIP Lender") provides Figr Brands with in an initial amount of up to Cdn.$ 8,000 in secured debtor-in-possession financing to permit Figr Brands, the parent entity of Figr East and Figr Norfolk, to fund the working capital needs of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries in accordance with the cash flow projections approved by the Monitor and the DIP Lender, which following approval by the Canadian Court was increased to Cdn.$ 16,000 . These payments also fund fees and expenses to be paid to the DIP Lender, professional fees and expenses incurred by the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries and the Monitor in respect of the CCAA Proceeding, and such other costs and expenses of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries as may be agreed to by the DIP Lender. As of March 31, 2021, the terms of the Canadian DIP Facility included the following:
• Loans bear interest at a rate of 8 % per annum;
• Loans under the Canadian DIP Facility are guaranteed by Figr East and Figr Norfolk;
• Loans under the Canadian DIP Facility are secured by all of the properties, assets, and undertakings of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, as may be reasonably requested by the DIP Lender;
• The Canadian DIP Facility expires on September 3, 2021, and all outstanding loans are due and payable at that time; and
• Conditions to borrowing, representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements, as well as events of default and remedies, typical for this type of facility for a company in a proceeding under the CCAA.
Deconsolidation of Subsidiaries
While the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries have been majority owned by the Company, the administration of the CCAA Proceeding, including the Canadian Court’s appointment of the Monitor and the related authority of the Monitor, including approval rights with respect to significant actions of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries during the pendency of the CCAA Proceeding, resulted in the Company losing control (in accordance with U.S. GAAP) of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, and the deconsolidation of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities and elimination of their equity components from the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of January 21, 2021. The Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries’ financial
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results are included in the Company’s consolidated results through January 20, 2021, which is the day prior to the Order Date. Prior to the deconsolidation of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, they comprised an operating segment within the Other Products and Services reportable segment.
Prior to the deconsolidation, the carrying value of the Company's related party note receivable from the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries was $ 153,860 . The Company fully impaired its equity investment in the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, effective as of the Order Date, based on the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries carrying a retained deficit of $ 77,518 and based on offers the Company received to buy the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries or certain assets and the allocation of consideration among the assets to be sold, as reflected in the sales agreements approved by the Canadian Court. Following consummation of the contemplated sales of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, and after repayment of the Canadian DIP Facility and satisfaction of administrative expenses from the CCAA Proceeding, the Company estimated recovering aggregate net cash consideration of $ 6,100 , which represents the fair value of the related party note receivable retained by the Company. As a result, the Company recorded a net loss of $ 70,242 for the year ended March 31, 2021 associated with the deconsolidation of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, which was calculated as follows:
Carrying value of related party note receivable $ 153,860
Fair value of related party note receivable 6,100
Impairment of related party note receivable ( 147,760 )
Gain on elimination of retained deficit 77,518
Loss on deconsolidation $ ( 70,242 )
The amount of recovery with respect to the related-party note receivable is dependent on the actual amount of administrative claims in the CCAA Proceeding, the amount of claims of unsecured creditors against the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries submitted in the CCAA Proceeding, the extent to which such claims are approved by the Canadian Court, and the extent to which the Company’s interest in the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries are determined by the Canadian Court to be debt claims entitled to recovery on the same basis as other unsecured creditor claims with respect to the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, all of which matters are presently uncertain. In the event the Company's interests are not so treated as debt claims by the Canadian Court, the Company may be unable to recover a substantial portion or all of the estimated fair value of the related-party note receivable and may incur additional impairment with respect thereto.
Upon deconsolidation, the Company accounted for its investment in the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries using the cost method of accounting. While the Company was the largest creditor and the majority shareholder of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, the claims of each creditor in the CCAA Proceeding were impaired, other than claims under the Canadian DIP Facility and certain administrative claims. In addition, as result of the sale transactions, the Company did not regain control of the businesses operated by the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries after their emergence from the CCAA Proceeding. Lastly, the Canadian Court (not the Company) had the final authority to approve or reject a plan to sell the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries, which occurs upon the approval of a Plan of Liquidation by the Canadian Court. As a result, the Company did not exercise significant influence over the operating and financial decisions of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries due to the commencement of the CCAA Proceeding and the appointment of the Monitor.
Related Party Relationship
The commencement of the CCAA Proceeding, the appointment of the Monitor, and the subsequent deconsolidation of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries results in transactions with the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries no longer being eliminated in consolidation. As such, transactions between the Company and the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries are treated as related-party transactions. Refer to "Note 28. Related Party Transactions" for transactions between the Company and the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries from January 21, 2021 to March 31, 2021.
6. Revenue Recognition
Product revenue is primarily processed tobacco sold to the customer. Processing and other revenues are mainly contracts to process customer-owned green tobacco. During processing, ownership remains with the customers. Other products and services revenue is primarily composed of revenue from the sale of legal cannabis in Canada (for periods prior to the deconsolidation of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries) and e-liquids product revenue. The following disaggregates sales and other operating revenues by major source:
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Successor Predecessor
Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2020
Leaf - North America:
Product revenue $ 113,431 $ 51,211 $ 192,545
Processing and other revenues 23,764 6,523 32,162
Total sales and other operating revenues 137,195 57,734 224,707
Leaf - Other Regions:
Product revenue 701,076 355,902 1,236,041
Processing and other revenues 26,175 24,595 46,575
Total sales and other operating revenues 727,251 380,497 1,282,616
Other Products and Services:
Total sales and other operating revenues 19,882 9,369 19,938
Total sales and other operating revenues $ 884,328 $ 447,600 $ 1,527,261
Significant Judgments
The following summarizes activity in the claims allowance:
Successor Predecessor
Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2020
Balance, beginning of period $ 880 $ 1,130 $ 1,460
Additions 2,963 642 2,018
Payments ( 2,013 ) ( 892 ) ( 2,348 )
Balance, end of period $ 1,830 $ 880 $ 1,130
Contract Balances
The following summarizes activity in the allowance for expected credit losses:
Successor Predecessor
Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2020
Balance, beginning of period $ ( 15,361 ) $ ( 15,893 ) $ ( 13,381 )
Additions ( 5,809 ) — ( 8,644 )
Write-offs 270 532 6,132
Balance, end of period ( 20,900 ) ( 15,361 ) ( 15,893 )
Trade receivables 196,812 167,670 242,635
Trade receivables, net $ 175,912 $ 152,309 $ 226,742
Taxes Collected from Customers
Value-added taxes were $ 21,819 , $ 25,187 , and $ 23,188 for the years ended March 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
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7. Other Income (Expense), Net
The following summarizes the significant components of other income (expense), net:
Successor Predecessor
Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2019
Other sales of assets and expenses $ ( 9,384 ) $ ( 678 ) $ ( 10,053 ) $ 2,497
Sales of Brazilian intrastate trade tax credits — 2,938 9,039 10,418
Foreign currency gain on Figr related party note 14,902 — — —
Loss on settlement for Brazilian IPI credits ( 12,666 ) — — —
Gain on sales of fixed assets 310 112 6,539 2,080
Loss on sale of receivables ( 2,784 ) ( 2,907 ) ( 4,803 ) ( 6,816 )
Gain (loss) from insurance claims 7 ( 4 ) 1,411 6,038
Total $ ( 9,615 ) $ ( 539 ) $ 2,133 $ 14,217
Refer to "Note 21. Securitized Receivables" and "Note 26. Contingencies and Other Information" for additional information.
8. Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges
The Company continues to focus on efficiency and cost savings across its business. During the year ended March 31, 2021, the Company commenced actions to cease operations of its industrial hemp businesses, including the production and sale of products containing extracts of industrial hemp, including CBD products, by its subsidiary, Criticality LLC (“Criticality”). In addition, Pyxus continued its focus on company-wide cost saving initiatives. The employee separation and impairment charges are primarily related to continued restructuring of certain U.S. operations, which included Criticality, and certain African operations.
During the year ended March 31, 2020, the Company announced a cost saving initiative and restructuring plan to repurpose a processing facility in South America for storage and special projects and process tobacco under a third-party arrangement going forward.
During the year ended March 31, 2019, the Company incurred costs associated with the closing of a processing facility in Europe to process tobacco under a third-party arrangement going forward and the consolidation of the Company's U.S. green tobacco processing operations into its Wilson, North Carolina facility and the repurposing of its Farmville, North Carolina facility for storage and special projects.
The following summarizes the Company's restructuring and asset impairment charges:
Successor Predecessor
Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2019
Beginning balance $ 567 $ 407 $ 1,843 $ 107
Period Charges:
Employee separation charges (recoveries) 7,816 353 4,592 4,055
Payments ( 3,773 ) ( 193 ) ( 6,028 ) ( 2,319 )
Ending balance $ 4,610 $ 567 $ 407 $ 1,843
Asset impairment and other noncash charges 4,001 213 1,054 891
Total restructuring and asset impairment charges $ 11,817 $ 566 $ 5,646 $ 4,946
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The following summarizes the employee separation and other cash charges by reportable segment:
Successor
Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020
Other Products and Services Leaf - North America Leaf - Other Regions Other Products and Services Leaf - North America Leaf - Other Regions
Beginning balance $ — $ 312 $ 255 $ — $ — $ 407
Period charges (recoveries) 2,209 2,419 3,188 — 312 40
Payments ( 68 ) ( 1,325 ) ( 2,380 ) — — ( 192 )
Ending balance $ 2,141 $ 1,406 $ 1,063 $ — $ 312 $ 255
Predecessor
Year Ended March 31, 2020 Year Ended March 31, 2019
Leaf - North America Leaf - Other Regions Leaf - North America Leaf - Other Regions
Beginning balance $ 1,621 $ 222 $ — $ 107
Period charges (recoveries) 8 4,584 2,668 1,387
Payments ( 1,629 ) ( 4,399 ) ( 1,047 ) ( 1,272 )
Ending balance $ — $ 407 $ 1,621 $ 222
The following summarizes asset impairment and other noncash charges:
Successor Predecessor
Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2019
Leaf - North America $ — $ 17 $ — $ 545
Leaf - Other Regions 1,036 196 772 346
Other Products and Services 2,965 — 282 —
Total $ 4,001 $ 213 $ 1,054 $ 891
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9. Income Taxes
As described in “ Note 3. Emergence from Voluntary Reorganization under Chapter 11 ”, on August 24, 2020, as part of the Chapter 11 plan of reorganization, Old Pyxus completed a series of transactions pursuant to which the business assets and operations of Old Pyxus were vested in a new Virginia corporation, Pyxus Holdings, which is an indirect subsidiary of the Company. Under the Plan, suppliers, vendors, employees, trade partners, foreign lenders and landlords were unimpaired and were to be satisfied in full in the ordinary course of business, and the existing trade and customer contracts and terms of Old Pyxus were to be maintained by the Company and its subsidiaries. Commencing upon the Effective Date, the Company, through its subsidiaries, continued to operate the Old Pyxus business in the ordinary course. Old Pyxus, which retained no assets, has commenced a dissolution and is being wound down.
The tax attributes generated by Old Pyxus’ foreign subsidiaries (net operating loss carryforwards and income tax credits) survived the Chapter 11 proceedings and the Company expects, to the extent that a valuation allowance is not applicable, to use these tax attributes to reduce future tax liabilities. With regard to the U.S., tax attributes not utilized as part of the Chapter 11 proceedings or asset sale to Pyxus Holdings pursuant to the Plan will expire unutilized. The Company entered into a transfer agreement with Old Pyxus to transfer and assume the liability for unpaid installments payments of Old Pyxus under Internal Revenue Code Section 965(h) (i.e. transition tax) in the amount of $ 8,543 .
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
The following summarizes the changes to unrecognized tax benefits:
Successor Predecessor
Year ended
March 31, 2021 Year ended
March 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2019
Balance at April 1 $ 19,481 $ 11,663 $ 8,342
Increase for current year tax positions 4,232 6,425 447
Increase (reductions) for prior year tax positions 128 4,177 7,048
Impact of changes in exchange rates ( 107 ) ( 1,226 ) ( 227 )
Reduction for settlements ( 130 ) ( 1,558 ) ( 3,947 )
Reorganization and Fresh Start Reporting ( 5,246 ) — —
Balance at March 31 (1)
$ 18,358 $ 19,481 $ 11,663
(1) As of March 31, 2021, $ 14,771 would impact the Company’s effective tax rate, if recognized.
The following summarizes changes in the Company's accrued interest and penalties for unrecognized tax benefits:
Interest Penalties
Balance at March 31, 2020 (Predecessor) $ 1,209 $ 815
Impact of changes in exchange rates ( 35 ) ( 54 )
Reduction for expiration of statute of limitations ( 71 ) ( 136 )
Other 371 145
Balance at March 31, 2021 (Successor) $ 1,474 $ 770
To the extent that they represent an underpayment of taxes, the Company expects to continue accruing interest expenses related to the remaining unrecognized tax benefits.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, the Company’s total liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including the related interest and penalties, and associated exchange losses, decreased from $ 21,505 to $ 20,602 . The change in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits was primarily driven by a reduction of reserves recorded in the U.S. of $ 5,246 , expiration of statute of limitations of approximately $ 354 and was partially offset by increases for new foreign positions of approximately $ 4,619 .
The Company does not foresee settling material positions currently accrued for in the next twelve months. However, it is reasonably possible that the Company's unrecognized tax benefits may decrease in the next twelve months by $ 288 due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. As the various taxing authorities continue with their examination process, the Company will adjust its reserves accordingly to reflect the current status. In certain jurisdictions, tax authorities have challenged filing positions that that resulted in recognizing benefits that are material to its financial statements. However, the Company believes it is more likely than not that it will prevail in these situations and accordingly has not recorded liabilities for these positions. The Company expects the challenged positions to be settled at a time greater than twelve months from its balance sheet date.
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The Company and its subsidiaries file a U.S. federal consolidated income tax return as well as returns in several U.S. states and a number of foreign jurisdictions. As of March 31, 2021, the Company’s earliest open tax year for U.S. federal income tax purposes was its fiscal year ended March 31, 2018. Open tax years in state and foreign jurisdictions generally range from three to six years. In applicable jurisdictions, the Company’s tax attributes from prior periods remain subject to adjustment
Income Tax Provision
The components of loss before income taxes, equity in net income of investee companies, and minority interests consisted of the following:
Successor Predecessor
Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2019
U.S. $ ( 54,688 ) $ 28,350 $ ( 111,532 ) $ ( 86,315 )
Non-U.S. ( 86,978 ) ( 12,341 ) ( 32,883 ) 43,398
Total $ ( 141,666 ) $ 16,009 $ ( 144,415 ) $ ( 42,917 )
The details of the amount shown for income taxes in the statements of consolidated operations and comprehensive loss are as follows:
Successor Predecessor
Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2019
Current
Federal $ 142 $ 135 $ ( 1,115 ) $ 2,018
State — — — —
Non-U.S. 13,424 10,718 22,065 22,741
Total Current 13,566 10,853 20,950 24,759
Deferred
Federal 6,370 ( 6,823 ) 102,658 6,129
State — — — —
Non-U.S. ( 6,721 ) ( 3,738 ) 8,181 6,952
Total Deferred ( 351 ) ( 10,561 ) 110,839 13,081
Total $ 13,215 $ 292 $ 131,789 $ 37,840
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The reasons for the difference between income tax expense based on income before income taxes, equity in net income of investee companies, and minority interests and the amount computed by applying the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate to income are as follows:
Successor Predecessor
Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2019
Tax benefit at U.S. statutory rate $ ( 29,750 ) $ 3,362 $ ( 30,328 ) $ ( 9,013 )
Effect of non-U.S. income taxes ( 9,659 ) ( 1,914 ) ( 1,951 ) 462
Tax on future remittances 3,305 ( 583 ) 10,561 ( 1,038 )
Foreign tax credits — — 78 ( 173 )
Change in valuation allowance 16,990 2,124 117,553 17,622
Increase in reserves for uncertain tax positions 1,264 1,346 10,807 5,304
Change in tax rates ( 934 ) 1,451 822 ( 66 )
Exchange effects and currency translation 5,778 4,555 10,896 12,904
Permanent items 1,547 314 3,791 ( 677 )
Benefit (expense) on income tax payable/recoverable adjustments — — 810 ( 1,163 )
Deductible dividends ( 889 ) ( 1,237 ) ( 2,140 ) ( 3,046 )
Withholding tax expense 1,797 584 2,225 2,577
Benefit of other tax credits ( 222 ) ( 339 ) ( 721 ) ( 377 )
Nondeductible interest 1,533 915 2,767 1,624
Transition tax after foreign tax credits — — ( 1,227 ) 1,827
U.S. taxes on non-U.S. earnings 214 — 2,071 11,073
Goodwill impairment — — 5,775 —
Reorganization/Fresh Start Reporting 38 ( 10,286 ) — —
Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries Deconsolidation 22,203 — — —
Actual tax expense (benefit) $ 13,215 $ 292 $ 131,789 $ 37,840
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The following summarizes deferred tax (liabilities) assets:
Successor Predecessor
March 31, 2021 March 31, 2020
Deferred tax assets:
Reserves and accruals $ 20,998 $ 11,418
Tax credits 252 1,486
Tax loss carryforwards 6,792 93,024
Derivative transactions 1,157 698
Postretirement and other benefits 787 15,586
Unrealized exchange loss — 7,296
Non-deductible interest carryforward 16,446 28,364
Fixed assets 5,101 —
Other 2,453 5,209
Gross deferred tax assets 53,986 163,081
Valuation allowance ( 25,273 ) ( 151,058 )
Total deferred tax assets $ 28,713 $ 12,023
Deferred tax liabilities:
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries $ ( 28,779 ) $ ( 17,254 )
Intangible assets ( 2,510 ) ( 12,251 )
Fixed assets — ( 5,419 )
Unrealized exchange gains ( 1,063 ) —
Other ( 2,242 ) —
Total deferred tax liabilities $ ( 34,594 ) $ ( 34,924 )
Net deferred tax liability $ ( 5,881 ) $ ( 22,901 )
The following summarizes the breakdown between deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Successor Predecessor
March 31, 2021 March 31, 2020
Noncurrent asset $ 7,063 $ 2
Noncurrent liability ( 12,944 ) ( 22,903 )
Net deferred tax liability (asset) $ ( 5,881 ) $ ( 22,901 )
During the year ended March 31, 2021, the net deferred tax liability balance decreased by $ 6,108 for certain adjustments not included in the deferred tax expense. The adjustments are primarily related to the Company’s emergence from U.S. Chapter 11 bankruptcy and resulting fresh start reporting, deferred tax assets related to pension accruals recorded in equity as part of other comprehensive income loss, and currency translation adjustments.
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The following summarizes the change in the Company's valuation allowance for deferred tax assets:
Balance at March 31, 2018 (Predecessor) $ 19,742
Changes to expenses 18,073
Changes to other accounts (2)
( 156 )
Deductions (1)
( 1,135 )
Balance at March 31, 2019 (Predecessor) $ 36,524
Changes to expenses (4)
117,633
Changes to other accounts (2)
( 1,207 )
Deductions (1)
( 1,926 )
Other 34
Balance at March 31, 2020 (Predecessor) $ 151,058
Changes to expenses 19,114
Changes to other accounts (1)(2)
1,057
Deductions (3)
( 145,957 )
Other 1
Balance at March 31, 2021 (Successor) $ 25,273
(1) Currency translation and direct write-off.
(2) Accumulated other comprehensive loss.
(3) Release of valuation allowance related to emergence from U.S. Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and related fresh start reporting as well as deconsolidation of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries.
(4) Build of global valuation allowances related to the Company’s financial position.
Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income in the appropriate timeframe and of the appropriate character. The Company believes that it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax assets will be realized, but realization of all tax assets is not assured. As a result, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets not expected to be realized. The valuation allowance decreased primarily due to the Company’s emergence from U.S. Chapter 11 bankruptcy and related fresh start reporting resulting in a decrease of $ 120,744 . Additionally, the Company deconsolidated the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries resulting in a valuation allowance reduction of $ 23,089 .
The following table summarizes the amount and expiration dates of our operating loss carryforwards at March 31, 2021:
Expiration Date Amounts
U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards 2022-2026 —
U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards Thereafter 6
U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards Indefinite 14,477
Non-U.S. net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards 2021-2026 6,326
Non-U.S. net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards Thereafter 6,465
Non-U.S. net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards Indefinite 13,446
Total $ 40,720
The Company is recognizing a tax benefit related to tax losses generated in the current year of $ 536 to be utilized in foreign jurisdictions.
Under current U.S. tax regulations, in general, repatriation of foreign earnings to the U.S. can be completed with no material incremental U.S. tax. However, repatriation of foreign earnings could subject the Company to U.S. state and non-U.S. jurisdictional taxes (including withholding taxes) on distributions or sales of minority owned investments. As of March 31, 2021, the Company has recorded a deferred tax liability of $ 28.8 million for the estimated tax costs associated with the expected repatriation of the Company’s non-indefinitely reinvested foreign earnings. No provision has been recorded for U.S. or foreign tax costs associated with closing any book over tax basis difference with respect to foreign subsidiary unremitted earnings and profits where an indefinite reinvestment assertion is being made on the basis that this group of foreign subsidiaries either does not expect to have any available excess cash and cash equivalents to remit in the foreseeable future or has specific
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needs for available excess cash. The unrecorded tax liability associated with indefinitely reinvested foreign subsidiary earnings is not practicable to estimate due to the inherent complexity of the multi-jurisdictional tax environment in which the Company operates.
10. (Loss) Earnings Per Share
The following summarizes the computation of (loss) earnings per share:
Successor Predecessor
Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2019
Basic (loss) earnings per share:
Net (loss) income attributable to Pyxus International, Inc. $ ( 136,686 ) $ 19,037 $ ( 264,661 ) $ ( 70,467 )
Shares:
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding 25,000 9,976 9,148 9,054
Basic (loss) earnings per share $ ( 5.47 ) $ 1.91 $ ( 28.93 ) $ ( 7.78 )
Diluted (loss) earnings per share:
Net (loss) income attributable to Pyxus International, Inc. $ ( 136,686 ) $ 19,037 $ ( 264,661 ) $ ( 70,467 )
Shares:
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (1)
25,000 9,976 9,148 9,054
Plus: Restricted shares issued and shares applicable to stock options and restricted stock units, net of shares assumed to be purchased from proceeds at average market price (2)
— 16 — —
Adjusted weighted average number of shares outstanding 25,000 9,992 9,148 9,054
Diluted (loss) earnings per share $ ( 5.47 ) $ 1.91 $ ( 28.93 ) $ ( 7.78 )
(1) 0 , 785 , 785 , and 785 shares of common stock were owned by a wholly owned subsidiary as of March 31, 2021, August 31, 2020, and March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(2) Outstanding restricted shares, shares applicable to stock options, and restricted stock units are excluded because their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect on the loss per share. The dilutive shares would have been 0 and 23 for the years ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Certain potentially dilutive options were not included in the computation of (loss) earnings per diluted share because their effect would be antidilutive. Potential common shares are also considered antidilutive in the event of a net loss. The number of potential shares outstanding that were considered antidilutive and that were excluded from the computation of diluted (loss) earnings per share, weighted for the portion of the period they were outstanding were as follows:
Successor Predecessor
Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2019
Antidilutive stock options and other awards — 427 427 427
Antidilutive stock options and other awards under stock-based compensation programs excluded based on reporting a net loss for the period — — 25 —
Total common stock equivalents excluded from diluted loss per share — 427 452 427
Weighted average exercise price $ — $ 56.86 $ 56.64 $ 60.00
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11. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
The following summarizes the composition of restricted cash:
Successor Predecessor
March 31, 2021 March 31, 2020
Compensating balance for short-term borrowings $ 1,017 $ 893
Escrow 3,459 1,450
Other 532 532
Total $ 5,008 $ 2,875
12. Inventories, Net
The following summarizes the composition of inventories, net:
Successor Predecessor
March 31, 2021 March 31, 2020
Processed tobacco $ 534,711 $ 485,764
Unprocessed tobacco 156,915 178,782
Other tobacco related 25,979 24,071
Other (1)
10,288 41,402
Total $ 727,893 $ 730,019
(1) Represents inventory from the other products and services segment. The balance as of March 31, 2021 was reduced by $ 13,865 from the deconsolidation of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries and $ 32,116 of cannabis and industrial hemp inventory write-downs driven by shifts in expected future products mix in response to market supply conditions, continued market price compression, and the Company's actions to exit operations of the industrial hemp businesses.
13. Advances to Tobacco Suppliers, Ne t
The mark-up and interest on advances to tobacco suppliers, net capitalized, or to be capitalized into inventory for the current crop, were $ 14,139 and $ 15,468 as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Unrecoverable advances and other costs capitalized, or to be capitalized into the current crop, were $ 6,183 and $ 6,916 as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The following summarizes the classification of advances to tobacco suppliers:
Successor Predecessor
March 31, 2021 March 31, 2020
Current $ 43,569 $ 38,877
Noncurrent 477 1,076
Total $ 44,046 $ 39,953
There were $ 1,550 , $( 68 ) , and $ 171 of expenses (income) for unrecovered (recovered) advances from abnormal yield adjustments or unrecovered (recovered) amounts from prior crops for the seven months ended March 31, 2021, five months ended August 31, 2020, and year ended March 31, 2020, respectively.
14. Acquisitions
Criticality
On December 18, 2017, the Company completed a purchase of a 40.0 % interest in Criticality, a North Carolina-based industrial hemp company that is engaged in CBD extraction and other applications for industrial hemp in accordance with a pilot program authorized under the federal Agriculture Act of 2014 and applicable North Carolina law. On April 22, 2020, the Company acquired the remaining 60.0 % of the equity in Criticality in exchange for consideration consisting of $ 5,000 cash and $ 7,450 for the settlement of the Company's note receivable from Criticality, subject to certain post-closing adjustments.
The acquisition of Criticality was a business combination achieved in stages, which required the Company to remeasure its previously he ld equity interest in Criticality at its acquisition date fair value. This remeasurement resulted in a loss of
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approximately $ 2,667 bei ng recorded in other income (expense), net within the consolidated statements of operations for the five months ended August 31, 2020. The assets and liabilities were recorded at their fair value.
Following the acquisition, the Company recorded certain post-closing purchase price adjustments. The intent of the acquisition was to allow the Company to expand its industrial hemp production and product portfolio. The following summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of April 22, 2020:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 195
Accounts receivable 1,528
Advances to suppliers 1,043
Inventories 3,823
Other current assets 181
Property, plant, and equipment 5,060
Goodwill 6,120
Total assets acquired 17,950
Accounts payable 1,654
Notes payable 7,450
Other current liabilities 513
Total liabilities 9,617
Fair value of equity interest $ 8,333
The following summarizes the revenue, operating loss, and net loss for Criticality as well as the resulting impact to basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share:
Successor Predecessor
Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020
Revenue 139 —
Operating loss ( 5,713 ) ( 3,117 )
Net loss ( 12,224 ) ( 3,317 )
Impact to (loss) earnings per share:
Basic ( 0.49 ) ( 0.33 )
Diluted ( 0.49 ) ( 0.33 )
In December 2020, the Company commenced actions to exit operations of the industrial hemp businesses, including the production and sale of products containing extracts of industrial hemp, including CBD products, by Criticality. Refer to “Note 8. Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges” for additional information.
Figr East
On January 25, 2018, a Canadian subsidiary of the Company, acquired 75.0 % of the equity in Figr East. Figr East is fully licensed to produce and sell medicinal cannabis in the Canadian Province of Prince Edward Island.
On March 22, 2019, the Canadian subsidiary of the Company acquired an additional 18.0 % interest in Figr East for $ 13,470 in cash. On October 15, 2019, the Canadian subsidiary of the Company acquired an additional 1.2 % interest in Figr East for $ 911 in cash. As result of these equity positions acquired, the subsidiary's ownership level in Figr East increased to 94.3 %. Transaction costs associated with the acquisition of additional interest are expensed as incurred within selling, general, and
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administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Below are the effects of changes in the Company’s ownership interest in Figr East on the Company’s equity:
Successor Predecessor
Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2019
Net (loss) income attributable to Pyxus International, Inc. shareholders $ ( 136,686 ) $ 19,037 $ ( 264,661 ) $ ( 70,467 )
Decrease in Pyxus International, Inc. equity for purchase of 22.3522 shares in 2019 and 1.4972 shares in 2020 of Figr East:
Paid in capital — — ( 528 ) ( 6,056 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — — 33 ( 461 )
Change from net (loss) income attributable to Pyxus International, Inc. shareholders and transfer from noncontrolling interest $ ( 136,686 ) $ 19,037 $ ( 265,156 ) $ ( 76,984 )
On May 10, 2021, a definitive agreement for the sale of the assets of Figr Norfolk was entered into for an estimated purchase price of Cdn.$ 5,000 . On June 10, 2021, the Canadian Court approved the sale agreement. The consummation of the sale under this agreement is subject to approval of the buyers by Health Canada and the satisfaction of certain other conditions.
On May 25, 2021, a definitive agreement was entered into with a separate buyer for the sale of the outstanding equity of Figr East and certain intangible assets of Figr Brands for an estimated aggregate purchase price of Cdn.$ 24,750 . On June 10, 2021, the Canadian Court approved the sale agreement. On June 25, 2021, Health Canada approved the buyers of Figr East and certain intangible assets of Figr Brands. The consummation of the sale of Figr East and certain intangible assets of Figr Brands occurred on June 28, 2021. Refer to "Note 30. Subsequent Events" for additional information.
15. Equity Method Investments
The following summarizes the Company's equity method investments as of March 31, 2021:
Investee Name Location Primary Purpose The Company's Ownership Percentage Basis Difference (1)
Adams International Ltd. Thailand purchase and process tobacco 49 % $ ( 4,526 )
Alliance One Industries India Private Ltd. India purchase and process tobacco 49 % ( 5,770 )
China Brasil Tobacos Exportadora SA Brazil purchase and process tobacco 49 % 46,973
Oryantal Tutun Paketleme Turkey process tobacco 50 % ( 416 )
Purilum, LLC U.S. produce flavor formulations and consumable e-liquids 50 % 4,589
Siam Tobacco Export Company Thailand purchase and process tobacco 49 % ( 6,098 )
(1) The basis difference for the Company's equity method investments is primarily due to $ 30,531 of fair value adjustments from fresh start reporting.
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The following summarizes financial information for these equity method investments:
Successor Predecessor
Operations statement: Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2019
Sales $ 217,232 $ 67,553 $ 293,163 $ 332,245
Gross profit 49,778 14,151 50,209 52,309
Net income 26,728 5,869 16,667 22,855
Company's dividends received 317 5,104 7,348 7,300
Successor Predecessor
Balance sheet: March 31, 2021 March 31, 2020
Current assets $ 224,106 $ 145,207
Property, plant, and equipment and other assets 43,648 56,481
Current liabilities 138,833 82,377
Long-term obligations and other liabilities 3,937 6,296
16. Variable Interest Entities
The following summarizes the Company's financial relationships with its unconsolidated variable interest entities:
Successor Predecessor
March 31, 2021 March 31, 2020
Investments in variable interest entities $ 89,560 $ 62,407
Receivables with variable interest entities 13,497 10,099
Guaranteed amounts to variable interest entities (not to exceed) 56,067 59,792
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17. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net
The following summarizes the changes in the Company's goodwill and other intangible assets, net:
Amortizable Intangibles
Goodwill Customer Relationships Production and Supply Contracts Technology Licenses Trade Names Total
Weighted average remaining useful life in years as of March 31, 2021 11.10 0.00 6.66 0.00 13.42
March 31, 2019 balance:
Gross carrying amount $ 34,720 $ 63,980 $ 7,000 $ 19,917 $ 33,330 $ 500 $ 159,447
Accumulated amortization — ( 29,027 ) ( 2,775 ) ( 18,391 ) ( 1,644 ) ( 63 ) ( 51,900 )
Impact of foreign currency translation ( 384 ) — — — ( 1,046 ) ( 1,430 )
Net March 31, 2019 balance (Predecessor) 34,336 34,953 4,225 1,526 30,640 437 106,117
Additions — — — 2,468 195 — 2,663
Amortization expense — ( 4,022 ) ( 549 ) ( 691 ) ( 1,666 ) ( 63 ) ( 6,991 )
Impairment ( 33,759 ) — — — — — ( 33,759 )
Impact of foreign currency translation ( 577 ) — — — ( 1,505 ) — ( 2,082 )
Net March 31, 2020 balance (Predecessor) — 30,931 3,676 3,303 27,664 374 65,948
Additions (1)
6,120 — — — — — 6,120
Amortization expense — ( 1,675 ) ( 71 ) ( 497 ) ( 980 ) ( 25 ) ( 3,248 )
Impact of foreign currency translation — — — 41 2,183 — 2,224
Fresh Start Adjustment ( 6,120 ) ( 29,256 ) ( 3,605 ) ( 2,847 ) ( 28,867 ) ( 349 ) ( 71,044 )
Net August 31, 2020 (Predecessor) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
September 1, 2020 balance (Successor) $ 37,935 $ 29,200 $ — $ 11,000 $ 19,000 $ 11,800 $ 108,935
Additions — — — 4,080 — — 4,080
Amortization expense — ( 1,470 ) — ( 2,222 ) ( 924 ) ( 497 ) ( 5,113 )
Deconsolidation of Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries — — — — ( 18,076 ) ( 474 ) ( 18,550 )
Impairment ( 1,082 ) — — — — — ( 1,082 )
Net March 31, 2021 balance (Successor) $ 36,853 $ 27,730 $ — $ 12,858 $ — $ 10,829 $ 88,270
(1) Goodwill activity relates to the Other Products and Services segment.
Goodwill
As of January 1, 2021, the Company performed its annual assessment of goodwill for its reporting units. The assessment of qualitative factors indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value.
Due to the commencement of the CCAA Proceeding, the Company concluded that a triggering event occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. The Company performed a test of its goodwill for impairment for the reporting unit that consisted on the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries as of January 21, 2021. Based on the possible outcomes of the CCAA Proceeding, the Company performed a probability-weighted forecast of the reporting unit’s estimated net cash flows using assumptions about the reasonably possible outcomes of the CCAA Proceeding and concluded that the fair value of the reporting unit would not exceed the carrying value of its net assets (excluding goodwill) and therefore the entire goodwill balance of $ 1,082 allocated to the reporting unit was impaired as of January 21, 2021.
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Other Intangible Assets, Net
The carrying value of other intangible assets as of March 31, 2021 represents customer relationships, internally developed software, licenses, and trade names. The following summarizes amortization expense from finite-lived intangible assets:
Successor Predecessor
Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2019
Amortization expense $ 5,113 $ 3,248 $ 6,991 $ 7,943
The following summarizes the estimated intangible asset amortization expense for the next five years and beyond:
For Fiscal Years Ended Customer Relationships Technology (1)
Trade Names Total
2022 $ 2,519 $ 2,233 $ 807 $ 5,559
2023 2,519 1,970 807 5,296
2024 2,519 1,970 807 5,296
2025 2,519 1,819 807 5,145
2026 2,519 1,542 807 4,868
Later 15,135 3,324 6,794 25,253
$ 27,730 $ 12,858 $ 10,829 $ 51,417
(1) Estimated amortization expense for technology is based on costs accumulated as of March 31, 2021. These estimates will change as new costs are incurred and until the software is placed into service in all locations.
18. Leases
The Company does not have material finance leases.
The following summarizes weighted-average information associated with the measurement of remaining operating leases:
Successor Predecessor
March 31, 2021 March 31, 2020
Weighted-average remaining lease term 6.4 years 5.0 years
Weighted-average discount rate 12.2 % 9.7 %
The following summarizes lease costs for operating leases:
Successor Predecessor
Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2020
Operating lease costs 9,099 $ 7,018 $ 16,792
Variable and short-term lease costs 3,957 2,631 6,710
Total lease costs 13,056 $ 9,649 $ 23,502
Leases costs for operating leases was $ 20,486 for the year ended March 31, 2019.
The following summarizes supplemental cash flow information related to cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Successor Predecessor
Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2020
Operating cash flows impact - operating leases $ 8,242 $ 7,791 $ 15,625
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating leases 12,848 4,782 10,377
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The following reconciles maturities of operating lease liabilities to the lease liabilities reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2021:
2022 $ 13,993
2023 10,499
2024 7,141
2025 4,893
2026 4,136
Thereafter 16,865
Total future minimum lease payments 57,527
Less: amounts related to imputed interest 18,490
Present value of future minimum lease payments 39,037
Less: operating lease liabilities, current 9,529
Operating lease liabilities, non-current $ 29,508
During the year ended March 31, 2020, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company completed a sale-leaseback transaction for a facility in Europe. Net proceeds from the sale were $ 7,084 . Under the lease agreement, the Company continued to occupy the space rent free until March 31, 2021. The transaction resulted in a gain of $ 6,400 during the year ended March 31, 2020, which is included in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations.
19. Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net
The following summarizes property, plant, and equipment, net:
Successor Predecessor
March 31, 2021 March 31, 2020
Land $ 30,657 $ 33,229
Buildings 41,971 253,306
Machinery and equipment 73,175 188,140
Total 145,803 474,675
Less: accumulated depreciation ( 5,666 ) ( 178,679 )
Total property, plant, and equipment, net (1)
$ 140,137 $ 295,996
(1) Total property, plant, and equipment, net was reduced in fiscal 2021 by $ 125,820 due to fresh start reporting and $ 40,008 due to the deconsolidation of the Canadian Cannabis Subsidiaries.
The following summarizes depreciation expense recorded in cost of goods and services sold and selling, general, and administrative expenses:
Successor Predecessor
Seven months ended March 31, 2021 Five months ended August 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2020 Year ended
March 31, 2019
Depreciation expense recorded in cost of goods and services sold $ 5,987 $ 12,123 $ 26,035 $ 26,532
Depreciation expense recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses 1,444 1,648 3,351 3,157
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20. Debt Arrangements
The following table summarizes the Company’s debt financing as of the dates set forth below:
Successor
March 31, 2021
Outstanding
Predecessor Successor Lines and
March 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 Letters Interest Long Term Debt Repayment Schedule by Fiscal Year
Available Rate 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Later
Senior secured credit facility:
ABL Facility $ 44,900 $ — — 4.1 % $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
ABL Credit Facility — 67,500 7,500 5.4 % (1) — 67,500 — — — —
Senior notes:
8.5 % senior secured first lien notes (2)
272,871 — — 8.5 % — — — — — —
9.875 % senior secured second lien notes (3)
630,737 — — 9.9 % — — — — — —
10.0 % senior secured first lien notes (4)
— 267,353 — 10.0 % — — — 267,353 — —
Term Loans (5)
— 215,594 — 9.6 % (1) — — — 215,594 — —
Other long-term debt 856 2,910 54 4.1 % (1) 2,122 635 85 68 — —
Notes payable to banks (6)
540,157 372,174 338,779 6.1 % (1) — — — — — —
Total debt $ 1,489,521 $ 925,531 $ 346,333 $ 2,122 $ 68,135 $ 85 $ 483,015 $ — $ —
Short-term (6)
$ 540,157 $ 372,174
Long-term:
Current portion of long-term debt $ 45,048 $ 2,122
Long-term debt 904,316 551,235
$ 949,364 $ 553,357
Letters of credit $ 7,027 $ 2,468 6,231
Total credit available $ 352,564
(1) Weighted average rate for the twelve months ended March 31, 2021.
(2) Upon emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy on the Effective Date, the prepetition 8.5 % senior secured first lien notes were cancelled and replaced with the 10 % senior secured first lien notes due 2024.
(3) Upon emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy on the Effective Date, the prepetition 9.875 % senior secured second lien notes were cancelled through the exchange of common stock in the Successor or cash.
(4) Repayment of $ 267,353 is net of original issue discount of $ 13,491 . Total repayment will be $ 280,844 .
(5) Upon emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy on the Effective Date, the DIP Facility entered into at the Petition Date converted into the Term Loan Credit Facility. The aggregate balance of the Term Loans of $ 215,594 includes $ 2,176 of accrued paid in-kind interest.
(6) Primarily foreign seasonal lines of credit.
ABL Credit Facility
On the Effective Date, Pyxus Holdings entered into the ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of August 24, 2020 by and among, amongst others, Pyxus Holdings, certain lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and collateral agent to establish the ABL Credit Facility. The ABL Credit Facility may be used for revolving credit loans and letters of credit from time to time up to an initial maximum principal amount of $ 75,000 , subject to the limitations described below in this paragraph. Under certain conditions, Pyxus Holdings may solicit the ABL Lenders to provide additional revolving loan commitments under the ABL Credit Facility in an aggregate amount not to exceed $ 15,000 . The ABL Credit Facility is required to be drawn at all times in an amount greater than or equal to the lesser of (i) 25 % of total commitments under the ABL Credit Facility and (ii) $ 18,750 . The amount available under the ABL Credit Facility is limited by a borrowing base consisting of eligible accounts receivable and inventory as follows:
• 85 % of eligible accounts receivable, plus
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• the lesser of (i) 70 % of eligible inventory valued at the lower of cost (based on a first-in first-out basis) and market value thereof (net of intercompany profits) or (ii) 85 % of the appraised net-orderly-liquidation value of eligible inventory.
At March 31, 2021, $ 7,500 was available for borrowing under the ABL Credit Facility, after reducing availability by the aggregate borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility of $ 67,500 outstanding on that date.
The ABL Credit Facility permits both base rate borrowings and LIBOR borrowings. Borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility bear interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 475 basis points or 375 basis points above base rate, as applicable, with a fee on unutilized commitments at an annual rate of 100 basis points.
The ABL Credit Facility matures on February 24, 2023, subject to extension on terms and conditions set forth in the ABL Credit Agreement. The ABL Credit Facility may be prepaid from time to time, in whole or in part, without prepayment or premium, subject to a termination fee of 50 basis points upon the permanent reduction of commitments under the ABL Credit Facility, including maturity. In addition, customary mandatory prepayments of the loans under the ABL Credit Facility are required upon the occurrence of certain events including, without limitation, certain dispositions of assets outside of the ordinary course of business in respect of certain collateral securing the ABL Credit Facility and certain casualty and condemnation events. With respect to base rate loans, accrued interest is payable monthly in arrears on the last business day of each calendar month and, with respect to LIBOR loans, accrued interest is payable monthly and on the last day of any applicable interest period. Pyxus Holdings’ obligations under the ABL Credit Facility (and certain related obligations) are (a) guaranteed by Pyxus Parent, Inc. and the Company and all of Pyxus Holdings’ material domestic subsidiaries, and each of Pyxus Holdings’ future material domestic subsidiaries is required to guarantee the ABL Credit Facility on a senior secured basis (including Pyxus Holdings, collectively, the “ABL Loan Parties”) and (b) secured by the Collateral, as described below, which is owned by the ABL Loan Parties.
The liens and other security interests granted by the ABL Loan Parties on the Collateral for the benefit of the lenders under the ABL Credit Facility (and certain related secured parties) are, subject to certain permitted liens, secured by first-priority security interests on ABL Priority Collateral (as defined in the ABL/Term Loan/Intercreditor Agreement described below) with the security interests securing the Term Loan Credit Facility and the Senior Secured First Lien Notes junior thereto, each as described below. The obligations of Pyxus Holdings and each other ABL Loan Party under the ABL Credit Facility and any related guarantee have respective priorities in a waterfall with respect to portions of the Collateral as set forth in the ABL/Term Loan/Notes Intercreditor Agreement and the Term Loan/Notes Intercreditor Agreement described below.
Cash Dominion
Under the terms of the ABL Credit Facility, if (i) an event of default has occurred and is continuing or (ii) excess borrowing availability under the ABL Credit Facility (based on the lesser of the commitments thereunder and the borrowing base) (the “Excess Availability”) falls below the greater of (x) $ 7,500 and (y) 10 % of the lesser of (A) the commitments under the ABL Credit Facility at such time and (B) the borrowing base at such time (such greater amount being the “Cash Dominion Threshold”), the ABL Loan Parties will become subject to cash dominion, which will require daily prepayment of loans under the ABL Credit Facility with the cash deposited in certain deposit accounts of the ABL Loan Parties, including concentration accounts, and will restrict the ABL Loan Parties’ ability to transfer cash from their concentration accounts to their disbursement accounts. Such cash dominion period (a “Dominion Period”) shall end when (i) if arising as a result of a continuing event of default, such event of default ceases to exist, or (ii) if arising as a result of non-compliance with the Excess Availability threshold, Excess Availability shall be equal to or greater than the Cash Dominion Threshold for a period of 30 consecutive days. No Dominion Period existed as of March 31, 2021.
Financial, Affirmative, and Restrictive Covenants
The ABL Credit Agreement governing the ABL Credit Facility contains a covenant requiring that the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio be no less than 1.00 to 1.00 during any Dominion Period.
The ABL Credit Agreement governing the ABL Credit Facility also contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants (subject, in each case, to exceptions and qualifications) and events of defaults, including covenants that limit the Company's and its restricted subsidiaries' ability to, among other things:
• incur additional indebtedness or issue disqualified stock or preferred stock;
• make investments;
• pay dividends and make other restricted payments;
• sell certain assets;
• create liens;
• consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of their assets;
• enter into transactions with affiliates; and
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• designate subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement).
Prior to the commencement of the CCAA Proceeding, the required lenders under the ABL Credit Agreement waived defaults that would otherwise arise under the ABL Credit Agreement in connection with the commencement of the CCAA Proceeding and other matters related to the CCAA Proceeding.
At March 31, 2021, Pyxus Holdings was in compliance with all such covenants under the ABL Credit Agreement.
Term Loan Credit Facility
On the Effective Date, Pyxus Holdings entered into the Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of August 24, 2020 by and among, amongst others, Pyxus Holdings, certain lenders party thereto and Alter Domus (US) LLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent to establish the Term Loan Credit Facility in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $ 213,418 . The aggregate principal amount of loans outstanding under Debtors’ debtor-in-possession financing facility, and related fees, were converted into, or otherwise satisfied with the proceeds of, the Term Loan Credit Facility.
The Term Loan Credit Facility permits both base rate borrowings and LIBOR borrowings. Borrowings under the Term Loan Credit Facility bear interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 800 basis points or 700 basis points above base rate, as applicable. In addition to the cash interest payments, from and after the first anniversary of the Term Loan Credit Agreement, the term loans under the Term Loan Credit Facility bear “payment in kind” interest in an annual rate equal to 100 basis points, which rate increases by an additional 100 basis points on each of the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the Term Loan Credit Agreement.
The Term Loans and the Term Loan Credit Facility mature on February 24, 2025. The Term Loans may be prepaid from time to time, in whole or in part, without prepayment or penalty. In addition, customary mandatory prepayments of the Term Loans are required upon the occurrence of certain events including, without limitation, certain dispositions of assets outside of the ordinary course of business in respect of certain collateral securing the Term Loan Credit Facility and certain casualty and condemnation events. With respect to base rate loans, accrued interest is payable monthly in arrears on the last business day of each calendar month and, with respect to LIBOR loans, accrued interest is payable monthly and on the last day of any applicable interest period. At March 31, 2021, the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loans outstanding was $ 215,594 .
Pyxus Holdings’ obligations under the Term Loan Credit Facility (and certain related obligations) are (a) guaranteed by Pyxus Parent, Inc. and the Company, all of Pyxus Holdings’ material domestic subsidiaries and certain of Pyxus Holdings’ foreign subsidiaries (the “Foreign Guarantors”), and each of Pyxus Holdings’ future material domestic subsidiaries is required to guarantee the Term Loan Credit Facility on a senior secured basis (including Pyxus Holdings, collectively, the “Term Facility Loan Parties”) and (b) secured by the Collateral, as described below, which is owned by the Term Facility Loan Parties.
The liens and other security interests granted by the Term Facility Loan Parties on the Collateral for the benefit of the lenders under the Term Loan Credit Facility (and certain related secured parties) are, subject to certain permitted liens, secured by first-priority security interests on the Term Loan Priority Collateral and a junior lien on the ABL Priority Collateral and the Notes Priority Collateral (in each case as defined in the ABL/Term Loan/Notes Intercreditor Agreement and the Term Loan/Notes Intercreditor Agreement (together, the “Intercreditor Agreements”). The obligations of Pyxus Holdings and each other Term Facility Loan Party under the Term Loan Credit Facility and any related guarantee have respective priorities as set forth in the Intercreditor Agreements described below.
Affirmative and Restrictive Covenants
The Term Loan Credit Agreement governing the Term Loan Credit Facility contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants (subject, in each case, to exceptions and qualifications) and events of defaults, including covenants that limit the Company's and its restricted subsidiaries' ability to, among other things:
• incur additional indebtedness or issue disqualified stock or preferred stock;
• make investments;
• pay dividends and make other restricted payments;
• sell certain assets;
• create liens;
• consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of their assets;
• enter into transactions with affiliates; and
• designate subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
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