UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

x

 ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020

Or

¨30, 2023

 ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                   to               

001-39609

(

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _____ TO _____
Commission File Number)

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

file number 001-39609

hillman.jpg
Hillman Solutions Corp.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware85-2096734
(State or other jurisdiction
of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1510 West Loop South Houston, Texas 77027

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

Registrant’s
1280 Kemper Meadow Drive45240
Cincinnati,Ohio
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 713-850-1010

(513) 851-4900

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each classEach ClassTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchangeEach Exchange on which registeredWhich Registered
Units, each consisting of oneCommon Stock, par value $0.0001 per share of Class A common stock and one-third of one redeemable warrant

LCYAU

HLMN

The Nasdaq CapitalStock Market LLC

Class A common stock, $0.0001 par valueLCYThe Nasdaq Capital Market LLC
Warrants, each whole warrant exercisable for one share of Class A common stock, each at an exercise price of $11.50 per shareLCYAWThe Nasdaq Capital Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    ¨Yes  x    No

  ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required ofto file reports pursuant ofto Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    ¨Yes  x    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.    xYes  ¨    No

  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No

  ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   ☐
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”,filer,” “smaller reporting company”company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-212b‑2 of the Exchange Act.

(Check one):
Large accelerated filer ¨Accelerated FilerAccelerated filer¨
Non-accelerated filerx☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Smaller reporting companyx
Emerging growth companyx

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition 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.  ¨

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.     ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b)     ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined inby Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).x    Yes ¨     No

 ☒ 

The aggregate market value of the commonvoting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant computed as of June 30, 2020 (theJuly 1, 2023, the last business day of the registrant’sregistrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter)quarter, was approximately $: N/A

As of March 1, 2021, 12,500,000$1,741 million based upon the closing price reported for such date on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

On February 20, 2024, 195,181,953 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 50,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, were issued and outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None.

Documents Incorporated by Reference: Part III of this 10-K incorporates by reference certain information from the registrants definitive Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

LANDCADIA HOLDINGS III, INC.

FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS



Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item 4.





PART I
Item 11.Executive Compensation77
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters78
Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence81
Item 14.Principal Accounting Fees and Services84
Part IV.
Item 15.Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules85


CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

TheThis annual report contains certain forward-looking statements, contained in this report thatincluding, but not limited to, certain disclosures related to acquisitions, refinancing, capital expenditures, resolution of pending litigation, and realization of deferred tax assets, which are not purely historical facts and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties. Statements that do not describe historical or current facts, including statements about beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Our

All forward-looking statements are made in good faith by the Company and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," “target”, “goal”, "may," "will," "could," "should," "believes," "predicts," "potential," "continue," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the Company’s expectations with respect to future performance. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside the Company's control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) unfavorable economic conditions that may affect operations, financial condition and cash flows including spending on home renovation or construction projects, inflation, recessions, instability in the financial markets or credit markets; (2) increased supply chain costs, including raw materials, sourcing, transportation and energy; (3) the highly competitive nature of the markets that we serve; (4) the ability to statements regardingcontinue to innovate with new products and services; (5) direct and indirect costs associated with the May 2023 ransomware attack, and our receipt of expected insurance receivables associated with that cyber security incident; (6) seasonality; (7) large customer concentration; (8) the ability to recruit and retain qualified employees; (9) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company; (10) adverse changes in currency exchange rates; or our management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements(11) regulatory changes and potential legislation that could adversely impact financial results. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive, and readers should also refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances,those risks that are included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may include, for example, statements about:

our ability10-K. Given these uncertainties, current or prospective investors are cautioned not to complete our initial Business Combination with HMAN Group Holdings Inc., orplace undue reliance on any other initial Business Combination;such forward looking statements.

our expectations around the performance of the prospective target business or businesses;

our success in retaining or recruiting, or changesExcept as required in, our officers, key employees or directors following our initial Business Combination;

our officers and directors allocating their time to other businesses and potentially having conflicts of interest with our business or in approving our initial Business Combination, as a result of which they would then receive expense reimbursements;

our potential ability to obtain additional financing to complete our initial Business Combination, including the PIPE Investment (as such term is defined below);

our pool of prospective target businesses;

the ability of our officers and directors to generate a number of potential acquisition opportunities;

our public securities’ potential liquidity and trading;

the lack of a market for our securities;

the use of proceeds not held in the Trust Account or available to us from interest income on the Trust Account balance;

the Trust Account not being subject to claims of third parties; or

our financial performance.

The forward-looking statements contained in this report are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we have anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.


Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

PART I

References in this report to “we,” “us” or the “Company” refer to Landcadia Holdings III, Inc. References to our “management” or our “management team” refer to our officers and directors, and references to the “Sponsors” refer to TJF, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Jefferies Financial Group, a New York corporation.

Item 1. Business

Overview

We are a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses (“Business Combination”). We were formed as Automalyst LLC, a Delaware limited liability company on March 13, 2018, and converted into a Delaware corporation on August 24, 2020. We consummated an initial public offering (“Public Offering”) on October 14, 2020.

We intend to use the cash proceeds from our Public Offering and Private Placement (as defined below) as well as additional issuances, if any, of our capital stock, debt or a combination of cash, stock and debt, including the Private Investment in a Public Company (“PIPE Investment”), to complete the Business Combination. We have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenue to date. Based on our business activities, the Company is a “shell company” as defined under the Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) because we have no operations and nominal assets consisting almost entirely of cash.

The Company’s management team is led by Tilman Fertitta, our Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Richard Handler, our Co-Chairman and President. Mr. Fertitta is the sole shareholder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TJF, LLC (“TJF Sponsor”) and Mr. Handler is the Chief Executive Officer of Jefferies Financial Group Inc. (“JFG Sponsor”), and its largest operating subsidiary, Jefferies Group LLC, a global investment banking firm. The Company’s sponsors are TJF Sponsor and JFG Sponsor (collectively, the “Sponsors”).

On October 14, 2020 we consummated a $500,000,000 Public Offering consisting of 50,000,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit (“Unit”). Each Unit consists of one share of the Company’s Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value (the “Class A common stock”) and one-third of one redeemable warrant (each, a “Public Warrant”). Each whole Public Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. Simultaneously, with the closing of the Public Offering, we consummated a $12,000,000 private placement (the “Private Placement”) of an aggregate of 8,000,000 warrants (“Sponsor Warrants”) at a price of $1.50 per warrant. The Sponsor Warrants are identical to the Public Warrants sold as part of the Units in the Public Offering except that, so long as they are held by our Sponsors or their permitted transferees, (i) they are not redeemable by us, (ii) they (including the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of these warrants) may not, subject to certain limited exceptions, be transferred, assigned or sold by our Sponsors until 30 days after the completion of our initial Business Combination and (iii) they may be exercised by the holders on a cashless basis.


Prior to the Public Offering, in 2018, JFG, through a subsidiary, purchased 100% of the membership interest in the Company for $1,000. On August 24, 2020, TJF purchased 51.7% membership interest in the Company for $1,070. Simultaneously, the Company converted from a limited liability company to a corporation and its previously outstanding membership interests converted into shares of Class B common stock. The total number of authorized shares of all classes of capital stock to 401,000,000, of which 380,000,000 shares are Class A common stock; 20,000,000 shares are Class B shares at par value $0.0001 per share (the “Founder Shares”); and 1,000,000 shares are preferred stock at par value $0.0001 per share. The Sponsors held an aggregate of 11,500,000 Class B shares based on the proportional interest in the Company. On September 16, 2020, the Company conducted a 1:1.25 stock split of the Founder Shares so that a total of 14,375,000 Founder Shares were issued and outstanding. An aggregate of 1,875,000 Founder Shares were forfeited because the underwriters did not exercise their over-allotment option. As of December 31, 2020, JFG and TJF owned an aggregate of 12,500,000 Founder Shares based on their proportional interest in the Company.

Upon the closing of the Public Offering and Private Placement, $500,000,000 from the net proceeds of the sale of the Units in the Public Offering and the Private Placement (including $17,500,000 of deferred underwriting commissions) was placed in a U.S.-based trust account maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, acting as trustee (the “Trust Account”). The Company’s second amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that, other than the withdrawal of interest to pay tax obligations, none of the funds held in the Trust Account will be released until the earliest of: (i) the completion of the Business Combination; (ii) the redemption of any shares of Class A common stock included in the Units being sold in the Public Offering (“Public Shares”) properly submitted in connection with a stockholder vote to amend the Company’s second amended and restated certificate of incorporation to modify the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to redeem 100% of the Public Shares iflaw, the Company does not complete the Business Combination by October 14, 2022 (within 24 months from the closingundertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this communication to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.


ITEM 1 - BUSINESS.
General
Hillman Solutions Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “Hillman” or “Company”) are one of the Public Offering); or (iii) the redemptionlargest providers of the Public Shares if the Company is unable to complete the Business Combination by October 14, 2022, subject to applicable law. The proceeds held in the Trust Account can only be invested in permitted United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), having a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. As of December 31, 2020, we had a balance in cash and investments held in trust of $500,078,624. As of December 31, 2020, no funds had been withdrawn from the Trust Account to pay taxes. We expect to pay our franchise tax liability of $71,388 from the trust earnings in the first quarter of 2021.

The remaining $12,000,000 held outside of trust was used to pay underwriting commissions of $10,000,000, loans to our Sponsors, and deferred offering and formation costs. As of December 31, 2020, we had an unrestricted balance of $1,017,406 to satisfy our working capital purposes.


Proposed Business Combination

On January 24, 2021, our board of directors, unanimously approved an agreement and plan of merger, dated January 24, 2021, by and among the Company, Helios Sun Merger Sub, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), HMAN Group Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Hillman Holdco”) and CCMP Sellers’ Representative, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company in its capacity as the Stockholder Representative thereunder (in such capacity, the “Stockholder Representative”) (as it may be amended and/or restated from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”). If the Merger Agreement is adopted by our stockholders and the transactions under the Merger Agreement are consummated, Merger Sub will merge with and into Hillman Holdco with Hillman Holdco surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Proposed Transaction”). Hillman Holdco is a holding company that indirectly holds all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of The Hillman Group, Inc., which, together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries (Hillman Holdco, The Hillman Group, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, collectively, “Hillman” and each such entity, a “Hillman Group Entity”), is in the business of providing hardware-related products and related merchandising services to retail markets in North America. Our principal business is operated through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Hillman, which had net sales of approximately $1,476.5 million in 2023. Hillman sells its products to hardware stores, home centers, mass merchants, pet supply stores, and other retail outlets principally in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Product lines include thousands of small parts such as fasteners and related hardware items; threaded rod and metal shapes; keys and accessories; builder's hardware; personal protective equipment, such as gloves and eye-wear; and identification items, such as tags and letters, numbers, and signs. We support product sales with services that include design and installation of merchandising systems, maintenance of appropriate in-store inventory levels, and break-fix for our robotics kiosks.

2| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Hillman's corporate headquarters is located at 1280 Kemper Meadow Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio. We maintain a website at www.hillmangroup.com. Information contained or linked on our website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report and should not be considered a part of this annual report.
History
In connection1964, Max Hillman established Hillman Bolt & Screw Corporation in Cincinnati, Ohio when he purchased a franchise operation from Sharon Bolt & Screw, a hardware fastener company. Max began distributing fasteners to independent hardware stores in southern Ohio and northern Kentucky, with a relentless commitment to service.
Max’s two sons, Mick Hillman and Rick Hillman, joined their father’s company in 1969, as Hillman’s customer base and distribution network continued to grow. In 1982, Hillman Bolt & Screw was purchased by Sun Distributors followed by Max’s retirement shortly thereafter. Mick and Rick took over the consummationday-to-day operations of the Proposed Transaction,business in 1984.
During the early 1990s, the Company will be renamed “Hillman Solutions Corp.”developed its National Field Service Group, which today includes 1,100 field service and is referredsales representatives, to herein as “New Hillman” asmanage the complex assortment of Hillman products on its customers’ shelves. Over the next three decades Hillman continued to win new business, expanding from traditional hardware stores to big box and home improvement retailers, and into adjacent product categories through multiple strategic acquisitions.
During the 2000s, Hillman was purchased three separate times by private equity firms (2001, 2004 and 2010). During 2012 and 2013, Rick and Mick Hillman retired, respectively, after more than 40 years of actively managing the Company. Thereafter in 2014, CCMP Capital Advisors acquired the majority interest in Hillman. In 2021, Hillman became a publicly traded company, listing its shares on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol “HLMN” by virtue of a merger with a Special Purpose Acquisition Company ("SPAC"). See Note 3 - Merger Agreement of the time following such changeNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Hillman’s legacy of name.

Consummationservice has remained unchanged throughout its history, and it continues to take care of its customers first.

Nasdaq listing - 2021
During 2021, the Company began exploring ways to further expand is access to the capital markets by becoming a publicly traded entity. On July 14, 2021, privately held HMAN Group Holdings Inc. ("Old Hillman"), and Landcadia Holdings III, Inc. (“Landcadia” and after the Business Combination described herein, “New Hillman”), a SPAC, consummated the previously announced business combination (the “Closing”) pursuant to the terms of the Proposed Transaction is subject to customary conditions of the respective parties, including the approval of the Merger Agreement, the Proposed Transaction and certain other actions related thereto by our stockholders and Hillman Holdco’s stockholders, and the availability of a minimum amount of cash in the Trust Account (and/or from other specified sources, if necessary), after giving effect to redemptions by the Company’s public stockholders, if any. The Merger Agreement may also be terminated by either party under certain circumstances.

For additional information regarding Hillman Holdco, Hillman, the Merger Agreement and the Proposed Transaction, see the Proxy Statement/Prospectus initially filed by the Company on February 3, 2021.

Other thanPlan of Merger, dated as specifically discussed, this report does not assume the closing the Business Combination.

Subscription Agreements

Concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement on January 24, 2021 we entered into(as amended on March 12, 2021, the subscription agreements"Merger Agreement”). Unless the context indicates otherwise, the discussion of the Company and its financial condition and results of operations is with certain institutional investors, including JFG Sponsor (the “PIPE Investors”), pursuantrespect to which, among other things, we agreed to issueNew Hillman following the closing date and sell in private placements an aggregate of 37,500,000 shares of our Class A common stockOld Hillman prior to the PIPE Investorsclosing date. See Note 3 - Merger Agreement of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for $10.00 per share (the “PIPE Private Placement”).

The PIPE Private Placement investment is expected to close substantially concurrently with the Closing. additional information.

In connection with the Closing, allthe Company entered into a new credit agreement (the “Term Credit Agreement”), which provided for a new funded term loan facility of our issued$835.0 million and outstanding sharesa delayed draw term loan facility of Class A common stock, including$200.0 million (of which $16.0 million was drawn). As of July 2023, the shares of Class A common stock issueddelayed draw term loan facility expired. The Company also entered into an amendment to their existing asset-based revolving credit agreement, extending the maturity and conformed certain provisions to the PIPE Investors, will be exchanged, on a one-for-one basis, for sharesTerm Credit Agreement. The proceeds of New Hillman common stock.

The shares of New Hillman common stock to be issued pursuant to the Subscription Agreements have not been registeredfunded term loans under the Securities ActTerm Credit Agreement and revolving credit loans under the ABL Credit Agreement were used, together with other available cash, to (1) refinance in reliance uponfull all outstanding term loans and to terminate all outstanding commitments under the exemption providedcredit agreement, dated as of May 31, 2018, (2) refinance outstanding revolving credit loans, and (3) redeem in Section 4(a)(2) offull senior notes due July 15, 2022 (the “6.375% Senior Notes”). Additionally, we fully redeemed the Securities Act. We will grant the PIPE Investors certain registration rights in connection with the PIPE Private Placement. The PIPE Private Placement is contingent upon, among other things, the closing of the Proposed Transaction.


A&R Letter Agreement

11.6% Junior Subordinated Debentures. In connection with the executionrefinancing, we incurred a loss of $8.1 million and paid $38.7 million in financing fees, of which $21.0 million were recorded as a financing activity. See Note 9 - Long-Term Debt of the Merger Agreement,Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Hillman Group
We are comprised of three separate operating business segments: (1) Hardware and Protective Solutions, (2) Robotics and Digital Solutions, and (3) Canada.
We provide products such as fasteners and related hardware items; threaded rod and metal shapes; keys, key duplication systems, and accessories; builder's hardware; personal protective equipment, such as gloves and eye-wear; and identification items, such as tags and letters, numbers, and signs to retail outlets, primarily hardware stores, home centers and mass merchants, pet supply stores, grocery stores, and drug stores. We complement our extensive product selection with regular retailer visits by our field sales and service organization.
3| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


We market and distribute a wide variety of Stock Keeping Units (“SKUs”) of small, hard-to-find and hard-to-manage hardware items. We function as a category manager for retailers and support these products with in-store service, high order fill rates, and rapid delivery of products sold. Sales and service representatives regularly visit retail outlets to review stock levels, reorder items in need of replacement, and interact with the Company,store management to offer new product and merchandising ideas. Thousands of items can be actively managed with the retailer experiencing a substantial reduction of in-store labor costs and replenishment paperwork. Service representatives also assist in organizing the products in a consumer-friendly manner. We complement our Sponsors, each memberbroad range of products with merchandising services such as displays, product identification stickers, retail price labels, store rack and drawer systems, assistance in rack positioning and store layout, and inventory restocking services. We regularly refresh retailers' displays with new products and package designs utilizing color-coding to simplify the shopping experience for consumers and improve the attractiveness of individual store displays.
We operate from 22 strategically located distribution centers in North America and supplement our operations with third-party logistics providers to warehouse and ship customer orders in the certain areas.
Products and Suppliers
Our product strategy concentrates on providing total project solutions using the latest technology for common and unique home improvement projects. Our portfolio provides retailers the assurance that their shoppers can find the right product at the right price within an 'easy to shop' environment.
We currently manage a worldwide supply chain comprised of a large number of vendors, the largest of which accounted for approximately 8.3% of the Company's annual purchases and the top five of which accounted for approximately 17.9% of our Boardannual purchases. Our vendor quality control procedures include on-site evaluations and eachfrequent product testing. Vendors are also evaluated based on delivery performance and the accuracy of our executive officers entered into an amendedtheir shipments.
Hardware and restated letter agreement (the “A&R Letter Agreement”Protective Solutions
Our Hardware and Protective Solutions segment includes a variety of product categories including: Fasteners; Builders Hardware; Wall Hanging, Threaded Rod and Metal Shapes; Letters, Numbers, and Signs ("LNS"). Like; and Personal Protective Equipment.
Our Fastener business consists of three categories: core fasteners, construction fasteners, and anchors sold under a variety of brands including Hillman, Fas-n-Tite, Deck-Plus, and Power-Pro. Core fasteners include nuts, bolts, screws, washers, and specialty items. Construction fasteners include deck, drywall, metal screws, and both hand driven and collated nails. Anchors include hollow wall and solid wall items such as plastic anchors, toggle bolts, concrete screws, and wedge anchors.
Builders Hardware includes a variety of common household items such as coat hooks, door stops, hinges, gate latches, and decorative hardware. We market the letter agreements entered into by such personsbuilder's hardware products under the Hardware Essentials® brand and provide the retailer with innovation in connection with our initial public offering or their appointmentboth product and merchandising solutions. The Hardware Essentials® program utilizes modular packaging, color coding, and integrated merchandising to simplify the shopping experience for consumers. Colorful signs, packaging, and installation instructions guide the consumer quickly and easily to the board, pursuant tocorrect product location in store, while digital content including pictures and videos assist the A&R Letter Agreement each of our Sponsors, directorsonline journey. Hardware Essentials® provides retailers and members ofconsumers decorative upgrade opportunities through contemporary finishes and designs.
The Wall Hanging category includes traditional picture hanging hardware, primarily marketed under the management team have agreed to (i) waive their redemption rights with respect to their founder shares (as defined below)OOK® and public shares in connection with the completion of the Proposed Transaction; (ii) waive their redemption rights with respect to their founder shares and public shares in connection with a stockholder vote to approve an amendment to the second amended and restated certificate of incorporation to modify the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to redeem 100% of the public shares if the Company does not complete a Business Combination by October 14, 2022, or to provide for redemption in connection with a Business Combination and (iii) waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to their founder shares if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination by October 14, 2022, although they will be entitled to redemption or liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to any public shares they hold if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination within the prescribed time frame; (iv) vote any founder shares held by them and any public shares purchased during or after the IPO (including in open market and privately-negotiated transactions) in favor of the Proposed Transaction, (v) not to transfer or sell (subject to certain limited exceptions) (1) the founder shares until the earlier of  (A) one year after the completion of our initial business combination or (B) subsequent to our initial business combination, (x) if the reported closing price of our Class A common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizationsHillman brands, and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading-day period commencing at least 150 days after our initial business combination, or (y)High & Mighty® series of tool-free wall hangers, decorative hooks and floating shelves that was launched in 2017.
We are the date on which we complete a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in allleading supplier of our stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of common stock for cash, securities or other property, or (2) the private placement warrantsThreaded Rod and the Class A common stock underlying such warrants, until 30 days after the completion of our initial business combination.

In addition, the A&R Letter Agreement provides that, at the Closing, (i) our Sponsors will waive any adjustment to the conversion ratio set forth in our governing documents or any other anti-dilution or similar protection with respect to the shares of Class B common stock (whether resulting from the PIPE Private Placement or otherwise), and (ii) the Sponsors will forfeit an aggregate of 2,828,000 shares of our Class B common stock otherwise issuable to them upon conversion of their founder shares and that the TJF Founder will forfeit an additional 1,000,000 shares of our Class B common stock otherwise issuable to it upon conversion of its founder shares.


Hillman Holdco Voting and Support Agreement

In connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, certain Hillman Holdco stockholders (the “Hillman Holdco supporting stockholders”) entered into a voting and support agreement with the Company. Under the Hillman Holdco voting and support agreement, the Hillman Holdco supporting stockholders agreed that they will not transfer, and will deliver a written consent with respect to their shares of Hillman Holdco common stock in favor of the adoption and approval of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, promptly following the time at which the registration statement of the shares issuable in connection with the Proposed Transaction shall have been declared effective.

Registration Rights Agreement

At the Closing, New Hillman, our Sponsors and the Hillman Holdco supporting stockholders will enter into an Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement (the “A&R Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, (i) New Hillman will agree to register for resale, pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, certain shares of New Hillman common stock and other equity securities of New Hillman that are held by the parties thereto from time to time, (ii) our Sponsors and the Hillman Holdco supporting stockholders will be granted certain registration rights and (iii) our Sponsors will reaffirm the lock-up they agreed toMetal Shapes in the A&R Letter Agreementretail market. The SteelWorks® threaded rod product includes hot and the Hillman Holdco supporting stockholders will agree to a lock-up under which they will not sell, for the period set forth therein, the shares of New Hillman common stock they will receive in the Business Combination.

In addition, the A&R Registration Rights Agreement will provide for shelf, demandcold rolled rod, both weldable and piggyback registration rights. In addition, the A&R Registration Rights Agreement will provide that, notwithstanding such registration rights, affiliates of CCMP shall not transfer any securities of New Hillman for six months following the Closing and each Sponsor shall not transfer its Founder Shares for one year after the Closing, subject to certain customary expectations.

Effecting Our Initial Business Combination

General

We are not presently engaged in, and we will not engage in, any operations for an indefinite period of time. We intend to effectuate our initial Business Combination using cash held in the Trust Account, our equity, debt or a combination of these as the consideration. We may seek to complete our initial Business Combination with a company or business that may be financially unstable or in its early stages of development or growth, which would subject us to the numerous risks inherent in such companies and businesses.

If our initial Business Combination is paid for using equity or debt securities, or not all of the funds released from the Trust Account are used for payment of the consideration in connection with our initial Business Combination or used for redemptions of our Class A common stock, we may apply the balance of the cash released to us from the Trust Account for general corporate purposes, including for maintenance or expansion of operations of the post-transaction company, the payment of principal or interest due on indebtedness incurred in completing our initial Business Combination, to fund the purchase of other companies or for working capital.


We may seek to raise additional funds through a private offering of debt or equity securities in connection with the completion of our initial Business Combination, and we may effectuate our initial Business Combination using the proceeds of such offering rather than using the amounts held in the Trust Account. In addition, we intend to target businesses with enterprise values that are greater than we could acquire with the net proceeds of the Public Offering and the Private Placement, and, as a result, if the cash portion of the purchase price exceeds the amount available from the Trust Account, net of amounts needed to satisfy any redemptions by public stockholders, we may be required to seek additional financing to complete such proposed initial Business Combination. Subject to compliance with applicable securities laws, we would expect to complete such financing only simultaneously with the completion of our initial Business Combination. In the case of an initial Business Combination funded with assets other than the Trust Account assets, our proxy materials or tender offer documents disclosing the initial Business Combination would disclose the terms of the financing and, only if required by law, we would seek stockholder approval of such financing. There is no limitation on our ability to raise funds through the issuance of equity or equity-linked securities or through loans, advances or other indebtedness in connection with our initial Business Combination, including pursuant to forward purchase agreements or backstop agreements. At this time, we are not a party to any arrangement or understanding with any third party with respect to raising any additional funds through the sale of securities or otherwise. None of our Sponsors, officers, directors or stockholders are required to provide any financing to us in connection with or after our initial Business Combination.

Selection of a target business and structuring of our initial Business Combination

Nasdaq rules require that we must complete one or more Business Combinations having an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the value of the assets held in the Trust Account (excluding the deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable on the interest earned on the Trust Account) at the time of our signing a definitive agreement in connection with our initial Business Combination. The fair market value of our initial Business Combination will be determined by our board of directors based upon one or more standards generally accepted by the financial community, such as a discounted cash flow valuation, a valuation based on trading multiples of comparable public businesses or a valuation based on the financial metrics of M&A transactions of comparable businesses. If our board of directors is not able to independently determine the fair market value of our initial Business Combination (including with the assistance of financial advisors), we will obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that is a member of FINRA or an independent accounting firm with respect to the satisfaction of such criteria. While we consider it unlikely that our board of directors will not be able to make an independent determination of the fair market value of our initial Business Combination, it may be unable to do so if it is less familiar or experienced with the business of a particular target or if there is a significant amount of uncertainty as to the value of a target’s assets or prospects. We do not intend to purchase multiple businesses in unrelated industries in conjunction with our initial Business Combination. Subject to this requirement, our management will have virtually unrestricted flexibility in identifying and selecting one or more prospective target businesses, although we will not be permitted to effectuate our initial Business Combination with another blank check company or a similar company with nominal operations.


In any case, we will only complete an initial Business Combination in which we own or acquire 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquire a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. If we own or acquire less than 100% of the equity interests or assets of a target business or businesses, the portion of such business or businesses that are owned or acquired by the post-transaction company is what will be taken into account for purposes of Nasdaq’s 80% of net assets test.

To the extent we effect our initial Business Combination with a company or business that may be financially unstable or in its early stages of development or growth we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in such company or business. Although our management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, there can be no assurance that we will properly ascertain or assess all significant risk factors.

In evaluating a prospective business target, we expect to conduct a due diligence review, which may encompass, among other things, meetings with incumbent ownership, management and employees, document reviews, interviews of customers and suppliers, inspection of facilities,plated, as well as a reviewcomplete offering of financialAll-Thread rod in galvanized steel, stainless steel, and brass. The SteelWorks® program is carried by many top retailers, including Lowe's and Menard's, and through cooperatives such as Ace Hardware. In addition, we are the primary supplier of Metal Shapes to many wholesalers throughout the country.

LNS includes product lines that target both the homeowner and commercial user. Product lines within this category include individual and/or packaged letters, numbers, signs, safety related products (e.g. 911 signs), driveway markers, and a variety of sign accessories, such as sign frames.
Our expansive Personal Protective Equipment category covers many uses for DIYer ("Do It Yourself") around the house and for the professional at the job site. Our products can be found at leading retailers across North America.
We distribute a full assortment of work gloves under the Firm Grip®, True Grip®, and Gorilla Grip brands; automotive gloves including Grease Monkey®; Digz® gardening gloves and more; as well as cleaning and all-
4| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


purpose gloves. As a category leader in work gloves, our portfolio is founded on design and consumer driven innovation.
Our work-gear products consist of tool storage, knee pads, clothing, and other informationaccessories sold under variety of brands including AWP®, McGuire Nicholas®, and Firm Grip®. The portfolio offers a “one stop shop” for leading retailers with an expansive assortment to meet the needs of both the pro and DIYer.
Our safety products include face masks and safety vests sold under a variety of brands including Firm Grip®, AWP®, and Premium Defense®. Focusing on innovative materials, intuitive design, and industry trends, we expect growth in the Hardware and Protective Solutions segment.
Hardware and Protective Solutions generated approximately $1,074.6 million, $1,068.7 million and $1,017.6 million of revenues in the years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 25, 2021, respectively.
Robotics and Digital Solutions
Our Robotics and Digital Solutions segment consists primarily of software-enabled robotic key duplication and engraving solutions that will beare tailored to the unique needs of the consumer. Robotics and Digital Solutions products are located in high-traffic environments where retailers can provide consumers with on-the-spot, customized licensed and unlicensed key and engraving options. Our offerings include store associate assisted key duplication and self-service robotic engraving and key duplication kiosks; together with related software, systems, keys, and key accessories sold in proximity to the kiosks. Our services include product and category management, merchandising services, and access to our proprietary robotic key duplicating and engraving software platforms and equipment.
We design and manufacture proprietary software and equipment in our Boulder, Colorado and Tempe, Arizona facilities; housing the cornerstone for our key duplication business. Our key duplication system is offered in various retail channels including mass merchants, home centers, automotive parts retailers, franchise and independent hardware stores, and grocery/drug chains. We believe we provide the most diverse key duplication systems in the industry, through our unique combination of self-service kiosk technology and store associate assisted duplication systems. Equipment diversity allows us to meet the individual needs of retailers. Our self-service solutions are driven by our MinuteKey technology, while store associate assisted duplication currently uses the state-of-the-art KeyKrafter® equipment and other legacy duplication machines.
Our MinuteKey self-service kiosk uses robotics technology in an innovative way that is accurate, easy to use, convenient, fast and highly reliable. We utilize a proprietary network integration software within our MinuteKey kiosks to maintain high levels of machine up-time and ensure machines have the optimal mix of key types available for duplication. The kiosk is completely self-service and has a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. We manufacture and support the MinuteKey kiosk out of our Boulder, Colorado and Tempe, Arizona facilities.
Hillman KeyKrafter® is our most popular, innovative, and effective store associate assisted key duplication kiosk. It provides significant reduction in duplication time while increasing accuracy and ease of use for unskilled store associates. Additionally, with the KeyKrafter® solution, the capability exists for consumers to securely store and retrieve digital back-ups of their key without the original through the revolutionary Hillman KeyHero® Technology. Our Precision Laser Key System™ uses a digital optical camera, lasers, and proprietary software to scan a customer’s key. The system identifies the key and retrieves the key’s specifications, including the appropriate blank and cutting pattern, from a comprehensive database. This technology automates nearly every aspect of key duplication and provides the ability for every store associate to cut a key accurately. In the automotive key space, we offer the SmartBox Automotive Key Programmer which is a tool to quickly and easily pair transponder keys, remotes, and smart keys.
We retain ownership of the key duplicating equipment and market and sell keys and key accessories. Our proprietary key offering features the universal blank which uses a “universal” keyway to replace up to five original equipment keys. We continually refresh the retailer’s key offerings by introducing decorated and licensed keys and accessories. Our key offering features decorative themes of art and popular licenses such as NFL, Disney, Breast Cancer Awareness, and Marvel to increase personalization, purchase frequency and average transaction value per key. We also market a successful line of decorative and licensed lanyards and other key accessories.
All of our key duplication systems are supported by a dedicated in store kiosk sales and service team.
In our engraving business, we supply a variety of innovative options of consumer-operated robotic kiosks such as Quick-Tag®, TagWorks®, and FIDO® for engraving specialty items such as pet identification tags, luggage tags, and other engraved identification tags. We have developed unique engraving systems leveraging state-of-the-art technologies to provide a customized solution for mass merchant, pet supply retailers, and other high traffic areas such as theme parks, all supported by our in store kiosk field service technicians. We design, engineer, manufacture, and assemble the engraving kiosks in our Boulder, Colorado and Tempe, Arizona facilities.
Our engraving business focuses on the growing consumer spending trends surrounding personalized and pet identification. Innovation has played a major role in the development of our engraving business unit. From the
5| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


original Quick-Tag® consumer-operated kiosk system to the proprietary laser system of TagWorks®, we continue to lead the industry with consumer-friendly engraving solutions. As in our key business, we retain ownership of the key engraving equipment and market and sell blank tags.
Robotics and Digital Solutions generated approximately $245.4 million, $245.6 million, and $246.5 million of revenues in the years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 25, 2021, respectively.
Canada
Our Canada segment distributes fasteners and related hardware items, threaded rod, keys, key duplicating systems, accessories, and identification items, such as tags and letters, numbers, and signs to hardware stores, home centers, mass merchants, industrial distributors, automotive aftermarket distributors, and other retail outlets and industrial Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) in Canada. The product lines offered in our Canada segment are consistent with the product offerings detailed in our other segments. The Canada segment also produces made available to us.

The time requiredorder screws and self-locking fasteners for automotive suppliers, OEMs, and industrial distributors.

In the first quarter of 2023, the Company realigned its Canada segment to selectinclude the Canada portions of the Protective Solutions and evaluateMinuteKey businesses, which are now operating under the Canada segment leadership team. Previously, the results of the Canada portion of the Protective Solutions business were reported in the Hardware and Protective Solutions segment and the Canada portion of the MinuteKey business was reported in the Robotics and Digital Solutions segment and were operating under those respective segment leadership teams.
Our Canada segment generated approximately $156.5 million, $172.0 million and $161.9 million of revenues in the years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 25, 2021, respectively.
Markets and Customers
We sell our products to national accounts such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menard’s, PETCO, PetSmart, Tractor Supply, and Walmart. Our status as a target businessnational supplier of proprietary products to big box retailers allows us to develop a strong market position and high barriers to entry within our product categories.
We service a wide variety of franchise and independent retail outlets. These individual dealers are typically members of the larger cooperatives, such as Ace Hardware, True Value, and Do-It-Best. We ship directly to the cooperative's retail locations and also supply many items to the cooperative's central warehouses. These central warehouses distribute to their members that do not have a requirement for Hillman's in-store service. These arrangements reduce credit risk and logistic expenses for us while also reducing central warehouse inventory and delivery costs for the cooperatives.
A typical hardware store maintains thousands of different items in inventory, many of which generate small dollar sales but large profits. It is difficult for a retailer to economically monitor all stock levels and to structurereorder the products from multiple vendors. This problem is compounded by the necessity of receiving small shipments of inventory at different times and complete our initial Business Combination, andstocking the costs associated with this process, are not currently ascertainable with any degree of certainty. Any costs incurred with respectgoods. The failure to have these small items available will have an adverse effect on store traffic, thereby possibly denying the identification and evaluation of, and negotiation with, a prospective target business with which our initial Business Combination is not ultimately completed will result in our incurring losses and will reduce the funds we can use to complete another Business Combination.

Redemption Rights for Public Stockholders upon Completion of our Initial Business Combination

We will provide our public stockholders withretailer the opportunity to redeem allsell items that generate higher dollar profits.

We sell our products to a large volume of customers, the top two of which accounted for approximately $640.4 million, or a portion of their shares of Class A common stock upon the completionapproximately 43% of our initial Business Combinationtotal revenues in 2023. For the year ended December 30, 2023, Home Depot was the single largest customer, representing approximately $344.1 million or 23.3% of our total revenues. Lowe's was the second largest at a per-share price, payableapproximately $296.3 million or 20.1%. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of total revenue in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account as of two business days prior to the consummation2023. In each of the initial Business Combination including interest earned onyears ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 25, 2021, we derived over 10% of our total revenues from Lowe's and Home Depot which operated in each of our operating segments. See Note 20 - Concentration of Credit Risks of the funds held inNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Hillman continues to expand its B2B eCommerce platform allowing certain customers to order online through the Trust AccountCompany’s website, www.hillmangroup.com. The B2B eCommerce platform features many of our items available for sale online and not previously released to us to pay our taxes, divided by the numberover thousands of then outstanding Public Shares, subject to the limitations described herein. The per-share amount we will distribute to investors who properly redeem their shares will not be reduced by the deferred underwriting commissions we will pay to the underwriters. Our Sponsors, officers and directors have entered into the A&R Letter Agreement with us, pursuant to which they have agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to any Founder Shares and any Public Shares held by them in connectioncustomers are enrolled with the completion of our initial Business Combination.


Manner of Conducting Redemptions

online ordering platform. We will provide our public stockholders with the opportunitycontinue to redeem all or a portion of their Public Shares upon the completion of our initial Business Combination either (i) in connection with a stockholder meeting calledsupport direct-to-store and direct-to-consumer fulfillment for consumers who choose to approve the initial Business Combination or (ii) without a stockholder vote by means of a tender offer. The decision as to whether we will seek stockholder approval of a proposed initial Business Combination or conduct a tender offer will be made by us, solely in our discretion,order fasteners directly from retailers' websites.

Sales and will be based on a variety of factors such as the timing of the transaction and whether the terms of the transaction would require us to seek stockholder approval under applicable law or stock exchange listing requirements. Asset acquisitions and stock purchases would not typically require stockholder approval while direct mergers with our Company where we do not survive and any transactions where we issue more than 20% of our outstanding common stock or seek to amend our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation would require stockholder approval. So long as we obtain and maintain a listing for our securities on Nasdaq, we will be required to comply with Nasdaq’s shareholder approval rules. We currently intend to hold a stockholder meeting to approve the Proposed Transaction.

The requirement that we provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their Public Shares by one of the two methods listed above is contained in provisions of our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and apply whether or not we maintain our registration under the Exchange Act or our listing on Nasdaq. Such provisions may be amended if approved by holders of 65% of our common stock entitled to vote thereon.

If we provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their Public Shares in connection with a stockholder meeting, as we plan to do in connection with the Proposed Transaction, we will:

·conduct the redemptions in conjunction with a proxy solicitation pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act, which regulates the solicitation of proxies, and not pursuant to the tender offer rules, and

·file proxy materials with the SEC.

If a stockholder vote is not required and we do not decide to hold a stockholder vote for business or other legal reasons, we will:

·conduct the redemptions pursuant to Rule 13e-4 and Regulation 14E of the Exchange Act, which regulate issuer tender offers, and

·file tender offer documents with the SEC prior to completing our initial Business Combination, which contain substantially the same financial and other information about the initial Business Combination and the redemption rights as is required under Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act, which regulates the solicitation of proxies.
Marketing

Submission of our Initial Business Combination to a Stockholder Vote

If we seek stockholder approval, as we currently intend to do for the Proposed Transaction, we will complete our initial Business Combination only if a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock voted are voted in favor of the initial Business Combination. A quorum for such meeting will consist of the holders present in person or by proxy of shares of outstanding capital stock of the Company representing a majority of the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote at such meeting. Our Sponsors will count towards this quorum and, pursuant to the A&R Letter Agreement, our Sponsors, officers and directors have agreed to vote their Founder Shares and any Public Shares purchased during or after the Public Offering (including in open market and privately-negotiated transactions) in favor of our initial Business Combination. For purposes of seeking approval of the majority of our outstanding shares of common stock voted, non-votes will have no effect on the approval of our initial Business Combination once a quorum is obtained. As a result, in addition to our Sponsors’ Founder Shares and Public Shares they have purchased, we would need only 17,250,001, or 34.5%, of the 50,000,000 Public Shares sold in the Public Offering to be voted in favor of an initial Business Combination (assuming all outstanding shares are voted) in order to have our initial Business Combination approved. We intend to give not less than 10 days’ nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice of any such meeting, if required, at which a vote shall be taken to approve our initial Business Combination. These quorum and voting thresholds, and the voting agreements of our Sponsors, may make it more likely that we will consummate our initial Business Combination. Each public stockholder may elect to redeem its Public Shares irrespective of whether they vote for or against the initial Business Combination or whether they were a stockholder on the record date for the stockholder meeting held to approve the initial Business Combination.

Limitation on Redemption upon Completion of our Initial Business Combination if we Seek Stockholder Approval

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if we seek stockholder approval of our initial Business Combination, as we currently intend to do in connection with the Proposed Transaction, and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our initial Business Combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that a public stockholder, together with any affiliate of such stockholder or any other person with whom such stockholder is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), will be restricted from seeking redemption rights with respect to more than an aggregate of 15% of the shares sold in the Public Offering, which we refer to as the “Excess Shares.” Such restriction shall also be applicable to our affiliates. We believe this restriction will discourage stockholders from accumulating large blocks of shares, and subsequent attempts by such holders to use their ability to exercise their redemption rights against a proposed initial Business Combination as a means to force us orthat our management to purchase their shares at a significant premium to the then-current market price or on other undesirable terms. Absent this provision, a public stockholder holding more than an aggregate of 15% of the shares soldprimary competitive advantage is rooted in the Public Offering could threaten to exercise its redemption rights if such holder’s shares are not purchased by us or our management at a premium to the then-current market price or on other undesirable terms. By limiting our stockholders’ ability to redeem more than 15% of the shares sold in the Public Offering without our prior consent, we believe we will limit the ability of a small group of stockholders to unreasonably attempt to block our ability to completeprovide a greater level of customer service than our initial Business Combination, particularlycompetitors. We partner with our customers to understand the unmet needs of consumers, design creative solutions, and commercialize those solutions, bringing them to life in connection with an initial Business Combination withboth physical and digital channels through a target that requires as a closing condition thattight alignment between the product management, marketing communications, and channel

6| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


marketing functions. We provide best in class support and customer service at every touch point for our retail partners. Service is the hallmark of Hillman company-wide, employing 1,102 full-time and 124 part-time people on our sales and service team. The national accounts field service organization consists of approximately 742 employees and 73 field managers focusing on big box retailers, pet super stores, large national discount chains, and grocery stores. This organization reorders products, details store shelves, and sets up in-store promotions. Many of our largest customers use Electronic Data Interchange (“EDI”) for processing of orders and invoices.
We employ what we have a minimum net worth or a certain amountbelieve to be the largest direct sales force in the industry. The sales force, which consists of cash. However, we will not restrict our stockholders’ ability to vote all of their shares (including Excess Shares) for or against our initial Business Combination.


Redemption of Public Sharesapproximately 254 employees and Liquidation if no Initial Business Combination

Our second amendedis managed by 33 field managers, focuses on the franchise and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we have until October 14, 2022 (24 months from the closingindependent customers. The depth of the Public Offering)sales and service team enables us to completemaintain consistent call cycles ensuring that all customers experience proper stock levels and inventory turns. This team also prepares custom plan-o-grams of displays to fit the needs of any store and establishes programs that meet customers' requirements for pricing, invoicing, and other needs. This group also benefits from daily internal support from our initial Business Combination. Ifinside sales and customer service teams. On average, each sales representative is responsible for approximately 61 full service accounts that the sales representative calls on approximately every two weeks. These efforts allow the sales force to sell and support our product lines.

Competition
Our primary competitors in the national accounts marketplace for fasteners are Primesource Building Products, Inc., Midwest Fastener Corporation, Illinois Tool Works Inc., Spectrum Brands, and competition from direct import by our customers. Our national competitors for gloves and personal protective equipment include Techtronic Industries, West Chester Protective Gear, PIP, Iron Clad, and MidWest Quality Gloves, Inc. Competition is primarily based on sourcing and price. We believe our product innovation and in store merchandising service create a more compelling and unique experience for both the consumer and our customers. Other competitors are local and regional distributors. Competitors in the pet tag market are specialty retailers, direct mail order, and retailers with in-store mail order capability. The Quick-Tag®, FIDO®, and TagWorks® systems have patent protected technology that is a major barrier to entry and helps to preserve this market segment.
The principal competitor for our franchise and independent hardware store customers is Midwest Fastener Corporation. The hardware outlets that purchase our products without regularly scheduled sales representative visits may also purchase products from local and regional distributors and cooperatives. We compete primarily on field service, merchandising, as well as product availability and price, and depth of product line.
Insurance Arrangements
Under our current large deductible insurance programs, we are unableretain the exposure on certain expected losses related to complete our initial Business Combination within such period, we will: (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of windingworkers' compensation, general liability, and automobile claims up (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than 10 business days thereafter, redeem the Public Shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the applicable deductibles. Our primary and umbrella policies provide coverage for catastrophic exposure and aggregate amount thenlosses in excess of applicable deductibles. We also retain the exposure on deposit in the Trust Account including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously releasedexpected losses related to us to payhealth benefits of certain employees. We believe that our taxes (less up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining stockholders and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions with respect to our warrants, which will expire worthless if we fail to complete our initial Business Combination within the 24-month time period.

Competition

In identifying, evaluating and selecting a target business for our Business Combination, we may encounter intense competition from other entities having a business objective similar to ours, including other blank check companies, private equity groups and leveraged buyout funds, and operating businesses seeking strategic acquisitions. Many of these entities are well established and have extensive experience identifying and effecting Business Combinations directly or through affiliates. Moreover, many of these competitors possess greater financial, technical, human and other resources than us. Our ability to acquire larger target businessespresent insurance is limited by our available financial resources. This inherent limitation gives others an advantage in pursuing the acquisition of a target business. Furthermore, our obligation to pay cash in connection with our public stockholders who exercise their redemption rights may reduce the resources available to us for our initial Business Combination and our outstanding warrants, and the future dilution they potentially represent, may not be viewed favorably by certain target businesses. Either of these factors may place us at a competitive disadvantage in successfully negotiating an initial Business Combination.

Facilities

We currently maintain our executive offices at 1510 West Loop South, Houston, Texas 77027. The cost for this space is included in the $20,000 per month fee that we pay Fertitta Entertainment, Inc., (an affiliate of TJF Sponsor) for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative services. We consider our current office space adequate for our current operations.

businesses. See Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Human Capital Resources

Employees

We currently have five officers. Members

As of December 30, 2023, we had 3,801 full time and part time employees, none of which were covered by a collective bargaining agreement. In our opinion, employee relations are good.
Health and Safety
Employee health and safety is a top priority in all aspects of our management teambusiness. We are not obligatedcommitted to devote any specific numberproviding a healthy environment and safe workplace at all our facilities and in the field. Our dedicated Safety Team oversees our health & safety program and procedures. We implement robust safety protocols across all operations, maintain a Safety Compliance Program, and regularly conduct self-assessments to examine our safety culture and processes.
SAFETY MEASUREHILLMAN
Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR)2.21
Lost-Time Incident Rate (LTIR)1
0.45
1 Data spans 12 months between January 2023 and December 2023.
7| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Attraction, Development, and Retention
The success of hoursour efforts to grow our business depends on the contributions and abilities of key executives, our sales force, and other personnel. Our Human Resources department leads the search to reach a diverse talent pool. We have a standard framework for posting jobs, interviewing for open positions, and onboarding new employees. We offer employees resources to continuously improve their skills and performance with the goal of further cultivating the diverse talent on our team. We seek people who are demonstrate our core values: absolute integrity, accountability to our matters but they intendteam and customers, the ability to devote as much ofbuild on difference, trust and respect.
Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to actions that build an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity is valued and leveraged. We ask our employees to bring their time as they deem necessaryauthentic selves to work every day and this shows in both our affairs until we have completedproducts and our initial Business Combination. The amount of time they devote in any time period will vary based on whether a target business has been selectedservices. We are committed to creating equal opportunities for employment, and creating inclusive and diverse workplaces that allow our initial Business Combination and the stage of the Business Combination process we are in. team to perform to their fullest potential.
549755849671549755849684549755849688
Backlog
We do not intendconsider the sales backlog to have any full time employees priorbe a significant indicator of future performance due to the completionshort order cycle of our initial Business Combination.

Availablebusiness. Our sales backlog from ongoing operations was approximately $19.9 million as of December 30, 2023 and approximately $24.6 million as of December 31, 2022. We expect to realize the entire December 30, 2023 backlog during fiscal 2024.

Where You Can Find More Information

We are required to file Annual Reportsquarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reportsfurnish current reports on Form 10-Q8-K and other information with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”“Commission”) on a regular basis, and are required to disclose certain material events in a Current Report on Form 8-K.. The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SECCommission also maintains an Internet websitesite at www.sec.gov that contains quarterly, annual, and current reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, like Hillman, that file electronically with the SEC. The SEC’s InternetCommission.
In addition, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, annual reports on Form 10-K, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, are available free of charge on our website is located at http://www.sec.gov.

Risk Factors Summary

An investment inwww.hillmangroup.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with the Commission. We are providing the address to our securities involves a high degreewebsite solely for the information of risk and uncertainties. investors. We do not intend the address to be an active link or to incorporate the contents of the website into this report.

8| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


ITEM 1A - RISK FACTORS.
You should carefully consider carefully all ofthe following risks. However, the risks describedset forth below together withare not the only risks that we face, and we face other information contained in this prospectus, before making a decision to invest in our units.risks which have not yet been identified or which are not yet otherwise predictable. If any of the following eventsrisks occur or are otherwise realized, our business, financial condition, and operating results mayof operations could be materially adversely affected. In that event, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. Such risks include, but are not limited to:

• We are a blank check company with no operating history and no revenues, and you have no basis on which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective.

• Our public stockholders may not be afforded an opportunity to vote on our proposed initial business combination, and even if we held a vote, holders of our founder shares will participate in such vote, which means we may complete our initial Business Combination even though a majority of our public stockholders do not support such a combination.

• If we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination, our sponsors and members of our management team have agreed to vote in favor of such initial Business Combination, regardless of how our public stockholders vote.

• Your only opportunity to affect the investment decision regarding a potential Business Combination may be limited to the exercise of your redemption rights, unless we seek stockholder approval of the initial Business Combination.


• The ability of our public stockholders to redeem their shares for cash may make our financial condition unattractive to potential business combination targets, which may make it difficult for us to enter into an initial Business Combination with a target.

• The ability of our public stockholders to exercise redemption rights with respect to a large number of our shares may not allow us to complete the most desirable business combination or optimize our capital structure.

• The ability of our public stockholders to exercise redemption rights with respect to a large number of our shares could increase the probability that our initial Business Combination would be unsuccessful and that you would have to wait for liquidation in order to redeem your stock.

• The requirement that we complete our initial Business Combination within 24 months after the closing of our initial public offering may give potential target businesses leverage over us in negotiating a Business Combination and may decrease the time we have in which to conduct due diligence on potential Business Combination targets, in particular as we approach our dissolution deadline, which could undermine our ability to complete our initial Business Combination on terms that would produce value for our stockholders.

• Our search for a Business Combination, and any target business with which we ultimately consummate a Business Combination, may be materially adversely affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the status of debt and equity markets.

• We may not be able to complete our initial Business Combination within 24 months after the closing of our initial public offering, in which case we would cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up and we would redeem our public shares and liquidate, in which case our public stockholders may receive only $10.00 per share, or less than such amount in certain circumstances, and our warrants will expire worthless..

• If we seek stockholder approval of our initial Business Combination, our sponsors, directors, officers, advisors and their affiliates may elect to purchase public shares or warrants, which may influence a vote on a proposed initial Business Combination and reduce the public “float” of our Class A common stock or public warrants.

• Since our sponsors, officers and directors will lose their entire investment in us if our initial Business Combination is not completed, a conflict of interest may arise in determining whether a particular Business Combination target is appropriate for our initial Business Combination.

• If a stockholder fails to receive notice of our offer to redeem our public shares in connection with our initial Business Combination, or fails to comply with the procedures for submitting or tendering its shares, such shares may not be redeemed.

• Because of our limited resources and the significant competition for Business Combination opportunities, it may be more difficult for us to complete our initial Business Combination. If we are unable to complete our initial Business Combination within the prescribed time period, our public stockholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per public share, or less in certain circumstances, on the liquidation of our Trust Account and our warrants will expire worthless.


• If the net proceeds of our initial public offering and the sale of the private placement warrants not being held in the Trust Account are insufficient to allow us to operate for the 24 months after the closing of this offering, it could limit the amount available to fund our search for a target business or businesses and our ability to complete our initial Business Combination, and we will depend on loans from our sponsors, their affiliates or members of our management team to fund our search and to complete our initial Business Combination.

• You will not have any rights or interests in funds from the trust account, except under certain limited circumstances. Therefore, to liquidate your investment, you may be forced to sell your public shares or warrants, potentially at a loss.

• You will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors of many other blank check companies.

• If we seek stockholder approval of our initial Business Combination and we do not conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules, and if you or a “group” of stockholders are deemed to hold in excess of 15% of our Class A common stock, you will lose the ability to redeem all such shares in excess of 15% of our Class A common stock.

• Nasdaq may delist our securities from trading on its exchange, which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities and subject us to additional trading restrictions.

For risk factors related to the Proposed Transaction, see the Proxy Statement/Prospectus initially filed by us on February 3, 2021.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully all ofconsider the risks described below together with theand all other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our Consolidated Financial Statements and the prospectus associated withrelated Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and schedules thereto.

Risks Relating to Our Products and Demand for our initial public offering, before making a decision to invest in our securities. If anyProducts:
Our sales are dependent upon the health and stability of the following events occur, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially adversely affected. In that event, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. For riskgeneral economy. Adverse changes in economic factors relatedspecific to the Proposed Transaction, see the Proxy Statement/Prospectus initially filed by us on February 3, 2021.


Forward-looking statements are based onhome improvement industry may adversely affect our current expectationssales and beliefs concerning future developmentsfinancial performance.

Many North American and their potential effects on us. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we have anticipated.global economic factors may adversely affect our financial performance. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regardingperiods of slow economic growth or recession, home price appreciation or decreasing housing turnover, volatility and/or lack of liquidity from time to time in U.S. and world financial markets and the consequent reduced availability and/or higher cost of borrowing to Hillman, its customers, and consumers, slower rates of growth in real disposable personal income that could affect the rate of growth in consumer spending, inflation and its impacts on discretionary spending and on our costs, shortages, and other disruptions in the labor supply, consumer debt levels, changes in tax rates and policy, outbreak of pandemics, fluctuations in fuel and energy costs, inflation or deflation of commodity prices, natural disasters, armed conflicts, and acts of both domestic and international terrorism.
Sales of many of our management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentionsproducts are driven by the activity level of home repair and remodel projects. Our customers, suppliers, and other parties with whom we do business are also impacted by the foregoing conditions and adverse changes may result in financial difficulties leading to restructurings, bankruptcies, liquidations, and other unfavorable events for our customers, consumers, suppliers, and other service providers. Adverse trends in any of the foregoing factors could reduce our sales, adversely impact the mix of our sales, or strategies regardingincrease our costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Large customer concentration and the future. In addition, any statements that referinability to projections, forecasts or other characterizationspenetrate new channels of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would”distribution could adversely affect our business.
Our two largest customers constituted approximately $640.4 million of net sales and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but$35.3 million of the absenceyear-end accounts receivable balance for 2023. Both of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Factors that might cause or contribute to such forward-looking statements include, butcustomers are not limited to, those set forth herein and should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.

We are a blank check company with no operating history and no revenues, and our stockholders have no basisbig box chain stores. Our results of operations depend greatly on which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective.

We are a blank check companymaintain existing relationships and arrangements with no operating results. Because we lack an operating history, our stockholders have no basis upon which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective of completing our initial Business Combination with one or more target businesses. Except for the Proposed Transaction, we have no plans, arrangements or understandings with any prospective target business concerning a Business Combination and may be unable to complete our initial Business Combination. If we fail to complete our initial Business Combination, we will never generate any operating revenues.

Our public stockholders may not be afforded an opportunity to vote on our proposed initial Business Combination, and even if we hold a vote, holders of our Founder Shares will participate in such vote, which means we may complete our initial Business Combination even though a majority of our public stockholders do not support such a combination.

We may choose not to hold a stockholder vote to approve our initial Business Combination unless the initial Business Combination would require stockholder approval under applicable law or stock exchange listing requirements. In such case, the decision as to whether we will seek stockholder approval of a proposed initial Business Combination or will allow stockholders to sell their shares to us in a tender offer will be made by us, solely in our discretion, and will be based on a variety of factors, such as the timing of the transaction and whether the terms of the transaction would otherwise require us to seek stockholder approval. Even if we seek stockholder approval, the holders of our Founder Shares will participate in the vote on such approval. Accordingly, we may complete our initial Business Combination even if holders of a majority of our outstanding Public Shares do not approve of the initial Business Combination we complete.


If we seek stockholder approval of our initial Business Combination, our Sponsors have agreed to vote in favor of such initial Business Combination, regardless of how our public stockholders vote.

Pursuant to the A&R Letter Agreement, our Sponsors, officers and directors have agreed to vote their Founder Shares, as well as any Public Shares purchased (including in open market and privately-negotiated transactions), in favor of our initial Business Combination. As a result, in addition to our Sponsors’ Founder Shares and the Public Shares they have purchased, we would need only 17,250,001, or 34.5%, of the 50,000,000 Public Shares to be voted in favor of an initial Business Combination (assuming all outstanding shares are voted) in order to have our initial Business Combination approved. Our Sponsors own shares representing 22.4% of our outstanding shares of common stock. Accordingly, if we seek stockholder approval of our initial Business Combination, the agreement by our Sponsors, officers and directors to vote in favor of our initial Business Combination will increase the likelihood that we will receive the requisite stockholder approval for such initial Business Combination.

Our stockholders’ only opportunity to affect the investment decision regarding a potential Business Combination will be limited to the exercise of their redemption rights, unless we seek stockholder approval of the initial Business Combination.

If we do not seek stockholder approval, our stockholders’ only opportunity to affect the investment decision regarding a potential business combination may be limited to exercising their redemption rights in connection with the closing of our initial Business Combination.

The ability of our public stockholders to redeem their shares for cash may make our financial condition unattractive to potential business combination targets, which may make it difficult for us to enter into an agreement for an initial Business Combination with a target.

We may seek to enter into an initial Business Combination agreement with a prospective target that requires as a closing condition that we have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash. If too many public stockholders exercise their redemption rights, we would not be able to meet such closing condition and, as a result, would not be able to proceed with the initial Business Combination. Furthermore, in no event will we redeem our Public Shares in an amount that would cause our net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001 upon consummation of our initial Business Combination (so that we are not subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules) or any greater net tangible asset or cash requirement that may be contained in the agreement relating to our initial Business Combination. Consequently, if accepting all properly submitted redemption requests would cause our net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001 upon consummation of our initial Business Combination or such greater amount necessary to satisfy a closing condition as described above, we would not proceed with such redemption and the related Business Combination and may instead search for an alternate Business Combination. Prospective targets will be aware of these risks and, thus, may be reluctant to enter into an initial Business Combination agreement with us.


The ability of our public stockholders to exercise redemption rights with respect to a large number of our shares may not allow us to complete the most desirable Business Combination or optimize our capital structure.

At the time we enter into an agreement for our initial Business Combination, we will not know how many stockholders may exercise their redemption rights, and therefore will need to structure the transaction based on our expectations as to the number of shares that will be submitted for redemption. If our initial Business Combination agreement requires us to use a portion of the cash in the Trust Account to pay the purchase price, or requires us to have a minimum amount of cash at closing, we will need to reserve a portion of the cash in the Trust Account to meet such requirements, or arrange for third-party financing. In addition, if a larger number of shares are submitted for redemption than we initially expected, we may need to restructure the transaction to reserve a greater portion of the cash in the Trust Account or arrange for third-party financing. Raising additional third-party financing may involve dilutive equity issuances or the incurrence of indebtedness at higher than desirable levels. Furthermore, this dilution would increase tobig box chain stores. To the extent that the anti-dilution provisionbig box chain stores are materially adversely impacted by the changing retail landscape, this could have a negative effect on our results of the Founder Shares results in the issuance of Class A shares on a greater than one-to-one basis upon conversion of the Founder Shares at the timeoperations. These two customers have been key components of our Business Combination. The above considerations may limit our abilitygrowth and failure to complete the most desirable Business Combination available to usmaintain fulfillment and service levels or optimize our capital structure. The amount of the deferred underwriting commissions payable to the underwriters is not required to be adjusted for any shares that are redeemed in connectionrelationships with an initial Business Combination. The per-share amount we will distribute to stockholders who properly exercise their redemption rights will not be reduced by deferred underwriting commissions and after such redemptions, the per-share value of shares held by non-redeeming stockholders will reflect our obligation to pay the deferred underwriting commissions.

The ability of our public stockholders to exercise redemption rights with respect to a large number of our shares could increase the probability that our initial Business Combination would be unsuccessful and that our public stockholders would have to wait for liquidation in order to redeem their stock.

If our initial Business Combination agreement requires us to use a portion of the cash in the Trust Account to pay the purchase price, or requires us to have a minimum amount of cash at closing, the probability that our initial Business Combination would be unsuccessful is increased. If our initial Business Combination is unsuccessful, our public stockholders would not receive their pro rata portion of the Trust Account until we liquidate the Trust Account. If our public stockholders are in need of immediate liquidity, they could attempt to sell their stock in the open market; however, at such time, our stock may trade at a discount to the pro rata amount per share in the Trust Account. In either situation, our public stockholders may suffer a material loss on their investment or lose the benefit of funds expected in connection with their exercise of redemption rights until we liquidate or they are able to sell their stock in the open market.

The requirement that we complete our initial Business Combination by October 14, 2022, may give potential target businesses leverage over us in negotiating an initial Business Combination and may decrease our ability to conduct due diligence on potential business combination targets, in particular as we approach our dissolution deadline, which could undermine our ability to complete our initial Business Combination on terms that would produce value for our stockholders.

Any potential target business with which we enter into negotiations concerning an initial Business Combination will be aware that we must complete our initial Business Combination by October 14, 2022. Consequently, such target business may have leverage over us in negotiating an initial Business Combination, knowing that if we do not complete our initial Business Combination with that particular target business, we may be unable to complete our initial Business Combination with any target business. This risk will increase as we get closer to the timeframe described above. In addition, we may have limited time to conduct due diligence and may enter into our initial Business Combination on terms that we would have rejected upon a more comprehensive investigation.


Our search for a business combination, and any target business with which we ultimately consummate a business combination, may be materially adversely affected by the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the status of debt and equity markets.

In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China, which has and is continuing to spread throughout China and other parts of the world, including the United States. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” On January 31, 2020, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency for the United States to aid the U.S. healthcare community in responding to COVID-19, and on March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization characterized the outbreak as a “pandemic”. The COVID-19 outbreak has, and a significant outbreak of other infectious diseasesthese customers could result in a widespread health crisismaterial loss of business. Our inability to penetrate new channels of distribution, including ecommerce, may also have a negative impact on our future sales and business. (See Note 20 - Concentration of Credit Risks of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).

To compete successfully, we must develop and commercialize a continuing stream of innovative new products that could adversely affectcreate consumer demand.
Our long-term success in the economies and financial markets worldwide, and the operations and financial position of any potential target business with which we consummate a business combination could be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, we may be unable to complete a business combination if ongoing concerns relating to COVID-19 continue to restrict travel; limit the ability to have meetings with potential investors or the target company’s personnel; or prevent vendors and services from being able to negotiate and consummate a transaction in a timely manner. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts our search for a business combination will dependcurrent competitive environment depends on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of COVID-19 and the actions to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact, among others. If the disruptions posed by COVID-19 or other matters of global concern continue for an extensive period of time, our ability to consummatedevelop and commercialize a business combination, orcontinuing stream of innovative new products, including those in our new mass merchant fastener program, which create and maintain consumer demand. We also face the operations ofrisk that our competitors will introduce innovative new products that compete with our products. Our strategy includes increased investment in new product development and continued focus on innovation. There are, nevertheless, numerous uncertainties inherent in successfully developing and commercializing innovative new products on a target business with which we ultimately consummate a business combination, may be materially adversely affected.

In addition, our ability to consummate a transaction may be dependent on the ability to raise equitycontinuing basis, and debt financing which may be impacted by COVID-19 and other events, including as a result of increased market volatility, decreased market liquidity in third-party financing being unavailable on terms acceptable to us or at all.


Wenew product launches may not be able to completeprovide expected growth results.

9| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Acquisitions have formed a significant part of our initial Business Combination by October 14, 2022, in which case we would cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up and we would redeem our Public Shares and liquidate, in which case our public stockholders may receive only $10.00 per share, or less than such amount in certain circumstances, and our warrants will expire worthless.

Our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we must complete our initial Business Combination by October 14, 2022 (within 24 months from the closing of the Public Offering). We may not be able to find a suitable target business and complete our initial Business Combination within such time period. Our ability to complete our initial Business Combination may be negatively impacted by general market conditions, political considerations, volatilitygrowth strategy in the capitalpast and debt markets and the other risks described herein. If we have not completed our initial Business Combination within such time period, we will: (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than 10 business days thereafter, redeem the Public Shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to us to pay our taxes (less up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any), subject to applicable law and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining stockholders and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. In such case, our public stockholders may receive only $10.00 per share, and our warrants will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, our public stockholders may receive less than $10.00 per share on the redemption of their shares. See “—If third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds held in the Trust Account could be reduced and the per-share redemption amount received by stockholders may be less than $10.00 per share” and other risk factors below.

If we seek stockholder approval of our initial Business Combination, our Sponsors, directors, officers, advisors and their affiliates may elect to purchase shares or warrants from public holders, which may influence a vote on a proposed initial Business Combination and reduce the public “float” of our Class A common stock or public warrants.

If we seek stockholder approval of our initial Business Combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our initial Business Combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our Sponsors, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may purchase shares or public warrants or a combination thereof, in privately-negotiated transactions or in the open market, either prior to or following the completion of our initial Business Combination, although they are under no obligationcontinue to do so. However, they have no current commitments, plans or intentions to engage in such transactions and have not formulated any terms or conditions for any such transactions. None of the funds in the Trust Account will be used to purchase shares or public warrants in such transactions.

Such a purchase may include a contractual acknowledgement that such stockholder, although still the record holder of our shares, is no longer the beneficial owner thereof and therefore agrees not to exercise its redemption rights. In the event that our Sponsors, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates purchase shares in privately-negotiated transactions from public stockholders who have already elected to exercise their redemption rights, such selling stockholders would be required to revoke their prior elections to redeem their shares. The purpose of such purchases could be to vote such shares in favor of the initial Business Combination and thereby increase the likelihood of obtaining stockholder approval of the initial Business Combination, or to satisfy a closing condition in an agreement with a target that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash at the closing of our initial Business Combination, where it appears that such requirement would otherwise not be met. The purpose of any such purchases of public warrants could be to reduce the number of public warrants outstanding or to vote such warrants on any matters submitted to the warrantholders for approval in connection with our initial Business Combination. Any such purchases of our securities may result in the completion of our initial Business Combination that may not otherwise have been possible. Any such purchases will be reported pursuant to Section 13 and Section 16 of the Exchange Act to the extent such purchasers are subject to such reporting requirements.


In addition, if such purchases are made, the public “float” of our Class A common stock or public warrants and the number of beneficial holders of our securities may be reduced, possibly making it difficult to obtain or maintain the quotation, listing or trading of our securities on a national securities exchange.

If a stockholder fails to receive notice of our offer to redeem our Public Shares in connection with our initial Business Combination, or fails to comply with the procedures for submitting or tendering its shares, such shares may not be redeemed.

We will comply with the proxy rules or tender offer rules, as applicable, when conducting redemptions in connection with our initial Business Combination. Despite our compliance with these rules, if a stockholder fails to receive our proxy materials or tender offer documents, as applicable, such stockholder may not become aware of the opportunity to redeem its shares. In addition, proxy materials or tender offer documents, as applicable, that we will furnish to holders of our Public Shares in connection with our initial Business Combination will describe the various procedures that must be complied with in order to validly tender or submit Public Shares for redemption. For example, we intend to require our public stockholders seeking to exercise their redemption rights, whether they are record holders or hold their shares in “street name,” to, at the holder’s option, either deliver their stock certificates to our transfer agent, or to deliver their shares to our transfer agent electronically prior to the date set forth in the proxy materials or tender offer documents, as applicable. In the case of proxy materials, this date may be up to two business days prior to the vote on the proposal to approve the initial Business Combination. In addition, if we conduct redemptions in connection with a stockholder vote, we intend to require a public stockholder seeking redemption of its Public Shares to also submit a written request for redemption to our transfer agent two business days prior to the vote in which the name of the beneficial owner of such shares is included. In the event that a stockholder fails to comply with these or any other procedures disclosed in the proxy or tender offer materials, as applicable, its shares may not be redeemed.

Our stockholders do not have any rights or interests in funds from the Trust Account, except under certain limited circumstances. To liquidate their investment, therefore, stockholders may be forced to sell their Public Shares or warrants, potentially at a loss.

Our public stockholders are entitled to receive funds from the Trust Account only upon the earliest to occur of: (i) our completion of an initial Business Combination, and then only in connection with those shares of Class A common stock that such stockholder properly elected to redeem, subject to the limitations described herein, (ii) the redemption of any Public Shares properly submitted in connection with a stockholder vote to amend our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation to modify the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our Public Shares if we do not complete our initial Business Combination by October 14, 2022, or to provide for redemption in connection with a Business Combination and (iii) the redemption of our Public Shares if we are unable to completeidentify suitable acquisition candidates, successfully integrate an initial Business Combination by October 14, 2022, subject to applicable law and as further described herein. In addition, if our plan to redeem our Public Shares if we are unableacquired business, or obtain financing needed to complete an initial Business Combination by October 14, 2022, isacquisition, our growth strategy may not completed for any reason, compliance with Delaware law may requiresucceed.

Historically, our growth strategy has relied in part on acquisitions that we submit a plan of dissolution toeither expand or complement our then-existing stockholders for approval prior to the distribution of the proceeds heldbusinesses and/or product offerings in our Trust Account. In that case, public stockholders may be forced to wait beyond 24 months from the closing of the public offering before they receive funds from our Trust Account. In no other circumstances will a public stockholder have any rightnew or interest of any kind in the Trust Account. Holders of warrants will not have any right to the proceeds held in the Trust Account with respect to the warrants. Accordingly, to liquidate their investment, stockholders may be forced to sell their Public Shares or warrants, potentially at a loss.


Nasdaq may delist our securities from trading on its exchange, which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities and subject us to additional trading restrictions.

Our securities are listed on Nasdaq. There can be no assurance that our securities will continue to be listed on Nasdaq in the future or prior to our initial Business Combination. In order to continue listing our securities on Nasdaq prior to our initial Business Combination, we must maintain certain financial, distribution and stock price levels. Generally, following our initial public offering, we must maintain a minimum amount in stockholders’ equity (generally $2,500,000) and a minimum number of holders of our securities (generally 300 public holders). Additionally, in connection with our initial Business Combination, we will be required to demonstrate compliance with Nasdaq’s initial listing requirements, which are more rigorous than Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements, in order to continue to maintain the listing of our securities on Nasdaq. For instance, our stock price would generally be required to be at least $4.00 per share, our stockholders’ equity would generally be required to be at least $4.0 million, we would be required to have a minimum of 300 round lot holders of our securities and we would be required to have a market value of listed securities of  $50.0 million Thereexisting markets. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to meet those initial listing requirements at that time.

If Nasdaq delists our securities from tradingidentify or acquire acceptable acquisition candidates on its exchangeterms favorable to us and we are not able to list our securities on another national securities exchange, we expect our securities could be quoted on an over-the-counter market. If this were to occur, we could face significant material adverse consequences, including:

·a limited availability of market quotations for our securities;

·reduced liquidity for our securities;

·a determination that our Class A common stock is a “penny stock,” which will require brokers trading in our Class A common stock to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our securities;

·a limited amount of news and analyst coverage; and

·a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.


The National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, which is a federal statute, prevents or preempts the states from regulating the sale of certain securities, which are referred to as “covered securities.” Our units, Class A common stock and warrants, are covered securities. Although the states are preempted from regulating the sale of our securities, the federal statute does allow the states to investigate companies if there is a suspicion of fraud, and, if there is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states can regulate or bar the sale of covered securities in a particular case. While we are not awaretimely manner.

The process of a state having used these powers to prohibit or restrict the sale of securities issued by blank check companies, other than the State of Idaho, certain state securities regulators view blank check companies unfavorably and might use these powers, or threaten to use these powers, to hinder the sale of securities of blank check companies in their states. Further, if we were no longer listed on Nasdaq,integrating acquired businesses into our securities would not qualify as covered securities and we would be subject to regulation in each state in which we offer our securities, including in connection with our initial Business Combination.

Our stockholders are not entitled to protections normally afforded to investors of many other blank check companies.

We are a “blank check” company under the U.S. securities laws. However, because we have net tangible assets in excess of $5,000,000, we are exempt from rules promulgated by the SEC to protect investors in blank check companies, such as Rule 419. Accordingly, investors are not afforded the benefits or protections of those rules. Among other things, this means we will have a longer period of time to complete our initial Business Combination than companies subject to Rule 419. Moreover, if the Public Offering had been subject to Rule 419, that rule would prohibit the release of any interest earned on funds held in the Trust Account to us unless and until the funds in the Trust Account were released to us in connection with our completion of an initial Business Combination.

If we seek stockholder approval of our initial Business Combination and we do not conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules, and if a stockholder or a “group” of stockholders are deemed to hold in excess of 15% of our Class A common stock, they will lose the ability to redeem all such shares in excess of 15% of our Class A common stock.

If we seek stockholder approval of our initial Business Combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our initial Business Combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that a public stockholder, together with any affiliate of such stockholder or any other person with whom such stockholder is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), is restricted from seeking redemption rights with respect to more than an aggregate of 15% of the shares sold in the Public Offering without our prior consent, which we refer to as the “Excess Shares.” However, we will not restrict our stockholders’ ability to vote all of their shares (including Excess Shares) for or against our initial Business Combination. Our stockholders’ inability to redeem their Excess Shares will reduce their influence over our ability to complete our initial Business Combination and stockholders could suffer a material loss on their investment in us if they sell Excess Shares in open market transactions. Additionally, our stockholders will not receive redemption distributions with respect to the Excess Shares if we complete our initial Business Combination. And as a result, stockholders will continue to hold that number of shares exceeding 15% and, in order to dispose of such shares, would be required to sell their stock in open market transactions, potentially at a loss.


Because of our limited resources and the significant competition for business combination opportunities, it may be more difficult for us to complete our initial Business Combination. If we are unable to complete our initial Business Combination, our public stockholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share on our redemption of our Public Shares, or less than such amount in certain circumstances, and our warrants will expire worthless.

We expect to encounter competition from other entities having a business objective similar to ours, including private investors (which may be individuals or investment partnerships), other blank check companies and other entities, domestic and international, competing for the types of businesses we intend to acquire. Many of these individuals and entities are well-established and have extensive experience in identifying and effecting, directly or indirectly, acquisitions of companies operating in or providing services to various industries. Many of these competitors possess similar or greater technical, human and other resources to ours, and our financial resources will be relatively limited when contrasted with those of many of these competitors. While we believe there are numerous target businesses we could potentially acquire with the net proceeds of the Public Offering and the sale of the private placement warrants, our ability to compete with respect to the acquisition of certain target businesses that are sizable will be limited by our available financial resources. This inherent competitive limitation gives others an advantage in pursuing the acquisition of certain target businesses. Furthermore, because we are obligated to pay cash for the shares of Class A common stock which our public stockholders redeem in connection with our initial Business Combination, target companies will be aware that this may reduce the resources available to us for our initial Business Combination. Any of these obligations may place us at a competitive disadvantage in successfully negotiating an initial Business Combination. If we are unable to complete our initial Business Combination, our public stockholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share on the liquidation of our Trust Account and our warrants will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, our public stockholders may receive less than $10.00 per share upon our liquidation. See “—If third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds held in the Trust Account could be reduced and the per-share redemption amount received by stockholders may be less than $10.00 per share” and other risk factors below.


If the net proceeds of the Public Offering and the sale of the private placement warrants not being held in the Trust Account are insufficient to allow us to operate until October 14, 2022, we may be unable to complete our initial Business Combination, in which case our public stockholders may only receive $10.00 per share, or less than such amount in certain circumstances, and our warrants will expire worthless.

The funds available to us outside of the Trust Account may not be sufficient to allow us to operate until October 14, 2022, assuming that our initial Business Combination is not completed during that time. We believe the funds available to us outside of the Trust Account will be sufficient to allow us to operate until October 14, 2022; however, there can be no assurance that our estimate is accurate. Of the funds available to us, we could use a portion of the funds available to us to pay fees to consultants to assist us with our search for a target business. We could also use a portion of the funds as a down payment or to fund a “no-shop” provision (a provision in letters of intent or merger agreements designed to keep target businesses from “shopping” around for transactions with other companies or investors on terms more favorable to such target businesses) with respect to a particular proposed initial Business Combination, although we do not have any current intention to do so. If we entered into a letter of intent or merger agreement where we paid for the right to receive exclusivity from a target business and were subsequently required to forfeit such funds (whether as a result of our breach or otherwise), we might not have sufficient funds to continue searching for, or conduct due diligence with respect to, a target business. If we are required to seek additional capital, we would need to borrow funds from our Sponsors, management team or other third parties to operate or may be forced to liquidate. None of our Sponsors, members of our management team nor any of their affiliates is under any obligation to advance funds to us in such circumstances. Any such advances would be repaid only from funds held outside the Trust Account or from funds released to us upon completion of our initial Business Combination. Up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible into private placement-equivalent warrants at a price of  $1.50 per warrant at the option of the lender. Prior to the completion of our initial Business Combination, we do not expect to seek advances or loans from parties other than our Sponsors or an affiliate of one of our Sponsors as we do not believe third parties will be willing to loan such funds and provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in our Trust Account. If we are unable to obtain these loans, we may be unable to complete our initial Business Combination. If we are unable to complete our initial Business Combination, our public stockholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share on the liquidation of our Trust Account and our warrants will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, our public stockholders may receive less than $10.00 per share upon our liquidation. See “—If third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds held in the Trust Account could be reduced and the per-share redemption amount received by stockholders may be less than $10.00 per share” and other risk factors below.

Subsequent to the completion of our initial Business Combination, we may be required to take write-downs or write-offs, restructuring and impairment or other charges that could have a significant negative effect on our financial condition, results of operations and our stock price, and which could cause stockholders to lose some or all of their investment.

Even if we conduct extensive due diligence on a target business with which we combine, there can be no assurance that this diligence will identify all material issues that may be present within a particular target business, that it would be possible to uncover all material issues through a customary amount of due diligence, or that factors outside of the target business and outside of our control will not later arise. As a result of these factors, we may be forced to later write-down or write-off assets, restructure our operations or incur impairment or other charges that could result in our reporting losses. Even if our due diligence successfully identifies certain risks, unexpected risks may arise and previously known risks may materialize in a manner not consistent with our preliminary risk analysis. Even though these charges may be non-cash items and not have an immediate impact on our liquidity, the fact that we report charges of this nature could contribute to negative market perceptions about us or our securities. In addition, charges of this nature may cause us to violate net worth or other covenants to which we may be subject as a result of assuming pre-existing debt held by a target business or by virtue of our obtaining debt financing to partially finance the initial Business Combination or thereafter. Accordingly, any stockholders who choose to remain stockholders following the initial Business Combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their shares. Such stockholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in value.


If third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds held in the Trust Account could be reduced and the per-share redemption amount received by stockholders may be less than $10.00 per share.

Our placing of funds in the Trust Account may not protect those funds from third-party claims against us. Although we seek to have all vendors, service providers, prospective target businesses and other entities with which we do business execute agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the Trust Account for the benefit of our public stockholders, such parties may not execute such agreements, or even if they execute such agreements, they may not be prevented from bringing claims against the Trust Account, including, but not limited to, fraudulent inducement, breach of fiduciary responsibility or other similar claims, as well as claims challenging the enforceability of the waiver, in each case in order to gain advantage with respect to a claim against our assets, including the funds held in the Trust Account. If any third party refuses to enter into an agreement waiving such claims to the monies held in the Trust Account, the Company’s management will consider whether competitive alternatives are reasonably available to the Company, and will only enter into an agreement with such third party if the Company’s management believes that such third party’s engagement would be in the best interests of the Company under the circumstances. Marcum LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, and the underwriters of the offering, have not executed agreements with us waiving such claims to the monies held in the Trust Account.

Examples of possible instances where we may engage a third party that refuses to execute a waiver include the engagement of a third-party consultant whose particular expertise or skills are believed by management to be significantly superior to those of other consultants that would agree to execute a waiver or in cases where management is unable to find a service provider willing to execute a waiver. In addition, there is no guarantee that such entities will agree to waive any claims they may have in the future as a result of, or arising out of, any negotiations, contracts or agreements with us and will not seek recourse against the Trust Account for any reason. Upon redemption of our Public Shares, if we are unable to complete our initial Business Combination by October 14, 2022, or upon the exercise of a redemption right in connection with our initial Business Combination, we will be required to provide for payment of claims of creditors that were not waived that may be brought against us within the 10 years following redemption. Accordingly, the per-share redemption amount received by public stockholders could be less than the $10.00 per share initially held in the Trust Account, due to claims of such creditors. Pursuant to the letter agreement, which is filed as an exhibit to this report, our Sponsors have agreed that they will be jointly and severally liable to us if and to the extent any claims by a third party for services rendered or products sold to us, or a prospective target business with which we have entered into a written letter of intent, confidentiality or similar agreement or business combination agreement, reduce the amount of funds in the Trust Account to below the lesser of  (i) $10.00 per public share and (ii) the actual amount per public share held in the Trust Account as of the date of the liquidation of the Trust Account, if less than $10.00 per share due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, less taxes payable; provided that such liability will not apply to any claims by a third party or prospective target business who executed a waiver of any and all rights to the monies held in the Trust Account (whether or not such waiver is enforceable) nor will it apply to any claims under our indemnity of the underwriters of the Public Offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. However, we have not asked our Sponsors to reserve for such indemnification obligations, nor have we independently verified whether our Sponsors have sufficient funds to satisfy their indemnity obligations. As a result, if any such claims were successfully made against the Trust Account, the funds available for our initial Business Combination and redemptions could be reduced to less than $10.00 per public share. In such event, we may not be able to complete our initial Business Combination, and public stockholders would receive such lesser amount per share in connection with any redemption of their Public Shares. Therefore, there can be no assurance that our Sponsors would be able to satisfy those obligations. None of our officers or directors will indemnify us for claims by third parties, including, without limitation, claims by vendors and prospective target businesses.


Our directors may decide not to enforce the indemnification obligations of our Sponsors, resulting in a reduction in the amount of funds in the Trust Account available for distribution to our public stockholders.

In the event that the proceeds in the Trust Account are reduced below the lesser of (i) $10.00 per share and (ii) the actual amount per share held in the Trust Account as of the date of the liquidation of the Trust Account if less than $10.00 per share due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, in each case net of the interest, which may be withdrawn to pay taxes, and our Sponsors assert that they are unable to satisfy their obligations or that they have no indemnification obligations related to a particular claim, our independent directors would determine whether to take legal action against our Sponsors to enforce their indemnification obligations.

While we currently expect that our independent directors would take legal action on our behalf against our Sponsors to enforce their indemnification obligations to us, it is possible that our independent directors, in exercising their business judgment and subject to their fiduciary duties, may choose not to do so in any particular instance if, for example, the cost of such legal action is deemed by the independent directors to be too high relative to the amount recoverable or if the independent directors determine that a favorable outcome is not likely. If our independent directors choose not to enforce these indemnification obligations, the amount of funds in the Trust Account available for distribution to our public stockholders may be reduced below $10.00 per share.

We may not have sufficient funds to satisfy indemnification claims of our directors and executive officers.

We have agreed to indemnify our officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by law. However, our officers and directors have agreed to waive (and any other persons who may become an officer or director prior to the initial Business Combination will also be required to waive) any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the Trust Account and not to seek recourse against the Trust Account for any reason whatsoever. Accordingly, any indemnification provided will be able to be satisfied by us only if  (i) we have sufficient funds outside of the Trust Account or (ii) we consummate an initial Business Combination. Our obligation to indemnify our officers and directors may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our officers or directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions also may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against our officers and directors, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders. Furthermore, a stockholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against our officers and directors pursuant to these indemnification provisions.


If, after we distribute the proceeds in the Trust Account to our public stockholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, a bankruptcy court may seek to recover such proceeds, and we and our board may be exposed to claims of punitive damages.

If, after we distribute the proceeds in the Trust Account to our public stockholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, any distributions received by stockholders could be viewed under applicable debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy laws as either a “preferential transfer” or a “fraudulent conveyance.” As a result, a bankruptcy court could seek to recover some or all amounts received by our stockholders. In addition, our board of directors may be viewed as having breached its fiduciary duty to our creditors and/or having acted in bad faith, thereby exposing itself and us to claims of punitive damages, by paying public stockholders from the Trust Account prior to addressing the claims of creditors.

If, before distributing the proceeds in the Trust Account to our public stockholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, the claims of creditors in such proceeding may have priority over the claims of our stockholders and the per-share amount that would otherwise be received by our stockholders in connection with our liquidation may be reduced.

If, before distributing the proceeds in the Trust Account to our public stockholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, the proceeds held in the Trust Account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy law, and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of our stockholders. To the extent any bankruptcy claims deplete the Trust Account, the per-share amount that would otherwise be received by our stockholders in connection with our liquidation may be reduced.

If we are deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we may be required to institute burdensome compliance requirements and our activities may be restricted, which may make it difficult for us to complete our initial Business Combination.

If we are deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, our activities may be restricted, including:

·restrictions on the nature of our investments; and

·restrictions on the issuance of securities, each of which may make it difficult for us to complete our initial Business Combination.

In addition, we may have imposed upon us burdensome requirements, including:

·registration as an investment company;

·adoption of a specific form of corporate structure; and

·reporting, record keeping, voting, proxy and disclosure requirements and other rules and regulations.


In order not to be regulated as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, unless we can qualify for an exclusion, we must ensure that we are engaged primarily in a business other than investing, reinvesting or trading in securities and that our activities do not include investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading “investment securities” constituting more than 40% of our total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. Our business is to identify and complete an initial Business Combination and thereafter to operate the post-transaction business or assets for the long term. We do not plan to buy businesses or assets with a view to resale or profit from their resale. We do not plan to buy unrelated businesses or assets or to be a passive investor.

We do not believe that our anticipated principal activities are subject to the Investment Company Act. To this end, the proceeds held in the Trust Account may only be invested in U.S. “government securities,” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act, having a maturity of 180 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act, which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. Pursuant to the trust agreement, the trustee is not permitted to invest in other securities or assets. By restricting the investment of the proceeds to these instruments, and by having a business plan targeted at acquiring and growing businesses for the long term (rather than on buying and selling businesses in the manner of a merchant bank or private equity fund), we intend to avoid being deemed an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act. Our securities are not intended for persons who are seeking a return on investments in government securities or investment securities. The Trust Account is intended as a holding place for funds pending the earliest to occur of: (i) the completion of our initial Business Combination; (ii) the redemption of any Public Shares properly submitted in connection with a stockholder vote to amend our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation to modify the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our Public Shares if we do not complete our initial Business Combination by October 14, 2022, or to provide for redemption in connection with a Business Combination; or (iii) absent an initial Business Combination by October 14, 2022, our return of the funds held in the Trust Account to our public stockholders as part of our redemption of the Public Shares. If we do not invest the proceeds as discussed above, we may be deemed to be subject to the Investment Company Act. If we were deemed to be subject to the Investment Company Act, compliance with these additional regulatory burdens would require additional expenses for which we have not allotted funds and may hinder our ability to complete an initial Business Combination or may result in our liquidation. If we are unable to complete our initial Business Combination, our public stockholdersunforeseen difficulties and may receive only approximately $10.00 per share, or less in certain circumstances described herein, on the liquidationrequire a disproportionate amount of our Trust Accountresources and our warrants will expire worthless.


Changes in laws or regulations, or a failure to comply with any lawsmanagement attention, and regulations, may adversely affect our business, including our ability to negotiate and complete our initial Business Combination and results of operations.

We are subject to laws and regulations enacted by national, regional and local governments. In particular, we are be required to comply with certain SEC and other legal requirements. Compliance with, and monitoring of, applicable laws and regulations may be difficult, time consuming and costly.

Those laws and regulations and their interpretation and application may also change from time to time and those changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, investments and results of operations. In addition, a failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations, as interpreted and applied, could have a material adverse effect on our business, including our ability to negotiate and complete our initial Business Combination and results of operations.

Our stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against us to the extent of distributions received by them upon redemption of their shares.

Under the Delaware General Corporations Law (“DGCL’), stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against a corporation to the extent of distributions received by them in a dissolution. The pro rata portion of our Trust Account distributed to our public stockholders upon the redemption of our Public Shares in the event we do not complete our initial Business Combination by October 14, 2022, may be considered a liquidating distribution under Delaware law. If a corporation complies with certain procedures set forth in Section 280 of the DGCL intended to ensure that it makes reasonable provision for all claims against it, including a 60-day notice period during which any third-party claims can be brought against the corporation, a 90-day period during which the corporation may reject any claims brought, and an additional 150-day waiting period before any liquidating distributions are made to stockholders, any liability of stockholders with respect to a liquidating distribution is limited to the lesser of such stockholder’s pro rata share of the claim or the amount distributed to the stockholder, and any liability of the stockholder would be barred after the third anniversary of the dissolution. However, it is our intention to redeem our Public Shares as soon as reasonably possible following May 2021, the 24th month from the closing of the Public Offering in the event we do not complete our initial Business Combination and, therefore, we do not intend to comply with the foregoing procedures.

Because we will not be complying with Section 280, Section 281(b) of the DGCL requires us to adopt a plan, based on facts known to us at such time that will provide for our payment of all existing and pending claims or claims that may be potentially brought against us within the 10 years following our dissolution. However, because we are a blank check company, rather than an operating company, and our operations are limited to searching for prospective target businesses to acquire, the only likely claims to arise would be from our vendors (such as lawyers, investment bankers, etc.) or prospective target businesses. If our plan of distribution complies with Section 281(b) of the DGCL, any liability of stockholders with respect to a liquidating distribution is limited to the lesser of such stockholder’s pro rata share of the claim or the amount distributed to the stockholder, and any liability of the stockholder would likely be barred after the third anniversary of the dissolution. There can be no assurance that we will properly assess all claims that may be potentially brought against us. As such, our stockholders could potentially be liable for any claims to the extent of distributions received by them (but no more) and any liability of our stockholders may extend beyond the third anniversary of such date. Furthermore, if the pro rata portion of our Trust Account distributed to our public stockholders upon the redemption of our Public Shares in the event we do not complete our initial Business Combination by October 14, 2022, is not considered a liquidating distribution under Delaware law and such redemption distribution is deemed to be unlawful (potentially due to the imposition of legal proceedings that a party may bring or due to other circumstances that are currently unknown), then pursuant to Section 174 of the DGCL, the statute of limitations for claims of creditors could then be six years after the unlawful redemption distribution, instead of three years, as in the case of a liquidating distribution.


We may not hold an annual meeting of stockholders until after the consummation of our initial Business Combination, which could delay the opportunity for our stockholders to elect directors.

In accordance with Nasdaq corporate governance requirements, we are not required to hold an annual meeting until no later than one year after our first fiscal year end following our listing on Nasdaq. Under Section 211(b) of the DGCL, we are, however, required to hold an annual meeting of stockholders for the purposes of electing directors in accordance with our bylaws unless such election is made by written consent in lieu of such a meeting. We may not hold an annual meeting of stockholders to elect new directors prior to the consummation of our initial Business Combination, and thus we may not be in compliance with Section 211(b) of the DGCL, which requires an annual meeting. Therefore, if our stockholders want us to hold an annual meeting prior to the consummation of our initial Business Combination, they may attempt to force us to hold one by submitting an application to the Delaware Court of Chancery in accordance with Section 211(c) of the DGCL.

Our sponsors, as the holders of our Class B common stock, will have the right to elect all of our directors prior to our initial business combination, which could delay the opportunity for our stockholders to elect directors.

The holders of the Class B common stock have the right to elect all of our directors prior to our initial business combination. Accordingly, we do not expect to hold an annual meeting of stockholders to elect new directors prior to the consummation of our initial business combination.


We have not registered the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants under the Securities Act or any state securities laws at this time, and such registration may not be in place when an investor desires to exercise warrants, thus precluding such investor from being able to exercise its warrants except on a cashless basis. If the issuance of the shares upon exercise of warrants is not registered, qualified or exempt from registration or qualification, the holder of such warrant will not be entitled to exercise such warrant and such warrant may have no value and expire worthless.

We have not registered the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants under the Securities Act or any state securities laws at this time. However, under the terms of the warrant agreement, we have agreed that as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 15 business days after the closing of our initial Business Combination, we will use our best efforts to file with the SEC a registration statement for the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants and thereafter will use our best efforts to cause the same to become effective within 60 business days following our initial Business Combination and to maintain a current prospectus relating to the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants, until the expiration of the warrants in accordance with the provisions of the warrant agreement. Therethere can be no assurance that we will be able to do so if, for example, any facts or events arise which represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement or prospectus, the financial statements contained or incorporated by reference therein are not current or correct or the SEC issues a stop order. If the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants are not registered under the Securities Act, we will be required to permit holders to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis. However, no warrant will be exercisable for cash or on a cashless basis, and we will not be obligated to issue any shares to holders seeking to exercise their warrants, unless the issuance of the shares upon such exercise are registered or qualified under the securities laws of the state of the exercising holder, or an exemption from registration is available. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a registration statement covering the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is not effective within a specified period following the consummation ofsuccessfully integrate acquired businesses into our initial Business Combination, warrantholders may, until such time as there is an effective registration statement and during any period when we shall have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise warrants on a “cashless basis” pursuant to the exemption provided by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act; provided that such exemption is available. If that exemption, or another exemption, is not available, holders will not be able to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis. In no event will we be required to net cash settle any warrant, or issue securities or other compensation in exchange for the warrants in the event that we are unable to register or qualify the shares underlying the warrants under applicable state securities laws and there is no exemption available. If the issuance of the shares upon exercise of the warrants is not so registered or qualified or exempt from registration or qualification, the holder of such warrant will not be entitled to exercise such warrant and such warrant may have no value and expire worthless. In such event, holders who acquired their warrants as part of a purchase of units will have paid the full unit purchase price solely for the shares of Class A common stock included in the units. If and when the warrants become redeemable by us,operations. Additionally, we may not exercise our redemption right ifachieve the issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of the warrants is not exemptanticipated benefits from registration or qualification under applicable state blue sky laws or we are unable to effect such registration or qualification. We will use our best efforts to register or qualify such shares of common stock under the blue sky laws of the state of residence in those states in which the warrants were initially offered by usany acquisition.

Unfavorable changes in the Public Offering. However, there may be instances in which holders of our public warrants may be unable to exercise such public warrants but holders of our private warrants may be able to exercise such private warrants.


If our stockholders exercise their public warrants on a “cashless basis,” they will receive fewer shares of Class A common stock from such exercise than if they were to exercise such warrants for cash.

Under the following circumstances, the exercise of the public warrants may be required or permitted to be made on a cashless basis: (i) if a registration statement covering the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is not effective by the 60th business day after the closing of our initial Business Combination, warrantholders may, until such time as there is an effective registration statement and during any period when we shall have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise warrants on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act or another exemption; (ii) if our common stock is at the time of any exercise of a warrant not listed on a national securities exchange such that it satisfies the definition of a “covered security” under Section 18(b)(1) of the Securities Act, we may, at our option, require holders of public warrants who exercise their warrants to do so on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act and, in the event we so elect, we will not be required to file or maintain in effect a registration statement; and (iii) if we call the public warrants for redemption, our management will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise warrants to do so on a cashless basis. In the event of an exercise on a cashless basis, a holder would pay the warrant exercise price by surrendering the warrants for that number of shares of Class A common stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of Class A common stock underlying the warrants multiplied by the excess of the “fair market value” (as defined in the next sentence) over the exercise price of the warrants by (y) the fair market value. The “fair market value” is the average reported closing price of the Class A common stock for the 10 trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the notice of exercise is received by the warrant agent or on which the notice of redemption is sent to the holders of warrants, as applicable. As a result, stockholders would receive fewer shares of Class A common stock from such exercise than if they were to exercise such warrants for cash.

The grant of registration rights to our Sponsors may make it more difficult to complete our initial Business Combination, and the future exercise of such rights may adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock.

Pursuant to a registration rights agreement entered into concurrently with our initial public offering, our Sponsors and their permitted transferees can demand that we register the resale of private placement warrants, the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the Founder Shares and the private placement warrants held, or to be held, by them and holders of warrants that may be issued upon conversion of working capital loans may demand that we register the resale of such warrants or the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of such warrants. We will bear the cost of registering these securities. The registration and availability of such a significant number of securities for trading in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our Class A common stock. In addition, the existence of the registration rights may make our initial Business Combination more costly or difficult to conclude. This is because the stockholders of the target business may increase the equity stake they seek in the combined entity or ask for more cash consideration to offset the negative impact on the market price of our Class A common stock that is expected when the securities owned by our Sponsors or holders of working capital loans or their respective permitted transferees are registered for resale.


Because we are not limited to evaluating a target business in a particular industry sector or any specific target businesses with which to pursue our initial Business Combination, stockholders will be unable to ascertain the merits or risks of any particular target business’s operations.

We will seek to complete an initial Business Combination with companies in the dining, hospitality, entertainment and gaming industries but may also pursue other Business Combination opportunities, except that we are not, under our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation, permitted to effectuate our initial Business Combination with another blank check company or similar company with nominal operations. To the extent we complete our initial Business Combination, we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the business operations with which we combine. For example, if we combine with a financially unstable business or an entity lacking an established record of sales or earnings, we may be affected by the risks inherent in the business and operations of a financially unstable or a development stage entity. Although our officers and directors will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, there can be no assurance that we will properly ascertain or assess all of the significant risk factors or that we will have adequate time to complete due diligence. Furthermore, some of these risks may be outside of our control and leave us with no ability to control or reduce the chances that those risks will adversely impact a target business. There can be no assurance that an investment in our securities will ultimately prove to be more favorable to investors than a direct investment, if such opportunity were available, in a Business Combination target. Accordingly, any stockholders who choose to remain stockholders following our initial Business Combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their securities. Such stockholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in value.

Past performance by our management team and their affiliates may not be indicative of future performance of an investment in the Company.

Information regarding performance by, or businesses associated with, our management team or businesses associated with them is presented for informational purposes only. Past performance by our management team is not a guarantee either (i) of success with respect to any Business Combination we may consummate or (ii) that we will be able to locate a suitable candidate for our initial Business Combination. Stockholders should not rely on the historical record of the performance of our management team or businesses associated with them as indicative of our future performance of an investment in the Company or the returns the Company will, or is likely to, generate going forward.

We may seek Business Combination opportunities in industries or sectors that may or may not be outside of our management’s area of expertise.

Although we intend to focus on identifying companies in the dining, hospitality, entertainment and gaming industries, we will consider an initial Business Combination outside of our management’s area of expertise if an initial Business Combination candidate is presented to us and we determine that such candidate offers an attractive Business Combination opportunity for our company or we are unable to identify a suitable candidate in this sector after having expanded a reasonable amount of time and effort in an attempt to do so. Although our management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in any particular Business Combination candidate, there can be no assurance that we will adequately ascertain or assess all of the significant risk factors. There can be no assurance that an investment in our securities will not ultimately prove to be less favorable to investors than a direct investment, if such an opportunity were available, in an initial Business Combination candidate. In the event we elect to pursue a Business Combination outside of the areas of our management’s expertise, our management’s expertise may not be directly applicable to its evaluation or operation, and the information contained in this report regarding the areas of our management’s expertise would not be relevant to an understanding of the business that we elect to acquire. As a result, our management may not be able to ascertain or assess adequately all of the relevant risk factors. Accordingly, any stockholders who choose to remain stockholders following our initial Business Combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their shares. Such stockholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in value.


Although we have identified general criteria and guidelines that we believe are important in evaluating prospective target businesses, we may enter into our initial Business Combination with a target that does not meet such criteria and guidelines, and as a result, the target business with which we enter into our initial Business Combination may not have attributes entirely consistent with our general criteria and guidelines.

Although we have identified general criteria and guidelines for evaluating prospective target businesses, it is possible that a target business with which we enter into our initial Business Combination will not have all of these positive attributes. If we complete our initial Business Combination with a target that does not meet some or all of these guidelines, such combination may not be as successful as a combination with a business that does meet all of our general criteria and guidelines. In addition, if we announce a prospective Business Combination with a target that does not meet our general criteria and guidelines, a greater number of stockholders may exercise their redemption rights, whichcurrent economic environment may make it difficult for us to meet any closing condition withacquire businesses in order to further our growth strategy. We will continue to seek acquisition opportunities both to expand into new markets and to enhance our position in our existing markets. However, our ability to do so will depend on a target businessnumber of factors, including our ability to obtain financing that requires uswe may need to complete a proposed acquisition opportunity which may be unavailable or available on terms that are not advantageous to us. If financing is unavailable or on unfavorable terms, we may be forced to forego otherwise attractive acquisition opportunities which may have a minimum net worthnegative effect on our ability to grow.

Risks Related to our Operations:
Our results of operations could be negatively impacted by inflation or a certain amount of cash. In addition, if stockholder approval of the transaction is required by law, or we decide to obtain stockholder approval for business or other reasons, it may be more difficult for us to attain stockholder approvaldeflation in supply chain costs, including raw materials, sourcing, transportation and energy.
Many of our initial Business Combination ifproducts are manufactured out of metals, including but not limited to steel, aluminum, zinc, and copper. Additionally, we use other commodity-based materials in the target business does not meetmanufacture of Letters, Numbers, and Signs (“LNS”) that are resin-based and subject to fluctuations in the price of oil. We source the majority of our general criteriaproducts from third parties and guidelines.are subject to changes in their underlying manufacturing costs. We also use third parties for transportation and are exposed to fluctuations in freight costs to transport goods from our suppliers to our distribution facilities and to our customers, as well as the price of diesel fuel in the form of freight surcharges on customer shipments and the cost of gasoline used by the field sales and service force. Inflation in these costs could result in significant cost increases. If we are unable to completemitigate any cost increases from the foregoing factors through various customer pricing actions and cost reduction initiatives, our initial Business Combination, our public stockholdersfinancial condition may receive only approximately $10.00 per share, or less in certain circumstances as described herein, on the liquidation of our Trust Account and our warrants will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, our public stockholders may receive less than $10.00 per share on the redemption of their shares. See “—If third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds heldbe adversely affected. Conversely, in the Trust Account could be reduced and the per-share redemption amount received by stockholders may be less than $10.00 per share” and other risk factors herein.

We may seek Business Combination opportunities with a financially unstable business or an entity lacking an established record of revenue, cash flow or earnings, which could subject us to volatile revenues, cash flows or earnings or difficulty in retaining key personnel.

To the extent we complete our initial Business Combination with an early stage company, a financially unstable business or an entity lacking an established record of revenues or earnings,event that there is deflation, we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the operations of the business with which we combine. These risks include investing in a business without a proven business model or with limited historic financial data, volatile revenues or earnings, intense competition and difficulties in obtaining and retaining key personnel. Although our officers and directors will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, we may not be able to properly ascertain or assess all of the relevant risk factors and we may not have adequate time to complete due diligence. Furthermore, some of these risks may be outside of our control and leave us with no ability to control or reduce the chances that those risks will adversely impact a target business.


We are not required to obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm or from an independent accounting firm, and consequently, stockholders may have no assurance from an independent source that the price we are paying for the target(s) of our initial Business Combination is fair to our company from a financial point of view.

Unless we complete our initial Business Combination with an affiliated entity or our board of directors cannot independently determine the fair market value of the target business or businesses (including with the assistance of financial advisors), we are not required to obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that is a member of FINRA or from an independent accounting firm that the price we are paying is fair to our company from a financial point of view. If no opinion is obtained, our stockholders will be relying on the judgment of our board of directors, who will determine fair market value based on standards generally accepted by the financial community. Such standards used will be disclosed in our proxy materials or tender offer documents, as applicable, related to our initial Business Combination.

We may issue additional common stock or preferred stock to complete our initial Business Combination or under an employee incentive plan after completion of our initial Business Combination. We may also issue shares of Class A common stock upon the conversion of the Founder Shares at a ratio greater than one-to-one at the time of our initial Business Combination as a result of the anti-dilution provisions contained in our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Any such issuances would dilute the interest of our stockholders and likely present other risks.

Our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 380,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 20,000,000 shares of Founder Shares, par value $0.0001 per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share. As of December 31, 2020, there were 305,333,333 and 7,500,000 authorized but unissued shares of Class A common stock and Founder Shares, respectively, available for issuance, which amount takes into account the shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding warrants but not the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of Founder Shares. As of December 31, 2020, there were no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding. Shares of Founder Shares are convertible into shares of our Class A common stock initially at a one-for-one ratio but subject to adjustment as set forth herein, including in certain circumstances in which we issue Class A common stock or equity-linked securities related to our initial Business Combination.


We may issue a substantial number of additional shares of common or preferred stock to complete our initial Business Combination or under an employee incentive plan after completion of our initial Business Combination (although our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we may not issue additional shares of capital stock that would entitle the holders thereof to receive funds from the Trust Account or vote on any initial Business Combination or on matters related to our pre-initial Business Combination activity. We may also issue shares of Class A common stock upon conversion of the Founder Shares at a ratio greater than one-to-one at the time of our initial Business Combination as a result of the anti-dilution provisions contained in our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation. However, our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides, among other things, that prior to our initial Business Combination, we may not issue additional shares of capital stock that would entitle the holders thereof to (i) receive funds from the Trust Account, (ii) vote on any initial Business Combination or (iii) vote on matters related to our pre-initial Business Combination activity. These provisions of our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation, like all provisions of our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation, may be amended with the approval of our stockholders. However, our executive officers and directors have agreed, pursuant to a written agreement with us, that they will not propose any amendment to our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation to modify the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our Public Shares if we do not complete our initial Business Combination by October 14, 2022, or to provide for redemption in connection with a Business Combination, unless we provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their shares of common stock upon approval of any such amendment at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest (which interest shall be net of taxes payable), divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares.

The issuance of additional shares of common or preferred stock:

·may significantly dilute the equity interest of investors in the Public Offering;

·may subordinate the rights of holders of common stock if preferred stock is issued with rights senior to those afforded our common stock;

·could cause a change of control if a substantial number of shares of our common stock are issued, which may affect, among other things, our ability to use our net operating loss carry forwards, if any, and could result in the resignation or removal of our present officers and directors; and

·may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our units, Class A common stock and/or warrants.

Unlike some other similarly structured special purpose acquisition companies, our Sponsors will receive additional shares of Class A common stock if we issue certain shares to consummate an initial business combination.

The founder shares will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock concurrently with or immediately following the consummation of our initial business combination on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like, and subject to further adjustment as provided herein. In the case that additional shares of Class A common stock or equitylinked securities are issued or deemed issued in connection with our initial business combination, the number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of all founder shares will equal, in the aggregate, on an as-converted basis, 20% of the total number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding after such conversion (after giving effect to any redemptions of shares of Class A common stock by public stockholders), including the total number of shares of Class A common stock issued, or deemed issued or issuable upon conversion or exercise of any equity-linked securities or rights issued or deemed issued, by the Company in connection with or in relation to the consummation of the initial business combination, excluding any shares of Class A common stock or equity-linked securities or rights exercisable for or convertible into shares of Class A common stock issued, or to be issued, to any seller in the initial business combination and any private placement warrants issued to our sponsor, officers or directors upon conversion of working capital loans, provided that such conversion of founder shares will never occur on a less than one-for-one basis. This is different than some other similarly structured special purpose acquisition companies in which the initial stockholders will only be issued an aggregate of 20% of the total number of shares to be outstanding prior to our initial business combination.


Resources could be wasted in researching Business Combinations that are not completed, which could materially adversely affect subsequent attempts to locate and acquire or merge with another business. If we are unable to complete our initial Business Combination, our public stockholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share, or less than such amount in certain circumstances, on the liquidation of our Trust Account and our warrants will expire worthless.

We anticipate that the investigation of each specific target business and the negotiation, drafting and execution of relevant agreements, disclosure documents and other instruments will require substantial management time and attention and substantial costs for accountants, attorneys, consultants and others. If we decide not to complete a specific initial Business Combination, the costs incurred up to that point for the proposed transaction likely would not be recoverable. Furthermore, if we reach an agreement relating to a specific target business, we may fail to complete our initial Business Combination for any number of reasons, including those beyond our control. Any such event will result in a loss to us of the related costs incurred, which could materially adversely affect subsequent attempts to locate and acquire or merge with another business. If we are unable to complete our initial Business Combination, our public stockholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share on the liquidation of our Trust Account and our warrants will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, our public stockholders may receive less than $10.00 per share on the redemption of their shares. See “—If third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds held in the Trust Account could be reduced and the per-share redemption amount received by stockholders may be less than $10.00 per share” and other risk factors herein.

Our ability to successfully effect our initial Business Combination and to be successful thereafter will be totally dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel, some of whom may join us following our initial Business Combination. The loss of key personnel could negatively impact the operations and profitability of our post-combination business.

Our ability to successfully effect our initial Business Combination is dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel. The role of our key personnel in the target business, however, cannot presently be ascertained. Although some of our key personnel may remain with the target business in senior management or advisory positions following our initial Business Combination, it is likely that some or all of the management of the target business will remain in place. While we intend to closely scrutinize any individuals we engage after our initial Business Combination, there can be no assurance that our assessment of these individuals will prove to be correct. These individuals may be unfamiliar with the requirements of operating a company regulated by the SEC, which could cause us to have to expend time and resources helping them become familiar with such requirements. In addition, the officers and directors of an initial Business Combination candidate may resign upon completion of our initial Business Combination. The departure of an initial Business Combination target’s key personnel could negatively impact the operations and profitability of our post-combination business. The role of an initial Business Combination candidate’s key personnel upon the completion of our initial Business Combination cannot be ascertained at this time. Although we contemplate that certain members of an initial Business Combination candidate’s management team will remain associated with the initial Business Combination candidate following our initial Business Combination, it is possible that members of the management of an initial Business Combination candidate will not wish to remain in place. The loss of key personnel could negatively impact the operations and profitability of our post-combination business.


We are dependent upon our officers and directors and their departure could adversely affect our ability to operate.

Our operations are dependent upon a relatively small group of individualsexperience, and in particular, our officers and directors. We believe that our success depends on the continued service of our executive officers and directors, at least until wefact have completed our initial Business Combination. In addition, our officers and directors are not required to commit any specified amount of time to our affairs and, accordingly, will have conflicts of interest in allocating management time among various their business activities, including identifying potential Business Combinations and monitoring the related due diligence, negotiations and other activities. We do not have an employment agreement with, or key-man insurance on the life of, any of our directors or officers. The unexpected loss of the services of one or more of our directors or officers could have a detrimental effect on us.

Our key personnel may negotiate employment or consulting agreements as well as reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses, if any, with a target business in connection with a particular Business Combination. These agreements may provide for them to receive compensation or reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, if any, following our initial Business Combination and as a result, may cause them to have conflicts of interest in determining whether a particular Business Combination is the most advantageous.

Our key personnel may be able to remain with the Company after the completion of our initial Business Combination only if they are able to negotiate employment or consulting agreements in connection with the initial Business Combination. Additionally, they may negotiate reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses incurred on our behalf prior to the consummation of our initial Business Combination, should they choose to do so. Such negotiations would take place simultaneously with the negotiation of the initial Business Combination and could provide for such individuals to receive compensation in the form of cash payments and/or our securities for services they would render to us after the completion of the initial Business Combination, or as reimbursement for such out-of-pocket expenses. The personal and financial interests of such individuals may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business. However, we believe the ability of such individuals to remain with us after the completion of our initial Business Combination will not be the determining factor in our decision as to whether or not we will proceed with any potential Business Combination. There is no certainty, however, that any of our key personnel will remain with us after the completion of our initial Business Combination. There can be no assurance that any of our key personnel will remain in senior management or advisory positions with us. The determination as to whether any of our key personnel will remain with us will be made at the time of our initial Business Combination.


We may have a limited ability to assess the management of a prospective target business and, as a result, may affect our initial Business Combination with a target business whose management may not have the skills, qualifications or abilities to manage a public company, which could, in turn, negatively impact the value of our stockholders’ investment in us.

When evaluating the desirability of effecting our initial Business Combination with a prospective target business, our ability to assess the target business’s management may be limited due to a lack of time, resources or information. Our assessment of the capabilities of the target’s management, therefore, may prove to be incorrect and such management may lack the skills, qualifications or abilities we suspected. Should the target’s management not possess the skills, qualifications or abilities necessary to manage a public company, the operations and profitability of the post-combination business may be negatively impacted. Accordingly, any stockholders who choose to remain stockholders following the initial Business Combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their shares. Such stockholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in value.

Our officers and directors will allocate their time to other businesses thereby causing conflicts of interest in their determination as to how much time to devote to our affairs. This conflict of interest could have a negative impact on our ability to complete our initial Business Combination.

Our officers and directors are not required to, and will not, commit their full time to our affairs, which may result in a conflict of interest in allocating their time between our operations and our search for an initial Business Combination and their other businesses. We do not intend to have any full-time employees prior to the completion of our initial Business Combination. Each of our officers is engaged in other business endeavors for which they may be entitled to substantial compensation and our officers are not obligated to contribute any specific number of hours per week to our affairs. Our independent directors may also serve as officers or board members for other entities. If our officers’ and directors’ other business affairs require them to devote substantial amounts of time to such affairs in excess of their current commitment levels, it could limit their ability to devote time to our affairs which may have a negative impact on our ability to complete our initial Business Combination.

Certain of our officers and directors are now, and all of them may in the future become, affiliated with entities engaged in business activities similar to those intended to be conducted by us and, accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in allocating their time and determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented.

Until we complete our initial Business Combination, we intend to engage in the business of identifying and combining with one or more businesses. Our Sponsors, officers and directors are, and may in the future become, affiliated with entities (such as operating companies or investment vehicles) that are engaged in a similar business.

Our officers and directors also may become aware of business opportunities that may be appropriate for presentation to us and the other entities to which they owe certain fiduciary or contractual duties.


Accordingly, they may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented. These conflicts may not be resolved in our favor and a potential target business may be presented to another entity prior to its presentation to us. Our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we renounce our interest in any corporate opportunity offered to any director or officer unless such opportunity is expressly offered to such person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of our company and such opportunity is one we are legally and contractually permitted to undertake and would otherwise be reasonable for us to pursue, and to the extent the director or officer is permitted to refer that opportunity to us without violating another legal obligation.

Our officers, directors, security holders and their respective affiliates may have competitive pecuniary interests that conflict with our interests.

We have not adopted a policy that expressly prohibits our directors, officers, security holders or affiliates from having a direct or indirect pecuniary or financial interest in any investment to be acquired or disposed of by us or in any transaction to which we are a party or have an interest. In fact, we may enter into an initial Business Combination with a target business that is affiliated with our Sponsors, our directors or officers. We do not have a policy that expressly prohibits any such persons from engaging for their own account in business activities of the types conducted by us. Accordingly, such persons or entities may have a conflict between their interests and ours.

The personal and financial interests of our directors and officers may influence their motivation in timely identifying and selecting a target business and completing a Business Combination. Consequently, our directors’ and officers’ discretion in identifying and selecting a suitable target business may result in a conflict of interest when determining whether the terms, conditions and timing of a particular Business Combination are appropriate and in our stockholders’ best interest. If this were the case, it would be a breach of their fiduciary duties to us as a matter of Delaware law and we or our stockholders might have a claim against such individuals for infringing on our stockholders’ rights. However, we might not ultimately be successful in any claim we may make against them for such reason.

We may engage in an initial Business Combination with one or more target businesses that have relationships with entities that may be affiliated with our Sponsors, officers, directors or existing holders that may raise potential conflicts of interest.

In light of the involvement of our Sponsors, officers and directors with other entities, we may decide to acquire one or more businesses affiliated with our Sponsors, officers or directors. Our directors also serve as officers and board members for other entities which may compete with us for Business Combination opportunities. Our Sponsors, officers and directors are not currently aware of any specific opportunities for us to complete our initial Business Combination with any entities with which they are affiliated, and there have been no discussions concerning an initial Business Combination with any such entity or entities. Although we will not be specifically focusing on, or targeting, any transaction with any affiliated entities, we would pursue such a transaction if we determined that such affiliated entity met our criteria for an initial Business Combination and such transaction was approved by a majority of our disinterested directors. Despite our agreement to obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that is a member of FINRA or from an independent accounting firm, regarding the fairness to the Company and our stockholders from a financial point of view of an initial Business Combination with one or more domestic or international businesses affiliated with our officers, directors or existing holders, potential conflicts of interest still may exist and, as a result, the terms of the initial Business Combination may not be as advantageous to our public stockholders as they would be absent any conflicts of interest. These risks may become more acute as the 24-month deadline for the completion of our initial Business Combination approaches.


Since our Sponsors, officers and directors will lose their entire investment in us if our initial Business Combination is not completed, a conflict of interest may arise in determining whether a particular Business Combination target is appropriate for our initial Business Combination.

As of December 31, 2020, our Sponsors, JFG and TJF, owned 48.3% and 51.7%, respectively, of the 12,500,000 issued and outstanding Founder Shares. The number of Founder Shares issued was determined based on the expectation that such Founder Shares would represent 20% of the outstanding shares after the Public Offering. The Founder Shares will be worthless if we do not complete an initial Business Combination. In addition, our Sponsors purchased an aggregate of 8,000,000 Sponsor Warrants at $1.50 per warrants for a total purchase price of $12,000,000. Each Sponsor Warrant is exercisable for one share of our Class A common stock at $11.50 per share, and will be deemed worthless if we do not complete an initial Business Combination. Holders of Founder Shares have agreed (i) to vote any shares owned by them in favor of any proposed initial Business Combination and (ii) not to redeem any Founder Shares in connection with a stockholder vote to approve a proposed initial Business Combination. In addition, we may obtain loansexperienced, pressure from our Sponsors, affiliates of our Sponsors or an officer or director. The personal and financial interests of our officers and directors may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target Business Combination, completing an initial Business Combination and influencing the operation of the business following the initial Business Combination.

We may issue notes or other debt securities, or otherwise incur substantial debt,customers to complete an initial Business Combination, which may adversely affect our leverage and financial condition and thus negatively impact the value of our stockholders’ investment in us.

Although we have no commitments as of December 31, 2020 to issue any notes or other debt securities, or to otherwise incur outstanding debt, we may choose to incur substantial debt to complete our initial Business Combination. We have agreed that we will not incur any indebtedness unless we have obtained from the lender a waiver of any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to the monies held in the Trust Account. As such, no issuance of debt will affect the per-share amount available for redemption from the Trust Account. Nevertheless, the incurrence of debt could have a variety of negative effects, including:

·default and foreclosure on our assets if our operating revenues after an initial Business Combination are insufficient to repay our debt obligations;

·acceleration of our obligations to repay the indebtedness even if we make all principal and interest payments when due if we breach certain covenants that require the maintenance of certain financial ratios or reserves without a waiver or renegotiation of that covenant;


·our immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any, if the debt security is payable on demand;

·our inability to obtain necessary additional financing if the debt security contains covenants restricting our ability to obtain such financing while the debt security is outstanding;

·our inability to pay dividends on our common stock;

·using a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay principal and interest on our debt, which will reduce the funds available for dividends on our common stock if declared, our ability to pay expenses, make capital expenditures and acquisitions, and fund other general corporate purposes;

·limitations on our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our business and in the industry in which we operate;

·increased vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions and adverse changes in government regulation;

·limitations on our ability to borrow additional amounts for expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, and execution of our strategy; and

·other disadvantages compared to our competitors who have less debt.

We may be able to complete only one Business Combination with the proceeds of the Public Offering and Sponsor Warrants, which will cause us to be solely dependent on a single business, which may have a limited number of products or services and limited operating activities. This lack of diversification may negatively impact our operating results and profitability.

Of the net proceeds from the Public Offering and Sponsor Warrants, $500,000,000 may be used to complete our initial Business Combination and pay related fees and expenses (which includes $17,500,000 for the payment of deferred underwriting commissions being held in the Trust Account).

We may effectuate our initial Business Combination with a single target business or multiple target businesses simultaneously or within a short period of time. However, we may not be able to effectuate our initial Business Combination with more than one target business because of various factors, including the existence of complex accounting issues and the requirement that we prepare and file pro forma financial statements with the SEC that present operating results and the financial condition of several target businesses as if they had been operated on a combined basis. By completing our initial Business Combination with only a single entity, our lack of diversification may subject us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory developments. Further, we would not be able to diversify our operations or benefit from the possible spreading of risks or offsetting of losses, unlike other entities which may have the resources to complete several Business Combinations in different industries or different areas of a single industry. In addition, we intend to focus our search for an initial Business Combination in a single industry. Accordingly, the prospects for our success may be:

·solely dependent upon the performance of a single business, property or asset, or

·dependent upon the development or market acceptance of a single or limited number of products, processes or services.


This lack of diversification may subject us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory risks, any or all of which may have a substantial adverse impact upon the particular industry in which we may operate subsequent to our initial Business Combination.

We may attempt to simultaneously complete Business Combinations with multiple prospective targets, which may hinder our ability to complete our initial Business Combination and give rise to increased costs and risks that could negatively impact our operations and profitability.

If we determine to simultaneously acquire several businesses that are owned by different sellers, we will need for each of such sellers to agree that our purchase of its business is contingent on the simultaneous closings of the other Business Combinations, which may make it more difficult for us, and delay our ability to complete our initial Business Combination. We do not, however, intend to purchase multiple businesses in unrelated industries in conjunction with our initial Business Combination. With multiple Business Combinations, we could also face additional risks, including additional burdens and costs with respect to possible multiple negotiations and due diligence investigations (if there are multiple sellers) and the additional risks associated with the subsequent assimilation of the operations and services or products of the acquired companies in a single operating business. If we are unable to adequately address these risks, it could negatively impact our profitability and results of operations.

We may attempt to complete our initial Business Combination with a private company about which little information is available, which may result in an initial Business Combination with a company that is not as profitable as we suspected, if at all.

In pursuing our initial Business Combination, we may seek to effectuate our initial Business Combination with a privately-held company. Very little public information generally exists about private companies, and we could be required to make our decision on whether to pursue a potential initial Business Combination on the basis of limited information, which may result in an initial Business Combination with a company that is not as profitable as we suspected, if at all.

Our management may not be able to maintain control of a target business after our initial Business Combination.

We may structure an initial Business Combination so that the post-transaction company in which our public stockholders own shares will own less than 100% of the equity interests or assets of a target business, but we will only complete such Business Combination if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for us not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. We will not consider any transaction that does not meet such criteria. Even if the post-transaction company owns 50% or more of the voting securities of the target, our stockholders prior to the initial Business Combination may collectively own a minority interest in the post Business Combination company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the initial Business Combination. For example, we could pursue a transaction in which we issue a substantial number of new shares of Class A common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding capital stock of a target. In this case, we would acquire a 100% interest in the target. However, as a result of the issuance of a substantial number of new shares of common stock, our stockholders immediately prior to such transaction could own less than a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock subsequent to such transaction. In addition, other minority stockholders may subsequently combine their holdings resulting in a single person or group obtaining a larger share of the company’s stock than we initially acquired. Accordingly, this may make it more likely that our management will not be able to maintain our control of the target business. We cannot provide assurance that, upon loss of control of a target business, new management will possess the skills, qualifications or abilities necessary to profitably operate such business.


We do not have a specified maximum redemption threshold. The absence of such a redemption threshold may make it possible for us to complete an initial Business Combination with which a substantial majority of our stockholders do not agree.

Our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation does not provide a specified maximum redemption threshold, except that in no event will we redeem our Public Shares in an amount that would cause our net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001 upon consummation of our initial Business Combination and after payment of deferred underwriters’ commissions (such that we are not subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules) or any greater net tangible asset or cash requirement that may be contained in the agreement relating to our initial Business Combination. As a result, we may be able to complete our initial Business Combination even though a substantial majority of our public stockholders do not agree with the transaction and have redeemed their shares or, if we seek stockholder approval of our initial Business Combination and do not conduct redemptions in connection with our initial Business Combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, have entered into privately-negotiated agreements to sell their shares to our Sponsors, officers, directors, advisors or their affiliates. In the event the aggregate cash consideration we would be required to pay for all shares of Class A common stock that are validly submitted for redemption plus any amount required to satisfy cash conditions pursuant to the terms of the proposed initial Business Combination exceed the aggregate amount of cash available to us, we will not complete the initial Business Combination or redeem any shares, all shares of Class A common stock submitted for redemption will be returned to the holders thereof, and we instead may search for an alternate Business Combination.

In order to effectuate an initial Business Combination, blank check companies have, in the recent past, amended various provisions of their charters and other governing instruments, including their warrant agreements.reduce prices. There can be no assurance that we would be able to reduce our cost base (through negotiations with suppliers or other measures) to offset any such price concessions which could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows.

Our business is subject to risks associated with sourcing product from overseas.
We import a majority of our products and rely on foreign sources, primarily China and Taiwan, to meet our supply demands at prices that support our current operating margins. Substantially all of our import operations are subject to customs requirements, tariffs, and quotas set by governments through mutual agreements or unilateral actions. The U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other imported goods have materially increased the costs of many of our foreign sourced products, and any escalation in the tariffs will not seek to amend our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation or governing instruments in a manner that will make it easier for us to complete our initial Business Combination that our stockholders may not support.

increase the impact. In order to effectuate an initial Business Combination, blank check companies have,sustain current operating margins while the tariffs are in effect, we must be able to increase prices with our customers and find alternative, similarly priced sources that are not subject to the tariffs. If we are unable to effectively implement these countermeasures, our operating margins will be impacted.

In addition, the countries from which our products and materials are manufactured or imported may, from time to time, impose additional quotas, duties, tariffs, or other restrictions on their imports or adversely modify existing restrictions. Adverse changes in these import costs and restrictions, or our suppliers' failure to comply with customs regulations or similar laws, could harm our business.
If any of our existing vendors fail to meet our needs, we believe that sufficient capacity exists in the recent past, amended various provisionsopen market to supply any shortfall that may result. However, it is not always possible to replace a vendor on short notice without disruption in our operations, which may require more costly expedited transportation expense and replacement of their chartersa major vendor is often at higher prices.
Our ability to import products in a timely and modified governing instruments, including their warrant agreements. For example, blank check companiescost-effective manner may also be affected by conditions at ports or issues that otherwise affect transportation and warehousing providers, such as port and shipping capacity, high demand for ocean freight, labor disputes, severe weather, or increased homeland security requirements in the U.S. and other countries. These issues could delay importation of products, increase our transit costs, or require us to
10| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


locate alternative ports or warehousing providers to avoid disruption to customers. These alternatives may not be available on short notice or could result in higher transit costs, which could have amendedan adverse impact on our business and financial condition.
Further, COVID-19 outbreaks could cause temporary closures or labor shortages at our facilities, the definitionfacilities of business combination, increased redemption thresholds, changed industry focus and extended the time to consummate an initial Business Combination and, with respect to their warrants, amended their warrant agreements to require the warrants to be exchanged for cash and/our suppliers, or other securities. Amendingdisruptions throughout our second amendedsupply chain. This may adversely affect our results of operations, financial position, and restated certificate of incorporation requirescash flows.
Additionally, in recent years, tensions between mainland China and Taiwan have further escalated. Conflict between China and Taiwan could disrupt our supply chain, including limiting access to key ports, disrupting the approval of holders of 65%operations of our common stock,suppliers, or resulting in potential international sanctions, all of which could adversely affect our results of operations or increase our costs.
We are subject to inventory management risks: insufficient inventory may result in increased costs, lost sales and amendinglost customers, while excess inventory may increase our warrant agreement requirescosts.
We balance the need to maintain inventory levels that are sufficient to maintain superior customer fulfillment levels against the risk and financial costs of carrying excess inventory levels. In order to successfully manage our inventories, we must estimate demand from our customers at the product level and timely purchase products in quantities that substantially correspond to that demand. If we overestimate demand and purchase too much of a vote of holders of at least 50% of the public warrantsparticular product, we could have excess inventory handling costs, distribution center capacity constraints and solely with respect to any amendment to the terms of the private placement warrants or any provision of our warrant agreement with respect to the private placement warrants, 50% of the number of the then outstanding private placement warrants. inventory that we cannot sell profitably.
In addition, our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires uswe may have to provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their Public Shares for cashwrite down such inventory if we propose an amendmentare unable to our second amended and restated certificatesell it for its recorded value. In fact, In the fourth quarter of incorporation to modify the substance or timing2023, we recorded inventory revaluation charges of our obligation to redeem 100% of our Public Shares if we do not complete our initial Business Combination by October 14, 2022, or to provide for redemption$5.0 million in connection with exiting certain retail locations and markets for a Business Combination. Toproduct line. By contrast, if we underestimate demand and purchase insufficient quantities of a product, and/or do not maintain enough inventory of a product, we may not be able to fulfill customer orders on a timely basis which could result in fines, the extentloss of sales and ultimately loss of customers for those products as they turn to our competitors. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could suffer a material adverse effect if either or both of these situations occur frequently or in large volumes.
Because our business is working capital intensive, we rely on our ability to manage our product purchasing and customer credit policies.
Our operations are working capital intensive, and our inventories, accounts receivable, and accounts payable are significant components of our net asset base. We manage our inventories and accounts payable through our purchasing policies and our accounts receivable through our customer credit policies. In recent years, our lead times extended due to disruptions in the global supply chain. During 2021 and 2022, we saw increased lead times for ocean freight from Asia, and we had to increase our inventory levels to maintain our high fill rates with our customers, which has increased our inventory costs and reduced our profitability. Our lead times and inventory levels normalized in 2023. However, there are no assurances that lead times will not increase in the future, and in such event our working capital and financial condition may be adversely affected. If we fail to adequately manage our product purchasing or customer credit policies, our working capital and financial condition may be adversely affected.
We are subject to the risks of doing business internationally.
A portion of our revenue is generated outside the United States, primarily from customers located in Canada, Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Because we sell our products and services outside the United States, our business is subject to risks associated with doing business internationally, which include:
changes in a specific country's or region's political and cultural climate or economic condition;
unexpected or unfavorable changes in foreign laws and regulatory requirements;
difficulty of effective enforcement of contractual provisions in local jurisdictions;
inadequate intellectual property protection in foreign countries;
the imposition of duties and tariffs and other trade barriers;
trade-protection measures, import or export licensing requirements such as Export Administration Regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Sanctions Laws and Regulations administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, and fines, penalties, or suspension or revocation of export privileges;
violations of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;
11| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


the effects of applicable and potentially adverse foreign tax law changes;
significant adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates; and
difficulties associated with repatriating cash in a tax-efficient manner.
Any failure to adapt to these or other changing conditions in foreign countries in which we do business could have an adverse effect on our business and financial results.
Risks Related to our Workforce:
Successful sales and marketing efforts depend on our ability to recruit and retain qualified employees.
The success of our efforts to grow our business depends on the contributions and abilities of key executives, our sales force, and other personnel, including the ability of our sales force to achieve adequate customer coverage. We must therefore continue to recruit, retain, and motivate management, sales, and other personnel to maintain our current business and to support our projected growth. A shortage of these key employees might jeopardize our ability to implement our growth strategy.
Increases in labor costs, potential labor disputes and work stoppages or an inability to hire skilled distribution, sales and other personnel could adversely affect our business.
An increase in labor costs, work stoppages or disruptions at our facilities or those of our suppliers or transportation service providers, or other labor disruptions, could decrease our sales and increase our expenses. In addition, although our employees are not represented by a union, our labor force may become subject to labor union organizing efforts, which could cause us to incur additional labor costs and increase the related risks that we now face.
A significant increase in the salaries and wages paid by competing employers could result in a reduction of our labor force, increases in the salaries and wages that we must pay, or both. If we are unable to hire warehouse, distribution, sales and other personnel, our ability to execute our business plan and our results of operations would suffer.
Risks Related to our Technology and Cybersecurity:
Our success is highly dependent on information and our technology systems, as well as those of our third party vendors and business partners.
We depend on our information systems, and those of our third party vendors and business partners, to process orders, to manage inventory and accounts receivable collections, to purchase, sell, and ship products efficiently and on a timely basis, to maintain cost-effective operations, and to provide superior service to our customers. If these systems are damaged, intruded upon, shutdown, or cease to function properly (whether by planned upgrades, force majeure, telecommunications failures, hardware or software break-ins or viruses, other cyber-security incidents, or otherwise), we may suffer disruption in our ability to manage and operate our business.
In late May 2023, we experienced a ransomware attack relating to certain systems on our network (the “Cybersecurity Incident”). The Cybersecurity Incident affected certain of our information technology systems, and as part of the containment effort, we suspended affected systems and elected to temporarily suspend additional systems in an abundance of caution. We reactivated and restored our operational systems over the course of the week following the Cybersecurity Incident. The Cybersecurity Incident related costs net of an expected insurance receivable totaled $1.0 million.
While we have taken measures designed to protect the security of our information and technology systems, and any such amendments would be deemed to fundamentally change the nature of any securities offered through this registration statement, we would register, or seek an exemption from registration for, the affected securities. Thereinformation handled by these systems, including personal, sensitive, confidential, and proprietary information, there can be no assurance that the measures which we will not seekhave adopted to amend our charter or governing instruments or extendprotect against certain events that could disrupt the time to consummate an initial Business Combination in order to effectuate our initial Business Combination.


The provisionsoperations of our second amended and restated certificateinformation systems will prevent the occurrence of incorporation that relate to our pre-business combination activity (and corresponding provisions of the agreement governing the release of funds from our Trust Account), including an amendment to permit us to withdraw funds from the Trust Account such that the per share amount investors will receive upon any redemption or liquidation is substantially reduced or eliminated, may be amended with the approval of holders of 65% of our common stock, which is a lower amendment threshold than that of some other blank check companies. It may be easier for us, therefore, to amend our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the trust agreement to facilitate the completion of an initial Business Combination that some of our stockholders may not support.

Our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that any of its provisions related to pre-initial Business Combination activity (including the requirement to deposit proceeds of the Public Offering and the private placement of warrants into the Trust Account and not releasedisruption. Any such amounts except in specified circumstances, and to provide redemption rights to public stockholders as described herein and including to permit us to withdraw funds from the Trust Account such that the per share amount investors will receive upon any redemption or liquidation is substantially reduced or eliminated) may be amended if approved by holders of 65% of our common stock entitled to vote thereon, and corresponding provisions of the trust agreement governing the release of funds from our Trust Account may be amended if approved by holders of 65% of our common stock entitled to vote thereon. In all other instances, our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation may be amended by holders of a majority of our outstanding common stock entitled to vote thereon, subject to applicable provisions of the DGCL or applicable stock exchange rules. We may not issue additional securities that can vote on amendments to our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Our Sponsors will participate in any vote to amend our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and/or trust agreement and will have the discretion to vote in any manner they choose. As a result, we may be able to amend the provisions of our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which governs our pre-initial Business Combination behavior more easily than some other blank check companies, and this may increase our ability to complete an initial Business Combination with which our stockholders do not agree. Our stockholders may pursue remedies against us for any breach of our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation.


Our Sponsors, officers and directors have agreed, pursuant to a written agreement with us, that they will not propose any amendment to our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation to modify the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our Public Shares if we do not complete our initial Business Combination by October 14, 2022, or to provide for redemption in connection with a Business Combination, unless we provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their shares of Class A common stock upon approval of any such amendment at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares. These agreements are contained in a letter agreement that we have entered into with our Sponsors, officers and directors. Our stockholders are not parties to, or third-party beneficiaries of, these agreements and, as a result, will not have the ability to pursue remedies against our Sponsors, officers or directors for any breach of these agreements. As a result, in the event of a breach, our stockholders would need to pursue a stockholder derivative action, subject to applicable law.

We may be unable to obtain additional financing to complete our initial Business Combination or to fund the operations and growth of a target business, which could compel us to restructure or abandon a particular Business Combination.

We intend to target businesses with enterprise values that are greater than we could acquire with the net proceeds of the Public Offering and Sponsor Warrants. As a result, if the cash portion of the purchase price exceeds the amount available from the Trust Account, net of amounts needed to satisfy any redemption by public stockholders, we may be required to seek additional financing to complete such proposed initial Business Combination. There can be no assurance that such financing will be available on acceptable terms, if at all. To the extent that additional financing proves to be unavailable when needed to complete our initial Business Combination, we would be compelled to either restructure the transaction or abandon that particular Business Combination and seek an alternative target business candidate. Further, we may be required to obtain additional financing in connection with the closing of our initial Business Combination for general corporate purposes, including for maintenance or expansion of operations of the post-transaction businesses, the payment of principal or interest due on indebtedness incurred in completing our initial Business Combination, or to fund the purchase of other companies. If we are unable to complete our initial Business Combination, our public stockholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share plus any pro rata interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to us to pay our taxes on the liquidation of our Trust Account and our warrants will expire worthless. In addition, even if we do not need additional financing to complete our initial Business Combination, we may require such financing to fund the operations or growth of the target business. The failure to secure additional financingdisruption could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

In addition, we plan to upgrade our existing information technology systems or choose to incorporate new technology systems from time to time in order for such systems to support our business. Costs and potential problems and interruptions associated with the continued developmentimplementation of new or growthupgraded systems and technology or with maintenance or adequate support of existing systems could disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our operations. Any such reduction in efficiency or disruption could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
12| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Unauthorized disclosure of personal, sensitive or confidential customer, employee, supplier, or Company information, whether through a breach of our computer systems, or those of our third party vendors and business partners, including cyber-attacks or otherwise, could severely harm our business.
As part of our business, we collect, process, and retain personal, sensitive and confidential personal information about our customers, employees, and suppliers. Despite the security measures we have in place, our facilities and systems, and those of the target business. Noneretailers and other third party distributors with which we do business, may be vulnerable to security breaches, cyber-attacks, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming and/or human errors, or other similar events. In fact, in late May 2023, we experienced a ransomware attack relating to certain systems on our network, as is more fully described on the preceding page, and some confidential personal information of our Sponsors, officers, directorsemployees and selected dependents was accessed by the threat actor.
In addition, employees may intentionally or stockholdersinadvertently cause the unauthorized access to or release of personal, sensitive, or confidential customer, employee, supplier or Company information. Because the techniques used to circumvent security systems can be highly sophisticated, change frequently, are often not recognized until launched against a target, and may originate from less regulated and remote areas around the world, we may be unable to proactively anticipate or address all possible techniques or implement adequate preventive measures for all situations.
Any security breach involving the misappropriation, loss, or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential customer, employee, supplier, or Company information, whether by us or by the retailers and other third party distributors and business partners with which we do business, could result in losses, severely damage our reputation, expose us to the risks of litigation and liability, disrupt our operations, and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
We anticipate that these threats will continue to grow in scope and complexity over time. Cybercrime and attacking techniques are constantly evolving, and we or our third party vendors and business partners may be unable to anticipate attempted security breaches, react in a timely manner, or implement adequate preventative measures, particularly given the increasing use of hacking techniques designed to circumvent controls, avoid detection, and remove or obfuscate forensic artifacts.
The regulatory environment related to information security, data collection, and privacy is requiredincreasingly rigorous, with new and constantly changing requirements applicable to provideour business, and compliance with those requirements could result in additional costs. As a result, our practices may not have complied in the past or may not comply now or in the future with all such laws, regulations, requirements and obligations. Our failure to take any financingsteps perceived by the a regulatory body as appropriate to protect certain information may result in claims under various data privacy and security laws, which could severely impact our business.
Risks Related to Intellectual Property:
Failure to adequately protect intellectual property could adversely affect our business.
Intellectual property rights are an important and integral component of our business. We attempt to protect our intellectual property rights through a combination of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret laws, as well as licensing agreements and third-party nondisclosure and assignment agreements.
In the event that our trademarks or patents are successfully challenged and we lose the rights to use those trademarks or patents, or if we fail to prevent others from using them, we could experience reduced sales or be forced to redesign or rebrand our products, requiring us to devote resources to product development, advertising, and marketing new products and brands. In addition, we cannot be sure that any pending trademark or patent applications will be granted or will not be challenged or opposed by third parties or that we will be able to enforce our trademark rights against counterfeiters.
Failure to obtain or maintain adequate protection of our intellectual property rights for any reason could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Our success depends in connection withpart on our ability to operate without infringing on or after our initial Business Combination. Ifmisappropriating the proprietary rights of others, and if we are unable to completedo so we may be liable for damages.
We cannot be certain that United States or foreign patents or patent applications of other companies do not exist or will not be issued that would prevent us from commercializing our initial Business Combination, our public stockholdersproducts. Third parties may only receive approximately $10.00 per share onsue us, and in fact have sued us (see Item 3 - Legal Proceedings of this Annual Report and Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies of the liquidation of our Trust Account, and our warrants will expire worthless. Furthermore, as describedNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information), for infringing or misappropriating their patent or other intellectual property rights. Intellectual property litigation is costly. If we do
13| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


not prevail in the risk factor entitled “—If third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds heldlitigation, in the Trust Accountaddition to any damages we might have to pay, we could be reduced andrequired to cease the per-share redemption amount received by stockholdersinfringing activity, obtain a license requiring us to make royalty payments, and/or enter into other settlement arrangements that temporarily preclude us from liability. It is possible that a required license may not be available to us on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. In addition, a required license may be less than $10.00 per share,” under certain circumstancesnon-exclusive, and therefore our public stockholderscompetitors may receive less than $10.00 per share uponhave access to the liquidationsame technology licensed to us. If we fail to obtain a required license or are unable to design around another company’s patent, we may be unable to make use of some of the Trust Account.

affected products, which would reduce our revenue.

Our Sponsors may exert a substantial influence on actions requiring a stockholder vote, potentiallyThe defense costs and settlements for patent infringement lawsuits are not covered by insurance. Patent infringement lawsuits can take years to settle. If we are not successful in a manner that our public stockholders dodefenses or are not support.

Our Sponsors own shares representing 22.4% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. Accordingly, they may exert a substantial influence on actions requiring a stockholder vote, potentiallysuccessful in a manner that our public stockholders do not support, including amendments to our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and approval of major corporate transactions. If our Sponsors purchase any additional shares of common stock in the aftermarket, as they have done in the past, or in privately-negotiated transactions, this would increase their control. Factors that would be considered in making such additional purchases would include consideration of the current trading price of our Class A common stock. In addition, our board of directors, whose members were elected by our Sponsors, is divided into three classes, each of which generally serve for a term of three years with only one class of directors being elected in each year. We may not hold an annual meeting of stockholders to elect new directors prior to the completion of our initial Business Combination, in which case all of the current directors will continue in office until at least the completion of the initial Business Combination. If there is an annual meeting, as a consequence of our “staggered” board of directors, only a minority of the board of directors will be considered for election and our Sponsors, because of their ownership position, will have considerable influence regarding the outcome. Accordingly, our Sponsors will continue to exert control at least until the completion of our initial Business Combination.

Stockholders may experience dilution of our Class A common stock at the time of our initial Business Combination.

Dilution may occur as a result of the anti-dilution provisions of the Founder Shares resulting in the issuance of Class A shares on a greater than one to-one basis upon conversion of the Founder Shares at the time of our initial Business Combination. In addition, because of the anti-dilution protection in the Founder Shares, any equity or equity-linked securities issued or deemed issued in connection with our initial Business Combination would be disproportionately dilutive to our Class A common stock and would be exacerbated to the extent the public stockholders seek redemptions from the Trust Account.

We may amend the terms of the warrants in a manner that may be adverse to holders of public warrants with the approval by the holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding public warrants. As a result, the exercise price of public stockholders’ warrants could be increased, the exercise period could be shortened and the number of shares of our Class A common stock purchasable upon exercise of a warrant could be decreased, all without public stockholders’ approval.

Our warrants were issued in registered form under a warrant agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent, and us. The warrant agreement provides that the terms of the warrants may be amended without the consentobtaining dismissals of any holder to cure any ambiguitysuch lawsuit, legal fees or correct any defective provision, but requires the approval by the holderssettlement costs could have a material adverse effect on our results of at least 50% of the then outstanding public warrants to make any change that adversely affects the interests of the registered holders of public warrants. Accordingly, weoperations and financial position.

Recent changes in United States patent laws may amend the terms of the public warrants in a manner adverse to a holder of public warrants if holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding public warrants approve of such amendment. Althoughlimit our ability to amendobtain, defend, and/or enforce our patents.
The United States has recently enacted and implemented wide ranging patent reform legislation. The United States Supreme Court has ruled on several patent cases in recent years, either narrowing the termsscope of patent protection available in certain circumstances or weakening the public warrantsrights of patent owners in certain situations. In addition to increasing uncertainty with the consent of at least 50% of the then outstanding public warrants is unlimited, examples of such amendments could be amendmentsregard to among other things, increase the exercise price of the warrants, convert the warrants into cash or stock, shorten the exercise period or decrease the number of shares of our Class A common stock purchasable upon exercise of a warrant.


We may redeem unexpired warrants prior to their exercise at a time that is disadvantageous to stockholders, thereby making their warrants worthless.

We have the ability to redeem outstanding warrants at any time after they become exercisable and prior to their expiration, at a price of   $0.01 per warrant; provided that the reported closing price of our Class A common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading-day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which we give proper notice of such redemption to the warrant holders and provided certain other conditions are met. If and when the warrants become redeemable by us, we may not exercise our redemption right if the issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of the warrants is not exempt from registration or qualification under applicable state blue sky laws or we are unable to effect such registration or qualification. We will use our best efforts to register or qualify such shares of common stock under the blue sky laws of the state of residence in those states in which the warrants were initially offered by usobtain patents in the Public Offering. Redemptionfuture, this combination of the outstanding warrants could force stockholders (i)events has created uncertainty with respect to exercise their warrants and pay the exercise price therefor at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so, (ii) to sell their warrants at the then-current market price when they might otherwise wish to hold their warrants or (iii) to accept the nominal redemption price which, at the time the outstanding warrants are called for redemption, is likely to be substantially less than the market value of their warrants. None of the private placement warrants will be redeemable by us so long as they are held by the Sponsors or their permitted transferees.

Our warrants and Founder Shares may have an adverse effect on the market price of our Class A common stock and make it more difficult to effectuate our initial Business Combination.

We issued warrants to purchase 16,666,667 shares of our Class A common stock as part of the units offered in the Public Offering, and we issued 8,000,000 in Sponsor Warrants in a private placement. Each warrant is exercisable to purchase one share of Class A common stock at $11.50 per share. Further, our Sponsors own an aggregate of 12,500,000 in Founder Shares. The Founder Shares are convertible into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment as set forth herein. In addition, if our Sponsors make any working capital loans, up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be converted into warrants, at the price of  $1.50 per warrant at the option of the lender. Such warrants would be identical to the private placement warrants, including as to exercise price, exercisability and exercise period.


To the extent we issue shares of Class A common stock to effectuate an initial Business Combination, the potential for the issuance of a substantial number of additional shares of Class A common stock upon exercise of these warrants and conversion rights could make us a less attractive Business Combination vehicle to a target business. Any such issuance will increase the number of issued and outstanding shares of our Class A common stock and reduce the value of patents, once obtained. Depending on actions by the shares of Class A common stock issuedUnited States Congress, the United States federal courts, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the laws and regulations governing patents could change in unpredictable ways that could weaken our ability to complete the initial Business Combination. Therefore, our warrants and Founder Shares may make it more difficultobtain new patents or to effectuate an initial Business Combinationenforce patents that we have licensed or increase the cost of acquiring the target business.

The Sponsor Warrants are identical to the warrants sold as part of the unitsthat we might obtain in the Public Offering exceptfuture. Similarly, changes in patent law and regulations in other countries or jurisdictions, changes in the governmental bodies that so longenforce them or changes in how the relevant governmental authority enforces patent laws or regulations may weaken our ability to obtain new patents or to enforce patents that we have licensed or that we may obtain in the future.

Risks Relating to Our Indebtedness:
We have significant indebtedness that could affect operations and financial condition and prevent us from successfully executing our strategy.
We have a significant amount of indebtedness. On December 30, 2023, our total indebtedness was $760.9 million, of which, $751.9 million is indebtedness issued under the term loan facility, and $9.1 million is indebtedness under finance lease and other obligations. The Company also has an asset-based revolving credit facility with aggregate commitments of up to $375.0 million that does not have an outstanding balance, and aggregate availability of $246.8 million as they are held by our Sponsors or their permitted transferees, (i) they will not be redeemable by us, (ii) they (including the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of these warrants) may not,December 30, 2023, subject to certain limited exceptions, be transferred, assigned or sold by our Sponsors until 30 days after the completion of our initial Business Combinationcustomary asset-backed loan borrowing base and (iii) they may be exercised by the holders on a cashless basis.

A provision of our warrant agreement may availability provisions.

Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences. For example, it could:
make it more difficult for us to consummate an initial business combination.

Unlike most blank check companies, if (i) we issue additional shares of Class A common stock or equitylinked securities for capital-raising purposes in connection with the closingsatisfy obligations to holders of our initialindebtedness;

increase our vulnerability to increases in interest rates;
increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
require the dedication of a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to payments on indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, research and development efforts, and other general corporate purposes;
limit flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business combinationand the industry in which we operate;
place us at a Newly Issued Pricecompetitive disadvantage compared to competitors that have less debt; and
limit our ability to borrow additional funds.
In addition, the agreement governing our senior secured credit facilities contain financial and other restrictive covenants that limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interests. The failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of less than $9.20 per share, (ii)default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the aggregate gross proceedsacceleration of all outstanding indebtedness.
Despite current indebtedness levels, we may still be able to incur substantially more debt. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial leverage.
We may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of our senior secured credit facilities do not fully prohibit us from such issuances representdoing so. The senior secured credit facilities permit additional borrowing of
14| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


up to $246.8 million as of December 30, 2023, subject to customary asset-backed loan borrowing base and availability provisions. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify.
We rely on available borrowings under the Asset-Based Revolving credit facility (“ABL Revolver”) for cash to operate our business, and the availability of credit under the ABL Revolver may be subject to significant fluctuation.
In addition to cash we generate from our business, our principal existing source of cash is borrowings available under the ABL Revolver. Aggregate availability will be limited to the lesser of a borrowing base and $375.0 million. The borrowing base is calculated on a monthly (or more than 60%frequent under certain circumstances) valuation of our inventory, accounts receivable and certain cash balances. As a result, our access to credit under the ABL Revolver is potentially subject to significant fluctuation, depending on the value of the total equity proceeds,borrowing base-eligible assets as of any measurement date. The inability to borrow under the ABL Revolver may adversely affect our liquidity, financial position and results of operations. As of December 30, 2023, the ABL Revolver did not have an outstanding balance and had outstanding letters of credit of $40.9 million, with $246.8 million of available borrowings as a source of liquidity based on the customary asset-backed loan borrowing base and availability provisions.
We are subject to fluctuations in interest rates.
All of our indebtedness incurred under our senior secured credit facilities have variable interest rates. Increases in borrowing rates will increase our cost of borrowing, which may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Our term loan and interest thereon, availablerate derivatives generally bear interest at a rate per annum equal to Daily Simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). We may, and have in the past, enter into interest rate derivatives that hedge risks related to floating for the fundingfixed rate interest payments in order to reduce interest rate volatility, however there are no assurances that we will do so, or that we will be able to do so on terms favorable to us. Further, we may choose not to maintain interest rate swaps with any of our initialvariable rate indebtedness, or may only choose to maintain interest rate swaps with some, but not all, of our variable rate indebtedness.
The failure to meet certain financial covenants required by our credit agreements may materially and adversely affect assets, financial position, and cash flows.
Certain aspects of our credit agreements require the maintenance of a leverage ratio and limit our ability to incur debt, make investments, or undertake certain other business combination on the dateactivities. In particular, our minimum allowed fixed charge coverage ratio requirement is 1.0x as of December 30, 2023. A breach of the consummationcovenant, or any other covenants, could result in an event of default under the credit agreements. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the credit agreements, all amounts outstanding, together with accrued interest, could be declared immediately due and payable by our lenders. If this happens, our assets may not be sufficient to repay in full the payments due under the credit agreements. The current credit market environment and other macro-economic challenges affecting the global economy may adversely impact our ability to borrow sufficient funds or sell assets or equity in order to pay existing debt.
Volatility and weakness in bank and capital markets may adversely affect credit availability and related financing costs for us.
Bank and capital markets can experience periods of volatility and disruption. If the disruption in these markets is prolonged, our ability to refinance, and the related cost of refinancing, some or all of our initial business combination (netdebt could be adversely affected. Additionally, during periods of redemptions),volatile credit markets, there is a risk that lenders, even those with strong balance sheets and (iii)sound lending practices, could fail or refuse to honor their legal commitments and obligations under existing credit commitments. Although we currently can access the Market Valuebank and capital markets, there is below $9.20 per share, then the exercise price of the warrantsno assurance that such markets will be adjustedcontinue to be equala reliable source of financing for us. These factors, including the tightening of credit markets, could adversely affect our ability to 115% ofobtain cost-effective financing.
Increased volatility and disruptions in the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price, and the $18.00 per share redemption trigger prices described below under “Description of Securities — Redeemable Warrants — Public Stockholders’ Warrants — Redemption of warrants when the price per share of Class A common stock equals or exceeds $18.00” and “Redemption of warrants when the price per share of Class A common stock equals or exceeds $10.00” will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to 180% of the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price, and the $10.00 per share redemption trigger price described below under “Description of Securities — Redeemable Warrants — Public Stockholders’ Warrants — Redemption of warrants when the price per share of Class A common stock equals or exceeds $10.00” will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price. This mayfinancial markets also could make it more difficult and more expensive for us to consummaterefinance outstanding indebtedness and obtain financing. In addition, the adoption of new statutes and regulations, the implementation of recently enacted laws or new interpretations or the enforcement of older laws and regulations applicable to the financial markets or the financial services industry could result in a reduction in the amount of available credit or an initial business combination withincrease in the cost of credit. Disruptions in the financial markets can also adversely affect our lenders, insurers, customers, and other counterparties. Any of these results could cause a target business.

Because we must furnishmaterial adverse effect to our stockholders with target business, financial statements,condition, and results of operations.

Legal, Regulatory, and Other External Risks:
15| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


We are exposed to adverse changes in currency exchange rates.
Exposure to foreign currency risk exists because we, may losethrough our global operations, enter into transactions and make investments denominated in multiple currencies. Our predominant exposures are in Canadian, Mexican, and Asian currencies, including the ability to complete an otherwise advantageous initial Business CombinationChinese Yuan (“CNY”). In preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements for foreign operations with some prospective target businesses.

The federal proxy rules require thatfunctional currencies other than the proxy statement withU.S. dollar, asset and liability accounts are translated at current exchange rates and income and expenses are translated using weighted-average exchange rates. With respect to the voteeffects on an initial Business Combination include historicaltranslated earnings, if the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to local currencies, our earnings could be negatively impacted. We do not make a practice of hedging our non-U.S. dollar earnings.

We source many products from China and pro forma financial statement disclosure. We will includeother Asian countries for resale in other regions. To the same financial statement disclosureextent that the U.S. dollar declines relative to the CNY or other currencies, we may experience cost increases on such purchases. The U.S. dollar increased in connection with our tender offer documents, whether or not they are required undervalue relative to the tender offer rules. These financial statements may be required to be preparedCNY by 2.9% in accordance with, or be reconciled to, accounting principles generally accepted2023, increased by 8.3% in the United States of America (“GAAP”) or international financial reporting standards as issued2022 and decreased by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”) depending on the circumstances and the historical financial statements may be required to be audited2.6% in accordance with the standards2021. Significant appreciation of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”). These financial statement requirementsCNY or other currencies in countries where we source our products could adversely impact our profitability. In addition, our foreign subsidiaries in Canada and Mexico may limitpurchase certain products from their vendors denominated in U.S. dollars. If the poolU.S. dollar strengthens compared to the local currencies, it may result in margin erosion. We have a practice of potential target businesses we may acquire becausehedging some targets may be unable to provide such financial statements in time for us to disclose such statements in accordance with federal proxy rules and complete our initial Business Combination within the prescribed time frame.


We are an emerging growth company within the meaning of the Securities Act, and if we take advantage of certain exemptions from disclosure requirements available to emerging growth companies, this could make our securities less attractive to investors and may make it more difficult to compare our performance with other public companies.

We are an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor internal controls attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As a result, our stockholders may not have access to certain information they may deem important. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of our Class A common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of any June 30 before that time,Canadian subsidiary's purchases denominated in which case we would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the following December 31. We cannot predict whether investors will find our securities less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result of our reliance on these exemptions, the trading prices of our securities may be lower than they otherwise would be, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the trading prices of our securities may be more volatile.

Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such an election to opt out is irrevocable. We have elected not to opt out of such extended transition period, which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, we, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard.


This may make comparison of our financial statements with another public company that is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

Compliance obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may make it more difficult for us to effectuate our initial Business Combination, require substantial financial and management resources, and increase the time and costs of completing an initial Business Combination.

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we evaluate and report on our system of internal controls beginning with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2020. Only in the event we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer or an accelerated filer, and no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, will we be required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement on our internal control over financial reporting. Further, for as long as we remain an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement on our internal control over financial reporting. The fact that we are a blank check company makes compliance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act particularly burdensome on us as compared to other public companies because a target company with which we seek to complete our initial Business Combination may not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding adequacy of its internal controls. The development of the internal control of any such entity to achieve compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may increase the time and costs necessary to complete any such Business Combination.

Provisions in our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and Delaware law may inhibit a takeover of us, which could limit the price investors might be willing to pay in the future for our Class A common stock and could entrench management.

Our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation contains provisions that may discourage unsolicited takeover proposals that stockholders may consider to be in their best interests. These provisions include a staggered board of directors and the ability of the board of directors to designate the terms of and issue new series of preferred shares, which may make the removal of management more difficult and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our securities.

We are also subject to anti-takeover provisions under Delaware law, which could delay or prevent a change of control. Together these provisions may make the removal of management more difficult and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our securities.

Provisions in our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and Delaware law may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers.

Our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought in our name, actions against directors, officers and employees for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar actions may be brought only in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware and, if brought outside of Delaware, the stockholder bringing such suit will be deemed to have consented to service of process on such stockholder’s counsel. This provision may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers.


Cyber incidents or attacks directed at us could result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption and/or financial loss.

We depend on digital technologies, including information systems, infrastructure and cloud applications and services, including those of third parties with which we may deal. Sophisticated and deliberate attacks on, or security breaches in, our systems or infrastructure, or the systems or infrastructure of third parties or the cloud, could lead to corruption or misappropriation of our assets, proprietary information and sensitive or confidential data. As an early stage company without significant investments in data security protection, we may not be sufficiently protected against such occurrences. We may not have sufficient resources to adequately protect against, or to investigate and remediate any vulnerability to, cyber incidents. It is possible that any of these occurrences, or a combination of them, could have adverse consequences on our business and lead to financial loss.

If we effect our initial Business Combination with a company with locations, operations or opportunities outside of the United States, we would be subject to a variety of additional risks that may negatively impact our operations.

If we effect our initial Business Combination with a company with locations, operations or opportunities outside of the United States, we would be subject to any special considerations or risks associated with companies operating in an international setting, including any of the following:

·higher costs and difficulties inherent in managing cross-border business operations and complying with different commercial and legal requirements of overseas markets;

·rules and regulations regarding currency redemption;

·complex corporate withholding taxes on individuals;

·laws governing the manner in which future business combinations may be effected;

·tariffs and trade barriers;

·regulations related to customs and import/export matters;

·longer payment cycles and challenges in collecting accounts receivable;

·tax issues, including, but not limited to, tax law changes and variations in tax laws as compared to the United States;

·currency fluctuations and exchange controls;

·rates of inflation;

·cultural and language differences;

·employment regulations;

·changes in industry, regulatory or environmental standards within the jurisdictions where we operate;

·crime, strikes, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist attacks, natural disasters and wars;

·deterioration of political relations with the United States; and

·government appropriations of assets.


U.S. dollars. We may not be ablesuccessful at implementing customer pricing or other actions in an effort to adequately address these additional risks. If we were unable to do so, our operations might suffer,mitigate the related cost increases which may adversely impact our results of operations.

If we were required to write down all or part of our goodwill or indefinite-lived trade names, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
We have $825.0 million of goodwill and $85.5 million of indefinite-lived trademarks recorded on our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 30, 2023. We are required to periodically determine if our goodwill or indefinite-lived trademarks have become impaired, in which case we would write down the impaired portion.
While our fourth quarter 2023 impairment test determined the fair value of the Hardware Solutions and Protective Solutions reporting units exceeded their respective carrying by 4% and 6%, respectively, certain changes in the assumptions used for discount rate, projected revenue growth, and projected EBITDA growth could result in the fair value of either of these reporting units being less than its carrying value, in which case we would be required to write down goodwill to its fair value (see Management's Discussion & Analysis - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates - Goodwill for additional information). Additionally, a continued decline in our stock price may trigger an evaluation of the recoverability of the recorded goodwill and other long-lived assets.
If we were required to record additional write downs of all or part of our goodwill or indefinite-lived trademarks, our financial condition and net income could be materially adversely affected.
We are subject to legal proceedings and legal compliance risks.
We are involved in various legal proceedings, which from time to time may involve lawsuits, state and federal governmental inquiries, audits and investigations, environmental matters, employment, tort, state false claims act, consumer litigation, and intellectual property litigation. At times, such matters may involve executive officers and other management. Certain of these legal proceedings may be a significant distraction to management and could expose us to significant liability, including settlement expenses, damages, fines, penalties, attorneys' fees and costs, and non-monetary sanctions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Our business may be adversely affected by seasonality.
In general, we have experienced seasonal fluctuations in sales and operating results from quarter to quarter. Typically, the first calendar quarter is the weakest due to the effect of weather on home projects and the construction industry. If adverse weather conditions persist on a regional or national basis into the second or other calendar quarters, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
Future tax law changes may materially increase our prospective income tax expense.
We are subject to income taxation in many jurisdictions in the U.S., as well as foreign jurisdictions. Judgment is required in determining our worldwide income tax provision and, accordingly, there are many transactions and computations for which our final income tax determination is uncertain. We are occasionally audited by income tax authorities in various tax jurisdictions. Although we believe our recorded tax estimates are reasonable, the ultimate outcome from any audit (or related litigation) could be materially different from the amounts reflected in our income tax provisions and accruals. Future settlements of income tax audits may have a material effect on
16| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


earnings between the period of initial recognition of tax estimates in the financial statements and the point of ultimate tax audit settlement.
Additionally, it is possible that future income tax legislation and regulations or interpretations thereof in any jurisdiction to which we are subject to taxation may be enacted and such changes could have a material impact on our worldwide income tax provision beginning with the period during which such changes become effective. In addition, our future effective tax rates could be subject to volatility or adversely affected by a number of factors, including:
changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities;
expected timing and amount of the release of any tax valuation allowances;
tax effects of stock-based compensation;
costs related to intercompany restructurings; and
lower than anticipated future earnings in jurisdictions where we have lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated future earnings in jurisdictions where we have higher statutory tax rates.
ITEM 1B - UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None.

ITEM 1C - CYBERSECURITY.
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy
The Company’s cybersecurity policies, standards, processes, and practices for assessing, identifying and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats and responding to cybersecurity incidents are part of the Company’s overall risk assessment efforts. The Company has established controls and procedures, including an incidence response plan, that provide for the identification, notification, escalation, communication, and remediation of data security incidents at appropriate levels so that decisions regarding the public disclosure and reporting of such incidents can be made by management in a timely manner. The Company continues to review its Cybersecurity program and controls and procedures as part of its efforts to strengthen its defenses.
As part of its cybersecurity program, the Company utilizes firewalls, identity and access management programs, email security, anti-malware, and a detection and response program. The Company periodically assesses and tests its policies, standards, processes and practices that are designed to address cybersecurity threats and incidents by performing internal and external vulnerability scans, penetration testing, and phishing exercises. The Company utilizes a combination of internal employees and third parties to perform security monitoring and 24/7 response, penetration testing, phishing campaigns, and provide security awareness training to our employees. We recently updated our onboarding process for certain third-party vendors and service providers to include a review and assessment of their information security practices. The Company also conducts information security and awareness training to ensure that employees are aware of information security risks and to enable them to take steps to mitigate those risks.
Role of the Board
The Board is responsible for cybersecurity risk oversight and receives periodic updates from management on the Company’s cybersecurity program, threats, and defense measures implemented. Additionally, our Chief Technology Officer ("CTO") provides updates to the Board on an as needed basis with respect to cybersecurity risks or any cybersecurity incident that meets established reporting thresholds, as well as ongoing updates regarding any such cybersecurity incident until it has been remediated.
Role of Management
Our CTO oversees and provides accountability related to our cybersecurity risk management strategy and overall information security program. The CTO’s cybersecurity team is led by a Director of Information Technology Security. The cybersecurity team is responsible for leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, policy,
17| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


standards, architecture, and processes. The program incorporates policies and practices designed to protect the privacy and security of our sensitive information.
The cybersecurity team includes dedicated internal resources that currently have Certified Information Systems Security Professional ("CISSP") credentials, Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge ("CCSK"), and other security and network certifications. In addition to our internal security staff, we partner with various third-party security service providers to augment our staffing, expertise, and hours of operation.
The CTO regularly reports to our senior leadership team, as well as periodically to our Board of Directors, regarding our cybersecurity program and material cybersecurity risks. The CTO coordinates with other teams including internal Audit, to ensure a combined focus on technology modernization and remediation needs. The CTO is briefed weekly on current security operations and relevant issues across the cybersecurity threat landscape.
Current Cybersecurity events
In late May 2023, we experienced a ransomware attack relating to certain systems on our network (the “Cybersecurity Incident”). We promptly initiated an investigation, engaged the services of cyber-security experts and outside advisors and worked with appropriate law enforcement authorities to contain, assess and remediate the Cybersecurity Incident.
The Cybersecurity Incident affected certain of our information technology systems, and as part of the containment effort, we suspended affected systems and elected to temporarily suspend additional systems in an abundance of caution. We reactivated and restored our operational systems over the course of the week following the Cybersecurity Incident. The Cybersecurity Incident related costs net of an expected insurance receivable totaled $1.0 million. Our system remediation efforts regarding the Cybersecurity Incident have substantially concluded as of December 30, 2023.
As of the date of this report, the Company is not aware of any risks from cybersecurity threats that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including its business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

Our executive offices are In the event of an attack or other intrusion, we have a response team of internal and external resources engaged and prepared to respond. We also maintain cyber liability insurance to help mitigate potential liabilities resulting from cyber issues. We plan to continually invest in efforts to enhance data security in response to developments in the cybersecurity landscape.

18| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


ITEM 2 – PROPERTIES.
As of December 30, 2023, our principal office, manufacturing, and distribution properties were as follows:
Business SegmentApproximate
Square
Footage
Description
Hardware and Protective Solutions & Robotics and Digital Solutions
Belton, Missouri305,000 Distribution
Cincinnati, Ohio270,000 Office, Distribution
Dallas, Texas166,000 Distribution
Forest Park, Ohio (1)
428,000 Office, Distribution
Jacksonville, Florida193,000 Distribution
Jonestown, PA187,000 Distribution
Shafter, California168,000 Distribution
Tempe, Arizona184,000 Office, Mfg., Distribution
Hardware and Protective Solutions
Atlanta, Georgia14,000 Office
Guadalajara, Mexico12,000 Office, Distribution
Pompano Beach, Florida39,000 Office, Distribution
Monterrey, Mexico13,000 Distribution
Shannon, Georgia421,000 Office, Mfg., Distribution
Hamilton, Ohio58,000 Mfg., Distribution
Salem, Oregon31,000 Distribution
Tyler, Texas (2)
202,000 Office, Mfg., Distribution
Robotics and Digital Solutions
Boulder, Colorado8,000 Office
Canada
Burnaby, British Columbia29,000 Distribution
Edmonton, Alberta100,000 Distribution
Guleph, Ontario25,000 Distribution
Laval, Quebec34,000 Distribution
Milton, Ontario27,000 Manufacturing
Scarborough, Ontario23,000 Mfg., Distribution
Toronto, Ontario456,000 Office, Distribution
Winnipeg, Manitoba42,000 Distribution
(1)The Company leases two facilities in Forest Park, Ohio. This first is the Company's 43,000 square foot corporate office headquarters located at 1510 West Loop South Houston, Texas 77027. Our executive1280 Kemper Meadow Road. The second is a 385,000 square foot distribution center located at 1700 Carillon Boulevard.
(2)The Company leases two facilities in Tyler, Texas. The first is a 139,000 square foot facility located at 2329 E. Commerce Street used for manufacturing and distribution. The second is a 63,000 square foot facility located at 6357 Reynolds Road used for offices, manufacturing, and distribution.
All of the Company's facilities are provided to us by our sponsor, TJF. We have agreed to pay Fertitta Entertainment, Inc., (an affiliateleased. In the opinion of TJF) a total of $20,000 per month for office space, utilities, secretarial support and administrative services. We believe, based on rents and fees for similar services, that this amount is at least as favorable as we could have obtained from an unaffiliated person. We consider our current office space adequate for our current operations.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

the Company's management, the Company's existing facilities are in good condition.

19| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


ITEM 3 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
We are not currently subject to anyvarious claims and litigation that arise in the normal course of business. For a description of our material legal proceedings, nor,see Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to our knowledge,Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Hy-Ko Litigation Settlement
On June 1, 2021, Hy-Ko Products Company LLC ("Hy-Ko"), a manufacturer of key duplication machines, filed a complaint for patent infringement against Hillman Group in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (Marshall Division). The case was assigned Civil Action No. 2:21-cv-0197. Hy-Ko's complaint alleged that Hillman's KeyKrafter and PKOR key duplication machines infringed certain patents, which are assigned to Hy-Ko, and seeks damages and injunctive relief against the Hillman Group. Hy-Ko's complaint additionally contained allegations of unfair competition under the Federal Lanham Act and conversion/receipt of stolen property, as well as a cause of action for "replevin" for return of stolen property.
On October 7, 2022, following a jury trial commencing October 3, 2022, the jury rendered a verdict finding that Hillman infringed two Hy-Ko patents, but also found that there was no willfulness in the infringement. The jury awarded Hy-Ko a one-time lump sum royalty payment of $16.0 million.
Following the verdict, Hillman and Hy-Ko negotiated and entered into a settlement agreement that provided for an $18.5 million payment from Hillman to Hy-Ko. The $18.5 million payment is in lieu of, and not in addition to, the $16.0 million verdict, and also includes each of Hillman and Hy-Ko agreeing to a 10 year covenant promising not to sue the other party over infringement of any material legal proceeding threatened against uskey duplication or key identification patents.
As a result of the covenant not to sue, the Company believes it no longer faces any threat of our officerspatent infringement liability from Hy-Ko in relation to key duplication or directors in their corporate capacity.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

key identification technology through the expiration of the 10-year covenant not to sue on December 28, 2032.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s

ITEM 4 – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not Applicable.

PART II
ITEM 5 – MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information

Stock Data

The Company’s Class ACompany's common stock warrants and units are currently listedis traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbols LCY, LCYAW and LCYAU, respectively. Our units began public trading on October 9, 2020, our Class A common stock and warrants began public trading on November 27, 2020.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the reported high and low sales price for our common stock, warrants, and units.

  Class A Common Stock  Warrants  Units 
Year Ended December 31, 2020: High  Low  High  Low  High  Low 
1st Quarter $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 
2nd Quarter $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 
3rd Quarter $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 
4th Quarter (1) $10.57  $9.60  $2.89  $1.00  $11.83  $9.87 

Class A Common StockWarrantsUnits
Year Ended December 31, 2019:HighLowHighLowHighLow
1st Quarter$-$-$-$-$-$          -
2nd Quarter$-$-$-$-$-$-
3rd Quarter$          -$-$-$-$-$-
4th Quarter$-$          -$          -$          -$          -$-

(1)Beginning on October 9, 2020 with respect to LCYAU. Beginning on November 27, 2020 with respect to LCY and LCYAW.

Holders

As of March 1, 2020 there was1 holdersymbol 'HLMN'. There were approximately 20 holders of record of our separately traded Class A common stock 3as of February 20, 2024. In addition to holders of record of our separately traded warrants, and 1 holdercommon stock, we believe there is a substantially greater number of “street name” holders or beneficial holders whose Class A common stock is held of record of our units.

by banks, brokers and other financial institutions.

20| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Dividends

We have not

The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on ourits common stock and has no intention to date and do not intend to pay cash dividends prior to the completion of our Business Combination. The payment of cash dividends in the future will be dependent upon our revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements and general financial condition subsequent to completion of our Business Combination. The payment of any cash dividends subsequent to our Business Combination will be within the discretion of our board of directors. In addition, our board of directors is not currently contemplating and does not anticipate declaring stock dividendsso in the foreseeable future. Further, if we incur any indebtedness in connection with our Business Combination, our ability to declare dividends may be limited by restrictive covenants we may agree to in connection therewith.


Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

None.

Recent Sales

See Part III, Item 12 of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Offerings

The Company was formed as Automalyst LLC, a Delaware limited liability company on Marchthis Form 10-K and Note 13 2018 and in connection with our formation our sponsor, JFG, through a subsidiary, purchased 100%- Stock-Based Compensation of the membership interest inNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information.

Stock Price Performance
830
November 27, 2020December 26, 2020December 25, 2021December 31, 2022December 30, 2023
Hillman Solutions Corp.100.0103.2105.872.692.8
Russell 2000 Index100.0108.0120.894.9109.3
Dow Jones US Industrial Suppliers Index100.0102.9130.1114.2166.7
The graph above compares the Company for $1,000. On August 24, 2020, TJF purchased 51.7% membership interest in the Company for $1,070. Simultaneously, the Company converted from a limited liability company to a corporation and its previously outstanding membership interests converted into shares of Class B common stock. Thecumulative total number of authorized shares of all classes of capital stock to 401,000,000, of which 380,000,000 shares are Class A common stock; 20,000,000 shares are Class B shares at par value $0.0001 per share; and 1,000,000 shares are preferred stock at par value $0.0001 per share. The Sponsors held an aggregate of 11,500,000 Class B shares basedstockholder return on their proportional interest in the Company. On September 16, 2020, the Company conducted a 1:1.25 stock split of the Founder Shares so that a total of 14,375,000 Founder Shares were issued and outstanding. An aggregate of 1,875,000 Founder Shares were forfeited because the underwriters did not exercise their over-allotment option. As of December 31, 2020 JFG and TJF owned 12,500,000 Founder Shares based on their proportional interest in the Company. Simultaneously with the closing of the Public Offering, the Sponsors purchased an aggregate of 8,000,000 Sponsor Warrants at a price of $1.50 per Sponsor Warrant for an aggregate purchase price of $12,000,000 in the Private Placement. These securities were issued in connection with our incorporation pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Each of our Sponsors is an accredited investor for purposes of Rule 501 of Regulation D.

On October 14, 2020, we consummated the Public Offering of 50,000,000 Units. Each Unit consists of one share of Class A common stock and one-third of one Public Warrant, each whole Public Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one share of Class A common stock for $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment. The Units were sold at a price of $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds to us of $500,000,000. Jefferies LLC served as the sole book-running manager of the Public Offering. The securities sold in the Public Offering were registered under the Securities Act on a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-248856). The SEC declared the registration statement effective on October 8, 2020.

Following the closing of the Public Offering and the Private Placement, $500,000,000 was placed in the Trust Account, comprised of $490,000,000 of the proceeds from the Public Offering (which amount includes $17,500,000 of the underwriters’ deferred discount) and $10,000,000 of the proceeds of the Private Placement. We paid $10,000,000 in underwriting discounts and recorded approximately $607,000 for other costs and expenses related to the Public Offering. We also repaid $166,750 in non-interest bearing loans made to us by the Sponsors to cover expenses related to the Public Offering. There has been no material change in the planned use of proceeds from the public offering as described in the prospectus filed by the Company on October 13, 2020 (the “Prospectus”).

Concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement on January 24, 2021, we entered into the Subscription Agreements with the PIPE Investors, pursuant to which, among other things, we agreed to issue and sell in private placements an aggregate of 37,500,000 shares of our Class A common stock to the PIPE Investors for $10.00 per share.


The Private Placement investment is expected to close substantially concurrently with the Closing. In connection withcumulative total return on the Closing, allRussell 2000 Index and the Dow Jones US Industrial Suppliers Index. The graph assumes an initial investment of $100 in our common stock at the market close on November 27, 2020 which was our initial trading day. Data for the Russell 2000 Index and the Dow Jones US Industrial Suppliers Index assume reinvestment of dividends. Total return equals stock price appreciation plus reinvestment of dividends.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
We did not issue or sell any unregistered equity securities during the year ended December 30, 2023.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
We made no purchases of our issuedequity securities during the year ended December 30, 2023.
ITEM 6 – [RESERVED]
21| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


ITEM 7 – MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion provides information which our management believes is relevant to an assessment and outstanding sharesunderstanding of Class A common stock, including the shares of Class A common stock issued to the PIPE Investors, will be exchanged, on a one-for-one basis, for shares of New Hillman common stock.

The shares of New Hillman common stock to be issued pursuant to the Subscription Agreements have not been registered under the Securities Act in reliance upon the exemption provided in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. We will grant the PIPE Investors certain registration rights in connection with the Private Placement. The Private Placement is contingent upon, among other things, the closing of the Proposed Transaction.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The data set forth belowour operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and schedules thereto appearing elsewhere herein. In addition, see “Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Regarding Forward-Looking Information”, as well as “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Annual Report.

Executive Overview and Trends in our financial statementsBusiness
Net sales during 2023 decreased by 0.7% when compared to 2022. Hardware and accompanying notesProtective Solutions, which is our largest segment making up 72.8% of our net sales, led the way with an increase of 0.6%. Offsetting this was a slight decrease in our Robotics and Digital Solutions segment and a decrease in our Canadian business.
Products across our business are primarily used by DIYers and small contractors for repair, maintenance, and remodel projects. Because repair and maintenance projects are necessary no matter the economic environment, we believe our business is generally resilient to economic downturns. However, remodel projects are more dependent upon macroeconomic variables, including existing home sales. According to the National Association of Realtors, existing home sales in the U.S. declined by 19% versus 2022, totaling 4.09 million. This was a headwind for our top line results during the year.
That said, we made tremendous progress on the operational side of our business. After investing into inventory to ensure we had enough product to stock our customer’s shelves during 2021 and 2022 when the global supply chain was constrained, our inventory levels returned to normal during the fourth quarter. As a result of working this $180 million out of our inventory channels, we saw a meaningful working capital benefit, which allowed us to pay down $166 million of debt during 2023.
Our competitive moat, which consists of our 1,100 member field sales and service team, our ability to ship direct to the retail locations of our customers rather than their distribution network, and our innovative Hillman-owned brands continue to set us apart from the competition. As such, we launched multiple new business wins during the year and were named vendor of the year by Mid-States Distributing and Tractor Supply Company.
We are pleased with the progress we made during 2023. Looking to 2024, we remain committed to driving value for our stakeholders, and believe that our competitive moat and long-standing relationships with customers will allow us to continue to win.
Impact of Global Economic Conditions on our Results of Operation
Our business is impacted by general economic conditions in the North American and international markets, particularly the U.S. and Canadian retail markets including hardware stores, home centers, mass merchants, and other retailers. Changes in current economic conditions, including inflationary pressures in the cost of inventory, transportation, and employee compensation, foreign currency volatility, and the growing concerns of a potential recession, have impacted consumer discretionary income levels and spending. Consumer discretionary income levels and spending impact the purchasing trends of our products by our retail customers. Any adverse trends in discretionary income and consumer spending could have a material adverse effect on our business or operating results.
We are exposed to the risk of unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates for the U.S. dollar versus local currency of our suppliers located primarily in China and Taiwan. We purchase a majority of our products for resale from multiple vendors located in China and Taiwan. The purchase price of these financial statements.products is routinely negotiated in U.S. dollar amounts rather than the local currency of the vendors and our suppliers' profit margins decrease when the U.S. dollar declines in value relative to the local currency. This historical informationputs pressure on our suppliers to increase prices to us. The U.S. dollar increased in value relative to the CNY by approximately by 2.9% in 2023, increased by 8.3% in 2022, and decreased by 2.6% in 2021. The U.S. dollar decreased in value relative to the Taiwan dollar by approximately 0.4% in 2023, increased by 10.8% in 2022, and decreased by 1.4% in 2021.
22| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


In addition, the negotiated purchase price of our products may be dependent upon market fluctuations in the cost of raw materials such as steel, zinc, and nickel used by our vendors in their manufacturing processes. The final purchase cost of our products may also be dependent upon inflation or deflation in the local economies of vendors in China and Taiwan that could impact the cost of labor and energy used in the manufacturing of our products. We identify the directional impact of changes in our product cost, but the quantification of each of these variable impacts cannot be measured as to the individual impact on our product cost with a sufficient level of precision. We may take pricing action, when warranted, in an attempt to offset a portion of product cost increases. The ability of our operating divisions to implement price increases and seek price concessions, as appropriate, is no indicativedependent on competitive market conditions.
We are also exposed to risk of future results.

  2020  2019  2018 
Statement of Operations:            
General and administrative expenses $232,904  $-  $- 
Net loss $(154,280) $-  $- 
Basic and diluted loss available to common shares (1) $(0.02) $0.00  0.00 
             
Statement of Cash Flows:            
Net cash used in operating activities $(211,292) $-  $- 
Net cash used in investing activities $(500,000,000) $-  $- 
Net cash provided by financing activities $501,228,698  $-  $- 
             
Balance Sheet:            
Cash $1,017,406  $-  $- 
Working capital (deficit) (2) $1,067,194  $-  $- 
Total assets $501,201,868  $-  $- 
Total liabilities $17,627,450  $-  $- 
Equity (deficit) $5,000,010  $-  $- 

(1) Basicunfavorable changes in the Canadian dollar exchange rate versus the U.S. dollar. Our sales in Canada are denominated in Canadian dollars while a majority of the products are sourced in U.S. dollars. A weakening of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar results in lower sales in terms of U.S. dollars while the cost of sales remains unchanged. We have a practice of hedging some of our Canadian subsidiary's purchases denominated in U.S. dollars. The U.S. dollar decreased in value relative to the Canadian dollar by approximately 2.4% in 2023, increased by 5.7% in 2022, and diluted loss available to common shares excludes income attributable to common stockdecreased by 0.2% in 2021.

We import products which are subject to possible redemptioncustoms requirements and to tariffs and quotas set by governments through mutual agreements and bilateral actions. The U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum and other imported goods has increased our product costs and required us to increase prices on the affected products.
Recent developments
In the first quarter of $6,9132023, we realigned our Canada segment to include the Canada portions of the Protective Solutions and MinuteKey businesses, which are now operating under the Canada segment leadership team. Previously, the results of the Canada portion of the Protective Solutions business were reported in the Hardware and Protective Solutions segment and the Canada portion of the MinuteKey business was reported in the Robotics and Digital Solutions segment and were operating under those respective segment leadership teams. Certain amounts in the prior year presentation between segments were reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, we evaluated a specific product line and decided to exit certain retail locations and markets, which reduced the expected future cash flows from this product line and valuation of certain intangible assets and inventory. As a result, we recognized an impairment charge of $19.6 million during the fourth quarter of 2023 to write down the carrying values of intangible assets to their fair value. The Impairment charge was split between the following asset categories: $15.6 million for customer relationships, $2.2 million for technology and patents, and $1.7 million for trademarks - other. The impairment charge is included in other expense (income), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. We also recorded a $5 million inventory valuation adjustment which was recorded in cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.
Financial Summary and Other Key Metrics
52/53 Week Comparison
Fiscal 2023 consisted of 52 weeks or 252 shipping days as compared to 53 weeks or 256 shipping days in fiscal 2022, which should be taken into account when comparing each period. Shipping days are defined as non-holiday week-days, Monday through Friday of each week of the fiscal year.
Net sales for the year ended December 30, 2023 were $1,476.5 million compared to net sales of $1,486.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.

(2) Assumes2022, a decrease of approximately $9.9 million or 0.7%. The decrease was primarily driven by the decrease in shipping days due to the 53rd week in the year ended December 31, 2022. Net sales for the year ended December 30, 2023 were $5.86 million per shipping day, compared to $5.81 million per shipping day for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of approximately $53.0 thousand per shipping day.

Net loss improved to $9.6 million, or $(0.05) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $16.4 million, or $(0.08) per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Adjusted EBITDA(1) totaled $219.4 million versus $210.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2022.
(1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information, including our definition and our use of Adjusted EBITDA, and for a reconciliation from net loss to Adjusted EBITDA.
23| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg



Results of Operations
The following table shows the results of operations for the years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 25, 2021.
 Year Ended December 30, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 25, 2021
(dollars in thousands)Amount% of
Net Sales
Amount% of
Net Sales
Amount% of
Net Sales
Net sales$1,476,477 100.0%$1,486,328 100.0%$1,425,967 100.0%
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)828,956 56.1%846,551 57.0%859,557 60.3%
Selling, warehouse, general and administrative expenses452,110 30.6%480,993 32.4%437,875 30.7%
Depreciation59,331 4.0%57,815 3.9%59,400 4.2%
Amortization62,309 4.2%62,195 4.2%61,329 4.3%
Management fees to related party— —%— —%270 —%
Other expense (income), net12,843 0.9%(1,119)(0.1)%(2,778)(0.2)%
Income from operations60,928 4.1%39,893 2.7%10,314 0.7%
Interest expense, net68,310 4.6%54,560 3.7%68,779 4.8%
Refinancing costs— —%— —%8,070 0.6%
Gain on change in fair value of warrant liability— —%— —%(14,734)(1.0)%
Income on mark-to-market adjustment of interest rate swap— —%— —%(1,685)(0.1)%
Loss before income taxes(7,382)(0.5)%(14,667)(1.0)%(50,116)(3.5)%
Income tax expense (benefit)2,207 0.1%1,769 0.1%(11,784)(0.8)%
Net loss$(9,589)(0.6)%$(16,436)(1.1)%$(38,332)(2.7)%
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
219,360 14.9%210,249 14.1%207,418 14.5%
(1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information, including our definition and our use of Adjusted EBITDA, and for a reconciliation from net loss to Adjusted EBITDA.
Net Sales
Net Sales by Product Line
2023 vs. 20222022 vs. 2021
2023% of Net Sales2022% of Net Sales$ Change% Change2021% of Net Sales$ Change% Change
Fastening and Hardware$1,005,911 68.1 %$989,572 66.6 %16,339 1.7 %$889,254 62.4 %100,318 11.3 %
Personal Protective216,404 14.7 %243,450 16.4 %(27,046)(11.1)%285,252 20.0 %(41,802)(14.7)%
Keys and key accessories201,923 13.7 %196,989 13.3 %4,934 2.5 %192,496 13.5 %4,493 2.3 %
Engraving and Resharp52,239 3.5 %56,317 3.8 %(4,078)(7.2)%58,965 4.1 %(2,648)(4.5)%
Consolidated$1,476,477 $1,486,328 $(9,851)$1,425,967 $60,361 
See Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of net sales by product line to net sales by operating segment.
24| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Net Sales by Segment
2023 vs. 20222022 vs. 2021
2023% of Net Sales2022% of Net Sales$ Change% Change2021% of Net Sales$ Change% Change
Hardware and Protective Solutions$1,074,619 72.8 %$1,068,734 71.9 %$5,885 0.6 %$1,017,594 71.4 %$51,140 5.0 %
Robotics and Digital Solutions245,400 16.6 %245,633 16.5 %(233)(0.1)%246,494 17.3 %(861)(0.3)%
Canada156,458 10.6 %171,961 11.6 %(15,503)(9.0)%161,879 11.4 %10,082 6.2 %
Consolidated$1,476,477 $1,486,328 $(9,851)$1,425,967 $60,361 
Hardware and Protective Solutions revenues consist primarily of the delivery of fasteners, anchors, specialty fastening products, and personal protective equipment such as gloves and eye-wear as well as in-store merchandising services for the related product category.
Robotics and Digital Solutions revenues consist primarily of sales of keys and identification tags through self-service key duplication and engraving kiosks. It also includes our associate-assisted key duplication systems and key accessories.
Canada revenues consist primarily of the delivery to Canadian customers of fasteners and related hardware items, threaded rod, keys, key duplicating systems, accessories, personal protective equipment, and identification items as well as in-store merchandising services for the related product category.
The decrease in total net sales during 2023 was driven primarily by decreased volume of $42.0 million due primarily to the 53rd week in 2022 partially offset by $38.4 million of price increases. Net sales for the year ended December 30, 2023 were $5.86 million per shipping day, compared $5.81 million per shipping day for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of approximately $53.0 thousand per shipping day. The impact of the 53rd week of 2023 was approximately $15.7 million in sales. The decrease was primarily driven by the factors described below:
Hardware and Protective Solutions increased $5.9 million due to the following:
Hardware sales increased $31.0 million primarily driven by $20.9 million in price increases in response to inflationary cost pressures in the supply chain, and $10.2 million in increased volume driven due to new business wins.
Protective equipment sales decreased by $25.1 million primarily due to a $28.2 million decrease in volume driven in part by $16.8 million of COVID-19 related sales in 2022 with no material comparable COVID-19 sales in 2023, partially offset by price increases of $3.0 million.
Robotics and Digital Solutions sales decreased $0.2 million primarily due to decreases in full-service key and engraving volume.
Canada net sales decreased $15.5 million primarily due to an $8.1 million decrease in volume driven by lower demand as well as a $6.2 million unfavorable impact of the exchange rate from Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars.
Cost of Sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)
The following table summarizes cost of sales by segment:
2023 vs. 20222022 vs. 2021
2023% of Segment Net Sales2022% of Segment Net Sales$ Change% Change2021% of Segment Net Sales$ Change% Change
Hardware and Protective Solutions$659,895 61.4%$669,500 62.6%$(9,605)(1.4)%$677,755 66.6%$(8,255)(1.2)%
Robotics and Digital Solutions71,566 29.2%73,944 30.1%(2,378)(3.2)%77,469 31.4%(3,525)(4.6)%
Canada97,495 62.3%103,107 60.0%(5,612)(5.4)%104,333 64.5%(1,226)(1.2)%
Consolidated$828,956 $846,551 $(17,595)$859,557 $(13,006)
Hardware and Protective Solutions cost of sales as a percentage of net sales decreased primarily due to the impact of the price increases referenced above partially offset by higher product and personnel costs along with an inventory valuation adjustment of $5.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. In the fourth quarter of 2023, we evaluated a specific product line and decided to exit certain retail locations and markets, which reduced the expected future cash flows from this product line and valuation of certain inventory.
25| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Our Robotics and Digital Solutions cost of sales as a percentage of net sales decreased primarily due to a shift in product mix from full-service to self-service keys.
Canada cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased primarily due to higher freight costs.
Selling, Warehouse, and General and Administrative Expenses
The following table summarizes selling, warehouse, and general and administrative expense ("SG&A") by segment:
2023 vs. 20222022 vs. 2021
2023% of Segment Net Sales2022% of Segment Net Sales$ Change% Change2021% of Segment Net Sales$ Change% Change
Hardware and Protective Solutions$312,436 29.1 %$306,456 28.7 %$5,980 2.0 %$285,050 28.0 %$21,406 7.5 %
Robotics and Digital Solutions94,980 38.7 %126,372 51.4 %(31,392)(24.8)%103,958 42.2 %22,414 21.6 %
Canada44,694 28.6 %48,165 28.0 %(3,471)(7.2)%48,867 30.2 %(702)(1.4)%
Consolidated$452,110 $480,993 $(28,883)$437,875 $43,118 
Hardware and Protective Solutions SG&A increased in 2023 due to the following:
Warehouse expense increased $1.6 million due to inflation in labor and shipping costs.
General and administrative (“G&A”) increased by $4.2 million. The increase was primarily driven by increased variable compensation along with increased investment into information technology.
Robotics and Digital Solutions SG&A increased in 2023 due to the following:
Selling expense increased by $1.3 million primarily due to higher variable selling expenses related to self-service key sales and increased variable compensation.
Warehouse decreased by $1.9 million primarily due to the shift from full-service keys, which have a higher warehousing cost, to self-service keys.
G&A decreased by $30.8 million. The decrease was primarily related to reduced legal and consulting expense in 2023 as 2022 saw $32.9 million in legal expense associated with the litigation with Hy-Ko Products Company, LLC. This was offset by increased variable compensation.
Canada SG&A decreased in 2023 due to the following:
Warehouse expense decreased by $2.5 million primarily due to lower variable costs driven by the lower sales volume described above.
G&A decreased by $0.9 million primarily due to decreased variable compensation and stock compensation.
Other Operating Expenses
Depreciation expense increased $1.5 million due to increased capital spend on merchandising racks, and facility relocations.
Amortization expense was comparable to prior year.
In the year ended December 30, 2023, other expense (income), net consisted primarily of a $19.6 million impairment charge related to the write down of intangible assets, (see Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information) and a $4.9 million gain on the revaluation of the contingent consideration associated with the acquisition of Resharp and Instafob (see Note 16 - Fair Value Measurements of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information). We also recorded exchange rate gains of $0.4 million in the year ended December 30, 2023. In the year ended December 31, 2022, other expense (income), net consisted primarily of a $1.1 million gain on the revaluation of the contingent consideration associated with the acquisition of Resharp and Instafob.
26| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Income from Operations
2023 vs. 20222022 vs. 2021
 20232022$ Change% Change2021$ Change% Change
Hardware and Protective Solutions$8,366 $20,742 $(12,376)(59.7)%$(14,650)$35,392 241.6 %
Robotics and Digital Solutions42,953 3,541 39,412 1113.0 %21,761 (18,220)(83.7)%
Canada9,609 15,610 (6,001)(38.4)%3,203 12,407 387.4 %
Total segment income from operations$60,928 $39,893 $21,035 52.7 %$10,314 $29,579 286.8 %
Income from operations in our Hardware and Protective Solutions segment decreased $12.4 million due to the changes in net sales, cost of sales, SG&A expense, and other expense (income), net described above. Depreciation expense increased by $3.4 million due to increased capital spend on merchandising racks, and facility relocations.
Income from operations in our Robotics and Digital Solutions segment increased by $39.4 million primarily due to the $32.9 million in lower legal expense described above, along with an increase of $3.8 million in other income driven by the changes in revaluation of the contingent consideration described above. Depreciation expense decreased by $2.0 million due to certain assets becoming fully depreciated.
Canada's income from operations decreased by $6.0 million primarily due to the changes in sales, cost of sales, and SG&A expenses described above. Canada also recorded exchange rate gains of $0.1 million in 2023 compared to losses of $0.2 million in 2022.
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
Interest expense, net, increased $13.8 million due to higher interest rates in the year ended December 30, 2023 (see Note 9 - Long-Term Debt of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).
Income Taxes:
For the years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 the effective income tax rate was (29.9)% and franchise(12.1)%, respectively. The Company recorded an income tax liabilities are paid by trust account.

provision for the year ended December 30, 2023 of $2.2 million, and an income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2022 of $1.8 million.

In 2023, the Company's effective tax rate differed from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate primarily due to withholding taxes on distributions from our Canadian subsidiary. In addition, the effective tax rate differed due to state and foreign income taxes and certain non-deductible expenses.

In 2022, the Company's effective tax rate differed from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate primarily due to Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income ("GILTI") from the Canadian subsidiary. In addition, the effective tax rate differed from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for 2022 due to state and foreign income taxes and certain non-deductible expenses.
Year Ended December 31, 2022 vs Year Ended December 25, 2021
For a comparison of our results of operations for fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2021, see “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

We are" of our Form 10-K for fiscal 2022. The amounts presented therein and related comparisons do not reflect the realignment of our Canada operating segment that occurred in fiscal 2023, as more fully described in Note 21 - Segment Reporting and Geographic Information.


27| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted EBITDA is a blank check company incorporated as a Delaware corporationnon-GAAP financial measure and formed foris the purposeprimary basis used to measure the operational strength and performance of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. We consummated our initial Public Offering on October 14, 2020. We intend to use the cash proceeds from our public offering and private placement of warrantsbusinesses, as well as additional issuances, if any,to assist in the evaluation of underlying trends in our businesses. This measure eliminates the significant level of noncash depreciation and amortization expense that results from the capital-intensive nature of our businesses and from intangible assets recognized in business combinations. It is also unaffected by our capital stock, debt or a combinationand tax structures, as our management excludes these results when evaluating our operating performance. Our management and Board of cash, stockDirectors use this financial measure to evaluate our consolidated operating performance and debt to complete the Business Combination.

We expect to incur significant costs in the pursuitoperating performance of our acquisition plans. There can be no assuranceoperating segments and to allocate resources and capital to our operating segments. Additionally, we believe that our plansAdjusted EBITDA is useful to raise capital or to complete our initial Business Combination will be successful.

Liquidity and Capital resources

On October 14, 2020, we consummated a $500,000,000 public offering consisting of 50,000,000 units at a price of $10.00 per Unit. Each Unit consists ofinvestors because it is one share of the Company’s Class A common stock, $0.0001 par valuebases for comparing our operating performance with that of other companies in our industries, although our measure of Adjusted EBITDA may not be directly comparable to similar measures used by other companies.

The following table presents a reconciliation of Net loss, the most directly comparable financial measures under GAAP, to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:

(dollars in thousands)Year Ended December 30, 2023
Year Ended
December 31, 2022
Year Ended December 25, 2021
Net loss$(9,589)$(16,436)$(38,332)
Income tax expense (benefit)2,207 1,769 (11,784)
Interest expense, net68,310 54,560 61,237 
Interest expense on junior subordinated debentures— — 7,775 
Investment income on trust common securities— — (233)
Depreciation59,331 57,815 59,400 
Amortization62,309 62,195 61,329 
Mark-to-market adjustment on interest rate swaps— — (1,685)
EBITDA$182,568 $159,903 $137,707 
Stock compensation expense12,004 13,524 15,255 
Management fees— — 270 
Restructuring and other (1)
3,031 2,617 910 
Litigation expense (2)
339 32,856 12,602 
Transaction and integration expense (3)
1,754 2,477 11,123 
Change in fair value of contingent consideration(4,936)(1,128)(1,806)
Change in fair value of warrant liability (4)
— — (14,734)
Buy-back expense (5)
— — 2,000 
Refinancing costs and other (6)
— — 8,070 
Inventory revaluation charges (7)
— — 32,026 
Anti-dumping duties (8)
— — 3,995 
Impairment charges (9)
24,600 — — 
Adjusted EBITDA$219,360 $210,249 $207,418 

(1)Restructuring and one-third of one redeemable Public Warrant. Simultaneously,other includes consulting and other costs associated with severance related to our distribution center relocations and corporate restructuring activities. 2023 includes costs associated with the closingCybersecurity Incident that occurred in May 2023, see Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies of the Public Offering, we consummated a $12,000,000 Private Placement of an aggregate of 8,000,000 Sponsor Warrants at a price of $1.50 per warrant. Upon closingNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(2)Litigation expense includes legal fees associated with our litigation with KeyMe, Inc. and Hy-Ko Products Company LLC (see Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies of the Public OfferingNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).
(3)Transaction and Private Placement on October 14, 2020, $500,000,000 in proceeds (including $17,500,000 of deferred underwriting commissions) fromintegration expense includes professional fees, non-recurring bonuses, and other costs related to acquisitions, including the public offering and private placement was placed in the Trust Account. The remaining $120,000,000 held outside of trust was used to pay underwriting commissions of $10,000,000, loans to our Sponsors, and deferred offering and formation costs.

As of December 31, 2020, we had an unrestricted balance of $1,017,406 as well as cash and accrued interest held in the Trust Account of $500,078,624. Our working capital needs will be satisfied through the funds, held outsidemerger with Landcadia III (see Note 3 - Merger Agreement of the Trust Account, fromNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information) and the public offering. Interest on funds heldsecondary offerings of shares in the Trust Account may be used2022 and 2023.

(4)The warrant liabilities are marked to pay income taxes and franchise taxes, if any. Further, our Sponsors may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required in connection with the Business Combination. Up to $1,500,000 of these loans may be converted into warrantsmarket each period end. (see Note 8 - Warrants of the post Business Combination entity at a price of $1.50 per warrant at the option of the lender and would be identicalNotes to the Sponsor Warrants.

AgreementConsolidated Financial Statements for Business Combination

On January 24, 2021, our board of directors unanimously approved an agreement and plan of merger, dated January 24, 2021, by and among Landcadia, Helios Sun Merger Sub, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary (“Merger Sub”), HMAN Group Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Hillman Holdco”) and CCMP Sellers’ Representative, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company in its capacity as the Stockholder Representative thereunder (in such capacity, the “Stockholder Representative”) (as it may be amended and/or restated from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”)additional information). If the Merger Agreement is adopted by our stockholders and the transactions under the Merger Agreement are consummated, Merger Sub will merge

28| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


(5)Infrequent buy backs associated with and into Hillman Holdco with Hillman Holdco surviving the merger as our wholly owned subsidiary (the “Proposed Transaction”). Hillman Holdco is a holding company that indirectly holds all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of The Hillman Group, Inc., which, together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries (Hillman Holdco, The Hillman Group, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, collectively, “Hillman” and each such entity, a “Hillman Group Entity”), is in thenew business of providing hardware-related products and related merchandising services to retail markets in North America. wins.
(6)In connection with the consummationmerger, we refinanced our Term Credit Agreement and ABL Revolver. Proceeds from the refinancing were used to redeem in full senior notes due July 15, 2022 (the “6.375% Senior Notes”) and the 11.6% Junior Subordinated Debentures.
(7)In the third quarter of 2021, we recorded an inventory valuation adjustment in our Hardware and Protective Solutions segment of $32.0 million primarily related to strategic review of our COVID-19 related product offerings. We evaluated our customers' needs and the Proposed Transaction, We will be renamed “Hillman Solutions Corp.”market conditions and is referredultimately decided to herein as “New Hillman” as ofexit the time following such change of name.


In accordance with the termsprotective product categories related to COVID-19: cleaning wipes, disinfecting sprays, face masks, and subjectcertain disposable gloves.

(8)Anti-dumping duties assessed related to the conditionsnail business for prior year purchases.
(9)In the fourth quarter of 2023, we recorded an impairment charge in our Hardware and Protective Solutions segment of $24.6 million, primarily related to review of certain product offerings. In the Merger Agreement,fourth quarter of 2023, we have agreedevaluated a specific product line and decided to pay aggregate consideration inexit certain retail locations and markets, which reduced the formfuture cash flows from this product line and impacted the lower of New Hillman common stock (the “Aggregate Consideration”) calculated as described below and equal to a valuecost or market valuation of approximately (i) $911,300,000 plus (ii) $28,280,000, such amount being the value of 2,828,000 shares of our Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class B common stock”), valued at $10.00 per share that our sponsors, TJF, LLC (“TJF Sponsor”) and Jefferies Financial Group Inc., (“JFG Sponsor” and, together with TJF Sponsor, the “Sponsors”), have agreed to forfeit at the closing of the Proposed Transaction (the “Closing”).

At the effective time of the Proposed Transaction, all outstanding shares of common stock of Hillman Holdco will be cancelled in exchange for the right to receive, with respect to each such share, a certain number of shares of New Hillman common stock valued at $10.00 per share equal to (A) (i) the Aggregate Consideration plus (ii) the value that would be received by Hillman Holdco upon the exercise of all outstanding Hillman Holdco options as of immediately prior to the Closing (the “Adjusted Purchase Price”), divided by (B) (i) the total number of shares of Hillman Holdco common stock outstanding as of immediately prior to the Closing plus (ii) the number of shares of Hillman Holdco common stock underlying all then outstanding Hillman Holdco options and shares of Hillman Holdco restricted stock outstanding as of immediately prior to the Closing (the “Adjusted Per Share Merger Value”).

At the effective time, each outstanding option to purchase shares of Hillman Holdco common stock (a “Hillman Holdco Option”), whether vested or unvested, will be assumed by New Hillman and will be converted into an option to acquire common stock of New Hillman (“New Hillman Options”) with substantially the same terms and conditions as applicable to the Hillman Holdco Option immediately prior to the effective time (including expiration date, vesting conditions and exercise provisions), except that (i) each such Hillman Holdco Option shall be exercisable for that number of shares of New Hillman common stock equal to the product (rounded down to the nearest whole number) of (A) the number of shares of Hillman Holdco common stock subject to such Hillman Holdco Assumed Option immediately prior the effective time multiplied by (B) the quotient of (1) the Adjusted Per Share Merger Value divided by (2) $10.00 (such quotient, with respect to each Hillman Holdco Option, the “Closing Stock Per Option Amount”), (ii) the per share exercise price for each share of New Hillman common stock issuable upon exercise of the New Hillman Option shall be equal to the quotient (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) obtained by dividing (A) the exercise price per share of Hillman Holdco subject to such Hillman Holdco Option immediately prior to the effective time by (B) the Closing Stock Per Option Amount; (iii) the Hillman Holdco Board (or the compensation committee of the Hillman Holdco Board) may appropriately adjust the performance conditions applicable to certain of the New Hillman Options; and (iv) the Hillman Holdco Board (or the compensation committee of the Hillman Holdco Board) may make such other immaterial administrative or ministerial changes to the New Hillman Options as it may determine in good faith are appropriate to effectuate the administration of the New Hillman Options and to ensure consistency with the administrative and ministerial provisions of the New Hillman Incentive Equity Plan;


At the effective time, each share of unvested restricted Hillman Holdco common stock will be cancelled and converted into the right to receive a number of shares of restricted New Hillman common stock (“New Hillman Restricted Stock”) equal to the quotient of (a) the Adjusted Per Share Merger Value divided by (b) $10.00 (such quotient, with respect to each share of unvested Hillman Holdco restricted stock, the “Closing Stock Per Restricted Share Amount”) with substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the related share of Hillman Holdco Restricted Stock immediately prior to the effective time (including with respect to vesting and termination-related provisions), except that (i) any per-share repurchase price of such New Hillman Restricted Stock shall be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the per-share repurchase price applicable to the Hillman Holdco Restricted Stock, by (B) the Closing Stock Per Restricted Share Amount, rounded up to the nearest cent and (ii) the Hillman Holdco Board (or the compensation committee of the Hillman Holdco Board) may make such other immaterial administrative or ministerial changes to the New Hillman Restricted Stock as it may determine in good faith are appropriate to effectuate the administration of the New Hillman Restricted Stock and to ensure consistency with the administrative and ministerial provisions of the New Hillman Incentive Equity Plan.

At the effective time, each Hillman Holdco restricted stock unit (each a “Hillman Holdco RSU”) will be assumed by New Hillman and converted into a restricted stock unit in respect of shares of New Hillman common stock (each, a “New Hillman RSU”) with substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable to such Hillman Holdco RSU immediately prior to the effective time (including with respect to vesting and termination-related provisions), except that (i) each New Hillman RSU shall represent the right to receive (subject to vesting) that number of shares of New Hillman common stock equal to the product (rounded up to the nearest whole number) of the number of shares of Hillman Holdco common stock underlying the Hillman Holdco RSU immediately prior to the effective time multiplied by the quotient of (a) the Adjusted Per Share Merger Value divided by (b) $10.00 (such quotient, with respect to each Hillman Holdco restricted stock unit, the “Hillman Holdco RSU Exchange Ratio”); and (ii) the Hillman Holdco Board (or the compensation committee of the Hillman Holdco Board) may make such other immaterial administrative or ministerial changes to the New Hillman RSUs as it may determine in good faith are appropriate to effectuate the administration of the New Hillman RSUs and to ensure consistency with the administrative and ministerial provisions of the New Hillman Incentive Equity Plan.

In addition, pursuant to the A&R Letter Agreement, our Sponsors will, at the Closing of the Proposed Transaction, forfeit a total of 3,828,000 of their shares of Class B common stock (the “Sponsor Forfeited Shares”), with 2,828,000 shares being forfeited by the Sponsors on a basis pro rata with their ownership of the Company and 1,000,000 additional shares being forfeited by the TJF Sponsor.


Immediately prior to the effective time of the Business Combination, with the exception of the Sponsor Forfeited Shares, each of the currently issued and outstanding shares of our Class B common stock will automatically convert, on a one-for-one basis, into shares of our Class A common stock in accordance with the terms of our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation, and thereafter, in connection with the Closing, our Class A common stock will be reclassified as New Hillman common stock.

Results of Operations

We have neither engaged in any significant business operations nor generated any revenues to date. All activities to date relate to the Company’s formation and its initial Public Offering and search for a suitable Business Combination. We generate non-operating income in the form of interest income on cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities held in the Trust Account. We expect to incur increased expenses asinventory. As a result of beingthis review we impaired $19.6 million of intangible assets and recorded inventory revaluation charges of $5.0 million.

The following tables present a public company (for legal,reconciliation of segment operating income, the most directly comparable financial reporting, accountingmeasures under GAAP, to segment Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented (amounts in thousands). Certain amounts in the prior year presentation between segments were reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation:
Year Ended December 30, 2023Hardware and Protective SolutionsRobotics and Digital SolutionsCanadaConsolidated
Operating income$8,366 $42,953 $9,609 $60,928 
Depreciation and amortization76,099 40,714 4,827 121,640 
Stock compensation expense9,988 1,251 765 12,004 
Restructuring and other2,549 372 110 3,031 
Litigation expense— 339 — 339 
Transaction and integration expense1,561 193 — 1,754 
Change in fair value of contingent consideration— (4,936)— (4,936)
Impairment charges24,600 — — 24,600 
Adjusted EBITDA$123,163 $80,886 $15,311 $219,360 
Year Ended December 31, 2022Hardware and Protective SolutionsRobotics and Digital SolutionsCanadaConsolidated
Operating income$20,742 $3,541 $15,610 $39,893 
Depreciation and amortization72,266 42,905 4,839 120,010 
Stock compensation expense11,057 1,479 988 13,524 
Restructuring and other2,342 275 — 2,617 
Litigation expense— 32,856 — 32,856 
Transaction and integration expense2,231 246 — 2,477 
Change in fair value of contingent consideration— (1,128)— (1,128)
Adjusted EBITDA$108,638 $80,174 $21,437 $210,249 
29| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Year Ended December 25, 2021Hardware and Protective SolutionsRobotics and Digital SolutionsCanadaConsolidated
Operating (loss) income$(14,650)$21,761 $3,203 $10,314 
Depreciation and amortization69,263 45,047 6,419 120,729 
Stock compensation expense13,134 2,121 — 15,255 
Management fees232 38 — 270 
Restructuring and other403 10 497 910 
Litigation expense— 12,602 — 12,602 
Transaction and integration expense9,869 1,254 — 11,123 
Buy-back expense2,000 — — 2,000 
Inventory revaluation charges32,026 — — 32,026 
Anti-dumping duties3,995 — — 3,995 
Change in fair value of contingent consideration— (1,806)— (1,806)
Adjusted EBITDA$116,272 $81,027 $10,119 $207,418 
Liquidity and auditing compliance), as well asCapital Resources:
The following table presents the key categories of our consolidated statements of cash flows:
Year Ended December 30, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022$ ChangeYear Ended December 25, 2021$ Change
Net cash provided by (used for) by operating activities$238,035 $119,011 $119,024 $(110,254)$229,265 
Net cash (used for) investing activities(67,852)(72,822)4,970 (90,454)17,632 
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities(161,976)(28,722)(133,254)193,329 (222,051)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents7,472 16,476 (9,004)(6,915)23,391 
Operating Cash Flows:
Operating cash flows for due diligence expenses as we locate a suitable Business Combination.

For the yearsyear ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and period from March 13, 2018 (inception)30, 2023 were favorably impacted by reducing inventory as part of the Company's ongoing strategic initiative to December 31, 2018, we had a net loss of $154,280, $0 and $0, respectively. The losslower inventory on hand during 2023.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2020 relates2022 were favorably impacted by reducing inventory as part of the Company's ongoing strategic initiative to $172,904lower inventory on hand during 2022 following the buildup of generalinventory in prior year due to inflation and administrative costs and $60,000 of management fees for administrative services,recent supply chain challenges offset by $78,624reduced accounts payable resulting from lower inventory purchases.
Investing Cash Flows:
Capital Expenditures:
Cash of $65.8 million, $69.6 million, and $51.6 million, was used in earningsthe years ending December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 25, 2021, respectively, to invest in new key duplicating kiosks and machines, merchandising racks, and new distribution facilities in the Hardware and Protective Solutions segment.
Acquisitions:
On December 5, 2023, the Company completed its acquisition of AjustLock for approximately $1.4 million, which includes a $0.1 million hold-back payable to the seller (see Note 6 - Acquisitions of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).
In the year ended December 31, 2022, we acquired Monkey Hook for approximately $2.5 million. In the first quarter of 2023, the hold-back of $0.3 million was paid to satisfy the full purchase price. In the year ending December 25, 2021, we acquired Oz Post International, LLC ("OZCO") for approximately $39.8 million (see Note 6 - Acquisitions of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).
30| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Financing Cash Flows:
Term Loan:
On July 14, 2021, we entered into a new credit agreement, which provided for a new funded term loan facility of $835.0 million and a delayed draw term loan facility of $200.0 million (of which $16.0 million was drawn). The term loan matures on July 14, 2028. As of July 2023, the delayed draw term loan facility expired. The Company used $88.5 million of cash for principal payments on the Trust Account assets.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

senior term loan. As of August 2023, the Company made a $80.0 million prepayment against the outstanding term loan balance without payment of a premium or penalty. As of December 30, 2023, we have outstanding borrowings of $751.9 million on the term loan. See Note 9 - Long-Term Debt of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

ABL Revolver:
On July 29, 2022, the Company amended the asset-based revolving credit agreement (the “ABL Revolver") to increase the aggregate commitments thereunder to $375.0 million and extended the maturity. The stated maturity date of the revolving credit commitments under the ABL Credit Agreement is the earlier of (i) July 29, 2027; or (ii) 91 days prior to the maturity date of our term loans.
Our revolver repayments, net of draws, used cash of $72.0 million in the year ended December 30, 2023 as part of the Company's initiative to pay down the term loan. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we used revolver draws to fund the litigation with Hy-Ko (see Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).
Stock Option Exercises:
In the years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 25, 2021, the Company received $2.2 million, $2.6 million, and $2.7 million, respectively, from the exercise of stock options.
2021 Refinancing activities
In connection with the Merger, we refinanced all of our outstanding debt. In connection with the refinancing, we incurred a loss of $8.1 million and paid $38.7 million in financing fees, of which $21.0 million was recorded as a financing activity. See Note 9 - Long-Term Debt of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
In the second quarter of 2021, we entered into an amendment ("OZCO Amendment") to the term loan credit agreement dated May 31, 2018, which provided $35.0 million of incremental term loan funds to be used to finance the acquisition. See Note 6 - Acquisitions of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Liquidity:
We believe that projected cash flows from operations and ABL Revolver availability will be sufficient to fund working capital and capital expenditure needs for the next 12 months. As of December 30, 2023, the ABL Revolver did not have any off-balance sheet arrangementsan outstanding balance and had outstanding letters of credit of $40.9 million, leaving $246.8 million of available borrowings as a source of liquidity. Our material cash requirements for known contractual obligations include, debt, and lease obligations, each of which are discussed in more detail earlier in this section and in the footnotes to consolidated financial statements, along with capital expenditures. We expect to spend between $65-$75 million for capital expenditures in 2024. Our future investments will depend primarily on the builds of new key duplicating kiosks and machines, merchandising racks, and IT projects that we undertake and the timing of these expenditures.
We also have cash requirements for purchase orders and contracts for the purchase of inventory and other goods and services, which are based on current distribution needs and are fulfilled by our suppliers within the short term.
Our working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) position of $324.9 million as of December 31, 2020.

Contractual Obligations

As30, 2023 represents a decrease of $91.3 million from the December 31, 2020,2022 level of $416.2 million. We expect to generate sufficient operating cash flows to meet our short-term liquidity needs, and we did not have any long-term debt,expect to maintain access to the capital purchase or operating lease obligations or other long-term liabilities. We have recorded deferred underwriting commissions payable uponmarkets, although there can be no assurance of our ability to do so. However, disruption and volatility in the completionglobal capital markets, could impact our capital resources and liquidity in the future.

31| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Related Party Transactions:
The information required by this Item is set forth in the section entitled Related Party Transactions in the 2024 Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates:
Our accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Business Combination.

We entered into an administrative services agreementNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements. As disclosed in whichthat note, the Company pays Fertitta Entertainment, Inc. an affiliate of TJF, for office space, secretarial and administrative services provided to members of the Company’s management team, in an amount not to exceed $20,000 per month.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in accordanceconformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported inamount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actualthe reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Future events cannot be predicted with certainty and, therefore, actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company has identified the following as itssection describes our critical accounting policies:

Redeemable Shares

Allpolicies.

Inventory Realization:
Inventories consisting predominantly of finished goods are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, cost being determined principally on the standard cost method, which approximates the first-in-first-out “FIFO” method. The historical usage rate is the primary factor used in assessing the net realizable value of excess and obsolete inventory. A reduction in the carrying value of an inventory item from cost to net realizable value is recorded for inventory with excess on-hand quantities as determined based on historic and projected sales, product category, and stage in the product life cycle. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions we use to calculate our excess and obsolete inventory reserve. However, if our estimates regarding excess and obsolete inventory are inaccurate, we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material. A 5% difference in actual excess and obsolete inventory reserved for at December 30, 2023 would have affected net earnings by approximately $1.6 million in fiscal 2023.
Goodwill:
We have adopted ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test and instead requires an entity to perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value, then we would recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
Our annual impairment assessment is performed for the reporting units as of October 1. In 2023, 2022, and 2021, with the assistance of an independent third-party specialist, management assessed the value of our reporting units based on a discounted cash flow model and multiple of earnings. Assumptions critical to our fair value estimates under the discounted cash flow model include the projected net sales and EBITDA growth rates and the discount rates. The results of the 50,000,000 Public Shares sold as partquantitative assessments in 2023, 2022, and 2021 indicated that the fair value of each reporting unit was in excess of its carrying value.
Significant assumptions used in the determination of the Public Offering containestimated fair values of the reporting units are the projected net sales and EBITDA growth rates and the discount rate. The projected net sales and EBITDA growth rates are dependent on overall market growth rates, the competitive environment, inflation and our ability to pass price increase along to our customers, relative currency exchange rates, and business activities that impact market share. As a redemption feature as describedresult, the growth rate could be adversely impacted by a sustained deceleration in category growth, devaluation of the U.S. Dollar against other currencies, an increased competitive environment, or an economic recession. The discount rate, which is consistent with a weighted average cost of capital that is likely to be expected by a market participant, is based upon industry required rates of return, including consideration of both debt and equity components of the capital structure. Our discount rate may be impacted in the Prospectus. In accordance with FASB ASC 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity”, redemption provisions not solely withinfuture by adverse changes in the controlmacroeconomic environment and volatility in the equity and debt markets.
We performed sensitivity analyses for the Hardware Solutions and Protective Solutions reporting units during our annual impairment testing, utilizing reasonably possible changes in the assumptions for the discount rate, shorter-term revenue growth rates and EBITDA growth rates to demonstrate the potential impacts to the estimated fair values.
While our fourth quarter 2023, impairment test determined the fair value of the Company requireHardware Solutions reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, the security to be classified outsideexcess of permanent equity. The Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides a minimum net tangible asset threshold of $5,000,001. The Company recognizes changes in redemptionthe fair value immediately as they occur and will adjustover the carrying value of the securityreporting unit was
32| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


approximately 4% of the carrying value. An increase, in isolation, to equal the redemption value at the enddiscount rate of each reporting period. Increases or decreases30 basis points, a decrease of 50 basis points in the projected revenue growth assumption, or a decrease of 40 basis points in the projected EBITDA growth, could each result in the fair value of the reporting unit being less than its carrying amountvalue.
Similarly, as of redeemable shares will be affectedour fourth quarter 2023 impairment test, the fair value of the Protective Solutions reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 6% of the carrying value. An increase, in isolation, to the discount rate of 60 basis points, a decrease of 90 basis points in the projected net sales growth assumption, or a decrease of 120 basis points in the projected EBITDA growth, would each result in the fair value of the reporting unit being less than its carrying value.
In our annual review of goodwill for impairment in the fourth quarter of 2023, the fair value of all of the other reporting units was substantially in excess of its carrying value.
While management can and has implemented strategies to address these events, changes in operating plans or adverse changes in the future could reduce the underlying cash flows used to estimate fair values and could result in a decline in fair value that would trigger future impairment charges against additional paid-in capital. Atof the Protective Solutions and Hardware Solutions reporting units' goodwill. As of December 31, 2020, there were 50,000,000 Public Shares,30, 2023, the carrying value of which 47,849,916 were recordedthe Protective Solutions reporting unit’s goodwill was $128.8 million and Hardware Solutions reporting unit's goodwill was $437.4 million.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
Recently issued accounting standards are described in Note 4 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 7A – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Interest Rate Exposure
We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes as redeemable shares, classified outsideour borrowings bear interest at variable interest rates. It is our policy to enter into interest rate swaps only to the extent considered necessary to meet our objectives.
Based on our exposure to variable rate borrowings at December 30, 2023, after consideration of permanent equity,our SOFR floor rates and 2,150,084 were classified as Class A common stock.


Loss per Common Share

Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss applicable to common stockholders byinterest rate swap agreements, a one percent (1%) change in the weighted average numberinterest rate for a period of common shares outstanding duringone year would change the period. All Founder Sharesannual interest expense by approximately $3.9 million.

Foreign Currency Exchange
We are assumedexposed to convert to sharesforeign exchange rate changes of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. Consistent with FASB ASC 480, sharesthe Canadian and Mexican currencies as it impacts the $144.6 million net asset value of Class A common stock subject to possible redemption,our Canadian and Mexican subsidiaries as well as their pro rata share of undistributed trust earnings consistent with the two-class method, have been excluded from the calculation of loss per common share for the year ended December 31, 2020. Such shares, if redeemed, only participate in their pro rata share of trust earnings. Diluted loss per share includes the incremental number of shares of common stock to be issued in connection with the conversion of Founder Shares or to settle warrants, as calculated using the treasury stock method. For the years ending December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, the Company did not have any dilutive warrants, securities or other contracts that could, potentially, be exercised or converted into common stock. As a result, diluted loss per common share is the same as basic loss per common share for all periods presented. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company reported a loss available to common shareholders of $0.02.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards if currently adopted would have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

As of December 31, 2020, we30, 2023. The foreign subsidiaries' net tangible assets were not subject to any market or interest rate risk. To date, our efforts have been limited to organizational activities and activities relating to the public offering$86.2 million and the identificationnet intangible assets were $58.4 million as of December 30, 2023.

We utilize foreign exchange forward contracts to manage the exposure to currency fluctuations in the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. Dollar. See Note 15 - Derivatives and evaluation of prospective acquisition targets for a Business Combination. We have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues. At December 31, 2020, the net proceeds from our public offering and the saleHedging of the Sponsor Warrants held in the Trust Account were comprised entirely of cash. On October 14, 2020 we invested the funds held in the Trust Account in U.S. government securities with a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds that meet certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that invest solely in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. DueNotes to the short-term nature of those investments, we believe there was no associated material exposure to interest rate risk.


At December 31, 2020, $500,078,624 was held in the Trust Account for the purposes of consummating a Business Combination. If we complete a Business Combination before October 14, 2022, the funds in the Trust Account will be used to pay for the Business Combination, redemptions of Class A common stock, if any, deferred underwriting compensation of $17,500,000 and accrued expenses related to the Business Combination. Any funds remaining will be made available to us to provide working capital to finance our operations.

The Company has not engaged in any hedging activities since its inception. We do not expect to engage in any hedging activities with respect to the market risk to which we are exposed.


Item 8.Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Index to Financial Statements

Statements.
33| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


ITEM 8 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULEPage
Consolidated Financial Statements:
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and March 13, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018
Financial Statement Schedule:


34| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of Hillman Solutions Corp. and its consolidated subsidiaries; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and that receipts and expenditures of Hillman Solutions Corp. and its consolidated subsidiaries are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of Hillman Solutions Corp. and its consolidated subsidiaries, as appropriate; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the assets of Hillman Solutions Corp. and its consolidated subsidiaries that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2023, the end of our fiscal year. Management based its assessment on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management's assessment included evaluation of such elements as the design and operating effectiveness of key financial reporting controls, process documentation, accounting policies, and our overall control environment. This assessment is supported by testing and monitoring performed under the direction of management.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluations of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control over financial reporting will provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation.
Based on its assessment, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective, as of December 30, 2023, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. We reviewed the results of management's assessment with the Audit Committee of Hillman Solutions Corp.
/s/ DOUGLAS J. CAHILL/s/ ROBERT O. KRAFT
Douglas J. CahillRobert O. Kraft
President and Chief Executive OfficerChief Financial Officer
Dated:February 22, 2024Dated:February 22, 2024
35| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Hillman Solutions Corp.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.Hillman Solutions Corp. and subsidiaries (the “Company”"Company") as of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2020 and 2019,2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes incomprehensive loss, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020 and for the period from March 12, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018,30, 2023, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule II - Valuation Accounts (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”"financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2020 and 2019,2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the threetwo years in the period ended December 31, 2020,30, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 22, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits.audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB")PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of ourOur audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our auditsaudits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our auditsaudits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Goodwill - Hardware Solutions and Protective Solutions Reporting Units - Refer to Note 2 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company’s evaluation of goodwill for impairment involves the comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit to their respective carrying values.
The Company used a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair values of the Hardware Solutions (“HS”) reporting unit and the Protective Solutions (“PS”) reporting unit. The discounted cash flow model requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions including projected net sales and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”) growth rates and discount rates. Changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value of the reporting units, the amount of any goodwill impairment charge, or both. The Company’s consolidated goodwill balance was $825 million as of
36| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


December 30, 2023, of which $437 million and $129 million were allocated to the HS reporting unit and the PS reporting unit, respectively. The estimated fair value of the HS and PS reporting units exceeded their carrying values as of the measurement date and, therefore, no impairment was recognized.
We identified the Company’s discounted cash flow model in the impairment evaluation of goodwill for the HS and the PS reporting units as a critical audit matter because of the significant judgments made by management to estimate the fair values of these reporting units. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists, when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of certain of management’s estimates and assumptions, particularly related to projected net sales and EBITDA growth rates and discount rates.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the estimates of projected net sales and EBITDA growth rates and discount rates used by management to estimate the fair values of the HS and PS reporting units included the following, among others:
We tested the effectiveness of controls over management’s goodwill impairment evaluation, including those over the determination of the fair value of the Hardware Solutions and Protective Solutions reporting units, such as controls related to management’s forecasts of projected net sales and EBITDA growth rates and selection of the discount rates.
We evaluated management’s ability to accurately forecast projected net sales and EBITDA growth rates by comparing actual results to management’s historical forecasts.
We performed a sensitivity analysis of the projected net sales and EBITDA growth rates and discount rates, which included their impact on cash flows.
We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s projected net sales and EBITDA growth rates by comparing the forecasts to (1) historical net sales and EBITDA growth rates, (2) underlying analysis detailing business strategies and growth plans, (3) internal communications to management and the Board of Directors, and (4) industry reports for the Company and certain of its peer companies.
With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the reasonableness of the valuation methodologies utilized, along with the discount rates and long-term net sales growth rates selected by:
Developing a range of independent estimates for the discount rates and compared those to those rates selected by management.
Utilizing industry and market-specific growth trends to assess the reasonableness of the long-term net sales growth rates selected by management.

/s/ Marcum llp

Marcum llp

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


Cincinnati, Ohio
February 22, 2024

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2022.

37| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors Hillman Solutions Corp.:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity of Hillman Solutions Corp. and subsidiaries (the Company) for the year ended December 25, 2021 and the related notes and financial statement schedule II – Valuation Accounts (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations of the Company and its cash flows for the year ended December 25, 2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ KPMG LLP
We served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.

New York, NY

from 2010 to 2022.

Cincinnati, Ohio
March 12, 2021

16, 2022
38| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
F-2
capture.jpg

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Balance Sheets

  December 31, 2020  December 31, 2019 
ASSETS        
         
Current assets:        
Cash $1,017,406  $                         - 
Prepaid expenses  105,838   - 
Total current assets  1,123,244   - 
         
Cash and accrued interest held in trust account  500,078,624     
Deferred tax asset  -   - 
Total assets $501,201,868  $- 
         
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY        
         
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $127,450  $- 
Total current liabilities  127,450   - 
         
Deferred underwriting commissions  17,500,000     
Total liabilities $17,627,450  $- 

Commitments and contingencies

  -   - 
         
Class A common stock subject to possible redemption, 47,849,916 shares at redemption value of $10.00  478,574,408     
         
Stockholders' Equity:        
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 1,000,000 authorized, no shares issued or outstanding $-  $- 
Common stock        
Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value, 380,000,000 shares authorized, 2,150,084 shares issued and outstanding (excluding 47,849,916 shares subject to possible redemption)  215   - 
Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value 20,000,000 shares authorized, 12,500,000 issued and outstanding  1,250   694 
Additional paid-in capital  5,152,825   306 
Accumulated deficit  (154,280)  - 
Subscription notes receivable, affiliates  -   (1,000)
Total stockholders' equity  5,000,010   - 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $501,201,868  $- 



HILLMAN SOLUTIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands)
 December 30, 2023December 31, 2022
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$38,553 $31,081 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $2,770 ($2,405 - 2022)103,482 86,985 
Inventories, net382,710 489,326 
Other current assets23,235 24,227 
Total current assets547,980 631,619 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $333,875 ($333,452 - 2022)200,553 190,258 
Goodwill825,042 823,812 
Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $470,791 ($414,275 - 2022)655,293 734,460 
Operating lease right of use assets87,479 66,955 
Other assets14,754 23,586 
Total assets$2,331,101 $2,470,690 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$140,290 $131,751 
Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations9,952 10,570 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities14,407 12,285 
Accrued expenses:
Salaries and wages22,548 15,709 
Pricing allowances8,145 9,246 
Income and other taxes6,469 5,300 
Interest343 697 
Other accrued expenses20,966 29,854 
Total current liabilities223,120 215,412 
Long-term debt731,708 884,636 
Deferred tax liabilities131,552 140,091 
Operating lease liabilities79,994 61,356 
Other non-current liabilities10,198 12,456 
Total liabilities1,176,572 1,313,951 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 18)— — 
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.0001 par, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 194,913,124 issued and outstanding at December 30, 2023 and 194,548,411 issued and outstanding at December 31, 202220 20 
Additional paid-in capital1,418,535 1,404,360 
Accumulated deficit(236,206)(226,617)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(27,820)(21,024)
Total stockholders' equity1,154,529 1,156,739 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$2,331,101 $2,470,690 
The accompanying notesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

39| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
F-3
capture.jpg

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Statements of Operations

  Years ended December 31,  For the period from
March 13, 2018
(inception) through
 
  2020  2019  December 31, 2018 
          
Expenses:            
General and administrative expenses  232,904   -   - 
Loss from operations  (232,904)  -   - 
Other income:            
Interest income  78,624   -   - 
             
Loss before taxes  (154,280)  -   - 
Tax benefit (provision)  -   -   - 
             
Net Loss $(154,280) $-  $- 
             
             
Basic and diluted loss per share:            
Net loss per share available to common shares $(0.02) $-  $- 
Basic and diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding  8,812,791   6,037,500   6,037,500 



HILLMAN SOLUTIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(dollars in thousands)


 Year Ended December 30, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 25, 2021
Net sales$1,476,477 $1,486,328 $1,425,967 
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)828,956 846,551 859,557 
Selling, warehouse, and general and administrative expenses452,110 480,993 437,875 
Depreciation59,331 57,815 59,400 
Amortization62,309 62,195 61,329 
Management fees to related party— — 270 
Other expense (income), net12,843 (1,119)(2,778)
Income from operations60,928 39,893 10,314 
Gain on change in fair value of warrant liability— — (14,734)
Interest expense, net68,310 54,560 61,237 
Interest expense on junior subordinated debentures— — 7,775 
Investment income on trust common securities— — (233)
Income on mark-to-market adjustment of interest rate swap— — (1,685)
Refinancing costs— — 8,070 
Loss before income taxes(7,382)(14,667)(50,116)
Income tax expense (benefit)2,207 1,769 (11,784)
Net loss$(9,589)$(16,436)$(38,332)
Basic and diluted loss per share$(0.05)$(0.08)$(0.28)
Weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding194,722 194,249 134,699 
Net loss from above$(9,589)$(16,436)$(38,332)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments4,801 (7,615)(283)
Hedging activity(11,597)13,745 2,517 
Total other comprehensive (loss) income(6,796)6,130 2,234 
Comprehensive loss$(16,385)$(10,306)$(36,098)






The accompanying notesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

40| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
F-4
capture.jpg

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Statements of Changes


HILLMAN SOLUTIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in Stockholders’ Equity

  Class A common stock  Class B common stock  Additional  Accumulated  Subscription note    
  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  paid-in capital  deficit  receivable, affiliates  Total 
Balance, March 13, 2018 (inception) -  -  -  -  -  -  -  - 
Class B shares issued  -   -   6,943,125   694   306   -   (1,000)  - 
Balance, December 31, 2018  -   -   6,943,125   694   306   -   (1,000)  - 
Net income  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Balance, December 31, 2019  -   -   6,943,125   694   306   -   (1,000)  - 
Class B shares issued  -   -   7,431,875   744   326   -   (1,070)  - 
Sponsor warrants issued  -   -   -   -   12,000,000   -   -   12,000,000 
Class A shares issued  50,000,000   5,000   -   -   499,995,000   -   -   500,000,000 
Underwriters commissions and offering costs  -   -   -   -   (28,273,372)  -   -   (28,273,372)
Class A shares subject to redemption  (47,849,916)  (4,785)  -   -   (478,569,623)  -   -   (478,574,408)
Shares forfeited  -   -   (1,875,000)  (188)  188   -   -   - 
Payment of affiliate note receivable  -   -   -   -   -   -   2,070   2,070 
Net loss  -   -   -   -   -   (154,280)  -   (154,280)
Balance, December 31, 2020  2,150,084  $215   12,500,000  $1,250  $5,152,825  $(154,280) $-  $5,000,010 

thousands)

 Year Ended December 30, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended
December 25, 2021
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss$(9,589)$(16,436)$(38,332)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization121,640 120,010 120,730 
(Gain) loss on dispositions of property and equipment(34)(26)221 
Impairment charges24,600 — — 
Deferred income taxes(8,693)(873)(21,846)
Deferred financing and original issue discount amortization5,323 3,582 4,336 
Loss on debt restructuring, net of third party fees paid— — (8,372)
Stock-based compensation expense12,004 13,524 15,255 
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities— — (14,734)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration(4,936)(1,128)(1,806)
Other non-cash interest and change in value of interest rate swap— — (1,685)
Changes in operating items:
Accounts receivable(15,898)19,889 15,148 
Inventories103,660 38,813 (137,849)
Other assets3,068 566 3,064 
Accounts payable8,029 (53,760)(20,253)
Other accrued liabilities(1,139)(5,150)(24,131)
Net cash provided by (used for) by operating activities238,035 119,011 (110,254)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired(1,700)(2,500)(38,902)
Capital expenditures(65,769)(69,589)(51,552)
Other investing activities(383)(733)— 
Net cash (used for) investing activities(67,852)(72,822)(90,454)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on senior term loans, net of discount— — 883,872 
Repayments of senior term loans(88,510)(10,638)(1,072,042)
Borrowings of revolving credit loans178,000 244,000322,000
Repayments of revolving credit loans(250,000)(265,000)(301,000)
Repayments of senior notes— — (330,000)
Financing fees— — (20,988)
Proceeds from recapitalization of Landcadia, net of transaction costs— — 455,161 
Proceeds from sale of common stock in PIPE, net of issuance costs— — 363,301 
Repayment of junior subordinated debentures— — (108,707)
Principal payments under finance lease obligations(2,410)(1,470)(938)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options2,167 2,609 2,670 
Payments of contingent consideration(1,232)— — 
Other financing activities1,777 — 
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities(161,976)(28,722)193,329 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash(735)(991)464 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents7,472 16,476 (6,915)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period31,081 14,605 21,520 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$38,553 $31,081 $14,605 
The accompanying notesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

41| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
F-5
capture.jpg

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Statements of Cash Flows

  Year ended December 31, 
  2020  2019 
       
Cash flows from operating activities:        
Net loss $(154,280) $- 
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:        
Trust account interest income  (78,624)  - 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses  (105,838)  - 
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities  127,450   - 
Net cash used in operating activities  (211,292)  - 
         
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Cash deposited in trust account  (500,000,000)  - 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (500,000,000)  - 
         
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Proceeds from public offering  500,000,000   - 
Proceeds from sale of private placement warrants  12,000,000   - 
Payment for underwriting discounts  (10,000,000)  - 
Payment of offering costs  (606,622)  - 
Payment of notes payable, affiliates  (166,750)  - 
Proceeds from stock subscriptions receivable, affiliates  2,070   - 
Net cash provided by financing activities  501,228,698   - 
         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  1,017,406   - 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  -   - 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $1,017,406  $- 
         
Supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities:        
Change in value of common shares subject to possible conversion $(149,759) $- 
Initial classification of common shares subject to possible conversion $478,724,167  $- 
Deferred underwriting commissions $17,500,000  $- 
Offering costs included in Notes payable, affiliates $166,750  $- 


HILLMAN SOLUTIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(dollars in thousands)
Common Stock
SharesAmountAdditional
Paid-in Capital
Accumulated DeficitAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Total Stockholders'
Equity
Balance at December 26, 202090,935 $$565,815 $(171,849)$(29,388)$364,587 
Net Loss— — — (38,332)— (38,332)
Stock option activity, stock awards and employee stock purchase plan523 — 17,925 — — 17,925 
Recapitalization of Landcadia, net of issuance costs and fair value of assets and liabilities acquired58,672 377,959 — — 377,965 
Shares issued to PIPE, net of issuance costs37,500 363,297 — — 363,301 
Hedging activity— — — — 2,517 2,517 
Warrant redemption6,365 62,414 — — 62,415 
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment — — — — (283)(283)
Balance at December 25, 2021193,995 $20 $1,387,410 $(210,181)$(27,154)$1,150,095 
Net Loss— — — (16,436)— (16,436)
Stock option activity, stock awards and employee stock purchase plan553 — 16,190 — — 16,190 
Hedging activity— — — — 13,745 13,745 
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment — — — — (7,615)(7,615)
Other— — 760 — — 760 
Balance at December 31, 2022194,548 $20 $1,404,360 $(226,617)$(21,024)$1,156,739 
Net Loss— — — (9,589)— (9,589)
Stock option activity, stock awards and employee stock purchase plan365 — 14,175 — — 14,175 
Hedging activity— — — — (11,597)(11,597)
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment — — — — 4,801 4,801 
Balance at December 30, 2023194,913 $20 $1,418,535 $(236,206)$(27,820)$1,154,529 
The accompanying notesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

42| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
F-6
capture.jpg




1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying financial statements include the consolidated accounts of Hillman Solutions Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively “Hillman” or the “Company”). Unless the context requires otherwise, references to "Hillman," "we," "us," "our," or "our Company" refer to Hillman Solutions Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared in accordance with accounting standards generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. References to 2023, 2022, and 2021 are for fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 25, 2021, respectively.
On July 14, 2021, privately held HMAN Group Holdings Inc. ("Old Hillman"), and Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements

1.Nature of Business

(“Landcadia” and after the Business

Landcadia III Holdings, Inc., (the “Company” Combination described herein, “New Hillman”), was formed as Automalyst LLC, a Delaware limited liabilityspecial purpose acquisition company on March 13, 2018 and converted into a Delaware corporation of August 24, 2020. We("SPAC") consummated an initial public offering (“Public Offering”) on October 14, 2020.

The Company has not had any significant operations to date. The Company was formed to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similarthe previously announced business combination with one or more businesses (the “Business Combination”“Closing”). On, January 24, 2021 we entered into an pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, withdated as of January 24, 2021 (as amended on March 12, 2021, the "Merger Agreement”) by and among Landcadia, Helios Sun Merger Sub, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Landcadia (“Merger Sub”), HMAN Group Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Hillman”Hillman Holdco”) and CCMP Sellers’ Representative, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company in its capacity as the Stockholder Representative thereunder (the “Stockholder Representative”).

There is no assurance that the Company’s plans to consummate a Business Combination will be successful.

All activity through December 31, 2020 relates Pursuant to the Company’s formationterms of the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub merged with and its initial public offeringinto Hillman Holdco with Hillman Holdco surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of unitsNew Hillman, which was renamed “Hillman Solutions Corp.” (the “Public Offering”), which is described below.

Sponsors

The Company’s sponsors are TJF LLC (“TJF”) and Jefferies Financial Group Inc. (“JFG”“Merger” and together with TJF, the “Sponsors”). TJF is wholly owned by Tilman J. Fertitta, the Company’s Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Financing

The Company intends to finance its Business Combination in part with proceeds from its $500,000,000 Public Offering and $12,000,000 private placement (the “Private Placement”) of private placement warrants (the “Sponsor Warrants”), see Notes 4 and 5. The registration statement for the Public Offering was declared effectiveother transactions contemplated by the U.S. SecuritiesMerger Agreement, the “Business Combination”). Unless the context indicates otherwise, the discussion of the Company and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on October 8, 2020. The Company consummatedits financial condition and results of operations is with respect to New Hillman following the Public Offering of 50,000,000 units (the “Units”), at $10.00 per Unit on October 14, 2020, generating gross proceeds of $500,000,000. Simultaneouslyclosing date and Old Hillman prior to the closing date. See Note 3 - Merger Agreement for more information.

In connection with the closing of the Public Offering,Business Combination on July 14, 2021, Landcadia changed its name from “Landcadia Holdings III, Inc." to “Hillman Solutions Corp.” and the Company’s common stock began trading on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the trading symbol “HLMN”.
The Company has a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in December. In a 52 week fiscal year, each of the Company’s quarterly periods will consist of 13 weeks. The additional week in a 53 week fiscal year is added to the fourth quarter, making such quarter consist of 14 weeks. In 2023, the Company consummatedhad a 52 week fiscal year, whereas in the Private Placementprior year, 2022, the Company had its first 53 week fiscal year.
Nature of an aggregateOperations:
The Company is comprised of 8,000,000 Sponsor Warrants at a pricethree separate operating business segments: (1) Hardware and Protective Solutions, (2) Robotics and Digital Solutions, and (3) Canada.
In the first quarter of $1.50 per Sponsor Warrant, generating proceeds of $12,000,000. Upon2023, the closingCompany realigned its Canada segment to include the Canada portions of the Public OfferingProtective Solutions and Private Placement, $500,000,000MinuteKey businesses, which are now operating under the Canada segment leadership team. Previously, the results of the Canada portion of the Protective Solutions business were reported in the Hardware and Protective Solutions segment and the Canada portion of the MinuteKey business was reported in the Robotics and Digital Solutions segment and were operating under those respective segment leadership teams. See Note 21 - Segment Reporting and Geographic Information.
Hillman provides and, on a limited basis, produces products such as fasteners and related hardware items; threaded rod and metal shapes; keys, key duplication systems, and accessories; personal protective equipment such as gloves and eye-wear; builder's hardware; and identification items, such as tags and letters, numbers, and signs, to retail outlets, primarily hardware stores, home centers and mass merchants, pet supply stores, grocery stores, and drug stores. The Canada segment also produces fasteners, stampings, fittings, and processes threaded parts for automotive suppliers, industrial Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”), and industrial distributors.
43| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents consist of commercial paper, U.S. Treasury obligations, and other liquid securities purchased with initial maturities less than 90 days and are stated at cost which approximates fair value. The Company has foreign bank balances of approximately $12,695 and $23,876 at December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalent balances with financial institutions that exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses related to these balances.
Restricted Investments:
The Company's restricted investments are trading securities carried at fair market value which represent assets held in a Rabbi Trust to fund deferred compensation liabilities owed to the Company's employees. The current portion of the investments is included in other current assets and the long term portion in other assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 11 - Deferred Compensation Plan for additional information.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:
The Company establishes the allowance for doubtful accounts by considering historical losses, adjusted to take into account current market conditions. The estimates for calculating the aggregate reserve are based on the financial condition of the customers, the length of time receivables are past due, historical collection experience, current economic trends, and reasonably supported forecasts. Increases to the allowance for doubtful accounts result in a corresponding expense. The Company writes off individual accounts receivable when collection becomes improbable. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $2,770 and $2,405 as of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
In the years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company entered into agreements to sell, on an ongoing basis and without recourse, certain trade accounts receivable. The buyer is responsible for servicing the receivables. The sale of the receivables is accounted for in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing. Under that guidance, receivables are considered sold when they are transferred beyond the reach of the Company and its creditors, the purchaser has the right to pledge or exchange the receivables, and the Company has surrendered control over the transferred receivables. The Company has received proceeds from the sales of trade accounts receivable of approximately $299,169, $374,105 and $322,509 for the years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 25, 2021, respectively, and has included the proceeds in net proceedscash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Related to the sale of accounts receivable, the UnitsCompany recorded losses of approximately $6,313, $4,432 and $1,433 for the years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 25, 2021, respectively.
Inventories:
Inventories consisting predominantly of finished goods are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, cost being determined principally on the standard cost method, which approximates the first-in-first-out “FIFO” method. The historical usage rate is the primary factor used in assessing the net realizable value of excess and obsolete inventory. A reduction in the Public Offeringcarrying value of an inventory item from cost to net realizable value is recorded for inventory with excess on-hand quantities as determined based on historic and projected sales, product category, and stage in the product life cycle.
Property and Equipment:
Property and equipment are carried at cost and include expenditures for new facilities and major renewals. For financial accounting purposes, depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally 3 to 15 years. Assets acquired under finance leases are depreciated over the terms of the related leases. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. The Company capitalizes certain costs that are directly associated with the development of internally developed software related to our key and engraving machines, representing the historical cost of these assets. Once the software is completed and placed into service, such costs are amortized over the estimated useful lives. When assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from their respective accounts, and the Private Placementresulting gain or loss is reflected in income from operations.
44| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Property and equipment, net, consists of the following at December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
Estimated
Useful Life
 (Years)20232022
Leasehold improvementslife of lease$28,026 $17,445 
Machinery and equipment3-10420,921 416,512 
Computer equipment and software3-570,356 68,410 
Furniture and fixtures6-812,396 7,888 
Construction in process2,729 13,455 
Property and equipment, gross534,428 523,710 
Less: Accumulated depreciation333,875 333,452 
Property and equipment, net$200,553 $190,258 
Goodwill:
The Company has adopted ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test and instead requires an entity to perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value, then the Company would recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
The Company’s annual impairment assessment is performed for its reporting units as of October 1st. With the assistance of an independent third-party specialist, management assessed the value the of the reporting units based on a discounted cash flow model and multiple of earnings. Assumptions critical to our fair value estimates under the discounted cash flow model include the discount rate and projected net sales and EBITDA growth rates. The results of the quantitative assessment in 2023, 2022, and 2021 indicated that the fair value of each reporting unit was placed in excess of its carrying value. Therefore goodwill was not impaired as of our annual testing dates.
Goodwill amounts by reportable segment are summarized as follows:
Goodwill atGoodwill at
December 31, 2022AcquisitionsDisposals
Other(1)
December 30, 2023
Hardware and Protective Solutions$574,744 $— $— $554 $575,298 
Robotics and Digital Solutions220,936 — — — 220,936 
Canada28,132 — — 676 28,808 
Total$823,812 $— $— $1,230 $825,042 
(1)The "Other" change to goodwill relates to adjustments resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates for the Canada and Mexico reporting units.
Intangible Assets:
Intangible assets arise primarily from the determination of their respective fair market values at the date of acquisition. With the exception of certain trade names, intangible assets are amortized on a U.S.-based trust account maintainedstraight-line basis over periods ranging from 5 to 20 years, representing the period over which the Company expects to receive future economic benefits from these assets. 
Other intangibles, net, as of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 consist of the following:
45| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


 Useful Life
(Years)
December 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Customer relationships13-20$944,713 $963,622 
Trademarks - indefiniteIndefinite85,520 85,275 
Trademarks - other7-1531,665 31,387 
Technology and patents5-1264,186 68,451 
Intangible assets, gross1,126,084 1,148,735 
Less: Accumulated amortization470,791 414,275 
Intangible assets, net$655,293 $734,460 
Estimated annual amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization at December 30, 2023 for the next five fiscal years is as follows:
Fiscal Year EndedAmortization Expense
2024$60,545 
202559,789 
202655,384 
202752,636 
202851,871 
Thereafter$289,548 
The Company also evaluates indefinite-lived intangible assets (primarily trademarks and trade names) for impairment annually or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is below its carrying amount. With the assistance of an independent third-party specialist, management assessed the fair value of our indefinite-lived intangible assets based on a relief from royalties model. An impairment charge is recorded if the carrying amount of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds the estimated fair value on the measurement date as of October 1st. No impairment charges related to indefinite-lived intangible assets were recorded by Continental Stock Transfer & Trustthe Company actingin 2023, 2022, or 2021 as trustee (the “Trust Account”).a result of the quantitative annual impairment test.
Long-Lived Assets:
Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group to be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group to its carrying value. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values, and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary.
During fiscal 2023, the Company performed an impairment assessment on certain intangible assets. In the fourth quarter of 2023, we evaluated a specific product line and decided to exit certain retail locations and markets, which reduced the future cash flows from this product line and impacted the lower of cost or net realizable value of inventory. As a result, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $19.6 million during the fourth quarter of 2023 to write down the carrying values of intangible assets to their fair value. The underwriters did not exercise their option to purchase additional units.

Trust Account

Impairment charge was split between the following asset categories: $15.6 million for customer relationships, $2.2 million for technology and patents, and $1.7 million for trademarks - other. The proceeds heldimpairment charge is included in other expense (income), net in the Trust Account can only be investedaccompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

No other impairment charges were recorded in permitted United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), having a maturity of 185 days2023, 2022, or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations.

F-7

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements

The Company’s second amended and restated certificate of incorporation (the “Charter”) provides that, other than the withdrawal of interest to pay tax obligations (less up to $100,000 interest to pay dissolution expenses), none of the funds held in the Trust Account will be released until the earliest of: (i) the completion of the Business Combination; (ii) the redemption of any shares of Class A common stock included in the Units being sold in the Public Offering (“Public Shares”) properly submitted in connection with a stockholder vote to amend the Charter to modify the substance or timing2021. Approximately 95% of the Company’s obligationlong-lived assets are held within the United States.

Income Taxes:
46| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Deferred income taxes are computed using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and income tax basis of assets and liabilities, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to redeem 100%the periods in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided for tax benefits where management estimates it is more likely than not that certain tax benefits will not be realized. Adjustments to valuation allowances are recorded for changes in utilization of the Public Sharestax-related item. See Note 7 - Income Taxes for additional information.
In accordance with guidance regarding the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, the Company recognizes a tax position if, based solely on its technical merits, it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority. If a tax position does not meet the more likely than not recognition threshold, the Company does not completerecognize the Business Combination by October 14, 2022 (within 24 months frombenefit of that position in its Consolidated Financial Statements. A tax position that meets the closingmore likely than not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Interest and penalties related to income taxes are included in (benefit) expense for income taxes.
Contingent Consideration:
Contingent consideration relates to the potential payment for an acquisition that is contingent upon the achievement of the Public Offering); acquired business meeting certain product development milestones and/or certain financial performance milestones. The Company records contingent consideration at fair value at the date of acquisition based on the consideration expected to providebe transferred. The estimated fair value of the contingent consideration was determined using a Monte Carlo analysis examining the frequency and mean value of the resulting payments. The resulting value captures the risk associated with the form of the payout structure. The risk neutral method is applied, resulting in a value that captures the risk associated with the form of the payout structure and the projection risk. The assumptions utilized in the calculation based on financial performance milestones include projected revenue, volatility and discount rates. For potential payments related to product development milestones, we estimated the fair value based on the probability of achievement of such milestones. The assumptions utilized in the calculation of the acquisition date fair value include probability of success and the discount rates. Contingent consideration involves certain assumptions requiring significant judgment and actual results may differ from assumed and estimated amounts.
Risk Insurance Reserves:
The Company self-insures our general liability including products liability, automotive liability, and workers' compensation losses up to $500 per occurrence. Our policy is to estimate reserves based upon a number of factors, including known claims, estimated incurred but not reported claims, and third-party actuarial analysis. The third-party actuarial analysis is based on historical information along with certain assumptions about future events. These reserves are classified as other current and other long-term liabilities within the balance sheets.
The Company self-insures our group health claims up to an annual stop loss limit of $300 per participant. Historical group insurance loss experience forms the basis for redemptionthe recognition of group health insurance reserves.
Retirement Benefits:
Certain employees of the Company are covered under a profit-sharing and retirement savings plan. The plan provides for a matching contribution for eligible employees of 50% of each dollar contributed by the employee up to 6% of the employee's compensation. In addition, the plan allows for an optional annual contribution in amounts authorized by the Board of Directors, subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.
Hillman Canada sponsors a Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (“DPSP”) and a Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (“RRSP”) for all qualified, full-time employees, with at least three months of continuous service. DPSP is an employer-sponsored profit sharing plan registered as a trust with the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”). Employees do not contribute to the DPSP. There is no minimum required contribution; however, DPSPs are subject to maximum contribution limits set by the CRA. The DPSP is offered in conjunction with a RRSP. All eligible employees may contribute an additional voluntary amount of up to eight percent of the employee's gross earnings. Hillman Canada is required to match 100% of all employee contributions up to 2% of the employee's compensation into the DPSP account. The assets of the RRSP are held separately from those of Hillman Canada in independently administered funds.
Retirement benefit costs were $4,315, $4,055, and $4,218 in the years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 25, 2021, respectively.
47| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Revenue Recognition:
Revenue is recognized when control of goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Sales and other taxes the Company collects concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue.
The Company offers a variety of sales incentives to its customers primarily in the form of discounts and rebates. Discounts are recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements at the date of the related sale. Rebates are based on the revenue to date and the contractual rebate percentage to be paid. A portion of the cost of the rebate is allocated to each underlying sales transaction. Discounts and rebates are included in the determination of net sales.
The Company also establishes a reserve for customer returns and allowances. The reserve is established based on historical rates of returns and allowances. The reserve is adjusted quarterly based on actual experience. Discounts and allowances are included in the determination of net sales.
The following table disaggregates our revenue by product category. Certain amounts in the prior year presentation between segments were reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
Hardware and Protective SolutionsRobotics and Digital SolutionsCanadaTotal Revenue
Year Ended December 30, 2023
Fastening and Hardware$865,212 $— $140,699 $1,005,911 
Personal Protective209,407 — 6,997 216,404 
Keys and Key Accessories— 193,212 8,711 201,923 
Engraving and Resharp— 52,188 51 52,239 
Consolidated$1,074,619 $245,400 $156,458 $1,476,477 
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Fastening and Hardware$834,210 $— $155,362 $989,572 
Personal Protective234,524 — 8,926 243,450 
Keys and Key Accessories— 189,364 7,625 196,989 
Engraving and Resharp— 56,269 48 56,317 
Consolidated$1,068,734 $245,633 $171,961 $1,486,328 
Year Ended December 25, 2021
Fastening and Hardware$740,058 $— $149,196 $889,254 
Personal Protective277,536 — 7,716 285,252 
Keys and Key Accessories— 187,608 4,888 192,496 
Engraving and Resharp— 58,886 79 58,965 
Consolidated$1,017,594 $246,494 $161,879 $1,425,967 







48| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


The following table disaggregates our revenue by geographic location:
Hardware and Protective SolutionsRobotics and Digital SolutionsCanadaTotal Revenue
Year Ended December 30, 2023
United States$1,062,045 $245,400 $— $1,307,445 
Canada— — 156,458 156,458 
Mexico12,574 — — 12,574 
Consolidated$1,074,619 $245,400 $156,458 $1,476,477 
Year Ended December 31, 2022
United States$1,054,831 $245,633 $— $1,300,464 
Canada— — 171,961 171,961 
Mexico13,903 — — 13,903 
Consolidated$1,068,734 $245,633 $171,961 $1,486,328 
Year Ended December 25, 2021
United States$1,004,750 $246,494 $— $1,251,244 
Canada— — 161,879 161,879 
Mexico12,844 — — 12,844 
Consolidated$1,017,594 $246,494 $161,879 $1,425,967 

Our revenue by geography is allocated based on the location of our sales operations.
Hardware and Protective Solutions revenues consist primarily of the delivery of fasteners, anchors, specialty fastening products, and personal protective equipment such as gloves and eye-wear as well as in-store merchandising services for the related product category.
Robotics and Digital Solutions revenues consist primarily of sales of keys and identification tags through self-service key duplication and engraving kiosks. It also includes our associate-assisted key duplication systems and key accessories.
Canada revenues consist primarily of the delivery to Canadian customers of fasteners and related hardware items, threaded rod, keys, key duplicating systems, accessories, personal protective equipment, and identification items as well as in-store merchandising services for the related product category. In the first quarter of 2023, the Company realigned its Canada segment to include the Canada portions of the Protective Solutions and MinuteKey businesses, which are now operating under the Canada segment leadership team. Previously, the results of the Canada portion of the Protective Solutions business were reported in the Hardware and Protective Solutions segment and the Canada portion of the MinuteKey business was reported in the Robotics and Digital Solutions segment and were operating under those respective segment leadership teams.
The Company’s performance obligations under its arrangements with customers are providing products, in-store merchandising services, and access to key duplicating and engraving equipment. Generally, the price of the merchandising services and the access to the key duplicating and engraving equipment is included in the price of the related products. Control of products is transferred at the point in time when the customer accepts the goods, which occurs upon delivery of the products. Judgment is required in determining the time at which to recognize revenue for the in-store services and the access to key duplicating and engraving equipment. Revenue is recognized for in-store service and access to key duplicating and engraving equipment as the related products are delivered, which approximates a time-based recognition pattern. Therefore, the entire amount of consideration related to the sale of products, in-store merchandising services, and access to key duplicating and engraving equipment is recognized upon the delivery of the products.
The costs to obtain a contract are insignificant, and generally contract terms do not extend beyond one year. Therefore, these costs are expensed as incurred. Freight and shipping costs and the cost of our in-store merchandising services teams are recognized in selling, warehouse, general, and administrative expense when control over products is transferred to the customer.
49| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


The Company used the practical expedient regarding the existence of a significant financing component as payments are due in less than one year after delivery of the products.
Shipping and Handling:
The costs incurred to ship product to customers, including freight and handling expenses, are included in selling, warehouse, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss.
Shipping and handling costs were $53,288, $59,911, and $60,991 in the years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 25, 2021, respectively.
Research and Development:
The Company expenses research and development costs, which are included in selling, warehouse, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss; consisting primarily of internal wages and benefits in connection with a Business Combination; or (iii) the redemption of the Public Shares if the Company is unable to complete the Business Combination by October 14, 2022, subject to applicable law.

Initial Business Combination

The Company’s management has broad discretion with respectimprovements to the specific applicationfastening products along with the key duplicating and engraving machines. The Company's research and development costs were $2,562, $2,349, and $2,442 in the years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 25, 2021, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation:
2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Our Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") became effective on July 14, 2021, in which 1,140,754 shares of common stock were available for issuance under the net proceedsESPP. Under the ESPP, eligible employees are granted options to purchase shares of common stock at 85% of the Public Offering and Private Placement, although substantially all of the net proceeds are intended to be applied generally toward consummating a Business Combination. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to complete a Business Combination successfully. The Company must complete one or more initial Business Combinations having an aggregate fair market value at the time of exercise. The option period commences on the first payroll date in January, April, July, and October of each year and ends approximately three months later on the last business day in March, June, September or December. No employee may be granted an option under the Plan if, immediately after the option is granted, the employee would own stock possessing five percent or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company. The first option period began on January 1, 2022 and the first purchase was made in April of 2022.
2021 Equity Incentive Plan
Effective July 14, 2021, in connection with the Merger, the Company established the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. Under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company may grant options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, and other stock-based awards. Hillman reflects the options granted in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation ("ASC 718"). The Company uses a Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options on the dates of grant. The Black-Scholes pricing model requires various assumptions, including expected term, which is based on our historical experience and expected volatility which is estimated based on the average historical volatility of similar entities with publicly traded shares. The Company also makes assumptions regarding the risk-free interest rate and the expected dividend yield. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury interest rate whose term is consistent with the expected term of the share-based award. The dividend yield on our common stock is assumed to be zero since we do not pay dividends and have no current plans to do so in the future. Determining the fair value of stock options at least 80%the grant date requires judgment, including estimates for the expected life of the share-based award, stock price volatility, dividend yield, and interest rate. These assumptions may differ significantly between grant dates because of changes in the actual results of these inputs that occur over time.
HMAN Group Holdings Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan
Prior to the Merger, the Company had a stock-based employee compensation plan pursuant to which the Company granted options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, and other stock-based awards. Hillman reflects the options granted in its stand-alone Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). The Company used a Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options on the dates of grant. The Black-Scholes pricing model requires various assumptions, including expected term, which is based on our historical experience and expected volatility which is estimated based on the average historical volatility of similar entities. The Company also made assumptions regarding the risk-free interest rate and the expected dividend yield. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury interest rate whose term is consistent with the expected term of the share-based award. The dividend yield on our common stock is assumed to be zero since we have not historically paid
50| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


dividends on these awards and have no current plans to do so in the future. Determining the fair value of stock options at the grant date requires judgment, including estimates for the expected life of the share-based award, stock price volatility, dividend yield, and interest rate. These assumptions may differ significantly between grant dates because of changes in the actual results of these inputs that occur over time.
The Company applied assumptions in the determination of the fair value of the common stock underlying the stock-based awards granted. With the assistance of an independent third-party specialist, management assessed the value of the assets heldCompany’s common stock based on a combination of the income approach and guideline public company method. Factors that were considered in the Trust Account (excluding deferred underwriting commissionsconnection with estimating these grant date fair values are as follows:
The Company’s financial results and taxes payable on the interest earned on the Trust Account) at the timefuture financial projections;
The market value of equity interests in substantially similar businesses, which equity interests can be valued through non-discretionary, objective means;
The lack of marketability of the Company’s signingcommon stock;
The likelihood of achieving a definitive agreement in connection withliquidity event, such as an initial Business Combination. public offering or business combination, given prevailing market conditions;
Industry outlook; and
General economic outlook, including economic growth, inflation and unemployment, interest rate environment and global economic trends
Determination of the fair value of our common stock also involved the application of multiple valuation methodologies and approaches, with varying weighting applied to each methodology as of the grant date. Application of these approaches involves the use of estimates, judgment, and assumptions that are highly complex and subjective, such as those regarding the Company’s expected future revenue, expenses, and future cash flows; discount rates; market multiples; the selection of comparable companies; and the probability of possible future events. Changes in any or all of these estimates and assumptions or the relationships between those assumptions impact the valuations and may have a material impact on the valuation of our common stock.
Prior to the Merger, the Company revalued the common stock annually, unless changes in facts or circumstances indicate the need for a mid-year revaluation. The valuation of the Company’s common stock was historically performed at the end of our fiscal year.
Stock-based compensation expense is recognized using a fair value based recognition method. Stock-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite vesting period or performance period of the award on a straight-line basis. The stock-based compensation expense is recorded in selling, warehouse, general and administrative expenses. The plans are more fully described in Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments:
The Company will only completeuses the accounting guidance that applies to all assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported on a Business Combination iffair value basis. The guidance defines fair value as the post-transaction company ownsprice that would be received to sell an asset or acquires 50% or morepaid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available, and minimize the outstanding voting securitiesuse of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Whenever possible, quoted prices in active markets are used to determine the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.

The Sponsors and the Company's officers and directors have entered into a letter agreement with the Company, pursuant to which they have agreed to (i) waive their redemption rights with respect to their Founder Shares and Public Shares in connection with the completion of the Business Combination, (ii) waive their redemption rights with respect to their Founder Shares and Public Shares in connection with a stockholder vote to approve an amendment to the Charter to modify the substance or timingfair value of the Company's obligationfinancial instruments.

Derivatives and Hedging:
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to redeem 100%manage its exposures to (1) interest rate fluctuations on its floating rate senior term loan and (2) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company measures those instruments at fair value and recognizes changes in the fair value of derivatives in earnings in the Public Shares ifperiod of change, unless the derivative qualifies as an effective hedge that offsets certain exposures. The Company enters into derivative instrument transactions with financial institutions acting as the counter-party. The Company does not complete a Business Combination by October 14, 2022, or to provideenter into derivative transactions for redemptionspeculative purposes and, therefore, holds no derivative instruments for trading purposes.
The relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items are formally documented, in connection with a Business Combination and (iii) waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to their Founder Shares if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination by October 14, 2022, although they will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to any Public Shares they hold if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination within the prescribed time frame; and (iv) vote any Founder Shares held by them and any Public Shares purchased during or after the Public Offering (including in open market and privately-negotiated transactions) in favor of the Business Combination.

The Company, after signing a definitive agreement for the Business Combination, will either (i) seek stockholder approval of the Business Combination at a meeting called for such purpose in connection with which stockholders may seek to redeem their shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against the Business Combination, for cash equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account calculated as of two business days prioraddition to the consummationrisk management objective and strategy for each hedge transaction. For interest rate swaps, the notional amounts, rates, and maturities of the Business Combination, includingour interest earned on the Trust Account and not previously releasedrate swaps are closely matched to the Company to pay its taxes, or (ii) provide stockholders with the opportunity to sell their shares to the Company by meansrelated terms of a tender offer for an amount in cash equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account calculated as of two business days prior to commencement of the tender offer, including interest earned on the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company to pay its taxes.hedged debt obligations. The decision as to whether the Company will seek stockholder approval of the Business Combination or will allow stockholders to sell their shares in a tender offer will be made by the Company, solely in its discretion, and will be based on a variety of factors such as the timing of the transaction and whether thecritical terms of the transaction would otherwise requireinterest rate swap are matched to the critical terms of the underlying hedged

51| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


item to determine whether the derivatives used for hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the underlying hedged item. If it is determined that a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, the hedge accounting is discontinued and all subsequent derivative gains and losses are recognized in the Statement of Comprehensive Loss.
Derivative instruments designated in hedging relationships that mitigate exposure to the variability in future cash flows of the variable-rate debt and foreign currency exchange rates are considered cash flow hedges. The Company to seek stockholder approval.records all derivative instruments in other assets or other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values. If the Company seeks stockholder approval, it will completederivative is designated as a cash flow hedge and the Business Combination only if a majorityhedging relationship qualifies for hedge accounting, the effective portion of the outstanding shares of common stock voted are voted in favor of the Business Combination. However, in no event will the Company redeem the Public Shares in an amount that would cause its net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001. In such case, the Company would not proceed with the redemption of the Public Shares and the related Business Combination, and instead may search for an alternate Business Combination.

F-8

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements

Notwithstanding the foregoing redemption rights, if the Company seeks stockholder approval of the Business Combination and it does not conduct redemptions in connection with the Business Combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, the Charter provides that a public stockholder, together with any affiliate of such stockholder or any other person with whom such stockholder is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), will be restricted from redeeming its shares with respect to more than an aggregate of 15% of the shares soldchange in the Public Offering, without the Company’s prior consent.

The Public Shares have been recorded at their redemption amount and classified as temporary equity (“Redeemable Shares”), in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“FASB ASC”) 480, ‘‘Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.’’ The amount in the Trust Account was initially $10.00 per Public Share ($500,000,000 held in the Trust Account divided by 50,000,000 Public Shares). See Note 3.

The Company will have until October 14, 2022, to complete the Business Combination. If the Company does not complete the Business Combination within this period of time, it shall (i) cease all operations except for the purposes of winding up; (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible, but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the Public Shares for a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company to pay its taxes (less up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of the Company’s remaining stockholders and its board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to the Company’s obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims to creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. The Sponsors and the Company’s officers and directors have entered into a letter agreement with the Company, pursuant to which they have waived their rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to any Founder Shares (as defined below) held by them if the Company fails to complete its Business Combination by October 14, 2022; however, the Sponsors, officers and directors are entitled to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to Public Shares held by them if the Company does not complete the Business Combination within the required time period. In the event of such distribution, it is possible that the per sharefair value of the residual assets remaining availablederivative is recorded in other comprehensive income or loss. The change in fair value for distribution (including Trust Account assets) will be less than the initial public offering price per Unitinstruments not qualifying for hedge accounting are recognized in the Public Offering.

F-9

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements

Pursuant toStatement of Comprehensive Loss in the letter agreement referenced above, the Sponsors, officers and directors agreed that, if the Company submits the Business Combination to the Company’s public stockholders for a vote, such parties will vote their Founder Shares and any Public Shares in favorperiod of the Business Combination.

Subsequent Events

change. See Note 15 - Derivatives and Hedging for additional information.

Translation of Foreign Currencies:
The Company has evaluated subsequent eventstranslation of the Company's Canadian and transactions that occurred afterMexican local currency based financial statements into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date up toand for revenue and expense accounts using an average exchange rate during the date the financial statements were issued. The Company did not identify any subsequent events that would have required adjustment to or disclosureperiod. Cumulative translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity.
Use of Estimates in the financial statements, other than those included herein.

Fiscal Year End

Preparation of Financial Statements:

The Company has a December 31 fiscal year-end.

2.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basispreparation of Presentation

The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of the Company and have been preparedConsolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Use of Estimates

The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amountsamount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenuerevenues and expenses duringfor the reporting period. Actual results couldmay differ from these estimates.


3. MERGER AGREEMENT
On July 14, 2021, the Merger between HMAN and Landcadia was consummated. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the closing date of the Merger, the outstanding shares of Old Hillman common stock were converted into 91,220,901 shares of New Hillman common stock as calculated pursuant to the Merger Agreement.
The Merger was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded, in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, Landcadia is treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. This determination was based primarily on Old Hillman having the ability to appoint a majority of the initial Board of the combined entity, Old Hillman's senior management comprising the majority of the senior management of the combined company, and the ongoing operations of Old Hillman comprising the ongoing operations of the combined company. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the Merger was treated as the equivalent of New Hillman issuing shares for the net assets of Landcadia, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of Landcadia were stated at carrying value. The historical statements of the combined entity prior to the Merger are presented as those estimates.

Emerging Growthof Old Hillman with the exception of the shares and par value of equity recast to reflect the exchange ratio on the Closing Date, adjusted on a retroactive basis. A summary of the impact of the reverse recapitalization on the cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, change in net assets and the change in common shares is included in the tables below.

Landcadia cash and cash equivalents (1)
$479,602 
PIPE investment proceeds (2)
375,000
Less cash paid to underwriters and other transaction costs, net of tax(3)
(36,140)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents as a result of recapitalization$818,462 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1)
132
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses (1)
(81)
Warrant liabilities (1)(4)
(77,190)
Change in net assets as a result of recapitalization$741,323 
52| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


The change in number of shares outstanding as a result of the reverse recapitalization is summarized as follows:
Common shares issued to new Hillman shareholders (5)
91,220,901 
Shares issued to SPAC sponsors and public shareholders (6)
58,672,000 
Common shares issued to PIPE investors (2)
37,500,000 
Common shares outstanding immediately after the business combination187,392,901 
1.These assets and liabilities represent the reported balances as of the Closing Date immediately prior to the Business Combination. The recapitalization of the assets and liabilities from Landcadia's balance sheet was a non-cash financing activity.
2.In connection with the Business Combination, Landcadia entered into subscription agreements with certain investors (the “PIPE Investors”), pursuant to which it issued 37,500,000 shares of common stock at $10.00 per share (the “PIPE Shares”) for an aggregate purchase price of $375,000 (the “PIPE Financing”), which closed simultaneously with the consummation of the Business Combination.
3.In connection with the Business Combination, the Company

incurred $36,140 of transaction costs, net of tax, consisting of underwriting, legal and other professional fees which were recorded as accumulated deficit as a reduction of proceeds.

4.The warrants acquired in the Merger include (a) redeemable warrants issued by Landcadia and sold as part of the units in the Landcadia IPO (whether they were purchased in the Landcadia IPO or thereafter in the open market), which were exercisable for an aggregate of 16,666,628 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $11.50 per share (the “Public Warrants”) and (b) warrants issued by Landcadia to the Sponsors in a private placement simultaneously with the closing of the Landcadia IPO, which were exercisable for an aggregate of 8,000,000 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $11.50 per share (the “Private Placement Warrants”).
5.The Company isissued 91,220,901 common shares in exchange for 553,439 Old Hillman common shares resulting in an “emerging growth company,”exchange ratio of 164.83. This exchange ratio was applied to Old Hillman's common shares which further impacted common stock held at par value and additional paid in capital as defined in Section 2(a)well as the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding and loss per common share.
6.The Company issued 50,000,000 shares to the public shareholders and 8,672,000 shares to the SPAC sponsor shareholders at the Closing Date.

4. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Securities ActEffects of 1933, asReference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting which provides optional guidance for a limited time to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The new guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments apply only to contracts and hedging relationships that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. These amendments are effective immediately and may be applied prospectively to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated on or before December 31, 2024. As of December 30, 2023, the Company does not have any receivables, hedging relationships, lease agreements, or debt agreements that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. On June 30, 2023, we amended (the “Securities Act”), as modifiedand restated our term loan and interest rate swap agreements. As a result of those amendments, our floating rate debt no longer references a LIBOR based benchmark rate.
In January 2021, FASB issued ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform to expand the scope of ASU 2020-04 by allowing an entity to apply the optional expedients, by stating that a change to the interest rate used for margining, discounting or contract price alignment for a derivative is not considered to be a change to the critical terms of the hedging relationship that requires designation. The entity may apply the contract modification relief provided in ASU 2020-04 and continue to account for the derivative in the same manner that existed prior to the changes resulting from reference rate reform or the discounting transition. As of December 30, 2023, the Company does not have any receivables, hedging relationships, lease agreements, or debt agreements that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. On June 30, 2023, we amended and restated our term loan and interest rate swap agreements. As a result of those amendments, our floating rate debt no longer references a LIBOR based benchmark rate.
On October 28, 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, which amends ASC 805 to require acquiring entities to apply Topic 606 to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination. Under current GAAP, an acquirer generally recognizes such items at fair value on the acquisition date.
53| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


This update is intended to improve the accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination by addressing diversity in practice and inconsistency related to 1) the recognition of an acquired contract liability, and 2) payment terms and their effect on subsequent revenue recognized by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”),acquirer. The amendment is effective on December 15, 2022. The Company has evaluated the impact provided by the new standard and it may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

F-10

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements

Further, section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or dostandard did not have a classmaterial impact on its financial statements.

On March 28, 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-01, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging which clarifies the guidance in ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging on fair value hedge accounting of securities registered underinterest rate risk for portfolios of financial assets. The ASU amends the Exchange Act) are requiredguidance in ASU 2017-12 which established the "last-of-layer" method for making the fair value hedge accounting for these portfolios more accessible. ASU 2022-01 renames that method the "portfolio layer'' method. Under current guidance, the last-of-layer method enables an entity to comply withapply fair value hedging to a stated amount of a closed portfolio of prepayable financial assets without having to consider prepayment risk or credit risk when measuring those assets. ASU 2022-01 expands the new or revisedscope of this guidance to allow entities to apply the portfolio layer method to portfolios of all financial accounting standards.assets, including both prepayable and non-prepayable financial assets. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such an election to opt outamendment is irrevocable.effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies,evaluated the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adoptimpact provided by the new or revised standard atand the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of the Company’s financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accountant standards used.

Cash and Cash equivalents

The Company considers cash equivalents to be all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased. The Companystandard did not have any cash equivalents as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Cash consists of proceeds from the Public Offering and Private Placement held outside of the Trust Account and may be used to pay for business, legal and accounting due diligence for the Business Combination and continuing general and administrative expenses.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash accounts with a material impact on its financial institution which may exceed the Federal depository insurance coverage of $250,000. The Company has not experienced losses on these accounts and the Company believes that it is not exposed to significant risks on such accounts.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments understatements.

In September 2022, the FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures,” approximatesissued ASU 2022-04, Liabilities—Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50) to enhance the carrying amounts representedtransparency of supplier finance programs. The amendments in the balance sheet.

Offering Costs

The Company complies with the requirements of FASB ASC 340-10-S99-1 and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) Topic 5A-“Expenses of Offering.” Offering costs of approximately $775,000 consisted of costs incurred for legal, accounting, and other costs incurredthis update apply to all entities that use supplier finance programs in connection with the formationpurchase of goods and preparationservices. Supplier finance programs include reverse factoring, payables finance, or structured payables arrangements that allow a buyer to offer its suppliers the option for access to payment in advance of an invoice due date. The amendments in this update require that a buyer in a supplier finance program disclose sufficient information about the Public Offering. These costs, together with $27,500,000 in underwriting commissions, were charged to additional paid-in capital uponprogram including the closing of the Public Offering.

F-11

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements

Accounts Payableprogram’s nature and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities were $127,450 as of December 31, 2020, and primarily consist of Delaware franchise tax expenses and costs incurred for the formation and preparation of the Public Offering with corresponding amounts charged to Offering costs.

Loss Per Common Share

Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstandingactivity during the period. All shares of Class B common stock are assumedperiod, changes from period to convert to shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. Consistent with FASB ASC 480, shares of Class A common stock subject to possible redemption,period, and potential magnitude as well as disclosure of the qualitative and quantitative information about its supplier finance programs. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 and should be applied retrospectively to each period in which a balance sheet is presented. The amendment on roll forward information is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, which should be applied prospectively. Company has evaluated the impact provided by the new standard and the standard did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

On November 27, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The amendments in this update improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. In addition, the amendments enhance interim disclosure requirements, clarify circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss, provide new segment disclosure requirements for entities with a single reportable segment, and contain other disclosure requirements. The purpose of the amendments is to enable investors to better understand an entity’s overall performance and assists in assessing potential future cash flows. The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact provided by the new standard.
On December 14, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The amendments in this update require that public business entities on an annual basis (1) disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and (2) provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. The standard requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information on income taxes paid. The standard is intended to benefit investors by providing more detailed income tax disclosures that would be useful in making capital allocation decisions. The amendments on Income Tax Disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact provided by the new standard.

5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Hillman, Jefferies Financial Group Inc., certain other financial sponsors, certain CCMP affiliated investors and certain Oak Hill affliated investors entered into the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement (the “A&R Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, the parties to the A&R Registration Rights Agreement agreed not to effect any sale or distribution of any equity securities of Hillman held by any of them during the lock-up period described therein and were granted certain registration rights with respect to their pro rata sharerespective shares of undistributed trust earnings consistent withHillman common stock, in each case, on the two-class method, have been excludedterms and subject to the conditions therein. Richard Zannino and Joe Scharfenberger, both partners at CCMP, were members of our Board at the time Hillman entered into the A&R Registration Rights Agreement. Mr. Zannino and Mr. Scharfenberger each resigned from the calculation
54| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Hillman Board in May 2023 following CCMP's complete exit of loss per common shareits investment in Hillman during the second quarter of 2023. Another director, Teresa Gendron, was the CFO of Jefferies Financial Group Inc. until March 2023. Additionally, Oak Hill owned in excess of 5% of the Company’s outstanding securities at certain times in fiscal 2022.
The Company recorded aggregate management fee charges and expenses from CCMP and Oak Hill Funds of $270 for the year ended December 25, 2021. Subsequent to the Merger, the Company is no longer being charged management fees, see Note 3 - Merger Agreement for additional details.
Gregory Mann and Gabrielle Mann are employed by Hillman. Hillman leases an industrial warehouse and office facility from companies under the control of the Manns. Rental expense for the lease of this facility was $205 and $351 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 20192022 and December 25, 2021, respectively. The building was sold to a third party in 2022 and is an arm's length transaction from the period from March 13, 2018 (inception)date of sale forward.
Sales to December 31, 2018. Such shares, if redeemed, only participaterelated parties, which are included in their pro rata sharenet sales, consist primarily of trust earnings, see Note 3. Diluted loss per share includes the incremental numbersale of sharesexcess inventory to Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. ("Ollie's"). John Swygert, President and Chief Executive Officer of common stockOllie's, is a member of our Board of Directors. Sales to be issued in connection with the conversion of Class B common stock or to settle warrants, as calculated using the treasury stock method. Forrelated parties were $1,583 and $687 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 201930, 2023 and the period from March 13, 2018 (inception) to December 31, 2022, respectively. There were no such sales made during 2021.

6. ACQUISITIONS
Oz Post International, LLC
On April 16, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of Oz Post International, LLC ("OZCO"), a leading manufacturer of superior quality hardware that offers structural fasteners and connectors used for decks, fences and other outdoor structures, for a total purchase price of $39,834. The Company entered into an amendment ("OZCO Amendment") to the term loan credit agreement dated May 31, 2018 (the "2018 Term Loan"), which provided $35,000 of incremental term loan funds to be used to finance the acquisition. OZCO has business operations throughout North America and its financial results reside in the Company's Hardware and Protective Solutions reportable segment.
The following table reconciles the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities to the total purchase price of OZCO.
Accounts receivable$1,341 
Inventory3,435 
Other current assets26 
Property and equipment595 
Goodwill9,093 
Customer relationships23,500 
Trade names2,600 
Technology4,000 
Total assets acquired$44,590 
Less:
Liabilities assumed(4,756)
Total purchase price$39,834 
Pro forma financial information has not been presented for OZCO as their associated financial results are insignificant to the financial results of the Company.
Other Acquisitions
On March 7, 2022, the Company completed its acquisition of the Irvine, California-based Monkey Hook, LLC ("Monkey Hook") for a total purchase price of $2,800, which includes $300 in hold-back that remained payable to the seller as of December 31, 2022. During the first quarter of 2023, the hold-back of $300 was paid to satisfy the full purchase price. Monkey Hook products are designed to hang artwork on drywall where no stud is present. Monkey Hook sells its products throughout North America and its financial results reside in the Company's
55| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Hardware and Protective Solutions reportable segment and have been determined to be immaterial for purposes of additional disclosure.
On December 5, 2023, the Company completed its acquisition of Ajustlock, an innovative adjustable barrel bolt lock used on gates, doors or windows which self-adjusts vertically to eliminate door shift issues, for a total purchase price of $1,400, which includes a $100 hold-back payable to the seller. Ajustlock sells its products throughout North America and its financial results reside in the Company's Hardware and Protective Solutions reportable segment and have been determined to be immaterial for purposes of additional disclosure.

7. INCOME TAXES
Loss before income taxes are comprised of the following components for the periods indicated:
Year Ended December 30, 2023Year Ended
December 31, 2022
Year Ended
December 25, 2021
United States based operations$(17,902)$(32,817)$(56,597)
Non-United States based operations10,520 18,150 6,481 
Loss before income taxes$(7,382)$(14,667)$(50,116)

Below are the components of the Company's income tax expense (benefit) for the periods indicated:
Year Ended December 30, 2023Year Ended
December 31, 2022
Year Ended
December 25, 2021
Current:
Federal & State$4,713 $1,838 $894 
Foreign2,642 177 746 
Total current7,355 2,015 1,640 
Deferred:
Federal & State(5,059)(4,648)(13,651)
Foreign(38)4,406 664 
Total deferred(5,097)(242)(12,987)
Valuation allowance(51)(4)(437)
Income tax expense (benefit)$2,207 $1,769 $(11,784)

The Company has U.S. federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards totaling $35,938 as of December 30, 2023 that are available to offset future taxable income. The remaining NOL can be carried forward indefinitely but is subject to an 80% taxable income limitation. $4,921 of the remaining U.S. federal NOLs were acquired with the MinuteKey purchase in 2018. The MinuteKey NOLs are subject to limitation under IRC §382 from current and prior ownership changes. Management anticipates utilizing all U.S. federal NOLs prior to their expiration.
The Company has state NOL carryforwards with an aggregate tax benefit of $2,411 which expire from 2023 to 2042.
The Company has $1,035 of general business tax credit carryforwards which expire from 2026 to 2041. A valuation allowance of $210 has been maintained for a portion of these tax credits. The Company has $82 of foreign tax credit carryforwards which expire from 2023 to 2026. A full valuation allowance has been established for these credits given insufficient foreign source income projections.
The table below reflects the significant components of the Company's net deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
56| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


 December 30, 2023December 31, 2022
 Non-currentNon-current
Deferred Tax Asset:
Inventory$21,807 $12,786 
Bad debt and other sales related reserves1,918 1,868 
Casualty loss reserve651 606 
Accrued bonus / deferred compensation9,628 6,458 
Interest limitation26,247 37,709 
Lease liabilities25,690 19,843 
Deferred revenue - shipping terms319 354 
Transaction costs1,536 1,701 
Deferred financing fees949 867 
Federal / foreign net operating loss7,363 16,477 
State net operating loss2,411 3,793 
Tax credit carryforwards1,219 2,274 
All other2,404 1,487 
Gross deferred tax assets102,142 106,223 
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets(292)(1,030)
Net deferred tax assets$101,850 $105,193 
Deferred Tax Liability:
Intangible asset amortization$178,025 $192,989 
Property and equipment29,875 28,647 
Lease assets23,903 18,129 
Derivative security value1,599 5,519 
Deferred tax liabilities$233,402 $245,284 
Net deferred tax liability$131,552 $140,091 

Realization of the net deferred tax assets is dependent on the reversal of deferred tax liabilities. Although realization is not assured, management estimates it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will be realized. The amount of net deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward periods are reduced.
The Company historically considered the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested based on access to sufficient liquidity within the United States, as well as plans for use and investment outside of the United States. As such, the Company did not provide for income taxes on undistributed earnings and other outside basis differences of its Canadian and Mexican subsidiaries. In 2023, the Company reevaluated its assertion and determined it no longer intends to indefinitely reinvest its non-U.S. undistributed earnings. In 2023, the Company repatriated funds from its Canadian subsidiary and recorded an associated withholding tax expense of $1,484. The Company has determined that the remaining undistributed earnings as of the reporting date can be repatriated without incurring further withholding taxes, U.S. state taxes, and certain tax impacts relating to foreign currency exchange effects. Any tax implications of future year remittances are expected to result from future year earnings.





57| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Below is a reconciliation of statutory income tax rates to the effective income tax rates for the periods indicated:
Year Ended December 30, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended
December 25, 2021
Statutory federal income tax rate21.0 %21.0 %21.0 %
Non-U.S. taxes(12.5)%(7.1)%(1.3)%
State and local income taxes, net of U.S. federal income tax benefit0.2 %2.9 %2.9 %
Change in valuation allowance— %— %0.9 %
Adjustment for change in tax law— %5.4 %— %
Acquisition and related transaction costs(3.8)%(2.7)%(2.2)%
Decrease in fair value of warrant liability— %— %6.2 %
Meals & Entertainment(2.7)%(0.1)%(0.2)%
Withholding taxes(20.1)%— %— %
Impact of foreign currency3.3 %— %— %
Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income ("GILTI")— %(24.4)%(0.5)%
Reconciliation of tax provision to return(1.4)%(0.2)%(1.7)%
Non-deductible compensation(13.3)%(6.4)%(1.9)%
Reconciliation of other adjustments(0.6)%(0.5)%0.3 %
Effective income tax rate(29.9)%(12.1)%23.5 %
The Company's reserve for unrecognized tax benefits remains unchanged for the year ended December 30, 2023. A balance of $1,101 of unrecognized tax benefit is shown in the financial statements at December 30, 2023 as a reduction of the deferred tax asset for the Company's NOL carryforward.
The following is a summary of the changes for the periods indicated below:
 Year Ended December 30, 2023Year Ended
December 31, 2022
Year Ended
December 25, 2021
Unrecognized tax benefits - beginning balance$1,101 $1,101 $1,101 
Gross increases - tax positions in current period— — — 
Gross increases - tax positions in prior period— — — 
Gross decreases - tax positions in prior period— — — 
Unrecognized tax benefits - ending balance$1,101 $1,101 $1,101 
Amount of unrecognized tax benefit that, if recognized would affect the Company's effective tax rate$1,101 $1,101 $1,101 
The Company files a consolidated income tax return in the U.S. and numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is under audit in Canada. The audit is in the beginning phase. There are no other significant audits for the period ended December 30, 2023. In general, our income tax returns for the years from 2008 through the current year remain open to examination by federal and state taxing authorities. In addition, our tax years of 2015 through current year remain open and subject to examination by tax authorities in certain foreign jurisdictions in which we have any dilutive warrants, securities or other contracts that could, potentially, be exercised or converted intooperations.

8. WARRANTS
Each whole warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one share of common stock. As a result, diluted loss per common share is the same as basic loss per common share for all periods presented. Further, in accordance with FASB ASC 260, the lossstock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share calculation reflects the effectand a redemption price of $.10 a share. As of the stock splitsdate of the merger, as discussed in Note 3 for all periods presented.

See Note 7 for further information.

Income Taxes

The Company was taxed as a limited liability company prior to August 24, 2020, therefore all tax implications- Merger Agreement, there were the responsibility24,666,628 warrants outstanding consisting of its member As of August 24, 2020 the Company elected to be taxes as a C Corporation. The Company complies with the accounting and reporting requirements of FASB ASC, 740, “Income Taxes,”16,666,628 public warrants, which requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in future taxable or deductible amounts, based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

There were no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. FASB ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. No amounts were accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. The Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviation from its position.

See Note 8 for further information.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

F-12

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements

3.

Stockholders’ Equity

On March 13, 2018, JFG, through a subsidiary, purchased a 100% of the membership interestincluded in the Company for $1,000. On August 24, 2020, TJF purchased a 51.7% membership interestunits issued in Landcadia's initial public offering ("Public Warrants"), and 8,000,000 private placement warrants, which were included in the Company for $1,070. Simultaneously, the Company converted from a limited liability company to a corporation and its previously outstanding membership interest converted into shares of Class B common stock. The total number of authorized shares of all classes of capital stock is 401,000,000, of which 380,000,000 shares are Class A shares at par value $0.0001 per share; 20,000,000 shares are Class B shares at par value $0.0001 per share; and 1,000,000 shares are preferred stock at par value $0.0001 per share. The Sponsors held an aggregate of 11,500,000 Class B shares based on the proportional interestunits issued in the Company. Further, on September 16, 2020, we conducted a 1:1.25 stock split of the Founder Shares so that a total of 14,375,000 Founder Shares were issued and outstanding. An aggregate of 1,875,000 Founder Shares were forfeited because the underwriters did not exercise their over-allotment option. As of December 31, 2020 JFG and TJF owned 12,500,000 Founder Shares based on their proportional interest in the Company. The financial statements reflect the changes in stock retroactively for all periods presented.

Following these transactions, the Company had $2,070 of invested capital, or approximately $0.0001 per share.

Redeemable Shares

All of the 50,000,000 Public Shares sold as part of the Public Offering contain a redemption feature as defined in the Public Offering. In accordance with FASB ASC 480, redemption provisions not solely within the control of the Company require the security to be classified outside of permanent equity. The Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides a minimum net tangible asset threshold of $5,000,001. The Company recognizes changes in redemption value immediately as they occur and will adjust the carrying value of the security to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period. Increases or decreases in the carrying amount of Redemption Shares will be affected by charges against additional paid-in capital.

At December 31, 2020 there were 50,000,000 Public Shares, of which 47,849,916 were classified as Redeemable Shares, classified outside of permanent equity, and 2,150,084 classified as Class A common stock.

For further information on the Founder Shares, see Note 5.

F-13

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements

4.Public Offering

Public Units

In the Public Offering, which closed October 14, 2020, the Company sold 50,000,000 Units at a price of $10.00 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one share of the Company’s Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value and one-third of one redeemable warrant (each whole warrant is a “Public Warrant”). Under the terms of the warrant agreement, the Company has agreed to use its best efforts to file a new registration statement under the Securities Act no later than 15 business days following the completion of the Business Combination covering the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants, to use its best efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective and to maintain a current prospectus relating to those shares of Class A common stock until the Public Warrants expire or are redeemed. If a registration statement covering the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants is not effective by the 60th business day after the closing of the Business Combination, warrantholders may, until such time as there is an effective registration statement and during any period when the Company will have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise warrants on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act or another exemption. Notwithstanding the above, If the Class A common stock isconcurrent private placement at the time of any exercise of aLandcadia's initial public offering ("Private Placement Warrants" and, collectively with the Public Warrants, the

58| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


"Warrants"). The Public and Private Placement Warrants were accounted for as liabilities and are presented as warrant not listedliabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The warrant liabilities are measured at fair value at inception and on a national securities exchange such that it satisfiesrecurring basis, with changes in fair value presented within loss on change in fair value of warrant liabilities in the definitionConsolidated Statements of a “covered security” under Section 18(b)(l)Comprehensive Loss. As of the Securities Act,date of the Merger, the fair market value of the warranty liabilities were recorded as $77,190 on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Public Warrants were considered part of level 1 of the fair value hierarchy, as those securities are traded on an active public market. At the Closing Date, the Company valued the Private Warrants using Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The Private Warrants were valued using a Modified Black Scholes Model, which is considered to be a Level 3 fair value measurement. The primary unobservable input utilized in determining the fair value of the Private Warrants are the share price of the Company's common stock, the risk free rate, and the expected volatility of the Company’s common stock.
The Public Warrants may at its option, require holdersonly be exercised for a whole number of shares. No fractional warrants were issued upon separation of the units issued in the initial public offering into their component parts of Public Warrants who exercise theirand shares of common stock. The Public Warrants to do so on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act and, in the event the Company so elects, it will not be required to file or maintain in effect a registration statement.

Each Public Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. Each Public Warrant will becomebecame exercisable on the later of 30 days after the completion of the Business Combination or 12 months from the closing of the Public Offering. However,

On November 22, 2021, the Company announced that it would redeem all of its outstanding warrants (the “Public Warrants”) to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), that were issued under the Amended and Restated Warrant Agreement (the “Warrant Agreement”), dated November 13, 2020, by and between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (“CST”), as warrant agent (the “Warrant Agent”) as part of the units sold in the Company’s initial public offering (the “IPO”) and that remain outstanding at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on December 22, 2021 (the “Redemption Date”) for a redemption price of $0.10 per Public Warrant. In addition, the Company would redeem all of its outstanding warrants to purchase Common Stock that were issued under the Warrant Agreement in a private placement simultaneously with the IPO (the “Private Warrants” and, together with the Public Warrants, the “Warrants”) on the same terms as the outstanding Public Warrants.
Under the terms of the Warrant Agreement, the Company was entitled to redeem all of the outstanding Public Warrants at a redemption price of $0.10 per Public Warrant if (i) the last sales price (the “Reference Value”) of the Common Stock equals or exceeds $10.00 per share on any twenty trading days within any thirty-day trading period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which a notice of redemption is given and (ii) if the Reference Value is less than $18.00 per share, the Private Warrants must also concurrently be called for redemption on the same terms as the outstanding Public Warrants. At the direction of the Company, doesthe Warrant Agent delivered a notice of redemption to each of the registered holders of the outstanding Warrants. As the Reference Value was less than $18.00 per share, payment upon exercise of the Warrants was made either (i) in cash, at an exercise price of $11.50 per share of Common Stock or (ii) on a “cashless basis” in which the exercising holder received a number of shares of Common Stock determined in accordance with the terms of the Warrant Agreement and based on the Redemption Date and the volume weighted average price (the “Fair Market Value”) of the Common Stock during the 10 trading days immediately following the date on which the notice of redemption was sent to holders of Warrants. The Company provided holders the Fair Market Value no later than one business day after such 10-trading day period ends. In no event did the number of shares of Common Stock issued in connection with an exercise on a cashless basis exceed 0.361 shares of Common Stock per Warrant. If any holder of Warrants would, after taking into account all of such holder’s Warrants exercised at one time, have been entitled to receive a fractional interest in a share of Common Stock, the number of shares the holder was entitled to receive was rounded down to the nearest whole number of shares. Any Warrants that remained unexercised at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the Redemption Date was then void and no longer exercisable, and the holders of those Warrants were entitled to receive only the redemption price of $0.10 per warrant.
As of December 25, 2021, the Company exercised and redeemed all of its warrants generating cash proceeds of $8 and cash paid of $47 and issuing 6,365 shares of Common Stock. Public and private warrant exercise activity and underlying Common Stock issued or surrendered for the year ended December 25, 2021 is:

59| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Public WarrantsPrivate WarrantsTotal
Beginning balance as of July, 14 202116,666,628 8,000,000 24,666,628 
Shares issued for cash exercises(666)— (666)
Shares issued for cashless exercises(16,199,169)(8,000,000)(24,199,169)
Shares redeemed by the Company(466,793)— (466,793)
Ending balance as of December 25, 2021— — — 

9. LONG-TERM DEBT
The following table summarizes the Company’s debt:
December 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Revolving loans$— $72,000 
Senior Term Loan, due 2028751,852 840,363 
Finance leases & other obligations9,097 6,406 
$760,949 $918,769 
Unamortized discount on Senior Term Loan(4,087)(5,012)
Current portion of long term debt and finance leases(9,952)(10,570)
Deferred financing fees(15,202)(18,551)
Total long term debt, net$731,708 $884,636 
2023 Conversion of Debt from LIBOR Interest Rate to SOFR Interest Rate
The Company's debt instruments are subject to interest rate adjustments that were initially based on the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). However, due to the discontinuation of LIBOR as a benchmark rate and the industry's transition to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), the Company has undertaken the necessary steps to convert its debt from LIBOR interest rate to SOFR interest rate. On June 30, 2023, the Company amended the term loan credit agreement to change the benchmark rate from LIBOR to SOFR.
The interest rate for the term loan is, at the discretion of the Company, (i) term SOFR plus a margin varying from 2.50% to 2.75% per annum based on leverage, plus a credit spread adjustment varying between 0.11% to 0.43%, depending on the SOFR tenor selected; or (ii) an alternate base rate plus a margin varying from 1.50% to 1.75% per annum based on leverage.
Revolving Loans and Term Loans
As of December 30, 2023, the ABL Revolver did not completehave an outstanding balance, and had outstanding letters of credit of $40,890. The Company has $246,838 of available borrowings under the Business Combinationrevolving credit facility as a source of liquidity as of December 30, 2023 based on the customary asset-backed loan borrowing base and availability provisions.
In August 2023, the Company made a $80.0 million prepayment against the outstanding term loan balance without payment of a premium or prior to October 14,penalty.
On July 29, 2022, the WarrantsCompany amended the asset-based revolving credit agreement (the “ABL Revolver") with Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent, and the lenders and other parties thereto (the “ABL Credit Agreement”), increasing the aggregate commitments thereunder to $375.0 million and extended the maturity. Portions of the ABL Agreement are separately available for borrowing by the Company's United States subsidiary and Canadian subsidiary for $325.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively. The interest rate for the ABL Revolver is, at the discretion of the Company, adjusted SOFR (or a Canadian banker’s acceptance rate in the case of Canadian Dollar loans) plus a margin varying from 1.25% to 1.75% per annum based on availability or an alternate base rate (or a Canadian prime rate or alternate base rate in the case of Canadian Dollar loans), plus a margin varying from 0.25% to 0.75% per annum based on availability, plus a 0.10% credit spread adjustment. The stated maturity date of the revolving credit commitments under the ABL Credit Agreement is July 29, 2027. The loans and other amounts outstanding under the ABL Credit Agreement and related documents are guaranteed by Hillman Solutions
60| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Corp., and, subject to certain exceptions, the Borrower’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries and are secured by substantially all of the Borrower’s and the guarantors’ assets plus, solely in the case of the Canadian Borrower, its and its wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary’s assets, which is guaranteed by the Canadian portion under the ABL Credit Agreement.
On April 16, 2021, the Company acquired Oz Post International, LLC ("OZCO"). The Company entered into an amendment ("OZCO Amendment") to the term loan credit agreement dated May 31, 2018 (the "2018 Term Loan"), which provided $35,000 of incremental term loan funds to be used to finance the acquisition. See Note 6 - Acquisitions for additional information regarding the OZCO acquisition.
The aggregate minimum principal maturities of the long-term debt obligations for each of the five years following December 30, 2023 are as follows:
YearAmount
2024$7,152 
20256,806 
20266,823 
20278,661 
20288,510 
Thereafter715,685 
Total$753,637 
Note that future finance lease payments were excluded from the maturity schedule above. Refer to Note 10 - Leases.
2021 Refinancing
In connection with the Closing as described in Note 1 - Basis of Presentation, the Company entered into a new credit agreement (the “Term Credit Agreement”), which provided for a new funded term loan facility of $835.0 million and a delayed draw term loan facility of $200.0 million (of which $16.0 million was drawn). The Company also entered into an amendment to their existing Asset-Based Revolving Credit Agreement (the “ABL Amendment”) extending the maturity and conformed certain provisions to the Term Credit Agreement. The proceeds of the funded term loans under the Term Credit Agreement and revolving credit loans under the ABL Credit Agreement were used, together with other available cash, to (1) refinance in full all outstanding term loans and to terminate all outstanding commitments under the credit agreement, dated as of May 31, 2018 ("2018 Term Loan" including the OZCO Amendment), (2) refinance outstanding revolving credit loans, and (3) redeem in full the senior notes due July 15, 2022 (the “6.375% Senior Notes”). Additionally, the Company fully redeemed the 11.6% Junior Subordinated Debentures.
The interest rate on the Term Credit Agreement is, at the discretion of the Company, either the adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") rate plus a margin varying from 2.50% and 2.75% per annum or an alternate base rate plus a margin varying from 1.50% to 1.75% per annum. The Term Credit Agreement is payable in installments equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount and delayed draw with a balloon payment due on the maturity date of July 14, 2028. The term loans and other amounts outstanding under the Term Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Company's wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries and are secured by substantially all of the Borrower’s and the Guarantors' assets. The delayed draw term loan facility under the Term Credit Agreement may be used to finance permitted acquisitions and similar investments and to replenish cash and repay revolving credit loans previously used for permitted acquisitions. As of July 2023, the delayed draw term loan facility expired and is no longer accumulating interest expense.
In connection with the Term Credit Agreement, the Company recorded $23,432 in deferred financing fees and $6,380 in discounts which are recorded as long term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. In connection with the ABL Amendment, the Company recorded $3,035 in deferred financing fees which are recorded as other non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Additionally, the Company recorded a loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt for each debt instrument included in the refinancing as detailed below. The Company amended its interest rate swaps in connection with the refinancing, see Note 15 - Derivatives and Hedging for additional details.
61| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt
Term Credit Agreement$20,243 
ABL Revolver288 
6.375% Senior Notes, due 20221,083 
11.6% Junior Subordinated Debentures(13,603)
Interest rate swaps59 
Total$8,070 

The interest rate on the 2018 Term Loan was, at the discretion of the Company, either the adjusted LIBOR rate plus 4.00% per annum for LIBOR loans or an alternate base rate plus 3.00% per annum. The 2018 Term Loan was payable in fixed installments of approximately $2,652 per quarter, with a balloon payment scheduled on the loan's maturity date of May 31, 2025.
6.375% Senior Notes, due 2022
On June 30, 2014, Hillman Group issued $330.0 million aggregate principal amount of its senior notes due July 15, 2022 (the “6.375% Senior Notes”), which are guaranteed by Hillman Solutions Corp. and its domestic subsidiaries other than the Hillman Group Capital Trust. Hillman Group pays interest on the 6.375% Senior Notes semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each fiscal year. The 6.375% senior notes were fully redeemed in 2021 in connection with the refinancing discussed above.
Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interest in the Company's Junior Subordinated Debentures
In September 1997, The Hillman Group Capital Trust ("Trust"), a Grantor trust, completed a $105,443 underwritten public offering of 4,217,724 Trust Preferred Securities (“TOPrS”). The Trust invested the proceeds from the sale of the preferred securities in an equal principal amount of 11.6% Junior Subordinated Debentures of Hillman due September 30, 2027.
The Company paid interest to the Trust on the Junior Subordinated Debentures underlying the TOPrS at the rate of 11.6% per annum on their face amount of $105,443, or $12,231 per annum in the aggregate. The Trust distributed monthly cash payments it received from the Company as interest on the debentures to preferred security holders at an annual rate of 11.6% on the liquidation amount of $25.00 per preferred security.
In connection with the public offering of TOPrS, the Trust issued $3,261 of trust common securities to the Company. The Trust invested the proceeds from the sale of the trust common securities in an equal principal amount of 11.6% Junior Subordinated Debentures of Hillman due September 30, 2027. The Trust distributed monthly cash payments it received from the Company as interest on the debentures to the Company at an annual rate of 11.6% on the liquidation amount of the common security.
The Trust Preferred Securities were fully redeemed in 2021 in connection with the refinancing discussed above.

10. LEASES
Lessee
The Company determines if a contract is or contains a lease at inception or modification of a contract. A contract is or contains a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period in exchange for consideration. Control over the use of the identified asset means the lessee has both 1) the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the asset and 2) the right to direct the use of the asset. The Company leases certain distribution center locations, vehicles, forklifts, computer equipment, and its corporate headquarters with expiration dates through 2033. Certain lease arrangements include escalating rent payments and options to extend the lease term. Expected lease terms include these options to extend or
62| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain the Company will expireexercise the option. The Company's leasing arrangements do not contain material residual value guarantees nor material restrictive covenants.
The components of operating and finance lease costs for the years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 25, 2021 were as follows:
Year Ended December 30, 2023Year Ended
December 31, 2022
Year Ended December 25, 2021
Operating lease costs$21,451 $19,670 $20,860 
Short term lease costs5,534 6,960 4,827 
Variable lease costs847 2,028 1,496 
Finance lease costs:
Amortization of right of use assets2,570 1,563 914 
Interest on lease liabilities285 122 123 
Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term. Rent expense totaled $27,832, $28,658 and $27,183 in the years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 25, 2021, respectively. Rent expense includes operating lease cost as well as expense for non-lease components such as common area maintenance, real estate taxes, real estate insurance, variable costs related to our leased vehicles and also short-term rental expenses.
The implicit rate is not determinable in most of the Company’s leases, as such management uses the Company’s incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The weighted average remaining lease terms and discount rates for all of our operating leases as of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were as follows:
December 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Operating LeasesFinance LeasesOperating LeasesFinance Leases
Weighted average remaining lease term6.332.956.132.65
Weighted average discount rate7.04%5.38%7.22%2.99%
Supplemental balance sheet information related to the Company's finance leases as of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
December 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Finance lease assets, net, included in property plant and equipment$7,166 $4,540 
Current portion of long-term debt2,800 1,862 
Long-term debt, less current portion4,512 2,767 
Total principal payable on finance leases$7,312 $4,629 

Supplemental cash flow information related to our operating leases was as follows for the years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
Year Ended December 30, 2023Year Ended
December 31, 2022
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash outflow from operating leases$20,614 $19,377 
Operating cash outflow from finance leases267 119 
Financing cash outflow from finance leases2,410 1,470 

63| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


As of December 30, 2023, our future minimum rental commitments are immaterial for lease agreements beginning after the current reporting period. Maturities of our lease liabilities for all operating and finance leases are as follows as of December 30, 2023:
Operating LeasesFinance Leases
Less than one year$20,373 $3,127 
1 to 2 years19,635 2,539 
2 to 3 years19,039 1,461 
3 to 4 years16,989 535 
4 to 5 years14,777 272 
After 5 years25,589 16 
Total future minimum rental commitments116,402 7,950 
Less - amounts representing interest(22,001)(638)
Present value of lease liabilities$94,401 $7,312 

Lessor
The Company has certain arrangements for key duplication equipment under which we are the lessor. These leases meet the criteria for operating lease classification. Lease income associated with these leases is not material.
11. DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan for key employees (the “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan” or “NQDC”). The NQDC was frozen at the end of fiscal 2021 such period. Ifthat the NQDC does not allow new contributions. The NQDC previously allowed eligible employees to defer up to 25% of salary and commissions and up to 100% of bonuses. Prior to 2021, the Company contributed a matching contribution of 25% on the first $10 of employee deferrals, subject to a five-year vesting schedule.
As of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets included $818 and $1,155, respectively, in restricted investments representing the assets held in mutual funds to fund deferred compensation liabilities owed to the Company's current and former employees. The current portion of the restricted investments was $18 and $17 as of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, and is unableincluded in other current assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The assets held in the NQDC are classified as an investment in trading securities, accordingly, the investments are marked-to-market, see Note 16 - Fair Value Measurements for additional detail.
During the years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 25, 2021, distributions from the deferred compensation plan aggregated $537, $228, and $633, respectively.
12. EQUITY AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Common Stock
Hillman Solutions Corp. has one class of common stock.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following is the detail of the change in the Company's accumulated other comprehensive loss from December 26, 2020 to deliver registered sharesDecember 30, 2023 including the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss (net of tax):
64| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance at December 26, 2020$(29,388)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications1,849 
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income¹385 
Net current period other comprehensive income2,234 
Balance at December 25, 2021(27,154)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications10,524 
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income²(4,394)
Net current period other comprehensive income6,130 
Balance at December 31, 2022(21,024)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications8,812 
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income3
(15,608)
Net current period other comprehensive loss(6,796)
Balance at December 30, 2023$(27,820)
1.In the year December 25, 2021, the Company obtained and amended its interest rate swap agreements to hedge against effective cash flows (i.e. interest payments) on floating-rate debt associated with the Company's new Term Credit Agreement. In accordance with ASC 815, derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk record the associated gain or loss within other comprehensive income. For the year ended December 25, 2021, the Company deferred a gain of $2,982, reclassified a loss of $385 and a net of tax of $850 into other comprehensive loss due to hedging activities. The amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive loss were recorded as interest expense. See Note 15 - Derivatives and Hedging for additional information on the interest rate swaps.
2.During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company deferred a gain of 22,711, reclassified a gain of $4,394 and a net of tax of 4,631 into other comprehensive loss due to hedging activities. The amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive loss were recorded as interest expense. See Note 15 - Derivatives and Hedging for additional information on the interest rate swaps.
3.For the year ended December 30, 2023, the Company deferred a gain of $125, reclassified a gain of $15,608 including tax expense of $3,886 into other comprehensive loss due to hedging activities. The amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive loss were recorded as interest expense. See Note 15 - Derivatives and Hedging for additional information on the interest rate swaps.
13. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
HMAN Group Holdings Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan
Following the Merger and in connection with the business combination described in Note 3 - Merger Agreement, Landcadia Holdings III, Inc. (“Landcadia”) became the direct parent company of HMAN and was renamed Hillman Solutions Corp. (“New Hillman”). Shares of Class A common stock toof New Hillman (“New Hillman Shares”) are publicly traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market. Consequently, the holder upon exercise of Public Warrantsoutstanding stock options issued in connection withunder the Units during the exercise period, there will be no net cash settlement of these Public Warrants and the Public Warrants will expire worthless, unless they may be exercised on a cashless basis in the circumstances described in the warrant agreement. Once the Public Warrants become exercisable, the Company may call the warrants for redemption: (i) in whole and not in part; (ii) at a price of $0.01 per warrant; (iii) upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption to each warrant holder; and (iv) if, and only if, the reported closing price of the Class A common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 value per share for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending three business days before the Company sends the notice of redemption to the warrant holders.

Underwriting Commissions

The Company paid an underwriting discount of $10,000,000 ($0.20 per Unit sold) to the underwriters at the closing of the Public Offering on October 14, 2020, with an additional fee (“Deferred Discount”2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Prior Plan”) of $17,500,000 ($0.35 per Unit sold) payable upon the Company’s completion of the Business Combination. The Deferred Discount will become payable to the underwriters from the amounts held in the Trust Account solely in the event the Company completes its Business Combination. See Note 5 for further information on underwriting commissions.

F-14

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements

5.Related Party Transactions

Founder Shares

The Founder Shares are identical to the Public Shares except that the Founder Shares are subject to certain transfer restrictions and the holders of the Founder Shares will have the right to elect all of the Company’s directors prior to the Business Combination. The Founder Shares will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock at the time of the Business Combination on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment pursuant to certain anti-dilution rights. The Sponsors collectively own 22.4% of the Company’s issuedMerger were converted and outstanding shares of common stock.

The holders of the Founder Shares have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of their Founder Shares until one year after the completion of the Business Combination, or earlier if, subsequent to the Business Combination, (i) the closing price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the Business Combination or (ii) the date on which the Company completes a liquidation, merger, stock exchange or other similar transaction after the Business Combination that results in all of the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of common stock for cash, securities or other property (the ‘‘Lock Up Period’’).

The Founder Shares will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock concurrently with or immediately following the consummation of the Business Combination on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like, and subject to further adjustment. In the case that additional shares of Class A common stock or equity-linked securities are issued or deemed issued in connection with the Business Combination, the number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of all Founder Shares will equal, in the aggregate, 20% of the total number of all shares of Class A common stock outstanding after such conversion (after giving effect to any redemptions of shares of Class A common stock by public stockholders), including the total number of shares of Class A common stock issued, or deemed issued or issuable upon conversion or exercise of any equity-linked securities or rights issued or deemed issued, by the Company in connection with or in relation to the consummation of the initial Business Combination, excluding any shares of Class A common stock or equity-linked securities exercisable for or convertible into shares of Class A common stock issued, or to be issued, to any seller in the Business Combination and any private placement-equivalent warrants issued to the Sponsors, officers or directors upon conversion of working capital loans; provided that such conversion of Founder Shares will never occur on a less than one-for-one basis.

Sponsor Warrants

In conjunction with the Public Offering that closed on October 14, 2020 the Sponsors purchased an aggregate of 8,000,000 Sponsor Warrants at a price of $1.50 per warrant ($12,000,000 in the aggregate) in the Private Placement. A portion of the purchase price of the Sponsor Warrants was added to the proceeds from the Public Offering to be held in the Trust Account such that at closing of the Public Offering, $500,000,000 was placed in the Trust Account.

Each Sponsor Warrant entitles the holdermodified to purchase one share of Class A common stock at $11.50 per share. The Sponsor Warrants (including the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the Sponsor Warrants) are not transferable, assignable or salable until 30 days after the completion of the Business Combination and they are non-redeemable so long as they are held by the initial purchasers of the Sponsor Warrants or their permitted transferees. If the Sponsor Warrants are held by someone other than the initial purchasers of the Sponsor Warrants or their permitted transferees, the Sponsor Warrants will be redeemable by the Company and exercisable by such holders on the same basis as the warrants included in the Units being sold in the Public Offering. Otherwise, the Sponsor Warrants have terms and provisions that are identical to those of the Public Warrants except that the Sponsor Warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis. If the Company does not complete the Business Combination, then the proceeds will be part of the liquidating distribution to the public stockholders and the Sponsor Warrants issued to the Sponsors will expire worthless.

F-15

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements

Registration Rights

The holders of the Founder Shares, Sponsor Warrants, shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of the Founder Shares, Sponsor Warrants or Working Capital Loans will be entitled to registration rights. These holders will be entitled to make up to three demands, excluding short form registration demands, that the Company register such securities for sale under the Securities Act. In addition, these holders will have ‘‘piggy-back’’ registration rights to include their securities in other registration statements filed by the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, JFG may not exercise its demand and “piggyback” registration rights after five (5) and seven (7) years, respectively after the effective date of the registration statement relating to the Public Offering and may not exercise its demand rights on more than one occasion. The Company will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

Underwriting Commissions

Jefferies LLC is the underwriter of the Public Offering, and its indirect parent, JFG, beneficially owns 48.3% of the Founder Shares. Jefferies LLC received all of the underwriting discount that was due at the closing of the Public Offering, and will receive the additional Deferred Discount payable from the Trust Account upon completion of the Business Combination. See Note 4 for further information regarding underwriting commissions.

Administrative Services Agreement

The Company entered into an administrative services agreement in which the Company will pay Fertitta Entertainment, Inc., (an affiliate of TJF) for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support, in an amount equal to $20,000 per month ending on the earlier of the completion of a Business Combination or October 14, 2022, if the Company is unable to complete the Business Combination. The Company has recorded administrative services fees of $60,000 as of December 31, 2020.

Directors’ Payments

The Company expects to pay $100,000 to each of our independent directors at the closing of a Business Combination for services rendered as board members prior to the completion of a Business Combination.

Sponsor Indemnification

The Sponsors have agreed that they will be jointly and severally liable to the Company if and to the extent any claims by a third party for services rendered or products sold to the Company, or a prospective target business with which the Company has discussed entering into a transaction agreement, reduce the amount of funds in the Trust Account to below the lesser of (i) $10.00 per Public Share or (ii) the actual amount per Public Share held in the Trust Account as of the date of the liquidation of the Trust Account due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, in each case net of the interest which may be withdrawn to pay taxes, except as to any claims by a third party who executed a waiver of any and all rights to see access to the Trust Account and except as to any claims under the Company’s indemnity of the underwriters of the Public Offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Moreover, in the event that an executed waiver is deemed to be unenforceable against a third party, the Sponsors will not be responsible to the extent of any liability for such third party claims.

F-16

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements 

Sponsor Loans

On August 24, 2020, the Sponsors agreed to loan the Company up to an aggregate of $300,000 by the issuance of unsecured promissory notes to cover expenses related to the Public Offering. These loans of $166,750 were repaid in full on October 16, 2020.

In addition, the Sponsors will not be prohibited from loaning the Company funds in order to finance transaction costs in connection with the Business Combination. Up to $1,500,000 of these loans may be convertible into warrants of the post-Business Combination entity at a price of $1.50 per warrant at the option of the lender. The warrants would be identical to the Sponsor Warrants. The terms of such loans have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. See Note 4 for the terms of the warrants.

6.Merger Agreement

On January 24, 2021, the Company’s board of directors unanimously approved an agreement and plan of merger, dated January 24, 2021, by and among Landcadia, Helios Sun Merger Sub, Inc., the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary (“Merger Sub”), HMAN Group Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Hillman Holdco”) and CCMP Sellers’ Representative, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company in its capacity as the Stockholder Representative thereunder (in such capacity, the “Stockholder Representative”) (as it may be amended and/or restated from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”). If the Merger Agreement is adopted by the Company’s stockholders and the transactions under the Merger Agreement are consummated, Merger Sub will merge with and into Hillman Holdco with Hillman Holdco surviving the merger as the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary (the “Proposed Transaction”). Hillman Holdco is a holding company that indirectly holds all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of The Hillman Group, Inc., which, together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries (Hillman Holdco, The Hillman Group, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, collectively, “Hillman” and each such entity, a “Hillman Group Entity”), is in the business of providing hardware-related products and related merchandising services to retail markets in North America. In connection with the consummation of the Proposed Transaction, We will be renamed “Hillman Solutions Corp.” and is referred to herein as “New Hillman” as of the time following such change of name.

In accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Merger Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay aggregate consideration in the form of New Hillman common stock (the “Aggregate Consideration”) calculated as described below and equal to a value of approximately (i) $911,300,000 plus (ii) $28,280,000, such amount being the value of 2,828,000 Founder Shares, valued at $10.00 per share that the Sponsors, have agreed to forfeit at the closing of the Proposed Transaction (the “Closing”).

F-17
Shares.

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements

At the effective time of the Proposed Transaction, allClosing, each outstanding shares ofoption to acquire common stock of Hillman Holdco will be cancelled in exchange for the right to receive, with respect to each such share, a certain number of shares of New Hillman common stock valued at $10.00 per share equal to (A) (i) the Aggregate Consideration plus (ii) the value that would be received by Hillman Holdco upon the exercise of all outstanding Hillman Holdco options as of immediately prior to the Closing (the “Adjusted Purchase Price”), divided by (B) (i) the total number of shares of Hillman Holdco common stock outstanding as of immediately prior to the Closing plus (ii) the number of shares of Hillman Holdco common stock underlying all then outstanding Hillman Holdco options and shares of Hillman Holdco restricted stock outstanding as of immediately prior to the Closing (the “Adjusted Per Share Merger Value”).

At the effective time, each outstanding option to purchase shares of Hillman Holdco common stock (a “Hillman Holdco Option”), whether vested or unvested, will bewas assumed by New Hillman and will be converted into an option to acquirepurchase common stock of New Hillman (“New Hillman Options”Option”) with substantially the same terms and conditions (including expiration date and exercise provisions) as applicable to the Hillman Holdco Option immediately prior to the effective time (including expiration date, vesting conditions and exercise provisions),Closing, except that (i) each such Hillman Holdco Option shall be exercisable for that number of shares of New Hillman common stock equal to the product (rounded down to the nearest whole number) of (A)both the number of shares ofand the exercise price were modified using the conversion ratio at Closing. Each New Hillman Holdco common stockOption is generally subject to such Hillman Holdco Assumed Option immediately prior the effective time multiplied by (B)same vesting conditions as the quotient of (1) the Adjusted Per Share Merger Value divided by (2) $10.00 (such quotient, with respect to each Hillman Holdco Option from which it was converted, except that the “Closing Stock Perperformance-based vesting conditions of any Hillman Holdco Option Amount”), (ii)granted prior to 2021 were adjusted such that the per share exercise price for each share of New Hillman common stock issuable upon exerciseperformance-based portion of the associated New Hillman Option shall be equal towill vest upon certain pre-established stock price hurdles. For all time based options and performance options granted during 2021 the quotient (rounded up tochange in fair value was immaterial and as such no additional compensation cost was recognized. For the nearest whole cent) obtained by dividing (A)performance options granted prior, the exercise price per sharemodification of Hillman Holdco subject to such Hillman Holdco Option immediately prior to the effective time by (B)vesting criteria resulted in $11,482 of additional compensation expense, $8,228 of which was recognized in 2021 and $3,254 was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2022.

65| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


At the Closing, Stock Per Option Amount; (iii) the Hillman Holdco Board (or the compensation committee of the Hillman Holdco Board) may appropriately adjust the performance conditions applicable to certain of the New Hillman Options; and (iv) the Hillman Holdco Board (or the compensation committee of the Hillman Holdco Board) may make such other immaterial administrative or ministerial changes to the New Hillman Options as it may determine in good faith are appropriate to effectuate the administration of the New Hillman Options and to ensure consistency with the administrative and ministerial provisions of the New Hillman Incentive Equity Plan;

At the effective time,(i) each share of unvested restricted Hillman Holdco common stock will bewas cancelled and converted into the right to receive a number of shares of restricted New Hillman commonrestricted stock (“New Hillman Restricted Stock”) equal to the quotient of (a) the Adjusted Per Share Merger Value divided by (b) $10.00 (such quotient, with respect to each share of unvested Hillman Holdco restricted stock, the “ClosingClosing Stock Per Restricted Share Amount”)Amount (as defined in the Merger Agreement) with substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the related share of Hillman Holdco Restricted Stockrestricted stock immediately prior to the effective timeClosing (including with respect to vesting and termination-related provisions), except that (i) any per-share repurchase price of such New Hillman Restricted Stock shall be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the per-share repurchase price applicable to the Hillman Holdco Restricted Stock, by (B) the Closing Stock Per Restricted Share Amount, rounded up to the nearest cent and (ii) the Hillman Holdco Board (or the compensation committee of the Hillman Holdco Board) may make such other immaterial administrative or ministerial changes to the New Hillman Restricted Stock as it may determine in good faith are appropriate to effectuate the administration of the New Hillman Restricted Stock and to ensure consistency with the administrative and ministerial provisions of the New Hillman Incentive Equity Plan.

F-18

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements

At the effective time, each Hillman Holdco restricted stock unit (each a “Hillman Holdco RSU”) will bewas assumed by New Hillman and converted into a New Hillman restricted stock unit in respect of shares of New Hillman common stock (each, a “New Hillman RSU”)award with substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable to such Hillman Holdco RSUrestricted stock unit immediately prior to the effective timeClosing (including with respect to vesting and termination-related provisions).

Upon closing, the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan may grant options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, and other stock-based awards for up to an aggregate of 14,523,510 shares of its common stock.
The following table summarizes the key assumptions used in the valuation model for valuing the Company's stock compensation awards under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan:
Dividend yield0%
Risk free interest rate0.40%-1.81%
Expected volatility31.50%
Expected terms6.25 years
Stock Options
The fair value of stock options is determined at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The time-based stock option awards generally vest evenly over four years from the grant date and performance-based options vest based on specified targets such as Company performance and Company stock price hurdles.
A summary of the stock option activity under the 2014 Equity Inventive Plan for the year ended December 30, 2023 is presented below (share amounts in thousands):
Number of SharesWeighted Avg.
Exercise Price per Share
(in whole dollars)
Weighted Avg.
Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at December 31, 202212,537 $8.14 6.23 years
Granted— 
Exercised(77)
Forfeited or expired(477)
Outstanding at December 30, 202311,983 $8.09 5.09 years
Exercisable at December 30, 20239,250 $8.22 5.27 years
In fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 25, 2021, 77, 182, and 435 options were exercised, respectfully.
Stock option compensation expense of $3,504, $8,144, and $13,634 was recognized in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 25, 2021, respectively. As of December 30, 2023, there was $1,629 of unrecognized compensation expense for unvested common options. The expense will be recognized as a charge to earnings over a weighted average period of approximately 0.50 years.
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of share options granted during the year 2021 was $3.23. The total intrinsic value of share options exercised during the years ended 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $162, $893, and $1,594, respectively.
Restricted Stock Awards
The Company granted restricted stock at the grant date fair value of the underlying common stock securities. The restrictions lapse in one quarter increments on each of the three anniversaries of the award date, and one quarter on the completion of the relocation of the recipient to the Cincinnati area or earlier in the event of a change in control. The associated expense is recognized over the service period.
There were no restricted stock award activity under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan for the year ended December 30, 2023. Restricted stock compensation expense of $346 and $624 was recognized in the
66| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022, and December 25, 2021, respectively.
Restricted Stock Units
The Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") granted to employees for service generally vest after three years, subject to continued employment.
A summary of the restricted stock unit activity under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan for the year ended December 30, 2023 is presented below (share amounts in thousands):
Number of SharesWeighted Avg.
Grant Date Fair Value
(in whole dollars)
Outstanding at December 31, 2022212 $10.00 
Granted— 
Vested— 
Forfeited or expired(13)
Outstanding at December 30, 2023199 $10.00 
Restricted stock compensation expense of $582, $357 and $661 was recognized in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 25, 2021, respectively. As of December 30, 2023, there was $55 of unrecognized compensation expense for unvested common options. The expense will be recognized as a charge to earnings over a weighted average period of approximately 0.13 years.
2021 Equity Incentive Plan
Effective July 14, 2021, the Company established the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. Under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), except that (i) each New Hillman RSU shall represent the right to receive (subject to vesting) thatmaximum number of shares of New Hillman common stock equal toStock that may be delivered in satisfaction of Awards under the product (rounded up toPlan as of the nearest whole number) ofEffective Date is (i) 7,150,814 shares, plus (ii) the number of shares of Hillman HoldcoStock underlying awards under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan that on or after the Effective Date expire or become unexercisable, or are forfeited, cancelled or otherwise terminated, in each case, without delivery of shares or cash therefore, and would have become available again for grant under the Prior Plan in accordance with its terms (not to exceed 14,523,510 shares of Stock in the aggregate) (the “Share Pool”).
The following table summarizes the key assumptions used in the valuation model for valuing the Company's stock compensation awards under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan:
Dividend yield0%
Risk free interest rate1.71%-4.15%
Expected volatility30.00%-35.00%
Expected terms6.25 years
Stock Options
The fair value of stock options is determined at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The time-based stock option awards generally vest evenly over four years from the grant date and performance-based options vest based on specified targets such as Company performance and Company stock price hurdles.
A summary of the stock option activity under the 2021 Equity Inventive Plan for the year ended December 30, 2023 is presented below (share amounts in thousands):
67| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Number of SharesWeighted Avg.
Exercise Price per Share
(in whole dollars)
Weighted Avg.
Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at December 31, 2022751 $9.98 9.08 years
Granted666 
Exercised— 
Forfeited or expired(30)
Outstanding at December 30, 20231,387 $9.39 8.62 years
Exercisable at December 30, 2023180 $9.98 8.09 years
In fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, no options were exercised.
Stock option compensation expense of $1,124 and $543 was recognized in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. In December 25, 2021 there was not any stock compensation expense. As of December 30, 2023, there was $3,237 of unrecognized compensation expense for unvested common options. The expense will be recognized as a charge to earnings over a weighted average period of approximately 1.43 years.
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of share options granted during the years 2023 was $3.73.
Restricted Stock Units
The RSUs granted to employees for service generally vest after three years, subject to continued employment. The RSUs granted to non-employee directors generally vest in full on the first anniversary of the grant date or the date of the annual meeting following the grant date, whichever is earlier.
A summary of the restricted stock unit activity under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan for the year ended December 30, 2023 is presented below (share amounts in thousands):
Number of SharesWeighted Avg.
Grant Date Fair Value
(in whole dollars)
Outstanding at December 31, 20221,109 $9.85 
Granted1,472 
Vested(72)
Forfeited or expired(72)
Outstanding at December 30, 20232,437 $9.11 
Restricted stock compensation expense of $6,440, $3,810 and $336 was recognized in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 25, 2021, respectively. As of December 30, 2023, there was $12,937 of unrecognized compensation expense for unvested common stock underlyingoptions. The expense will be recognized as a charge to earnings over a weighted average period of approximately 1.18 years.
2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Our Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") became effective on July 14, 2021, in which 1,140,754 shares of common stock were available for issuance under the Hillman Holdco RSUESPP. Under the ESPP, eligible employees are granted options to purchase shares of common stock at 85% of the fair market value at the time of exercise. The option period commences on the first payroll date in January, April, July, and October of each year and ends approximately three months later on the last business day in March, June, September or December. No employee may be granted an option under the Plan if, immediately priorafter the option is granted, the employee would own stock possessing five percent or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company. The first option period began on January 1, 2022 and the first purchase was made in April of 2022.
Compensation expense associated with ESPP purchase rights is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. For the years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there was approximately $355 and $314 of compensation expense related to the effective time multiplied byESPP.
68| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


14. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is computed based on the quotientweighted-average number of (a)shares of common stock outstanding during the Adjustedperiod. Diluted earnings per share include the dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock awards, and warrants. The following is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted Earnings Per Share Merger Value divided by (b) $10.00 (such quotient,("EPS") computations for both the numerator and denominator (in thousands, except per share data):
Year Ended December 30, 2023
Earnings
(Numerator)
Shares
(Denominator)
Per Share
Amount
Net loss$(9,589)194,722 $(0.05)
Dilutive effect of stock options and awards— — — 
Dilutive effect of warrants— — — 
Net loss per diluted common share$(9,589)194,722 $(0.05)
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Earnings
(Numerator)
Shares
(Denominator)
Per Share
Amount
Net loss$(16,436)194,249 $(0.08)
Dilutive effect of stock options and awards— — — 
Dilutive effect of warrants— — — 
Net loss per diluted common share$(16,436)194,249 $(0.08)
Year Ended December 25, 2021
Earnings
(Numerator)
Shares
(Denominator)
Per Share
Amount
Net loss$(38,332)134,699 $(0.28)
Dilutive effect of stock options and awards— — — 
Dilutive effect of warrants— — — 
Net loss per diluted common share$(38,332)134,699 $(0.28)
Stock options and awards outstanding totaling 5,874, 5,896 and 1,886 were excluded from the computation for the years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 25, 2021, respectively, as they would have had an antidilutive effect under the treasury stock method. Warrants of 10,540 were excluded from the computation for the year ended December 25, 2021 as they would have had an antidilutive effect under the treasury stock method.
15. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING
FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"), provides the disclosure requirements for derivatives and hedging activities with the intent to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of: (1) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (2) how the entity accounts for derivative instruments and related hedged items, and (3) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. Further, qualitative disclosures are required that explain the Company's objectives and strategies for using derivatives, as well as quantitative disclosures about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative instruments.
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage its exposures to (1) interest rate fluctuations on its floating rate senior term loan and (2) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company measures those instruments at fair value and recognizes changes in the fair value of derivatives in earnings in the period of change, unless the derivative qualifies as an effective hedge that offsets certain exposures.
The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes and, therefore, holds no derivative instruments for trading purposes.
Interest Rate Swap Agreements
69| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


On July 9, 2021, the Company entered into an interest swap agreement ("2021 Swap 1") for a notional amount of $144,000. The forward start date of the 2021 Swap 1 was July 30, 2021 and the termination date is July 31, 2024. Originally, the 2021 Swap 1 has a determined pay fixed interest rate of 0.75%. As of June 30, 2023 the Company modified the terms of the swaps to replace the LIBOR-based reference rates with SOFR-based reference rates, in accordance with the respective swap agreements and market conventions. This modification resulted in a determined pay fixed interest rate of 0.74%. In accordance with ASC 815, the Company determined the 2021 Swap 1 constituted an effective cash flow hedge and therefore changes in fair value are recorded within other comprehensive (loss) income within the Company's Statement of Comprehensive Loss and the deferred gains or losses are reclassified out of other comprehensive (loss) income into interest expense in the same period during which the hedged transactions affect earnings.
On July 9, 2021, the Company entered into an interest swap agreement ("2021 Swap 2") for a notional amount of $216,000. The forward start date of the 2021 Swap 2 was July 30, 2021 and the termination date is July 31, 2024. Originally, the 2021 Swap 2 has a determined pay fixed interest rate of 0.76%. As of June 30, 2023 the Company modified the terms of the swaps to replace the LIBOR-based reference rates with SOFR-based reference rates, in accordance with the respective swap agreements and market conventions. This modification resulted in a determined pay fixed interest rate of 0.74%. In accordance with ASC 815, the Company determined the 2021 Swap 2 constituted an effective cash flow hedge and therefore changes in fair value are recorded within other comprehensive (loss) income within the Company's Statement of Comprehensive Loss and the deferred gains or losses are reclassified out of other comprehensive (loss) income into interest expense in the same period during which the hedged transactions affect earnings.
On December 19, 2023, the Company entered into an interest swap agreement ("2024 Swap 1") for a notional amount of $144,000. The forward start date of the 2024 Swap 1 is July 21, 2024 and the termination date is January 31, 2027. The 2024 Swap 1 has a determined pay fixed interest rate of 3.8%. In accordance with ASC 815, the Company determined the 2024 Swap 1 constituted an effective cash flow hedge and therefore changes in fair value are recorded within other comprehensive (loss) income within the Company's Statement of Comprehensive Loss and the deferred gains or losses are reclassified out of other comprehensive (loss) income into interest expense in the same period during which the hedged transactions affect earnings.
On December 19, 2023, the Company entered into an interest swap agreement ("2024 Swap 2") for a notional amount of $216,000. The forward start date of the 2024 Swap 2 was July 21, 2024 and the termination date is January 31, 2027. The 2024 Swap 2 has a determined pay fixed interest rate of 3.62%. In accordance with ASC 815, the Company determined the 2024 Swap 2 constituted an effective cash flow hedge and therefore changes in fair value are recorded within other comprehensive (loss) income within the Company's Statement of Comprehensive Loss and the deferred gains or losses are reclassified out of other comprehensive (loss) income into interest expense in the same period during which the hedged transactions affect earnings.
The following table summarizes the Company's derivatives financial instruments:
Asset DerivativesLiability Derivatives
As of
December 30, 2023
As of
December 31, 2022
As of
December 30, 2023
As of
December 31, 2022
Balance Sheet
Location
Fair ValueFair ValueBalance Sheet
Location
Fair ValueFair Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
2021 Swap 1Other current/ non-current assets$3,560 $8,705 Other accrued expenses$— $— 
2021 Swap 2Other current/ non-current assets5,336 13,044 Other accrued expenses— — 
2024 Swap 1Other current assets207 — Other non-current liabilities(1,613)— 
2024 Swap 2Other current assets436 — Other non-current liabilities(1,660)— 
Total hedging instruments$9,539 $21,749 $(3,273)$— 
During 2024, the Company estimates that an additional $9,619 will be reclassified as a decrease to interest expense/income. Additional information with respect to eachthe fair value of derivative instruments is included in Note 16 - Fair Value Measurements.
70| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
During fiscal 2022 and 2021 the Company entered into multiple foreign currency forward contracts. The purpose of the Company's foreign currency forward contracts is to manage the Company's exposure to fluctuations in the exchange rate of the Canadian dollar. As of December 30, 2023, the Company did not have any foreign currency forward contracts.
The total notional amount of contracts outstanding was C$2,692 as of December 31, 2022. The total fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts was $12 as of December 31, 2022, and was reported on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets in other current liabilities. An increase in other income of $95 and $331 was recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the change in fair value during year ended December 31, 2022 and December 25, 2021, respectfully.
The Company's foreign currency forward contracts did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment because they did not meet the provisions specified in ASC 815. Accordingly, the gain or loss on these derivatives was recognized in other (income) expense in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss.
The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes and, therefore, holds no derivative instruments for trading purposes.
Additional information with respect to the fair value of derivative instruments is included in Note 16 - Fair Value Measurements.
16. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Company uses the accounting guidance that applies to all assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis. The guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The guidance also establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories.
Level 1:Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2:Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3:Unobservable inputs reflecting the reporting entity's own assumptions.
The accounting guidance establishes a hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of quoted market prices and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. An asset or liability's level is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
The following tables set forth the Company's financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the period, by level, within the fair value hierarchy:
 As of December 30, 2023
 Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Trading securities$818 $— $— $818 
Interest rate swaps— 6,266 — 6,266 
Contingent consideration payable— — 4,895 4,895 
 As of December 31, 2022
 Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Trading securities$1,155 $— $— $1,155 
Interest rate swaps— 21,749 — 21,749 
Contingent consideration payable— — 11,063 11,063 
Trading securities are valued using quoted prices on an active exchange. Trading securities represent assets held in a Rabbi Trust to fund deferred compensation liabilities and are included as restricted investments on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
71| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


The Company utilizes interest rate swap contracts to manage our targeted mix of fixed and floating rate debt, and these contracts are valued using observable benchmark rates at commonly quoted intervals for the full term of the swap contracts. As of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company's interest rate swaps were recorded on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with ASC 815.
The Company utilizes foreign exchange forward contracts to manage our exposure to currency fluctuations in the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar. The forward contracts were valued using observable benchmark rates at commonly quoted intervals during the term of the forward contract. As of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the foreign exchange forward contracts were included in other current liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company's foreign exchange forward contracts were immaterial for disclosure.
The contingent consideration represents future potential earn-out payments related to the Resharp acquisition in fiscal 2019 in which the maximum payout for the contingent consideration is $25.0 million plus 1.8% of net knife-sharpening revenues for five years after the $25.0 million is fully paid and the Instafob acquisition in the first quarter of 2020 where payment is based on 5% of the net sales from 2020 through 2022 plus 1% of net sales from 2023 through 2029. The estimated fair value of the contingent earn-outs was determined using a Monte Carlo analysis examining the frequency and mean value of the resulting earn-out payments. The resulting value captures the risk associated with the form of the payout structure. The risk neutral method is applied, resulting in a value that captures the risk associated with the form of the payout structure and the projection risk. The carrying amount of the liability may fluctuate significantly and actual amounts paid may be materially different from the estimated value of the liability. The current and non-current portions of these obligations are reported separately on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as other accrued expense and other non-current liabilities, respectively. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities, as determined by using a simulation model of the Monte Carlo analysis that includes updated projections applicable to the liability, are recorded within other expense (income), net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss.
The table below provides a summary of the changes in fair value of the Company’s contingent considerations (Level 3) for Resharp and Instafob as of December 30, 2023.
ResharpInstafob
Other accrued expenseOther non-current liabilitiesOther accrued expenseOther non-current liabilitiesTotal
Fair value as of December 31, 2022$271 $9,729 $922 $141 $11,063 
Fair value of cash consideration paid(219)— (1,013)— (1,232)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration148 (5,129)107 (62)(4,936)
Fair value as of December 30, 2023$200 $4,600 $16 $79 $4,895 
Cash, restricted investments, accounts receivable, short-term borrowings and accounts payable are reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements at book value, which approximates fair value, due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The carrying amount of the long-term debt under the revolving credit facility approximates the fair value at December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, as the interest rate is variable and approximates current market rates. The Company also believes the carrying amount of the long-term debt under the senior term loan approximates the fair value at December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 because, while subject to a minimum SOFR floor rate, the interest rate approximates current market rates of debt with similar terms and comparable credit risk.
Additional information with respect to the derivative instruments is included in Note 15 - Derivatives and Hedging.

17. RESTRUCTURING
Canadian Restructuring Plan
During fiscal 2018, the Company initiated plans to restructure the operations of the Canada segment. The restructuring seeks to streamline operations in the greater Toronto area by consolidating facilities, exiting certain lines of business, and rationalizing Stock Keeping Units (“SKUs”). The intended result of the Canada restructuring will be a more streamlined and scalable operation focused on delivering optimal service and a broad offering of products across the Company's core categories. Plans were finalized during the fourth quarter of 2018. The
72| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Company completed restructuring related activities in our Canada segment in 2021. Charges incurred in part of the Canada Restructuring Plan included: 
Year Ended
December 25, 2021
Facility consolidation (1)
Inventory valuation adjustments$— 
Labor expense— 
Consulting and legal fees26 
Other expense
Rent and related charges— 
Severance466 
Total$497 
(1)Facility consolidation includes inventory valuation adjustments associated with SKU rationalization, labor expense related to organizing inventory and equipment in preparation for the facility consolidation, consulting and legal fees related to the project, and other expenses. The labor, consulting, and legal expenses were included in selling, general and administrative expense ("SG&A") on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss. The inventory valuation adjustments were included in cost of sales on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss.
The following represents the roll forward of restructuring reserves for the year ended December 30, 2023:
Severance and related expense
Balance as of December 25, 2021$339 
Restructuring charges— 
Cash paid(182)
Balance as of December 31, 2022$157 
Restructuring charges— 
Cash paid(157)
Balance as of December 30, 2023$— 
During the year ended December 30, 2023, the Company paid approximately $157 in severance related to the Canada Restructuring Plan.
United States Restructuring Plan
During fiscal 2019, the Company implemented a plan to restructure the management and operations within the United States to achieve synergies and cost savings associated with the recent acquisitions described in Note 6 - Acquisitions. This restructuring includes management realignment, integration of sales and operating functions, and strategic review of the Company's product offerings. This plan was finalized during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019. The Company incurred additional charges in fiscal 2021 related to the consolidation of two of our distribution centers. Charges incurred in part of the United States Restructuring Plan included:
Year Ended December 25, 2021
Management realignment & integration
Severance$111 
Facility closures
Severance— 
Inventory valuation adjustments— 
Other319 
Total$430 
The following represents a roll forward of the restructuring reserves for the year ended December 30, 2023:
73| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Severance and related expense
Balance as of December 26, 2020$825 
Restructuring charges111 
Cash paid(936)
Balance as of December 25, 2021$— 

During the years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company did not have severance or related expense related to the United States Restructuring Plan.

18. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Cybersecurity Incident
In late May 2023, the Company experienced a ransomware attack relating to certain systems on its network (the “Cybersecurity Incident”). The Company promptly initiated an investigation, engaged the services of cyber-security experts and outside advisors and worked with appropriate law enforcement authorities to contain, assess and remediate the Cybersecurity Incident.
The Cybersecurity Incident affected certain information technology systems. As part of the containment effort, affected systems were suspended and the Company elected to temporarily suspend additional systems in an abundance of caution. The Company reactivated and restored its operational systems over the course of the week following the Cybersecurity Incident. The Cybersecurity Incident related costs net of an expected insurance receivable totaled $1.0 million. System remediation efforts regarding the Cybersecurity Incident have concluded as of December 30, 2023.
The Company expects to incur ongoing costs related to costs for ongoing efforts to enhance data security in response to ongoing developments in the cybersecurity landscape.
Insurance Coverage
The Company self-insures our general liability including products liability, automotive liability, and workers' compensation losses up to $500 per occurrence. Catastrophic coverage has been purchased from third party insurers for occurrences up to $60,000. The two risk areas involving the most significant accounting estimates are workers' compensation and automotive liability. Actuarial valuations performed by the Company's third-party risk insurance expert were used by the Company's management to form the basis for workers' compensation and automotive liability loss reserves. The actuary contemplated the Company's specific loss history, actual claims reported, and industry trends among statistical and other factors to estimate the range of reserves required. Risk insurance reserves are comprised of specific reserves for individual claims and additional amounts expected for development of these claims, as well as for incurred but not yet reported claims. The Company believes that the liability of approximately $2,593 recorded for such risk insurance reserves is adequate as of December 30, 2023.
As of December 30, 2023, the Company has provided certain vendors and insurers letters of credit aggregating $40,890 related to our product purchases and insurance coverage of product liability, workers' compensation, and general liability.
The Company self-insures our group health claims up to an annual stop loss limit of $300 per participant. Historical group insurance loss experience forms the basis for the recognition of group health insurance reserves. Provisions for losses expected under these programs are recorded based on an analysis of historical insurance claim data and certain actuarial assumptions. The Company believes that the liability of approximately $2,851 recorded for such group health insurance reserves is adequate as of December 30, 2023.
Import Duties
The Company imports large quantities of fastener products which are subject to customs requirements and to tariffs and quotas set by governments through mutual agreements and bilateral actions. The Company could be subject to the assessment of additional duties and interest if it or its suppliers fail to comply with customs regulations or similar laws. The U.S. Department of Commerce (the "Department”) has received requests from petitioners to conduct administrative reviews of compliance with anti-dumping duty and countervailing duty laws
74| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


for certain nails products sourced from Asian countries. The Company sourced products under review from vendors in China and Taiwan during the periods selected for review. The Company accrues for the duty expense once it is determined to be probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
Litigation
As of December 30, 2023, the Company is involved in litigation arising in the normal course of business. In management’s opinion, any such litigation is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Hy-Ko Litigation
On June 1, 2021, Hy-Ko Products Company LLC ("Hy-Ko"), a manufacturer of key duplication machines, filed a complaint for, among other things, patent infringement against Hillman Holdco restricted stock unit,Group in the “Hillman Holdco RSU Exchange Ratio”);United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (Marshall Division). The case was assigned Civil Action No. 2:21-cv-0197. Hy-Ko's complaint alleged that Hillman's KeyKrafter and (ii)PKOR key duplication machines infringed certain patents, and sought damages and injunctive relief against the Hillman Holdco Board (orGroup.
On October 7, 2022, following a jury trial commencing October 3, 2022, the compensation committeejury rendered a verdict finding that Hillman infringed two Hy-Ko patents, but also found that there was no willfulness in the infringement. The jury awarded Hy-Ko a one-time lump sum royalty payment of $16.0 million.
Following the verdict, on December 28, 2022, Hillman and Hy-Ko entered into a confidential settlement agreement that finally resolved all claims in the litigation (including those related to the jury verdict) and on January 4, 2023, the Court granted the parties’ joint stipulation dismissing all claims in the litigation with prejudice. The terms of the settlement agreement include an $18.5 million payment from Hillman Holdco Board) may make such other immaterial administrativeto Hy-Ko (in lieu of the $16.0 million jury verdict) and protection from any potential future patent infringement claims between the parties relating to key duplication or ministerial changeskey identification through 2032.
KeyMe Litigation
On June 3, 2019, The Hillman Group, Inc. ("Hillman Group") filed a complaint for patent infringement against KeyMe, LLC ("KeyMe"), a provider of self-service key duplication kiosks, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (Marshall Division) (the "Texas Court"). On August 16, 2019, KeyMe filed a complaint for patent infringement against Hillman Group in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. On March 2, 2020, Hillman Group filed a second complaint for patent infringement against KeyMe in the same Texas Court. On October 23, 2020, the Texas Court granted KeyMe’s motion to consolidate the two Texas cases and granted Hillman Group’s motion to add another patent.
On April 12, 2021, a jury in the Texas case returned a verdict that KeyMe did not infringe any of the asserted patents and several of the asserted claims were invalid. Final judgment was entered on April 13, 2021. On June 14, 2021, Hillman Group and KeyMe entered into a Settlement Agreement which globally resolved all pending legal disputes, including the Texas and Delaware district court actions discussed above.

19. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information are presented below:
 Year Ended December 30, 2023Year Ended
December 31, 2022
Year Ended
December 25, 2021
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest on junior subordinated debentures$— $— $7,542 
Interest55,872 55,829 64,522 
Income taxes, net of refunds5,356 2,993 2,500 
As of December 30, 2023, capital expenditures recorded in accounts payable totaled $1,186.
75| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


The Company fully repaid the junior subordinated debentures in connection with the Merger in 2021. See Note 9 - Long-Term Debt for additional details.

20. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISKS
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade receivables. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high credit quality financial institutions. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to sales and trade receivables are limited due to the New Hillman RSUs as it may determine in good faith are appropriate to effectuate the administrationlarge number of the New Hillman RSUs and to ensure consistency with the administrative and ministerial provisions of the New Hillman Incentive Equity Plan.

In addition, pursuant to the A&R Letter Agreement, the Sponsors will, at the Closing of the Proposed Transaction, forfeit a total of 3,828,000 of their Founder Shares (the “Sponsor Forfeited Shares”), with 2,828,000 shares being forfeited by the Sponsors on a basis pro rata with their ownership of the Company and 1,000,000 additional shares being forfeited by the TJF.

Immediately prior to the effective time of the Business Combination,customers, with the exception of the Sponsor Forfeited Shares, eachtwo below customers, comprising the Company's customer base and their dispersion across geographic areas. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and generally does not require collateral.

For the year ended December 30, 2023, the largest two customers accounted for 43.4% of total revenues and 34.1% of the currently issued and outstanding shares of Landcadia’s Class B common stock will automatically convert, on a one-for-one basis, into shares of Landcadia’s Class A common stock in accordance with the terms of our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation, and thereafter, in connection with the Closing, Landcadia’s Class A common stock will be reclassified as New Hillman common stock.

F-19

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements

7.Loss Per Common Share

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators for the basic and diluted per common share amounts is as follows:

  Twelve months ended December 31,  For the period
from March 13,
2018 (inception)
through
 
  2020  2019  December 31, 2018 
Numerator:            
Net loss - basic and diluted $(154,280) $-  $- 
Less: Income attributable to common stock subject to possible redemption  (6,913)  -   - 
Net loss available to common shares $(161,193) $-  $- 
             
Denominator:            
Weighted average number of shares - basic  8,812,791   6,037,500   6,037,500 
Warrants  -   -   - 
Weighted average number of shares - diluted  8,812,791   6,037,500   6,037,500 
             
Basic and diluted loss available to common shares $(0.02) $-  $- 

All shares of Class B common stock are assumed to convert to shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis.

F-20

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements

8.Income Taxes

A reconciliation of the income tax expense (benefit) is as follows:

  Year ended December 31,  For the period from
March 13, 2018
(inception) through
 
  2020  2019  December 31, 2018 
Current income taxes $-  $-  $- 
Deferred income taxes  32,400   -   - 
Total expense (benefit) $32,400  $-  $- 
Change in valuation allowance  (32,400)  -   - 
Income tax expense (benefit) $-  $-  $- 

The Company’s deferred tax assets are as follows:

  Year ended December 31, 
  2020  2019 
Deferred tax asset:        
Net operating loss carryforward $32,400  $- 
Total deferred tax asset $32,400  $- 
Valuation allowance  (32,400)  - 
Deferred tax asset, net of current allowance $-  $- 

A reconciliation of the federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:

  Year ended December 31,  For the period from
March 13, 2018
(inception) through
 
  2020  2019  December 31, 2018 
Statutory rate  21.0%  21.0%  21.0%
Other  0.0%  0.0%  0.0%
Valuation allowance on deferred tax asset  -21.0%  0.0%  0.0%
Total  0.0%  21.0%  21.0%

In assessing the realization of the deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion of all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences representing net future deductible amounts become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. After consideration of all of the information available, management believes that significant uncertainty exists with respect to future realization of the deferred tax assets and has therefore established a full valuation allowance.year-end accounts receivable balance. For the year ended December 31, 2020,2022, the changelargest two customers accounted for 45.7% of total revenues and 40.2% of the year-end accounts receivable balance. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company's accounts receivables in 2023, 2022, nor 2021.

In each of the years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 25, 2021, the Company derived over 10% of its total revenues from two separate customers which operated in each of the operating segments. The following table presents revenue from each customer as a percentage of total revenue for each of the years ended:
Year Ended December 30, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 25, 2021
Lowe's20.1 %21.7 %20.6 %
Home Depot23.3 %24.0 %27.0 %

21. SEGMENT REPORTING AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
The Company's segment reporting structure uses the Company's management reporting structure as the foundation for how the Company manages its business. The Company periodically evaluates its segment reporting structure in accordance with ASC 350-20-55 and has concluded that it has three reportable segments as of December 30, 2023.
The segments are as follows:
Hardware and Protective Solutions
Robotics and Digital Solutions
Canada
The Hardware and Protective Solutions segment distributes fasteners and related hardware items, threaded rod, personal protective equipment, and letters, numbers, and signs to hardware stores, home centers, mass merchants, and other retail outlets primarily in the valuation allowanceUnited States and Mexico.
The Robotics and Digital Solutions segment consists of key duplication and engraving kiosks that can be operated directly by the consumer. The kiosks operate in retail and other high-traffic locations offering customized licensed and unlicensed products targeted to consumers in the respective locations. It also includes our associate-assisted key duplication systems and key accessories. The Robotics and Digital Solutions segment also includes Resharp, our robotic knife sharpening business, and Instafob, which specializes in RFID ("Radio Frequency Identification") key duplication technology.
The Canada segment distributes fasteners and related hardware items, threaded rod, keys, key duplicating systems, accessories, personal protective equipment, and identification items, such as tags and letters, numbers, and signs to hardware stores, home centers, mass merchants, industrial distributors, automotive aftermarket distributors, and other retail outlets and industrial Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) in Canada. The
76| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Canada segment also produces fasteners, stampings, fittings, and processes threaded parts for automotive suppliers and industrial OEMs.
The Company uses profit or loss from operations to evaluate the performance of its segments, and does not include segment assets or non-operating income/expense items for management reporting purposes. Profit or loss from operations is defined as income from operations before interest and tax expenses. Segment revenue excludes sales between segments, which is consistent with the segment revenue information provided to the Company's Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM").
In the first quarter of 2023, the Company realigned its Canada segment to include the Canada portions of the Protective Solutions and MinuteKey businesses, which are now operating under the Canada segment leadership team. Previously, the results of the Canada portion of the Protective Solutions business were reported in the Hardware and Protective Solutions segment and the Canada portion of the MinuteKey business was $32,400. 

As ofreported in the Robotics and Digital Solutions segment and were operating under those respective segment leadership teams.

The table below presents revenues and income from operations for the reportable segments for the years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2020,2022, and December 25, 2021. Certain amounts in the prior year presentation between segments were reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
 Year Ended December 30, 2023Year Ended
December 31, 2022
Year Ended December 25, 2021
Revenues
Hardware and Protective Solutions$1,074,619 $1,068,734 $1,017,594 
Robotics and Digital Solutions245,400 245,633 246,494 
Canada156,458 171,961 161,879 
Total revenues$1,476,477 $1,486,328 $1,425,967 
Segment Income from Operations
Hardware and Protective Solutions$8,366 $20,742 $(14,650)
Robotics and Digital Solutions42,953 3,541 21,761 
Canada9,609 15,610 3,203 
Total segment income from operations$60,928 $39,893 $10,314 

22. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Koch Industries, Inc.
On January 11, 2024, the Company had $154,280completed the acquisition of U.S. federal net operating loss carryovers available to offset future taxable income. 

The Company files income tax returnsKoch Industries, Inc ("Koch"), a premier provider and merchandiser of rope and twine, chain and wire rope, and related hardware products for a total purchase price of $23,956. Koch has business operations throughout North America and its financial results will reside in the U.S. federal jurisdictionCompany's Hardware and is subject to examination by the various taxing authorities. The Company’s tax returns for 2020 remain open and subject to examination. The Company considers Texas to be a significant state tax jurisdiction.

Protective Solutions reportable segment.
77| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
F-21
capture.jpg


Financial Statement Schedule:
Schedule II - VALUATION ACCOUNTS

(dollars in thousands)
Deducted From
Assets in
Balance Sheet
Allowance for
Doubtful
Accounts
Ending Balance - December 26, 2020$2,395 
Additions charged to cost and expense522 
Deductions due to:
Others(26)
Ending Balance - December 25, 20212,891 
Additions charged to cost and expense973 
Deductions due to:
Others(1,459)
Ending Balance - December 31, 20222,405 
Additions charged to cost and expense521 
Deductions due to:
Others(156)
Ending Balance - December 30, 2023$2,770 
78| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


ITEM 9 – CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

Landcadia Holdings III, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements

.
9.Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

Quarterly financial data for 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:

2020 1st Quarter  2nd Quarter  3rd Quarter  4th Quarter 
General and administrative expenses $-  $-  $-  $232,904 
Net income (loss) $-  $-  $-  $(154,280)
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) available to common shares $-  $-  $-  $(0.01)
                 
2019  1st Quarter   2nd Quarter   3rd Quarter   4th Quarter 
General and administrative expenses $-  $-  $-  $- 
Net income (loss) $-  $-  $-  $- 
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) available to common shares $-  $-  $-  $- 
                 
Period from March 13, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018  1st Quarter   2nd Quarter   3rd Quarter   4th Quarter 
General and administrative expenses $-  $-  $-  $- 
Net income (loss) $-  $-  $-  $- 
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) available to common shares $-  $-  $-  $- 

F-22ITEM 9A – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Schedule II Valuation of Qualifying Accounts

Description Balance at Beginning of
Period
  Charges (credits) to expense  Charges
(credits) to
other
accounts
  Write-offs  Balance at
End of Period
 
Deferred tax valuation allowance:                                                 
December 31, 2020 $-  $32,400  $-  $-  $32,400 
December 31, 2019 $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 
December 31, 2018 $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 

Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures, are controlsas defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"“Exchange Act”), are those controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that material information relating to Hillman Solutions Corp. required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controlsforms and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that such information required to be disclosed in company reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including our Chief Executive Officer (who servesthe chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, as our principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (who serves as our principal financial and accounting officer),appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As required by Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of ourthe disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2020.procedures. Based upon theirthat evaluation, ourthe Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as definedwere effective as of December 30, 2023 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act) were effective.

Management’sAct is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. We view our internal control over financial reporting as an integral part of our disclosure controls and procedures.

Management has concluded that the company’s consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-K fairly present, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of the dates, and for the periods presented, in conformity with U.S. GAAP.
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Commission, internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the Company's Board of Directors, management, and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and the dispositions of assets;
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with appropriate authorizations; and
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
79| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


The Company's management has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2023, using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013 framework). Based on such evaluation, management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 30, 2023. Management's report on internal control over financial reporting

This Annual Report is set forth above under the heading, “Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” in Item 8 of this annual report on Form 10-K does not include a report10-K.


80| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Attestation Report of management’s assessment regardingIndependent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Hillman Solutions Corp.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting or an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm due to a transition periodHillman Solutions Corp. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 30, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by rulesthe Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the SEC for newly public companies.


ChangesTreadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting

There was no change as of December 30, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 30, 2023, of the Company and our report dated February 22, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Cincinnati, Ohio
February 22, 2024

81| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that occurred during the quarter endingended December 31, 202030, 2023, that hashave materially affected, or is reasonableare reasonably likely to materially affect, ourthe Company's internal control over financial reporting.

reporting except as otherwise described above in this Item 9B. Other Information

PART III

9A.

ITEM 9B – OTHER INFORMATION.
Insider Adoption or Termination of Trading Arrangements
During the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2023, none of our directors or officers adopted, modified or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as those terms are defined in Regulation S-K, Item 10.408.
ITEM 9C: DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS.
Not applicable.

PART III
ITEM 10 – DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
Information required by this item is set forth under the captions Election of Directors, Information About Our Executive Officers, Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports, Code of Conduct and Corporate Governance

DirectorsEthics, and Executive Officers

Our directors and executive officers are as follows:

NameAgePosition
Tilman J. Fertitta63Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Richard Handler59Co-Chairman and President
Richard H. Liem67Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Steven L. Scheinthal59Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Nicholas Daraviras47Vice President, Acquisitions
Scott Kelly57Director
Dona Cornell59Director

Tilman J. Fertitta has been our Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since August 24, 2020. He has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Inc. (formerly, Landcadia Holdings II, Inc. (“Landcadia II”)) (“Golden Nugget Online”) since February 14, 2019. He was previously Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Landcadia Holdings, Inc. (“Landcadia I”) from September 15, 2015 through the consummation of the Waitr Holdings, Inc. (“Waitr”) business combination, and he currently serves on the board of directors of Waitr Holdings Inc. Since August 2010, Mr. Fertitta has been the sole shareholder, chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FEI, which owns the NBA’s Houston Rockets, the restaurant conglomerate Landry’s, Inc. (“Landry’s”) and the Golden Nugget Casinos and is recognized today as a global leader in the dining, hospitality, entertainment and gaming industries. Mr. Fertitta was the sole shareholder at the time he took Landry’s public in 1993, and after 17 years as a public company, he was the sole shareholder in taking Landry’s private in 2010. Mr. Fertitta currently serves as Chairman of the Houston Children’s Charity, the Houston Police Foundation, and is currently the ChairmanCommittees of the Board of RegentsDirectors in our Proxy Statement for the University2024 Annual Meeting of Houston. HeStockholders (the “2024 Proxy Statement”). That information is also on the Executive Committeeincorporated herein by reference.

We have adopted a code of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, oneethics that applies to all of the nation’s largest charitable organizations. He also serves on the boards of the Texas Heart Institute and the Greater Houston Partnership.


Richard Handler has been our Co-Chairman and President since August 24, 2020. Mr. Handler served as Co-Chairman and President of Landcadia II from February 14, 2019, though the consummation of the Golden Nugget Online business combination. He previously served as Co-Chairman and President of Landcadia I from September 15, 2015, through the consummation of the Waitr business combination. He has been with Jefferies LLC since 1990 and has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2001, making him the longest serving CEO on Wall Street. He is the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Jefferies and Chairman of the board of directors, Chief Executive Officer and President of Jefferies Group LLC. Mr. Handler also serves as Chairman of the Global Diversity Council at Jefferies LLC. In addition he is Chairman and CEO of the Handler Family Foundation, a non-profit that focuses on many philanthropic areas,employees, including providing 4-year all-inclusive fully-paid college educations each year to 15 of the most talented and deserving students coming from challenging backgrounds and circumstances. The foundation also works to protect the environment by protecting endangered species. Prior to Jefferies LLC he worked at Drexel Burnham Lambert in the High Yield Bond Department. Mr. Handler received an MBA from Stanford University in 1987. He received his BA in Economics (Magna Cum Laude, High Distinction) from the University of Rochester in 1983 where he also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Richard H. Liem has been our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since August 24, 2020. Mr. Liem previously served as Golden Nugget Online’s (formerly, Landcadia II) Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from February 14, 2019 until the Golden Nugget Online business combination and he currently serves on the Golden Nugget Online board of directors. He previously served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Landcadia I from September 15, 2015 through the consummation of the Waitr business combination. Mr. Liem currently serves as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Golden Nugget. Mr. Liem has been the Chief Financial Officer of Landry’s Restaurants Inc. (a subsidiary of Golden Nugget) since June 11, 2004 and serves as its Executive Vice President and Principal Accounting Officer. He joined Landry’s Restaurants, Inc. in 1999 as the Corporate Controller. Mr. Liem joined Landry’s from Carrols Corporation, where he served as the Vice President of Financial Operations from 1994 to 1999. He served with the Audit Division of Price Waterhouse, L.L.P. from 1983 to 1994. He has been a Director of Landry’s LLC since 2009 and also serves as a director of Golden Nugget. Mr. Liem also serves on the compliance committee for GNAC. In addition, he serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of FEI, which is the holding company for Golden Nugget, Landry’s LLC, and other assets owned and controlled by Tilman J. Fertitta. Mr. Liem is a Certified Public Accountant and was first licensed in Texas in 1989.

Steven L. Scheinthal has been our Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since August 24, 2020. Mr. Scheinthal previously served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Landcadia II from February 14, 2019 through the consummation of the Golden Nugget Online business combination, and he currently serves on the board of directors of Golden Nugget Online. He previously served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Landcadia I from September 15, 2015 through the consummation of the Waitr business combination, and he currently serves on the board of directors of Waitr. Mr. Scheinthal has served as a member of the board of directors of Landry’s since its IPO in 1993 and as its Executive Vice President or Vice President of Administration, General Counsel and Secretary since September 1992. He also serves as a member of the board of directors, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of FEI, which is the holding company for Landry’s, the Golden Nugget Hotels and Casinos and other assets owned and controlled by Tilman J. Fertitta. He devotes a substantial amount of time on behalf of all FEI companies, including Landry’s and Golden Nugget, to acquisitions, financings, human resources, risk, benefit and litigation management, union, lease and contract negotiations, trademark oversight and licensing and is primarily responsible for compliance with all federal, state and local laws. He was also primarily responsible for Landry’s corporate governance and SEC compliance from its initial public offering and during the 17 plus years Landry’s operated as a public company. Prior to joining Landry’s, he was a partner in the law firm of Stumpf & Falgout in Houston, Texas. Mr. Scheinthal represented Landry’s for approximately five years before becoming part of the organization.


Nicholas Daraviras has served as our Vice President, Acquisitions since August 24, 2020. Mr. Daraviras served as Vice President, Acquisitions of Landcadia II from February 14, 2019 through the consummation of the Golden Nugget Online business combination. He previously served as Vice President, Acquisitions of Landcadia I from September 15, 2015 through the consummation of the Waitr business combination. . Mr. Daraviras is Co-President of Leucadia Asset Management and a Managing Director of Jefferies. Prior to 2014, Mr. Daraviras had been employed with Jefferies Capital Partners, LLC or its predecessors since 1996. Mr. Daraviras has served on the board of Fiesta Restaurant Group since April 2011 and currently serves on Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. He also serves on several boards of directors of private portfolio companies of Jefferies. Mr. Daraviras served on the boards of Edgen Group Inc., a global distributor of specialty steel products, or its predecessors from February 2005 until 2013, Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. from 2009 until 2013, and The Sheridan Group, Inc. from 2003 until 2017.

Scott Kelly serves on our board of directors. He has served as Director of Golden Nugget Online (formerly, Landcadia II) since May 12, 2020. He is a former NASA astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Captain, U.S. spaceflight record holder and an experienced test pilot having logged more than 15,000 hours of flight time in more than 40 different aircraft and spacecraft. A former fighter pilot, Mr. Kelly flew the F-14 Tomcat aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Mr. Kelly was selected by NASA as an astronaut in 1996. A veteran of four space flights, he piloted Space Shuttle Discovery to the Hubble space telescope in 1999 and, subsequently, commanded Space Shuttle Endeavor on a mission to the International Space Station in 2007. His long-duration space flight experience includes two flights on the Russian Soyuz spacecraft, launching and landing from Kazakhstan and two stays aboard the International Space Station as commander, the first a 159-day mission in 2010-2011 followed by his recorded-breaking 340-day mission to the international space station in 2015. During his yearlong mission, known worldwide as the “Year In Space,” he conducted three spacewalks before returning home in March 2016. Mr. Kelly has received many awards and honors, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and Distinguished Flying Cross. Mr. Kelly also was recognized at the 2015 State of the Union Address by U.S. President Barack Obama. Mr. Kelly is a Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and a member of the Association of Space Explorers. Mr. Kelly was appointed Champion for Space by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.


Dona Cornell serves on our board of directors. Ms. Cornell has served as the Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel at the University of Houston since June 2002, where she is responsible for all legal related issues involving business, financial, student and academic affairs throughout the University of Houston System and the four component campuses. Ms. Cornell is also a member of the Chancellor and President’s Executive Cabinet, which addresses all management and strategic initiatives of the University of Houston System and reports directly to the Chancellor. Additionally, Ms. Cornell serves as counsel and advisor to the Board of Regents with oversight of the Board Office. Matters that Ms. Cornell handles at the University of Houston include complex transactions, international collaborations and programs, endowment and investment matters as well as collaboration with internal audit to ensure audit and compliance matters are being addressed appropriately. The compliance group for the main University of Houston campus reports directly to Ms. Cornell, and she meets with the audit and compliance group of the University of Houston System weekly to provide advice and counsel, including setting the agenda for the Audit Committee meetings. Previously, Ms. Cornell served as Deputy Chief of General Litigation Division of the Office of Texas Attorney General, as a shareholder in the Austin-based law firm Morehead, Jordan & Carmona, and as the President of the Houston Chapter of Texas General Counsel Forum. Ms. Cornell is currently a member of the Houston Bar Association and the National Association of College and University Attorneys. Ms. Cornell regularly speaks at state and national conferences on ethics, governance and higher education law. Ms. Cornell earned her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and is licensed to practice law throughout Texas and in U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Number and Terms of Office of Officers and Directors

Our board of directors is divided into three classes with only one class of directors being elected in each year and each class (except for those directors appointed prior to our first annual meeting of stockholders) serving a three-year term. In accordance with Nasdaq corporate governance requirements, we are not required to hold an annual meeting until one year after our first fiscal year end following our listing on Nasdaq. The term of office of the first class of directors, consisting of Mr. Kelly, will expire at our first annual meeting of stockholders. The term of office of the second class of directors, consisting of Mr. Handler, will expire at the second annual meeting of stockholders. The term of office of the third class of directors, consisting of Mr. Fertitta, will expire at the third annual meeting of stockholders.

Our officers are appointed by the board of directors and serve at the discretion of the board of directors, rather than for specific terms of office. Our board of directors is authorized to appoint persons to the offices set forth in our bylaws as it deems appropriate. Our bylaws provide that our officers may consist of a Chairman or Co-Chairmen of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant SecretariesChief Accounting Officer, and such other offices as may be determined byfinance organization employees. The code of ethics is publicly available on our website at www.hillmangroup.com. If we make any substantive amendments to the boardcode of directors.

Committeesethics or grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the Boardcode to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, or Chief Accounting Officer, we will disclose the nature of Directors

Our board has two standing committees: an audit committeethe amendment or waiver on that website or in a report on Form 8-K.

Insider Trading Arrangements and a compensation committee. SubjectPolicies
We are committed to phase-inpromoting high standards of ethical business conduct and compliance with applicable laws, rules and a limited exception, Nasdaqregulations. As part of this commitment, we have adopted our Insider Trading Policy governing the purchase, sale, and/or other dispositions of our securities by our directors, officers, employees and certain contractors, that we believe is reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules and Rule 10A-3regulations, and the exchange listing standards applicable to us. A copy of our Insider Trading Policy is filed as Exhibit 19.1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

82| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg



ITEM 11 – EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Information required by this item is set forth under the captions Executive Compensation, Compensation Discussion and Analysis, Compensation Committee Report, Compensation Tables, and Director Compensation in the 2024 Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.

ITEM 12 – SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The following table provides information regarding shares outstanding and available for issuance under our existing equity compensation plans.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
(a)(b)(c)
Plan CategoryNumber of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options and awardsWeighted-average exercise price of outstanding options and awardsNumber of Securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in common (a))
Equity Compensation plans approved by shareholders16,006,9129.494,573,181
Equity Compensation plans not approved by shareholders— — — 
Total16,006,912 9.494,573,181 
The remainder of the Exchange Act require thatinformation required by this Item is set forth in the audit committeesection entitled Beneficial Ownership of a listed company be comprised solely of independent directors,Common Stock in the 2024 Proxy Statement and Nasdaq rules require thatis hereby incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.

ITEM 13 – CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
The information required by this Item is set forth in the compensation committee of a listed company be comprised solely of independent directors.


Audit Committee 

We have established an audit committee of our board of directors. Mr. Fertitta Mr. Kellysections entitled Certain Relationships and Ms. Cornell serve as members of our audit committee,Related Party Transactions in the 2024 Proxy Statement and Mr. Fertitta chairs the audit committee. Under the Nasdaq listing standards and applicable SEC rules, we are required to have at least three members of the audit committee, all of whom must be independent, subject to the exception described below. Mr. Kelly and Ms. Cornell meet the independent director standard under Nasdaq listing standards and under Rule 10-A-3(b)(1) of the Exchange Act. Because our securities are listed on Nasdaq, we have one year from the date of our initial public offering to have our audit committee be comprised solely of independent members. We intend to identify an additional independent director to serve on the audit committee within one year of the closing of the initial public offering, at which time Mr. Fertitta will resign from the committee. Prior to Ms. Cornell’s appointment, Mr. Handler served on the audit committee.

Each member of the audit committee is financially literate and our board has determined that Mr. Fertitta qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in applicable SEC rules.

The principal functions of the audit committee, include:

hereby incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.
the appointment, compensation, retention, replacement, and oversight of the work of the
ITEM 14 – PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.
Our independent registered public accounting firm engagedis Deloitte & Touche LLP, Cincinnati, OH, Auditor Firm ID: 34.
The information required by us;

pre-approving all audit and permitted non-audit services to be provided bythis Item is set forth in the independent registered public accounting firm engaged by us, and establishing pre-approval policies and procedures;

reviewing and discussing with the independent auditors all relationships the auditors have with us in order to evaluate their continued independence;

setting clear hiring policies for employees or former employeessection entitled Ratification of the independent registered public accounting firm, including but not limited to,Appointment of Independent Auditor in the 2024 Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.

83| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


PART IV
ITEM 15 – EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a) Documents Filed as required by applicable laws and regulations;

setting clear policies for audit partner rotation in compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

obtaining and reviewing a report, at least annually, from the independent registered public accounting firm describing (i) the independent registered public accounting firm’s internal quality-control procedures, (ii) any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review,Part of the audit firm, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities withinReport:
1.Financial Statements: See “Index to Financial Statements” in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” herein.
2.Financial Statement Schedules: All schedules are omitted for the preceding five years respecting one or more independent audits carried out byreason that the firm and any steps taken to deal with such issues and (iii) all relationships betweeninformation is included in the independent registered public accounting firm and us to assess the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence;

reviewing and approving any related party transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC prior to us entering into such transaction; and

reviewing with management, the independent registered public accounting firm, and our legal advisors, as appropriate, any legal, regulatory or compliance matters, including any correspondence with regulators or government agencies and any employee complaints or published reports that raise material issues regarding our financial statements or accounting policies and any significant changes in accounting standardsthe notes thereto or rules promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the SECthat they are not required or other regulatory authorities.


Compensation Committee 

We have established a compensation committee of our board of directors. Mr. Fertitta, Mr. Kelly and Ms. Cornell serve as members of our compensation committee. Under the Nasdaq listing standards and applicable SEC rules, we are required to have at least two members of the compensation committee, all of whom must be independent, subject to the exception described below. Mr. Kelly and Ms. Cornell are independent and Mr. Kelly chairs the compensation committee. Because our securities arenot applicable.

3.Exhibits: The exhibits listed on Nasdaq, we have one year from the date of its initial public offering to have our compensation committee be comprised solely of independent members. We intend to identify an additional independent director to serve on the compensation committee within one year of the closing of our initial public offering, at which time Mr. Fertitta will resign from the committee. Prior to Ms. Cornell’s appointment, Mr. Handler served on the compensation committee.

The principal functions of the compensation committee, include:

reviewing and approving on an annual basis the corporate goals and objectives relevant to our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, if any is paid by us, evaluating our Chief Executive Officer’s performance in light of such goals and objectives and determining and approving the remuneration (if any) of our Chief Executive Officer based on such evaluation;

reviewing and approving on an annual basis the compensation, if any is paid by us, of all of our other officers;

reviewing on an annual basis our executive compensation policies and plans;

implementing and administering our incentive compensation equity-based remuneration plans;

assisting management in complying with our proxy statement and annual report disclosure requirements;

approving all special perquisites, special cash payments and other special compensation and benefit arrangements for our officers and employees;

if required, producing a report on executive compensation to be included in our annual proxy statement; and

reviewing, evaluating and recommending changes, if appropriate, to the remuneration for directors.

The charter also provides that the compensation committee may, in its sole discretion, retain or obtain the advice of a compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser and will be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of any such adviser. However, before engaging or receiving advice from a compensation consultant, external legal counsel or any other adviser, the compensation committee will consider the independence of each such adviser, including the factors required by Nasdaq and the SEC.

Director Nominations

We do not have a standing nominating committee, though we intend to form a corporate governance and nominating committee as and when required to do so by law or Nasdaq rules. In accordance with Rule 5605 of the Nasdaq rules, a majority of the independent directors may recommend a director nominee for selection by the board of directors. The board of directors believes that the independent directors can satisfactorily carry out the responsibility of properly selecting or approving director nominees without the formation of a standing nominating committee. The directors who will participate in the consideration and recommendation of director nomineesaccompanying index to exhibits are Mr. Kelly and Ms. Cornell. In accordance with Rule 5605 of the Nasdaq rules, all such directors are independent. As there is no standing nominating committee, we do not have a nominating committee charter in place.


The board of directors will also consider director candidates recommended for nominationfiled or incorporated by our stockholders during such timesreference as they are seeking proposed nominees to stand for election at the next annual meeting of stockholders (or, if applicable, a special meeting of stockholders). Our stockholders that wish to nominate a director for election to our board of directors should follow the procedures set forth in our bylaws.

We have not formally established any specific, minimum qualifications that must be met or skills that are necessary for directors to possess. In general, in identifying and evaluating nominees for director, our board of directors considers educational background, diversity of professional experience, knowledge of our business, integrity, professional reputation, independence, wisdom, and the ability to represent the best interests of our stockholders.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our officers, directors and persons who beneficially own more than ten percent of our common stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. These reporting persons are also required to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely upon a review of such Forms, we believe that during the year ended December 31, 2020 there were no delinquent filers.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to our directors, officers and employees. We have previously filed a copy of our Code of Ethics and our audit and compensation committee charters as exhibits to the registration statement in connection with our Public Offering. You may review these documents by accessing our public filings at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, a copy of the Code of Ethics will be provided without charge upon request from us.

Conflicts of Interest

Our Sponsors or their affiliates may compete with us for Business Combination opportunities. If these entities decide to pursue any such opportunity, we may be precluded from procuring such opportunities. In addition, investment ideas generated within our Sponsors may be suitable for both us and for another entity and may be directed to such entity rather than to us. Neither our Sponsors nor members of our management team who are also employed by our Sponsors have any obligation to present us with any opportunity for a potential Business Combination of which they become aware, unless presented to such member solely in his or her capacity as an officer of the Company. Our Sponsors and/or our management, in their capacities as employees of our Sponsors or in their other endeavors, currently are required to present certain investment opportunities and potential Business Combinations to the various related entities described above, or third parties, before they present such opportunities to us. Our Sponsors and our management may have similar obligations to additional entities or third parties.


Each of our officers and directors presently has, and any of them in the future may have additional, fiduciary or contractual obligations to other entities pursuant to which such officer or director is or will be required to present a Business Combination opportunity. Accordingly, if any of our officers or directors becomes aware of a Business Combination opportunity which is suitable for an entity to which he or she has then-current fiduciary or contractual obligations to present the opportunity to such entity, he or she will honor his or her fiduciary or contractual obligations to present such opportunity to such entity. We believe, however, that the fiduciary duties or contractual obligations of our officers or directors will not materially affect our ability to complete our initial Business Combination, as we believe any such opportunities presented would be smaller than what we are interested in, in different fields than what we would be interested in, or to entities that are not themselves in the business of engaging in Business Combinations. Our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we renounce our interest in any corporate opportunity offered to any director or officer unless such opportunity is expressly offered to such person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of our company and such opportunity is one we are legally and contractually permitted to undertake and would otherwise be reasonable for us to pursue, and to the extent the director or officer is permitted to refer that opportunity to us without violating another legal obligation.

Potential investors should also be aware of the following other potential conflicts of interest:

None of our officers or directors is required to commit his or her full time to our affairs and, accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in allocating his or her time among various business activities.

In the course of their other business activities, our officers and directors may become aware of investment and business opportunities which may be appropriate for presentation to us, as well as the other entities with which they are affiliated. Our management may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented.

Our Sponsors, officers and directors have agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to any Founder Shares and any Public Shares held by them in connection with the consummation of our initial Business Combination. Additionally, our Sponsors, officers and directors have agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to any Founder Shares held by them if we fail to consummate our initial Business Combination by October 14, 2022. If we do not complete our initial Business Combination within such applicable time period, the proceeds of the sale of the private placement warrants held in the Trust Account will be used to fund the redemption of our Public Shares, and the private placement warrants will expire worthless. With certain limited exceptions, the Founder Shares are not transferable, assignable by our Sponsors until the earlier of: (A) one year after the completion of our initial Business Combination or (B) subsequent to our initial Business Combination, (x) if the reported closing price of our Class A common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30—trading day period commencing at least 150 days after our initial Business Combination, or (y) the date on which we complete a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of our stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of common stock for cash, securities or other property. With certain limited exceptions, the private placement warrants and the Class A common stock underlying such warrants, are not transferable, assignable or saleable by our Sponsors or their permitted transferees until 30 days after the completion of our initial Business Combination. Since our Sponsors and officers and directors may directly or indirectly own common stock and warrants following the Public Offering, our officers and directors may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target business is an appropriate business with which to effectuate our initial Business Combination.


Our officers and directors may have a conflict of interest with respect to evaluating a particular Business Combination if the retention or resignation of any such officers and directors was included by a target business as a condition to any agreement with respect to our initial Business Combination.

Our Sponsors, officers or directors may have a conflict of interest with respect to evaluating a Business Combination and financing arrangements as we may obtain loans from our Sponsors or an affiliate of one of our Sponsors or any of our officers or directors to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial Business Combination. Up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible into warrants at a price of  $1.50 per warrant at the option of the lender. Such warrants would be identical to the Sponsor Warrants, including as to exercise price, exercisability and exercise period.

The conflicts described above may not be resolved in our favor.

In general, officers and directors of a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware are required to present business opportunities to a corporation if:

·the corporation could financially undertake the opportunity;

·the opportunity is within the corporation’s line of business; and

·it would not be fair to our company and its stockholders for the opportunity not to be brought to the attention of the corporation.

Accordingly, as a result of multiple business affiliations, our officers and directors may have similar legal obligations relating to presenting business opportunities meeting the above-listed criteria to multiple entities. Furthermore, our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we renounce our interest in any corporate opportunity offered to any director or officer unless such opportunity is expressly offered to such person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of our company and such opportunity is one we are legally and contractually permitted to undertake and would otherwise be reasonable for us to pursue, and to the extent the director or officer is permitted to refer that opportunity to us without violating another legal obligation.


Below is a table summarizing the entities to which our officers, directors and director nominees currently have fiduciary duties or contractual obligations:

IndividualEntityEntity’s BusinessAffiliation
Tilman J. Fertitta(1)Fertitta Entertainment, Inc. and its affiliates and wholly owned subsidiaries(2)Dining, hospitality, NBA Team, entertainment and gaming companySole Shareholder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Fertitta Hospitality, LLC and its affiliates and wholly owned subsidiaries(3)Dining and hospitality companyMember and President
Waitr Holdings Inc.(2) Food ordering and delivery companyDirector
Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Inc.(2)Online GamingChairman and Chief Executive Officer
Richard Handler(1)Jefferies Financial Group Inc. (f/k/a Leucadia National Corporation) and its affiliates and wholly owned subsidiaries(2)Diversified holding companyDirector and Chief Executive Officer
Richard H. Liem(1)Fertitta Entertainment, Inc. and its affiliates and wholly owned subsidiaries(2)Dining, hospitality, NBA Team, entertainment and gaming companyDirector, Executive Vice President and Principal Accounting Officer
Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Inc.(2)Online gamingDirector
Steven L. Scheinthal(1)Fertitta Entertainment, Inc. and its affiliates and wholly owned subsidiaries(2)Dining, hospitality, NBA Team, entertainment and gaming companyDirector, Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Fertitta Hospitality, LLC and its wholly owned subsidiaries(3)Dining and hospitality companySecretary
Waitr Holdings Inc.(2)Food ordering and delivery companyDirector
Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Inc.(2)Online gamingDirector
Nicholas Daraviras(1)Jefferies Financial Group Inc. (f/k/a Leucadia National Corporation) and its affiliates and wholly owned subsidiaries(2)Diversified holding companyManaging Director
Fiesta Restaurant Group(2)Restaurant operator and franchisorDirector
Scott KellyGolden Nugget Atlantic City, LLC(2)GamblingMember of audit and compliance committees
Dona CornellUniversity of Houston(2)EducationVice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel

(1)Each of the entities listed in this table has priority and preference relative to the Company with respect to the performance by each individual listed in this table of his obligations and the presentation by each such individual of business opportunities.

(2)Represents a fiduciary duty with respect to each of the listed companies.

(3)Represents a contractual duty with respect to each of the listed companies.


Accordingly, if any of the above executive officers, directors or director nominees becomes aware of a Business Combination opportunity which is suitable for any of the above entities to which he has current fiduciary or contractual obligations, he will honor his fiduciary or contractual obligations to present such Business Combination opportunity to such entity, and only present it to us if such entity rejects the opportunity. We do not believe, however, that any of the foregoing fiduciary duties or contractual obligations will materially affect our ability to complete our initial Business Combination.

We are not prohibited from pursuing an initial Business Combination with a company that is affiliated with our Sponsors, officers or directors. In the event we seek to complete our initial Business Combination with such a company, we, or a committee of independent directors, would obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that is a member of FINRA or from an independent accounting firm, that such an initial Business Combination is fair to our company from a financial point of view.

In the event that we submit our initial Business Combination to our public stockholders for a vote, pursuant to the letter agreement, our Sponsors, officers and directors have agreed to vote any Founder Shares held by them and any Public Shares purchased during or after the offering (including in open market and privately-negotiated transactions) in favor of our initial Business Combination.

Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

Our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that our officers and directors will be indemnified by us to the fullest extent authorized by Delaware law, as it now exists or may in the future be amended. In addition, our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that our directors will not be personally liable for monetary damages to us or our stockholders for breaches of their fiduciary duty as directors, unless they violated their duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders, acted in bad faith, knowingly or intentionally violated the law, authorized unlawful payments of dividends, unlawful stock purchases or unlawful redemptions, or derived an improper personal benefit from their actions as directors.


We have entered into agreements with our officers and directors to provide contractual indemnification in addition to the indemnification provided for in our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Our bylaws also permit us to secure insurance on behalf of any officer, director or employee for any liability arising out of his or her actions, regardless of whether Delaware law would permit such indemnification. We have purchased a policy of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that insures our officers and directors against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment in some circumstances and insures us against our obligations to indemnify our officers and directors. Except with respect to any Public Shares they acquired in the Public Offering or thereafter (in the event we do not consummate an initial Business Combination), our officers and directors have agreed to waive (and any other persons who may become an officer or director prior to the initial Business Combination will also be required to waive) any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the Trust Account, and not to seek recourse against the Trust Account for any reason whatsoever, including with respect to such indemnification.

These provisions may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions also may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against officers and directors, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders. Furthermore, a stockholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against officers and directors pursuant to these indemnification provisions.

We believe that these provisions, the directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and the indemnity agreements are necessary to attract and retain talented and experienced officers and directors.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

None of our officers has received any cash compensation for services rendered to us. We will pay each of our independent directors $100,000 at the closing of our initial Business Combination for services rendered as a board member prior to the completion of our initial Business Combination. Commencing on October 14, 2020, we have agreed to pay Fertitta Entertainment, Inc.(an affiliate of TJF) a total of $20,000 per month for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support. Upon completion of our initial Business Combination or our liquidation, we will cease paying these monthly fees. No compensation of any kind, including any finder’s fee, reimbursement, consulting fee or monies in respect of any payment of a loan, will be paid by us to our officers and directors prior to, or in connection with any services rendered in order to effectuate, the consummation of our initial Business Combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is). However, these individuals will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on our behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable Business Combinations. We do not have a policy that prohibits our Sponsors, executive officers or directors, or any of their respective affiliates, from negotiating for the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses by a target business. Our audit committee will review on a quarterly basis all payments that were made to our Sponsors, officers or directors, or our or their affiliates. Any such payments prior to an initial Business Combination will be made using funds held outside the Trust Account. Other than quarterly audit committee review of such payments, we do not have any additional controls in place governing our reimbursement payments to our directors and executive officers for their out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with identifying and consummating an initial Business Combination.


After the completion of our initial Business Combination, directors or members of our management team who remain with us may be paid consulting or management fees from the combined company. All of these fees will be fully disclosed to stockholders, to the extent then known, in the proxy solicitation materials or tender offer documents furnished to our stockholders in connection with a proposed initial Business Combination. We have not established any limit on the amount of such fees that may be paid by the combined company to our directors or members of management. It is unlikely the amount of such compensation will be known at the time of the proposed initial Business Combination, because the directors of the post-combination business will be responsible for determining officer and director compensation. Any compensation to be paid to our officers will be determined, or recommended to the board of directors for determination, either by a compensation committee constituted solely by independent directors or by a majority of the independent directors on our board of directors.

We do not intend to take any action to ensure that members of our management team maintain their positions with us after the consummation of our initial Business Combination, although it is possible that some or all of our officers and directors may negotiate employment or consulting arrangements to remain with us after our initial Business Combination. The existence or terms of any such employment or consulting arrangements to retain their positions with us may influence our management’s motivation in identifying or selecting a target business but we do not believe that the ability of our management to remain with us after the consummation of our initial Business Combination will be a determining factor in our decision to proceed with any potential Business Combination. We are not party to any agreements with our officers and directors that provide for benefits upon termination of employment.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

We have no compensation plans under which equity securities are authorized for issuance.

Our Sponsors, JFG Sponsor and TJF Sponsor, own 48.3% and 51.7%, respectively, of the 12,500,000 issued and outstanding Founder Shares. The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 1, 2021, by:

·each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock;
·each of our executive officers, directors and director nominees that beneficially owns shares of our common stock; and
·all our executive officers, directors and director nominees as a group.

​Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock beneficially owned by them. The following table does not reflect record or beneficial ownership of the private placement warrants as these warrants are not exercisable within 60 days of the datepart of this report.

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) Number
of Shares
Beneficially
Owned
  Percentage of
Outstanding Common
Stock
  
Tilman J. Fertitta(2)  6,462,500  10.3% 
Richard Handler  -  -  
Richard H. Liem  -  -  
Steven L. Scheinthal  -  -  
Nicholas Daraviras  -  -  
Scott Kelly  -  -  
Dona Cornell  -  -  
All officers and directors as a group (eight individuals)  6,462,500  10.3% 
         
Holders of more than 5% of Landcadia Holdings III, Inc. outstanding shares of common stock        
TJF, LLC(2)  6,462,500  10.3% 
Jefferies Financial Group Inc.(3)  7,537,500  12.1% 
BlueCrest Capital Management Limited(4)  3,500,000  5.6% 
Millennium Management LLC(5)  3,007,197     
Aristeia Capital, L.L.C.(6)  2,997,427     

Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(1)This table is based on 62,500,000 shares of common stock outstanding at March 1, 2020, of which 50,000,000 were Class A common stock and 12,500,000 were Founder Shares. Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each of the following entities or individuals is c/o Landcadia Holdings III, Inc., 1510 West Loop South, Houston, Texas 77027.

(2)TJF, LLC is the record holder of the shares reported herein. Interests shown consist solely of Founder Shares. Such shares are convertible into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment, as described in the section of this report entitled “Description of Securities.” Amounts exclude 4,000,000 shares underlying Private Placement Warrants that will not become exercisable within 60 days of the date hereof. Tilman J. Fertitta owns and controls TJF, LLC and has voting and dispositive control over the shares held by TJF, LLC.

(3)Jefferies Financial Group Inc., or JFG Sponsor, is the record holder of the shares reported herein. Amounts consist of (i) 1,500,000 shares of Class A common stock underlying the units purchased and directly owned by Jefferies LLC in the open market and (ii) 6,037,500 Founder Shares directly owned by JFG Sponsor, which are convertible into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment, as described in the section of this report entitled “Description of Securities.” Amounts exclude 500,000 public warrants underlying the units held by Jefferies LLC and 4,000,000 shares underlying private placement warrants held by JFG Sponsor that are not deemed exercisable within 60 days of the date hereof. Jefferies LLC is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of JFG Sponsor.

(4)According to a Schedule 13G filed on October 16, 2020, BlueCrest Capital Management Limited (“BlueCrest”) and Michael Platt hold the interests shown. BlueCrest serves as investment manager to Millais Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company, and Michael Platt serves as principal director and control person of BlueCrest. BlueCrest and Mr. Platt share the power to vote or direct the vote and share the power to dispose or direct the disposition relating to the securities. The address of each of BlueCrest and Mr. Platt is Ground Floor, Harbour Reach, La Rue de Carteret, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands, JE2 4HR.


(5)According to a Schedule 13G filed on February 3, 2021, (i) Millenium Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Millenium Management), Millennium Group Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Millenium Group Management”), Millenium International Management LP, a Delaware limited partners (“Millennium International Management”) and Israel A. Englander, a United States citizen share voting control and investment discretion over part or all of the interests shown, of which (i) 1,452,681 shares and 1 unit are held by Integrated Core Strategies (US) LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Integrated Core Strategies”) and (ii) 1,554,516 shares are held by ICS Opportunities, Ltd., an exempted company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (“ICS Opportunities”). Millenium International Management is the investment manager to ICS Opportunities and may be deemed to have shared voting control and investment discretion over securities owned by ICS Opportunities. Millenium Management s the general partner of the managing member of Integrated Core Strategies and may be deemed to have shared voting control and investment discretion over securities owned by Integrated Core Strategies. Millennium Management is also the general partner of the 100% owner of ICS Opportunities and may also be deemed to have shared voting control and investment discretion over securities owned by ICS Opportunities. Millenium Group Management is the managing member of Millennium Management and may also be deemed to have shared voting control and investment discretion over securities owned by Integrated Core Strategies. Millennium Group Management is also the general partner of Millennium International Management and may also be deemed to have shared voting control and investment discretion over securities owned by ICS Opportunities. The managing member of Millennium Group Management is a trust of which Mr. Englander, currently serves as the sole voting trustee. Therefore, Mr. Englander may also be deemed to have shared voting control and investment discretion over securities owned by Integrated Core Strategies and ICS Opportunities. The address of each entity and Mr. Englander is c/o Millennium International Management LP, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10103.

(6)According to a Schedule 13G filed on February 16, 2021, Aristeia Capital, L.L.C. is the investment manager of, and has voting and investment control with respect to 2,997,427 shares of Class A common stock underlying 2,997,427 units held by, one or more private investment funds. The address of Aristeia Capital, LLC is One Greenwich Plaza, 3rd Floor, Greenwich, CT 06830.

Our Sponsors beneficially own 22.4% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock and have the right to elect all of our directors prior to our Business Combination as a result of holding all of the Founder Shares. Holders of our Public Shares do not have the right to elect any directors to our board of directors prior to our Business Combination. Because of this ownership block, our initial stockholders may be able to effectively influence the outcome of all matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors, amendments to our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and approval of significant corporate transactions, including approval of our initial Business Combination.

The holders of the Founder Shares have agreed (A) to vote any shares owned by them in favor of any proposed initial Business Combination and (B) not to redeem any shares in connection with a stockholder vote to approve a proposed initial Business Combination.

On March 13, 2018, JFG, through a subsidiary, purchased a 100% of the membership interest in the Company for $1,000. On August 24, 2020, TJF Sponsor purchased a 51.7% membership interest in the Company for $1,070. Simultaneously, the Company converted from a limited liability company to a corporation and its previously outstanding membership interest converted into shares of Class B common stock. The total number of authorized shares of all classes of capital stock is 401,000,000, of which 380,000,000 shares are Class A shares at par value $0.0001 per share; 20,000,000 shares are Class B shares at par value $0.0001 per share; and 1,000,000 shares are preferred stock at par value $0.0001 per share. The Sponsors held an aggregate of 12,500,000 Class B shares based on the proportional interest in the Company. Further, on September 16, 2020, we conducted a 1:1.25 stock split of the Founder Shares so that a total of 14,375,000 Founder Shares were issued and outstanding. An aggregate of 1,875,000 Founder Shares were forfeited because the underwriters did not exercise their over-allotment option.


In connection with the consummation of the public offering, our Sponsors purchased an aggregate of 8,000,000 Sponsor Warrants at a price of $1.50 per warrant (a purchase price of $12,000,000) in a private placement. Each Sponsor Warrant entitles the holder to purchase of one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share.

Our Sponsors and our executive officers and directors are deemed to be our “promoters” as such term is defined under the federal securities laws. See “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” for additional information regarding our relationships with our promoters.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Our Sponsors, JFG Sponsor and TJF Sponsor, own 48.3% and 51.7%, respectively, of the 12,500,000 issued and outstanding Founder Shares. The total Founder Shares represents 20% of the outstanding shares as of December 31, 2020. The Founder Shares (including the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise thereof) may not, subject to certain limited exceptions, be transferred, assigned or sold by the holder.

Our Sponsors purchased an aggregate of 8,000,000 Sponsor Warrants for a purchase price of $1.50 per warrant ($12,000,000 in the aggregate) in a Private Placement that occurred simultaneously with the closing of Public Offering. Each Sponsor Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one share of our Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. The Sponsor Warrants (including the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise thereof) are not transferable, assignable or salable until 30 days after the completion of the Business Combination and they are non-redeemable so long as they are held by the initial purchasers of the Sponsor Warrants or their permitted transferees. If the Sponsor Warrants are held by someone other than the initial purchasers of the Sponsor Warrants or their permitted transferees, the Sponsor Warrants will be redeemable by the Company and exercisable by such holders on the same basis as the warrants included in the Units being sold in the Public Offering. Otherwise, the Sponsor Warrants have terms and provisions that are identical to those of the Public Warrants except that the Sponsor Warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis. If the Company does not complete the Business Combination, then the proceeds will be part of the liquidating distribution to the public stockholders and the Sponsor Warrants issued to the Sponsors will expire worthless.

As more fully discussed in the section of this report entitled “Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance—Conflicts of Interest,” if any of our officers or directors becomes aware of an initial Business Combination opportunity that falls within the line of business of any entity to which he or she has then-current fiduciary or contractual obligations, he or she will honor his or her fiduciary or contractual obligations to present such Business Combination opportunity to such other entity. Our officers and directors currently have certain relevant fiduciary duties or contractual obligations that may take priority over their duties to us.

We have agreed to pay Fertitta Entertainment, Inc. (an affiliate of TJF) a total of $20,000 per month for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support ending on the earlier of the completion of a Business Combination or October 14, 2022, if the Company is unable to complete the Business Combination.


We will pay each of our independent directors $100,000 at the closing of our initial Business Combination for services rendered as a board member prior to the completion of our initial Business Combination and may pay, at the closing of our initial Business Combination, a customary financial advisory fee to an affiliate of JFG in an amount that constitutes a market standard financial advisory fee for comparable transactions. Other than the foregoing, no compensation of any kind, including any finder’s fee, reimbursement, consulting fee or monies in respect of any payment of a loan, will be paid by us to our Sponsors, officers and directors, or any affiliate of one of our Sponsors or officers, prior to, or in connection with any services rendered in order to effectuate, the consummation of an initial Business Combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is). However, we are not prohibited from engaging an affiliate of JFG, one of our Sponsors, or its affiliates as financial advisors in connection with our initial Business Combination and paying a customary financial advisory fee in an amount that constitutes a market standard financial advisory fee for comparable transactions, although we are not under any contractual obligation, and have no present intent, to do so. However, these individuals will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on our behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable Business Combinations. We do not have a policy that prohibits our Sponsors, executive officers or directors, or any of their respective affiliates, from negotiating for the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses by a target business. Our audit committee will review on a quarterly basis all payments that were made to our Sponsors, officers, directors or our or any of their affiliates and will determine which expenses and the amount of expenses that will be reimbursed. There is no cap or ceiling on the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by such persons in connection with activities on our behalf.

In addition, in order to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial Business Combination, our Sponsors or an affiliate of one of our Sponsors or certain of our officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. If we complete an initial Business Combination, we would repay such loaned amounts. In the event that the initial Business Combination does not close, we may use a portion of the working capital held outside the Trust Account to repay such loaned amounts but no proceeds from our Trust Account would be used for such repayment. Up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible into warrants at a price of $1.50 per warrant at the option of the lender. The warrants would be identical to the Sponsor Warrants, including as to exercise price, exercisability and exercise period. The terms of such loans by our officers and directors, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans.

After our initial Business Combination, members of our management team who remain with us may be paid consulting, management or other fees from the combined company with any and all amounts being fully disclosed to our stockholders, to the extent then known, in the proxy solicitation materials or tender offer documents, as applicable, furnished to our stockholders. It is unlikely the amount of such compensation will be known at the time of distribution of such proxy solicitation materials or tender offer documents, as applicable, as it will be up to the directors of the post-combination business to determine executive and director compensation.


The holders of the Founder Shares, Sponsor Warrants, shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of the Founder Shares, Sponsor Warrants or Working Capital Loans are entitled to registration rights. These holders are entitled to make up to three demands, excluding short form registration demands, that the Company register such securities for sale under the Securities Act. In addition, these holders have ‘‘piggy-back’’ registration rights to include their securities in other registration statements filed by the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, JFG may not exercise its demand and “piggyback” registration rights after five and seven years, respectively after the effective date of the registration statement relating to the Public Offering and may not exercise its demand rights on more than one occasion. The Company will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

Related Party Policy

Prior to the consummation of our initial Public Offering, we adopted a code of ethics requiring us to avoid, wherever possible, all conflicts of interests, except under guidelines or resolutions approved by our board of directors (or the appropriate committee of our board) or as disclosed in our public filings with the SEC. Under our code of ethics, conflict of interest situations include any financial transaction, arrangement or relationship (including any indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness) involving the Company.

In addition, our audit committee, pursuant to a written charter that we adopted prior to the consummation of our Initial Public Offering, is responsible for reviewing and approving related party transactions to the extent that we enter into such transactions. An affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the audit committee present at a meeting at which a quorum is present is required in order to approve a related party transaction. A majority of the members of the entire audit committee constitutes a quorum. Without a meeting, the unanimous written consent of all of the members of the audit committee is required to approve a related party transaction. We also require each of our directors and executive officers to complete a directors’ and officers’ questionnaire that elicits information about related party transactions.

These procedures are intended to determine whether any such related party transaction impairs the independence of a director or presents a conflict of interest on the part of a director, employee or officer.

Director Independence

Nasdaq listing standards require that a majority of our board of directors be independent. An “independent director” is defined generally as a person other than an officer or employee of the company or its subsidiaries or any other individual having a relationship which in the opinion of the company’s board of directors, would interfere with the director’s exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Scott Kelly and Mrs. Dona Cornell are “independent directors” as defined in the Nasdaq listing standards and applicable SEC rules. We intend to identify one additional independent director within one year of the closing of the Public Offering. We expect such additional director to enter into a letter agreement substantially similar to the letter agreement signed by our directors, a form of which is included as an exhibit to this Report. Our independent directors have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present.


Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Fees for professional services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm for the last two fiscal years include:

  For the Year ended  For the Year ended 
  December 31, 2020  December 31, 2019 
Audit Fees (1) $24,205  $- 
Audit-Related Fees (2) $41,245  $- 
Tax Fees (3) $-  $- 
All Other Fees (4) $-  $- 
Total $65,450  $- 

(1)Audit Fees. Audit fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of our year-end financial statements and services that are normally provided by our independent registered public accounting firm in connection with statutory and regulatory filings.
(2)2.1+Audit-Related Fees. Audit-related fees consist
(3)Tax Fees. Tax fees consist of fees billed for professional services relating to tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice.
(4)All Other Fees. All other fees consist of fees billed for all other services.

Policy on Board Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of the Independent Auditors

Our audit committee was formed upon the consummation of the Public Offering. As a result, the audit committee did not pre-approve all of the foregoing services, although any services rendered prior to the formation of our audit committee were approved by our board of directors. Since the formation of our audit committee, and on a going-forward basis, the audit committee has and will pre-approve all auditing services and permitted non-audit services to be performed for us by our auditors, including the fees and terms thereof (subject to the de minimis exceptions for non-audit services described in the Exchange Act which are approved by the audit committee prior to the completion of the audit).


PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a)The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

1.Financial Statements: See “Index to Financial Statements” in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” herein.

(b)Financial Statement Schedules. All schedules are omitted for the reason that the information is included in the financial statements or the notes thereto or that they are not required or are not applicable.

(c)Exhibits: The exhibits listed in the accompanying index to exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K


Exhibit
 NumberDescription
2.1Merger, Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2021, by and among Landcadia Holdings III, Inc., Helios Sun Merger Sub, Inc., HMAN Group Holdings Inc. and CCMP Sellers’ Representative, LLC, solely in its capacity as representative of the stockholders of HMAN Group Holdings Inc. (attached as(incorporated by reference to Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus which forms a part of the registration statementProxy Statement/Prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) (File No. 333-252693), filed with the SEC on Form S-4 filedJune 25, 2021).
2.2+
3.1
SecondThird Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
3.2(1)Bylaws
4.1(2)Specimen Unit Certificate
4.2(2)Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate
4.3(2)Specimen Warrant Certificate
4.4(1)Warrant Agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC and the Registrant
4.5Amended and Restated Warrant Agreement, dated November 13, 2020, by and between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent of Hillman Solutions Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.23.1 of the Registrant’s QuarterlyCompany’s Current Report on Form 10-Q,8-K, filed with the SEC on November 16, 2020)July 20, 2021).
3.2
4.6*4.1

10.1
10.1(1)Promissory Note, dated August 24, 2020, issued to Fertitta Entertainment, Inc.
10.2(1)Promissory Note, dated August 24, 2020, issued to Jefferies Financial Group Inc.
10.3(1)Investment Management Trust Agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC and the Registrant
10.4(1)Registration Rights Agreement between the Registrant and certain security holders
10.5(1)Private Placement Warrants Purchase Agreement between the Registrant Fertitta Entertainment, Inc. and Jefferies Financial Group Inc.
10.6(2)Form of Indemnity Agreement.
10.7(1)Administrative Support Agreement by and between the Registrant and Fertitta Entertainment, Inc.
10.8
10.2
VotingAmended and SupportRestated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 24,July 14, 2021, by and among Landcadia HoldingsHillman Solutions Corp., Jefferies Financial Group Inc., TFJ, LLC, CCMP Capital Investors III, Inc.L.P., CCMP Capital Investors (Employee) III, L.P., CCMP Co-Invest III A, L.P., Oak Hill Capital Partners III, L.P., Oak Hill Capital Management Partners III, L.P. and certain Supporting StockholdersOHCP III HC RO, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of HMAN Group Holdings Inc.the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on July 20, 2021).
10.3*
10.4*
10.5*
10.1010.6*
10.7*
10.8*
10.9*
10.10*
84| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


10.11*
10.12*
10.13*
10.14*
10.15*
10.16*
10.17+
'10.18+
10.19+
10.20+
10.21+
10.22+
10.23+
10.24*
10.25*
10.26*
CodeForm of Ethics
24PowerNotice to the Holders of Attorney (included in signature page)


99.1(2)Audit Committee Charter
99.2(2)Compensation Committee Charter
31.1*CertificateStock Options Under the HMAN Group Holdings, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, dated July 15, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of the PrincipalCompany’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2022).
10.27*
10.28*
85| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
capture.jpg


10.29*
10.30*
10.31*
10.32*
10.33*
19.1
21.1
23.1
23.2
31.1
31.2
CertificateCertification of the PrincipalChief Financial and Accounting Officer required bypursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Exchange Act (filed herewith).
32.1
32.1**
32.2
32.2**
97
101.INS***101The following financial information from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2023, formatted in inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (filed herewith).XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH***104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) (filed herewith).XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL***XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF***XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB***XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE***XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 * Indicates management contract or any compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.
+ Certain of the exhibits and schedules to this Exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item 601(a)(5). The RegistrantCompany agrees to furnish a copy of all omitted exhibits and schedules to the SEC upon its request.

* Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith.

*** XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.



86| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
(1)Incorporated by reference to an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on October 14, 2020.

capture.jpg


ITEM 16 – FORM 10-K SUMMARY.(2)Incorporated by reference to an exhibit to the Registrant’s Form S-1/A, filed with the SEC on October 5, 2020.


None

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrantregistrant has duly caused this Reportreport to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

LANDCADIA HOLDINGS, INC. 
THE HILLMAN SOLUTIONS CORP.
Dated:February 22, 2024By:/s/ Robert O. Kraft
By:/s/ Tilman J. FertittaRobert O. Kraft
Title:Name: Tilman J. Fertitta
Title: Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chairman
(principal executive officer)
By:/s/ Richard H. Liem
Name: Richard H. Liem

Title: Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(principal financial and accounting officer)

Dated: March 12, 2021Duly Authorized Officer of the Registrant

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Tilman J. Fertitta and Richard H. Liem and each or any one of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Annual Report on Form 10-Kreport has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

indicated below.

Name
SignatureTitleCapacityDate
/s/ Douglas J. CahillPrincipal Executive Officer, Chairman and DirectorFebruary 22, 2024
Douglas J. Cahill
/s/ Tilman J. FertittaRobert O. KraftPrincipal Financial OfficerChief Executive Officer and Co-ChairmanMarch 12, 2021February 22, 2024
Tilman J. FertittaRobert O. Kraft
/s/ Anne S. McCalla(Principal Executive Officer)Chief Accounting OfficerFebruary 22, 2024
Anne S. McCalla
/s/ Diana DowlingDirectorFebruary 22, 2024
Diana Dowling
/s/ Richard H. LiemTeresa S. GendronChief Financial Officer and Vice PresidentDirectorMarch 12, 2021February 22, 2024
Richard H. LiemTeresa S. Gendron
/s/ Diane C. Honda(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)DirectorFebruary 22, 2024
Diane C. Honda
/s/ Aaron P. JagdfeldDirectorFebruary 22, 2024
Aaron P. Jagdfeld
/s/ Richard HandlerDaniel O'LearyPresident and Co-ChairmanDirectorMarch 12, 2021February 22, 2024
Richard HandlerDaniel O'Leary
/s/ David A. OwensDirectorFebruary 22, 2024
David A. Owens
/s/ John SwygertDirectorFebruary 22, 2024
John Swygert
/s/ Scott KellyPhilip K. WoodliefDirectorDirectorMarch 12, 20201February 22, 2024
Scott KellyPhilip K. Woodlief
87| December 30, 2023 Form 10-K
/s/ Dona CornellDirectorMarch 12, 2021
Dona Cornell


capture.jpg