NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (a) Company Operations: AMCON Distributing Company and Subsidiaries (“AMCON” or “the Company”) serves customers in 33 states and is primarily engaged in the wholesale distribution of consumer products in the Central, Rocky Mountain, Great Lakes, Mid-South and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. AMCON’s wholesale distribution business which includes our Team Sledd, LLC (“Team Sledd”) and Henry’s Foods, Inc. (“Henry’s) subsidiaries (“Wholesale Segment”), operates 13 distribution centers that sell over 20,000 different consumer products, including cigarettes and tobacco products, candy and other confectionery, beverages, groceries, paper products, health and beauty care products, frozen and refrigerated products and institutional foodservice products. The Company distributes products primarily to retailers such as convenience stores, discount and general merchandise stores, grocery stores, drug stores, and gas stations. In addition, the Company services institutional customers, including restaurants and bars, schools, sports complexes, as well as other wholesalers. AMCON, through its Healthy Edge Inc. subsidiary, operates 15 retail health food stores as Chamberlin’s Natural Foods, Akin’s Natural Foods, and Earth Origins Market (“Retail Segment”). These stores carry natural supplements, organic and natural groceries, health and beauty care products, and other food items. The Company’s operations are subject to a number of factors which are beyond the control of management, such as changes in manufacturers’ cigarette pricing, state excise tax increases, or the opening of competing retail stores in close proximity to the Company’s retail stores. While the Company sells a diversified product line, it remains dependent upon the sale of cigarettes which accounted for approximately 62% of the Company’s consolidated revenue during both fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, and 18% and 19% of the Company’s consolidated gross profit during fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, respectively. (b) Accounting Period: The Company’s fiscal year ends on September 30th, except for one non-wholly owned subsidiary whose fiscal year ends on the last Friday of September, and the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 have been included herein. (c) Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation: The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of AMCON and its wholly-owned subsidiaries including Henry’s since February 2023 and its non-wholly-owned equity investment in Team Sledd. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. (d) Cash and Accounts Payable: AMCON utilizes a cash management system under which an overdraft is the normal book balance in the primary disbursing accounts. Overdrafts included in accounts payable at September 2024 and September 2023 totaled approximately $3.9 million and $3.3 million, respectively, and reflect checks drawn on the disbursing accounts that have been issued but have not yet cleared through the banking system. The Company’s policy has been to fund these outstanding checks as they clear with borrowings under its revolving credit facilities (see Note 7). These outstanding checks (book overdrafts) are classified as cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. (e) Accounts Receivable: Accounts receivable primarily consists of customer trade receivables arising in the ordinary course of business and other receivables primarily related to various rebate and promotional incentives with the Company’s suppliers. These receivables are recorded net of an allowance for expected credit losses. The Company evaluates the expected uncollectibility of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors, including but not limited to, past collection history, customer credit terms, industry, regulatory and economic conditions, and any customer specific risks, including credit concentration risks. The Company determines the past due status of trade receivables based on our payment terms with each customer. If the Company becomes aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, such as bankruptcy filings or deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position, the Company may record a specific reserve for expected credit losses to reduce the related receivable to the amount it reasonably believes is collectible. Account balances are charged off against the allowance for credit losses when collection efforts have been exhausted and the account receivable is deemed worthless. Any subsequent recoveries of charged off account balances are recorded as income in the period received. As of September 2024 and September 2023, receivables from transactions with customers, less allowance for expected credit losses were $68.1 million and $69.4 million, respectively. (f) Inventories: At September 2024 and September 2023, inventories in our Wholesale Segment consisted of finished goods and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, utilizing FIFO and average cost methods. Inventories in our Retail Segment consisted of finished goods and are stated at the lower of cost or market using the retail method. The wholesale distribution and retail health food segment inventories consist of finished products purchased in bulk quantities to be redistributed to the Company’s customers or sold at retail. Finished goods included total reserves of approximately $1.2 million at both September 2024 and September 2023. These reserves include the Company’s obsolescence allowance, which reflects estimated unsaleable or non-refundable inventory based upon an evaluation of slow moving and discontinued products. (g) Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets: A summary of prepaid expenses and other current assets is as follows (in millions): | | | | | | | | | September 2024 | | September 2023 | Prepaid expenses | | $ | 5.5 | | $ | 4.3 | Prepaid inventory | | | 7.3 | | | 9.3 | | | $ | 12.8 | | $ | 13.6 |
Prepaid inventory represents inventory in-transit that has been paid for but not received. (h) Property and Equipment: Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation or amortization. Major renewals and improvements are capitalized and charged to expense over their useful lives through depreciation or amortization charges. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense in the period incurred. The straight-line method of depreciation is used to depreciate assets over the estimated useful lives as follows: | | | | | | | Years | Land improvements | | 9 | - | 15 | Buildings and improvements | | 5 | - | 40 | Warehouse equipment | | 2 | - | 20 | Furniture, fixtures and leasehold improvements | | 1 | - | 12 | Vehicles | | 1 | - | 10 |
Costs and accumulated depreciation applicable to assets retired or sold are eliminated from the accounts, and the resulting gains or losses are reported as a component of operating income. The Company reviews property and equipment for indicators of impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group are estimated over the asset’s useful life of the primary asset and based on updated projections on an undiscounted basis. If the evaluation indicates that the carrying value of the asset group may not be recoverable, the potential impairment is determined based on the amount by which the carrying value of the asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset group. There was no impairment of any property and equipment during either fiscal 2024 or fiscal 2023. (i) Leases: Lease liabilities are equal to the present value of the remaining fixed lease payments. Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets are determined based on the amount of the lease liability, plus initial direct costs incurred less lease incentives. The Company determines its incremental borrowing rates based on information available at the lease commencement date in calculating the present value of its lease payments. The Company does not recognize assets or liabilities for leases with an initial term of twelve months or less and these short-term lease payments are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company elected the practical expedient to account for non-lease components as part of the lease for all asset classes. The Company reviews its ROU lease assets for indicators of impairment in the same manner as its other property and equipment as described above in (h) Property and Equipment. (j) Goodwill and Intangible Assets: Goodwill consists of the excess purchase price paid in certain business combinations over the fair value of assets acquired and generally represents synergies and economies of scale generated through reductions in selling, general, and administrative expenses. Intangible assets consist of trademarks, tradenames, and customer relationships acquired as part of acquisitions in addition to certain non-competition agreements. Goodwill and the trademarks and tradenames for our Retail Segment are considered to have indefinite lives. Goodwill and intangible assets having indefinite useful lives are not amortized into the results of operations, but instead are reviewed annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired, to assess whether their fair value exceeds their carrying value. The Company performs its annual goodwill and intangible asset impairment assessment during the fourth fiscal quarter of each year. When evaluating the potential impairment of non-amortizable indefinite lived assets and goodwill, the Company first assesses a range of qualitative factors, including but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry conditions, the competitive environment, changes in the market for the Company’s products and services, market prices, regulatory and political developments, entity specific factors such as strategy and changes in key personnel, and the overall financial performance for each of the Company’s reporting units. If after completing this assessment, the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a quantitative evaluation is performed using the income approach (discounted cash flow method). A discounted cash flow methodology requires the estimation of a wide range of factors including but not limited to: (i) forecasting future earnings and cash flows, (ii) determining the discount rate applicable to the earnings stream being discounted, and (iii) computing a terminal value at some point in the future. These estimations require significant judgment and include making assumptions such as sales growth rates including the addition of new retail stores, future store profitability, planned capital expenditures, our ability to control costs, the successful implementation of initiatives designed to enhance sales and improve inventory management, gross profit estimates, macroeconomic conditions, industry conditions, the competitive environment, changes in the market for the Company’s products and services, regulatory and political developments, entity specific factors such as strategy and changes in key personnel, working capital requirements, weighted average cost of capital, and current and anticipated operating conditions. The use of different assumptions or estimates for future cash flows could produce different results. For goodwill impairment testing, the Company utilizes the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350 - Intangibles - Goodwill and Other whereby a reporting unit’s carrying value is compared to its fair value and impairment charges are recognized for an amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value. The Company’s identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are assessed for impairment whenever events or circumstances change which may indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. Identifiable intangible assets which are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment using a process similar to that used in evaluating the elements of property and equipment. If impaired, the related assets are written down to their estimated fair value. (k) Equity Method Investment: The Company uses the equity method to account for its investment in an investee if the investment provides the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over operating and financial policies of the investee. The Company’s proportionate share of the net income or loss (net of income taxes) of the investee is included in consolidated net earnings. Judgment regarding the level of influence over its equity method investment includes considering key factors such as the Company’s ownership interest, representation on the board of directors, participation in policy-making decisions and material intercompany transactions. The Company evaluates its equity method investment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable. Factors considered by the Company when reviewing its equity method investment for impairment include the length of time (duration) and the extent (severity) to which the fair value of the equity method investment has been less than cost, the investee’s financial condition and future prospects, and the intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for anticipated recovery. An impairment that is other-than-temporary is recognized in the period identified. (l) Revenue Recognition: The Company recognizes revenues when the performance obligation is satisfied, which is the point where control of the promised goods or services is transferred to its customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services. For the majority of the Company’s customer arrangements, control transfers to customers at a point-in-time when goods have been delivered, as that is generally when legal title, physical possession and risks and rewards of goods/services transfers to the customer. The timing of satisfaction of the performance obligation is not subject to significant judgment due to the simultaneous nature of the Company’s customer arrangements (same day creation and fulfillment). After the completion of its performance obligations, the Company has an unconditional right of payment from customers with varying collection and payment terms based on region, credit risk, and other situational factors. Customer receivables are included on the consolidated balance sheets less an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company has elected the practical expedient permitting it to disregard financing components which may be deemed to be part of its transaction price as its customary payments terms are less than one year. See Note 13 “Business Segments” for the disaggregation of net sales for each of our business segments. (m) Insurance: The Company’s insurance for employee-related health care benefits, workers’ compensation, and general liability is provided through high-deductible or self-insured programs. The Company accrues for employee-related health care costs utilizing a claims reserve methodology and prepays insurance carriers for all workers’ compensation and general liability coverage as part of its insurance program. The Company accrues for employee-related health care claims based upon a reserve analysis for claims incurred, but not reported, utilizing the Company’s historical claims experience rate, plus specific reserves for large claims. The reserves associated with the exposure to these liabilities are reviewed by management for adequacy at the end of each reporting period. The Company has issued letters of credit to insurance carriers as part of its loss control program totaling $2.4 million and $0.5 million as of September 2024 and September 2023, respectively. (n) Income Taxes: The Company uses the asset and liability method to calculate deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized on temporary differences between financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. The effect of tax rate changes on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income during the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when we do not consider it more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. (o) Share-Based Compensation: The Company recognizes expense for its share-based compensation based on the fair value of the awards that are granted. The fair value of stock options are estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Option pricing methods require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. The fair value of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards is based on the period ending closing price of the Company’s common stock. Measured compensation cost is recognized ratably over the vesting period of the related share-based compensation award and is reflected in our Consolidated Statement of Operations under “Selling, general and administrative expenses.” (p) Customer Sales Incentives: The Company provides consideration to customers, such as sales allowances or discounts on a regular basis. In accordance with ASC 606, the Company estimates customer sales incentives due as sales are made and records them as a reduction of net sales. (q) Excise Taxes: Under ASC 606, the Company is primarily responsible for excise taxes levied on cigarette and other tobacco products and presents excise taxes as a component of revenue. (r) Contract Costs: Under ASC 606, the Company expenses as incurred any incremental costs to obtain and fulfill customer contracts as the related amortization period would be one year or less. (s) Per-share Results: Basic earnings or loss per share data are based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings or loss per share data are based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and the effect of all dilutive potential common shares including stock options, restricted stock units and restricted stock awards. (t) Use of Estimates: The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. (u) Fair Value Measurements: The Company’s financial assets and liabilities are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. The carrying amount of trade accounts receivable, other receivables, accounts payable and other accrued liabilities approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments. The carrying amount of the Company’s variable and fixed rate debt also approximates fair value. (v) Mandatorily Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest: Mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interest (“MRNCI”) recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets represents the fair value of the non-controlling interest in the Company’s strategic investment in Team Sledd. The Company has elected to present the MRNCI liability at fair value under ASC 825 – Financial Instruments (“ASC 825”) as it believes this best represents the potential future liability and cash flows. The Company calculates the estimated fair value of the MRNCI based on a discounted cash flow valuation technique using the best information available at the reporting date, and records changes in the fair value of the MRNCI as a component of other expense (income) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company estimates the probability and timing of future redemptions and earnings of Team Sledd based on management’s knowledge and assumptions of certain events as of each reporting date, including the timing of any future redemptions and an appropriate discount rate. The MRNCI is classified as Level 3 because of the Company’s reliance on unobservable assumptions. (w) Contingent Consideration: Contingent consideration recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets represents the fair value of a portion of the consideration paid in the acquisition of Burklund Distributors, Inc. (“Burklund”) (see Note 2). In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 805 – Business Combinations (“ASC 805”), the Company recorded the contingent consideration at fair value as of the acquisition date and re-measures the liability at each reporting period. The Company calculates the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration based on a discounted cash flow valuation technique using the best information available at the reporting date, and records changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The short-term and long-term portions of the contingent consideration are recorded in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets. At each reporting date, the Company reviews certain inputs, including sales thresholds and an appropriate discount rate, based on management’s knowledge and assumptions of certain events. The contingent consideration liability is classified as Level 3 because of the Company’s reliance on unobservable assumptions. (x) Business Combinations: The acquisition method of accounting for business combinations under ASC 805 requires management to use significant estimates and assumptions, including fair value estimates, as of the business combination date and to refine those estimates as necessary during the measurement period (defined as the period, not to exceed one year, in which the Company is allowed to adjust the provisional amounts recognized for a business combination). (y) Accounting Pronouncements: Accounting Pronouncements Adopted 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”, which introduces a forward-looking approach, based on expected losses, to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables. The estimate of expected credit losses requires entities to incorporate considerations of historical information, current information and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This ASU also expands the disclosure requirements to enable users of financial statements to understand the entity’s assumptions, models and methods for estimating expected credit losses. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 on October 1, 2023. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280) – Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures”, which improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. This ASU also expands disclosure requirements to enable users of financial statements to better understand the entity’s measurement and assessment of segment performance and resource allocation. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 (fiscal 2025 for the Company), and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 (fiscal 2026 for the Company), with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently reviewing this ASU and its potential impact on our consolidated financial statements. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) – Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures”, which enhances the transparency, effectiveness and comparability of income tax disclosures by requiring consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information related to income tax rate reconciliations and the jurisdictions in which income taxes are paid. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 (fiscal 2026 for the Company), with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently reviewing this ASU and its potential impact on our consolidated financial statements.
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