SGC 10-Q Quarter ended Sept. 30, 2024

NOTE 1 – Description of Business and Basis of Presentation :

Description of business

Superior Group of Companies, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “the Company,” “Superior,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) was organized in 1920 and was incorporated in 1922 as a New York company under the name Superior Surgical Mfg. Co., Inc. In 1998, the Company changed its name to Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and redomiciled to Florida. Effective on May 3, 2018, Superior Uniform Group, Inc. changed its name to Superior Group of Companies, Inc.

Superior’s Branded Products segment, primarily through its signature marketing brands BAMKO® and HPI®, produces and sells customized merchandising solutions, promotional products and branded uniform programs. Branded products are manufactured through third parties or in Superior’s own facilities, and are sold to customers in a wide range of industries, including retail chain, food service, entertainment, technology, transportation and other industries. The segment currently has sales offices in the United States, Canada, and Brazil, with support services in China and India.

Superior’s Healthcare Apparel segment, primarily through its signature marketing brands Fashion Seal Healthcare®, Wink® and CID Resources, manufactures (through third parties or in its own facilities) and sells a wide range of healthcare apparel, such as scrubs, lab coats, protective apparel and patient apparel. This segment sells its products to healthcare laundries, dealers, distributors, retailers and consumers primarily in the United States.

Superior’s Contact Centers segment, through multiple The Office Gurus® entities, including subsidiaries in El Salvador, Belize, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and the United States (collectively, “TOG”), provides outsourced, nearshore business process outsourcing, contact and call-center support services to North American customers.

NOTE 2 – Inventories:

Inventories consisted of the following amounts (in thousands):

NOTE 3 – Long-Term Debt:

Debt consisted of the following (in thousands):

On August 23, 2022, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) among the Company, the domestic subsidiaries of the Company, as guarantors, the lenders party thereto (the “Lenders”), and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent for the Lenders (the “Administrative Agent”), pursuant to which the Lenders are providing the Company senior secured credit facilities maturing in August 2027 consisting of a revolving credit facility in the aggregate maximum principal amount of $ 125.0 million and a term loan in the original aggregate principal amount of $ 75.0 million (collectively, the “Credit Facilities”), and the ability to request incremental revolving credit or term loan facilities in an aggregate amount of up to an additional $ 75.0 million, subject to obtaining additional lender commitments and satisfying certain other conditions.

Obligations outstanding under the Credit Facilities accrue interest at a variable rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate ("SOFR") plus an adjustment between 0.10 % and 0.25 % (depending on the applicable interest period) plus a margin between 1.0 % and 2.0 % (depending on the Company’s net leverage ratio). The weighted average interest rate on our outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facilities was 6.0 % as of September 30, 2024 . During the term of the revolving credit facility, the Company will pay a commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility equal to between 0.125 % and 0.250 % (depending on the Company’s net leverage ratio). The available balance under the revolving credit facility is reduced by outstanding letters of credit. As of September 30, 2024 , there were no outstanding letters of credit under the revolving credit facility.

Contractual principal payments for the term loan are as follows: remainder of 2024 - $ 1.4 million; 2025 - $ 5.6 million; 2026 - $ 6.6 million and 2027 - $ 52.5 million. The term loan does not contain pre-payment penalties.

The Credit Facilities are secured by substantially all of the operating assets of the Company, and the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facilities are guaranteed by all of its domestic subsidiaries. The Company’s obligations under the Credit Facilities are subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of an event of default as defined in the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default and negative covenants, including but not limited to those governing indebtedness, liens, fundamental changes, investments, restricted payments (including dividends and related distributions), liquidations, mergers, consolidations or acquisitions, affiliate transactions and sales of assets or subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement also requires the Company to comply with a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.25 to 1.0 and a net leverage ratio not to exceed 4.0 to 1.0. The Company’s net leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) is generally calculated as the ratio of (a) indebtedness minus unrestricted cash to (b) consolidated EBITDA for the four most recently ended fiscal quarters. As of September 30, 2024 , the Company was in compliance with these ratios.

NOTE 4 – Net Sales:

For our Branded Products and Healthcare Apparel segments, revenue is primarily generated from the sale of finished products to customers. Revenues for our Branded Products and Healthcare Apparel segments are recognized when the performance obligations under the contract terms are satisfied. For certain contracts with customers in which the Company has an enforceable right to payment for goods with no alternative use, revenue is recognized over time upon receipt of finished goods into inventory. Revenue for goods that do have an alternative use or that the customer is not obligated to purchase under the terms of a contract is generally recognized when the goods are transferred to the customer. The Company includes shipping and handling fees billable to customers in net sales. Shipping and handling activities that occur after the transfer of promised goods are accrued as control is transferred to the customer rather than being treated as a separate performance obligation.

For our Contact Centers segment, revenue is generated from providing our customers with contact center services. Revenue for our Contact Centers segment is recognized as services are delivered.

Revenue is measured at the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for the goods or services. Variable consideration for estimated returns, allowances and other price variances is recorded based upon historical experience and current allowance programs. Contract terms may involve variable consideration clauses such as sales discounts and customer rebates, and revenue is adjusted accordingly for these provisions. Estimated amounts are included in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. The promised amount of consideration in a contract is not adjusted for the effects of a significant financing component when we expect, at contract inception, that the period between our transfer of a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that product or service will be one year or less. Sales taxes are excluded from the measurement of a performance obligation’s transaction price. Sales commissions are expensed as incurred when we expect that the amortization period of such costs will be one year or less.

For further information regarding our net sales disaggregated by reportable segment see Note 9 .

Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities

The following table provides information about accounts receivable, contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers (in thousands):

Contract assets relate to goods produced without an alternative use for which the Company has an enforceable right to payment but which has not yet been invoiced to the customer. The majority of the amounts included in contract assets on December 31, 2023 were transferred to accounts receivable during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 . Contract liabilities relate to payments received in advance of the Company completing its performance under a contract. Contract liabilities are included in other current liabilities in our balance sheets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 , $ 4.9 million of revenue was recognized from the contract liabilities balance as of December 31, 2023.

NOTE 5 – Contingencies:

The purchase price to acquire substantially all of the assets of Sutter’s Mill Specialties, Inc. (“Sutter’s Mill”) in December 2021 included contingent consideration based on varying levels of Sutter’s Mill’s EBITDA in each measurement period from 2022 to 2024. In July 2023, management agreed to settle the remaining contingent consideration obligation associated with this acquisition for $ 0.5 million, which was paid in the first quarter of 2024. The purchase price to acquire substantially all of the assets of Guardian Products, Inc. (“Guardian”) in May 2022 included contingent consideration based on varying levels of Guardian’s EBITDA in each measurement period through April 2025. The estimated fair value of Guardian acquisition-related contingent consideration payable as of September 30, 2024 was $ 0.7 million, all of which is expected to be paid in the third quarter of 2025. In the third quarter of 2024, $ 1.0 million was paid for the 2023 measurement period. The total estimated undiscounted remaining payment related to this contingent consideration payable is between $ 0.9 million and $ 1.0 million. The Company will continue to evaluate the Guardian liability for remeasurement at the end of each reporting period and any changes will be recorded in the Company’s statements of comprehensive income. The carrying amount of the liability may fluctuate significantly and actual amounts paid may be different from the estimated value of the liability.

The Company is involved in various legal actions and claims arising from the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of these matters is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

NOTE 6 – Share-Based Compensation :

Share-based compensation expense is recorded in selling and administrative expense in the statements of comprehensive income. The following table details the share-based compensation expense by type of award for the periods presented (in thousands):

Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”)

The Company grants stock options and stock-settled SARs to employees that allow them to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. Stock options are also granted to outside members of the Board of Directors of the Company. The Company determines the fair value of stock options and SARs at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model.

All stock options and SARs vest between one and three years after the grant date. Employee awards expire five years after the grant date, and those issued to directors expire ten years after the grant date. The Company issues new shares upon the exercise of stock options and SARs. Stock options, as well as SARs granted in tandem with stock options, are subject to accelerated vesting under certain circumstances as outlined in the 2013 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan (the “2013 Plan”) or 2022 Equity Incentive and Awards Plan (the “2022 Plan”), as applicable.

A summary of stock option transactions during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 follows:

As of September 30, 2024 , the Company had $ 0.8 million in unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options to be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period of 1.0 year.

A summary of stock-settled SARs transactions during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 follows:

As of September 30, 2024 , the Company had $ 0.3 million in unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested SARs to be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period of 1.0 year.

Restricted Stock

The Company has granted shares of restricted stock to directors and certain employees, which vest at a specified future date, generally after three years, over five years or when certain conditions are met. The shares are subject to accelerated vesting under certain circumstances as outlined in the 2013 Plan or 2022 Plan, as applicable. Expense for each of these grants is based on the fair value at the date of the grant and is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective service period.

A summary of restricted stock transactions during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 follows:

As of September 30, 2024 , the Company had $ 3.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock grants expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period of 1.7 years.

Performance Shares

The Company has granted performance shares, which either contain only service-based vesting conditions or service-based and performance-based vesting conditions. The service-based awards vest after the service period is met, which is generally three to five years. Expense for these grants is based on the fair value on the date of the grant and is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective service period. The performance-based awards generally vest after five years if the performance and service targets are met. The Company evaluates the performance conditions associated with these grants each reporting period to determine the expected number of shares to be issued. Expense for grants of performance shares is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective service period based on the grant date fair value and expected number of shares to be issued. The awards are subject to accelerated vesting on a pro rata basis under certain circumstances as outlined in the 2013 Plan or 2022 Plan, as applicable, except in those circumstances in which award agreements or change in control agreements specify full vesting.

On May 1, 2024, the Compensation Committee approved the Company entering into a grant of 125,000 and 75,000 performance shares to Michael Benstock, Chief Executive Officer and Michael Koempel, Chief Financial Officer, respectively, under the 2022 Equity Incentive and Awards Plan. The performance shares agreements were executed on May 6, 2024. Each performance share represents a contingent right to receive one share of common stock. The performance shares will vest if, in each case and during a four -year performance period beginning on January 1, 2024, subject to additional requirements, the average closing price of the Company’s common stock over a rolling thirty ( 30 ) day period equals or exceeds 115 %, 130 %, and 150 % of the closing share price on May 10, 2024 and the executive is still employed by the Company twelve ( 12 ) months after the applicable stock price condition has been satisfied. The fair value and derived service periods of the shares were determined based on a Monte Carlo valuation model, which includes estimates of the Company’s stock price volatility. Expense for these grants is being recognized on a straight-line basis over each tranche’s derived service period.

A summary of performance share transactions during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 follows:

As of September 30, 2024 , the Company had $ 2.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested performance share grants expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted average service period of 1.5 years.

NOTE 7 – Income Taxes:

The Company calculates its interim income tax provision in accordance with the accounting guidance for income taxes in interim periods. At the end of each interim period, the Company makes its best estimate of the annual expected effective tax rate and applies that rate to its ordinary year-to-date income or loss. The tax expense or benefit related to significant, unusual, or extraordinary items that will be separately reported or reported net of their related tax effect are individually computed and recognized in the interim period in which those items occur.

The computation of the annual expected effective tax rate at each interim period requires certain estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the expected operating income for the year and permanent and temporary differences. The accounting estimates used to compute the provision for income taxes may change as new events occur, additional information is obtained or the tax environment changes.

For the three months ended September 30, 2024 , the Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $ 1.2 million, which represents an effective tax rate of 17.8 %. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 , the Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $ 1.9 million, which represents an effective tax rate of 16.1 %. The income tax provision and the effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily impacted by the variability in the mix of earnings across the Company’s foreign and domestic operations, subject to various statutory tax rates in those jurisdictions.

For the three months ended September 30, 2023 , the Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $ 0.2 million, which represents an effective tax rate of 4.9 %. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 , the Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $ 0.4 million, which represents an effective tax rate of 6.8 %. The income tax provision and the effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily impacted by the variability in the mix of earnings across the Company’s foreign and domestic operations subject to various statutory tax rates in those jurisdictions.

NOTE 8 – Net Income Per Share:

The Company’s basic net income per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share includes the effect of the Company’s outstanding stock options, stock appreciation rights, nonvested shares of restricted stock and nonvested performance shares, if the inclusion of these items is dilutive.

The following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted net income per share for the periods presented:

Awards to purchase 309,778 and 1,198,603 shares of common stock with weighted average exercise prices of $ 21.44 and $ 15.32 per share were outstanding during the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 , respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the awards’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares.