UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x

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

For the quarterly period ended February 28,November 30, 2019

OR

¨

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

For the transition period from   to 

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-22793

PriceSmart, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

33-0628530

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

9740 Scranton Road, San Diego, CA

92121

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

9740 Scranton Road, San Diego, CA 92121

(Address of principal executive offices)

(858) 404-8800

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.0001 par value

PSMT

NASDAQ Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports); and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  x

No  ��

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes  x

No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  x

Accelerated filer  ¨

Non-accelerated filer  ☐ ¨

Smaller Reporting Company  ¨

Emerging growth company  ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended 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 is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  ¨

No  x

The registrant had 30,544,42230,612,511 shares of its common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, outstanding at MarchDecember 31, 2019.


PRICESMART, INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

i


PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PriceSmart, Inc.’s (“PriceSmart,” “we” or the “Company”) unaudited consolidated balance sheet as of February 28,November 30, 2019 and the consolidated balance sheet as of August 31, 2018,2019, the unaudited consolidated statements of income for the three and six months ended February 28,November 30, 2019 and 2018, the unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and six months ended February 28,November 30, 2019 and 2018, the unaudited consolidated statements of equity for the three and six months ended February 28,November 30, 2019 and 2018, and the unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows for the sixthree months ended February 28,November 30, 2019 and 2018 are included herein. Also included herein are the notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.


PRICESMART, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 28,

 

 

November 30,

 

2019

 

August 31,

2019

August 31,

 

(Unaudited)

 

2018

(Unaudited)

2019

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

90,261 

 

$

93,460 

$

111,359

$

102,653

Short-term restricted cash

 

4,464 

 

405 

65

54

Short-term investments

 

23,501 

 

32,304 

25,098

17,045

Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $120 as of February 28, 2019 and $97 as of August 31, 2018, respectively.

 

10,500 

 

8,859 

Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $125 as of November 30, 2019 and $144 as of August 31, 2019, respectively

10,293

9,872

Merchandise inventories

 

 

334,899 

 

 

321,025 

388,072

331,273

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

35,898 

 

 

31,800 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets (includes $2,747 and $2,736 as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019, respectively, for the fair value of derivative instruments)

36,990

30,999

Total current assets

 

 

499,523 

 

 

487,853 

571,877

491,896

Long-term restricted cash

 

3,352 

 

3,049 

3,689

3,529

Property and equipment, net

 

626,279 

 

594,403 

693,275

671,151

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

118,203

Goodwill

 

46,263 

 

46,329 

45,425

46,101

Other intangibles, net

 

13,788 

 

14,980 

11,977

12,576

Deferred tax assets

 

11,786 

 

10,166 

17,790

15,474

Other non-current assets (includes $3,611 and $4,364 as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018, respectively, for the fair value of derivative instruments)

 

 

46,525 

 

 

48,854 

Other non-current assets (includes $436 and $0 as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019, respectively, for the fair value of derivative instruments)

51,226

44,987

Investment in unconsolidated affiliates

 

 

10,714 

 

 

10,758 

10,649

10,697

Total Assets

 

$

1,258,230 

 

$

1,216,392 

$

1,524,111

$

1,296,411

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Short-term borrowings

$

23,018

$

7,540

Accounts payable

 

274,311 

 

255,739 

328,585

286,219

Accrued salaries and benefits

 

20,219 

 

22,836 

24,131

25,401

Deferred income

 

24,725 

 

23,018 

25,147

25,340

Income taxes payable

 

3,793 

 

4,636 

6,640

4,637

Other accrued expenses

 

32,652 

 

28,281 

Dividends payable

 

 

10,672 

 

 

 —

Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities (includes $127 and $0 as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019, respectively, for the fair value of foreign currency forward contracts)

40,519

32,442

Operating lease liabilities, current portion

8,310

Long-term debt, current portion

 

 

26,193 

 

 

14,855 

13,726

25,875

Total current liabilities

 

 

392,565 

 

 

349,365 

470,076

407,454

Deferred tax liability

 

2,078 

 

1,894 

1,829

2,015

Long-term portion of deferred rent

 

9,061 

 

8,885 

11,198

Long-term income taxes payable, net of current portion

 

5,081 

 

4,622 

5,346

5,069

Long-term operating lease liabilities

121,698

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

 

69,793 

 

 

87,720 

98,084

63,711

Other long-term liabilities (includes $610 and $502 for the fair value of derivative instruments and $5,151 and $4,715 for post-employment plans as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018, respectively)

 

 

6,062 

 

 

5,268 

Other long-term liabilities (includes $3,259 and $2,910 for the fair value of derivative instruments and $5,675 and $5,421 for post-employment plans as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019, respectively)

9,306

8,685

Total Liabilities

 

 

484,640 

 

 

457,754 

706,339

498,132


Stockholders' Equity:

Common stock $0.0001 par value, 45,000,000 shares authorized; 31,474,818 and 31,461,359 shares issued and 30,612,511 and 30,538,788 shares outstanding (net of treasury shares) as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019, respectively

3

3

Additional paid-in capital

440,756

443,084

Tax benefit from stock-based compensation

11,486

11,486

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(147,524)

(144,339)

Retained earnings

545,532

525,804

Less: treasury stock at cost, 862,307 shares as of November 30, 2019 and 924,332 shares as of August 31, 2019

(33,424)

(38,687)

Total stockholders' equity attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. stockholders

816,829

797,351

Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries

943

928

Total stockholders' equity

817,772

798,279

Total Liabilities and Equity

$

1,524,111

$

1,296,411



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock $0.0001 par value, 45,000,000 shares authorized; 31,447,055 and 31,372,752 shares issued and 30,495,712 and 30,460,353 shares outstanding (net of treasury shares) as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018, respectively

 

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

442,273 

 

 

432,882 

Tax benefit from stock-based compensation

 

 

11,486 

 

 

11,486 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(130,110)

 

 

(121,216)

Retained earnings

 

 

491,032 

 

 

473,954 

Less: treasury stock at cost, 951,343 shares as of February 28, 2019 and 912,399 shares as of August 31, 2018

 

 

(41,524)

 

 

(39,107)

Total stockholders' equity attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. stockholders

 

 

773,160 

 

 

758,002 

Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries

 

 

430 

 

 

636 

Total stockholders' equity 

 

 

773,590 

 

 

758,638 

Total Liabilities and Equity

 

$

1,258,230 

 

$

1,216,392 

See accompanying notes. 

PRICESMART, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED—AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

Three Months Ended

 

February 28,

 

February 28,

 

February 28,

 

February 28,

November 30,

November 30,

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

2019

2018

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net merchandise sales

 

$

820,290 

 

$

816,573 

 

$

1,567,733 

 

$

1,561,974 

$

778,728

$

747,443

Export sales

 

 

6,844 

 

 

9,138 

 

 

15,033 

 

 

17,285 

8,274

8,189

Membership income

 

 

12,845 

 

 

12,703 

 

 

25,585 

 

 

25,078 

13,746

12,740

Other revenue and income

 

 

14,446 

 

 

1,149 

 

 

25,711 

 

 

2,298 

11,193

11,265

Total revenues

 

 

854,425 

 

 

839,563 

 

 

1,634,062 

 

 

1,606,635 

811,941

779,637

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net merchandise sales

 

 

705,546 

 

 

699,355 

 

 

1,346,701 

 

 

1,336,591 

662,724

641,155

Export sales

 

 

6,486 

 

 

8,685 

 

 

14,264 

 

 

16,434 

7,971

7,778

Non-merchandise

 

 

4,826 

 

 

 —

 

 

9,073 

 

 

 —

4,251

4,247

Selling, general and administrative:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warehouse club and other operations

 

 

75,708 

 

 

71,951 

 

 

149,930 

 

 

141,453 

79,373

74,222

General and administrative

 

 

24,968 

 

 

20,258 

 

 

52,303 

 

 

39,088 

25,884

27,335

Pre-opening expenses

 

 

97 

 

 

81 

 

 

112 

 

 

511 

953

15

Asset impairment

 

 

 —

 

 

1,929 

 

 

 —

 

 

1,929 

Loss/(gain) on disposal of assets

 

 

258 

 

 

40 

 

 

473 

 

 

199 

Loss on disposal of assets

71

215

Total operating expenses

 

 

817,889 

 

 

802,299 

 

 

1,572,856 

 

 

1,536,205 

781,227

754,967

Operating income

 

 

36,536 

 

 

37,264 

 

 

61,206 

 

 

70,430 

30,714

24,670

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

423 

 

 

368 

 

 

814 

 

 

768 

293

391

Interest expense

 

 

(1,001)

 

 

(992)

 

 

(2,034)

 

 

(2,247)

(862)

(1,033)

Other income (expense), net

 

 

(372)

 

 

210 

 

 

(2,191)

 

 

488 

Other expense, net

(985)

(1,819)

Total other income (expense)

 

 

(950)

 

 

(414)

 

 

(3,411)

 

 

(991)

(1,554)

(2,461)

Income before provision for income taxes and
income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates

 

 

35,586 

 

 

36,850 

 

 

57,795 

 

 

69,439 

Income before provision for income taxes and

loss of unconsolidated affiliates

29,160

22,209

Provision for income taxes

 

 

(11,703)

 

 

(22,707)

 

 

(19,243)

 

 

(32,822)

(9,403)

(7,540)

Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates

 

 

(20)

 

 

 

 

(44)

 

 

21 

Loss of unconsolidated affiliates

(48)

(24)

Net income

 

 

23,863 

 

$

14,148 

 

$

38,508 

 

$

36,638 

19,709

14,645

Less: net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

(53)

 

 

 —

 

 

(86)

 

 

 —

19

(33)

Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc.

 

$

23,810 

 

$

14,148 

 

$

38,422 

 

$

36,638 

$

19,728

$

14,612

Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. per share available for distribution:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.79 

 

$

0.47 

 

$

1.27 

 

$

1.21 

$

0.64

$

0.48

Diluted

 

$

0.79 

 

$

0.47 

 

$

1.27 

 

$

1.21 

$

0.64

$

0.48

Shares used in per share computations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

30,206 

 

 

30,100 

 

 

30,189 

 

 

30,089 

30,277

30,172

Diluted

 

 

30,211 

 

 

30,100 

 

 

30,200 

 

 

30,090 

30,284

30,189

Dividends per share

 

$

0.70 

 

$

0.70 

 

$

0.70 

 

$

0.70 

$

$

See accompanying notes. 

PRICESMART, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED—AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

Three Months Ended

 

February 28,

 

February 28,

 

February 28,

 

February 28,

November 30,

November 30,

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

2019

2018

Net income

 

$

23,863 

 

$

14,148 

 

$

38,508 

 

$

36,638 

$

19,709

$

14,645

Less: net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

(53)

 

 

 —

 

 

(86)

 

 

 —

19

(33)

Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc.

 

$

23,810 

 

$

14,148 

 

$

38,422 

 

$

36,638 

$

19,728

$

14,612

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments (1)

 

 

5,121 

 

 

4,339 

 

 

(8,276)

 

 

2,313 

(3,724)

(13,397)

Defined benefit pension plan:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net gain (loss) arising during period

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

13 

 

 

 —

Net gain arising during period

7

9

Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial gains included in net periodic pensions cost

 

 

18 

 

 

29 

 

 

37 

 

 

59 

19

19

Total defined benefit pension plan

 

 

22 

 

 

29 

 

 

50 

 

 

59 

26

28

Derivative instruments: (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains/(losses) on change in
fair value of interest rate swaps

 

 

(791)

 

 

850 

 

 

(668)

 

 

1,437 

Unrealized losses on change in derivative

obligations

(432)

(306)

Unrealized gains on change in

fair value of interest rate swaps

941

429

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to other expense, net for settlement of derivatives

4

Total derivative instruments

 

 

(791)

 

 

850 

 

 

(668)

 

��

1,437 

513

123

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

4,352 

 

 

5,218 

 

 

(8,894)

 

 

3,809 

Other comprehensive loss

(3,185)

(13,246)

Comprehensive income

 

 

28,162 

 

 

19,366 

 

$

29,528 

 

$

40,447 

16,543

1,366

Less: comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

22 

 

 

 —

 

 

21 

 

 

 —

Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest

34

1

Comprehensive income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. to stockholders

 

$

28,140 

 

$

19,366 

 

$

29,507 

 

$

40,447 

$

16,509

$

1,365

(1)

Translation adjustments arising in translating the financial statements of a foreign entity have no effect on the income taxes of that foreign entity. They may, however, affect: (a) the amount, measured in the parent entity's reporting currency, of withholding taxes assessed on dividends paid to the parent entity and (b) the amount of taxes assessed on the parent entity by the government of its country.  The Company has determined that the reinvestment of earnings of its foreign subsidiaries are indefinite because of the long-term nature of the Company's foreign investment plans. Therefore, deferred taxes are not provided for on translation adjustments related to non-remitted earnings of the Company's foreign subsidiaries.

(2)

See Note 8 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.

(1)Translation adjustments arising in translating the financial statements of a foreign entity have no effect on the income taxes of that foreign entity. They may, however, affect: (a) the amount, measured in the parent entity's reporting currency, of withholding taxes assessed on dividends paid to the parent entity and (b) the amount of taxes assessed on the parent entity by the government of its country. The Company has determined that the reinvestment of earnings of its foreign subsidiaries are indefinite because of the long-term nature of the Company's foreign investment plans. Therefore, deferred taxes are not provided for on translation adjustments related to non-remitted earnings of the Company's foreign subsidiaries.

(2)See Note 8 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.

See accompanying notes. 

PRICESMART, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(UNAUDITED—AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax Benefit

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholder's

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax Benefit

Accumulated

Stockholder's

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

From

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

From

Other

Equity

 

Common Stock

 

Paid-in

 

Stock Based

 

Comprehensive

 

Retained

 

Treasury Stock

 

 

Attributable to

 

 

Noncontrolling

 

Total

Common Stock

Paid-in

Stock Based

Comprehensive

Retained

Treasury Stock

Attributable to

Noncontrolling

Total

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Compensation

 

Income(Loss)

 

Earnings

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

 

PriceSmart, Inc.

 

 

Interest

 

Equity

Shares

Amount

Capital

Compensation

Loss

Earnings

Shares

Amount

PriceSmart, Inc.

Interest

Equity

Balance at November 30, 2017

 

31,279 

 

$

 

$

424,856 

 

$

11,486 

 

$

(111,468)

 

$

443,356 

 

875 

 

$

(35,924)

 

$

732,309 

 

$

 —

 

$

732,309 

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

21 

 

 

(1,833)

 

 

(1,833)

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,833)

Issuance of restricted stock

 

35 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Forfeiture of restricted stock awards

 

(7)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Exercise of stock options

 

 

 

 —

 

 

269 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

269 

 

 

 —

 

 

269 

Balance at August 31, 2018

31,373 

$

$

432,882 

$

11,486 

$

(121,216)

$

473,954 

912 

$

(39,107)

$

758,002 

$

636 

$

758,638 

Issuance of restricted stock award

32 

Stock-based compensation

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

2,420 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

2,420 

 

 

 —

 

 

2,420 

6,046 

6,046 

6,046 

Dividend paid to stockholders

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,645)

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,645)

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,645)

Dividend payable to stockholders

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,652)

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,652)

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,652)

Net income

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

14,148 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

14,148 

 

 

 —

 

 

14,148 

14,612 

14,612 

33 

14,645 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

5,218 

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

5,218 

 

 

 —

 

 

5,218 

(13,246)

(13,246)

(13,245)

Balance at February 28, 2018

 

31,311 

 

$

 

$

427,545 

 

$

11,486 

 

$

(106,250)

 

$

436,207 

 

896 

 

$

(37,757)

 

$

731,234 

 

$

 —

 

$

731,234 

Balance at November 30, 2018

31,405 

$

$

438,928 

$

11,486 

$

(134,462)

$

488,566 

912 

$

(39,107)

$

765,414 

$

670 

$

766,084 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at November 30, 2018

 

31,405 

 

$

 

$

438,928 

 

$

11,486 

 

$

(134,462)

 

$

488,566 

 

912 

 

$

(39,107)

 

$

765,414 

 

$

668 

 

$

766,082 

Balance at August 31, 2019

31,461 

$

$

443,084 

$

11,486 

$

(144,339)

$

525,804 

924 

$

(38,687)

$

797,351 

$

928 

$

798,279 

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

39 

 

 

(2,417)

 

 

(2,417)

 

 

 —

 

 

(2,417)

(461)

(461)

(461)

Issuance of restricted stock

 

44 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Issuance of treasury stock

(69)

(5,724)

(69)

5,724 

Issuance of restricted stock award

85

Forfeiture of restricted stock awards

 

(2)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

(2)

Exercise of stock options

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Stock-based compensation

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

3,345 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

3,345 

 

 

 —

 

 

3,345 

3,396 

3,396 

3,396 

Dividend paid to stockholders

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,672)

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,672)

 

 

(313)

 

 

(10,985)

Dividend payable to stockholders

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,672)

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,672)

 

 

 

 

 

(10,672)

Net income

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

23,810 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

23,810 

 

 

53 

 

 

23,863 

19,728

19,728

(19)

19,709

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

4,352 

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

4,352 

 

 

22 

 

 

4,374 

(3,185)

(3,185)

34 

(3,151)

Balance at February 28, 2019

 

31,447 

 

$

 

$

442,273 

 

$

11,486 

 

$

(130,110)

 

$

491,032 

 

951 

 

$

(41,524)

 

$

773,160 

 

$

430 

 

$

773,590 

Balance at November 30, 2019

31,475

$

$

440,756 

$

11,486 

$

(147,524)

$

545,532

862 

$

(33,424)

$

816,829

$

943 

$

817,772

See accompanying notes.

6


PRICESMART, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(UNAUDITED—AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Six Months Ended



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax Benefit

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholder's

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

From

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Common Stock

 

Paid-in

 

Stock Based

 

Comprehensive

 

Retained

 

Treasury Stock

 

 

Attributable to

 

 

Noncontrolling

 

Total



 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Compensation

 

Income(Loss)

 

Earnings

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

 

PriceSmart, Inc.

 

 

Interest

 

Equity

Balance at August 31, 2017

 

31,276 

 

$

 

$

422,395 

 

$

11,486 

 

$

(110,059)

 

$

420,866 

 

875 

 

$

(35,924)

 

$

708,767 

 

$

 —

 

$

708,767 

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

21 

 

 

(1,833)

 

 

(1,833)

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,833)

Issuance of restricted stock award

 

38 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Forfeiture of restricted stock awards

 

(7)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Exercise of stock options

 

 

 

 —

 

 

269 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

269 

 

 

 —

 

 

269 

Stock-based compensation

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

4,881 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

4,881 

 

 

 —

 

 

4,881 

Dividend paid to stockholders

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,645)

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,645)

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,645)

Dividend payable to stockholders

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,652)

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,652)

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,652)

Net income

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

36,638 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

36,638 

 

 

 —

 

 

36,638 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

3,809 

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

3,809 

 

 

 —

 

 

3,809 

Balance at February 28, 2018

 

31,311 

 

$

 

$

427,545 

 

$

11,486 

 

$

(106,250)

 

$

436,207 

 

896 

 

$

(37,757)

 

$

731,234 

 

$

 —

 

$

731,234 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at August 31, 2018

 

31,373 

 

$

 

$

432,882 

 

$

11,486 

 

$

(121,216)

 

$

473,954 

 

912 

 

$

(39,107)

 

$

758,002 

 

$

636 

 

$

758,638 

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

39 

 

 

(2,417)

 

 

(2,417)

 

 

 —

 

 

(2,417)

Issuance of restricted stock award

 

76 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Forfeiture of restricted stock awards

 

(2)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Stock-based compensation

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

9,391 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

9,391 

 

 

 —

 

 

9,391 

Dividend paid to stockholders

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,672)

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,672)

 

 

(313)

 

 

(10,985)

Dividend payable to stockholders

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,672)

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,672)

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,672)

Net income

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

38,422 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

38,422 

 

 

86 

 

 

38,508 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(8,894)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(8,894)

 

 

21 

 

 

(8,873)

Balance at February 28, 2019

 

31,447 

 

$

 

$

442,273 

 

$

11,486 

 

$

(130,110)

 

$

491,032 

 

951 

 

$

(41,524)

 

$

773,160 

 

$

430 

 

$

773,590 

See accompanying notes. 

7


PRICESMART, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED—AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

Three Months Ended

 

February 28,

 

February 28,

November 30,

November 30,

 

2019

 

2018

2019

2018

Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

38,508 

 

$

36,638 

$

19,709

$

14,645

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

27,829 

 

24,812 

14,814

13,723

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

23 

 

(7)

(19)

7

Asset impairment and closure costs

 

 —

 

1,929 

(Gain)/loss on sale of property and equipment

 

473 

 

199 

Loss on sale of property and equipment

71

215

Deferred income taxes

 

(916)

 

6,668 

(1,234)

316

Equity in (gains)/losses of unconsolidated affiliates

 

44 

 

(21)

Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates

48

24

Stock-based compensation

 

9,391 

 

4,881 

3,396

6,046

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Receivables, prepaid expenses and other current assets, non-current assets, accrued salaries and benefits, deferred membership income and other accruals

 

(417)

 

5,914 

(9,762)

(6,200)

Merchandise inventories

 

 

(13,874)

 

 

(3,865)

(56,799)

(59,054)

Accounts payable

 

 

15,239 

 

 

(18,069)

45,880

55,985

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

 

76,300 

 

 

59,079 

Net cash provided by operating activities

16,104

25,707

Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

Additions to property and equipment

 

(62,655)

 

(46,233)

(37,582)

(35,673)

Short-term investments

 

(9,142)

 

(66,388)

(10,184)

(6,190)

Proceeds from settlements of short-term investments

 

 

17,876 

 

 

7,643 

2,066

12,406

Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment

 

 

104 

 

 

54 

13

93

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

 

(53,817)

 

 

(104,924)

Net cash used in investing activities

(45,687)

(29,364)

Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from long-term bank borrowings

 

 —

 

13,500 

25,000

Repayment of long-term bank borrowings

 

(6,345)

 

(23,150)

(2,836)

(3,463)

Proceeds from short-term bank borrowings

 

 —

 

57,248 

81,202

Repayment of short-term bank borrowings

 

 —

 

(57,248)

(65,581)

Cash dividend payments

 

(10,985)

 

(10,645)

Purchase of treasury stock for tax withholding on stock compensation

 

(2,417)

 

(1,833)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

 

 —

 

 

269 

Other financing activities

 

 

(86)

 

 

 —

19

(33)

Purchase of treasury stock

(461)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

(19,833)

 

 

(21,859)

37,343

(3,496)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

 

(1,487)

 

 

(1,142)

1,117

(1,375)

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents

 

 

1,163 

 

 

(68,846)

8,877

(8,528)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

 

96,914 

 

 

165,712 

106,236

96,914

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

 

$

98,077 

 

$

96,866 

$

115,113

$

88,386

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared but not paid

 

$

10,672 

 

$

10,652 

Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing activities:

Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid

$

10,282

$

2,148

8


Table of Contents

PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The following table provides a breakdown of cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the statement of cash flows:

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

Three Months Ended

 

February 28,

 

February 28,

November 30,

November 30,

 

2019

 

2018

2019

2018

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

90,261 

 

$

93,387 

$

111,359

$

81,047

Short-term restricted cash

 

 

4,464 

 

 

365 

65

4,164

Long-term restricted cash

 

$

3,352 

 

$

3,114 

$

3,689

$

3,175

Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the Consolidated statements of cash flows

 

$

98,077 

 

$

96,866 

Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows

$

115,113

$

88,386

See accompanying notes. 

97


Table of Contents

PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

February 28,November 30, 2019

NOTE 1 – COMPANY OVERVIEW AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

PriceSmart, Inc.’s (“PriceSmart,” the “Company,” or "we") business consists primarily of international membership shopping warehouse clubs similar to, but smaller in size than, warehouse clubs in the United States. As of February 28,November 30, 2019, the Company had 41 consolidated45 warehouse clubs in operation in 12 countries and one1 U.S. territory (seven(7 each in Colombia, Costa Rica, and Costa Rica;  fivePanama; 5 in Panama; fourthe Dominican Republic, 4 each in Trinidad and Dominican Republic;  three eachGuatemala; 3 in Guatemala and Honduras,  twoHonduras; 2 each in El Salvador and Nicaragua; and one1 each in Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica and the United States Virgin Islands), of which the Company owns 100% of the corresponding legal entities (see Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies). In May 2018, the Company acquired land in Panama and the Dominican Republic upon which theThe Company is currently constructing two newand plans to open warehouse clubs. In Panama, the site isclubs in Liberia, Costa Rica in the city of Santiago and, upon completion, it will be the sixth warehouse club in Panama. In the Dominican Republic, the site is in the city of Santo Domingo and, upon completion, it will be the fifth warehouse club in the Dominican Republic. These warehouse clubs are currently expected to open in the spring and summer of 2019, respectively. Both of these warehouse clubs will be designed using our new small warehouse club format with sales floor square footage between 30,000 to 40,000 square feet, compared to 50,000 to 60,000 sales floor square footage within our most recent standard format warehouse club openings. In September 2018 (fiscal year 2019), the Company acquired land in San Cristobal, Guatemala, upon which the Company is constructing a standard format warehouse club. San Cristobal is expected to open2020 and Bogota, Colombia in the fall of 2019 (fiscal year 2020). In November 2018 (fiscal year 2019), PriceSmart leased land within the Metropark development on the south eastern side of Panama City, Panama, upon which the2020. The Company is constructing a standard formatalso plans to build new warehouse club. The Metropark club will be the Company’s seventh warehouse clubclubs in PanamaPortmore, Jamaica and is expected toBucaramanga, Colombia and open them in the fall of 2019 (fiscal year 2020).2020. Once these 4 new warehouse clubs are open, the Company will operate 4549 warehouse clubs. The Company continues to explore and negotiate for other potential sites for future warehouse clubs in Central America, the Caribbean and Colombia.

PriceSmart is developing an expansion of itsinvesting in technology to increase efficiencies and to enable omni-channel capabilities, including through its e-commerce, platform, by investing in and integrating the technology, talent and cross-border logistics infrastructure obtained as part of the acquisition of a company in March 2018, which also has a marketplace and casillero business. PriceSmart expects these investments and this integration to enhance the membership shopping experience, drive efficienciesmember experience. PriceSmart also operates a legacy (casillero and fuel sales growth. The marketplace and casilleromarketplace) Aeropost business operates, directly or via agency relationships, through the Aeropost brand in 38 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, many of which overlap with markets where PriceSmart operates itswe operate warehouse clubs.

Basis of Presentation – The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q for interim financial reporting pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Effective September 1, 2019, we adopted the requirements of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" (ASC 842) using the modified retrospective approach, under which financial results reported in prior periods were not restated. As a result, the consolidated balance sheet as of November 30, 2019 is not comparable, in this respect, with that as of August 31, 2019.

These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 20182019 (the “2018“2019 Form 10-K”). The interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PriceSmart, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries. Inter-company transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation.

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation – The interim consolidated financial statements of the Company included herein include the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries, subsidiaries in which it has a controlling interest, and the Company’s joint ventures for which the Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary. The Company reports noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities as a component of equity separate from the Company’s equity. The Company’s net income excludes income attributable to its noncontrolling interests. Additionally, the consolidated financial statements also include the Company's investment in, and the Company's share of the income (loss) of, joint ventures recorded under the equity method. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC and reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year.

8


Table of Contents

The Company determines whether any of the joint ventures in which it has made investments is a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) at the start of each new venture and if a reconsideration event has occurred. At this time, the Company also considers whether it must consolidate a VIE and/or disclose information about its involvement in a VIE. A reporting entity must consolidate a VIE if that reporting entity has a variable interest (or combination of variable interests) that will absorb a majority of the VIE's expected losses, receive a majority of the VIE's expected residual returns, or both. A reporting entity must consider the rights and obligations conveyed by its variable interests and the relationship of its variable interests with variable interests held by other

10


Table of Contents

PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

parties to determine whether its variable interests will absorb a majority of a VIE's expected losses, receive a majority of the VIE's expected residual returns, or both. The reporting entity that consolidates a VIE is called the primary beneficiary of that VIE. If the Company determines that it is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE, then the Company records its investment in, and the Company's share of the income (loss) of, joint ventures recorded under the equity method. Due to the nature of the joint ventures that the Company participates in and the continued commitments for additional financing, the Company determined these joint ventures are VIEs.

The Company has determined that for its ownership interest in store-front joint ventures within its marketplace and casillero business, the Company has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these VIE’s.VIEs. Therefore, the Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of these VIEs and has consolidated these entities within its consolidated financial statements. The Company's ownership interest in these store-front joint ventures for which the Company has consolidated their financial statements as of February 28,November 30, 2019 are listed below:

Marketplace and Casillero Store-front Joint Ventures

Countries

Ownership

Basis of
Presentation

El SalvadorGuatemala

EL SalvadorGuatemala

60.0 

%

60.0

%

Consolidated

GuatemalaTortola

GuatemalaBritish Virgin Islands

60.0 

%

50.0

%

Consolidated

TortolaTrinidad

British Virgin IslandsTrinidad

50.0 

%

50.0

Consolidated

Trinidad%

Trinidad

50.0 

%

Consolidated

ForIn the case of the Company's ownership interest in real estate development joint ventures, sinceboth parties to each joint venture share all rights, obligations and the power to direct the activities of athe VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance is shared equally by both parties within each joint venture,performance. As a result, the Company has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the VIEs and, therefore, has accounted for these entities under the equity method. Under the equity method, the Company's investments in unconsolidated affiliates are initially recorded as an investment in the stock of an investee at cost and are adjusted for the carrying amount of the investment to recognize the investor's share of the earnings or losses of the investee after the date of the initial investment. The Company's ownership interest in real estate development joint ventures for which the Company has recorded under the equity method as of February 28,November 30, 2019 are listed below:

Real Estate Development Joint Ventures

Countries

Ownership

Basis of
Presentation

GolfPark Plaza, S.A.

Panama

50.0 

%

50.0

%

Equity(1)

Price Plaza Alajuela PPA, S.A.

Costa Rica

50.0 

%

50.0

%

Equity(1)

(1)

Joint venture interests are recorded as investment in unconsolidated affiliates on the consolidated balance sheets.

(1)Joint venture interests are recorded as investment in unconsolidated affiliates on the consolidated balance sheets.

Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents – The Company considers as cash and cash equivalents all cash on deposit, highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase, and proceeds due from credit and debit card transactions in the process of settlement.

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PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Restricted Cash – The changes in restricted cash are disclosed within the consolidated statement of cash flows based on the nature of the restriction. The following table summarizes the restricted cash reported by the Company (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 28,

 

 

August 31,

November 30,

August 31,

 

2019

 

 

2018

2019

2019

Short-term restricted cash:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted cash for land purchase option agreements

 

$

4,460 

 

 

$

400 

$

50

$

50

Other short-term restricted cash

 

 

 

 

 

15

4

Total short-term restricted cash

 

$

4,464 

 

 

$

405 

$

65

$

54

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term restricted cash:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other long-term restricted cash (1)

 

$

3,352 

 

 

$

3,049 

$

3,689

$

3,529

Total long-term restricted cash

 

$

3,352 

 

 

$

3,049 

$

3,689

$

3,529

Total restricted cash

 

$

7,816 

 

 

$

3,454 

$

3,754

$

3,583

(1)

Other long-term restricted cash consists mainly of cash deposits held within banking institutions in compliance with federal regulatory requirements in Costa Rica and Panama.

(1)Other long-term restricted cash consists mainly of cash deposits held within banking institutions in compliance with federal regulatory requirements in Costa Rica and Panama.

Short-Term Investments –The Company considers as short-term investments certificates of deposit and similar time-based deposits with financial institutions with maturities over three months and up to one year.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles, net – Goodwill and other intangibles totaled $60.1$57.4 million as of February 28,November 30, 2019 and $61.3$58.7 million as of August 31, 2018.2019.  The Company reviews reported goodwill and other intangibles at the cash-generating unit level for impairment. The Company tests Goodwill for impairment at least annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired.

Tax Receivables The Company pays Value Added Tax (“VAT”) or similar taxes (“input VAT”), income taxes, and other taxes within the normal course of the Company’s business in most of the countries in which the Company operates related to the procurement of merchandise and/or services it acquires and/or on sales and taxable income. The Company also collects VAT or similar taxes on behalf of the government (“output VAT”) for merchandise and/or services it sells. If the output VAT exceeds the input VAT, then the difference is remitted to the government, usually on a monthly basis. If the input VAT exceeds the output VAT, this creates a VAT receivable. In most countries where the Company operates, the governments have implemented additional collection procedures, such as requiring credit card processors to remit a portion of sales processed via credit card directly to the government as advance payments of VAT and/or income tax. In the case of VAT, these procedures alter the natural offset of input and output VAT and generally leave us with a net VAT receivable, forcing us to process significant refund claims on a recurring basis. With respect to income taxes paid, if the estimated income taxes paid or withheld exceed the actual income tax due, this creates an income tax receivable. The Company either requests a refund of these tax receivables or applies the balance to expected future tax payments. These refund or offset processes can take anywhere from several months to several years to complete.

In most countries where the Company operates, the VAT refund process isthere are defined and structured with regularprocesses to recover VAT receivables via refunds or offsets. However, the Company, together with its tax and legal advisers, is currently seeking clarification in court in one country without a clearly defined refund process, and expectsthe Company is actively engaged with the local government to prevail. The balance of therecover VAT receivable in the country with undefined refund mechanisms was approximately $3.8receivables totaling $6.2 million and $3.1$5.1 million as of February 28,November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2018,2019, respectively. In another country in which the Company has warehouse clubs, beginning in fiscal year 2015, a newtwo other countries, minimum income tax mechanism took effect, which requiresrules require the Company to pay taxes based on a percentage of sales rather than income. As a result, the Company is making income tax payments substantially in excess of those it would expect to pay based on taxable income. The rules (which the Company has challenged in court) effective for fiscal years 2015 to 2018 do not clearly allow us to obtain a refund or offset this excesshad income tax against other taxes.  Asreceivables of February 28, 2019, the Company had$9.7 million and $7.8 million and deferred tax assets of approximately $2.2 million in this country. Also, the Company had an income tax receivable balance of $7.0$2.7 million as of February 28,November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019 in these countries. While the rules related to excess payments from fiscal years 2015 to 2019. In the third quarterrefunds of fiscal year 2018, a revised minimumincome tax law was passedreceivables in this country, which beginning in fiscal year 2020 will reduce the minimum tax rate. Additionally, this law clarifies rules on a go-forward basis for reimbursement of excess minimum tax paid beginning in fiscal year 2019, but does not address periods prior to fiscal year 2019.  Nevertheless,these countries are either unclear or complex, the Company has not placed any type of allowance on the recoverability of these tax receivables or deferred tax assets, because the Company believes that it is more likely than not that it will ultimately succeed in its refund requests, related appeals and/or court challenge on these matters.requests.

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PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The Company’s policy for classification and presentation of VAT receivables, income tax receivables and other tax receivables is as follows:

·

Short-term VAT and Income tax receivables, recorded as Other current assets: This classification is used for any countries where the Company’s subsidiary has generally demonstrated the ability to recover the VAT or income tax receivable within one year.  The Company also classifies as short-term any approved refunds or credit notes to the extent that the Company expects to receive the refund or use the credit notes within one year.

·

Long-term VAT and Income tax receivables, recorded as Other non-current assets:  This classification is used for amounts not approved for refund or credit in countries where the Company’s subsidiary has not demonstrated the ability to obtain refunds within one year and/or for amounts which are subject to outstanding disputes.  An allowance is provided against VAT and income tax receivable balances in dispute when the Company does not expect to eventually prevail in its recovery. The Company does not currently have any allowances provided against VAT and income tax receivables.

Short-term VAT and Income tax receivables, recorded as Other current assets: This classification is used for any countries where the Company’s subsidiary has generally demonstrated the ability to recover the VAT or income tax receivable within one year. The Company also classifies as short-term any approved refunds or credit notes to the extent that the Company expects to receive the refund or use the credit notes within one year.

Long-term VAT and Income tax receivables, recorded as Other non-current assets: This classification is used for amounts not approved for refund or credit in countries where the Company’s subsidiary has not demonstrated the ability to obtain refunds within one year and/or for amounts which are subject to outstanding disputes. An allowance is provided against VAT and income tax receivable balances in dispute when the Company does not expect to eventually prevail in its recovery. The Company does not currently have any allowances provided against VAT and income tax receivables.

The following table summarizes the VAT receivables reported by the Company (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 28,

 

August 31,

November 30,

August 31,

 

2019

 

2018

2019

2019

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

$

5,187 

 

$

5,921 

$

3,068

$

1,639

Other non-current assets

 

 

20,765 

 

 

19,224 

24,990

22,691

Total amount of VAT receivables reported

 

$

25,952 

 

$

25,145 

$

28,058

$

24,330

The following table summarizes the Income tax receivables reported by the Company (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 28,

 

August 31,

November 30,

August 31,

 

2019

 

2018

2019

2019

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

$

9,616 

 

$

6,344 

$

10,065

$

9,009

Other non-current assets

 

 

15,325 

 

 

18,165 

19,654

16,381

Total amount of Income tax receivables reported

 

$

24,941 

 

$

24,509 

$

29,719

$

25,390

Lease Accounting – Certain The Company’s leases are operating leases for warehouse clubs and non-warehouse club facilities such as corporate headquarters, regional offices, and regional distribution centers. The Company does not have finance leases. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease and classifies it as either a finance or operating lease at lease inception. Operating leases are included in Operating lease right-of-use assets, net; Operating lease liabilities, current portion; and Long-term operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

Operating lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of the Company's operatingfuture minimum lease payments over the lease term. The Company’s leases wheregenerally do not have a readily determinable implicit rate; therefore, the Company uses a collateralized incremental borrowing rate at the commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The incremental borrowing rate is based on a yield curve derived by publicly traded bond offerings for companies with similar credit characteristics that approximate the lessee provideCompany's market risk profile. In addition, we adjust the incremental borrowing rate for jurisdictional risk derived from quoted interest rates from financial institutions to reflect the cost of borrowing in the Company’s local markets. The Company’s lease terms may include options to purchase, extend or terminate the lease, which are recognized when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. The Company does not combine lease and non-lease components.

The Company measures Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets based on the corresponding lease liabilities, adjusted for any initial direct costs and prepaid lease payments made to the lessor before or at the commencement date (net of lease incentives). The lease expense for minimum annuallease payments that increaseis recognized on a straight-line basis over the lifelease term. Variable lease payments are not included in the calculation of the lease. The aggregate minimum annual payments are expensed on the straight-line basis beginning when the Company takes possession of the propertyROU asset and extending over the term of the related lease including renewal options when the exercise of the optionliability and are recognized as this lease expense is reasonably assured as an economic penalty may be incurred if the option is not exercised.incurred. The amount by which straight-line rent exceeds actualCompany’s variable lease payment requirements in the early years of the leases is accrued as deferred rent and reduced in later years when the actual cash payment requirements exceed the straight-line expense. The Company also accounts in its straight-line computation for the effect of any “rental holidays” and lessor-paid tenant improvements. In additionpayments generally relate to the minimum annual payments, in certain locations, amounts the Company pays for additional contingent rent based on a contractually stipulated percentage of sales.


Operating leases where the Company is the lessor with lease payments that have fixed and determinable rent increases are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company also accounts in its straight-line computation for the effect11


Table of any "rental holidays."Contents

Merchandise Inventories – Merchandise inventories, which include merchandise for resale, are valued at the lower of cost (average cost) or net realizable value. The Company provides for estimated inventory losses and obsolescence between physical inventory counts on the basis of a percentage of sales. The provision is adjusted periodically to reflect the trend of actual physical inventory count results, with physical inventories occurring primarily in the second and fourth fiscal quarters. In addition, the Company may be required to take markdowns below the carrying cost of certain inventory to expedite the sale of such merchandise.

Stock Based Compensation The Company utilizes three types of equity awards: restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance based restricted stock units (“PSUs”). Compensation related to RSAs, RSUs and PSUs is based on the fair market value at the time of grant. The Company recognizes the compensation cost related to RSAs and RSUs over the requisite service period as determined by the grant, amortized ratably or on a straight-line basis over the life of the grant. The Company also recognizes compensation cost for PSUs over the performance period. The Company assesses

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PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

the probability of vesting for awards with performance conditions and adjusts compensation cost based on the probability that performance metrics will be achieved. If the Company determines that an award is unlikely to vest, any previously recorded expense is then reversed.

The Company accounts for actual forfeitures as they occur. The Company records the tax savings resulting from tax deductions in excess of expense for stock-based compensation and the tax deficiency resulting from stock-based compensation in excess of the related tax deduction as income tax expense or benefit. In addition, the Company reflects the tax savings (deficiency) resulting from the taxation of stock-based compensation as an operating cash flow in its consolidated statement of cash flows.

RSAs are outstanding shares of common stock and have the same cash dividend and voting rights as other shares of common stock. Shares of common stock subject to RSUs are not issued nor outstanding until vested, and RSUs do not have the same dividend and voting rights as common stock. However, all outstanding RSUs have accompanying dividend equivalents, requiring payment to the employees and directors with unvested RSUs of amounts equal to the dividend they would have received had the shares of common stock underlying the RSUs been actually issued and outstanding. Payments of dividend equivalents to employees are recorded as compensation expense.

PSUs, similar to RSUs, are awarded with dividend equivalents, provided that such amounts become payable only if the performance metric is achieved. At the time the Compensation Committee confirms the performance metric has been achieved, the accrued dividend equivalents are paid on the PSUs.

In October 2018, the Company’s then Chief Executive Officer (“former C.E.O.”), resignedTreasury Stock – Shares of common stock repurchased by mutual agreement with the Board of Directors. In connection with his departure, the Company recognized a one-time separation charge of approximately $3.8 million ($3.6 million net of tax)are recorded at cost as treasury stock and result in the first quarterreduction of fiscal year 2019. This amount was comprised of approximately $2.9 million of non-cash charges related to the acceleration of certainstockholders’ equity awards and approximately $892,000 for other separation costs. Given that the former C.E.O. had substantially rendered the required services per his separation agreement, the Company recorded these charges in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.  This charge was recorded in the General and administrative caption within the Consolidated Statements of Income and is recorded in the Company’s United States segment.consolidated balance sheets.  The Company will substantially fulfill all payment obligations bymay reissue these treasury shares as part of its stock-based compensation programs.  When treasury shares are reissued, the endCompany uses the first in/first out (“FIFO”) cost method for determining cost of the second quarterreissued shares.  If the issuance price is higher than the cost, the excess of fiscal year 2020.the issuance price over the cost is credited to additional paid-in capital (“APIC”).  If the issuance price is lower than the cost, the difference is first charged against any credit balance in APIC from treasury stock and the balance is charged to retained earnings. During the three months ended November 30, 2019, the Company reissued approximately 69,000 treasury shares.

Fair Value Measurements – The Company measures the fair value for all financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the consolidated financial statements on a recurring or nonrecurring basis. The fair value of an asset is the price at which the asset could be sold in an orderly transaction between unrelated, knowledgeable and willing parties able to engage in the transaction. A liability’s fair value is defined as the amount that would be paid to transfer the liability to a new obligor in a transaction between such parties, not the amount that would be paid to settle the liability with the creditor.

The Company has established a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring and revaluing fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. The Company was not required to revalue any assets or liabilities utilizing Level 1 or Level 3 inputs at the balance sheet dates. The Company's Level 2 assets and liabilities revalued at the balance sheet dates, on a recurring basis, consisted of cash flow hedges (interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps), written foreign currency call options, and forward foreign exchange contracts. In addition, the Company utilizes Level 2 inputs in determining the fair value of long-term debt. The Company did not make any significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value tiers during the periods reported on herein.

Non-financial assets and liabilities are revalued and recognized at fair value subsequent to initial recognition when there is evidence of impairment. For the periods reported, no0 impairment of such non-financial assets was recorded.

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Table of Contents

The Company’s current and long-term financial assets and liabilities have fair values that approximate their carrying values. The Company’s long-term financial liabilities consist of long-term debt, which is recorded on the balance sheet at issuance price and adjusted for any applicable unamortized discounts or premiums and debt issuance costs. There have been no significant changes in fair market value of the Company’s current and long-term financial assets, and there have been no material changes to the valuation techniques utilized in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities as disclosed in the Company’s 20182019 Form 10-K.

Derivatives Instruments and Hedging Activities – The Company uses derivative financial instruments for hedging and non-trading purposes to manage its exposure to changes in interest and currency exchange rates. In using derivative financial

14


Table of Contents

PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

instruments for the purpose of hedging the Company’s exposure to interest and currency exchange rate risks, the contractual terms of a hedged instrument closely mirror those of the hedged item, providing a high degree of risk reduction and correlation. Contracts that are effective at meeting the risk reduction and correlation criteria (effective hedge) are recorded using hedge accounting. If a derivative financial instrument is an effective hedge, changes in the fair value of the instrument will be reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)loss until the hedged item completes its contractual term. Instruments that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting, or contracts for which the Company has not elected hedge accounting, are valued at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported in earnings during the period of the change. The Company did not change valuation techniques utilized in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities presented on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets from previous practice during the reporting period. The Company seeks to manage counterparty risk associated with these contracts by limiting transactions to counterparties with which the Company has an established banking relationship. There can be no assurance, however, that this practice effectively mitigates counterparty risk.

Cash Flow Instruments. The Company is a party to receive floating interest rate, pay fixed-rate interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate risk of certain U.S. dollar denominated debt within its international subsidiaries. The swaps are designated as cash flow hedges of interest expense risk. These instruments are considered effective hedges and are recorded using hedge accounting. The Company is also a party to receive variable interest rate, pay fixed interest rate cross-currency interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate and currency exposure associated with the expected payments of principal and interest of U.S. denominated debt within its international subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar. The swaps are designated as cash flow hedges of the currency risk and interest-rate risk related to payments on the U.S. denominated debt. These instruments are also considered to be effective hedges and are recorded using hedge accounting. Under cash flow hedging, the entire gain or loss of the derivative, calculated as the net present value of the future cash flows, is reported on the consolidated balance sheets in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss are released to earnings in the same period that the hedged transaction impacts consolidated earnings. See Note 8 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities for information on the fair value of interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps as of February 28,November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2018.2019.

Fair Value Instruments. The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in the normal course of business. This includes exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on U.S. dollar denominated liabilities within the Company’s international subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar. The Company manages these fluctuations, in part, through the use of non-deliverable forward foreign-exchange contracts that are intended to offset changes in cash flows attributable to currency exchange movements. The contracts are intended primarily to economically address exposure to U.S. dollar merchandise inventory expenditures made by the Company’s international subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar. Currently, these contracts are treated for accounting purposes as fair value instruments and do not qualify for derivative hedge accounting, and as such the Company does not apply derivative hedge accounting to record these transactions. As a result, these contracts are valued at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported in earnings during the period of the change. The Company seeks to mitigate foreign currency exchange-rate risk with the use of these contracts and does not intend to engage in speculative transactions. These contracts do not contain any credit-risk-related contingent features and are limited to less than one year in duration.

Other Instruments. Other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments consist primarily of written call options in which the Company receives a premium that it uses to reduce the costs associated with its hedging activities. For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, the Company recognizes changes in fair value of the derivative instrument, as well as the offsetting change in the fair value of the hedged item, in Other expense, net in the consolidated statements of income in the period of change.

Revenue Recognition – The accounting policies and other disclosures such as the disclosure of disaggregated revenues are described in Note 3 – Revenue Recognition.

Insurance Reimbursements – Receipts from insurance reimbursements up to the amount of the losses recognized are considered recoveries. These recoveries are accounted for when they are probable of receipt. Insurance recoveries are not

13


recognized prior to the recognition of the related cost. Anticipated proceeds in excess of the amount of loss recognized are considered gains and are subject to gain contingency guidance. Anticipated proceeds in excess of a loss recognized in the financial statements are not recognized until all contingencies related to the insurance claim are resolved.

Self-Insurance –AsThe Company changed health insurance providers and is no longer self-insured as of October 1, 2017, PriceSmart, Inc. became self-insured2019. The remaining accrued liability for its U.S. employee medical health benefits and in doing so the Company has assumed the financial risk for providingpotential health care benefits to its employees.  The Company contracted with Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (“CHLIC”), a third party administrator, to process claims on its behalf under an Administrative Services Only (ASO) agreement.  The Company has elected to purchase “Stop Loss Insurance” to cover the risk in excess of certain dollar limits. The Company establishes an estimated accrual for its insurance program based on available comparable claims data, trends and projected ultimate costs of claims. This accrual is based on estimates prepared with the assistance of outside actuaries, and the ultimate cost of these claims may vary from initial estimates and established accrual. The actuaries periodically update their estimates, and the Company records such adjustments in the period in which such determination is made. The accrued obligation for this self-insurance program is included in “Accrued salaries and benefits” in the consolidated balance sheets and is $681,000immaterial as of February 28, 2019 and $801,000 as of August 31, 2018. November 30, 2019.

Cost of Goods Sold – The Company includes the cost of merchandise, food service and bakery raw materials in cost of goods sold, net merchandise sales. The Company also includes in cost of goods sold: net merchandise sales the external and internal distribution and handling costs for supplying merchandise, raw materials and supplies to the warehouse clubs. External costs include inbound freight, duties, drayage, fees, insurance, and non-recoverable value-added tax related to inventory shrink, spoilage and damage. Internal costs include payroll and related costs, utilities, consumable supplies, repair and maintenance, rent expense and building and equipment depreciation at the Company's distribution facilities and payroll and other direct costs for in-store demonstrations.

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Table of Contents

PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

For export sales, the Company includes the cost of merchandise and external and internal distribution and handling costs for supplying merchandise in cost of goods sold, exports.

For the marketplace and casillero operations, the Company includes the costs of external and internal shipping, handling and other direct costs incurred to provide delivery, insurance and customs processing services in cost of goods sold, non-merchandise.

Vendor consideration consists primarily of volume rebates, time-limited product promotions, slotting fees, demonstration reimbursements and prompt payment discounts. Volume rebates that are not threshold based are incorporated into the unit cost of merchandise reducing the inventory cost and cost of goods sold. Volume rebates that are threshold based are recorded as a reduction to cost of goods sold when the Company achieves established purchase levels that are confirmed by the vendor in writing or upon receipt of funds. On a quarterly basis, the Company calculates the amount of rebates recorded in cost of goods sold that relates to inventory on hand and this amount is reclassified as a reduction to inventory, if significant. Slotting fees are related to consideration received by the Company from vendors for preferential "end cap" placement of the vendor's products within the warehouse club. Demonstration reimbursements are related to consideration received by the Company from vendors for the in store promotion of the vendors' products. The Company records the reduction in cost of goods sold on a transactional basis for these programs. Prompt payment discounts are taken in substantially all cases and therefore are applied directly to reduce the acquisition cost of the related inventory, with the resulting effect recorded to cost of goods sold when the inventory is sold.

Selling, General and Administrative – Selling, general and administrative costs are comprised primarily of expenses associated with operating warehouse clubs and freight forwarding operations. These operations include the operating costs of the Company’s warehouse clubs and freight forwarding activities, including payroll and related costs, utilities, consumable supplies, repair and maintenance, rent expense, building and equipment depreciation, bank, credit card processing fees, and amortization of intangibles. Also included in selling, general and administrative expenses are the payroll and related costs for the Company’s U.S. and regional management and purchasing centers.

Pre-Opening Costs – The Company expenses pre-opening costs (the costs of start-up activities, including organization costs and rent) for new warehouse clubs as incurred.

Contingencies and Litigation – The Company records and reserves for loss contingencies if (a) information available prior to issuance of the consolidated financial statements indicates that it is probable that an asset had been impaired or a liability had been incurred at the date of the consolidated financial statements and (b) the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. If one or both criteria for accrual are not met, but there is at least a reasonable possibility that a material loss will occur, the Company does not record and reserve for a loss contingency but describes the contingency within a note and provides detail, when possible, of the estimated potential loss or range of loss. If an estimate cannot be made, a statement to that effect is made.

Foreign Currency Translation – The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign operations are translated to U.S. dollars when the functional currency in the Company’s international subsidiaries is the local currency and not U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities of these foreign subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date, and revenue, costs and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange in effect during the period. The corresponding translation gains and losses are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. These adjustments will affect net income upon the sale or liquidation of the underlying investment.

14


Table of Contents

The following table discloses the net effect of translation into the reporting currency on other comprehensive income (loss)loss for these local currency denominated accounts for the three and six months ended February 28,November 30, 2019 and 2018:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended



 

February 28,

 

February 28,

 

February 28,

 

 

February 28,



 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

 

2018

Effect on other comprehensive (loss) income due to foreign currency translation

 

$

5,121 

 

$

4,339 

 

$

(8,276)

 

$

2,313 

Three Months Ended

November 30,

November 30,

2019

2018

Effect on other comprehensive loss due to foreign currency translation

$

(3,724)

$

(13,397)

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the respective entity (primarily U.S. dollars) are revalued to the functional currency using the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. These foreign exchange transaction gains (losses), including transactions recorded involving these monetary assets and liabilities, are recorded as Other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of income.

Three Months Ended

November 30,

November 30,

2019

2018

Currency loss

$

(1,657)

$

(1,819)

16


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PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

For the three and six months ended February 28, 2019, we had a net expense associated with foreign currency transactions of approximately $368,000 and $2.1 million respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – Not Yet Adopted

FASB ASC 815 ASU 2018-16 – Derivatives and Hedging — Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes

In October 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board “FASB” issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2018-16, Derivatives and Hedging—Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes, which expands the list of United States benchmark interest rates permitted in the application of hedge accounting. The amendments in this ASU allow use of the Overnight Index Swap (OIS) rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company will evaluate the impact adoption of this guidance may have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

FASB ASC 810 ASU 2018-15 – Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Isis a Service Contract

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. ASU No. 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). As such, the amendment in this ASU requires an entity (customer) in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract to follow the guidance in subtopic 350-40 in order to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as an asset and which costs to expense.

Additionally, the amendments in this ASU require the entity to expense the capitalized implementation costs of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract over the term of the hosting arrangement. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company will evaluate the impact adoption of this guidance may have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

FASB ASC 718 ASU 2018-07 -Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) —Improvementsexpects to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting 

In June 2018, the FASB issuedadopt ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which expands2018-15 on September 1, 2020, the scope to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from non-employees. The amendments in this ASU apply to all share-based payment transactions in which a grantor acquires goods or services to be used or consumed in the grantor’s own operations by issuing share-based payment awards. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted.first quarter of fiscal year 2021. The Company will evaluate the impact adoption of this guidance may have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

FASB ASC 715 ASU 2018-14 Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans--General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement benefits (Topic 715-20). The standard amends ASC 715 to add, remove and clarify disclosure requirements related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. This ASU is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020 and must be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company expects to adopt ASU No. 2018-14 on September 1, 2021, the first quarter of fiscal year 2022. The Company will evaluate the impact adoption of this guidance may have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

15


FASB ASC 820 ASU 2018-13 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820). The standard eliminates such disclosures as the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. ASU No. 2018-13 adds new disclosure requirements for Level 3 measurements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt ASU No. 2018-13 on September 1, 2020, the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. The Company will evaluate the impact adoption of this guidance may have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

FASB ASC 350 ASU 2017-04-2017-04 – Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This ASU simplifies the manner in which an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the amendments in this ASU, an entity should (1) perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and (2) recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, with the understanding that the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

Additionally, ASU No. 2017-04 requires any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company will evaluateexpects to adopt ASU No. 2017-04 on September 1, 2020, the impact adoptionfirst quarter of fiscal year 2021. The Company does not expect this guidance mayto have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

FASB ASC 326 ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326), which amends the FASB’s guidance on the impairment of financial instruments. This standard requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt ASU No. 2016-13 on September 1, 2020, the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted

FASB ASC 815 ASU 2018-16 – Derivatives and Hedging — Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes

In October 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2018-16, Derivatives and Hedging—Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes, which expands the list of United States benchmark interest rates permitted in the application of hedge accounting. The amendments in this ASU allow use of the Overnight Index Swap (OIS) rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

FASB ASC 718 ASU 2018-07 -Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) —Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which expands the scope to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from non-employees. The amendments in this ASU apply to all share-based payment transactions in which a grantor acquires goods or services to be used or consumed in the grantor’s own operations by issuing share-based payment awards. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those annual periods. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

17

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PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FASB ASC 842 ASU 2016-02 -Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance codified in ASC 842, Leases, which supersedesamends a number of aspects of lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize operating leases with a term greater than one year on their balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability, measured at the guidance in ASC 840, Leases.  ASC 842 will be effective for the Company on September 1, 2019, and the Company expects to apply the transition practical expedients allowed by the standard.  Note 6 – “Commitments and Contingencies” provides details on the Company’s current lease arrangements. 

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, “Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements,” which provided an additional transition option that allows companies to continue applying the guidance under the current lease standard in the comparative periods presented in the consolidated financial statements. Companies that elect this option would record a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings on the date of adoption.

In December 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-20, “Leases (Topic 842): Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors,” which provided clarification for lessors on how to apply the new leases standard when accounting for sales taxes, certain lessor costs, and certain requirements related to variable payments in contracts. 

In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-01 “Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements,” which aligned the new leases guidance with existing guidance for fairpresent value of the underlying asset by lessors that are not manufacturers or dealers. It also clarified an exemption for lessors and lessees from a certain interim disclosure requirement associated with adopting the board’s new lease accounting standard.payments.

While the Company continues to evaluate the provisions of ASC 842, we currently expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheets due to the creation of lease liabilities with corresponding right-of-use assets, resulting in a significant increase in the assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet upon adoption. However, the Company does not expect a material change to its net income attributable to the company on its consolidated statement of income or on the net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents as reported on its consolidated statement of cash flows. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted

FASB ASC 715 ASU 2017-09 -Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718)—Scope of Modification Accounting

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting, which seeks to provide clarity, reduce diversity in practice, and reduce cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, regarding a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award.  This ASU provides guidance concerning which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. Specifically, an entity is to account for the effects of a modification unless all of the following are satisfied: (1) the fair value (or calculated value or intrinsic value, if such an alternative measurement method is used) of the modified award is the same as the fair value (or calculated value or intrinsic value, if such an alternative measurement method is used) of the original award immediately before the original award is modified; (2) the vesting conditions of the modified award are the same as the vesting conditions of the original award immediately before the original award is modified; and (3) the classification of the modified award as an equity instrument or as a liability instrument is the same as the classification of the original award immediately before the original award is modified. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted this guidance, prospectively, as of September 1, 2018.

FASB ASC 715 ASU 2017-07-Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) —Improving2016 - 02 using the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) — Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. This ASU is designed to improve guidance related to the presentation of defined benefit costsmodified retrospective transition method in the income statement. In particular, ASU 2017-07 requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item(s) as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted this ASU retrospectively, beginning September 1, 2018, and elected to use the practical expedient as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirements. The service cost component of the Company’s pension and postretirement expenses is reported in the Warehouse club and other operations financial statement line item. The other components of pension and post-retirement expenses are classified in Other income (expense), net.   Adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

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PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FASB ASC 606 ASU 2014-09 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance converges the requirements for reporting revenue and requires disclosures sufficient to describe the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted this guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal year 2019, using2020. In accordance with ASC 842, the modified retrospective approach through a cumulative effect adjustmentCompany did not restate comparative periods in transition to retained earnings. The Company adopted this guidanceASC 842 and instead reported comparative periods under ASC 840. Adoption of the standard resulted in the initial recognition of $120.6 million of operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and $132.1 million of short-term and long-term operating lease liabilities as of September 1, 20182019. The difference between the assets and has disclosedliabilities primarily represents the deferred rent recorded as of August 31, 2019, which was eliminated upon adoption. NaN cumulative-effect adjustments were recorded to retained earnings, and there was no material impact to the Company’s interim consolidated statements of income, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, or consolidated statements of cash flows. However, several of the Company’s leases are denominated in a currency that is not the functional currency of the Company’s local subsidiary, which results in additional potential foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation exposure. The exposure for the period ended November 30, 2019 was a $34.1 million liability. Due to the mix of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, the impact adoption that this guidance hadto the interim consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income was immaterial.

The Company elected the transition package of practical expedients permitted within the new standard which, among other things, allowed it to carry-forward the historical lease classification. The Company also elected the practical expedient to carry forward the accounting treatment for land easements and the Company’s consolidated financial statements withpractical expedient allowing the Company not to apply the recognition requirements of ASC 842 to short-term leases. However, the Company did not elect to combine lease and non-lease components. Please refer to Note 310Revenue Recognition.  Leases for further discussion on the Company's leases.

NOTE 3 – REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenue Recognition – In May 2014,Performance Obligations

The Company identifies each distinct performance obligation to transfer goods (or bundle of goods) or services. The Company recognizes revenue when (or as) it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Company adopted the ASU on September 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. The Company’s updated accounting policies and related disclosures are set forth below, including the disclosure for disaggregated revenue. The impact of adopting the ASU was not material to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.customer.

The Company uses the five-step model to recognize revenue:

·

Identify the contract with the customer;

·

Identity the performance obligation(s);

·

Determine the transaction price;

·

Allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation if multiple obligations exist; and

·

Recognize the revenue as the performance obligations are satisfied.

Performance Obligations

Merchandise Sales.  The Company recognizes merchandise sales revenue, net of sales taxes, on transactions where the Company has determined that it is the principal in the sale of merchandise. These transactions costs may include shipping commitments and/or shipping revenue if the transaction involves delivery to the customer. 

Non-merchandise Sales. The Company recognizes non-merchandise revenue, net of sales taxes, on transactions where the Company has determined that it is the agent in the transaction.  These transactions primarily consist of contracts the Company enters into with its customers to provide delivery, insurance and customs processing services for products its customers purchase online in the United States either directly from other vendors utilizing the vendor’s website or through the Company’s marketplace site. Revenue is recognized when the Company’s performance obligations have been completed (that is when delivery of the items have been made to the destination point) and is recorded in “non-merchandise revenue” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.  Prepayment of orders for which the Company has not fulfilled its performance obligation are recorded as unearned revenue. Additionally, the Company records revenue at the net amounts retained, i.e., the amount paid by the customer less amounts remitted to the respective merchandise vendors, as the Company is acting as an agent and is not the principal in the sale of those goods being purchased from the vendors by the Company’s customers.

Membership Fee Revenue. Membership income represents annual membership fees paid by the Company’s warehouse club members, which are recognized ratably over the 12-month term of the membership.  Membership refunds are prorated over the remaining term of the membership; accordingly, no refund reserve is required to be established for the periods presented. Membership fee revenue is included in membership income in the Company's Consolidated Statementsconsolidated statements of Income.income. The deferred membership fee is included in deferred income in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.consolidated balance sheets.

Platinum Points Reward Programs. The Company began offeringcurrently offers Platinum memberships in Costa Rica during fiscal year 2013 and expanded this offering into Panama, Dominican Republic, Trinidad, the United States Virgin Islands and Honduras during fiscal years 2018 and 2019.  The Company plans to offer this program to additional markets during fiscal year 2019.nine of its thirteen countries.  The annual fee for a Platinum membership in most markets is approximately $75. The Platinum membership provides members with a 2% rebate on most items, up to an annual maximum of $500. The rebate is issued annually to Platinum members on March 1 and expires August 31.  Platinum members can apply this rebate to future purchases at the warehouse club during the redemption period.  The Company records this 2% rebate as a reduction of revenue at the time of the sales transaction.  Accordingly, the Company has reduced warehouse sales and has accrued a liability within other accrued expenses platinum rewards. The Company periodically reviews expired unused rebates outstanding, and the expired unused rebates are recognized as “Other revenue andother current liabilities,

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PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

income” on the consolidated statements of income.platinum rewards. The Company has determined that breakage revenue is 5% of the awards issued; therefore, it records 95% of the Platinum membership liability at the time of sale. Annually, the Company reviews for expired unused rebates outstanding, and the expired unused rebates are recognized as “Other revenue and income” on the consolidated statements of income.

Co-branded Credit Card Points Reward Programs.  Most of the Company’s subsidiaries have points reward programs related to Co-branded Credit Cards. These points reward programs provide incremental points that can be used at a future time to acquire merchandise within the Company’s warehouse club.clubs.  This results in two performance obligations, the first performance obligation being the initial sale of the merchandise or services purchased with the co-branded credit card and the second performance obligation being the future use of the points rewards to purchase merchandise or services.  As a result, upon the initial sale, the Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation with the amount allocated to the future use points rewards recorded as a contract liability within other accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The portion of the selling price allocated to the reward points is recognized as Net merchandise sales when the points are used or when the points expire. The Company reviews on an annual basis expired points rewards outstanding, and the expired rewards are recognized as Net merchasdisemerchandise sales on the consolidated statements of income within markets where the co-branded credit card agreement allows for such treatment.   

Gift Cards. Members’ purchases of gift cards to be utilized at the Company's warehouse clubs are not recognized as sales until the card is redeemed and the customer purchases merchandise using the gift card. The outstanding gift cards are reflected as other accrued expenses gift cardsand other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. These gift certificatescards generally have a one-year stated expiration date from the date of issuance and are generally redeemed within the 12-months.prior to expiration.  However, the absence of a large volume of transactions for gift cards impairs the Company's ability to make a reasonable estimate of the redemption levels for gift certificates; therefore, the Company assumes a 100% redemption rate prior to expiration of the gift certificate. The Company periodically reviews unredeemed outstanding gift certificates, and the gift certificates that have expired are recognized as “Other revenue and income” on the consolidated statements of income.

Co-branded Credit Card Revenue Sharing Agreements. As part of the co-branded credit card agreements that the Company has entered into with financial institutions within its markets, the Company often enters into revenue sharing agreements. As part of these agreements, in some countries, the Company receives a portion of the interest income generated from the average outstanding balances on the co-branded credit cards from these financial institutions (“interest generating portfolio,”portfolio” or “IGP”).   The Company recognizes its portion of interest received as revenue.  As a result of the adoption of ASC 606, the Company has determined that this revenue should be recognized as “Other revenue and income” on the consolidated statements of income. In prior periods, this income was recognized as a reduction of credit card transaction fees in “Warehouse club and other operations” financial statement line item under Selling, general, and administrative expenses. Since the Company determined to adopt this guidance under the modified retrospective approach, this reclassification slightly reduces the comparability year over year of “Other revenue and income” and “Warehouse club and other operations.” Please see “Item 2: Management and Discussion Analysis – Other Revenue” for the Company’s explanation of the changes.

Determining the Transaction Price

The transaction price is the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive under the arrangement. The Company is required to estimate variable consideration (if any) and to factor that estimate into the determination of the transaction price. The Company may offer sales incentives to customers, including discounts. For retail transactions, the Company has significant experience with returns and refund patterns and relied on this experience in its determination that expected returns are not material; therefore, returns are not factored when determining the transaction price.

Discounts given to customers are usually in the form of coupons and instant markdowns and are recognized as redeemed and recorded in contra revenue accounts, as they are part of the transaction price of the merchandise sale. Manufacturer coupons that are available for redemption at all retailers are not recorded as a reduction to the sale price of merchandise.  Manufacturer coupons or discounts that are specific to the Company are recorded as a reduction to the cost of sales.

Agent Relationships

The Company evaluates the criteria outlined in ASC 606-10-55, Principal versus Agent Considerations, in determining whether it is appropriate in these arrangements to record the gross amount of merchandise sales and related costs, or the net amount earned as commissions. When the Company is considered the principal in a transaction, revenue is recorded gross; otherwise, revenue is recorded on a net basis. The Company's Non-merchandise Sales revenues are recorded on a net basis.

Significant Judgments

For arrangements that contain multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis.

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PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Incremental costs to obtain contracts are not material to the Company.

Policy Elections

In addition to those previously disclosed, the Company has made the following accounting policy elections and practical expedients:

·

Taxes - The Company excludes from the transaction price any taxes collected from customers that are remitted to taxing authorities.

·

Shipping and Handling Charges - Charges that are incurred after the customer obtains control of goods are deemed to be fulfillment costs. Therefore, the act of shipping after the customer obtains control of goods is not a separate performance obligation. Fulfillment costs are classified as “Costs of goods sold” in the consolidated statements of income because they are incurred to fulfill a revenue obligation.

·

Time Value of Money - The Company's payment terms are less than one year from the transfer of goods. Therefore, the Company does not adjust promised amounts of consideration for the effects of the time value of money.

Contract Performance Liabilities

Contract performance liabilities as a result of transactions with customers primarily consist of deferred membership income, other deferred income, deferred gift card revenue, Platinum points programs, and liabilities related to co-branded credit card points rewards programs which are included in deferred income and other accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The following table provides these contract balances from transactions with customers as of the dates listed (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Contract Liabilities

Contract Liabilities

February 28,

2019

 

August 31,

2018

November 30,

2019

August 31,

2019

Deferred membership income

$

24,660 

 

$

22,996 

$

24,599

$

24,901

Other contract performance liabilities

$

4,851 

 

$

2,773 

$

6,397

$

4,048

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Table of Contents

Disaggregated Revenues

In the following table, net merchandise sales are disaggregated by merchandise category (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

Three Months Ended

 

February 28,

2019

 

 

February 28,
2018

 

 

February 28,
2019

 

 

February 28,
2018

November 30,

2019

November 30,
2018

Foods & Sundries

$

412,857 

 

$

409,311 

 

$

789,185 

 

$

786,382 

$

392,805

$

376,328

Fresh Foods

 

220,499 

 

218,332 

 

421,205 

 

413,088 

215,238

200,705

Hardlines

 

98,947 

 

102,901 

 

191,101 

 

199,902 

90,804

92,154

Softlines

 

47,975 

 

 

46,245 

 

 

88,364 

 

 

85,182 

40,324

40,481

Other Business

 

40,012 

 

 

39,784 

 

 

77,878 

 

 

77,420 

39,557

37,775

Net Merchandise Sales

$

820,290 

 

$

816,573 

 

$

1,567,733 

 

$

1,561,974 

$

778,728

$

747,443

H

NOTE 4 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company presents basic net income per share using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that treats a participating security as having rights to earnings that otherwise would have been available to common stockholders and that determines basic net income per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings that would have been available to common stockholders. A participating security is defined as a security that may participate in undistributed earnings with common stock. The Company’s capital structure includes securities that participate with common stock on a one-for-one basis for distribution of dividends. These are the restricted stock awards and restricted stock units issued pursuant to the 2013 Equity Incentive Award Plan. The Company determines the diluted net income per share by using the more dilutive of the two class-method or the treasury stock method and by including the basic weighted average of outstanding performance stock units in the calculation of diluted net income per share under the two-class method and including all potential common shares assumed issued in the calculation of diluted net income per share under the treasury stock method.

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PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The following table sets forth the computation of net income per share for the three and six months ended February 28,November 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

Three Months Ended

 

February 28,

 

February 28,

 

February 28,

 

February 28,

November 30,

November 30,

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

2019

2018

Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc.

 

$

23,810 

 

$

14,148 

 

$

38,422 

 

$

36,638 

$

19,728

$

14,612

Less: Allocation of income to unvested stockholders

 

 

(27)

 

 

 —

 

 

(219)

 

 

(398)

(258)

(193)

Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. per share available for distribution:

 

$

23,783 

 

$

14,148 

 

$

38,203 

 

$

36,240 

Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. per share available for distribution

$

19,470

$

14,419

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

 

30,206 

 

 

30,100 

 

 

30,189 

 

 

30,089 

30,277

30,172

Add dilutive effect of performance stock units (two-class method)

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

11 

 

 

7

17

Diluted average shares outstanding

 

 

30,211 

 

 

30,100 

 

 

30,200 

 

 

30,090 

30,284

30,189

Basic net income per share

 

$

0.79 

 

$

0.47 

 

$

1.27 

 

$

1.21 

$

0.64

$

0.48

Diluted net income per share

 

$

0.79 

 

$

0.47 

 

$

1.27 

 

$

1.21 

$

0.64

$

0.48

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NOTE 5 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Dividends

No dividends were declared by the Company’s Board of Directors during the first three months of fiscal year 2020. The following table summarizes the dividends declared and paid during fiscal year 2019 and 2018 (amounts are per share).2019.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Payment

 

Second Payment

First Payment

Second Payment

Declared

 

Amount

 

Record
Date

 

Date
Paid

 

Date
Payable

 

Amount

 

Record
Date

 

Date
Paid

 

Date
Payable

 

Amount

Amount

Record
Date

Date
Paid

Amount

Record
Date

Date
Paid

Amount

1/30/2019

  

$

0.70 

  

2/15/2019

  

2/28/2019

  

N/A

  

$

0.35 

  

8/15/2019

  

N/A

  

8/30/2019

  

$

0.35 

  

$

0.70

  

2/15/2019

  

2/28/2019

  

$

0.35

  

8/15/2019

  

8/30/2019

  

$

0.35

1/24/2018

  

$

0.70 

  

2/14/2018

  

2/28/2018

  

N/A

  

$

0.35 

  

8/15/2018

  

8/31/2018

  

N/A

  

$

0.35 

The Company anticipates the ongoing payment of semi-annual dividends in subsequent periods, although the actual declaration of future dividends, the amount of such dividends, and the establishment of record and payment dates is subject to final determination by the Board of Directors at its discretion after its review of the Company’s financial performance and anticipated capital requirements.

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following tables disclose the effects of each component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (in thousands):

Attributable to

Noncontrolling

PriceSmart

Interests

Total

Beginning balance, September 1, 2019

$

(144,339)

$

20

$

(144,319)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

(3,724)

34

(3,690)

Defined benefit pension plans

26

26

Derivative instruments (1)

513

513

Ending balance, November 30, 2019

$

(147,524)

$

54

$

(147,470)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to

 

Noncontrolling

 

 

 

Attributable to

Noncontrolling

PriceSmart

 

Interests

 

Total

PriceSmart

Interests

Total

Beginning balance, September 1, 2018

$

(121,216)

 

$

(1)

 

$

(121,217)

$

(121,216)

$

(1)

$

(121,217)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(8,276)

 

 

21 

 

 

(8,255)

(13,397)

(1)

(13,398)

Defined benefit pension plans

 

50 

 

 

 —

 

 

50 

28

28

Derivative instruments (1)

 

(668)

 

 

 —

 

 

(668)

Ending balance, February 28, 2019

$

(130,110)

 

$

20 

 

$

(130,090)

Derivative Instruments (1)

123

123

Ending balance, November 30, 2018

$

(134,462)

$

(2)

$

(134,464)

Attributable to

Noncontrolling

PriceSmart

Interests

Total

Beginning balance, September 1, 2018

$

(121,216)

$

(1)

$

(121,217)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

(19,717)

21

(19,696)

Defined benefit pension plans

(112)

(112)

Derivative Instruments (1)

(3,369)

(3,369)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2)

75

75

Ending balance, August 31, 2019

$

(144,339)

$

20

$

(144,319)

(1)See Note 8 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.

(2)Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the minimum pension liability are included in warehouse club and other operations in the Company's consolidated statements of income.

22

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PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



Attributable to

 

Noncontrolling

 

 

 



PriceSmart

 

Interests

 

Total

Beginning balance, September 1, 2017

$

(110,059)

 

$

 —

 

$

(110,059)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

2,313 

 

 

 —

 

 

2,313 

Defined benefit pension plans

 

59 

 

 

 —

 

 

59 

Derivative Instruments (1)

 

1,437 

 

 

 —

 

 

1,437 

Ending balance, February 28, 2018

$

(106,250)

 

$

 —

 

$

(106,250)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



Attributable to

 

Noncontrolling

 

 

 



PriceSmart

 

Interests

 

Total

Beginning balance, September 1, 2017

$

(110,059)

 

$

 —

 

$

(110,059)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(12,890)

 

 

(1)

 

 

(12,891)

Defined benefit pension plans

 

(87)

 

 

 —

 

 

(87)

Derivative Instruments (1)

 

1,779 

 

 

 —

 

 

1,779 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2)

 

41 

 

 

 —

 

 

41 

Ending balance, August 31, 2018

$

(121,216)

 

$

(1)

 

$

(121,217)

(1)

See Note 8 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.

(2)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to the minimum pension liability are included in warehouse club and other operations in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income.

Retained Earnings Not Available for Distribution

The following table summarizes retained earnings designated as legal reserves of various subsidiaries which cannot be distributed as dividends to PriceSmart, Inc. according to applicable statutory regulations (in thousands):



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

February 28,

 

August 31,



 

2019

 

2018

Retained earnings not available for distribution

 

$

6,955 

 

$

6,798 

November 30,

August 31,

2019

2019

Retained earnings not available for distribution

$

7,926

$

7,843

NOTE 6 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business related to the Company’s operations and property ownership. The Company evaluates such matters on a case by case basis, and vigorously contests any such legal proceedings or claims which the Company believes are without merit. The Company believes that the final disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or liquidity. It is possible, however, that the Company's results of operations for a particular quarter or fiscal year could be impacted by changes in circumstances relating to such matters.

The Company establishes an accrual for legal proceedings if and when those matters reach a stage where they present loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. In such cases, there may be a possible exposure to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. The Company monitors those matters for developments that would affect the likelihood of a loss and the accrued amount, if any, thereof, and adjusts the amount as appropriate. If the loss contingency at issue is not both probable and reasonably estimable, the Company does not establish an accrual, but will continue to monitor the matter for developments that will make the loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. If it is at least a reasonable possibility that a material loss will occur, the Company will provide disclosure regarding the contingency.

On May 22, 2019, a class action complaint was filed against PriceSmart, Inc., as well as certain former and current officers in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. On October 7, 2019, the Court granted Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico’s (PERA’s) Motion for Appointment as Lead Plaintiff. On January 3, 2020, PERA filed a consolidated class action complaint, which alleges violations of Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself against any obligations or liability to the plaintiffs with respect to such claims. The Company believes that the final disposition of the pending legal proceedings, claims and litigation will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or liquidity.  It is possible, however, that the Company's results of operations for a particular quarter or fiscal year could be impacted by changes in circumstances relating to such matters.are without merit.

Taxes

Income Taxes –The For interim reporting, the Company accounts foruses an estimated annual effective tax rate (AETR), pursuant to ASC 740-279, to calculate income taxes using the asset and liability method.  Under the asset and liability method,tax expense. Income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management’s best estimate of current and future taxes to be paid. The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are recognized forrequired in the futuredetermination of the consolidated income tax consequences attributed toexpense. Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amountstax basis of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable incomereported amounts in the yearsfinancial statements, which will result in which those temporary differences and carry-forwards are expectedtaxable or deductible amounts in the future. In evaluating its ability to be recovered or settled.  The effect onrecover deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change

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PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includesjurisdictions from which they arise, the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduceCompany considers all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax assets to amounts expected to be realized.

The Company has historically applied foreign tax credits, generated from taxes withheld on certain payments PriceSmart receives from its foreign subsidiaries, to reduce U.S.liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax liabilities. However, as an incidental resulttax-planning strategies, and results of U.S. tax reform, following the reduction of the U.S. corporaterecent operations. In projecting future taxable income, tax rate from 35% to 21%, the Company expects foreign tax credits generated to exceed U.S. income tax liabilitiesbegins with historical results adjusted for the foreseeable future. Therefore, asresults of February 28, 2019,discontinued operations and incorporates assumptions about the amount of future state, federal, and foreign pretax operating income adjusted for items that do not have tax consequences. The assumptions about future taxable income require the use of significant judgment and are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses. In evaluating the objective evidence that historical results provide, the Company has recorded a valuation allowanceconsiders three years of $1.0 million against its foreign tax credits.cumulative operating income (loss).

The Company is required to file federal and state tax returns in the United States and various other tax returns in foreign jurisdictions. The preparation of these tax returns requires the Company to interpret the applicable tax laws and regulations in effect in such jurisdictions, which could affect the amount of tax paid by the Company. The Company, in consultation with its tax advisors, bases its tax returns on interpretations that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The tax returns, however, are subject to routine reviews by the various taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which the Company files its returns. As part of these reviews, a taxing authority may disagree with respect to the interpretations the Company used to calculate its tax liability and therefore require the Company to pay additional taxes.

21


Table of Contents

The Company accrues an amount for its estimate of probable additional income tax liability. In certain cases, the impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant tax authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than 50% likelihood of being sustained. There were no significant changes in the Company's uncertain income tax positions since August 31, 2018.2019.

In evaluating the exposure associated with various non-income tax filing positions, the Company accrues for probable and estimable exposures for non-income tax related tax contingencies.  As of February 28,November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2018,2019, the Company has recorded within other accrued expenses and other current liabilities a total of $3.1$3.2 million and 3.0 million, respectively, for various non-income tax related tax contingencies.

While the Company believes the recorded liabilities are adequate, there are inherent limitations in projecting the outcome of litigation, in estimating probable additional income tax liability taking into account uncertain tax positions and in evaluating the probable additional tax associated with various non-income tax filing positions. As such, the Company is unable to make a reasonable estimate of the sensitivity to change of estimates affecting its recorded liabilities. As additional information becomes available, the Company assesses the potential liability and revises its estimates as appropriate.

The Company has various appeals pending before tax courts in its subsidiaries' jurisdictions.  Any possible settlement could increase or decrease earnings but is not expected to be significant. Audit outcomes and the timing of audit settlements are subject to significant uncertainty. One of the Company’s subsidiaries received assessments claiming $2.5 million of taxes, penalties and interest related to withholding taxes on certain charges for services rendered by the Company. In addition, this subsidiary received assessments totaling $5.5 million for lack of deductibility of the underlying service charges due to the lack of withholding.  Based on a review of the Company's tax advisers' interpretation of local law, rulings and jurisprudence (including Supreme Court precedents with respect to the deductibility assessment),two other countries where the Company expects to prevail in both instances and has not recorded a provision for these assessments. However, the Company had to submit $2.5 million as advance payments to the government while it appeals.    

In another country in which the Company has warehouse clubs, beginning in fiscal year 2015, a newoperates, minimum income tax mechanism took effect, which requiresrules require the Company to pay taxes based on a percentage of sales rather than income. As a result, the Company is making income tax payments substantially in excess of those it would expect to pay based on taxable income. The current rules (which the Company has challenged in court) do not clearly allow the Company to obtain a refund or to offset this excesshad income tax against other taxes.  Asreceivables of February 28,$9.7 million and $7.8 million and deferred tax assets of $2.7 million as of November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2018,2019 in these countries. While the Company had deferred tax assetsrules related to refunds of approximately $2.2 million and $2.1 million in this country, respectively.  Also, the Company had an income tax receivable balance of $7.0 million and $7.1 million as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018, respectively, related to excess payments from fiscal years 2015 to 2019.  In the third quarter of fiscal year 2018, a revised minimum tax law was passedreceivables in this country, which beginning in fiscal 2020 will reduce the minimum tax rate. Additionally, this law clarifies rules on a going-forward basis for reimbursement of excess minimum tax paid beginning in fiscal year 2019, but does not address periods prior to fiscal year 2019. Nevertheless,these countries are either unclear or complex, the Company has not placed any type of allowance on the recoverability of these tax receivables or deferred tax assets, because the Company believes that it is more likely than not that it will ultimately succeed in its refund request and/or court challenge on this matter.requests.

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Table of Contents

PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Other Commitments

The Company is committed under non-cancelable operating leases for the rental of facilities and land.  Future minimum lease commitments for facilities under these leases with an initial term in excess of one year are as follows (in thousands):



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

Open

 

Years ended February 28,

 

Locations(1)

 

2020

 

$

13,383 

 

2021

 

 

12,176 

 

2022

 

 

11,178 

 

2023

 

 

11,595 

 

2024

 

 

11,611 

 

Thereafter

 

 

129,875 

 

Total

 

$

189,818 

(2)

(1)

Operating lease obligations have been reduced by approximately $2.8 million to reflect sub-lease income.  Certain obligations under leasing arrangements are collateralized by the underlying asset being leased.

(2)

Future minimum lease payments include $2.0 million of lease payment obligations for the prior leased Miami distribution center.  For the purposes of calculating the minimum lease payments, a  reduction is reflected for the actual sub-lease income the Company expects to receive during the remaining lease term.  This sub-lease income was also considered, for the purposes of calculating the exit obligation, which was immaterial as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018.

In January 2017, the Company purchased a distribution center in Medley, Miami-Dade County, Florida. The Company transferred its Miami dry distribution center activities that were previously in the leased facility to the new facility during the third quarter of fiscal year 2017. As of February 28,November 30, 2019, all of the vacated space has been subleased (and/or returned to the landlord). As part of the subleases, the Company provided the landlord of the leased facility a letter of credit (“LOC”) for the initial amount of $500,000 which entitled the landlord to draw on the LOC based on a decreasing scale over four years if certain conditions were to occur related to nonpayment by the new tenant. The balance of this LOC decreases at an annual rate of $125,000 starting in August 2018. As of February 28,November 30, 2019, the remaining balance of the LOC was $375,000.$250,000. Although this agreement is considered a guarantee, in measuring the fair value, the Company considers the risk and probability of default by the third party tenant as not likely nor probable based on the Company’s review of the third party tenant’s financial position as well as the third party’s considerable capital investment into the leased facility. Therefore, the Company has not recorded a liability for this guarantee.

The Company is also committed to non-cancelable construction servicesservice obligations for various warehouse club developments and expansions. As of February 28,November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2018,2019, the Company had approximately $18.8$15.1 million and $10.6$14.9 million, respectively, in contractual obligations for construction services not yet rendered.

The Company has entered into general land purchase and land purchase option agreements that have not been recorded as commitments, for which the Company has recorded within restricted cash and deposits as of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018 approximately $4.4 million and $400,000, respectively.agreements. The Company’s land purchase option agreements are typically subject to various conditions, including, but not limited to, the ability to obtain necessary governmental permits or approvals. A deposit under an agreement is typically returned to the Company if all permits or approvals are not obtained. Generally, the Company has the right to cancel any of our agreements to purchase land without cause by forfeiture of some or all of the deposits we have made pursuant to the agreement. The Company does not have a timetable of when or if it will exercise theseits land purchase options or complete its other land purchase agreements, due to the uncertainty related to the completion of the Company's due diligence reviews.reviews or required governmental permits or approvals. The Company's due diligence reviews include evaluations of the legal status of each property, the zoning and permitting issues related to acquiring approval for the construction and operation of a warehouse club and any other issues related to the property itself that could render the property unsuitable or limit the property's economic viability as a warehouse club site. If theall land purchase option agreements are exercised,were completed, the cash use would be approximately $52.1$6.7 million.

2522


Table of Contents

PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The table below summarizes the Company’s interest in real estate joint ventures, commitments to additional future investments and the Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement in these joint venture as of February 28,November 30, 2019 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entity

 

%
Ownership

 

Initial
Investment

 

Additional
Investments

 

Net
(Loss)/Income
Inception to
Date

 

Company’s
Variable
Interest
in Entity

 

Commitment
to Future
Additional
Investments(1)

 

Company's
Maximum
Exposure
to Loss in
Entity(2)

%
Ownership

Initial
Investment

Additional
Investments

Net Income

Inception to

Date

Company’s
Variable
Interest
in Entity

Commitment
to Future
Additional
Investments(1)

Company's
Maximum
Exposure
to Loss in
Entity(2)

GolfPark Plaza, S.A.

 

50 

%

 

$

4,616 

 

$

2,402 

 

$

201 

 

$

7,219 

 

$

99 

 

$

7,318 

50

%

$

4,616

$

2,402

$

132

$

7,150

$

99

$

7,249

Price Plaza Alajuela PPA, S.A.

 

50 

%

 

 

2,193 

 

 

1,236 

 

 

66 

 

 

3,495 

 

 

785 

 

 

4,280 

50

%

2,193

1,236

70

3,499

785

4,284

Total

 

 

 

 

$

6,809 

 

$

3,638 

 

$

267 

 

$

10,714 

 

$

884 

 

$

11,598 

$

6,809

$

3,638

$

202

$

10,649

$

884

$

11,533

(1)

The parties intend to seek alternate financing for the project, which could reduce the amount of investments each party would be required to provide.  The parties may mutually agree on changes to the project, which could increase or decrease the amount of contributions each party is required to provide.

(2)

The maximum exposure is determined by adding the Company’s variable interest in the entity and any explicit or implicit arrangements that could require the Company to provide additional financial support.

(1)The parties intend to seek alternate financing for the project, which could reduce the amount of investments each party would be required to provide. The parties may mutually agree on changes to the project, which could increase or decrease the amount of contributions each party is required to provide.

(2)The maximum exposure is determined by adding the Company’s variable interest in the entity and any explicit or implicit arrangements that could require the Company contracts for distribution center services in Mexico and for off-site data recovery services, as part of its disaster recovery plan. Future minimum service commitments related to both these contracts are not material. provide additional financial support.

NOTE 7 – DEBT

Short-term borrowings consist of unsecured lines of credit. The following table summarizes the balances of total facilities, facilities used and facilities available (in thousands):



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Facilities Used

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Total Amount

 

Short-term

 

Letters of

 

Facilities

 

Weighted average

 



 

of Facilities

 

Borrowings

 

Credit

 

Available

 

interest rate

 

February 28, 2019

 

$

69,000 

 

$

 —

 

$

406 

 

$

68,594 

 

 —

%

August 31, 2018

 

$

69,000 

 

$

 —

 

$

632 

 

$

68,368 

 

 —

%

Facilities Used

Total Amount

Short-term

Letters of

Facilities

Weighted average

of Facilities

Borrowings

Credit

Available

interest rate

November 30, 2019

$

69,000

$

23,018

$

534

$

45,448

4.8

%

August 31, 2019

$

69,000

$

7,540

$

486

$

60,974

6.1

%

As of February 28,November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2018,2019, the Company had approximately $40.0 million of short-term facilities in the U.S. that require compliance with certain quarterly financial covenants. As of February 28,November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2018,2019, the Company was in compliance with respect to these covenants. Each of the facilities expires annually except for the U.S. facility, which expires bi-annually. The facilities are normally renewed.

26


Table of Contents

PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The following table provides the changes in long-term debt for the six-monthsthree-months ended February 28,November 30, 2019:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

Current
portion of
long-term debt

 

Long-term
debt (net of current portion)

 

Total

 

Current
portion of
long-term debt

Long-term
debt (net of current portion)

Total

Balances as of August 31, 2018

 

$

14,855 

 

$

87,720 

 

$

102,575 

(1)

Balances as of August 31, 2019

$

25,875

$

63,711

$

89,586

(1)

Proceeds from long-term debt incurred during the period:

Colombia subsidiary

25,000

25,000

Regularly scheduled loan payments

 

(1,563)

 

(4,782)

 

(6,345)

 

(947)

(1,889)

(2,836)

Reclassifications of long-term debt

 

 

13,138 

 

 

(13,138)

 

 

 —

 

Reclassifications of short-term debt

(11,253)

11,253

(0)

Translation adjustments on foreign currency debt of subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar (2)

 

 

(237)

 

 

(7)

 

 

(244)

 

51

9

60

Balances as of February 28, 2019

 

$

26,193 

 

$

69,793 

 

$

95,986 

(3)

Balances as of November 30, 2019

$

13,726

$

98,084

$

111,810

(1)

(1)The carrying amount of non-cash assets assigned as collateral for these loans was $111.3 million. NaN cash assets were assigned as collateral for these loans.

(2)These foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded within Other comprehensive income.

(1)

The carrying amount of non-cash assets assigned as collateral for these loans was $125.9 million.  No cash assets were assigned as collateral for these loans.

(2)

These foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded within Other comprehensive income.

23


Table of Contents

(3)

The carrying amount of non-cash assets assigned as collateral for these loans was $118.6 million.  No cash assets were assigned as collateral for these loans.

As of February 28,November 30, 2019, the Company had approximately $88.5$105.9 million of long-term loans in the U.S., Trinidad, Panama, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica and Colombiaseveral foreign subsidiaries that require these subsidiaries to comply with certain annual or quarterly financial covenants, which include debt service and leverage ratios. As of February 28,November 30, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all covenants or amended covenants.

As of August 31, 2018,2019, the Company had approximately $93.6$83.1 million of long-term loans in Trinidad, Panama, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Barbados, and Colombiaseveral foreign subsidiaries that require these subsidiaries to comply with certain annual or quarterly financial covenants.

Annual maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Twelve Months Ended February 28,

 

Amount

Twelve Months Ended November 30,

Amount

2020

 

$

26,193 

$

13,726

2021

 

7,944 

13,348

2022

 

11,679 

10,211

2023

 

4,839 

21,341

2024

 

 

15,900 

20,771

Thereafter

 

 

29,431 

32,413

Total

 

$

95,986 

$

111,810

NOTE 8 – DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk relating to its ongoing business operations. To manage interest rate exposure, the Company enters into hedge transactions (interest rate swaps) using derivative financial instruments. The objective of entering into interest rate swaps is to eliminate the variability of cash flows in the LIBOR interest payments associated with variable-rate loans over the life of the loans. As changes in interest rates impact the future cash flow of interest payments, the hedges provide a synthetic offset to interest rate movements.

In addition, the Company is exposed to foreign currency and interest rate cash flow exposure related to non-functional currency long-term debt of three of its wholly owned subsidiaries. To manage this foreign currency and interest rate cash flow exposure, the Company’s subsidiaries entered into cross-currency interest rate swaps that convert their U.S. dollar denominated floating interest payments to functional currency fixed interest payments during the life of the hedging instrument.  As changes in foreign exchange and interest rates impact the future cash flow of interest payments, the hedges are intended to offset changes in cash flows attributable to interest rate and foreign exchange movements.

These derivative instruments (cash flow hedging instruments) are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, with the entire gain or loss on the derivative reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss).loss. Amounts are deferred in other comprehensive income (loss)loss and reclassified into earnings in the same income statement line item that is used to present earnings effect of the hedged item when the hedged item affects earnings.

27


Table of Contents

PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The Company is exposed to foreign-currency exchange-rate fluctuations in the normal course of business, including foreign-currency exchange-rate fluctuations on U.S. dollar denominated liabilities within its international subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar. The Company manages these fluctuations, in part, through the use of non-deliverable forward foreign-exchange contracts (NDFs) that are intended to offset changes in cash flow attributable to currency exchange movements. These contracts are intended primarily to economically address exposure to U.S. dollar merchandise inventory expenditures made by the Company’s international subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar. Currently, these contracts do not qualify for derivative hedge accounting. The Company seeks to mitigate foreign-currency exchange-rate risk with the use of these contracts and does not intend to engage in speculative transactions. These contracts do not contain any credit-risk-related contingent features.

The Company uses other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments that consist primarily of written call options in which the Company receives a premium from the holder. This premium lowers the cost of the Company’s hedging activities. The Company recognizes changes in fair value of the derivative instrument, as well as the offsetting change in the fair value of the hedged item, in Other expense, net in the consolidated statements of income in the period of change.

Cash Flow Hedges

As of February 28,November 30, 2019, all of the Company’s interest rate swap and cross-currency interest rate swap derivative financial instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. The Company formally documents the hedging relationships for its derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting.

24


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes agreements for which the Company has recorded cash flow hedge accounting for the sixthree months ended February 28,November 30, 2019:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subsidiary

 

Date
Entered
into

 

Derivative
Financial
Counter-
party

 

Derivative
Financial
Instruments

 

Initial
US$
Notional
Amount

 

Bank
US$
loan 
Held
with

 

Floating Leg
(swap
counter-party)

 

Fixed Rate
for PSMT
Subsidiary

 

Settlement
Dates

 

Effective
Period of swap

Date
Entered
into

Derivative
Financial
Counter-
party

Derivative
Financial
Instruments

Initial
US$
Notional
Amount

Bank
US$
loan 
Held
with

Floating Leg
(swap
counter-party)

Fixed Rate
for PSMT
Subsidiary

Settlement
Dates

Effective
Period of swap

Colombia

27-Nov-19

Citibank, N.A. ("Citi")

Cross currency interest rate swap

$

25,000,000

Citibank, N.A.

Variable rate 3-month Libor plus 2.45%

7.93

%

27th day of November, February, May and August beginning February 27, 2020

November 27, 2019 -
November 27, 2024

Colombia

24-Sep-19

Citibank, N.A. ("Citi")

Cross currency interest rate swap

$

12,500,000

PriceSmart, Inc.

Variable rate 3-month Libor plus 2.50%

7.09

%

24th day of December, March, June and September beginning December 24, 2019

September 24, 2019 -
September 26, 2022

Panama

25-Jun-18

Bank of Nova Scotia ("Scotiabank")

Interest rate swap

$

14,625,000

Bank of Nova Scotia

Variable rate 3-month Libor plus 3.0%

5.99

%

23rd day of each month beginning on July 23, 2018

June 25, 2018 -
March 23, 2023

Honduras

26-Feb-18

Citibank, N.A. ("Citi")

Cross currency interest rate swap

$

13,500,000

Citibank, N.A.

Variable rate 3-month Libor plus 3.00%

9.75

%

29th day of May, August, November and February beginning May 29, 2018

February 26, 2018 -
February 24, 2024

PriceSmart, Inc

 

7-Nov-16

 

MUFG Union Bank, N.A. ("Union Bank")

 

Interest rate swap

 

$

35,700,000 

 

Union Bank

 

Variable rate 1-month Libor plus 1.7%

 

3.65 

%

 

1st day of each month beginning on April 1, 2017

 

March 1, 2017 - March 1, 2027

7-Nov-16

MUFG Union Bank, N.A. ("Union Bank")

Interest rate swap

$

35,700,000

Union Bank

Variable rate 1-month Libor plus 1.7%

3.65

%

1st day of each month beginning on April 1, 2017

March 1, 2017 -
March 1, 2027

Costa Rica

 

28-Aug-15

 

Citibank, N.A. ("Citi")

 

Cross currency interest rate swap

 

$

7,500,000 

 

Citibank, N.A.

 

Variable rate 3-month Libor plus 2.50%

 

7.65 

%

 

28th day of August, November, February, and May beginning on November 30, 2015

 

August 28, 2015 -
August 28, 2020

28-Aug-15

Citibank, N.A. ("Citi")

Cross currency interest rate swap

$

7,500,000

Citibank, N.A.

Variable rate 3-month Libor plus 2.50%

7.65

%

28th day of August, November, February, and May beginning on November 30, 2015

August 28, 2015 -
August 28, 2020

Honduras

 

26-Feb-18

 

Citibank, N.A. ("Citi")

 

Cross currency interest rate swap

 

$

13,500,000 

 

Citibank, N.A.

 

Variable rate 3-month Libor plus 3.00%

 

9.75 

%

 

29th day of May, August, November and February beginning May 29, 2018

 

February 26, 2018 -
February 24, 2024

El Salvador

 

16-Dec-14

 

Bank of Nova Scotia ("Scotiabank")

 

Interest rate swap

 

$

4,000,000 

 

Bank of Nova Scotia

 

Variable rate 30-day Libor plus 3.5%

 

4.78 

%

 

29th day of each month beginning  on December 29, 2014

 

December 1, 2014 -
August 29, 2019

Colombia

 

10-Dec-14

 

Citibank, N.A. ("Citi")

 

Cross currency interest rate swap

 

$

15,000,000 

 

Citibank, N.A.

 

Variable rate 3-month Libor plus 2.8%

 

8.25 

%

 

4th day of March, June, Sept, Dec. beginning on March 4, 2015

 

December 4, 2014 -
December 3, 2019

10-Dec-14

Citibank, N.A. ("Citi")

Cross currency interest rate swap

$

15,000,000

Citibank, N.A.

Variable rate 3-month Libor plus 2.8%

8.25

%

4th day of March, June, Sept, Dec. beginning on March 4, 2015

December 4, 2014 -
December 3, 2019

Panama

 

9-Dec-14

 

Bank of Nova Scotia ("Scotiabank")

 

Interest rate swap

 

$

10,000,000 

 

Bank of Nova Scotia

 

Variable rate 30-day Libor plus 3.5%

 

5.2 

%

 

28th day of each month beginning December 29, 2014

 

November 28, 2014 -
November 29, 2019

Panama

 

1-Aug-14

 

Bank of Nova Scotia ("Scotiabank")

 

Interest rate swap

 

$

5,000,000 

 

Bank of Nova Scotia

 

Variable rate 30-day Libor plus 3.5%

 

4.89 

%

 

21st day of each month beginning on September 22, 2014

 

August 21, 2014 -
August 21, 2019

Panama

 

22-May-14

 

Bank of Nova Scotia ("Scotiabank")

 

Interest rate swap

 

$

3,970,000 

 

Bank of Nova Scotia

 

Variable rate 30-day Libor plus 3.5%

 

4.98 

%

 

4th day of each month beginning on June 4, 2014

 

May 5, 2014 -
April 4, 2019

Panama

 

25-Jun-18

 

Bank of Nova Scotia ("Scotiabank")

 

Interest rate swap

 

$

14,625,000 

 

Bank of Nova Scotia

 

Variable rate 3-month Libor plus 3.0%

 

5.99 

%

 

23rd day of each month beginning on July 23, 2018

 

June 25, 2018 -
March 23, 2023

28


Table of Contents

PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

For the three and six months ended February 28,November 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company included the gain or loss on the hedged items (that is, variable-rate borrowings) in the same line item—interest expense—as the offsetting gain or loss on the related interest rate swaps as follows (in thousands):



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Statement Classification

 

Interest
expense on
borrowings(1)

 

Cost of
swaps (2)

 

Total

Interest expense for the three months ended February 28, 2019

 

$

1,210 

 

$

102 

 

$

1,312 

Interest expense for the three months ended February 28, 2018

 

$

873 

 

$

176 

 

$

1,049 

Interest expense for the six months ended February 28, 2019

 

$

2,403 

 

$

269 

 

$

2,672 

Interest expense for the six months ended February 28, 2018

 

$

1,723 

 

$

497 

 

$

2,220 

Income Statement Classification

Interest
expense on
borrowings(1)

Cost of
swaps (2)

Total

Interest expense for the three months ended November 30, 2019

$

1,014

$

261

$

1,275

Interest expense for the three months ended November 30, 2018

$

1,160

$

167

$

1,327

(1)

This amount is representative of the interest expense recognized on the underlying hedged transactions.

(2)

This amount is representative of the interest expense recognized on the cross-currency interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedging instruments.

(1)This amount is representative of the interest expense recognized on the underlying hedged transactions.

(2)This amount is representative of the interest expense recognized on the cross-currency interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedging instruments.

The total notional balance of the Company’s pay-fixed/receive-variable interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps was as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notional Amount as of

Notional Amount as of

 

February 28,

 

August 31,

November 30,

August 31,

Floating Rate Payer (Swap Counterparty)

 

2019

 

2018

2019

2019

Union Bank

 

$

35,700 

 

$

35,700 

$

34,850

$

35,169

Citibank N.A.

 

 

26,025 

 

 

27,825 

60,825

24,225

Scotiabank

 

 

22,799 

 

 

25,149 

17,750

18,375

Total

 

$

84,524 

 

$

88,674 

$

113,425

$

77,769

25


Table of Contents

Derivatives listed on the table below were designated as cash flow hedging instruments. The table summarizes the effect of the fair value of interest rate swap and cross-currency interest rate swap derivative instruments that qualify for derivative hedge accounting and its associated tax effect on accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 28, 2019

 

August 31, 2018

November 30, 2019

August 31, 2019

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments

 

Balance Sheet
Location

 

Fair
Value

 

Net Tax
Effect

 

Net
OCI

 

Fair
Value

 

Net Tax
Effect

 

Net
OCI

Balance Sheet

Classification

Fair
Value

Net Tax
Effect

Net
OCI

Fair
Value

Net Tax
Effect

Net
OCI

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

 

Other non-current assets

 

$

2,344 

 

$

(737)

 

$

1,607 

 

$

2,405 

 

$

(819)

 

$

1,586 

Other non-current assets

$

436

$

(144)

$

292

$

$

$

Interest rate swaps

 

Other non-current assets

 

 

1,266 

 

 

(282)

 

 

984 

 

 

1,959 

 

 

(434)

 

 

1,525 

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Other current assets

2,747

(906)

1,841

2,736

(903)

1,833

Interest rate swaps

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

(155)

 

 

43 

 

 

(112)

 

 

(8)

 

 

 

 

(6)

Other long-term liabilities

(1,429)

344

(1,085)

(2,178)

517

(1,661)

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

(455)

 

 

137 

 

 

(318)

 

 

(494)

 

 

148 

 

 

(346)

Other long-term liabilities

(580)

174

(406)

(732)

220

(512)

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Other current liabilities

(60)

18

(42)

Net fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 

$

3,000 

 

$

(839)

 

$

2,161 

 

$

3,862 

 

$

(1,103)

 

$

2,759 

$

1,114

$

(514)

$

600

$

(174)

$

(166)

$

(340)

Fair Value Instruments

From time to time the Company enters into non-deliverable forward foreign-exchange contracts. These contracts are treated for accounting purposes as fair value contracts and do not qualify for derivative hedge accounting. The use of non-deliverable forward foreign-exchange contracts is intended to offset changes in cash flow attributable to currency exchange movements. These contracts are intended primarily to economically hedge exposure to U.S. dollar merchandise inventory expenditures made by the Company’s international subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar. As of

November 30, 2019, the Company did not have any material non-deliverable forward foreign-exchange contracts.

Other Instruments

Other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments consist primarily of written call options in which the Company receives a premium that it uses to reduce the costs associated with its hedging activities.

The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s other contracts not designated as hedging instruments:

November 30, 2019

August 31, 2019

Non-designated derivative contracts

Balance Sheet
Location

Fair Value

Balance Sheet
Location

Fair Value

Net fair value of other non-designated derivative contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting

Other long-term liabilities

$

(1,250)

Other long-term liabilities

$

29

For the three months ended November 30, 2019, the Company included in its consolidated statements of income the loss of its other non-designated derivative contracts as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended

November 30,

November 30,

Income Statement Classification

2019

2018

Other expense, net

$

(1,270)

$

26


Table of Contents

PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

NOTE 9 – SEGMENTS

The Company and its subsidiaries are principally engaged in the international operation of membership shopping in 4145 warehouse clubs located in 12 countries and one1 U.S. territory that are located in Central America, the Caribbean and Colombia. In addition, the Company operates distribution centers and corporate offices in the United States. The Company has aggregated its warehouse clubs, distribution centers and corporate offices into reportable segments. The Company’s reportable segments are based on management’s organization of these locations into operating segments by general geographic location, used by management and the Company's chief operating decision maker in setting up management lines of responsibility, providing support services, and making operational decisions and assessments of financial performance. Segment amounts are presented after converting to U.S. dollars and consolidating eliminations. Certain revenues, operating costs and inter-company charges included in the United States segment are not allocated to the segments within this presentation, as it is impractical to do so, and they appear as reconciling items to reflect the amount eliminated on consolidation of intersegment transactions. From time to time, the Company revises the measurement of each segment's operating income and net income, including certain corporate overhead allocations, and other measures as determined by the information regularly reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker. When the Company does so, the previous period amounts and balances are reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation.

3027


Table of Contents

PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The following tables summarize by segment certain revenues, operating costs and balance sheet items (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United
States
Operations

 

Central
American
Operations

 

Caribbean

Operations (1)

 

Colombia Operations

 

Reconciling
Items(2)

 

Total

United
States
Operations

Central
American
Operations

Caribbean
Operations (1)

Colombia Operations

Reconciling
Items(2)

Total

Three Months Ended February 28, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue from external customers

 

$

16,821 

 

$

484,994 

 

$

249,360 

 

$

103,250 

 

$

 —

 

$

854,425 

Intersegment revenues

 

 

289,699 

 

 

3,783 

 

 

1,249 

 

 

397 

 

 

(295,128)

 

 

 —

Depreciation, Property and equipment

 

 

1,950 

 

 

6,003 

 

 

3,439 

 

 

2,121 

 

 

 —

 

 

13,513 

Amortization, Intangibles

 

 

593 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

593 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

4,477 

 

 

35,574 

 

 

15,024 

 

 

3,617 

 

 

(22,156)

 

 

36,536 

Net income (loss) attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. (3)

 

 

1,596 

 

 

28,099 

 

 

13,037 

 

 

3,289 

 

 

(22,211)

 

 

23,810 

Capital expenditures, net

 

 

1,930 

 

 

20,602 

 

 

5,766 

 

 

1,351 

 

 

 —

 

 

29,649 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended February 28, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended November 30, 2019

Revenue from external customers

 

$

34,160 

 

$

924,800 

 

$

474,369 

 

$

200,733 

 

$

 —

 

$

1,634,062 

$

17,339 

$

466,802 

$

235,017 

$

92,783 

$

$

811,941 

Intersegment revenues

 

 

640,418 

 

 

4,220 

 

 

2,342 

 

 

675 

 

 

(647,655)

 

 

 —

349,950 

4,045 

1,202 

536 

(355,733)

Depreciation, Property and equipment

 

 

3,910 

 

 

11,873 

 

 

6,630 

 

 

4,224 

 

 

 —

 

 

26,637 

1,348 

6,882 

3,966 

2,018 

14,214 

Amortization, Intangibles

 

 

1,192 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,192 

599 

599 

Operating income

 

 

3,427 

 

 

64,366 

 

 

27,051 

 

 

7,033 

 

 

(40,671)

 

 

61,206 

2,587 

31,700 

11,810 

4,524 

(19,907)

30,714 

Net income (loss) attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. (3)

 

 

(2,229)

 

 

52,284 

 

 

23,022 

 

 

6,104 

 

 

(40,759)

 

 

38,422 

Long-lived assets (other than deferred tax assets)

 

 

89,594 

 

 

331,289 

 

 

151,729 

 

 

114,258 

 

 

 —

 

 

686,870 

Net income (loss) attributable to PriceSmart, Inc.

(724)

26,751 

10,318 

3,271 

(19,888)

19,728 

Long-lived assets (other than deferred tax assets) (3)

84,117 

471,366 

177,742 

143,818 

877,043 

Intangibles, net

 

 

13,788 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

13,788 

11,977 

11,977 

Goodwill

 

 

11,315 

 

 

24,670 

 

 

10,278 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

46,263 

10,695 

24,532 

10,198 

45,425 

Total assets

 

 

149,192 

 

 

592,121 

 

 

329,049 

 

 

187,868 

 

 

 

 

 

1,258,230 

168,375 

754,364 

369,575 

231,797 

1,524,111 

Capital expenditures, net

 

 

3,616 

 

 

43,373 

 

 

16,261 

 

 

2,738 

 

 

 —

 

 

65,988 

629 

15,243 

4,520 

20,834 

41,226 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended February 28, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended November 30, 2018

Revenue from external customers

 

$

9,138 

 

$

493,905 

 

$

234,169 

 

$

102,351 

 

$

 —

 

$

839,563 

$

17,339 

$

439,806 

$

225,009 

$

97,483 

$

$

779,637 

Intersegment revenues

 

 

274,061 

 

 

 —

 

 

971 

 

 

119 

 

 

(275,151)

 

 

 —

350,719 

437 

1,093 

278 

(352,527)

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

1,691 

 

 

5,886 

 

 

2,732 

 

 

2,266 

 

 

 —

 

 

12,575 

Operating income/(loss)

 

 

1,146 

 

 

36,673 

 

 

13,601 

 

 

3,161 

 

 

(17,317)

 

 

37,264 

Net income/(loss)

 

 

(13,825)

 

 

30,124 

 

 

12,456 

 

 

2,710 

 

 

(17,317)

 

 

14,148 

Depreciation, Property and equipment

1,960 

5,870 

3,191 

2,103 

13,124 

Amortiazation, Intangibles

599 

599 

Operating income (loss)

(1,050)

28,792 

12,027 

3,416 

(18,515)

24,670 

Net income (loss) attributable to PriceSmart, Inc.

(3,825)

24,185 

9,985 

2,815 

(18,548)

14,612 

Long-lived assets (other than deferred tax assets)(3)

90,061 

320,136 

149,823 

110,969 

670,989 

Intangibles, net

14,381 

14,381 

Goodwill

11,230 

24,726 

10,292 

46,248 

Total assets

158,591 

592,114 

346,397 

180,141 

1,277,243 

Capital expenditures, net

 

 

584 

 

 

11,191 

 

 

9,332 

 

 

1,024 

 

 

 —

 

 

22,131 

1,686 

22,771 

10,495 

1,387 

36,339 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended February 28, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue from external customers

 

$

17,285 

 

$

946,071 

 

$

448,811 

 

$

194,468 

 

$

 —

 

$

1,606,635 

Intersegment revenues

 

 

614,189 

 

 

 —

 

 

2,178 

 

 

317 

 

 

(616,684)

 

 

 —

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

3,435 

 

 

11,409 

 

 

5,409 

 

 

4,559 

 

 

 —

 

 

24,812 

Operating income

 

 

4,237 

 

 

69,206 

 

 

25,225 

 

 

5,209 

 

 

(33,447)

 

 

70,430 

Net income

 

 

(14,390)

 

 

57,512 

 

 

22,926 

 

 

4,037 

 

 

(33,447)

 

 

36,638 

Capital expenditures, net

 

 

1,588 

 

 

22,561 

 

 

19,629 

 

 

1,856 

 

 

 —

 

 

45,634 

Long-lived assets (other than deferred tax assets)

 

 

68,597 

 

 

308,085 

 

 

136,589 

 

 

126,914 

 

 

 —

 

 

640,185 

Goodwill

 

 

 —

 

 

30,926 

 

 

4,547 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

35,473 

Total assets

 

 

129,623 

 

 

552,343 

 

 

320,848 

 

 

188,910 

 

 

 —

 

 

1,191,724 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of August 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of August 31, 2019

Long-lived assets (other than deferred tax assets)

 

 

67,650 

 

 

320,612 

 

 

150,516 

 

 

118,284 

 

 

 —

 

 

657,062 

$

65,278 

$

383,665 

$

165,584 

$

115,838 

$

$

730,365 

Intangibles, net

 

 

14,980 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

14,980 

12,576 

12,576 

Goodwill

 

 

11,230 

 

 

30,646 

 

 

4,453 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

46,329 

11,315 

24,593 

10,193 

46,101 

Total assets

 

 

186,174 

 

 

536,756 

 

 

310,411 

 

 

183,051 

 

 

 —

 

 

1,216,392 

161,583 

614,579 

340,216 

180,033 

1,296,411 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)Management considers its club in the U.S. Virgin Islands to be part of its Caribbean operations.

(2)The reconciling items reflect the amount eliminated on consolidation of intersegment transactions.

(3)Effective September 1, 2019, we adopted the requirements of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" (ASC 842) using the modified retrospective approach, under which financial results reported in prior periods were not restated. As a result, the Long-lived assets (other than deferred tax assets)as of November 30, 2019 is not comparable with that as of November 30, 2018 and August 31, 2019.

(1)

Management considers its club in the U.S. Virgin Islands to be part of its Caribbean operations.

(2)

The reconciling items reflect the amount eliminated on consolidation of intersegment transactions.

(3)

In March 2018, the Company acquired technology, talent and cross-border logistics infrastructure that operated a marketplace and casillero business. Investments in the technology, talent and infrastructure to expand our omni-channel capabilities, together with the operating results from the marketplace and casillero business, negatively impacted Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. by $4.2 million for the quarter and $8.1 million for the six months ended February 28, 2019. Management considers this business to be part of its United States operations.

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PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

NOTE 10 – ACQUISITIONLEASES

On March 15, 2018, the Company acquired technology, talent and cross-border logistics infrastructure through a marketplace and casillero business operated by Aeropost, Inc. This acquisition has been accounted for in conformity with ASC  Topic 805, Business Combinations.  PriceSmart is actively integrating and investing in the technology, talent and infrastructure from this business to expand its omni-channel capabilities. The Company paid $29.0 million in cash for this acquisition. Underadopted ASC 842 as of September 1, 2019, using the merger agreement, $5.0 million ofmodified retrospective method and applying transitional relief allowing entities to initially apply the total consideration has been placed in escrow and its release torequirements at the sellers is contingent upon certain key Aeropost, Inc. executives remaining employed with the Company for 15 months from theadoption date of closing. The amount placed in escrow also can be used to satisfy any indemnification claims and post-closing adjustments in favor of the Company. This contingent consideration is accounted for as post-combination compensation expense, reduces the total consideration and will be recorded over this 15 month period. The post-acquisition compensation expense is recorded as prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet, and has been treated as use of cash from operating activities on the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Below is the table that summarizes the total purchase price consideration (in thousands):

Estimated consideration on the acquisition date

$

30,046 

Estimated assumed net liabilities at acquisition date

(1,093)

Total cash consideration

28,953 

Post-combination compensation expense, net of claims

(3,754)

Business acquisition, net assets acquired

$

25,199 

Cash acquired

1,208 

Business acquisition, net of cash acquired

$

23,991 

Below summarizes the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands):

Current assets

$

4,196 

Other non-current assets

746 

Property, plant and equipment

2,059 

Intangible assets

16,100 

Goodwill

11,411 

Deferred tax assets, long-term

4,078 

Total assets acquired

$

38,590 

Current liabilities

(5,862)

Non-current liabilities

(6,967)

Noncontrolling interest

(562)

Net assets acquired

$

25,199 

Goodwill represents the excess of the total purchase price over the fair value of the underlying assets. The goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The Company recorded an immaterialby recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment to the provisionalopening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. Consequently, results and disclosures for the reporting periods beginning September 1, 2019 are reported and presented under ASC 842, while prior period amounts and disclosures are not adjusted and continue to be reported and presented under ASC 840.

As part of goodwillthe adoption, the Company elected the following practical expedients:

A package of practical expedients allowing the Company to: a) carry forward its historical lease classification; b) avoid reassessing whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases; and deferred tax assets, long-termc) avoid reassessing initial direct costs for any existing lease.

A practical expedient related to factsland easements, allowing the Company to carry forward the accounting treatment for land easements on existing agreements and circumstanceseliminating the need to reassess existing lease contracts to determine if land easements are separate leases under ASC 842.

A practical expedient allowing the Company not to apply the recognition requirements of ASC 842 to short-term leases (12 months or less).

The Company did not elect the following practical expedients:

A practical expedient that existed aswould allow the Company to use hindsight in determining the lease term and to assess impairment of the acquisition date.

The following sets forth the resultsentity’s right-of use (“ROU”) assets, since election of this expedient could make adoption more complex given that reevaluation of the amounts preliminarily assignedlease term.

A practical expedient allowing the Company to not separate lease components from nonlease components (e.g., common area maintenance costs), since the Company does not combine lease and nonlease components for any of its real estate leases.

In accordance with ASC 842, the Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception or modification of a contract and classifies each lease as either operating or finance lease at commencement. The Company only reassesses lease classification subsequent to commencement upon a change to the identifiable intangibleexpected lease term or the contract being modified. As of November 30, 2019, the Company only has operating leases for its clubs, distribution centers, office space, and land. Operating leases, net of accumulated amortization, are included in operating lease ROU assets, acquired (in thousands):

Amortization

Fair value of

Period

Assets Acquired

Trade name

25 years

$

5,100 

Developed technology

5 years

11,000 

Total assets acquired

$

16,100 

The fair value ofand current and non-current operating lease liabilities, on the intangible assets is measured based on assumptions and estimations with regards to variable factors such as the amount and timing of future cash flows, appropriate risk-adjusted discount rates, nonperformance risk or other factors that market participants would consider. The trade name and developed technology were valued using the income-based approach and royalty income method, respectively. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the amortization periods noted above, whichCompany’s consolidated balance sheets. Lease expense for operating leases is included in selling general and administrative expensesexpense on the accompanyingCompany’s consolidated statements of income. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

The Company is generally obligated for the cost of property taxes, insurance, and maintenance relating to its leases, which are often variable lease payments. Such costs are included in selling, general and administrative expense on the interim unaudited consolidated statements of income.

Certain of the Company's lease agreements provide for lease payments based on future sales volumes at the leased location, or include rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation or based on an index, which are not measurable at the inception of the lease. The Company expenses such variable amounts in the period incurred, which is the period in which it becomes probable that the specified target that triggers the variable lease payments will be achieved. The Company's lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the reasonably certain lease term. The operating lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option or if an economic penalty may be incurred if the option is not exercised. The initial lease term of the Company’s operating leases range from two to 30 years.

32

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Table of Contents

PRICESMART, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)Where the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, a collateralized incremental borrowing rate ("IBR") is used to determine the present value of lease payments. The IBR is based on a yield curve derived by publicly traded bond offerings for companies with similar credit characteristics that approximate the Company's market risk profile. In addition, we adjust the IBR for jurisdictional risk derived from quoted interest rates from financial institutions to reflect the cost of borrowing in the Company’s local markets.

Adoption of the standard resulted in the initial recognition of $120.6 million of operating lease ROU assets and $132.1 million of short-term and long-term operating lease liabilities as of September 1, 2019. The difference between the newly recorded assets and liabilities is $11.5 million, which was recorded against our deferred rent balance of $11.2 million as of August 31, 2019. The difference of $0.3 million was expensed in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. NaN cumulative-effect adjustments were recorded to retained earnings, and there was no material impact to the Company’s interim consolidated statements of income, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, or consolidated statements of cash flows.

The following unaudited pro forma financial information shows the combined results of operationstable is a summary of the Company, including Aeropost, Inc., as ifCompany’s components of total lease costs for the acquisition had occurred asfirst quarter of the beginning of the periods presentedfiscal year 2020 (in thousands):



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended



 

February 28,

 

February 28,



 

2018

 

2018

Pro forma total revenues

 

$

850,629 

 

$

1,627,004 

Pro forma net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. (1)

 

$

10,900 

 

$

30,018 

Pro forma net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

$

231 

 

$

292 

(1)

Includes the pro forma recognition of $720,000 and $1.5 million post-combination compensation expense, which represents three and six months of continued service amortization required to satisfy the $3.8 million remaining purchase price contingency.

Three Months Ended

November 30,

2019

Operating lease cost

$

4,221

Short-term lease cost

53

Variable lease cost

1,081

Sublease income

(289)

Total lease costs

$

5,066

The followingweighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate for operating leases as of November 30, 2019 were as follows:

Operating leases

Weighted average remaining lease term in years

19.2

Weighted average discount rate percentage

6.5%

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases under which the Company is summary financial informationthe lessee was as follows (amounts in thousands):

Three Months Ended

November 30,

2019

Operating cash flows paid for operating leases

$

3,805

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Table of Contents

The Company is committed under non-cancelable operating leases for Aeropost, Inc., including costs to expand omni-channel capabilitiesthe rental of facilities and land. Future minimum lease commitments for fiscalfacilities under these leases with an initial term in excess of one year 2019are as follows (in thousands):



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended



 

February 28,

 

February 28,

 

February 28,

 

February 28,



 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Total revenue

 

$

9,977 

 

$

N/A

 

$

19,127 

 

$

N/A

Net loss (net of tax benefits)

 

$

(4,201)

 

$

N/A

 

$

(8,096)

 

$

N/A

Leased

Years Ended November 30,

Locations(1)

2020

$

14,318

2021

13,403

2022

13,231

2023

13,129

2024

12,438

Thereafter

179,042

Total future lease payments

245,561

Less imputed interest

(115,553)

Total operating lease liabilities

$

130,008

(2)

(1)Operating lease obligations have been reduced by approximately $2.0 million to reflect expected sub-lease income. Certain obligations under leasing arrangements are collateralized by the underlying asset being leased.

(2)Future minimum lease payments include $1.5 million of lease payment obligations for the prior leased Miami distribution center. For purposes of calculating the minimum lease payments, a reduction is reflected for the actual sub-lease income the Company expects to receive during the remaining lease term. This sub-lease income was also considered for the purposes of calculating the exit obligation, which was immaterial as of November 30, 2019.

NOTE 11 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated all events subsequent to the balance sheet date of February 28,November 30, 2019 through the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements and has determined that, except as set forth below, there are no subsequent events that require disclosure.

Financing Transactions

On December 3, 2019, the Company’s Colombia subsidiary refinanced its existing balloon payment on the original $15.0 million U.S. dollar denominated contractual debt. Upon refinance, the Colombia subsidiary entered into a five year cross currency interest rate swap. The swap contract states that the Company will receive interest based on the three-month LIBOR rate plus 2.45% on a quarterly amortizing initial notional value of $7.9 million and pay fixed interest of approximately 7.9% on a quarterly amortizing initial notional value of $7.9 million.

On December 6, 2019, the Company's Guatemala subsidiary entered into a long-term loan agreement for 160.0 million Guatemalan quetzales, or approximately $20.0 million in U.S. dollars, which is to be repaid in ten years with monthly interest and principal payments beginning in the second year of the loan. The interest rate is fixed at 7.0% for the first five year period and the loan was funded on December 10, 2019.

3331


PRICESMART, INC.

ITEMITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements concerning PriceSmart, Inc.'s ("PriceSmart,"PriceSmart", the "Company" or "we") anticipated future revenues and earnings, adequacy of future cash flows, proposed warehouse club openings, the Company's performance relative to competitors and related matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements containing the words “expect,” “believe,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipated,” “scheduled,” and like expressions, and the negative thereof. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially including, but not limited to, the following risks:

·

Natural disasters that might cause damages not covered by insurance;

·

Negative macroeconomic conditions;

·

Volatility in foreign currency exchange rates and limitations on our ability to convert foreign currency to U.S. dollars;

·

Changes in, and inconsistent enforcement of, laws and regulations in countries where we operate, including those related to tariffs and taxes;

·

Compliance risks;

·

Crime and security concerns, which can adversely affect the economies of the countries in which we operate and which require us to incur additional costs to provide additional security at our warehouse clubs;

·

Recoverability of moneys owed to PriceSmart from governments in countries where we do business;

·

The possibility of operational interruptions, including those related to union work stoppages;

·

Political instability, such as recent unrest in Honduras, the ongoing anti-government protests in Nicaragua that have disrupted our operations there, and a general strike in Costa Rica led by public-sector unions that disrupted normal commerce in September 2018;

·

In March 2019, the President of the United States directed the U.S. State Department to cut off $450 million of planned aid to Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Eliminating this aid could adversely impact the economies of these countries and lead to further political instability, with the resulting impact on our business;

·

Changes in consumer shopping preferences;

·

Significant competition, including from international online retailers or the market entrance of other club operators;

·

Limitations on the availability of appropriate sites for new warehouse clubs, which could adversely affect growth;

·

Failure to establish an e-commerce presence to allow our members to choose a physical or online shopping channel that is convenient for them and efficient for us may materially adversely affect our market position, net sales and financial performance, and costs associated with our increasing investments in technological resources intended to fuel sales growth and drive efficiencies may adversely affect our short-term results of operations;

·

Acquisitions, such as our acquisition of Aeropost, Inc. in March 2018, may expose us to additional risks, such as retention of key personnel, previously undisclosed liabilities or compliance issues, integration challenges, impairment of goodwill or intangible assets, and diversion of management resources;

·

Cost increases from product and service providers;

·

Interruption of supply chains, which might adversely impact on our ability to import merchandise;

·

Failure to maintain our brand’s reputation;

·

Exposure to product liability claims and product recalls;

·

Failure to maintain our computer systems and/or disruption in those systems;

·

Cybersecurity risks, such as a failure to maintain the security of the information we hold relating to our company, our members, employees and suppliers;

·

Risks associated with executive leadership and organizational transition, failure to attract and/or retain other qualified employees, increases in wage and benefit costs, changes in laws and other labor issues;

·

Changes in accounting standards affecting management's financial assumptions, projections, estimates and judgments; and

·

A few of our stockholders own approximately 24.5% of our voting stock as of February 28, 2019, which may make it difficult to complete some corporate transactions without their support and may impede a change in control.

The risks described above as well as the other risks detailedto: adverse changes in economic conditions in the Company’s U.S. SecuritiesCompany's markets, natural disasters, compliance risks, volatility in currency exchange rates, competition, consumer and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) reports, includingsmall business spending patterns, political instability, increased costs associated with the Company’sintegration of online commerce with our traditional business, whether the Company can successfully execute strategic initiatives, breaches of security or privacy of member or business information, cost increases from product and service providers, interruption of supply chains, exposure to product liability claims and product recalls, recoverability of moneys owed to PriceSmart from governments, and other important factors discussed under the captions "Item 1A. Risk Factors" and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 20182019 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on October 25, 2018 (see “Part I - Item 1A - Risk Factors”) could materially29, 2019. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date that they are made, and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. These risks are not the only risks that the Company faces. The Company could also be affecteddoes not undertake to update them, except as required by law.

34


additional factors that apply to all companies operating globally and in the U.S., as well as other risks that are not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently considers to be immaterial.

The following discussion and analysis compares the results of operations for the three and six months ended February 28,November 30, 2019 and 2018 and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included therein.

Our business consists primarily of operating internationalOverview

PriceSmart began operations in 1996 in San Diego, California. We own and operate U.S. style membership shopping warehouse clubs similarin Central America, the Caribbean and Colombia.  We also function as a wholesale supplier to buta retailer in the Philippines.  We sell high quality brand name and private label consumer products and provide services at low prices to individuals and businesses.  Historically, our typical no-frills standard warehouse buildings have ranged in sales floor size from approximately 40,000 to 60,000 square feet and are located primarily in and around the major cities in our markets to take advantage of dense populations and relatively higher levels of disposable income. However, starting in fiscal year 2019, we also began opening smaller format clubs, with sales floors ranging from approximately 30,000 to 40,000 square feet. These smaller format clubs are intended to serve markets where the population is likely to support a smaller club or densely populated urban areas where it is challenging to secure sufficient real estate at a reasonable cost for a larger club. This smaller format has the potential to expand our geographic reach in sizeexisting markets and provide more convenience for our members.

As warehouse club operators, we believe that our business success depends on our ability to be the lowest cost operators in our markets and, in turn, to offer the lowest prices on high quality products and services in our markets.  Lower prices on products and services should drive sales volume, which increases the Company’s buying leverage, which in turn leads to better pricing that can be offered to our members, validating the membership investment that our customers make. 

Our warehouse clubs operate in emerging markets that historically have had higher growth rates and lower warehouse club market penetration than the U.S. market. In the countries in which we operate, we do not currently face direct competition from U.S. membership warehouse club operators. However, we do face competition from various retail formats such as hypermarkets, supermarkets, cash and carry, home improvement centers, electronic retailers, specialty stores, convenience stores, traditional wholesale distribution and growing online sales.

32


The numbers of warehouse clubs in the United States.  We operate in 13 countries/territories that are located in Latin America and the Caribbean.  Our ownership in all operating subsidiariesoperation as of February 28,November 30, 2019 is 100%, and they are presented on a consolidated basis.  The number of warehouse clubs for each country or territory arewere as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

Number of

 

Anticipated Additional

 

Anticipated

Number of

Number of

Anticipated

Anticipated

 

Warehouse Clubs

 

Warehouse Clubs

 

Warehouse

 

Warehouse

Warehouse Clubs

Warehouse Clubs

Warehouse

Warehouse

 

in Operation as of

 

in Operation as of

 

Club Openings

 

Club Openings

in Operation as of

in Operation as of

Club Openings

Club Openings

Country/Territory

 

February 28, 2018

 

February 28, 2019

 

In Fiscal Year 2019

 

In Fiscal Year 2020

November 30, 2018

November 30, 2019

In Fiscal Year 2020

In Fiscal Year 2021

Colombia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

7

7

2

Costa Rica

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

7

7

1

Panama

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

 

5

7

Dominican Republic

4

5

Trinidad

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

4

4

Dominican Republic

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

 

 —

Guatemala

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

3

4

Honduras

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

3

3

El Salvador

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

2

2

Nicaragua

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

2

2

Aruba

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

1

1

Barbados

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

1

1

U.S. Virgin Islands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

1

1

Jamaica

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

1

1

1

Totals

 

 

40 

 

 

41 

 

 

 

 

41

45

1

3

(1)     Small format warehouse club.

Our warehouse clubs and local distribution centers are located in Latin America and the Caribbean, and our corporate headquarters, U.S. buying operations and regional distribution centers are located primarily in the United States. Our operating segments are the United States, Central America, the Caribbean and Colombia.

In May 2018,The table below shows when the Company acquired land in Panama and the Dominican Republic upon which the Company is constructing new warehouse clubs. In Panama, the site is in the city of Santiago, which is a smaller city three hours west of Panama City by car and, upon completion, will be the sixth warehouse club in Panama. In the Dominican Republic, the site is in the city of Santo Domingo, a major metropolitan area, and upon completion, will be the fifth warehouse club in the Dominican Republic.  These warehouse clubs are currently expected to open in the spring and summer of 2019, respectively. Both of these warehousenewest clubs will be designed using our new small warehouse club format with sales floor square footage between 30,000 to 40,000 square feet, compared to 50,000 to 60,000 sales floor square footage within our most recent standard format warehouse club openings. These warehouse clubs represent our first developments of these smaller format stores intended to reach into additional geographic areas and provide more convenience for our members. In September 2018 (fiscal year 2019), we acquired land in San Cristobal, Guatemala, upon which the Company is constructing a standard format warehouse club. San Cristobal is expected to open in the fall of 2019.  In November 2018 (fiscal year 2019), PriceSmart leased land within the Metropark development on the south eastern side of Panama City, Panama, upon which the Company is constructing a standard format warehouse club. The Metropark club will be the Company’s seventh warehouse club in Panama and is expected to open in the fall of 2019. We continue to explore and negotiate for other potential sites for future warehouse clubs in Central America, the Caribbean and Colombia.open. Once these four new clubs are open, wethe Company will operate 4549 warehouse clubs.

General Market Factors

Country

City/Neighborhood

Purchased

Expected Opening

Format

Costa Rica

Liberia

July 2019

Summer 2020

Smaller

Colombia

Bogota

August 2019

Fall 2020

Standard

Jamaica

Portmore

September 2019

Fall 2020

Standard

Colombia

Bucaramanga

October 2019

Fall 2020

Smaller

We are investing in technology to increase efficiencies and to enable omni-channel capabilities, including e-commerce, to enhance the member experience.

We also operate a legacy (casillero and marketplace) Aeropost business in 38 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, many of which overlap with markets where we operate warehouse clubs.

Factors Affecting Our Business

Our sales and profits vary from market to market depending on general economic factors, including GDP growth; consumer spending patterns; foreign currency exchange rates; political policies and social conditions; local demographic characteristics (such as population growth); the number of years we have operated in a particular market; and the level of retail and wholesale competition in that market.

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Table of Contents

Currency fluctuations can be one of the largest variables affecting our overall sales and profit performance, as we have experienced in prior fiscal years, because many of our markets are susceptible to foreign currency exchange rate volatility. During the first sixthree months of fiscal year 20192020 and fiscal year 2018,2019, approximately 77% and 78%, respectively, of our net merchandise sales were in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Of those sales, 52% were comprised of sales of products we purchased in U.S. dollars.

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Table of Contents

A devaluation of the local currency reduces the value of sales and membership income that is generated in that country when translated to U.S. dollars for our consolidated results, andresults. In addition, when a local currency experiences devaluation, we may elect to increase the local currency price of imported merchandise to maintain our target margins, which wouldcould impact demand for a significant portionthe merchandise affected by the price increase. We may also modify the mix of imported versus local merchandise and/or the Company’ssource of imported merchandise offering.to mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations. Information about the effect of local currency devaluations is discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Net Merchandise Sales and Comparable Sales”.Sales.”

From time to time, one or more markets in which we operate may experience economic slowdowns, which can negatively impact our business. For example, Trinidad, which depends on oil and gas exports as a major source of income, has been experiencing overall difficult economic conditions for the past three years. TheseMost countries in our Central America segment experienced adverse economic conditions, combined with government policies intended to manage foreign currency reserves, have adversely affected consumer spending. Other countries where recent general market conditions have providedthat resulted in a difficult operating environment during the first three months of fiscal year 2019 include Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Nicaragua2020. Increasing foreign currency exchange volatility, slowing global economy activity and Barbados.  Our businesstrade, decreasing levels of public investment and tax reform stalled economic growth for most of our countries in USVI, where Hurricanes Irma and Maria had a severe impact on the infrastructure of the island in September 2017 and October 2017, has rebounded due to the re-construction efforts and the difficulty other retailers are having in becoming fully operational. Significant reductions in US Financial Aid to countries where we operate may also impact our markets.this region.

Our capture of total retail and wholesale sales can vary from market to market due to competition and the availability of other shopping options for our members. In larger,Our business in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where Hurricanes Irma and Maria had a severe impact on the infrastructure of the island in September 2017 and October 2017, initially benefitted from the difficulty other retailers had in becoming fully operational, but those same retailers have rebuilt restoring competition in that market. Additionally, in more developed countries, such as Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Panama and Colombia, customers may have manymore alternatives available to them to satisfy their shopping needs, and therefore, our market share is less than in othercompared to smaller countries, such as Jamaica and Nicaragua, where consumers have a limited number of shopping options.

Demographic characteristics within each of our markets can also affect both the overall level of sales and also future sales growth opportunities. Island countries such as Aruba, Barbados and the U.S. Virgin Islands offer us limited upside for sales growth given their overall market size. Countries with a smaller upper and middle class consumer population, such as Honduras, El Salvador, Jamaica and Nicaragua, alsooffer growth potential but they may have a more limited potential opportunity for sales growth as compared to more developed countries with larger upper and middle class consumer populations.

Political and other factors in each of our markets may have significant effects on our business. U.S. foreign policy can also have an impact on social and economic stability in the countries where we operate. For example, beginningthe U.S. State Department has announced varying strategies regarding if, when and how it would authorize disbursement of foreign aid that had been previously approved by the U.S. Congress, to Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Changes in April 2018, protests against social reforms and violent clashes with national security forces significantly impeded normal economic activityU.S. policies regarding financial assistance could cause political or financial instability in Nicaragua, the effect of which has continued during the first six months of fiscal year 2019. Also, labor strikes in Costa Rica disrupted normal commerce in September 2018. Additionally, the need for increased tax revenue in certain countries can cause changes in tax policies affecting consumers’ personal tax rates and/or added consumption taxes, such as VAT (value-added taxes), effectively raising the prices of various products. we serve.

In the past, we have experienced a lack of availability of U.S. dollars in certain markets (U.S. dollar illiquidity).  This impedes our ability to convert local currencies obtained through merchandise sales into U.S. dollars to settle the U.S. dollar liabilities associated with our imported products, increasing our foreign exchange exposure to any devaluation of the local currency relative to the U.S. dollar.  During fiscal year 2018 and during the first six months of fiscal year 2019, we experiencedWe continued to experience this situation in Trinidad (“TT”). during the start of fiscal year 2020.  We are working with our banks in Trinidad to source tradeable currencies (including Euros, British Pounds, and Canadian dollars), but until the central bank in Trinidad makes more U.S. dollars available, this illiquidity condition is likely to continue. As of February 28,November 30, 2019, our Trinidad subsidiary had a net U.S.Trinidad dollar denominated asset position measured in U.S dollars of approximately $21.9 million, a decrease of $3.0 million from August 31, 2019 when our Trinidad subsidiary had net Trinidad dollar denominated asset position of approximately $20.7 million, an increase of $7.7 million from August 31, 2018 when our Trinidad subsidiary had net U.S. dollar denominated asset position of approximately $13.0$24.9 million. We are carefully monitoring the situation, which may require us to limit future shipments from the U.S. to Trinidad in line with our ability to exchange Trinidad dollars for tradeable currencies to manage our exposure to any potential devaluation.

Mission and Business Strategy

Our business strategymission is to improve the quality of life for our end-consumer and business and family Members by makingmembers. To do this, we make available a wide range of high quality merchandise sourced from around the world at exceptional values.value prices. The annual membership fee enables us to operate our business, as well as offer a curated selection of products and services, with lower margins than traditional retail stores.  Through the use of technology and the development of an omni-channel platform, we are pursuing opportunities to respond to howsatisfy our Members expect to shop,members’ shopping expectations, create additional efficiencies in the distribution processsupply chain and increase our significance in our Members’members’ lives. We are working to create a shopping experience that blends the attributes and appeal of our brick and mortar business with the conveniences associated with technology-supported transactions, services and online shopping.

Growth

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Table of Contents

Growth

We measure our growth primarily by the amount of the period-over-period activity in our net merchandise sales, our comparable store net merchandise sales and our membership income. Our investments are focused on the long-term growth of the Company. These investments can impact near-term results, such as when we incur fixed costs in advance of achieving full

34


projected sales, negatively impacting near-term operating profit and net income, or whenincome. When we open a new warehouse club in an existing market, which canmay reduce reported comparable net merchandise sales due to the transfer of sales from existing warehouse clubs.clubs, we do so to protect the member experience, grow membership and support long-term sales growth and profitability.

Current and Future Management Actions

Logistics and distribution efficiencies are fundamental to what allows us to deliverdelivering high quality merchandise at low prices to our members.  We acquire approximately 52% of our merchandise internationally, a significant portion of which we receive at our Miami distribution centers.  In January 2017, we purchased a distribution center in Medley, Miami-Dade County, Florida, into which we transferred our Miami dry distribution center activities from a leased facility during the third quarter of fiscal year 2017.  This distribution facility has increased our ability to efficiently receive, handle and distribute merchandise. The efficiency with which we receive, handle and distribute merchandise to the point where our members put that merchandise into their shopping carts has a significant impact on our level of operating expenses and ultimately how low we can price our merchandise. We continue to explore ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs and ensure a good flow of high quality, curated merchandise to our warehouse clubs. As we continue to refine our logistics and distribution infrastructure, we are investing inexplore ways to improve our supply chain effectiveness through regional distribution centers.  This past year we entered into a long-term lease for a 165,000 square foot distribution center in Costa Rica. We began operating in this distribution center during the fall of 2018. centers that place our merchandise closer to our members.

Purchasing land and constructing warehouse clubs is generally our largest ongoing capital investment. Securing land for warehouse club locations is challenging withinin several of our markets especially in Colombia, because suitable sites at economically feasible prices are difficult to find. RealWe believe real estate ownership provides a number of advantages as compared to leasing, including lower operating expenses, flexibility to expand or otherwise enhance our buildings, long-term control over the use of the property and the residual value that the real estate may have in future years. While our preference is to own rather than lease real estate, we have entered into real estate leases in certain cases and will likely do so in the future.  Most recently we have entered into a real estate lease in Panama City, Panama, for the construction of a warehouse club. 

In 2017 we began evaluating options to replace our existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. However, due to the rapidly evolving retail and technological landscape, as well as our recent acquisition of technology and talent through Aeropost, we have delayed this project. We are currently evaluating more holistically our overall IT landscape and strategy, we will reconsider the need, timing, scope and will adjust our ERP replacement project accordingly.  

We are developing an expansion of our omni-channel capability, including through our e-commerce platform, by investing in technology to increase efficiencies and integrating the technology, talent and cross-border logistics infrastructure obtained as part of the acquisition, in March 2018, of a company which also operates a marketplace and casillero business. We expect these investments and this integrationto enable omni-channel capabilities, including e-commerce, to enhance the membership shopping experience, drive efficiencies and fuel sales growth.  The first significant step in this process is the expected launch in the Dominican Republic of an e-commerce platform in conjunction with the opening of our new club there, which is expected to open in the summer of 2019.member experience.

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Table of Contents

Financial highlights for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 included:

Total revenues increased 4.1% over the comparable prior year period.

Net merchandise sales increased 4.2% over the comparable prior year period. We ended the quarter with 45 warehouse clubs compared to 41 warehouse clubs at the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations impacted net merchandise sales negatively by 1.6%.

Comparable net merchandise sales (that is, sales in the 41 warehouse clubs that have been open for greater than 13 ½ calendar months) for the 13 weeks ended December 1, 2019 increased 1.0%. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations impacted comparable net merchandise sales negatively by 1.5%.

Membership income increased 7.9% to $13.7 million membership over the comparable prior-year period primarily driven by new member sign-ups for the four club openings in Panama, Dominican Republic, and Guatemala in calendar year 2019.

Merchandise gross profits (net merchandise sales less associated cost of goods sold) increased 9.1% over the comparable prior year period and warehouse gross profits as a percent of net merchandise club sales were 14.9%, an increase of 70 basis points (0.7%) from the same period last year.

Operating income was $30.7 million, an increase of 24.5% or $6.0 million compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2019.

We recorded a $1.7 million net currency loss from currency transactions in the current quarter compared to a $1.8 million net loss in the same period last year.

The effective tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 was 32.2%, as compared to the effective tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 of 33.9%.

Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 was $19.7 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, compared to $14.6 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, in the comparable prior year period.

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Table of Contents

COMPARISON OF THE three months ended February 28,November 30, 2019 included:and 2018

·

Total revenues increased 1.8% over the comparable prior year period. Revenues from our marketplace and casillero operations of $9.9 million contributed 120 basis points (1.2%) of this increase.

·

Net merchandise sales increased 0.5% over the comparable prior-year period.  We ended the quarter with 41 warehouse clubs compared to 40 warehouse clubs at the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2018. 

·

Comparable net merchandise sales (that is, sales in the warehouse clubs that have been open for greater than 13 ½ calendar months) for the 13 weeks ended March 3, 2019 decreased 0.9%, impacted primarily by the devaluation of the Costa Rica Colon, an increasingly competitive retail environment in Panama, and ongoing instability in Nicaragua.

·

Membership income for the second quarter of fiscal year 2019 increased 1.1% to $12.8 million over the comparable prior-year period.

·

Merchandise gross profits (net merchandise sales less associated cost of goods sold) decreased 2.1% over the comparable prior year period and warehouse gross profits as a percent of net merchandise club sales were 14.0%, a decrease of 40 basis points (0.4%) from the same period last year.

·

Investments in technology, talent and infrastructure to expand our omni-channel capabilities, together with the operating results from our marketplace and casillero business, negatively impacted Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. by $4.2 million.    

·

Operating income for the second quarter of fiscal year 2019 was $36.5 million, compared to $37.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2018.

·

We recorded a $368,000 net currency loss from currency transactions in the current quarter compared to a $210,000 net gain in the same period last year.

·

The tax provision of $11.7 million resulted in an effective tax rate for the second quarter of fiscal year 2019 of 32.9%. The effective tax rate for the second quarter of fiscal year 2018 was 61.6%. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2018, we recorded a one-time transitional repatriation tax on unremitted foreign earnings totaling $13.4 million as part of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“U.S. Tax Reform”).

·

Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. for the second quarter of fiscal year 2019 was $23.8 million, or $0.79 per diluted share, compared to $14.1 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, in the comparable prior-year period.

Financial highlights for the six months ended February 28, 2019 included:

·

Total revenues increased 1.7% over the comparable prior year period. Revenues from our marketplace and casillero operations of $19.0 million contributed 120 basis points (1.2%) of this increase.

·

Net merchandise sales increased 0.4% over the comparable prior-year period.  We ended the quarter with 41 warehouse clubs compared to 40 warehouse clubs at the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2018. 

·

Comparable net merchandise sales (that is, sales in the warehouse clubs that have been open for greater than 13 ½ calendar months) for the 26 weeks ended March 3, 2019 decreased 1.4%, impacted primarily by the Costa Rica Colon devaluation, an increasingly competitive retail environment in Panama, and ongoing instability in Nicaragua.

·

Membership income for the first six months of fiscal year 2019 increased 2.0% to $25.6 million over the comparable prior-year period.

·

Merchandise gross profits (net merchandise sales less associated cost of goods sold) decreased 1.9% over the comparable prior year period and warehouse gross profits as a percent of net merchandise club sales were 14.1%, a decrease of 30 basis points (0.3%) from the same period last year.

·

Investments in technology, talent and infrastructure to expand our omni-channel capabilities, together with the operating results from our marketplace and casillero business, negatively impacted Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. by $8.1 million. 

·

Operating income for the first six months of fiscal year 2019 was $61.2 million, compared to $70.4 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2018.

·

We recorded a $2.1 million net currency loss from currency transactions in the current six-month period compared to a $488,000 net gain in the same period last year.

·

The effective tax rate for the first six months of fiscal year 2019 was 33.3%, as compared to the effective tax rate for the first six months of fiscal year 2018 of 47.3%, primarily related to a one-time transitional repatriation tax on unremitted foreign earnings totaling $13.4 million recorded in the prior year period as part of U.S. Tax Reform.  

·

Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. for the first six months of fiscal year 2019 was $38.4 million, or $1.27 per diluted share, compared to $36.6 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, in the comparable prior-year period.

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Table of Contents

COMPARISON OF THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2019 AND 2018

The following discussion and analysis compares the results of operations for the three-month and six-month periodsperiod ended on February 28,November 30, 2019 with the three-month and six-month periodsperiod ended on February 28,November 30, 2018 and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this report. Unless otherwise noted, all tables on the following pages present U.S. dollar amounts in thousands. Certain percentages presented are calculated using actual results prior to rounding.

Net Merchandise Sales

The following tables indicate the net merchandise club sales in the segments in which we operate and the percentage growth in net merchandise sales by segment during the three and six-monthsmonths ended February 28,November 30, 2019 and 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

 

February 28, 2019

 

February 28, 2018

November 30, 2019

November 30, 2018

 

Amount

 

% of net
sales

 

Increase/
(decrease)
from
prior year

 

Change

 

Amount

 

% of net
sales

Amount

% of net
sales

Increase/
(decrease)
from
prior year

Change

Amount

% of net
sales

Central America

 

$

473,161 

 

57.7 

%

 

$

(12,118)

 

(2.5)

%

 

$

485,279 

 

59.4 

%

$

456,751

58.6

%

$

26,367

6.1

%

$

430,384

57.6

%

Caribbean

 

 

245,728 

 

30.0 

%

 

 

14,897 

 

6.5 

%

 

 

230,831 

 

28.3 

%

231,151

29.7

9,656

4.4

221,495

29.6

Colombia

 

 

101,401 

 

12.3 

%

 

 

938 

 

0.9 

%

 

 

100,463 

 

12.3 

%

90,826

11.7

(4,738)

(5.0)

95,564

12.8

Net merchandise sales

 

$

820,290 

 

100.0 

%

 

$

3,717 

 

0.5 

%

 

$

816,573 

 

100.0 

%

$

778,728

100.0

%

$

31,285

4.2

%

$

747,443

100.0

%



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Six Months Ended



 

February 28, 2019

 

February 28, 2018



 

Amount

 

% of net
sales

 

Increase/
(decrease)
from
prior year

 

Change

 

Amount

 

% of net
sales

Central America

 

$

903,545 

 

57.6 

%

 

$

(25,401)

 

(2.7)

%

 

$

928,946 

 

59.5 

%

Caribbean

 

 

467,223 

 

29.8 

%

 

 

24,953 

 

5.6 

%

 

 

442,270 

 

28.3 

%

Colombia

 

 

196,965 

 

12.6 

%

 

 

6,207 

 

3.3 

%

 

 

190,758 

 

12.2 

%

Net merchandise sales

 

$

1,567,733 

 

100.0 

%

 

$

5,759 

 

0.4 

%

 

$

1,561,974 

 

100.0 

%

Comparison of Three and Six Months Ended February 28,November 30, 2019 and 2018

Overall, total net merchandise sales grew 0.5%4.2% for the secondfirst quarter and 0.4% for the six-month period ended February 28,November 30, 2019. The secondfirst quarter increase resulted from a 3.4%3.8% increase in transactions and a 2.8% decrease0.4% increase in average ticket. For the six-month period, the increase resulted from a 3.0% increaseIn addition, we had 45 clubs in transactions and a 2.6% decrease in average ticket.operation as of November 30, 2019 compared to 41 clubs as of November 30, 2018.

Net merchandise sales in our Central America segment decreased 2.5% and 2.7%increased 6.1% for the secondfirst quarter and the six-months ended February 28, 2019, respectively, when compared to the same period last year. These declines had a 150 basis point (1.5%) and 170 basis point (1.7%) negative impact on total net merchandise sales growth, respectively.  Economic weakness, currency devaluation, and political instability led to decreased sales within our Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua markets, offset by year-on-year increased merchandise sales within our Honduras and El Salvador markets.

Net merchandise sales in our Caribbean segment grew 6.5% and 5.6% for the second quarter and the six-months ended February 28,November 30, 2019, when compared to the same period last year. These increases had a 190350 basis point (1.9%) and 160 basis point (1.6%(3.5%) positive impact on total net merchandise sales growth, respectively.  With the exception of our Barbados market, allgrowth. All markets within this segment showed increased net merchandise sales year-on-year. We added three new clubs to the segment when compared to the period ended November 30, 2018. In Panama, we opened our sixth club in May 2019 and seventh club in October 2019, and in Guatemala, we opened our fourth club in November 2019.

Net merchandise sales in our ColombiaCaribbean segment grew 0.9% and 3.3%4.4% for the secondfirst quarter and the six-months ended February 28,November 30, 2019, when compared to the same period last year. These increases had a 10130 basis point (0.1%) and 40 basis point (0.4%(1.3%) positive impact on total net merchandise sales growth. Our Dominican Republic and Jamaica markets led the way in this segment with 14.6% and 12.3% growth, respectively. In the Dominican Republic, we launched our fifth club in June 2019, while in Jamaica, investments we made contributed to growth of 12.3%.

Net merchandise sales in our Colombia segment decreased 5.0% for the first quarter ended November 30, 2019, when compared to the same period last year. The growthdecrease for the three-month period had a 60 basis point (0.6%) negative impact on total net merchandise sales growth. The decline for the first quarter is primarily due to an improving economy andunfavorable foreign currency devaluation during the continued growth in the market’s acceptance of the warehouse club concept.current period.

3936


Comparison of Three Months Ended November 30, 2019 and 2018 in Constant Currency

In discussing our operating results, the term “currency exchange rates” refers to the currency exchange rates we use to convert the operating results for all countries where the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar into U.S. dollars. We calculate the effect of changes in currency exchange rates as the difference between current period activities translated using the current period's currency exchange rates, and the comparable prior year period's currency exchange rates. The disclosure of constant currency amounts or results permits investors to better understand our underlying performance without the effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations. The following table indicates the impact that currency exchange rates had on our net merchandise sales in dollars and the percentage change from the three and six month periodsthree-month period ended February 28,November 30, 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currency exchange rate fluctuations for the

Currency exchange rate fluctuations for the

 

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

 

February 28, 2019

November 30, 2019

 

Amount

 

% change

 

Amount

% change

Central America

 

$

(17,144)

 

(3.6)

%

$

1,595

0.3

%

Caribbean

 

 

(3,682)

 

(1.5)

%

(4,760)

(2.1)

Colombia

 

 

(9,058)

 

(8.9)

%

(9,029)

(9.9)

Net merchandise sales

 

$

(29,884)

 

(3.6)

%

$

(12,194)

(1.6)

%



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Currency exchange rate fluctuations for the



 

Six Months Ended



 

February 28, 2019



 

Amount

 

% change to prior year

 

Central America

 

$

(28,950)

 

(3.2)

%

Caribbean

 

 

(6,696)

 

(1.4)

%

Colombia

 

 

(13,529)

 

(6.9)

%

Net merchandise sales

 

$

(49,175)

 

(3.1)

%

Overall, the effects of currency devaluationsfluctuations within our markets had an approximately $29.9 million and $49.2approximate $12.2 million, or 360160 basis point (3.6%) and 310 basis points (3.1%(1.6%), negative constant currency impact on net merchandise sales for the first quarter and six-months ended February 28,November 30, 2019.

Currency devaluationsfluctuations had a $17.1 million and $29.0$1.6 million, or 36030 basis point (3.6%) and 320 basis point (3.2%(0.3%), negativepositive constant currency impact on net merchandise sales in our Central America segment for the quarter and sixthree months ended February 28,November 30, 2019. The currency devaluationsfluctuations contributed approximately 21020 basis points (2.1%) and 180 basis points (1.8%(0.2%) of the total negativepositive impact on total net merchandise sales, respectively. Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and our Nicaraguasales. This is reflective of the mix of currency movements within the markets all experienced currency devaluationin this segment when compared to the same period last year.    a year ago.

Currency devaluations had a $3.7 million and $6.7$4.7 million, or 150210 basis point (1.5%) and 140 basis point (1.4%(2.1%), negative constant currency impact on reported net merchandise sales in our Caribbean segment for the quarter and the sixthree months ended February 28,November 30, 2019. The currency devaluations contributed approximately 4070 basis points (0.4%(0.7%) of the total negative impact on total net merchandise sales for both the quarterquarter. Jamaica and the six months period, respectively. This is reflective of the offsettingDominican Republic markets both experienced currency devaluation and appreciation of the mix of currencies within the markets in this segment when compared to the same period a year ago. last year.

Currency devaluations had a $9.1 million and $13.5$9.0 million, or 890990 basis point (8.9%) and 690 basis points (6.9%(9.9%), negative constant currency impact on net merchandise sales in our Colombia segment for the quarter and six-monthsthree months ended February 28,November 30, 2019. The currency devaluations contributed approximately 110 basis points (1.1%) and 90 basis points (0.9%) ofto the total negative impact on total net merchandise sales, respectively.sales.

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Table of Contents

Comparable Merchandise Sales

We report comparable net merchandise club sales on a “same week” basis with 13 weeks in each quarter beginning on a Monday and ending on a Sunday. The periods are established at the beginning of the fiscal year to provide as close of a match as possible to the calendar month and quarter that is used for financial reporting purposes. This approach equalizes the number of weekend days and weekdays in each period for improved sales comparison, as we experience higher merchandise club sales on the weekends. Each of the warehouse clubs used in the calculations was open for at least 13 ½ calendar months before its results for the current period were compared with its results for the prior period. For example, sales related to the warehouse club opened in Costa Rica on October 5, 2017 were not used in the calculation of comparable sales until December 2018 and theAs a result, sales related to our four warehouse club in the Dominican Republicclubs opened on May 3, 2018during calendar year 2019 will not be used in the calculation of comparable sales until Julythey have been open for at least the 13 ½ months. Therefore, comparable net merchandise sales includes only 41 warehouse clubs for the thirteen week period ended December 1, 2019.

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Table of Contents

The following table indicates the comparable net merchandise sales in the reportable segments in which we operate and the percentage growth in net merchandise sales by segment during fiscal yearsthe thirteen weeks ended December 1, 2019 and December 2, 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

March 3, 2019

 

March 4, 2018

 

December 1, 2019

December 2, 2018

 

% Increase/(decrease)

in comparable

net warehouse sales

 

% Increase/(decrease)

in comparable

net warehouse sales

 

% Increase/(decrease)

in comparable

net merchandise sales

% Increase/(decrease)

in comparable

net merchandise sales

Central America

 

(2.5)

%

 

1.1 

%

 

1.8

%

(4.5)

%

Caribbean

 

1.7 

%

 

7.2 

%

 

2.1

(0.2)

Colombia

 

1.1 

%

 

12.0 

%

 

(5.2)

5.4

Consolidated segments

 

(0.9)

%

 

4.1 

%

 

1.0

%

(2.1)

%



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Twenty-Six Weeks Ended



 

March 3, 2019

 

March 4, 2018



 

% Increase/(decrease)

in comparable

net warehouse sales

 

% Increase/(decrease)

in comparable

net warehouse sales

Central America

 

(3.5)

%

 

0.6 

%

Caribbean

 

0.8 

%

 

5.4 

%

Colombia

 

3.1 

%

 

11.7 

%

Consolidated segments

 

(1.4)

%

 

3.2 

%

Comparison of Three and Six MonthsThirteen Week Periods Ended February 28,December 1, 2019 and December 2, 2018

Comparable net merchandise club sales for those warehouse clubs that were open for at least 13 ½ months for some or all of the 13-weekthirteen week period ended March 3,December 1, 2019 decreased 0.9% when compared to the prior year.  increased 1.0%.

Comparable merchandise club sales that were open for at least 13 ½ months for some or all of the 26-week period ended on March 3, 2019 decreased 1.4%.

Comparablenet merchandise sales in our Central America segment decreased 2.5% and 3.5%increased 1.8% for the second quarter and the six-monthsthirteen week period ended February 28,December 1, 2019. These decreasesThis increase contributed approximately 150110 basis points (1.5%) and 200 basis points (2.0%(1.1%) of the decreaseincrease in total comparable merchandise sales, respectively.sales.

For the quarter, the negative economic conditions,thirteen weeks ended December 1, 2019, significant foreign currency devaluation, and socio-political conditionsappreciation within our Costa Rica Panama,market as well as strong performance in our Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua markets, contributed approximately 170190 basis points (1.7%(1.9%) of the decrease,increase, which was offset by a 2080 basis point (0.2%(0.8%) increasedecrease in Honduras and El Salvador. For the six-month period, this segment’s comparable merchandise sales were impactedPanama primarily due to cannibalization by the opening of our seventh warehouseCompany’s two recent club openings in Costa Rica in an area called Santa Ana. Often times, new warehouse clubs that we open are not far from existing warehouse clubs that are included in the calculation for comparable warehouse club sales resulting in a transfer of some sales from an existing club (in this case Escazu) to the new club.  This transfer of sales from existing warehouse clubs that are included in the calculation of comparable merchandise sales to new warehouse clubs that are not included in the calculation can have an adverse impact on reported comparable warehouse club sales. New warehouse clubs attract new members from areas not previously served by us and also create the opportunity for some existing members, particularly those who now find the new clubs closer to their homes, to shop more frequently. We estimate that the transfer of sales associated with the Santa Ana opening negatively impacted the total comparable merchandise sales by 50 basis points (0.5%) for the six-month period ending February 28, 2019. The balance of the decline in comparable merchandise sales for the Central America segment in the six-month period is attributable to negative economic conditions, foreign currency devaluation, and socio-political conditions in the same markets that impacted sales for the quarter. Thesecountry.

41


Table of Contents

conditions contributed approximately 180 basis points (1.8%) of the decrease, which was offset by a  30 basis point (0.3%) increase in Honduras and El Salvador.

Comparable net merchandise sales in our Caribbean segment increased 1.7% and 0.8%2.1% for the second quarter and six-monththirteen week period ended February 28,December 1, 2019. These increasesThis increase contributed approximately 5060 basis points (0.5%) and 20 basis points (0.2%(0.6%) of the positive impact in total comparable merchandise sales, respectively.sales.

The openingFor the thirteen weeks ended December 1, 2019, all markets in our Caribbean segment, with the exception of our fourth warehouse clubU.S. Virgin Islands, showed strong growth compared to the same period in the Dominican Republicprior year. Notably, investments we made in May 2018 impacted this segment’sour Jamaica market contributed to growth of 11.8% in comparable merchandise sales.  We estimate that the transfer of sales associated with this warehouse club opening negatively impacted total comparablenet merchandise sales by 70 basis points (0.7%) and 90 basis points (0.9%) for the respective periods.thirteen week period ended December 1, 2019. In our U.S. Virgin Islands market, net merchandise sales experienced a slight decline when compared to the same period in prior year. Hurricanes Irma and Maria had a severe impact on the infrastructure of the islands in September 2017 and October 2017. During fiscal year 2018 and 2019, the Company benefitted from the difficulty other retailers had in becoming fully operational, but those same retailers have rebuilt, contributing to increased competition in that market.

Comparable net merchandise sales in our Colombia segment increased 1.1% and 3.1%decreased 5.2% for the second quarter and six-monththirteen week period ended February 28,December 1, 2019. These increasesThe decrease contributed approximately 1070 basis points (0.1%) and 40 basis points (0.4%(0.7%) of the positivenegative impact in total comparable merchandise sales for the respective period. The decline was largely due to the significantly unfavorable devaluation of the Colombian peso relative to the U.S. dollar.

The following table illustrates the impact that changes in foreign currency exchange rates had on our comparable merchandise sales in dollars and the percentage change from the three and six-month periodsthirteen week period ended February 28,December 1, 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations for the

Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations for the

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended

Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

March 3, 2019

December 1, 2019

 

Amount

 

% change

 

Amount

% change

Central America

 

$

(17,407)

 

(3.6)

%

$

1,815

0.4

%

Caribbean

 

 

(3,323)

 

(1.4)

%

(4,367)

(1.9)

Colombia

 

 

(9,180)

 

(9.0)

%

(8,763)

(9.7)

Comparable merchandise sales

 

$

(29,910)

 

(3.7)

%

$

(11,315)

(1.5)

%

38




 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations for the



 

Twenty-Six Weeks Ended



 

March 3, 2019



 

Amount

 

% change

 

Central America

 

$

(29,028)

 

(3.2)

%

Caribbean

 

 

(5,845)

 

(1.3)

%

Colombia

 

 

(13,763)

 

(7.0)

%

Comparable merchandise sales

 

$

(48,636)

 

(3.2)

%

Table of Contents

Overall, the effectsmix of currency devaluationsfluctuations within our markets had an approximately $29.9 million and $48.6approximate $11.3 million, or 370150 basis point (3.7%) and 320 basis points (3.2%(1.5%), negative constant currency impact on comparable net merchandise sales for the quarter and six-monthsthirteen week period ended February 28, 2019, respectively.December 1, 2019.

Currency devaluationsfluctuations within our Central America segment accounted for approximately 22020 basis points (2.2%) and 190 basis points (1.9%(0.2%) of thepositive impact of currency devaluations onin total comparable merchandise sales for the quarter and six-month period, respectively. Our Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua markets all experienced currency devaluation when compared to the same period last year.  

Currency devaluations within our Caribbean segment accounted for approximately 40 basis points (0.4%) of the impact of currency devaluations on total comparable merchandise sales for the quarter and six-month period, respectively.thirteen week period. This is reflective of the offsetting devaluation and appreciation of the mix of currencies within the markets in this segment when compared to the same period a year ago.

Currency devaluations within our Caribbean segment accounted for approximately 60 basis points (0.6%) of the negative impact of currency devaluations on total comparable merchandise sales for the thirteen week period ended December 1, 2019. Our Dominican Republic and Jamaica markets experienced currency devaluation when compared to the same period last year.

Currency devaluations within our Colombia segment accounted for approximately 110 basis points (1.1%) and 90 basis points (0.9%) of the negative impact of currency devaluations on total comparable merchandise sales for the quarter and six-monththirteen week period respectively.ended December 1, 2019. This reflects the devaluation of Colombiathe Colombian peso when compared to the same period a year ago.

42


Table of Contents

Membership Income

Membership income is recognized ratably over the one-year life of the membership. The increase in membership income primarily reflects a growth in membership accounts. The table below represents the change in membership income by segment and as a percentage of net merchandise club sales of each segment:

Three Months Ended

November 30,

November 30,

2019

2018

Amount

Increase
(decrease)
from
prior year

% Change

Membership

income % to

net merchandise

club sales

Amount

Membership income - Central America

$

8,296

$

627

8.2

%

1.8

%

$

7,669

Membership income - Caribbean

3,677

345

10.4

1.6

3,332

Membership income - Colombia

1,773

34

2.0

2.0

1,739

Membership income - Total

$

13,746

$

1,006

7.9

%

1.8

%

$

12,740

Number of accounts - Central America

869,673

29,389

3.5

%

840,284

Number of accounts - Caribbean

436,093

16,143

3.8

419,950

Number of accounts - Colombia

338,023

1,052

0.3

336,971

Number of accounts - Total

1,643,789

46,584

2.9

%

1,597,205



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended



 

February 28,

 

February 28,



 

2019

 

2018



 

Amount

 

Increase/
(decrease)
from
prior year

 

% Change

 

Membership
income % to
net merchandise
club sales

 

Amount

Membership income - Central America

 

$

7,704 

 

$

(96)

 

(1.2)

%

 

1.6 

%

 

$

7,800 

Membership income - Caribbean

 

 

3,427 

 

 

281 

 

8.9 

 

 

1.4 

 

 

 

3,146 

Membership income - Colombia

 

 

1,714 

 

 

(43)

 

(2.5)

 

 

1.7 

 

 

 

1,757 

Membership income - Total

 

$

12,845 

 

$

142 

 

1.1 

%

 

1.6 

%

 

$

12,703 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Six Months Ended



 

February 28,

 

February 28,



 

2019

 

2018



 

Amount

 

Increase
(decrease)
from
prior year

 

% Change

 

Membership

income % to

net warehouse

club sales

 

Amount

Membership income - Central America

 

$

15,373 

 

$

(121)

 

(0.8)

%

 

1.7 

%

 

$

15,494 

Membership income - Caribbean

 

 

6,759 

 

 

595 

 

9.7 

 

 

1.4 

 

 

 

6,164 

Membership income - Colombia

 

 

3,453 

 

 

33 

 

1.0 

 

 

1.8 

 

 

 

3,420 

Membership income - Total

 

$

25,585 

 

$

507 

 

2.0 

%

 

1.6 

%

 

$

25,078 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of accounts - Central America

 

 

843,113 

 

 

4,734 

 

0.6 

%

 

 

 

 

 

838,379 

Number of accounts - Caribbean

 

 

425,002 

 

 

26,302 

 

6.6 

 

 

 

 

 

 

398,700 

Number of accounts - Colombia

 

 

340,048 

 

 

18,708 

 

5.8 

 

 

 

 

 

 

321,340 

Number of accounts - Total

 

 

1,608,163 

 

 

49,744 

 

3.2 

%

 

 

 

 

 

1,558,419 

Comparison of Three and Six Months Ended February 28,November 30, 2019 and 2018

The number of member accounts during the first sixthree months of fiscal year 2019 was 3.2%2.9% higher than the year before. Membership income increased 2.0%7.9% over the same period.

The growth in membership accounts and income during fiscal year 20192020 in our Central America segment is primarily the result of the opening of three new warehouse clubs – Santiago de Veraguas and Metropark in Panama and San Cristobal in Guatemala. In our Caribbean market, membership account and income growth was primarily attributable to the opening of the new San IsidroBolivar warehouse club in the Dominican Republic in May 2018. Membership accountsJune 2019. In Colombia, the Diamond membership fee was increased from 75,000 (COP) to 90,000 (COP) (including VAT) beginning in Colombia increased primarily dueApril 2019, providing a converted membership price of approximately $26, which has contributed to an improving economy and the continued growthincrease in membership income as a percentage of merchandise sales during the market’s acceptancefirst quarter of fiscal year 2020 compared to the warehouse club concept. Membership accounts in Central America remained stable at 0.6% growth. The Company’s twelve-month renewal rate was 85% for the periods ended February28, 2019 and February 28, 2018.

same prior year period. Additionally, we continued expanding our platinumPlatinum membership program. WeDuring the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, we began offering platinumPlatinum memberships in the United States Virgin Islands and HondurasGuatemala starting in October 2018 (fiscal year 2019) and March 2019, respectively.November 2019. We expect to expand our platinumPlatinum membership program to additional markets this year.The annual fee for a Platinum membership in most markets is approximately $75, which is also contributing to the increase in membership income as a percentage of merchandise club sales in our Central America segment where our penetration is the greatest.

Lastly, our twelve-month renewal rate was 86.1% and 85.0% for the periods ended November 30, 2019 and November 30, 2018.

43

39


Table of Contents

Other Revenue

Other revenue primarily consists of non-merchandise revenue from freight and handling fees generated from our marketplace and casillero operations, interest generating portfolio from our co-branded credit cards, and rental income from operating leases where the Company is the lessor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

 

February 28, 2019

 

February 28, 2018

November 30, 2019

November 30, 2018

 

Amount

 

Increase from
prior year

 

% Change

 

Amount

Amount

Increase (decrease) from
prior year

% Change

Amount

Non-merchandise revenue

 

$

9,900 

 

 

$

9,900 

 

100.0 

%

 

$

 —

$

8,845

$

(274)

(3.0)

%

$

9,119

Miscellaneous income

 

 

3,700 

 

 

 

3,303 

 

832.0 

 

 

 

397 

1,609

246

18.0

1,363

Rental income

 

 

846 

 

 

 

94 

 

12.5 

 

 

 

752 

739

(44)

(5.6)

783

Other revenue

 

$

14,446 

 

 

$

13,297 

 

1,157.3 

%

 

$

1,149 

$

11,193

$

(72)

(0.6)

%

$

11,265



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Six Months Ended



 

February 28, 2019

 

February 28, 2018



 

Amount

 

Increase from
prior year

 

% Change

 

Amount

Non-merchandise revenue

 

$

19,019 

 

 

$

19,019 

 

100.0 

%

 

$

 —

Miscellaneous income

 

 

5,064 

 

 

 

4,266 

 

534.6 

 

 

 

798 

Rental income

 

 

1,628 

 

 

 

128 

 

8.5 

 

 

 

1,500 

Other revenue

 

$

25,711 

 

 

$

23,413 

 

1,018.8 

%

 

$

2,298 

Comparison of Three and Six Months Ended February 28,November 30, 2019 and 2018

OtherNon-merchandise revenue for the quarter and six-months ended February 28, 2019 includes non-merchandise revenue generated byfrom our marketplace and casillero operations decreased by $274,000 primarily from freight and handlings charges for on-line orders placed from customersdue to an unfavorable decline in Latin Americatraffic attributable to retailersCyber Monday promotions that occurred in December 2019 this year compared to November in the United States and delivered to locations throughout Latin America from a business we acquired in March 2018.  For the quarter, theprior year. The net increase of $3.3 million$246,000 in Miscellaneous income was primarily due to a $2.2 million payment we received as a result of the underpayment to us of$189,000 increase in income earned on ourthe co-branded credit card interest generatingprogram interest-generating portfolios (“IGP”) balance over the past five years. The remaining $1.1 million increase is mainly the result.

Results of the adoption of the new revenue standard ASC 606 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, which results in IGP income being included in Miscellaneous income. In prior periods, including the second quarter of fiscal 2018, IGP was recorded as a reduction of general and administrative costs in accordance with the previous revenue guidance in effect at that time.  Operations

For the six months, ended February 28, 2019, Miscellaneous income increased $4.3 million, of which $2.1 million is the result of the inclusion of IGP in Miscellaneous income. The remaining $2.2 million is the reimbursement described above.  

Three Months Ended

Results of Operations Consolidated

November 30, 2019

November 30, 2018

Increase/(Decrease)

(Amounts in thousands, except percentages and

number of warehouse clubs)

Net merchandise sales

Net merchandise sales

$

778,728

$

747,443

$

31,285

Merchandise sales gross margin

$

116,004

$

106,288

$

9,716

Merchandise sales gross margin percentage

14.9

%

14.2

%

0.7

%

Revenues

Total revenues

$

811,941

$

779,637

$

32,304

Percentage change from comparable period

4.1

%

Comparable merchandise sales

Total calendar comparable merchandise sales increase (decrease)

1.0

%

(2.1)

%

3.1

%

Gross margin

Total gross margin

$

136,995

$

126,457

$

10,538

Gross margin percentage to total revenues

16.9

%

16.2

%

0.7

%

Selling, general and administrative

Selling, general and administrative

$

106,281

$

101,787

$

4,494

Selling, general and administrative percentage of total revenues

13.1

%

13.1

%

0.0

%

4440


Results

Three Months Ended

November 30,

% of

November 30,

% of

Results of Operations Consolidated

2019

Total Revenue

2018

Total Revenue

Operating income- by segment

Central America

$

31,700

3.9

%

$

28,792

3.7

%

Caribbean

11,810

1.5

12,027

1.5

Colombia

4,524

0.6

3,416

0.5

United States

2,587

0.3

(1,050)

(0.1)

Reconciling Items (1)

(19,907)

(2.5)

(18,515)

(2.4)

Operating income - Total

$

30,714

3.8

%

$

24,670

3.2

%

Warehouse clubs

Warehouse clubs at period end

45

41

4

Warehouse club sales square feet at period end

2,244

2,087

157

(1)The reconciling items reflect the amount eliminated on consolidation of Operationsintersegment transactions.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended

Results of Operations Consolidated

 

 

February 28, 2019

 

 

 

February 28, 2018

 

 

 

Increase/(Decrease)

 

(Amounts in thousands, except percentages and

number of warehouse clubs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net merchandise sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net merchandise sales

 

$

820,290 

 

 

$

816,573 

 

 

$

3,717 

 

Merchandise sales gross margin

 

$

114,744 

 

 

$

117,218 

 

 

$

(2,474)

 

Merchandise sales gross margin percentage

 

 

14.0 

%

 

 

14.4 

%

 

 

(0.4)

%



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

854,425 

 

 

$

839,563 

 

 

$

14,862 

 

Percentage change from prior period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.8 

%



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparable merchandise sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comparable merchandise sales increase (decrease)

 

 

(0.9)

%

 

 

4.1 

%

 

 

(5.0)

%



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total gross margin

 

$

137,567 

 

 

$

131,523 

 

 

$

6,044 

 

Gross margin percentage to total revenues

 

 

16.1 

%

 

 

15.7 

%

 

 

0.4 

%



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

$

101,031 

 

 

$

94,259 

 

 

$

6,772 

 

Selling, general and administrative percentage of total revenues

 

 

11.8 

%

 

 

11.2 

%

 

 

0.6 

%



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended



 

 

February 28,

 

% of

 

 

 

February 28,

 

% of

 

Results of Operations Consolidated

 

 

2019

 

Total Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

Total Revenue

 

Operating income- by segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Central America

 

$

35,574 

 

4.2 

%

 

$

36,673 

 

4.4 

%

Caribbean

 

$

15,024 

 

1.8 

%

 

$

13,601 

 

1.6 

%

Colombia

 

$

3,617 

 

0.4 

%

 

$

3,161 

 

0.4 

%

United States

 

$

4,477 

 

0.5 

%

 

$

1,146 

 

0.1 

%

Reconciling Items (1)

 

$

(22,156)

 

(2.6)

%

 

$

(17,317)

 

(2.1)

%

Operating income - Total

 

$

36,536 

 

4.3 

%

 

$

37,264 

 

4.4 

%

(1)

The reconciling items reflect the amount eliminated on consolidation of intersegment transactions.

45




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Six Months Ended

Results of Operations Consolidated

 

 

February 28, 2019

 

 

 

February 28, 2018

 

 

 

Increase/(Decrease)

 

(Amounts in thousands, except percentages and

number of  warehouse clubs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net merchandise sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net warehouse club sales

 

$

1,567,733 

 

 

$

1,561,974 

 

 

$

5,759 

 

Warehouse club sales gross margin

 

$

221,032 

 

 

$

225,383 

 

 

$

(4,351)

 

Warehouse club gross margin percentage

 

 

14.1 

%

 

 

14.4 

%

 

 

(0.3)

%



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

1,634,062 

 

 

$

1,606,635 

 

 

$

27,427 

 

Percentage change from comparable period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.7 

%



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparable merchandise sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total calendar comparable warehouse club sales increase (decrease)

 

 

(1.4)

%

 

 

3.2 

%

 

 

(4.6)

%



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total gross margin

 

$

264,024 

 

 

$

253,610 

 

 

$

10,414 

 

Gross Margin percentage to total revenues

 

 

16.2 

%

 

 

15.8 

%

 

 

0.4 

%



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

$

202,818 

 

 

$

183,180 

 

 

$

19,638 

 

Selling, general and administrative percentage of total revenues

 

 

12.4 

%

 

 

11.4 

%

 

 

1.0 

%



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Six Months Ended



 

 

February 28,

 

% of

 

 

 

February 28,

 

% of

 

Results of Operations Consolidated

 

 

2019

 

Total Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

Total Revenue

 

Operating income- by segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Central America

 

$

64,366 

 

3.9 

%

 

$

69,206 

 

4.3 

%

Caribbean

 

$

27,051 

 

1.7 

%

 

$

25,225 

 

1.6 

%

Colombia

 

$

7,033 

 

0.4 

%

 

$

5,209 

 

0.3 

%

United States

 

$

3,427 

 

0.2 

%

 

$

4,237 

 

0.3 

%

Reconciling Items (1)

 

$

(40,671)

 

(2.5)

%

 

$

(33,447)

 

(2.1)

%

Operating income - Total

 

$

61,206 

 

3.7 

%

 

$

70,430 

 

4.4 

%



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warehouse clubs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warehouse clubs at period end

 

 

41 

 

 

 

40 

 

 

 

Warehouse club square feet at period end

 

 

2,085 

 

 

 

2,020 

 

 

 

65 

(1)

The reconciling items reflect the amount eliminated on consolidation of intersegment transactions.

46


The following table summarizes the selling, general and administrative expense for the periods disclosed.

Three Months Ended

November 30,

% of

November

% of

2019

Total Revenue

2018

Total Revenue

Warehouse club and other operations

$

79,373

9.8

%

$

74,222

9.5

%

General and administrative

25,884

3.2

27,335

3.5

Pre-opening expenses

953

0.1

15

Loss on disposal of assets

71

215

Total Selling, general and administrative

$

106,281

13.1

%

$

101,787

13.1

%



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended

 



 

 

February 28,

 

% of

 

 

 

February 28,

 

% of

 



 

 

2019

 

Total Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

Total Revenue

 

Warehouse club and other operations

 

$

75,708 

 

8.9 

%

 

$

71,951 

 

8.6 

%

General and administrative

 

 

24,968 

 

2.9 

%

 

 

20,258 

 

2.4 

%

Pre-opening expenses

 

 

97 

 

 —

%

 

 

81 

 

 —

%

Asset impairment

 

 

 —

 

 —

%

 

 

1,929 

 

0.2 

%

Loss/(gain) on disposal of assets

 

 

258 

 

 —

%

 

 

40 

 

 —

%

Total Selling, General and Administrative

 

$

101,031 

 

11.8 

%

 

$

94,259 

 

11.2 

%



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Six Months Ended

 



 

 

February 28,

 

% of

 

 

 

February 28,

 

% of

 



 

 

2019

 

Total Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

Total Revenue

 

Warehouse club and other operations

 

$

149,930 

 

9.2 

%

 

$

141,453 

 

8.8 

%

General and administrative

 

 

52,303 

 

3.2 

%

 

 

39,088 

 

2.4 

%

Pre-opening expenses

 

 

112 

 

 —

%

 

 

511 

 

 —

%

Asset impairment

 

 

 —

 

 —

%

 

 

1,929 

 

0.1 

%

Loss/(gain) on disposal of assets

 

 

473 

 

 —

%

 

 

199 

 

 —

%

Total Selling, General and Administrative

 

$

202,818 

 

12.4 

%

 

$

183,180 

 

11.4 

%

The following table summarizes the costs recorded as part of our consolidation of Aeropost-related activities (net of tax benefit), including costs to expand our omni-channel capabilities, the net operating results of our marketplace and casillero business and ongoing costs we recorded as part of our post-acquisition purchase accounting.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended



 

February 28, 2019

 

 

February 28, 2019

Negative impact of Aeropost-related activities (net of tax benefit) on Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc., before amortization

 

$

3,017 

 

 

$

5,695 

Amortization of intangibles (net of tax benefit)

 

 

461 

 

 

 

927 

Amortization of compensation expense

 

 

723 

 

 

 

1,474 

Negative impact of Aeropost-related activities (net of tax benefit) on Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc.

 

$

4,201 

 

 

$

8,096 

Impact of Aeropost-related activities (net of tax benefit) on earnings per share

 

$

(0.14)

 

 

$

(0.27)

Comparison of Three and Six Months Ended February 28,November 30, 2019 and 2018

On a consolidated basis, net merchandise sales gross margin for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 as a percentage of total net merchandise sales were 14.0%was 14.9%, 4070 basis points (0.4%(0.7%) lowerhigher than the secondfirst quarter of fiscal year 2018.2019. Net merchandise margins decreasedincreased across all segments with the Central America segment contributing 40 basis points (0.4%), the Caribbean segment contributing 20 basis points (0.2%), and the Caribbean and Colombia segments each contributing 10 basis point (0.1%) to the overall decline. The decline was driven largely from pricing actions to drive sales.

For the six-month period, consolidated net merchandise sales gross margin as a percentage of total net merchandise sales were 14.1%, which is 30 basis points (0.3%) lower than the same period of fiscal year 2018. Net merchandise margins decreased across all segments, with the Central America segment contributing 20 basis points (0.2%) and the Caribbean 10 basis points (0.1%) to the overall decline. The decline was driven largely from pricing actions to drive sales.increase.

Total gross margin to total revenues increased 4070 basis points (0.4%) in both periods presented, mainly due to higher margins on non-merchandise revenues of our marketplace and casillero business, which increased the gross margin to total revenues ratio by approximately 60 basis points (0.6%(0.7%) for the quarter and six months ended fiscal year 2019.  Membership income, rental income and miscellaneous income gross margin percentage remained unchanged. The reclassification of income generated fromthree-month period presented, which is the IGP as a result of the implementation of new revenue recognition standards increasedincrease in total net merchandise sales gross margins by approximately 40 basis points (0.4%) formargin explained previously. Gross margin during the quarter and 30 basis points (0.3%) for the sixthree months ended fiscal year 2019. Additionally, in the second quarter we were reimbursed $2.2 million resulting from the underpayment of income earned on our co-branded credit card IGP balance over the past five years. This resulted in a $1.6 million benefit net of tax or $0.05 per share on our results of operations for the threeNovember 30, 2019 increased primarily due to improved product margins, attributable to more focused merchandising strategies and six-month period ended February 28, 2019.inventory management.

47


Selling, general, and administrative expenses consist of warehouse club and other operations, general and administrative expenses, pre-opening expenses, and loss/(gain) on disposal of assets. In total, selling, general and administrative expenses increased $6.8$4.5 million to 11.8% of total revenuesfor the three-month period ended November 30, 2019 compared to 11.2% ofthe same prior year period. Both periods had 13.1% selling, general, and administrative expenses to total revenues in the second quarter of fiscal year 2018.revenues.

Warehouse club and other operations expense increased to 8.9%9.8% of total revenues compared to 8.6%9.5% for the secondfirst quarter of fiscal year 2018. Our marketplace2020. This increase was primarily attributable to operating an additional four warehouse clubs compared to the prior year period. These four new clubs had not reached sales maturity as of November 30, 2019, thus increasing operational expenses by 20 basis points (0.2%) as a percentage of total revenues.

General and casillero business addedadministrative expenses decreased to 3.2% compared to 3.5% of total revenues for the comparable period. This decrease is mainly driven by approximately $4.0$3.8 million, or 50 basis points (0.5%) in costs to this line item for the three month period. This increase was offset by 20 basis points (0.2%) due to foreign currency devaluation and increased leveraging of warehouse expenses.

General and administrative expenses increased to 2.9% of total revenues compared to 2.4% for the second quarter of fiscal year 2018. Aeropost,  including costs associated with further investments that will expand our omni-channel capabilities added approximately $5.4 million, or 60 basis points (0.6%), in costs to this line item for the three-month period.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $19.6 million to 12.4% of total revenues for the six-month period ended February 28, 2019 compared to 11.4% for the same period during fiscal year 2018.

Warehouse club and other operations expense increased to 9.2% of total revenues compared to 8.8% for the six-month period ended of fiscal year 2018. Our marketplace and casillero business added approximately $8.1 million or 50 basis points (0.5%) for the six-month period. This increase was offset by 20 basis points (0.2%) due to foreign currency devaluation and increased leveraging of warehouse expenses.

General and administrative expenses increased to 3.2% of total revenues compared to 2.4% for the six-month period ended fiscal year 2018. Our investments to expand our omni-channel capabilities, together with our marketplace and casillero business added approximately $10.7 million, or 70 basis points (0.7%), in costs to this line item for the six-month period. Another driver for this increase was approximately $3.8 million or 20 basis points (0.2%) recorded in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 for separation and other related termination benefits for our former Chief Executive Officer and President who resigned in October 2018 by mutual agreement with the Board of Directors. We do not expect any significant additional charges relating to this resignation in future periods. These costs, net of tax, negatively impacted earnings per share for the six-month periodthree months ended February 28, 2019,November 30, 2018, by $0.13 per share. This decrease related to the separation costs of our former Chief Executive Officer was partially offset by an increase of $1.7 million, or 20 basis points (0.2%) in general and administrative expenses primarily due to net labor-related investments.

41


Pre-opening expense increased to $953,000 or 0.1% of total revenues compared to the prior year period. This increase is attributable to costs incurred to open our 44th and 45th warehouse clubs and for four additional warehouse clubs in our real estate pipeline.

Operating income infor the second quarter of fiscal yearthree months ended November 30, 2019 decreasedincreased to $36.5$30.7 million (4.3%(3.8% of total revenue) compared to $37.3$24.7 million (4.4% of total revenue) for the same period last year, which reflects the decrease in gross margins on net merchandise sales and higher expenses year-on-year related to investments to expand our omni-channel capabilities, together with net operating results from our marketplace and casillero business.

Operating income for the six-months ended February 28, 2019, decreased to $61.2 million (3.7% of total revenue) compared to $70.4 million (4.4%(3.2% of total revenue) for the same period last year. As described above, lowerhigher merchandise margins as a percent of sales, offset by higher expenses year-on-year related to investments to expand our omni-channel capabilities, together with net operating results from our marketplacegeneral and casillero businessadministrative expenses were the primary factors for the decreaseincrease in operating income.

Interest Expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

 

February 28,

 

February 28,

November 30,

November 30,

 

2019

 

2018

2019

2018

 

Amount

 

Increase/
(decrease)
from prior
year

 

Amount

Amount

Increase/
(decrease)
from prior
year

Amount

Interest expense on loans

 

$

1,399 

 

$

253 

 

$

1,146 

$

1,265

$

(139)

$

1,404

Interest expense related to hedging activity

 

 

102 

 

 

(73)

 

 

175 

261

94

167

Capitalized interest

 

 

(500)

 

 

(171)

 

 

(329)

Less: Capitalized interest

(664)

(126)

(538)

Net interest expense

 

$

1,001 

 

$

 

$

992 

$

862

$

(171)

$

1,033

48


Table of Contents



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Six Months Ended



 

February 28,

 

February 28,



 

2019

 

2018



 

Amount

 

Increase/
(decrease)
from prior
year

 

Amount

Interest expense on loans

 

$

2,802 

 

$

465 

 

$

2,337 

Interest expense related to hedging activity

 

 

270 

 

 

(227)

 

 

497 

Less: Capitalized interest

 

 

(1,038)

 

 

(451)

 

 

(587)

Net interest expense

 

$

2,034 

 

$

(213)

 

$

2,247 

Comparison of Three and Six Months Ended February 28,November 30, 2019 and 2018

Net interest expense reflects borrowings by PriceSmart, Inc. and our wholly owned foreign subsidiaries to finance new land acquisition and construction for new warehouse clubs, warehouse club expansions and distribution centers, the capital requirements of warehouse club and other operations and ongoing working capital requirements.

Net interest expense increaseddecreased for the three and six month periodsthree-month period ended February 28, 2019.  The increase for both periods isNovember 30, 2019 primarily due to higher variable interest rates.lower average loan balances. Interest expense related to hedging activity decreased during the three and six month periodsincreased due to the pay-offan increase in hedging activity as we seek to mitigate our exposure to interest rate risk on our recently executed loan agreements to finance our anticipated warehouse club openings in fiscal year 2020 and 2021. A greater portion of the various loans held by our subsidiaries that were hedged and the remaining hedged loans having positive, or “in the money,” positions. Additionaltotal interest was capitalized interest for the three and six month periodsfirst quarter of fiscal year 2020 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 compared to fiscal year 2018 resulted frombecause of higher levels of construction activities. activities during the period.

Other Income (Expense),Expense, net

Other incomeexpense, net consists of currency gaingains or loss,losses, as well as net benefit costs related to our defined benefit plans.plans and the one time settlement of a business combination escrow account.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended



 

February 28,

 

February 28,



 

2019

 

2018



 

Amount

 

(Decrease)
from
prior year

 

%Change

 

Amount

Other income (expense), net

 

$

(372)

 

$

(582)

 

(277.1)

%

 

$

210 

Three Months Ended

November 30,

November 30,

2019

2018

Amount

Increase
from
prior year

%Change

Amount

Other expense, net

$

(985)

$

834

45.8

%

$

(1,819)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Six Months Ended



 

February 28,

 

February 28,



 

2019

 

2018



 

Amount

 

(Decrease)
from
prior year

 

%Change

 

Amount

Other income (expense), net

 

$

(2,191)

 

$

(2,679)

 

(549.0)

%

 

$

488 

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the respective entity (primarily U.S. dollars) are revalued to the functional currency using the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. These foreign exchange transaction gains (losses), are recorded as currency gains or losses. Additionally, gains or losses from transactions denominated in currencies other that the functional currency of the respective entity also generate currency gains or losses.

49


Table of Contents

Comparison of Three and Six Months Ended February 28,November 30, 2019 and 2018

For the three and six month periodsmonths ended February 28,November 30, 2019 we had aOther expense, net consisted primarily of $1.7 million net expense associated with foreign currency transactions of approximately $368,000 for the quarter and $2.1 million for the first six-months ended fiscal 2019. These losses resulted from the revaluation of monetary assets and liabilities. The primary driver for this net expense was the $1.3 million unfavorable impact resulting from the decrease in the fair value of several of our written call options that we executed during the period to reduce the interest cost associated with hedging U.S. dollar denominated financing

42


Table of Contents

transactions in our Colombian subsidiary. Our Jamaican subsidiary recorded $300,000 of net expense due to unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations during the three-month period ended November 30, 2019 compared to a $1.5 million net expense due to more significant unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in the comparable prior-year period. The $1.7 million of net expense from foreign currency transactions and revaluations of monetary assets and liabilities in markets wherewas offset by a $705,000 net income resulting from the local functional currency revalued or devalued againstsettlement of outstanding claims related to the U.S. dollar, and from exchange transactions, net of any exchange reserve movements.  In particular, in Jamaica, we incurred a $125,000 and $1.6 million loss for the three and six-month periods ended February 28, 2019. The loss resulted from a 6.0% appreciationacquisition of the Jamaican dollar during the six-month period, adversely affecting the valuebusiness that we purchased in JamaicaMarch of having an average U.S. dollar net asset position of $19.1 million during fiscal 2019. The Jamaican dollar (JMD) strengthening is primarily due to the Jamaican Central Bank’s intervention as part of its efforts to manage inflation this fiscal year.2018.

Provision for Income Taxes

U.S. Tax Reform in December 2017 lowered the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and made numerous other law changes. The table below summarizes the effect that U.S. Tax Reform had on net income and earnings per share attributable to PriceSmart available for distribution:

Three Months Ended

November 30,

November 30,

2019

2018

Amount

Increase
 from
prior year

Amount

Provision for income taxes

$

9,403

$

1,863

$

7,540

Effective tax rate

32.3

%

33.9

%



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

February 28,

 

February 28,

 

February 28,

 

February 28,



 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before provision for income taxes and
income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates

 

$

35,586 

 

$

36,850 

 

$

57,795 

 

$

69,439 

Provision for income taxes calculated prior to U.S. tax law change

 

 

(11,677)

 

 

(9,912)

 

 

(19,986)

 

 

(20,027)

U.S. Tax Reform: Current tax rate reduction

 

 

782 

 

 

1,427 

 

 

1,110 

 

 

1,427 

U.S. Tax Reform: Re-measurement of net deferred tax assets/liabilities

 

 

 —

 

 

(822)

 

 

 —

 

 

(822)

U.S. Tax Reform: Other tax incentives

 

 

193 

 

 

 —

 

 

634 

 

 

 —

Incidental to U.S. Tax Reform: Valuation Allowances on Deferred Tax Assets

 

 

(1,001)

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,001)

 

 

 —

U.S. Tax Reform: Transition Tax

 

 

 —

 

 

(13,400)

 

 

 —

 

 

(13,400)

Subtotal of U.S. Tax Reform Effects

 

 

(26)

 

 

(12,795)

 

 

743 

 

 

(12,795)

Total provision for income taxes

 

$

(11,703)

 

$

(22,707)

 

$

(19,243)

 

$

(32,822)

Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates

 

 

(20)

 

 

 

 

(44)

 

 

21 

Net income

 

$

23,863 

 

$

14,148 

 

$

38,508 

 

$

36,638 

Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

(53)

 

 

 —

 

 

(86)

 

 

 —

Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. 

 

$

23,810 

 

$

14,148 

 

$

38,422 

 

$

36,638 

Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. per share available for distribution:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income per share

 

$

0.79 

 

$

0.47 

 

$

1.27 

 

$

1.21 

Diluted net income per share

 

$

0.79 

 

$

0.47 

 

$

1.27 

 

$

1.21 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal of U.S. Tax Reform Effects

 

$

(26)

 

$

(12,795)

 

$

743 

 

$

(12,795)

Impact of U.S Tax Reform on basic and diluted net income per share

 

$

 —

 

$

(0.42)

 

$

0.02 

 

$

(0.42)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended



 

February 28,

 

February 28,



 

2019

 

2018



 

Amount

 

Increase/
(decrease)
 from
prior year

 

Amount

Current tax expense

 

$

12,234 

 

 

$

(3,455)

 

$

15,689 

 

Net deferred tax provision (benefit)

 

 

(531)

 

 

 

(7,549)

 

 

7,018 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

$

11,703 

 

 

$

(11,004)

 

$

22,707 

 

Effective tax rate

 

 

32.9 

%

 

 

 

 

 

61.6 

%

50


Table of Contents



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Six Months Ended



 

February 28,

 

February 28,



 

2019

 

2018



 

Amount

 

Increase/
(decrease)
 from
prior year

 

Amount

Current tax expense

 

$

20,159 

 

 

$

(5,994)

 

$

26,153 

 

Net deferred tax provision (benefit)

 

 

(916)

 

 

 

(7,585)

 

 

6,669 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

$

19,243 

 

 

$

(13,579)

 

$

32,822 

 

Effective tax rate

 

 

33.3 

%

 

 

 

 

 

47.3 

%

Comparison of Three and Six Months Ended February 28,November 30, 2019 and 2018

For the three months ended February 28,November 30, 2019, the effective tax rate was 32.9%32.3%. The decrease in the effective tax rate versus the prior year was primarily attributable to the following factors:

·

The favorable impact of 36.4% resulting from nonrecurrence of the U.S. Tax Reform Transition Tax and favorable impact of 2.3% from nonrecurrence of the re-measurement of net deferred tax assets/liabilities in the second quarter of fiscal 2018.

·

A comparably unfavorable net impact of 3.5%, resulting from the combination of: the U.S. Tax Reform rate reduction, which less favorably impacted our effective tax rate than previously, resulting in a 1.2% unfavorable impact, the favorable impact of 0.5% resulting from new export-related sales and service tax incentives, and the unfavorable impact of 2.8% from valuation allowances on deferred tax assets from foreign tax credits that, incidental to U.S. Tax Reform are no longer deemed recoverable.

·

The comparably unfavorable impact of 3.2% resulting from the effective tax rate impact of costs incurred to expand our omni-channel capabilities and the net operating results of our marketplace and casillero business.

·

The comparably unfavorable impact on the effective tax rate of 1.3% resulting from a decrease in the magnitude of an intercompany transaction between PriceSmart, Inc. and our Colombian subsidiary in support of PriceSmart’s ongoing market development and growth in Colombia compared to prior year. The intercompany transaction reduces taxable income in the U.S. and increases taxable income in our Colombia subsidiary where the additional taxable income is fully offset by the reversal of valuation allowances on accumulated net losses in that subsidiary. We expect the decrease of this favorable impact to the consolidated Company’s effective tax rate to continue through the remainder of fiscal year 2019.

·

The comparably favorable impact of 0.4% resulting from improved financial results in our Colombia subsidiary for which no tax attribute was recognized, net of adjustment to valuation allowance;

51


TableA comparably unfavorable net impact of Contents

For the six months ended February 28, 2019, the effective tax rate was 33.3%. The decrease4.5% in the effectivecurrent period resulting from the loss of benefit of foreign tax rate versuscredits, which are no longer recoverable as a result of U.S. Tax Reform;

The comparably favorable impact of 3.8% resulting from non-deductible separation costs, in the prior year was primarily attributable toperiod, associated with the following factors:departure of our former C.E.O; and

·

The favorable impact of 19.3% resulting from nonrecurrence of the U.S. Tax Reform Transition Tax and favorable impact of 1.2% from nonrecurrence of the re-measurement of net deferred tax assets/liabilities in the second quarter of fiscal 2018.

·

A comparably unfavorable net impact of 0.8%, resulting from the combination of: the U.S. Tax Reform rate reduction, which less favorably impacted our effective tax rate than previously, resulting in a 0.2%, unfavorable impact, the favorable impact of 1.1% resulting from new export-related sales and service tax incentives, and the unfavorable impact of 1.7% from allowances on deferred tax assets from foreign tax credits that, incidental to U.S. Tax Reform, are no longer deemed recoverable.

·

The comparably unfavorable impact of 3.4% resulting from the effective tax rate impact of costs incurred to expand our omni-channel capabilities and the net operating results of our marketplace and casillero business.

·

The comparatively unfavorable impact on the effective tax rate of 1.1% resulting from a decrease in the magnitude of an intercompany transaction between PriceSmart, Inc. and our Colombian subsidiary in support of PriceSmart’s ongoing market development and growth in Colombia compared to prior year. The intercompany transaction reduces taxable income in the U.S. and increases taxable income in our Colombia subsidiary where the additional taxable income is fully offset by the reversal of valuation allowances on accumulated net losses in that subsidiary. We expect the decrease of the favorable impact to the consolidated Company’s effective tax rate to continue through the remainder of fiscal year 2019.

·

The comparably favorable impact of 1.0% resulting from improved financial results in our Colombia subsidiary for which no tax attribute was recognized, net of adjustment to valuation allowance;

·

The comparably unfavorable impact of 1.4% resulting from separation costs associated with the departure of our former C.E.O.

The comparatively favorable impact of 1.2% in the current period from the effect of changes in foreign currency value.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Loss



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended



 

February 28,

 

February 28,



 

2019

 

2018



 

Amount

 

(Decrease)
from
prior year

 

% Change

 

Amount

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

4,352 

 

$

(866)

 

(16.6)

%

 

$

5,218 

Three Months Ended

November 30,

November 30,

2019

2018

Amount

Increase

from

prior year

% Change

Amount

Other comprehensive loss

$

(3,185)

$

10,061

(76.0)

%

$

(13,246)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Six Months Ended



 

February 28,

 

February 28,



 

2019

 

2018



 

Amount

 

(Decrease)
from
prior year

 

% Change

 

Amount

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

(8,894)

 

$

(12,703)

 

(333.5)

%

 

$

3,809 

Comparison of Three and Six Months Ended February 28,November 30, 2019 and 2018

Our other comprehensive incomeloss of approximately $4.4$3.2 million for the secondfirst quarter of fiscal year 20192020 resulted primarily from the comprehensive incomeloss of approximately $5.1$3.7 million from foreign currency translation adjustments related to assets and liabilities and the translation of revenue, costs and expenses on the statements of income of our subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, partially offset by comprehensive lossincome of approximately $791,000$513,000 related to unrealized gains on changes in derivative obligations. When the functional currency

The improvement in our international subsidiaries is the local currency and not U.S. dollars, the assets and liabilities of such subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date, and revenue, costs and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange in effect during the period.  The corresponding translation differences are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss.  These adjustments would not affect net income unless the underlying investment in our local subsidiaries were liquidated.  The reported other

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comprehensive income or loss reflects the unrealized increase or decrease in the value in U.S. dollars of the net assets of the subsidiaries as of the date of the balance sheet, which will vary from period to period as exchange rates fluctuate.  For the six-months ended February 28, 2019, other comprehensive loss in the first quarter of approximately $8.9 million resultedfiscal year 2020 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 is primarily from a comprehensive loss of approximately $8.3 million fromdue to lower foreign currency translation adjustments of $9.7 million and gains on our derivative instruments of $390,000. During first quarter of fiscal year 2020, the largest translation adjustments were related to assets and liabilities and the translation of revenue, coststhe Colombia, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and expenses on theNicaragua subsidiaries’ balance sheets and statements of income of our subsidiaries whose functional currency is notthat required us to record additional losses, when compared to the U.S. dollar. Additionally, there was asame period in the prior year, to comprehensive lossnet income on translation of approximately $668,000$17.7 million. These additional losses recorded were offset by translation adjustments related to unrealizedthe translation of the Costa Rica subsidiary’s balance sheets and statements of income that required us to record additional gains on changes in derivative obligations.of $8.4 million.

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Table of Contents

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Financial Position and Cash Flow

Our operations have historically supplied us with a significant source of liquidity. Our cash flows provided by operating activities, supplemented with our long-term debt and short-term borrowings, have generally been sufficient to fund our operations while allowing us to invest in activities that support the long-term growth of our operations and to pay dividends on our common stock. We evaluate our funding requirements on a regular basis to cover any shortfall in our ability to generate sufficient cash from operations to meet our capital requirements. We may consider funding alternatives to provide additional liquidity when necessary.

The following table summarizes the cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries and domestically (in thousands).  Repatriation of cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries may require us to accrue and pay taxes. We have no plans at this time to repatriate cash through the payment of cash dividends by our foreign subsidiaries to our domestic operations and, therefore, have not accrued taxes that would be due from repatriation.

The following table summarizes the cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, held by our foreign subsidiaries and domestically (in thousands).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 28,

 

August 31,

November 30,

August 31,

 

2019

 

2018

2019

2019

Amounts held by foreign subsidiaries

 

$

85,971 

 

$

79,454 

$

107,493

$

98,964

Amounts held domestically

 

 

12,106 

 

 

17,460 

7,620

7,272

Total cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash

 

$

98,077 

 

$

96,914 

$

115,113

$

106,236

The following table summarizes the short-term investments held by our foreign subsidiaries and domestically (in thousands).



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

February 28,

 

August 31,



 

2019

 

2018

Amounts held by foreign subsidiaries

 

$

23,501 

 

$

32,304 

Amounts held domestically

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Total short-term investments

 

$

23,501 

 

$

32,304 

From time to time, we have experienced a lack of availability of U.S. dollars in certain markets (U.S. dollar illiquidity).  This impedes our ability to convert local currencies obtained through merchandise sales into U.S. dollars to settle the U.S. dollar liabilities associated with our imported products. Since fiscal year 2017, we have experienced this situation in Trinidad and have been unable to source a sufficient level of tradeable currencies in Trinidad.  We are working with our banks in Trinidad to source tradeable currencies. We expect the illiquid market conditions in Trinidad to continue.

Our cash flows are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

Three Months Ended

 

February 28,

 

February 28,

 

Increase/

November 30,

November 30,

Increase/

 

2019

 

2018

 

(Decrease)

2019

2018

(Decrease)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

76,300 

 

$

59,079 

 

$

17,221 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

(53,817)

 

(104,924)

 

51,107 

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

16,104

$

25,707

$

(9,603)

Net cash (used in) investing activities

(45,687)

(29,364)

(16,323)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

(19,833)

 

 

(21,859)

 

 

2,026 

37,343

(3,496)

40,839

Effect of exchange rates

 

 

(1,487)

 

 

(1,142)

 

 

(345)

1,117

(1,375)

2,492

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,163 

 

$

(68,846)

 

$

70,009 

$

8,877

$

(8,528)

$

17,405

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Table of Contents

We reported a year-on-year increase in the cash equivalents used of approximately $70.0 million.  The primary factors in the year-on-year improvement in the use of cash were changes inNet cash provided by operating activities totaled $16.1 million and $25.7 million for the three months ended November, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Our cash flow provided by operations is primarily derived from net merchandise sales and membership fees. Cash flows used in investing activities.operations generally consists of payments to our merchandise vendors, warehouse operating costs (including payroll, employee benefits and utilities), as well as payments for income taxes.  The increase$9.6 million decrease in net cash provided fromby operating activities was approximately $17.2 million when compared to the same period a year ago.  This was primarily due to an increase of accounts payable of $45.9 million in the year-on-yearfirst quarter of fiscal year 2020 compared to an increase in accounts payable of approximately $33.3$56.0 million offset by an increase in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, which resulted in a $10.1 million decrease year-over-year. The accounts payable year over year net decrease resulted primarily from a shift in the timing of inventory purchases to earlier in anticipation of $10.0 million and higher receivables of $6.3 million. The increase in inventory is due to having more clubs and the increased receivables is attributable to our acquisition of Aeropost. holiday season versus a year ago.

Net cash used in investing activities decreased approximately $51.1totaled $45.7 million year-on-year.  This wasand $29.4 million for the three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  Our cash used in investing activities is primarily duefor the construction of and improvements to the year-on-year netour warehouse clubs. The $16.3 million decrease in investing activities is the result of a net $14.3 million increase in certificate of deposits purchases and fewer settlements compared to a year-ago.  We also had $1.9 million of additional construction expenditures made for our expected future warehouse club openings.

Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $37.3 million and net cash used in financing activities were $3.5 million for short-term investmentsthe three months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Our cash flows provided or used for financing activities are used primarily to fund our working capital needs and our warehouse club expansions and investments. The $40.8 million

44


Table of approximately $67.5Contents

increase in cash provided by financing activities is primarily the result of a net increase of proceeds from long-term borrowings of $25.0 million compared to a year ago, as we decreased the portiondid not have any additional long-term borrowings in fiscal year 2019. We also received $15.6 million of cash, cash equivalentsnet proceeds from short-term borrowings to fund our working capital and short-term investments held as short-term investments.  This was offset by year-on-year increases in additions to property and equipment of approximately $16.4 million as we increased, year-on-year, investments in new warehouse clubs as construction of four new warehouse clubs is underway in Panama, the Dominican Republic and Guatemala.  capital investment needs.

The following table summarizes the dividends declared and paid during fiscal year 2019 and 2018.2019. No dividends have been declared or paid during the first three months of fiscal year 2020. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Payment

 

Second Payment

First Payment

Second Payment

Declared

 

Amount

 

Record
Date

 

Date
Paid

 

Date
Payable

 

Amount

 

Record
Date

 

Date
Paid

 

Date
Payable

 

Amount

Amount

Record
Date

Date
Paid

Amount

Record
Date

Date
Paid

Amount

1/30/2019

  

$

0.70 

  

2/15/2019

  

2/28/2019

  

N/A

  

$

0.35 

  

8/15/2019

  

N/A

  

8/30/2019

  

$

0.35 

  

$

0.70

  

2/15/2019

  

2/28/2019

  

$

0.35

  

8/15/2019

  

8/30/2019

  

$

0.35

1/24/2018

  

$

0.70 

  

2/14/2018

  

2/28/2018

  

N/A

  

$

0.35 

  

8/15/2018

  

8/31/2018

  

N/A

  

$

0.35 

We anticipate the ongoing payment of semi-annual dividends in subsequent periods, although the actual declaration of future dividends, the amount of such dividends, and the establishment of record and payment dates is subject to final determination by the Board of Directors at its discretion after its review of the Company’s financial performance and anticipated capital requirements.

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt

Short-term borrowings consist of unsecured lines of credit. The following table summarizes the balances of total facilities, facilities used and facilities available (in thousands):



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Facilities Used

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Total Amount

 

Short-term

 

Letters of

 

Facilities

 

Weighted average

 



 

of Facilities

 

Borrowings

 

Credit

 

Available

 

interest rate

 

February 28, 2019

 

$

69,000 

 

$

 —

 

$

406 

 

$

68,594 

 

 —

%

August 31, 2018

 

$

69,000 

 

$

 —

 

$

632 

 

$

68,368 

 

 —

%

As of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018, the Company had approximately $40.0 million of short-term facilities in the U.S. that require compliance with certain quarterly financial covenants.  As of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with respect to these covenants.  Each of the facilities expires annually except for the U.S. facility, which expires bi-annually. The facilities are normally renewed.

The following table provides the changes in our long-term debt for the six months ended February 28, 2019:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

Current
portion of
long-term debt

 

Long-term
debt (net of current portion)

 

Total

 

Balances as of August 31, 2018

 

$

14,855 

 

$

87,720 

 

$

102,575 

(1)

Regularly scheduled loan payments

 

 

(1,563)

 

 

(4,782)

 

 

(6,345)

 

Reclassifications of long-term debt

 

 

13,138 

 

 

(13,138)

 

 

 —

 

Translation adjustments on foreign currency debt of subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar (2)

 

 

(237)

 

 

(7)

 

 

(244)

 

Balances as of February 28, 2019

 

$

26,193 

 

$

69,793 

 

$

95,986 

(3)

(1)

The carrying amount of non-cash assets assigned as collateral for these loans was $125.9 million.  No cash assets were assigned as collateral for these loans.

(2)

These foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded within Other comprehensive income.

(3)

The carrying amount of non-cash assets assigned as collateral for these loans was $118.6 million.  No cash assets were assigned as collateral for these loans.

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Table of Contents

As of February 28, 2019, the Company had approximately $88.5 million of long-term loans in the U.S., Trinidad, Panama, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Barbados and Colombia that require compliance with certain annual or quarterly financial covenants, which include debt service and leverage ratios.  As of February 28, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all covenants or amended covenants.

As of August 31, 2018, the Company had approximately $93.6 million of long-term loans in Trinidad, Panama, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Barbados and Colombia that require these subsidiaries to comply with certain annual or quarterly financial covenants.  As of August 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all covenants or amended covenants.

Derivatives

We are exposed to certain risks relating to our ongoing business operations.  We manage the exposure associated with interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate risks by using derivative financial instruments.  The objective of entering into derivativesOur financing strategy is to eliminate the variabilityensure liquidity and access to capital markets while minimizing our borrowing costs. The proceeds of cash flows resulting from changes in interest ratesthese borrowings were or will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, funding for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, and foreign currency exchange rates associated with servicing our debtrepayment of existing debt. Please see Note 7 – Debt for further discussion.

Derivatives

Please see Note 8 – Derivative Instruments and our subsidiaries’ merchandise-related foreign currency commitments. We measure the fair valueHedging Activities for all financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis during the reporting period.further discussion.

The following table summarizes the effect of the fair value of interest rate swap and cross-currency interest rate swap derivative instruments that we have designated and qualify for derivative hedge accounting and its associated tax effect on accumulated other comprehensive (income) / loss (in thousands): 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

February 28, 2019

 

August 31, 2018

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments

 

Balance Sheet
Location

 

Fair
Value

 

Net Tax
Effect

 

Net
OCI

 

Fair
Value

 

Net Tax
Effect

 

Net
OCI

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

 

Other non-current assets

 

$

2,344 

 

$

(737)

 

$

1,607 

 

$

2,405 

 

$

(819)

 

$

1,586 

Interest rate swaps

 

Other non-current assets

 

 

1,266 

 

 

(282)

 

 

984 

 

 

1,959 

 

 

(434)

 

 

1,525 

Interest rate swaps

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

(155)

 

 

43 

 

 

(112)

 

 

(8)

 

 

 

 

(6)

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

(455)

 

 

137 

 

 

(318)

 

 

(494)

 

 

148 

 

 

(346)

Net fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 

$

3,000 

 

$

(839)

 

$

2,161 

 

$

3,862 

 

$

(1,103)

 

$

2,759 

From time to time, we enter into non-deliverable forward exchange contracts.  These contracts are treated for accounting purposes as fair value contracts and do not qualify for derivative hedge accounting.  As of February 28, 2019 and August 31, 2018, the Company did not have any open non-deliverable forward foreign-exchange contracts. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have had, or are reasonably likely to have, a material current or future effect on its financial condition or consolidated financial statements.

Repurchase of Equity Securities and Reissuance of Treasury Shares

At the vesting dates for restricted stock awards to our employees, we repurchase a portion of the shares that have vested at the prior day's closing price per share withand apply the funds usedproceeds to pay the employees' minimum statutory tax withholding requirements related to the vesting of restricted stock awards. We do not currently have a stock repurchase program. The company expects to continue this practice going forward.

Shares of common stock repurchased by us are recorded at cost as treasury stock and result in the reduction of stockholders’ equity in our consolidated balance sheets. We may reissue these treasury shares. shares in the future.

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At the vesting dates of restricted stock awards, the Company repurchases shares at the prior day’s closing price per share, with the funds used to pay the employees’ minimum statutory tax withholding requirements.  The Company expects to continue this practice going forward.



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Six Months Ended



 

February 28,

 

February 28,



 

2019

 

2018

Shares repurchased

 

 

38,944 

 

 

21,513 

Cost of repurchase of shares (in thousands)

 

$

2,417 

 

$

1,833 

We have reissued treasury shares as part of our stock-based compensation programs.  However, weDuring the three months ended November 30, 2019 the Company reissued 69,000 treasury shares. We did not reissue any treasury shares during the first sixthree months of fiscal years 2019 and 2018.year 2019.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires that management make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Some of our accounting policies require management to make difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. Management continues to review its accounting policies and evaluate its estimates, including those related to business acquisitions, contingencies and litigation, income taxes, value added taxes, and long-lived assets. We base our estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions that management believes to be reasonable under the present circumstances. Using different estimates could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

45


Income Taxes:    We account forTaxes

For interim reporting, we estimate an annual effective tax rate (AETR) pursuant to ASC 740-279, to calculate income taxes using the asset and liability method.  Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the futureexpense. Our income tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences and carry-forwards are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts expected to be realized. As of February 28, 2019, we evaluated ourexpense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and determined that a valuation allowance was necessaryliabilities for certain deferredunrecognized tax asset balances, primarily because of the existence of significant negative objective evidence, such as the fact that certain subsidiaries are in a cumulative loss position for the past three years, indicating that certain net operating loss carry-forward periods are not sufficient to realize the related deferred tax assets. We also specifically considered whether foreign tax credit balances could be utilized in the foreseeable future in lightbenefits reflect management’s best estimate of current and future U.S. tax liabilities.taxes to be paid. We have historically appliedare subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign tax credits, generated from taxes withheld on certain payments PriceSmart receives from its foreign subsidiaries, to reduce U.S.jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in the determination of the consolidated income tax liabilities. However, as an incidentalexpense. Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements, which will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets in the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of U.S.deferred tax reform, following the reductionliabilities, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of the U.S. corporaterecent operations. In projecting future taxable income, tax rate from 35% to 21%, we expect foreign tax credits generated to exceed U.S. income tax liabilitybegin with historical results adjusted for the foreseeable future. Therefore, asresults of February 28, 2019,discontinued operations and incorporate assumptions about the amount of future state, federal, and foreign pretax operating income adjusted for items that do not have tax consequences. The assumptions about future taxable income require the use of significant judgment and are consistent with the plans and estimates we have recorded valuation allowanceare using to manage the underlying businesses. In evaluating the objective evidence that historical results provide, we consider three years of $1.0 million against our foreign tax credits.cumulative operating income (loss).

We are required to file federal and state income tax returns in the United States and various other tax returns in foreign jurisdictions. The preparation of these tax returns requires us to interpret the applicable tax laws and regulations in effect in such jurisdictions, which could affect the amount of tax we pay. We, in consultation with our tax advisors, base our tax returns on interpretations that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. The tax returns, however, are subject to routine reviews by the various taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which we file our tax returns. As part of these reviews, a taxing authority may disagree with respect to the interpretations we used to calculate our tax liability and, therefore, require us to pay additional taxes.

We accrue an amount for our estimate of probable additional income tax liability. In certain cases, the impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant tax authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than 50% likelihood of being sustained. This requires significant judgment, the use of estimates, and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. When facts and circumstances change, we reassess these probabilities and record any changes in the consolidated financial statements as appropriate. There were no material changes in our uncertain income tax positions as of February 28,November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2018. 2019.

Tax Receivables: Receivables

We pay a Value Added Tax (“VAT”) or similar taxes (“input VAT”), income taxes, and other taxes within the normal course of our business in most of the countries in which we operate related to the procurement of merchandise and/or services we acquires and/or on sales and taxable income. We also collect VAT or similar taxes on behalf of the government (“output VAT”) for merchandise and/or services we sell. If the output VAT exceeds the input VAT, then the difference is remitted

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Table of Contents

to the government, usually on a monthly basis. If the input VAT exceeds the output VAT, this creates a VAT receivable. In most countries where we operate, the governments have implemented additional collection procedures, such as requiring credit card processors to remit a portion of sales processed via credit card directly to the government as advance payments of VAT and/or income tax. In the case of VAT, these procedures alter the natural offset of input and output VAT and generally leave us with a net VAT receivable, forcing us to process significant refund claims on a recurring basis. With respect to income taxes paid, if the estimated income taxes paid or withheld exceed the actual income tax due this creates an income tax receivable. We either request a refund of these tax receivables or apply the balance to expected future tax payments. These refund or offset processes can take anywhere from several months to several years to complete.

In most countries where we operate, the VAT refund process isCompany operates, there are defined and structured withprocesses to recover VAT receivables via regular refunds or offsets. However, we, together with our tax and legal advisers, is currently seeking clarification in court in one country without a clearly defined refund process, but where we expectthe Company is actively engaged with the local government to prevail. The balance of therecover VAT receivable in the country with undefined refund mechanisms was approximately $3.8receivables totaling $6.2 million and $3.1$5.1 million as of February 28,November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2018,2019, respectively. In another country in which we have warehouse clubs, beginning in fiscal year 2015, a newtwo other countries, minimum income tax mechanism took effect, which requires usrules require the Company to pay taxes based on a percentage of sales rather than income. As a result, we arethe Company is making income tax payments substantially in excess of those weit would expect to pay based on taxable income. The rules (which we have challenged in court) effective for fiscal years 2015 to 2018 do not clearly allow us to obtain a refund or offset this excessCompany had income tax against other taxes. Asreceivables of February 28, 2019, we had$9.7 million and $7.8 million and deferred tax assets of approximately $2.2 million in this country.  Also, we had an income tax receivable balance of $7.0$2.7 million as of February 28,November 30, 2019 and August 31, 2019 in these countries. While the rules related to excess payments from fiscal year 2015 to 2019.  Inrefunds of income tax receivables in these countries are either unclear or complex, the third quarter of fiscal year 2018, a revised minimum tax law was passed in this country, which beginning in fiscal year 2020 will reduce the minimum tax rate. Additionally, this law clarifies rules on a go-forward basis for reimbursement of excess minimum tax paid beginning in fiscal year 2019, but not for prior years. Nevertheless, we haveCompany has not placed any type of allowance on the recoverability of these tax receivables or deferred tax assets, because we believethe Company believes that it is more likely than not that weit will ultimately succeed in theseits refund requests, related appeals and/or court challenge on these matters.requests.

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Table of Contents

Our policy for classification and presentation of VAT receivables, income tax receivables and other tax receivables is as follows:

·

Short-term VAT and Income tax receivables, recorded as Other current assets: This classification is used for any countries where our subsidiary has generally demonstrated the ability to recover the VAT or income tax receivable within one year.  We also classify as short-term any approved refunds or credit notes to the extent that we expect to receive the refund or use the credit notes within one year.

·

Long-term VAT and Income tax receivables, recorded as Other non-current assets: This classification is used for amounts not approved for refund or credit in countries where our subsidiary has not demonstrated the ability to obtain refunds within one year and/or for amounts which are subject to outstanding disputes.  An allowance is provided against VAT and income tax receivable balances in dispute when we do not expect to eventually prevail in its recovery of such balances. We do not currently have any allowances provided against VAT and income tax receivables.

Short-term VAT and Income tax receivables, recorded as Other current assets: This classification is used for any countries where our subsidiary has generally demonstrated the ability to recover the VAT or income tax receivable within one year. We also classify as short-term any approved refunds or credit notes to the extent that we expect to receive the refund or use the credit notes within one year.

Long-term VAT and Income tax receivables, recorded as Other non-current assets: This classification is used for amounts not approved for refund or credit in countries where our subsidiary has not demonstrated the ability to obtain refunds within one year and/or for amounts which are subject to outstanding disputes. An allowance is provided against VAT and income tax receivable balances in dispute when we do not expect to eventually prevail in its recovery of such balances. We do not currently have any allowances provided against VAT and income tax receivables.

Long-lived Assets:

We periodically evaluate quarterly our long-lived assets for indicators of impairment. Indicators that an asset may be impaired are:

·

the asset's inability to continue to generate income from operations and positive cash flow in future periods;

·

loss of legal ownership or title to the asset;

·

significant changes in its strategic business objectives and utilization of the asset(s); and

·

the impact of significant negative industry or economic trends.

the asset's inability to continue to generate income from operations and positive cash flow in future periods;

loss of legal ownership or title to the asset;

significant changes in its strategic business objectives and utilization of the asset(s); and

the impact of significant negative industry or economic trends.

Management's judgments are based on market and operational conditions at the time of the evaluation and can include management's best estimate of future business activity, which in turn drives estimates of future cash flows from these assets. These periodic evaluations could cause management to conclude that impairment factors exist, requiring an adjustment of these assets to their then-current fair market value. Loss/(gain) on disposal of assets recorded during the years reported resulted from improvements to operations and normal preventive maintenance.

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangibles

57


TableGoodwill and other indefinite-lived acquired intangible assets are not amortized, but are evaluated for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the value of Contents

Business Combinations: We applieda certain asset may be impaired. Generally, this evaluation begins with a qualitative assessment to determine whether a quantitative impairment test is necessary. If we determine, after performing an assessment based on the provisions of ASC 805, Business Combinations, in accounting forqualitative factors, that the acquisition of Aeropost. It required us to recognize separately from goodwill the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the acquisition date fair values. Goodwill asvalue of the acquisition datereporting unit is measured asmore likely than not less than the carrying amount, or that a fair value of the reporting unit substantially in excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. While we used our best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as well as any contingent consideration, where applicable, our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. Ascarrying amount cannot be assured, then a result, during the measurement period, which mayquantitative impairment test would be up to one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments will be recorded to our consolidated statements of operations.

Accountingperformed. The quantitative test for a business combination required ourimpairment requires management to make significant estimatesjudgments relating to future cash flows, growth rates and assumptions, especially at the acquisition date, including our estimates of the value of intangible assets, contractual obligations assumed, pre-acquisition contingencieseconomic and any contingent consideration, where applicable. Although we believe that the assumptions and estimates we have made for the acquisition of Aeropost are reasonable and appropriate, theymarket conditions. These evaluations are based in part on historical experience and information obtained from the management of the acquired company and are inherently uncertain.

Examples of critical estimates in valuing certain of the intangible assets we have acquired include but are not limited to:

·

future expected cash flows from the existing revenue streams of Aeropost, including the related estimates of amounts and timing and estimated costs to sell, market, deliver and support such revenues, among other estimates;

·

future expected cash flows from acquired developed technology including estimated amounts to be received for such developed technology and the time period over which such cash flows are expected to be received, among other estimates; and

·

discount rates.

Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results.

We may identify certain pre-acquisition contingencies as of the acquisition date and may extend our review and evaluation of these pre-acquisition contingencies throughout the measurement period in order to obtain sufficient information to assess whether we should include these contingencies as a part of the fair value estimates of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and, if so, determine their estimated amounts.

If we cannot reasonably determinedetermining the fair value of a pre-acquisition contingency (non-income tax related) byreporting unit or asset using a valuation method such as discounted cash flow or a relative, market-based approach. Historically, our reporting units and other indefinite-lived acquired intangible assets have generated sufficient returns to recover the endcost of the measurement period, which is generally the case givengoodwill and other indefinite-lived acquired intangible assets. Because of the nature of such matters, we will recognize an asset or a liability for such pre-acquisition contingency if: (1) it is probable that an asset existed or a liability had been incurred at the acquisition date and (2)factors used in these tests, if different conditions occur in future periods, future operating results could be materially impacted. For approximately $45.4 million of certain acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets, the amount offair value approximated the asset or liability can be reasonably estimated.

Subsequent to the measurement period, changes in our estimates of such contingencies will affect earnings and could have a material effect on our results of operations and financial position.

In addition, uncertain tax positions and tax-related valuation allowances assumed in connection with a business combination are initially estimated as of the acquisition date. We reevaluate these items quarterly, withcarrying value; any adjustments to our preliminary estimates being recorded to goodwill if identified within the measurement period. Subsequent to the measurement period or our final determination of the tax allowance’s or contingency’s estimated value, whichever comes first, changes to these uncertain tax positions and tax-related valuation allowances will affect our provision for income taxes in our consolidated statement of operations and could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position. For the period ended February 28, 2019, there were no significant changesdeterioration in the estimates of these positions or valuation allowances.fair value may result in an impairment charge.

Seasonality

Historically, our merchandising businesses have experienced holiday retail seasonality in their markets. In addition to seasonal fluctuations, our operating results fluctuate quarter-to-quarter as a result of economic and political events in markets that we serve, the timing of holidays, weather, the timing of shipments, product mix, and currency effects on the cost of U.S.-sourced products which may make these products more or less expensive in local currencies and therefore more or less affordable. Because of such fluctuations, the results of operations of any quarter are not indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year or any future quarter. In addition, there can be no assurance that our future results will be consistent with past results or the projections of securities analysts.

5847


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risks relating to our operations result primarily from changes in interest rates and changes in currency exchange rates. There have been no material changesAs part of the adoption of the new leasing standard, we recorded several monetary liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet that are exposed to foreign exchange movements. These monetary liabilities arise from leases denominated in our market risk factors at February 28,a currency that is not the functional currency of the Company’s local subsidiary. The monetary liability for these leases as of November 30, 2019 comparedwas $34.1 million. Due to thosethe mix of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, the impact to the interim consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income from these monetary liabilities was immaterial.

The following table discloses the net effect on other expense, net for U.S. dollar-denominated and other foreign-denominated accounts relative to hypothetical simultaneous currency devaluation based on balances as of November 30, 2019 (in thousands) including the new lease-related monetary liabilities described above:

Overall weighted negative currency movement

Gains based on change in U.S. dollar denominated and other foreign denominated cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash balances

Losses based on change in U.S. dollar denominated inter-company balances

Losses based on change in U.S. dollar denominated other asset/liability balances

Net loss(1)

5%

$

1,235

$

(2,356)

$

(1,844)

$

(2,965)

10%

$

2,471

$

(4,711)

$

(3,688)

$

(5,928)

20%

$

4,942

$

(9,423)

$

(7,376)

$

(11,857)

(1)Amounts are before consideration of income taxes.

Information about the financial impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations for the three months ended November 30, 2019 is disclosed in our Annual ReportItem 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Other Expense, net”.

The following table discloses the net effect on Form 10-Kother expense, net, before consideration of income taxes, for non-designated derivative contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting relative to hypothetical Colombian peso currency movements (in thousands):

Hypothetical Currency Movement

Gains based on

appreciation of foreign currency

Losses based on

devaluation of foreign currency

5%

$

514

$

(697)

10%

$

1,042

$

(1,373)

20%

$

1,948

$

(3,072)

Information about the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018. The grosschange in the fair value of our derivativehedges and the financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges has decreased by $860,000 since August 31, 2018, primarily due to the fluctuations in interest rates, fluctuations in exchange ratesimpact thereof for the currencies that are being hedged,period and changes in the scheduled maturities of the underlying instruments during the sixthree months ended February 28, 2019. MovementsNovember 30, 2019 is disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 8 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.

Information about the movements in currency exchange rates and the related impact on the translation of the balance sheets of our subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar were the cause of the $8.3 million loss in the foreign currency translation adjustments category of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the sixperiod and three months ended February 28, 2019.November 30, 2019 is disclosed in Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Other Comprehensive Loss”.

In addition, the monetary assets and liabilities of our subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the respective entity (primarily U.S. dollars) are revalued to the functional currency using the exchange rate on the balance sheet date.  These foreign exchange transaction gains (losses), including transactions recorded involving these monetary assets and liabilities, are recorded as currency gain (loss) within Other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of income.

The following table summarizes the amounts recorded for the three and six months ending February 28, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended



 

February 28,

 

February 28,

 

February 28,

 

February 28,



 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Currency gain (loss)

 

$

(368)

 

$

210 

 

$

(2,123)

 

$

488 

From time to time, we have experienced a lack of availability of U.S. dollars in certain markets (U.S. dollar illiquidity).  This impedes our ability to convert local currencies obtained through merchandise sales into U.S. dollars to settle the U.S. dollar liabilities associated with our imported products. Since fiscal year 2017, we have experienced this situation in Trinidad and have been unable to source a sufficient level of tradeable currencies in Trinidad.  We are working with our banks in Trinidad to source tradeable currencies. We expect the illiquid market conditions in Trinidad to continue.

As of February 28, 2019, our Trinidad subsidiary had net U.S. dollar denominated asset of approximately $20.7 million, an increase of $7.7 million from August 31, 2018 when our Trinidad subsidiary had a net U.S. dollar denominated asset of approximately $13.0 million. We are carefully monitoring the situation, which may require us to limit future shipments from the U.S. to Trinidad in line with our ability to exchange Trinidad dollars for tradeable currencies to manage our exposure to any potential devaluation.

5948


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the timelines specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decision regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and in reaching a reasonable level of assurance, management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Also, we have investments in certain unconsolidated entities. Because we do not control or manage those entities, our control procedures with respect to those entities were substantially more limited than those we maintain with respect to our consolidated subsidiaries.

Management has excluded from its assessment the internal control over financial reporting for the Aeropost business acquired on March 15, 2018. The Aeropost business constitutes 1%Evaluation of total assets as of February 28, 2019Disclosure Controls and 1% of total revenues for the six-months then ended. The losses from Aeropost that are subject to this exclusion represent 13% of total net income attributable to PriceSmart for the six-month period ended February 28, 2019. For the purposes of quantifying the significance of the acquired business subject to this control exclusion, management has not excluded amounts covered by the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. For example, certain compensation expenses, professional fees and intangible amortization associated with Aeropost are accounted for by PriceSmart directly and subject to PriceSmart’s control structure. The Aeropost business will be in scope for management’s assessment as of August 31, 2019. Procedures

As required by SEC Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e), we carried out an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon their evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control overOver Financial Reporting

We disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K forDuring the year ended August 31, 2018, the conclusion of the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at the reasonable assurance level as of the endfirst quarter of fiscal year 2018, as a result2020, we finished the implementation of a material weakness relating to the classification of certain financial instruments as cash equivalents or short-term investments.

During fiscal year 2019,new lease management has evaluated the design and operating effectiveness ofaccounting system and updated our accounting policies and internal controls related to support the classification of certain financial instruments as cash equivalents or short-term investments and has taken the following steps to remediate the identified material weakness:

·

Revised the design of existing controls and implemented additional compensating controls and procedures to ensure the proper classification of financial instruments as cash equivalents, short-term, or long-term investments.

·

Implemented process improvements to enhance management oversight of the review of the activity of the financial instruments to ensure that these revised controls and additional compensating controls are operating effectively.

During fiscal 2019, management tested the remedial controls related to the material weakness described above for a sufficient period of time, and management has concluded, through testing, that by the endadoption of the second quarter of fiscal 2019, these controls were operating effectively. Therefore, we have concluded that the material weakness previously identifiednew lease accounting standard ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), effective September 1, 2019.

In addition, in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting has been remediated at February 28, 2019.

Despite the previously identified and now remediated material weakness, the Company believes that the consolidated financial statements included in the first quarter fiscal year 2019 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the consolidated financial statements included in fiscal year 2018 Form 10-K fairly present, in all material respects, the Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

In the ordinary course of business, we review our system of internal control over financial reporting and make changes to our systems and processes to improve controls and increase efficiency, while ensuring that we maintain an effective internal control environment. Changes may include such activities as implementing new, more efficient systems and automating manual processes. Except as noted above,Other than the changes related to lease management and accounting, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

60


The certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are filed as Exhibit 31.1 and 31.2 to this report.

49


PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are often involved in claims arising in the ordinary course of business seeking monetary damages and other relief. Based upon information currently available to us, none of these claims is expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

On May 22, 2019, a class action complaint was filed against PriceSmart, Inc., as well as certain former and current officers in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. On October 7, 2019, the Court granted Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico’s (PERA’s) Motion for Appointment as Lead Plaintiff. On January 3, 2020, PERA filed a consolidated class action complaint, which alleges violations of Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself against any obligations or liability to the plaintiffs with respect to such claims. The Company believes the claims are without merit.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the reader should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2018.2019. There have been no material changes in the Company's risk factors from those disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018.2019.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable.

(a)           None.

(b)           None.

(c)           Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers. 

Upon vesting of restricted stock awarded by the Company to employees, the Company repurchases shares and withholds the amount of the repurchase payment to cover employees’ tax withholding obligations.  As set forth in the table below, during the quarter ended February 28, 2019, the Company repurchased 38,944 shares in the indicated months.  These were the only repurchases of equity securities made by the Company during the second quarter of fiscal year 2019. The Company does not have a stock repurchase program.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period

 

(a)
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased

 

(b)
Average Price
Paid Per Share

 

(c)
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs

 

(d)
Maximum
Number of
Shares That
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs

December 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018

 

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

N/A

January 1, 2019 - January 31 2019

 

 

38,270 

 

$

62.09 

 

 

 —

 

 

N/A

February 1, 2019 - February 28, 2019

 

 

674 

 

$

60.33 

 

 

 —

 

 

N/A

Total

 

 

38,944 

 

$

62.05 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) Exhibits:

3.1(1)

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.

3.2(2)

Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.

3.3(3)

Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.

3.4(4)

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company.

10.1(5)*

Separation Agreement and Waiver and Release of Claims dated October 29, 2019 between Maarten Jager and the Company.

10.2*

Amendment to 2002 Equity Participation Plan of PriceSmart, Inc.

10.3*

Second Amendment to 2013 Equity Incentive Award Plan of PriceSmart, Inc.

10.4*

Form of Restricted Stock Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Agreement under the 2013 Equity Incentive Award Plan of PriceSmart, Inc.

10.5*

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2013 Equity Incentive Award Plan of PriceSmart, Inc. for Employees of Foreign Subsidiaries.

10.6*

Form of Performance Stock Unit Grant Notice and Performance Stock Unit Agreement under the 2013 Equity Incentive Award Plan of PriceSmart, Inc.

31.1

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1**

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2**

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

*

Identifies management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

**

These certifications are being furnished solely to accompany this Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, and are not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of PriceSmart, Inc., whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

(1)

Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1997 filed with the Commission on November 26, 1997.

(2)

Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 29, 2004 filed with the Commission on April 14, 2004.

(3)

Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2004 filed with the Commission on November 24, 2004.

(4)

Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 17, 2015.

(1)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1997 filed with the Commission on November 26, 1997.

(2)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 29, 2004 filed with the Commission on April 14, 2004.

(3)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2004 filed with the Commission on November 24, 2004.

(4)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 17, 2015.

(5)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 29, 2019.

SIGNATURES

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

PRICESMART, INC.

Date:

AprilJanuary 9, 20192020

By:

/s/ SHERRY S. BAHRAMBEYGUI

Sherry S. Bahrambeygui

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date:

AprilJanuary 9, 20192020

By:

/s/ MAARTEN O. JAGERMICHAEL MCCLEARY

Maarten O. JagerMichael McCleary

ExecutiveSenior Vice President and Interim Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

Principal Accounting Officer)

6352