Vista Outdoor Reports FY20 Fourth Quarter and Improved Full-Year Operating Results

May 7, 2020
Generates Strong Free Cash Flow and Reduces Debt, Net of Cash, by $207 million, or 30 percent in FY20
Provides Business Outlook and Establishes First Quarter Guidance for FY21
Expects Strong Year Over Year First Quarter FY21 Earnings Per Share Growth
 
ANOKA, Minn., May 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO) today reported operating results for the fourth quarter and full Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20), which ended on March 31, 2020, provided an update on its business operations and announced a realignment of its reporting segments to better reflect the Company's strategic focus.

"Our results exceeded our expectations for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year," said Chris Metz, Vista Outdoor Chief Executive Officer.  "In this challenging environment brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, we delivered strong financial performance, met our revenue expectations, and exceeded our expectations for adjusted EPS and free cash flow. Overall, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations in the fourth quarter was minimal.  We experienced stronger than expected demand in many of our categories, including commercial ammunition, bicycle helmets and accessories, and outdoor cooking.  Looking forward, we believe that our stronger operating fundamentals, improved balance sheet and financial flexibility will help us respond to this uncertain environment and seize opportunities where they arise."

"As many of our operations are designated as essential by the US government, the health and safety of our employees remains our first and foremost focus.  I would like to thank every Vista Outdoor employee for their incredible efforts during these unprecedented times and for their commitment to a founder's mentality and to Vista Outdoor's mission to bring the world outside.  Our teams have worked tirelessly to safeguard the health of our employees, support customer demand, and deliver on our strategic priorities.  Vista Outdoor has deep experience navigating, adapting to and overcoming challenges," said Metz.

Fiscal Year 2020
In the second quarter of FY20, Vista Outdoor completed the sale of its firearms business for $170 million. The completion of this divestiture was a critical step in the Company's strategic portfolio reshaping and allowed the Company to further paydown debt and free up capital to invest in product categories where the Company believes it can be a market leader.

The Company modified its segment reporting to better reflect its strategic focus. The Company's two new reportable segments are Shooting Sports and Outdoor Products.  The Shooting Sports reporting segment consists of the Company's Ammunition and Hunting and Shooting Accessories business units, which include the Company's Federal, CCI, Speer ammunition brands, as well as Bushnell Optics, Primos, BLACKHAWK! and Eagle hunting and shooting-related brands, among others. The Outdoor Products reporting segment consists of the Company's Action Sports and Outdoor Recreation business units, which include the Company's Bell/Giro, CamelBak, Camp Chef and Bushnell Golf brands, among others. The Company's reported fourth quarter and full year FY20 results reflect these two new reporting segments.  To assist in the analysis and understanding of the new segment structure, the Company is providing selected recast financial data for the fourth quarter and full year of 2020, 2019 and 2018 in its earnings presentation slides, available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website, reflecting the new reporting segments.  These changes have no impact on the Company's previously reported consolidated balance sheet, statement of income, or cash flows.

For the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2020

  • Sales were $426 million, down 17 percent from the prior year quarter, or down 8 percent adjusted for the sale of the firearms business in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020. The decline in our organic business was due to a large international order in the prior year quarter, and lower sales in hydration and hunting and shooting accessories in the quarter.
  • Gross profit was $84.6 million, down 15 percent from the prior year quarter. Adjusted gross profit was $85.4 million, down 17 percent from the prior year quarter, or down 3 percent adjusted for the sale of firearms, due to lower volumes. The adjusted organic gross profit margin increased by 116 bps from the prior year quarter.
  • Operating expenses were $232 million, compared with $136 million in the prior year quarter. Adjusted operating expenses were $74 million, compared with $92 million in the prior year quarter, and down 12 percent adjusted for the sale of firearms, due to benefits from cost savings initiatives and lower overall selling costs.
  • Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) was $(147) million, compared with $(36) million in the prior year quarter. Adjusted EBIT was $11.1 million, or up 4 percent, compared with $10.7 million in the prior year quarter, and was up 237 percent on an organic basis adjusted for the sale of firearms, due to increased efficiency and cost savings initiatives.
  • Interest expense decreased to $7 million, compared with $11 million in the prior year quarter, due to overall lower debt balance, and overall lower interest rate.
  • Tax rate was 9 percent, compared with (3) percent in the prior year quarter. The tax variance is due to the impact of the nondeductible goodwill impairment charge and change in valuation allowance. The adjusted tax rate was (56) percent, compared with 170 percent in the prior year quarter. The adjusted tax variance is due to the release of uncertain tax positions in the current period and the impact of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
  • Fully diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $(2.44), compared with $(0.84) in the prior year quarter, due to a goodwill and indefinite lived intangible asset impairment charges of $156 million recognized in the fourth quarter, and an impairment charge of $36 million on held for sale assets in the prior year quarter. Adjusted EPS was $0.11, compared with $0.01 in the prior year quarter, primarily due to a customer bankruptcy related write-off the Company recorded in the prior year quarter, the benefit of cost savings initiatives, and a favorable tax rate.

For the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2020 Operating Segment Results

Shooting Sports

  • Sales were $295 million, down 21 percent from the prior year quarter, or down 8 percent over the prior year quarter adjusted for the sale of firearms.
  • Gross profit was $54 million, down 17 percent from the prior year quarter, up 8 percent adjusted for the sale of firearms. The gross profit margin was 18 percent, a 70 bps increase compared with the prior year quarter, and was up 270 bps from the prior year quarter adjusted for the sale of firearms.
  • EBIT was $22 million, up 26 percent from the prior year quarter, and was up 116 percent from the prior year quarter adjusted for the sale of firearms.

Outdoor Products

  • Sales were $132 million, down 9 percent from the prior year quarter, due to continued lower demand across the segment for the majority of the quarter and headwinds in the retail channel as a result of COVID-19 related restrictions, partially offset by increased demand in bicycle helmets and accessories and outdoor cooking near the end of the quarter.
  • Gross profit was $32 million, down 16 percent from the prior year quarter. Gross profit margin was 24 percent, down 224 bps from the prior year quarter.
  • EBIT was $4 million, down 49 percent compared with the prior year quarter.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020

  • Sales were $1.76 billion, down 15 percent from the prior fiscal year, and down 5 percent adjusted for divested businesses, due to a large international order in the prior year and lower demand for hunting and shooting accessories and in the Outdoor Products segment throughout the year.
  • Gross profit was $359 million, down 14 percent from the prior fiscal year. Adjusted gross profit was $360 million, compared with $432 million in the prior fiscal year, due to the sale of firearms, increased promotional activity and lower sales volumes in Outdoor Products. The adjusted organic gross profit margin increased by 62 bps compared to the prior fiscal year.
  • Operating expenses were $491 million, compared with $1.03 billion in the prior fiscal year. The decrease was due to goodwill, intangible and held for sale asset impairment charges of $621 million recognized in the prior fiscal year, and goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles asset impairment charges of $156 million recognized in the current fiscal year. Adjusted operating expenses were $314 million compared with $371 million in the prior fiscal year, or down 6 percent adjusted for the sale of firearms, due to benefits of cost savings initiatives and lower overall selling costs.
  • EBIT was $(132) million, compared with $(617) million from the prior fiscal year. Adjusted organic EBIT was $45 million, or up 41 percent, compared with $32 million from the prior fiscal year.
  • Interest expense was $39 million, compared with $57 million in the prior fiscal year. Adjusted interest expense was $35 million, or down 33 percent, compared to $51 million in the prior fiscal year, due to an overall lower average interest rate and lower debt balance.
  • Tax rate was 9 percent, compared with 4 percent in the prior fiscal year. The adjusted tax rate was (22) percent, compared with 14 percent in the prior fiscal year. The tax variance is due to the release of uncertain tax positions in the current period and the impact of the CARES Act.
  • EPS was $(2.68), compared with $(11.27) in the prior fiscal year. Adjusted EPS was $0.24, or up 71 percent, compared with $0.14 in the prior fiscal year, due to benefits from cost savings initiatives and a favorable tax rate.
  • Cash flow provided by operating activities was $77 million, compared to $97 million in the prior fiscal year. Free cash flow generation was $59 million, compared to $79 million in the prior fiscal year, due to overall improved cash management activities and net working capital efficiencies.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020 Operating Segment Results

Shooting Sports

  • Sales were $1.19 billion, down 16 percent from the prior fiscal year, or down 5 percent over the prior fiscal year adjusted for the sale of firearms.
  • Gross profit was $211 million, down 16 percent from the prior fiscal year, up 1 percent adjusted for the sale of firearms. The gross profit margin was 18 percent, and was flat to the prior fiscal year, and was up 99 bps from the prior fiscal year adjusted for the sale of firearms.
  • EBIT was $80 million, or down 12 percent from the prior fiscal year, and was up 16 percent when compared with the prior year adjusted for the sale of firearms.

Outdoor Products

  • Sales were $567 million, down 13 percent from the prior fiscal year, and excluding the results from the Company's eyewear business unit, which was divested in the second quarter of fiscal year 2019, sales were down 5 percent over the prior fiscal year.
  • Gross profit was $149 million, down 17 percent from the prior fiscal year, and down 5 percent excluding the results from eyewear. The gross profit margin was 26 percent, down 143 bps from the prior fiscal year, and was flat compared with the prior fiscal year, adjusted for the sale of eyewear.
  • EBIT was $30 million, down 14 percent from the prior fiscal year, and was up 5 percent adjusted for the sale of eyewear.

The Company will provide additional information in its Form 10-K, which will be filed this month. Please see the tables in the press release for a reconciliation of non-GAAP adjusted gross profit, operating profit, tax rate, earnings per share, and free cash flow to the comparable GAAP measures.

Outlook
"As we begin fiscal year 2021, we are closely monitoring consumer purchasing behavior due to the uncertainty caused by COVID-19.  At this time, we believe it is prudent to set expectations only for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021," said Metz.  "We will revisit guidance for the remainder of the year at a later date. We believe that the profitability improvements we have undertaken over the past two years, combined with our significantly reduced leverage and more flexible balance sheet, put us in a strong position going into fiscal year 2021. The solid foundation that we have built will allow us to navigate these uncertain times while continuing to generate profitable revenue and provide our core consumers with the innovative products that they depend on for their outdoor pursuits."

Vista Outdoor Establishes First Quarter FY21 financial guidance

  • Sales in a range of $370 million to $400 million, compared with $460 million in the prior year quarter, which includes $24 million in revenue from divested businesses.
  • Earnings per Share (EPS) in a range of ($0.05) to $0.00 or breakeven, compared with ($0.29) of GAAP EPS and ($0.08) of Adjusted EPS in the prior year quarter.

The Company expects to generate first quarter free cash flows better than the prior year quarter.

Earnings Conference Call Webcast Information
Vista Outdoor will hold an investor conference call to discuss its business operations, FY20 financial results and an update on business outlook on May 7, 2020, at 9 a.m. ET. The conference call will be accessible through live webcast. Interested investors and other individuals can access the webcast and view and/or download the earnings press release, including a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures, and the related earnings release presentation slides, which will also include detailed segment information, via Vista Outdoor's website (www.vistaoutdoor.com). Choose "Investors" then "Events and Presentations." For those who cannot participate in the live webcast, a telephone recording of the conference call will be available for one month after the call. The telephone number is 719-457-0820, and the confirmation code is 3381529.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The adjusted gross profit, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating profit (earnings before interest, tax and other) (operating profit), adjusted other income/(expense), adjusted EBIT (earnings before interest and income tax), adjusted interest expense, adjusted taxes, adjusted tax rate, adjusted net income, and adjusted earnings per share (adjusted EPS) presented below are non-GAAP financial measures. Vista Outdoor defines these measures as gross profit, operating expenses, operating profit, other income / (expense), EBIT, interest expense, taxes, tax rate, net income, and EPS excluding, where applicable, the impact of costs incurred for contingent consideration, transaction costs, executive transition costs, restructuring and asset impairment costs, debt issuance costs, goodwill and intangibles impairment, impairment of held-for-sale assets, tax valuation allowance, and transformation costs. Vista Outdoor management is presenting these measures so a reader may compare gross profit, operating profit, tax rate, and EPS excluding these items, as the measures provide investors with an important perspective on the operating results of the Company. Vista Outdoor management uses these measures internally to assess business performance, and Vista Outdoor's definition may differ from those used by other companies.

Total Vista Outdoor for the Quarter Ended

               

March 31, 2020

Gross
Profit

 

Operating
Expenses

 

Operating
Profit

 

Other
Expense

 

EBIT

 

Interest
Expense

 

Taxes

 

Tax
Rate

 

Net Income

 

EPS

As reported

$

84,634

   

$

232,092

   

$

(147,458)

   

$

   

$

(147,458)

   

$

(6,980)

   

$

(13,224)

   

8.6

%

 

$

(141,214)

   

$

(2.44)

 

Transaction costs

   

(161)

   

161

   

   

161

   

   

39

       

122

   

 

Executive transition

   

(1,370)

   

1,370

   

   

1,370

   

   

329

       

1,041

   

0.02

 

Goodwill and intangibles
impairment

   

(155,589)

   

155,589

   

   

155,589

   

   

15,173

       

140,416

   

2.42

 

Restructuring

797

   

(642)

   

1,439

   

   

1,439

   

   

345

       

1,094

   

0.02

 

Tax valuation allowance

   

   

   

   

   

   

(4,951)

       

4,951

   

0.09

 

As adjusted

$

85,431

   

$

74,330

   

$

11,101

   

$

   

$

11,101

   

$

(6,980)

   

$

(2,289)

   

(55.5)

%

 

$

6,410

   

$

0.11

 
                                       

March 31, 2019

Gross
Profit

 

Operating
Expenses

 

Operating
Profit

 

Other
Expense

 

EBIT

 

Interest
Expense

 

Taxes

 

Tax
Rate

 

Net Income

 

EPS

As reported

$

99,357

   

$

135,740

   

$

(36,383)

   

$

   

$

(36,383)

   

$

(10,851)

   

$

1,401

   

(3.0)

%

 

$

(48,635)

   

$

(0.84)

 

Contingent Consideration

   

(843)

   

843

   

   

843

   

   

202

       

641

   

0.01

 

Transaction costs

   

(14)

   

14

   

   

14

   

   

(214)

       

228

   

 

Debt issuance costs

   

   

   

   

   

(385)

   

(92)

       

(293)

   

(0.01)

 

Goodwill and intangibles
impairment

   

   

   

   

   

   

(4,605)

       

4,605

   

0.08

 

Impairment of held-for-sale
assets

   

(36,384)

   

36,384

   

   

36,384

   

   

       

36,384

   

0.63

 

Transformation

3,624

   

(6,194)

   

9,818

   

   

9,818

   

   

2,356

       

7,462

   

0.13

 

As adjusted

$

102,981

   

$

92,305

   

$

10,676

   

$

   

$

10,676

   

$

(11,236)

   

$

(952)

   

170.0

%

 

$

392

   

$

0.01

 
                                       

 

Total Vista Outdoor for the Year Ended

                   

March 31, 2020

Gross
Profit

 

Operating
Expenses

 

Operating
Profit

 

Other
Expense

 

EBIT

 

Interest
Expense

 

Taxes

 

Tax
Rate

 

Net Income

 

EPS

As reported

$

358,766

   

$

490,569

   

$

(131,803)

   

$

(433)

   

$

(132,236)

   

$

(38,791)

   

$

(15,948)

   

9.3

%

 

$

(155,079)

   

$

(2.68)

 

Contingent Consideration

   

(1,685)

   

1,685

   

   

1,685

   

   

404

       

1,281

   

0.02

 

Transaction costs

   

(644)

   

644

   

   

644

   

   

155

       

489

   

0.01

 

Debt issuance costs

   

   

   

   

   

4,228

   

1,015

       

3,213

   

0.06

 

Executive transition

   

(1,370)

   

1,370

   

   

1,370

   

   

329

       

1,041

   

0.02

 

Loss on divestiture (Firearms)

   

   

   

433

   

433

   

   

       

433

   

0.01

 

Goodwill and intangibles
impairment

   

(155,589)

   

155,589

   

   

155,589

   

   

15,173

       

140,416

   

2.43

 

Impairment of held-for-sale assets

   

(9,429)

   

9,429

   

   

9,429

   

   

       

9,429

   

0.16

 

Restructuring and asset
impairment costs

1,520

   

(7,690)

   

9,210

   

   

9,210

   

   

2,211

       

6,999

   

0.12

 

Tax valuation allowance

   

   

   

   

   

   

(5,835)

       

5,835

   

0.10

 

As adjusted

$

360,286

   

$

314,162

   

$

46,124

   

$

   

$

46,124

   

$

(34,563)

   

$

(2,496)

   

(21.6)

%

 

$

14,057

   

$

0.24

 
                                       

March 31, 2019

Gross
Profit

 

Operating
Expenses

 

Operating
Profit

 

Other
Expense

 

EBIT

 

Interest
Expense

 

Taxes

 

Tax
Rate

 

Net Income

 

EPS

As reported

$

415,688

   

$

1,025,973

   

$

(610,285)

   

$

(6,796)

   

$

(617,081)

   

$

(57,191)

   

$

(25,829)

   

3.9

%

 

$

(648,443)

   

$

(11.27)

 

Contingent consideration

   

(3,371)

   

3,371

   

   

3,371

   

   

809

       

2,562

   

0.04

 

Transaction costs

   

(9,824)

   

9,824

   

   

9,824

   

   

2,141

       

7,683

   

0.13

 

Debt issuance costs

   

   

   

   

   

5,879

   

1,411

       

4,468

   

0.08

 

Goodwill and intangibles
impairment

   

(536,627)

   

536,627

   

   

536,627

   

   

13,197

       

523,430

   

9.10

 

Loss on Eyewear sale

   

   

   

4,925

   

4,925

   

   

(1,379)

       

6,304

   

0.11

 

Impairment of held-for-sale assets

   

(84,555)

   

84,555

   

   

84,555

   

   

       

84,555

   

1.47

 

Transformation

15,909

   

(20,771)

   

36,680

   

1,871

   

38,551

   

   

8,803

       

29,748

   

0.52

 

Tax reform

   

   

   

   

   

   

2,189

       

(2,189)

   

(0.04)

 

As adjusted

$

431,597

   

$

370,825

   

$

60,772

   

$

   

$

60,772

   

$

(51,312)

   

$

1,342

   

14.2

%

 

$

8,118

   

$

0.14

 
                                       

*NOTE: Adjustments to "as reported" results are items that are excluded from reported GAAP results to arrive at the "as adjusted" results for the quarters and years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. EPS amounts may not foot due to rounding.

Fiscal Year 2020 Adjustments

During the quarter and year ended March 31, 2020, we incurred transaction costs associated with possible and completed transactions, including advisory, legal, and accounting service fees. Given the nature of transaction costs, and differences in these amounts from one transaction to another, the Company believes these costs are not indicative of operations of the Company. The tax effect of the transaction costs that are deductible for tax was calculated based on a blended statutory rate of approximately 24 percent.

During the quarter and year ended March 31, 2020, we recognized executive transition costs related to the appointment of a new Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

During the quarter and year ended March 31, 2020, we recognized a $156 million impairment of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets. On January 1, 2020 we performed our annual impairment testing.  The trading price of our common stock on the annual testing date resulted in a large difference between the market value of Vista Outdoor equity and the book value of the assets recorded on our balance sheet, implying that investors' may believe that the fair value of our reporting units is lower than their book value.  Our estimates of the fair values of the reporting units was significantly influenced by higher discount rates in the income-based valuation approach as a result of increasing market to equity risk premiums and company specific risk premiums. Our fair value estimates were also negatively impacted by the performance of our reporting units compared to comparable companies, which required that we apply lower valuation multiples in estimating the fair value of these reporting units using the market-based approach. In addition, as a result of tariffs and other factors affecting the market for our products, we reduced our sales projections for fiscal year 2021 and beyond for a number of our reporting units for purposes of our long-range financial plan, which is updated annually beginning in our third quarter.

During the quarter and year ended March 31, 2020, we recorded a tax valuation allowance of $5.0 million and $5.8 million, respectively.  Due to the previous and current year impairments, the Company continues to be in a three-year cumulative loss position resulting in a tax valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. Given the unusual and infrequent nature of this valuation allowance, we do not believe the $5.8 million tax expense related to the valuation allowance of the deferred tax assets is indicative of operations of the Company.

During the quarter and year ended March 31, 2020 we incurred restructuring and asset impairment costs related to impairment on rent receivables and operational realignments costs which were incurred to generate longer-term benefits. We do not consider these items indicative of earnings from ongoing business activities. The tax effect of these costs was calculated based on a blended statutory rate of approximately 24 percent.

During the year ended March 31, 2020, we recorded a portion of the approximately $10 million of compensation for the Camp Chef earn-out, subject to continued Camp Chef leadership employment and the achievement of certain incremental profitability growth milestones, which was paid in full during the year.  Given this balance was related to the purchase price of the company and is not normal compensation of the employees and will not be a continuing cost, we do not believe these costs are indicative of operations of the company. The tax effect of the contingent consideration cost was calculated based on a blended statutory rate of approximately 24 percent.

During the year ended March 31, 2020, in connection with the repayment of the Junior Term Loan, unamortized debt issuance costs were written off and repayment premium fees were paid. Given the infrequent and unique nature of these costs, the company believes these costs are not indicative of ongoing operations of the Company. The tax effect of the transaction costs was calculated based on a blended statutory rate of approximately 24 percent.

During the year ended March 31, 2020, we completed the sale of our Firearms business for total a purchase price of $170 million. As a result, we recorded a pretax loss of $0.4 million which is included in other income (expense), net. Given the infrequent and unique nature of this divestiture, the Company believes these costs are not indicative of ongoing operations. There is no tax effect of this loss because it is not deductible for tax purposes.

During the year ended March 31, 2020, we recognized a loss of $9 million related to the impairment of the firearms held-for-sale assets. Given the infrequent and unique nature of the firearms business divestiture, the Company believes these costs are not indicative of ongoing operations. There is no tax effect of this loss because it is not deductible for tax purposes.

Fiscal Year 2019 Adjustments
During the quarter and year ended March 31, 2019, we recorded a portion of the approximately $10 million of compensation for the Camp Chef earn-out, which will be paid over the next year, subject to continued Camp Chef leadership employment and the achievement of certain incremental profitability growth milestones. Given this balance is related to the purchase price of the Company and is not normal compensation of the employees and will not be a continuing cost, we do not believe these costs are indicative of operations of the company. The tax effect of the contingent consideration cost was calculated based on a blended statutory rate of approximately 24 percent.

During the quarter and year ended March 31, 2019, we incurred transaction costs associated with possible and completed transactions, including advisory, legal, and accounting service fees. Given the nature of transaction costs, and differences in these amounts from one transaction to another, the company believe these costs are not indicative of operations of the Company. The tax effect of the transaction costs that are deductible for tax was calculated based on a blended statutory rate of approximately 24 percent.

During the quarter and year ended March 31, 2019, we recognized amounts related to debt issuance costs in connection with the refinancing our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated April 1, 2016. Given the infrequent and unique nature of the debt issuance write-off costs, the Company believes these costs are not indicative of operations of the Company. The tax effect of the transaction costs was calculated based on a blended statutory rate of approximately 24 percent.

During the year ended March 31, 2019, we recognized a $537 million total impairment of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets. The trading price of our common stock declined significantly in the third quarter, increasing the difference between the market value of Vista Outdoor equity and the book value of the assets recorded on our balance sheet and implying that investors' may believe that the fair value of our reporting units is lower than their book value. In addition, as a result of a weaker than expected 2018 holiday shopping season and increasing uncertainty from the impact of retail bankruptcies, tariffs and other factors affecting the market for our products, we reduced our sales projections for fiscal year 2020 and beyond for a number of our reporting units for purposes of our long-range financial plan, which is updated annually beginning in our third quarter. As a result of these factors, we determined that a triggering event had occurred during the quarter with respect to our Hunting and Shooting Accessories, Outdoor Recreation, and Action Sports reporting units, which required that we assess the fair value of these reporting units using the income-based and market-based approaches  Additionally, during the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, we made a decision to sell the legal entities comprising our firearms business, which is part of our Shooting Sports segment and comprises our firearms reporting unit which required that we assess the fair value of this reporting unit using the income-based and market-based approaches. Given the unusual and infrequent nature of this impairment we do not believe these costs are indicative of operations of the Company. The tax effect of the goodwill and intangibles impairment charge was determined based on the fact that the goodwill impairment charge of $408 million, a portion of which was non-deductible and the remainder was deductible at a rate of approximately 24 percent for tax purposes, and the remaining intangible asset impairment of $129 million was deductible at a rate of approximately 24 percent. The third quarter impairment caused the Company to be in a three-year cumulative loss position, which resulted in a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets to be recorded. Given the unusual and infrequent nature of this valuation allowance, we do not believe the $33 million tax expense related to the valuation allowance of the deferred tax assets is indicative of operations of the Company.

During the year ended March 31, 2019, the Company completed the sale of its Bollé, Serengeti, and Cébé brands (the "Eyewear Brands"). The selling price was $158 million, subject to customary working capital adjustments. As a result, the Company recorded a pretax loss of approximately $5 million, which is included in other income (expense), net. Given the infrequent and unique nature of this divestiture, the Company believes these costs are not indicative of ongoing operations. The tax amount is based upon the estimated taxes due on the transaction.

During the quarter and year ended March 31, 2019, Vista Outdoor recognized a loss of $36 million and $40 million, respectively, related to the impairment of the firearms held-for-sale assets. During the year ended March 31, 2019, the Company recognized a loss of $45 million related to the impairment of the eyewear brand held-for-sale assets. Given the infrequent and unique nature of the firearms and eyewear brand business divestitures, the Company believes these costs are not indicative of ongoing operations. There is no tax effect of this loss because it is not deductible for tax purposes.

During the quarter and year ended March 31, 2019, Vista Outdoor incurred business transformation costs related to the sublease of the former corporate headquarters, operational realignments, and the implementation of a new ERP system. We also incurred costs  related to consulting services associated with a strategic supply chain efficiency initiative. These consulting services costs are directly related to improving efficiencies of inventory procurement and are therefore classified as costs of goods sold. Given the infrequent and unique nature of these business transformation costs, the Company believes these costs are not indicative of ongoing operations. The tax effect of these costs was calculated based on a blended statutory rate of approximately 24 percent.

During the year ended March 31, 2019, Vista Outdoor recognized a tax benefit related to the revaluation of the balance sheet as a result of tax legislation, which has been enacted in the United States and France in the prior year. Vista Outdoor believes the tax benefit related to the revaluation of the balance sheet is not indicative of the ongoing operations of the Company.

Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow is defined as cash provided by (used for) operating activities less capital expenditures, and excluding the following costs which have been adjusted for applicable tax amounts: contingent consideration, transaction costs paid to date, debt issuance costs, loss on Eyewear sale, business transformation costs paid to date, and restructuring costs paid to date. Vista Outdoor management believes free cash flow provides investors with an important perspective on the cash available for debt repayment, share repurchases and acquisitions after making the capital investments required to support ongoing business operations. Vista Outdoor management uses free cash flow internally to assess both business performance and overall liquidity.

 (in thousands)

 

Year ended
March 31, 2020

 

Year ended
March 31, 2019

Cash provided by operating activities

 

$

76,745

   

$

97,475

 

Capital expenditures

 

(23,768)

   

(42,242)

 

Contingent consideration

 

3,371

   

3,371

 

Transaction costs

 

886

   

7,466

 

Debt issuance costs

 

(1,015)

   

(1,411)

 

Loss on Eyewear sale

 

   

1,379

 

Transformation costs

 

   

13,339

 

Restructure

 

2,839

   

 

Free cash flow

 

$

59,058

   

$

79,377

 
         

EBITDA Margin
EBITDA margin is defined as EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortization) divided by net sales. Vista Outdoor management believes EBITDA margin provides investors with an important perspective on the Company's core profitability and helps investors analyze underlying trends in the Company's business and evaluate its performance on an absolute basis and relative to its peers. EBITDA margin should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, GAAP net profit margin. Vista Outdoor's definition may differ from that used by other companies.

Vista Outdoor has not reconciled EBITDA margin guidance to GAAP net profit margin guidance because Vista Outdoor does not provide guidance for net income, which is a reconciling item between GAAP net profit margin and non-GAAP EBITDA margin. Accordingly, a reconciliation to net profit margin is not available without unreasonable effort.

About Vista Outdoor Inc.
Vista Outdoor is a global designer, manufacturer and marketer of consumer products in the outdoor sports and recreation markets. The Company has a portfolio of well-recognized brands that provides consumers with a wide range of performance-driven, high-quality and innovative products for individual outdoor recreational pursuits. Vista Outdoor products are sold at leading retailers and distributors across North America and worldwide. For news and information, visit www.vistaoutdoor.com or follow us on Twitter @VistaOutdoorInc and Facebook at www.facebook.com/vistaoutdoor.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release and other oral and written statements made by Vista Outdoor from time to time are forward-looking statements, including those that discuss, among other things: Vista Outdoor's plans, objectives, expectations, intentions, strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; projections with respect to future revenues, income, earnings per share or other financial measures for Vista Outdoor; and the assumptions that underlie these matters. The words 'believe', 'expect', 'anticipate', 'intend', 'aim', 'should' and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.  To the extent that any such information is forward-looking, it is intended to fit within the safe harbor for forward-looking information provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause Vista Outdoor's actual results to differ materially from expectations described in such forward-looking statements, including the following: impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic on Vista Outdoor's operations, the operations of our customers and suppliers and general economic conditions;  general economic and business conditions in the United States and Vista Outdoor's other markets outside the United States, including conditions affecting employment levels, consumer confidence and spending, conditions in the retail environment, and other economic conditions affecting demand for our products and the financial health of our customers; Vista Outdoor's ability to attract and retain key personnel and maintain and grow its relationships with customers, suppliers and other business partners, including Vista Outdoor's ability to obtain acceptable third party licenses; Vista Outdoor's ability to adapt its products to changes in technology, the marketplace and customer preferences, including our ability to respond to shifting preferences of the end consumer from brick and mortar retail to online retail; Vista Outdoor's ability to maintain and enhance brand recognition and reputation; others' use of social media to disseminate negative commentary about us and boycotts; reductions in or unexpected changes in or our inability to accurately forecast demand for ammunition, accessories or other outdoor sports and recreation products; risks associated with Vista Outdoor's sales to significant retail customers, including unexpected cancellations, delays and other changes to purchase orders; supplier capacity constraints, production disruptions or quality or price issues affecting Vista Outdoor's operating costs; Vista Outdoor's competitive environment; risks associated with diversification into new international and commercial markets including regulatory compliance; changes in the current tariff structures; the supply, availability and costs of raw materials and components; increases in commodity, energy and production costs; changes in laws, rules and regulations relating to Vista Outdoor's business, such as federal and state ammunition regulations; Vista Outdoor's ability to realize expected benefits from acquisitions and integrate acquired businesses; Vista Outdoor's ability to execute our strategic transformation plan, including our ability to realize expected benefits from the successful divestiture of non-core brands and profitability improvement initiatives; Vista Outdoor's ability to take advantage of growth opportunities in international and commercial markets; foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates; the outcome of contingencies, including with respect to litigation and other proceedings relating to intellectual property, product liability, warranty liability, personal injury and environmental remediation; risks associated with cybersecurity and other industrial and physical security threats; capital market volatility and the availability of financing; changes to accounting standards or policies; and changes in tax rules or pronouncements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements we make. Vista Outdoor undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by law. For further information on factors that could impact Vista Outdoor, and statements contained herein, please refer to Vista Outdoor's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

VISTA OUTDOOR INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)

(preliminary and unaudited)

 
   

QUARTERS ENDED

 

YEARS ENDED

(Amounts in thousands except per share data)

 

March 31,
2020

 

March 31,
2019

 

March 31,
2020

 

March 31,
2019

Sales, net

 

$

426,311

   

$

515,336

   

$

1,755,871

   

$

2,058,528

 

Cost of sales

 

341,677

   

415,979

   

1,397,105

   

1,642,840

 

Gross profit

 

84,634

   

99,357

   

358,766

   

415,688

 

Operating expenses:

               

Research and development

 

5,248

   

7,061

   

22,998

   

27,742

 

Selling, general, and administrative

 

71,256

   

92,295

   

302,554

   

377,049

 

Impairment of Goodwill and intangibles

 

155,588

   

   

155,588

   

456,023

 

Impairment of held-for-sale goodwill

 

   

   

   

80,604

 

Impairment of held-for-sale assets

 

   

36,384

   

9,429

   

84,555

 

Income (loss) before interest, income taxes, and other

 

(147,458)

   

(36,383)

   

(131,803)

   

(610,285)

 

Other expense

 

   

   

(433)

   

(6,796)

 

Income (loss) before interest and income taxes

 

(147,458)

   

(36,383)

   

(132,236)

   

(617,081)

 

Interest expense, net

 

(6,980)

   

(10,851)

   

(38,791)

   

(57,191)

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

(154,438)

   

(47,234)

   

(171,027)

   

(674,272)

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

 

(13,224)

   

1,401

   

(15,948)

   

(25,829)

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(141,214)

   

$

(48,635)

   

$

(155,079)

   

$

(648,443)

 

Earnings (loss) per common share:

               

Basic and diluted

 

$

(2.44)

   

$

(0.84)

   

$

(2.68)

   

$

(11.27)

 

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:

               

Basic and diluted

 

57,944

   

57,604

   

57,846

   

57,544

 

 

VISTA OUTDOOR INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(preliminary and unaudited)

 

(Amounts in thousands except share data)

 

March 31, 2020

 

March 31, 2019

ASSETS

       

Current assets:

       

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

31,375

   

$

21,935

 

Net receivables

 

313,517

   

344,249

 

Net inventories

 

331,293

   

344,491

 

Income tax receivable

 

7,626

   

 

Assets held for sale

 

   

207,607

 

Other current assets

 

25,200

   

21,180

 

Total current assets

 

709,011

   

939,462

 

Net property, plant, and equipment

 

184,733

   

215,592

 

Operating lease assets

 

69,024

   

 

Goodwill

 

83,167

   

204,496

 

Net intangible assets

 

306,100

   

360,520

 

Deferred charges and other non-current assets

 

39,254

   

17,953

 

Total assets

 

$

1,391,289

   

$

1,738,023

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

       

Current liabilities:

       

Current portion of long-term debt

 

$

   

$

19,335

 

Accounts payable

 

89,996

   

99,283

 

Accrued compensation

 

38,806

   

36,456

 

Accrued income taxes

 

   

436

 

Federal excise, use, and other taxes

 

19,702

   

18,482

 

Liabilities held for sale

 

   

46,030

 

Other current liabilities

 

98,197

   

97,175

 

Total current liabilities

 

246,701

   

317,197

 

Long-term debt

 

511,806

   

684,670

 

Deferred income tax liabilities

 

12,810

   

17,757

 

Long-term operating lease liabilities

 

73,738

   

 

Accrued pension and postemployment benefits

 

60,225

   

46,083

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

43,504

   

63,276

 

Total liabilities

 

948,784

   

1,128,983

 

Commitments and contingencies

       

Common stock—$.01 par value:

       

Authorized—500,000,000 shares

       

Issued and outstanding—58,038,822 shares as of March 31, 2020 and 57,710,934 shares
as of March 31, 2019

 

581

   

577

 

Additional paid-in-capital

 

1,744,096

   

1,752,419

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(960,049)

   

(804,969)

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(100,994)

   

(82,967)

 

Common stock in treasury, at cost—5,925,617 shares held as of March 31, 2020 and
6,253,505 shares held as of March 31, 2019

 

(241,129)

   

(256,020)

 

Total stockholders' equity

 

442,505

   

609,040

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

1,391,289

   

$

1,738,023

 

 

VISTA OUTDOOR INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(preliminary and unaudited)

 
   

Years Ended March 31

(Amounts in thousands)

 

2020

 

2019

Operating Activities

       

Net income (loss)

 

$

(155,079)

   

$

(648,443)

 

Adjustments to net income (loss) to arrive at cash provided by operating activities:

       

Depreciation

 

47,863

   

53,129

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

19,995

   

24,374

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

6,087

   

10,573

 

Impairment of held-for-sale assets

 

9,429

   

84,555

 

Impairment of held-for-sale goodwill

 

   

80,604

 

Impairment of goodwill and intangibles

 

155,588

   

456,023

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(4,521)

   

(22,718)

 

(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment

 

(1,117)

   

14,081

 

Loss on divestiture

 

433

   

4,925

 

Share-based compensation

 

6,810

   

6,599

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

       

Net receivables

 

44,256

   

30,998

 

Net inventories

 

(7,675)

   

(7,102)

 

Accounts payable

 

(12,543)

   

540

 

Accrued compensation

 

1,481

   

2,563

 

Accrued income taxes

 

(12,053)

   

4,907

 

Federal excise, use, and other taxes

 

(1,227)

   

407

 

Pension and other postretirement benefits

 

(4,542)

   

(2,657)

 

Other assets and liabilities

 

(16,440)

   

4,117

 

Cash provided by operating activities

 

76,745

   

97,475

 

Investing Activities

       

Capital expenditures

 

(23,768)

   

(42,242)

 

Proceeds from the sale of our Firearms and Eyewear businesses

 

156,567

   

154,595

 

Proceeds from the disposition of property, plant, and equipment

 

277

   

365

 

Cash provided by (used) for investing activities

 

133,076

   

112,718

 

Financing Activities

       

Borrowings on lines of credit

 

410,634

   

545,000

 

Payments made on lines of credit

 

(463,382)

   

(325,000)

 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

   

149,343

 

Payments made on long-term debt

 

(144,509)

   

(580,834)

 

Settlement from former parent

 

   

13,047

 

Payments made for debt issue costs and prepayment premiums

 

(1,033)

   

(10,376)

 

Deferred payments for acquisitions

 

(1,348)

   

(1,348)

 

Proceeds from employee stock compensation and stock purchase plans

 

315

   

376

 

Shares withheld for payroll taxes

 

(735)

   

(1,318)

 

Cash used for financing activities

 

(200,058)

   

(211,110)

 

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on cash

 

(323)

   

(18)

 

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

9,440

   

(935)

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

21,935

   

22,870

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 

$

31,375

   

$

21,935

 

 

Media Contact:

Investor Contact:

   

Fred Ferguson

Kelly Reisdorf

Phone: 571-343-7006

Phone: 763-433-1028

E-mail: media.relations@vistaoutdoor.com 

E-mail: investor.relations@vistaoutdoor.com

 

SOURCE Vista Outdoor Inc.