UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 FORM 10-Q  
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the quarterly period ended September 26, 2020October 2, 2021
 OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number: 001-32383
bxc-20211002_g1.jpg
BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
 
Delaware77-0627356
(State of Incorporation)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
  
1950 Spectrum Circle, Suite 300,
Marietta,GA30067
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)offices, including zip code)
(770) 953-7000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 Not applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per shareBXCNew York Stock Exchange

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 No  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically (Section 232.405 of this chapter) every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated FilerAccelerated Filer
Non-accelerated FilerSmaller 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
As of October 26, 2020,29, 2021, there were 9,461,5409,706,685 shares of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. common stock, par value $0.01, outstanding.




BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
Form 10-Q
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 26, 2020October 2, 2021
 
INDEX
 PAGE 
 

i


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months EndedNine Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 26, 2020September 28, 2019September 26, 2020September 28, 2019 October 2, 2021September 26, 2020October 2, 2021September 26, 2020
Net salesNet sales$871,063 $678,665 $2,231,909 $2,023,814 Net sales$970,842 $871,063 $3,304,224 $2,231,909 
Cost of salesCost of sales711,603 584,952 1,878,420 1,749,889 Cost of sales817,515 711,603 2,719,333 1,878,420 
Gross profitGross profit159,460 93,713 353,489 273,925 Gross profit153,327 159,460 584,891 353,489 
Operating expenses:   
Operating expenses (income):Operating expenses (income): 
Selling, general, and administrativeSelling, general, and administrative78,992 76,095 222,306 215,330 Selling, general, and administrative76,176 79,976 238,746 225,258 
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization7,087 7,577 21,785 22,408 Depreciation and amortization6,884 7,087 21,429 21,785 
Amortization of deferred gains on real estateAmortization of deferred gains on real estate(984)(984)(2,951)(2,952)
Gains from sales of propertyGains from sales of property(8,684)(38)(9,209)(9,798)Gains from sales of property— (8,684)(1,287)(9,209)
Other operating expensesOther operating expenses609 3,786 6,736 13,062 Other operating expenses212 609 1,197 6,736 
Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses78,004 87,420 241,618 241,002 Total operating expenses82,288 78,004 257,134 241,618 
Operating incomeOperating income81,456 6,293 111,871 32,923 Operating income71,039 81,456 327,757 111,871 
Non-operating expenses (income):Non-operating expenses (income):    Non-operating expenses (income):  
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net10,776 13,40936,691 40,527Interest expense, net8,313 10,77633,690 36,691
Other income, netOther income, net(238)(317)(58)(212)Other income, net(704)(238)(1,335)(58)
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes70,918 (6,799)75,238 (7,392)
Income before provision for income taxesIncome before provision for income taxes63,430 70,918 295,402 75,238 
Provision for income taxesProvision for income taxes15,802 244 14,214 69 Provision for income taxes16,232 15,802 72,886 14,214 
Net income (loss)$55,116 $(7,043)$61,024 $(7,461)
Net incomeNet income$47,198 $55,116 $222,516 $61,024 
Basic income (loss) per share$5.83 $(0.75)$6.49 $(0.80)
Diluted income (loss) per share$5.72 $(0.75)$6.48 $(0.80)
Basic income per shareBasic income per share$4.85 $5.83 $23.23 $6.49 
Diluted income per shareDiluted income per share$4.74 $5.72 $22.91 $6.48 
Comprehensive income (loss):    
Net income (loss)$55,116 $(7,043)$61,024 $(7,461)
Other comprehensive income (loss):    
Foreign currency translation, net of tax(12)(9)(2)
Amortization of unrecognized pension loss, net of tax294 (1,834)604 (1,403)
Pension curtailment, net of tax(632)
Comprehensive income:Comprehensive income:  
Net incomeNet income$47,198 $55,116 $222,516 $61,024 
Other comprehensive income:Other comprehensive income:  
Amortization of unrecognized pension gain, net of taxAmortization of unrecognized pension gain, net of tax238 294 723 604 
OtherOther(7)(10)Other(5)24 (2)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)289 (1,850)602 (2,028)
Comprehensive income (loss)$55,405 $(8,893)$61,626 $(9,489)
Total other comprehensive incomeTotal other comprehensive income245 289 747 602 
Comprehensive incomeComprehensive income$47,443 $55,405 $223,263 $61,626 
 
See accompanying Notes.
 

1



BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)
 September 26, 2020December 28, 2019
ASSETS
Current assets:  
Cash$10,154 $11,643 
Receivables, less allowances of $4,158 and $3,236, respectively308,584 192,872 
Inventories, net306,030 345,806 
Other current assets23,395 27,718 
Total current assets648,163 578,039 
Property and equipment, at cost302,814 308,067 
Accumulated depreciation(119,960)(112,299)
Property and equipment, net182,854 195,768 
Operating lease right-of-use assets53,124 54,408 
Goodwill47,772 47,772 
Intangible assets, net20,769 26,384 
Deferred tax assets50,036 53,993 
Other non-current assets20,516 15,061 
Total assets$1,023,234 $971,425 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:  
Accounts payable$178,948 $132,348 
Accrued compensation18,469 7,639 
Current maturities of long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs of $74 and $74, respectively1,535 2,176 
Finance lease liabilities - short-term5,469 6,486 
Operating lease liabilities - short-term6,926 7,317 
Real estate deferred gains - short-term4,040 3,935 
Other current liabilities18,668 11,222 
Total current liabilities234,055 171,123 
Non-current liabilities:  
Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs of $9,930 and $12,481, respectively309,249 458,439 
Finance lease liabilities - long-term267,753 191,525 
Operating lease liabilities - long-term45,883 47,091 
Real estate deferred gains - long-term78,998 81,886 
Pension benefit obligation21,441 23,420 
Other non-current liabilities27,642 24,024 
Total liabilities985,021 997,508 
Commitments and Contingencies
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT):  
Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized,
     9,461,540 and 9,365,768 outstanding on September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019, respectively
95 94 
Additional paid-in capital263,643 260,974 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(33,961)(34,563)
Accumulated stockholders’ deficit(191,564)(252,588)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)38,213 (26,083)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)$1,023,234 $971,425 
See accompanying Notes.
2



BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
 September 26, 2020September 28, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)$61,024 $(7,461)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operations:
Provision for income taxes14,214 69 
Depreciation and amortization21,785 22,408 
Amortization of debt issuance costs2,888 2,465 
Gains from sales of property(9,209)(9,798)
Amortization of deferred gain(2,951)(2,972)
Share-based compensation2,915 2,498 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable(115,712)(35,471)
Inventories39,776 (20,538)
Accounts payable46,600 30,188 
Prepaid and other current assets(1,380)(8,075)
Other assets and liabilities14,446 (10,936)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities74,396 (37,623)
Cash flows from investing activities: 
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired6,009 
Proceeds from sale of assets10,742 13,699 
Property and equipment investments(1,943)(3,321)
Net cash provided by investing activities8,799 16,387 
Cash flows from financing activities: 
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities541,700 512,379 
Repayments on revolving credit facilities(605,221)(490,842)
Repayments on term loan(88,861)(31,899)
Proceeds from real estate financing transactions78,263 44,725 
Debt financing costs(2,983)(2,359)
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings(255)(208)
Principal payments on finance lease liabilities(7,327)(6,652)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(84,684)25,144 
Net change in cash(1,489)3,908 
Cash at beginning of period11,643 8,939 
Cash at end of period$10,154 $12,847 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Net income tax payments during the period$610 $4,461 
Interest paid during the period$33,716 $38,594 
 October 2, 2021January 2, 2021
ASSETS
Current assets:  
Cash$186 $82 
Receivables, less allowances of $4,471 and $4,123, respectively344,974 293,643 
Inventories, net436,438 342,108 
Other current assets38,828 32,581 
Total current assets820,426 668,414 
Property and equipment, at cost309,108 299,935 
Accumulated depreciation(131,587)(121,223)
Property and equipment, net177,521 178,712 
Operating lease right-of-use assets51,178 51,142 
Goodwill47,772 47,772 
Intangible assets, net14,699 18,889 
Deferred tax assets70,683 62,899 
Other non-current assets20,052 20,302 
Total assets$1,202,331 $1,048,130 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:  
Accounts payable$210,386 $165,163 
Accrued compensation18,330 24,751 
Taxes payable6,488 7,847 
Current maturities of long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs of $0 and $74, respectively— 1,171 
Finance lease liabilities - short-term5,606 5,675 
Operating lease liabilities - short-term4,881 6,076 
Real estate deferred gains - short-term4,040 4,040 
Other current liabilities13,527 14,309 
Total current liabilities263,258 229,032 
Non-current liabilities:  
Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs of $3,608 and $8,936, respectively219,541 321,270 
Finance lease liabilities - long-term271,314 267,443 
Operating lease liabilities - long-term46,412 44,965 
Real estate deferred gains - long-term75,157 78,009 
Pension benefit obligation19,926 22,684 
Other non-current liabilities24,497 25,635 
Total liabilities920,105 989,038 
Commitments and Contingencies00
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:  
Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized,
     9,723,838 and 9,462,774 outstanding on October 2, 2021 and January 2, 2021, respectively
97 95 
Additional paid-in capital266,564 266,695 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(35,245)(35,992)
Accumulated stockholders’ equity (deficit)50,810 (171,706)
Total stockholders’ equity282,226 59,092 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,202,331 $1,048,130 

See accompanying Notes.
32



BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Common StockAdditional
Paid-In Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated DeficitStockholders’ Equity (Deficit) Total
 SharesAmount
Balance, December 28, 20199,366 $94 $260,974 $(34,563)$(252,588)$(26,083)
Net loss— — — — (787)(787)
Foreign currency translation, net of tax— — — — 
Unrealized gain from pension plan, net of tax— — — 196 — 196 
Vesting of restricted stock units— — — — 
Compensation related to share-based grants— — 1,004 — — 1,004 
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings(1)— (7)— — (7)
Other— — (19)— (10)
Balance, March 28, 20209,367 94 261,980 (34,383)(253,375)(25,684)
Net income— — — — 6,695 6,695 
Foreign currency translation, net of tax— — — 17 — 17 
Unrealized gain from pension plan, net of tax— — — 114 — 114 
Vesting of restricted stock units122 — — — 
Compensation related to share-based grants— — 854 — — 854 
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings(28)— (247)— — (247)
Other— — — — 
Balance, June 27, 20209,461 95 262,587 (34,250)(246,680)(18,248)
Net income— — — — 55,116 55,116 
Foreign currency translation, net of tax— — — (12)— (12)
Unrealized gain from pension plan, net of tax— — — 294 — 294 
Vesting of restricted stock units— — — — 
Compensation related to share-based grants— — 1,057 — — 1,057 
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings— — (1)— — (1)
Other— — — — 
Balance, September 26, 20209,462 $95 $263,643 $(33,961)$(191,564)$38,213 

Common StockAdditional
Paid-In Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Equity (Deficit)Stockholders’ Equity Total
 SharesAmount
Balance, January 2, 20219,463 $95 $266,695 $(35,992)$(171,706)$59,092 
Net income— — — — 61,860 61,860 
Foreign currency translation, net of tax— — — (6)— (6)
Impact of pension plan, net of tax— — — 239 — 239 
Vesting of restricted stock units— — — — — 
Compensation related to share-based grants— — 1,410 — — 1,410 
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings(3)— (99)— — (99)
Other— — — 17 — 17 
Balance, April 3, 20219,468 95 268,006 (35,742)(109,846)122,513 
Net income— — — — 113,458 113,458 
Foreign currency translation, net of tax— — — — 
Impact of pension plan, net of tax— — — 246 — 246 
Vesting of restricted stock units355 — — — 
Compensation related to share-based grants— — 1,992 — — 1,992 
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings(113)— (5,033)— — (5,033)
Other— — (2)— — (2)
Balance, July 3, 20219,710 97 264,963 (35,490)3,612 233,182 
Net income— $— $— $— $47,198 $47,198 
Foreign currency translation, net of tax— — — — 
Impact of pension plan, net of tax— — — 238 — 238 
Vesting of restricted stock units14 — — — — — 
Compensation related to share-based grants— — 1,608 — — 1,608 
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings— — (3)— — (3)
Other— — (4)— — (4)
Balance, October 2, 20219,724 $97 $266,564 $(35,245)$50,810 $282,226 



See accompanying Notes.


















3




BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

Common StockAdditional
Paid-In Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated DeficitStockholders’ Deficit Total
 SharesAmount
Balance, December 28, 20199,366 $94 $260,974 $(34,563)$(252,588)$(26,083)
Net loss— — — — (787)(787)
Foreign currency translation, net of tax— — — — 
Impact of pension plan, net of tax— — — 196 — 196 
Vesting of restricted stock units— — — — — 
Compensation related to share-based grants— — 1,004 — — 1,004 
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings(1)— (7)— — (7)
Other— — (19)— (10)
Balance, March 28, 20209,367 94 261,980 (34,383)(253,375)(25,684)
Net income— — — — 6,695 6,695 
Foreign currency translation, net of tax— — — 17 — 17 
Impact of pension plan, net of tax— — — 114 — 114 
Vesting of restricted stock units122 — — — 
Compensation related to share-based grants— — 854 — — 854 
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings(28)— (247)— — (247)
Other— — — — 
Balance, June 27, 20209,461 $95 $262,587 $(34,250)$(246,680)$(18,248)
Net income— — — — 55,116 55,116 
Foreign currency translation, net of tax— — — (12)— (12)
Impact of pension plan, net of tax— — — 294 — 294 
Vesting of restricted stock units— — — — — 
Compensation related to share-based grants— — 1,057 — — 1,057 
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings— — (1)— — (1)
Other— — — — 
Balance, September 26, 20209,462 $95 $263,643 $(33,961)$(191,564)$38,213 
See accompanying Notes.

4



BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICITCASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Common StockAdditional
Paid-In Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated DeficitStockholders’ Deficit Total
 SharesAmount
Balance, December 29, 20189,294 $92 $258,596 $(37,129)$(236,222)$(14,663)
Net loss— — — — (6,719)(6,719)
Adoption of ASC 842, net of tax— — — — 1,291 1,291 
Foreign currency translation, net of tax— — — — 
Unrealized gain from pension plan, net of tax— — — 1,077 — 1,077 
Vesting of restricted stock units49 — — — 
Compensation related to share-based grants— — 706 — — 706 
Other— — — 15 — 15 
Balance, March 30, 20199,343 93 259,302 (36,030)(241,650)(18,285)
Net income— — — — 6,301 6,301 
Unrealized loss from pension plan, net of tax— — — (1,278)— (1,278)
Vesting of restricted stock units32 — — — 
Compensation related to share-based grants— — 635 — — 635 
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings(10)— (208)— — (208)
Other— — (2)— (1)
Balance, June 29, 20199,365 94 259,727 $(37,307)$(235,349)$(12,835)
Net loss— — — — (7,043)(7,043)
Foreign currency translation, net of tax— — — (9)— (9)
Unrealized loss from pension plan, net of tax— — — (1,834)— (1,834)
Compensation related to share-based grants— — 1,156 — — 1,156 
Other— — — (7)(6)
Balance, September 28, 20199,365 $94 $260,883 $(39,157)$(242,391)$(20,571)
Nine Months Ended
 October 2, 2021September 26, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income$222,516 $61,024 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations:
Provision for income taxes72,886 14,214 
Depreciation and amortization21,429 21,785 
Amortization of debt issuance costs1,560 2,888 
Adjustments to debt issuance costs associated with term loan5,791 — 
Gains from sales of property(1,287)(9,209)
Amortization of deferred gains from real estate(2,951)(2,951)
Share-based compensation5,010 2,915 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable(51,331)(115,712)
Inventories(94,330)39,776 
Accounts payable45,223 46,600 
Other current assets(7,083)(1,380)
Pension contributions(325)(142)
Other assets and liabilities(90,249)14,588 
Net cash provided by operating activities126,859 74,396 
Cash flows from investing activities: 
Proceeds from sale of assets2,652 10,742 
Property and equipment investments(5,424)(1,943)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(2,772)8,799 
Cash flows from financing activities: 
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities900,006 541,700 
Repayments on revolving credit facilities(965,142)(605,221)
Repayments on term loan(43,204)(88,861)
Proceeds from real estate financing transactions— 78,263 
Debt financing costs(2,811)(2,983)
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings(5,135)(255)
Principal payments on finance lease liabilities(7,697)(7,327)
Net cash used in financing activities(123,983)(84,684)
Net change in cash104 (1,489)
Cash at beginning of period82 11,643 
Cash at end of period$186 $10,154 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Net income tax payment during the period$82,596 $610 
Interest paid during the period$26,382 $33,716 

See accompanying Notes.

5



BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 26, 2020October 2, 2021
(Unaudited)
1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“the Company”(the “Company”). We derived the condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 26, 2020,October 2, 2021, from the audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019January 2, 2021 (the “Fiscal 20192020 Form 10-K”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2020.3, 2021. In the opinion of our management, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of our statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2021, and September 26, 2020, and September 28, 2019, our balance sheets at October 2, 2021, and January 2, 2021, our statements of stockholders’ equity (deficit) for the nine months ended October 2, 2021, and September 26, 2020, and December 28, 2019, our statements of cash flows for the nine months ended October 2, 2021, and September 26, 2020, and September 28, 2019, and our statements of stockholders’ equity (deficit) for the three and nine months ended September 26, 2020, and September 28, 2019.2020.
 
We have condensed or omitted certain notes and other information from the interim condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this report. Therefore, these condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Fiscal 20192020 Form 10-K. In addition, certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation. These reclassifications did not materially impact operating income or consolidated net income (loss). The results for the three and nine months ended September 26, 2020,October 2, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the full year ending January 2, 2021,1, 2022, or any other interim period.
We operate on a 5-4-4 fiscal calendar. Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to December 31 of that fiscal year and may comprise 53 weeks in certain years. Our 20202021 fiscal year contains 5352 weeks and ends on January 2, 2021.1, 2022. Fiscal 20192020 contained 5253 weeks and ended on December 28, 2019.January 2, 2021.
Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), which requires us to make estimates based on assumptions about current and, for some estimates, future economic and market conditions, which affect reported amounts and related disclosures in our financial statements. Although our current estimates contemplate current and expected future conditions, as applicable, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could differ from our expectations, which could materially affect our results of operations and financial position. Some of our estimates may be affected by the ongoing novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic. The severity, magnitude, and duration, as well as the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, are uncertain, rapidly changing, and difficult to predict. As a result, our accounting estimates and assumptions may change over time in response to COVID-19.
On April 13, 2018, we completed the acquisition of Cedar Creek Holdings, Inc. (“Cedar Creek”). Results for Cedar Creek are included in the consolidated financial information presented herein.continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
Reclassification of Prior Period Presentation
An adjustment has been made to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 28, 2019, to include outstanding payments as part of the change in accounts payable within cash flows from operating activities.  In previous periods, this change was included within cash flows from financing activities. 

We have reclassified certain costs within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the nine months ended September 26, 2020, and the three and nine months ended September 28, 2019,26, 2020, from selling, general and administrative to other operating expenses.amortization of deferred gains on real estate. These costs primarilyamounts relate to the integrationamortization of deferred gains from real estate transactions in 2017 and 2018. Refer to Note 9, Leases. Additionally, we reclassified amounts in other comprehensive income from foreign currency translation, net of tax, to other, for the acquisition of Cedar Creek.nine months ended October 2, 2021, and three and nine months ended September 26, 2020.

We have reclassified certain payables within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for the year ended January 2, 2021, from other current liabilities to taxes payable. These payables relate to amounts due to various tax authorities.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Income Taxes
. In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2019-12, “Income taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.” This ASU simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The amendments in this standard are effective for interim periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is
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Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
Leases.  In 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” Topic 842 established a new lease accounting model. The most significant changes included the clarification of the definition of a lease, the requirement for lessees to recognize for all leases a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability in the consolidated balance sheet, and additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures which were designed to give financial statement users information on the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. Expenses were recognized in the consolidated statement of income in a manner similar to prior accounting guidance. Lessor accounting under the new standard was substantially unchanged.permitted. We adopted this standard and all related amendments thereto, effective December 30, 2018,for the first dayfiscal quarter of our 2019 fiscal year, using a modified retrospective approach, which applied the provisions of the new guidance at the effective date without adjusting the comparative periods presented. We have elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed us to carry forward the historical accounting relating to lease identification and classification for existing leases upon adoption. We have made an accounting policy election to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off of the consolidated balance sheet. We implemented internal controls and a lease accounting information system to enable the preparation of financial information required by the new standard.2021. The adoption of Topic 842 had a material impact on our condensed consolidated balance sheets butthis standard did not have a material impact on our condensedthe Company’s consolidated statementsfinancial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Defined Benefit Pension Plan. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, “Compensation-Retirement-Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20).” The amendments in this update modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other post-retirement plans by removing six previously required disclosures and comprehensive loss.adding two. The most significant impact wasASU also removes the recognitiondisclosure requirements for the effects of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of $57.5 milliona one-percentage-point change on the condensedassumed health care costs and the effect of this change in rates on service cost, interest cost, and the benefit obligation for postretirement healthcare benefits. We adopted this standard effective for fiscal year 2020. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheet asfinancial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Fair Value Measurement. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Fair Value (“FV”) Measurement (Topic 820).” In addition to making certain modifications, the standard removed the requirements to disclose: (i) the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the FV hierarchy; (ii) the policy for timing transfers between levels; and (iii) the valuation process for Level 3 FV measurements. The standard requires public entities to disclose: (a) the changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 FV measurements held at the end of the reporting period; and (b) the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. For certain unobservable inputs, an entity may disclose other quantitative information in lieu of the weighted average if the entity determines that other quantitative information would be a more reasonable and rational method to reflect the distribution of unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 FV measurements. The additional disclosure requirements are applied prospectively for the most recent interim or annual period presented in the fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments are applied retrospectively to all periods presented. We adopted this standard effective December 29, 2019, the first day of our 2020 fiscal year. The adoption date. Additionally, $1.7 million of deferred gains associated with sale-leaseback transactions was recorded asthis standard did not have a cumulative-effect adjustment to accumulated deficit.material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Accounting Standards Effective in Future Periods

Credit Impairment Losses. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326).” This ASU sets forth a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model which requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial instruments or other assets (e.g., trade receivables), held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model, is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost, and applies to some off-balance sheet credit exposures. The standard also requires enhanced disclosures to help financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an entity's portfolio. ASU 2019-10 extended the effective date of ASU 2016-13 to interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022, for certain public business entities, including smaller reporting companies. We have not completed our assessment of the standard, but we do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
2. Inventories
. In August 2018,
Our inventories consist almost entirely of finished goods inventory, with an immaterial amount of work-in-process inventory. The cost of all inventories is determined by the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, “Compensation-Retirement-Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20).” The amendments in this update modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other post-retirement plans by removing six previously required disclosures and adding two. The amendments also clarify certain other disclosure requirements. The amendments in this standard are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted.moving average cost method. We have not completedincluded all material charges directly incurred in bringing inventory to its existing condition and location. We evaluate our assessmentinventory value at the end of each quarter to ensure that inventory, when viewed by category, is carried at the standard, butlower of cost and net realizable value, which also considers items that may be considered damaged, excess, and obsolete inventory. For the three month periods ended October 2, 2021, we do not expectreleased a lower of cost or net realizable value reserve of $16.7 million resulting from the adoptiondecrease in value of our structural lumber inventory related to have a materialthe decline in wood-based commodity prices, accrued during the second quarter of fiscal 2021, as the inventory impacted by the reserve was sold to customers. The lower of cost of net realizable value reserve of $16.7 million had no net impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Income Taxes. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No.2019-12, “Income taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.” This ASU simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in ASC 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The amendments in this standard are effective for interim periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of the new guidance, but do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.nine month period ended October 2, 2021.
2.3. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
In connection with the acquisition of Cedar Creek on April 13, 2018, we acquired certain intangible assets. As of September 26, 2020,October 2, 2021, our intangible assets consist of goodwill and other intangible assets including customer relationships, noncompete agreements, and trade names.


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Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the fair value of tangible and intangible assets (including customer relationships, noncompete agreements, and trade names) acquired, and liabilities assumed, under acquisition accounting for business combinations. As of September 26, 2020,October 2, 2021, goodwill was $47.8 million.
Goodwill is not subject to amortization but must be tested for impairment at least annually. This test requires us to assign goodwill to a reporting unit and to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is less than its carrying amount. We evaluate goodwill for impairment during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. In addition, we will evaluate the carrying value for impairment between annual impairment tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Such events and indicators may include, without limitation, significant declines in the industries in which our products are used, significant changes in capital market conditions, and significant changes in our market capitalization. No such indicators were present during the third quarter of fiscal 2021. Our 1 reporting unit has a fair value that exceeds its bookcarrying value as of September 26, 2020.October 2, 2021.
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
On September 26, 2020,October 2, 2021, the gross carrying amounts, accumulated amortization, and net carrying amounts of our definite-lived intangible assets were as follows:
Gross carrying amountsAccumulated
Amortization
(1)Net carrying amounts
Intangible AssetIntangible AssetWeighted Average Remaining Useful LivesGross Carrying Amounts
Accumulated
    Amortization (1)
Net Carrying Amounts
     (In thousands)(Years)     (In thousands)
Customer relationshipsCustomer relationships$25,500 $(9,131)$16,369 Customer relationships9$25,500 $(11,912)$13,588 
Noncompete agreementsNoncompete agreements8,254 (5,079)3,175 Noncompete agreements18,254 (7,143)1,111 
Trade namesTrade names6,826 (5,601)1,225 Trade names 06,826 (6,826)— 
TotalTotal$40,580 $(19,811)$20,769 Total$40,580 $(25,881)$14,699 

(1) Intangible assets, except customer relationships, are amortized on a straight-line basis. Customer relationships are amortized on a double declining balance method.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2021, our trade names intangible asset became fully amortized.
Amortization Expense
The weighted average estimated useful life remaining for customer relationships, noncompete agreements, and trade names is approximately 10 years, 2 years, and 1 year, respectively. Amortization expense for theour definite-lived intangible assets was $1.8$1.1 million and $5.6$4.2 million for the three-three and nine-monthnine month periods ended October 2, 2021, respectively. For the three and nine month periods ended September 26, 2020, respectively. For the three- and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2019, amortization expense was $2.0$1.8 million and $6.1$5.6 million, respectively.
Estimated amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets for the remaining portion of 20202021 and the next five fiscal years is as follows:
Estimated Amortization
(In thousands)
2020$1,823 
20215,321 
20222,763 
20231,807 
20241,505 
20251,423 

3. Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when control of promised goods or services is transferred to the Company’s customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.
Fiscal yearEstimated Amortization
(In thousands)
2021$1,131 
20222,763 
20231,807 
20241,505 
20251,423 
20261,423 

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4. Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when the following criteria are met: (1) Contract with the customer has been identified; (2) Performance obligations in the contract have been identified; (3) Transaction price has been determined; (4) Transaction price has been allocated to the performance obligations; and (5) When (or as) performance obligations are satisfied.

Contracts with our customers are generally in the form of standard terms and conditions of sale. From time to time, we may enter into specific contracts, which may affect delivery terms. Performance obligations in our contracts generally consist solely of delivery of goods. For all sales channel types, consisting of warehouse, direct, and reload sales, we typically satisfy our performance obligations upon shipment. Our customer payment terms are typical for our industry, and may vary by the type and location of our customer and the products or services offered. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not deemed to be significant by us. For certain sales channels and/or products, our standard terms of payment may be as early as 10 days.
In addition, we provide inventory to certain customers through pre-arranged agreements on a consignment basis. Customer consigned inventory is maintained and stored by certain customers; however, ownership and risk of loss remain with us.
All revenues recognized are net of trade allowances (i.e., rebates), cash discounts, and sales returns. Cash discounts and sales returns are estimated using historical experience. Trade allowances are based on the estimated obligations and historical experience. Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to estimates on discounts and returns have been insignificant for each of the reported periods. Certain customers may receive cash-based incentives or credits, which are accounted for as variable consideration. We estimate these amounts based on the expected amount to be provided to customers and reduce revenues recognized. We believe that there will not be significant changes to our estimates of variable consideration.
The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by revenue source. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year product mix of structural and specialty products. Sales and usage-based taxes are excluded from revenues.
Three Months EndedNine Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 26, 2020September 28, 2019September 26, 2020September 28, 2019
Product typeProduct typeOctober 2, 2021September 26, 2020October 2, 2021September 26, 2020
(In thousands)(In thousands)(In thousands)(In thousands)
Structural productsStructural products$375,072 $225,689 $865,302 $646,646 Structural products$329,818 $375,072 $1,425,389 $865,302 
Specialty productsSpecialty products495,991 452,976 1,366,607 1,377,168 Specialty products641,024 495,991 1,878,835 1,366,607 
Total net salesTotal net sales$871,063 $678,665 $2,231,909 $2,023,814 Total net sales$970,842 $871,063 $3,304,224 $2,231,909 

The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by sales channel. Following the acquisition and integration of Cedar Creek,Warehouse sales are delivered from our reloadwarehouses. Reload sales were less distinct fromare similar to warehouse sales as they have been classified in prior periods. In addition,but are shipped from timewarehouses, most of which are operated by third-parties, where we store owned products to time we may also make changesenhance our operating efficiencies. This channel is employed primarily to certain intercompany allocations amongstservice strategic customers that would be less economical to service from our warehouses, and to distribute large volumes of imported products from port facilities. Direct sales channels. Asare shipped from the manufacturer to the customer without our taking physical possession of the inventory and, as a result, certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform totypically generate lower margins than our warehouse and reload distribution channels. This distribution channel requires the current period revenues disaggregated by sales channel. Such reclassifications do not have an impact on total net sales as reported in any period.lowest amount of committed capital and fixed costs. Sales and usage-based taxes are excluded from revenues.
Three Months EndedNine Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 26, 2020September 28, 2019September 26, 2020September 28, 2019
Sales channelSales channelOctober 2, 2021September 26, 2020October 2, 2021September 26, 2020
(In thousands)(In thousands)(In thousands)(In thousands)
Warehouse and reloadWarehouse and reload$745,185 $589,550 $1,901,285 $1,706,800 Warehouse and reload$783,758 $745,185 $2,695,326 $1,901,285 
DirectDirect138,750 102,480 363,250 347,692 Direct204,524 138,750 660,934 363,250 
Customer discounts and rebatesCustomer discounts and rebates(12,872)(13,365)(32,626)(30,678)Customer discounts and rebates(17,440)(12,872)(52,036)(32,626)
Total net salesTotal net sales$871,063 $678,665 $2,231,909 $2,023,814 Total net sales$970,842 $871,063 $3,304,224 $2,231,909 

Practical Expedients and Exemptions

We generally expense sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within selling, general, and administrative expense.

We have made an accounting policy election to treat outbound shipping and handling activities as an expense.

4.5. Assets Held for Sale

NaN of our non-operating properties were designated as held for sale as of September 26, 2020. These properties consisted of 2 former distribution facilities located in the Midwest and Southeast. We vacated these properties and designated them as
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held for sale during fiscal 2019 due to their proximity to other locations after the Cedar Creek acquisition. During the three-month period ended September 26, 2020, 1 property identified as held for sale during fiscal 2019 was returned to operations as we decided to restart operations at our owned Grand Rapids facility. As of September 26, 2020,October 2, 2021, and December 28, 2019,January 2, 2021, the net book value of total assets held for sale was $0.7$0.9 million and $1.1$1.3 million, respectively, and was included in “Other current assets” in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Only 1 of our non-
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operating properties was designated as “held for sale” as of October 2, 2021. This property is a former distribution facility located in Houston, Texas. We vacated this property and designated it as held for sale during fiscal 2020. We continue to actively market all properties that are designated as held for sale,this property, and we plan to sell these propertiesthis property within the next 12 months.

5.6. Long-Term Debt

As of September 26, 2020,October 2, 2021, and December 28, 2019,January 2, 2021, long-term debt consisted of the following:
September 26, 2020December 28, 2019
Debt categoriesOctober 2, 2021January 2, 2021
(In thousands)(In thousands)
$262,975 $326,496 
Revolving Credit Facility (1)
$223,149 $288,247 
Term Loan Facility (2)
Term Loan Facility (2)
57,813 146,674 
Term Loan Facility (2)
— 43,204 
Finance lease obligations (3)
Finance lease obligations (3)
273,222 198,011 
Finance lease obligations (3)
276,920 273,118 
594,010 671,181 500,069 604,569 
Unamortized debt issuance costsUnamortized debt issuance costs(10,004)(12,555)Unamortized debt issuance costs(3,608)(9,010)
584,006 658,626 496,461 595,559 
Less: current maturities of long-term debtLess: current maturities of long-term debt7,004 8,662 Less: current maturities of long-term debt5,606 6,846 
Long-term debt, net of current maturitiesLong-term debt, net of current maturities$577,002 $649,964 Long-term debt, net of current maturities$490,855 $588,713 

(1) The weighted average effective interest rate was 2.52.0 percent and 3.92.8 percent as of September 26, 2020for the quarters ended October 2, 2021 and December 28, 2019,January 2, 2021, respectively.
(2) The weighted average interest rate, exclusive of fees and prepayment premiums, was 8.0 percent and 8.7 percent as of September 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019, respectively.for the quarter ended January 2, 2021.
(3) Refer to Note 8,9, Leases, for interest rates associated with finance lease obligations.

Revolving Credit Facility

We have a revolving credit facility that we entered into in April 2018 with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (“the Agent”), and certain other financial institutions party thereto (thethereto. On August 2, 2021, we entered into a second amendment to the facility to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the facility to August 2, 2026, and reduce the interest rate on borrowings under the facility (as amended, the “Revolving Credit Facility”), with a maturity date of October 10, 2022. .

The Revolving Credit facilityFacility includes a committed senior secured asset-based revolving loan and letter of credit facility of up to $600$600.0 million, and an uncommitted accordion feature that permits us to increase the facility by an aggregate additional principal amount of up to $150$150.0 million.Our obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by a security interest in substantially all of our assets other than real property.

Loans under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to (i) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.751.25 percent to 2.251.75 percent, with the amount of such margin determined based upon the average of our excess availability for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter as calculated by the administrative agent, for loans based on LIBOR, or (ii) the administrative agent’s base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.750.25 percent to 1.250.75 percent, with the amount of such margin determined based upon the average of our excess availability for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter as calculated by the administrative agent, for loans based on the base rate.
We amended theAs of October 2, 2021, we had outstanding borrowings of $223.1 million and excess availability of $351.9 million under our Revolving Credit Facility onFacility. As of January 31, 2020, to provide that (i)2, 2021, we had outstanding borrowings of $288.2 million and excess availability of $184.3 million under our Revolving Credit Facility. Our average effective interest rate under the “Seasonal Period” will run from November 15, 2019, through July 15, 2020,facility was 2.0 percent and 2.8 percent for the calendar year 2019,quarters ended October 2, 2021 and from December 15 of each calendar year through April 15 of each immediately succeeding calendar year forJanuary 2, 2021, respectively. For the calendar yearquarter ended September 26, 2020, and thereafter, and (ii) the measurement period in the definition of “Cash Dominion Event” will be five consecutive business days instead of three consecutive business days. The adjustment to the Seasonal Period better aligns advance ratesour average effective interest rate under the Revolving Credit Facility with the seasonality in our business and provided us with an enhanced borrowing base and greater liquidity through July 15, 2020.
As of September 26, 2020, we had outstanding borrowings of $263.0 million, excess availability of $202.1 million, and a weighted average interest rate of 2.5was 2.7 percent. As of December 28, 2019, our principal balance was $326.5 million, excess availability was $80.0 million, and our weighted average interest rate was 3.9 percent.
The Revolving Credit Facility contains certain financial and other covenants, and our right to borrow under the Revolving Credit Facility is conditioned upon, among other things, our compliance with these covenants. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility as of September 26, 2020.October 2, 2021.

On October 25, 2021, we closed a private offering of $300.0 million at 6.0% senior secured notes to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers,” as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“The Securities Act”), and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States under Regulation S under the Securities Act. The 2029 Notes were issued to investors at 98.625% of their principal amount and will mature on November 15, 2029. The majority of
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net proceeds from the offering of the senior secured notes were used to repay borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. In conjunction with this offering, we reduced the limit of the Revolving Credit Facility from $600.0 million to $350.0 million.

Term Loan Facility

We have a term loan facility that we entered into in April 2018 with HPS Investments Partners, LLC, as administrative and collateral agent, and certain other financial institutions party thereto (the “Term Loan Facility”), with a maturity date of October 13, 2023. The Term Loan Facility provides for a senior secured first lien loan facility in an initial aggregate principal amount of $180 million and is secured by a security interest in substantially all of our assets.
The Term Loan Facility requires monthly interest payments, and also requires quarterly principal payments of $402,282, in arrears, with the remaining balance due on the maturity date. The Term Loan Facility also requires certain mandatory prepayments of outstanding loans, subject to certain exceptions. The Term Loan Facility required maintenance of a total net leverage ratio of 8.75 to 1.00 for the quarter ending September 26, 2020. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Term Loan Facility as of September 26, 2020.
Borrowings under the Term Loan Facility may be made as Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Rate Loans. The Base Rate Loans will bear interest at the rate per annum equal to (i) the greatest of the (a) U.S. prime lending rate published in The Wall Street Journal, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50 percent, and (c) the sum of the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate of one month plus 1.00 percent, provided that the Base Rate shall at no time be less than 2.00 percent per annum; plus (ii) the Applicable Margin, as described below. Eurodollar Rate Loans will bear interest at the rate per annum equal to (i) the ICE Benchmark Administration LIBOR Rate, provided that the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate shall at no time be less than 1.00 percent per annum; plus (ii) the Applicable Margin. The Applicable Margin will be 6.00 percent with respect to Base Rate Loans and 7.00 percent with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans.
We amended the Term Loan Facility on December 31, 2019, to extend the period for satisfying the designated principal balance level required to maintain the modified total net leverage ratio covenant levels for the 2019 fourth and subsequent quarters thereunder, which was satisfied on January 31, 2020, through repayments from proceeds from the real estate financing transactions described in Note 8. On February 28, 2020, we further amended the Term Loan Facility to provide that we would not be subject to the facility’s total net leverage ratio covenant from and after the time, and then for so long as, the principal balance level under the facility is less than $45 million. On April 1, 2020, we amended the Term Loan Facility to, among other things, modify the total net leverage ratio covenant levels for the 2020 second and third quarters. All other total net leverage ratio covenant levels for prior and future quarters were unchanged.
As of September 26, 2020,January 2, 2021, we had outstanding borrowings of $57.8$43.2 million under theour Term Loan Facility and an interest rate of 8.0 percent per annum. As of December 28, 2019, our principal balance was $146.7 million with an interest rate of 8.7 percent per annum. The decrease inFacility. On April 2, 2021, we repaid the remaining outstanding borrowings was due to the principal payments described above and the net proceeds of the real estate financing transactions described in Note 8 being applied to the Term Loan Facility.

On October 2, 2020, we reduced the principal balance of the Term Loan Facility, to $44.4 million, and, as a result, as of October 2, 2021, we arehad no longer subject tooutstanding borrowings under the Facility’s total net leverage ratio covenant beginningTerm Loan Facility, which has been extinguished. In connection with our 2020 fourth quarter.repayment of the outstanding principal balance in full on April 2, 2021, we expensed $5.8 million of debt issuance costs during the first quarter of fiscal 2021 that we had been amortizing in connection with our former Term Loan Facility. These costs are included within interest expense, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and reported separately as an adjustment to net income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Our average interest rate under the facility, exclusive of fees and prepayment premiums, was approximately 8.0 percent for the quarter ended January 2, 2021.

Finance Lease Obligations

Our finance lease liabilities consist of leases related to equipment and vehicles, and real estate, with the majority of those finance leases related to real estate. For more information on our finance lease obligations, refer to Note 8,9, Leases.

6.7. Net Periodic Pension (Benefit) CostBenefit
The following table shows the components of our net periodic pension (benefit) cost:benefit:
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 26, 2020September 28, 2019September 26, 2020September 28, 2019
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Service cost$$29 $$190 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation723 881 2,169 2,899 
Expected return on plan assets(1,210)(1,339)(3,630)(3,828)
Amortization of unrecognized loss263 278 789 857 
Net periodic pension (benefit) cost$(224)$(151)$(672)$118 
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Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
Pension-related itemsOctober 2, 2021September 26, 2020October 2, 2021September 26, 2020
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Service cost (1)
$— $— $— $— 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation505 723 1,515 2,169 
Expected return on plan assets(1,140)(1,210)(3,420)(3,630)
Amortization of unrecognized gain321 263 963 789 
Net periodic pension benefit$(314)$(224)$(942)$(672)

(1)
Service cost is not a part of our net periodic pension benefit as our pension plan is frozen for all participants.
The net periodic pension benefit is included in other expense (income), net, in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income.


7.8. Stock Compensation
Stock Compensation Expense
During the three monthsand nine month periods ended October 2, 2021, we incurred stock compensation expense of $1.6 million and $5.0 million, respectively. For the three and nine month periods ended September 26, 2020, and September 28, 2019, we incurred stock compensation expense of $1.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 26, 2020, and September 28, 2019, we incurred stock compensation expense of $2.9 million and $2.5 million, respectively.million. The increase in our stock compensation expense for the nine-month period isthree and nine month periods ended 2021 are attributable to having more outstanding equity-based awards during these periodsthis period than in the prior year and the vesting of awards in connection with the departure of certain employees. In addition, the stock price has increased during fiscal year 2021 compared to 2020.
8.9. Leases
We have operating and finance leases for certain of our distribution facilities, office space, land, mobile fleet, and equipment. Many of our leases are non-cancelable and typically have a defined initial lease term, and some provide options to renew at our election for specified periods of time. The majority of our leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 15 years, some of which include 1 or more options to extend the leases for 5 years. Our leases generally provide for fixed annual rentals. Certain of our leases include provisions for escalating rent based on, among other things, contractually defined increases and/or changes in the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”). The known changes to lease payments are included in the lease liability at lease commencement. Unknown changes related to CPI are treated as variable lease payments and recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments was incurred. In addition, a subset of our vehicle lease cost is considered variable. Some of our leases require us to pay taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses associated with the leased assets. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
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We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception and assess lease classification as either operating or finance at lease inception or modification. Operating lease right-of use (“ROU”) assets and liabilities are presented separately on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Finance lease ROU assets are included in property and equipment and the finance lease obligations are presented separately in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. When a lease does not provide an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. We have also made the accounting policy election to not separate lease components from non-lease components related to our mobile fleet asset class.
Finance Lease Liabilities
Our finance lease liabilities consist of leases related to equipment and vehicles, and real estate. As noted in the table below, a majority of our finance leases, formally known as capital leases, relate to real estate.

During 2017the first and 2018,second quarters of fiscal 2021, we recorded finance leases of $10.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, related to new tractors put into service as part of our mobile fleet. These leases were entered into real estate financing transactions onfor a period of four years each.

Additionally, during the second quarter of fiscal 2021, we recorded operating leases totaling $5.0 million related to warehouse facilities in Tampa, FL; Ft. Worth, TX; Bellingham, PA; Frederick, MD; Lawrenceville, GA;Milwaukee, WI, and Raleigh,Statesville, NC. These transactions were completed pursuant to sale-leaseback arrangements, and upon their completion, weEach lease was entered into long-term leases on the properties for initial terms of 15 years with multiple 5-year renewal options, with one having a single 10-year renewal option. We accounted for these transactions in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 840, which was the lease accounting standard in effect at the inception of these arrangements. We have recorded these transactions as finance lease liabilities on our balance sheet. As of September 26, 2020, and December 28, 2019, total unrecognized deferred gains related to these transactions were $83.0 million and $85.8 million, respectively.

On May 19, 2019, we completed a real estate financing transaction on a warehouse facility in University Park, IL for net proceeds of $21.8 million. On June 20, 2019, we completed a real estate financing transaction on a warehouse facility in Yulee, FL for net proceeds of $13.3 million. These two transactions were completed pursuant to sale-leaseback arrangements, and upon their completion, we entered into long-term leases on the properties for initial terms of 15 years with multiple 5-year renewal options. Gross proceeds of these transactions were $45.0 million.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we completed several real estate financing transactions. On December 31, 2019, we completed real estate financing transactions on warehouse facilities in Madison, TN; Kansas City, MO; Richmond, VA; and Bridgeton, MO for aggregate net proceeds of $27.2 million. On January 31, 2020, we completed real estate financing transactions on warehouse facilities in Charlotte, NC; Memphis, TN; Independence, KY; San Antonio, TX; Portland, ME; Denville, NJ; Yaphank, NY; Pensacola, FL; and Tallmadge, OH for aggregate net proceeds of $34.1 million. On February 28, 2020, we completed a real estate financing transaction on a warehouse facility in Elkhart, IN for net proceeds of $7.5 million. These transactions were completed pursuant to sale-leaseback arrangements, and upon their completion, we entered into long-term leases on the properties for initial terms from 15 years to 18 years with multiple 5-year renewal options. Gross proceeds of these transactions were $78.3 million.

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We determined that the transactions in fiscal 2019 and in the first quarter of the current fiscal year did not qualify as sales in accordance with ASC 842. Therefore, for accounting purposes, the transactions were not accounted for as sale-leaseback transactions, and no gain or loss was recorded. We determined that these leases qualified for finance lease treatment and recorded them accordingly. The net book value of the assets related to these transactions remains on our books as property and equipment and we continue to depreciate the assets over their remaining useful lives.

On August 14, 2020, we entered into a sale-leaseback arrangement on our warehouse facility in Denver, CO. We determined that this transaction qualified as a sale in accordance with ASC 842 and the lease qualified for operating lease treatment. Gross proceeds of this transaction were $11.0 million and we recognized a related gain of $8.7 million. Upon completion of the transaction, we entered into a long-term lease on the property for an initial termperiod of fiveten years, with multiple 5-yearand has 2 five-year renewal options. Net proceeds of the transaction were $10.6 million, which were used to pay down our Term Loan Facility.

A portion of our real estate lease cost is generally subject to annual changes in the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”). The known changes to lease payments are included in the lease liability at lease commencement. Unknown changes related to CPI are treated as variable lease payments and recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments was incurred. In addition, a subset of our vehicle lease cost is considered variable.
The following table presents our assets and liabilities related to our leases as of September 26, 2020October 2, 2021 and December 28, 2019:January 2, 2021:
September 26, 2020December 28, 2019
Lease assets and liabilitiesOctober 2, 2021January 2, 2021
(In thousands)(In thousands)
AssetsClassification
Operating lease right-of-use assetsOperating lease right-of-use assets$53,124 $54,408 Operating lease right-of-use assets$51,178 $51,142 
Finance lease right-of-use assets (1)
Finance lease right-of-use assets (1)
Property and equipment, net151,017 141,922 
Finance lease right-of-use assets (1)
Property and equipment, net148,426 148,561 
Total lease right-of-use assetsTotal lease right-of-use assets$204,141 $196,330 Total lease right-of-use assets$199,604 $199,703 
LiabilitiesLiabilitiesLiabilities
Current portionCurrent portionCurrent portion
Operating lease liabilitiesOperating lease liabilitiesOperating lease liabilities - short term$6,926 $7,317 Operating lease liabilitiesOperating lease liabilities - short term$4,881 $6,076 
Finance lease liabilitiesFinance lease liabilitiesFinance lease liabilities - short term5,469 6,486 Finance lease liabilitiesFinance lease liabilities - short term5,606 5,675 
Non-current portionNon-current portionNon-current portion
Operating lease liabilitiesOperating lease liabilitiesOperating lease liabilities - long term45,883 47,091 Operating lease liabilitiesOperating lease liabilities - long term46,412 44,965 
Finance lease liabilitiesFinance lease liabilitiesFinance lease liabilities - long term267,753 191,525 Finance lease liabilitiesFinance lease liabilities - long term271,314 267,443 
Total lease liabilitiesTotal lease liabilities$326,031 $252,419 Total lease liabilities$328,213 $324,159 
(1) Finance lease right-of-use assets are presented net of accumulated amortization of $55.9$70.8 million and $30.8$58.6 million as of September 26, 2020October 2, 2021 and December 28, 2019,January 2, 2021, respectively.
The components of lease expense were as follows:
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 26, 2020September 28, 2019September 26, 2020September 28, 2019
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Operating lease cost:$3,108 $2,911 $9,206 $9,047 
Finance lease cost:
   Amortization of right-of-use assets$4,648 $2,699 $11,526 $8,722 
   Interest on lease liabilities4,949 4,347 17,670 12,216 
Total finance lease costs$9,597 $7,046 $29,196 $20,938 

Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
Components of lease expenseOctober 2, 2021September 26, 2020October 2, 2021September 26, 2020
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Operating lease cost:$2,959 $3,108 $8,942 $9,206 
Finance lease cost:
   Amortization of right-of-use assets$4,012 $4,648 $12,209 $11,526 
   Interest on lease liabilities6,244 4,949 18,659 17,670 
Total finance lease costs$10,256 $9,597 $30,868 $29,196 
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Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
Three Months EndedNine Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 26, 2020September 28, 2019September 26, 2020September 28, 2019
Cash flow informationCash flow informationOctober 2, 2021September 26, 2020October 2, 2021September 26, 2020
(In thousands)
(In thousands)(In thousands)(In thousands)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilitiesCash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilitiesCash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from operating leases Operating cash flows from operating leases$3,029 $2,990 $8,662 $8,957  Operating cash flows from operating leases$2,822 $3,029 $8,193 $8,662 
Operating cash flows from finance leases Operating cash flows from finance leases4,949 4,347 17,670 12,216  Operating cash flows from finance leases6,244 4,949 18,659 17,670 
Financing cash flows from finance leases Financing cash flows from finance leases$2,893 $2,421 $7,327 $6,652  Financing cash flows from finance leases$3,026 $2,893 $7,697 $7,327 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligationsRight-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligationsRight-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations
Operating leases Operating leases$3,640 $$3,668 $ Operating leases$217 $3,640 $5,508 $3,668 
Finance leases Finance leases$3,145 $14,403 $3,145 $18,652  Finance leases$— $3,145 $10,549 $3,145 
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:
September 26, 2020December 28, 2019
Balance sheet informationBalance sheet informationOctober 2, 2021January 2, 2021
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Finance leasesFinance leasesFinance leases
Property and equipment Property and equipment$206,920 $172,720  Property and equipment$219,192 $207,147 
Accumulated depreciation Accumulated depreciation(55,903)(30,798) Accumulated depreciation(70,766)(58,586)
Property and equipment, netProperty and equipment, net$151,017 $141,922 Property and equipment, net$148,426 $148,561 
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (in years)Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (in years)Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (in years)
Operating leases Operating leases11.1211.71 Operating leases10.8611.14
Finance leases Finance leases16.2917.12 Finance leases16.0516.08
Weighted Average Discount RateWeighted Average Discount RateWeighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases Operating leases9.24 %9.34 % Operating leases9.00 %9.28 %
Finance leases Finance leases9.86 %10.11 % Finance leases9.94 %9.87 %
The major categories of our finance lease liabilities as of September 26, 2020October 2, 2021 and December 28, 2019January 2, 2021 are as follows:
September 26, 2020December 28, 2019
(In thousands)
Equipment and vehicles$29,451 $32,471 
Real estate243,771 165,540 
Total finance leases$273,222 $198,011 






CategoryOctober 2, 2021January 2, 2021
(In thousands)
Equipment and vehicles$33,717 $29,434 
Real estate243,203 243,684 
Total finance leases$276,920 $273,118 
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As of September 26, 2020,October 2, 2021, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:
Fiscal yearFiscal yearOperating leasesFinance leases
Operating leasesFinance leases(In thousands)
(In thousands)
2020$11,727 $6,729 
202120219,383 30,025 2021$10,134 $8,238 
202220228,641 29,325 20229,402 32,495 
202320237,286 28,996 20237,943 32,191 
202420247,590 28,376 20248,207 31,575 
202520257,322 27,850 
ThereafterThereafter45,803 408,808 Thereafter42,310 379,747 
Total lease paymentsTotal lease payments$90,430 $532,259 Total lease payments$85,318 $512,096 
Less: imputed interestLess: imputed interest(37,621)(259,037)Less: imputed interest(34,025)(235,176)
TotalTotal$52,809 $273,222 Total$51,293 $276,920 

On December 28, 2019,January 2, 2021, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:
Fiscal yearFiscal yearOperating leasesFinance leases
Operating leasesFinance leases(In thousands)
(In thousands)
2020$11,348 $24,002 
2021202110,111 23,052 2021$11,215 $30,159 
202220228,048 22,230 20229,161 29,453 
202320237,330 21,854 20238,400 29,189 
202420246,413 21,380 20247,283 28,649 
202520257,392 28,102 
ThereafterThereafter50,901 327,439 Thereafter44,092 380,511 
Total lease paymentsTotal lease payments$94,151 $439,957 Total lease payments$87,543 $526,063 
Less: imputed interestLess: imputed interest(39,743)(241,946)Less: imputed interest(36,502)(252,945)
TotalTotal$54,408 $198,011 Total$51,041 $273,118 

9.10. Commitments and Contingencies
Environmental and Legal Matters
From time to time, we are involved in various proceedings incidental to our businesses, and we are subject to a variety of environmental and pollution control laws and regulations in all jurisdictions in which we operate. Although the ultimate outcome of these proceedings cannot be determined with certainty, based on presently available information management believes that adequate reserves have been established for probable losses with respect thereto and receivables recorded for expected receipts from settlements. Management further believes that, while the ultimate outcome of one or more of these matters could be material to our operating results in any given quarter, it will not have a materially adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, our results of operations, or our cash flows.
Collective Bargaining Agreements
As of September 26, 2020,October 2, 2021, we had 2,000employed approximately 2,100 employees and less than 1 percent of our employees are employed on a full-time basis, and approximately 22part-time basis. Approximately 23 percent of our employees were represented by various local labor unionunions with terms and conditions of employment subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements (“CBAs”). Approximately 1 negotiated between the Company and local labor unions. NaN CBAs covering approximately 6 percent of our employees are covered by 3 CBAs that are up for renewal in fiscal 2020. As of September 26, 2020, 1 of these CBAs was renewed and2021, with 3 having been successfully renegotiated earlier this year. We expect to renegotiate the remaining 2 are expected to be renegotiated beforeCBAs by the end of the year.
10.11. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive lossincome includes both net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss).income. Other comprehensive income (loss) results from items deferred from recognition into our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.Income. Accumulated other comprehensive loss is separately presented on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as part of stockholders’ equity (deficit).equity.
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The changes in balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 26, 2020,October 2, 2021, were as follows:
Foreign currency, net
of tax
Defined
benefit pension
plan, net of tax
Other,
net of tax
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
(In thousands)
December 28, 2019, beginning balance$666 $(35,441)$212 $(34,563)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax (1)
604 (10)602 
September 26, 2020, ending balance, net of tax$674 $(34,837)$202 $(33,961)
Foreign currency, net
of tax
Defined
benefit pension
plan, net of tax
Other,
net of tax
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
(In thousands)
January 2, 2021, beginning balance, net of tax$660 $(36,855)$203 $(35,992)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax (1)
723 17 747 
October 2, 2021, ending balance, net of tax$667 $(36,132)$220 $(35,245)

(1) For the nine months ended September 26, 2020,October 2, 2021, the actuarial lossgain recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) as a component of net periodic pension costbenefit was $0.8$0.9 million,, net of tax of $0.2 million. Please see Note 6,7, Net Periodic Pension (Benefit) CostBenefit, for further information.

11.12. Income Taxes

Effective Tax Rate

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended October 2, 2021, and September 26, 2020, and September 28, 2019, was 22.325.6 percent and (3.6)22.3 percent, respectively. Our effective tax rate for the threenine months ended October 2, 2021, and September 26, 2020, was 24.7 percent and 18.9 percent, respectively.

Our effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2021 was impacted by the permanent addback of certain nondeductible expenses, including meals and entertainment and officer’sexecutive compensation, andslightly offset by the effectpartial release of the partial valuation allowance for separate company state net operating loss carryforwards we anticipate being able to utilize based on our taxable income through the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2021.

Our effective tax lossesrate for the three and previouslynine months ended September 26, 2020 was primarily impacted by a discrete tax benefit resulting from the release of the valuation allowance associated with nondeductible interest expense under Section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”). as a result of changes allowed under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act that was enacted on March 27, 2020 which raised the allowable percentage of deductible interest from 30 percent to 50 percent of adjusted taxable income. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 28, 2019,same periods was further impacted by the permanent addback of certain nondeductible expenses, including meals and entertainment and executive compensation, and the effect of the partial valuation allowance for separate company state income tax losses, and consolidated interest expense limitation, including $0.6 million in discrete taxcombined with expense related to prior periods. In addition, we recorded discrete tax expense of $0.2 million for a shortfall on the vesting of our restricted stock units, which was offset by a $0.2 million discrete tax benefit for claiming tax credits.units.

Our effective tax rate was 18.9 percent and (0.9) percent, for the first nine months of fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 26, 2020, was impacted by (i) the discrete tax benefit of $3.9 million resulting from the release of the valuation allowance associated with the nondeductible interest expense under Section 163(j) of the IRC as a result of changes under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act (which was enacted on March 27, 2020, and contained, among other things, several tax-based measures meant to counteract the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic) to increase the allowable percentage from 30 percent of adjusted taxable income to 50 percent of adjusted taxable income, (ii) recording discrete tax expense of $0.4 million for a shortfall on the vesting of our restricted stock units, (iii) the permanent addback of certain nondeductible expenses, including meals and entertainment and nondeductible compensation, and (iv) the effect of the partial valuation allowance for separate company state income tax losses and previously nondeductible interest expense under Section 163(j) of the IRC. Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 28, 2019, was impacted by the permanent addback of certain nondeductible expenses, including meals and entertainment and executive compensation and the effect of the valuation allowance for separate company state income tax losses and consolidated interest expense limitation, including $0.6 million in discrete tax expense related to prior periods. In addition, during the first nine months of fiscal 2019, we recorded discrete tax expense of $0.2 million for a shortfall on vesting of our restricted stock units, which was offset by a $0.2 million discrete tax benefit for claiming state tax credits.Deferred Tax Assets

Our financial statements contain certainQuarterly, we assess the carrying value of our deferred tax assets which primarily resulted from tax benefits associated with temporary differences related to certain reserves, pension obligations, differences between book and tax depreciation and amortization, realized gains upon the sales of real estate, and both federal and state net operating losses. Currently, we have a valuation allowance that covers (i) certain company state net operating loss carryforwards and (ii) disallowed interest calculated pursuant to the changes madefor impairment by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, as adjusted by the CARES Act.

We record a valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets when we determine that, based onevaluating the weight of available evidence it is more likely than not that our net deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences can be carried forward under tax law. Atat the end of each quarter, we evaluatefiscal quarter. In our evaluation of the weight of available evidence (both positive and negative). Weat the end of the current quarter, we considered the recent reported income generated in the current quarter, as well as the reported income for 2020 and prior years (adjustedthe reported losses for unusual one-time items)2019 and 2018, which resulted in a three year cumulative income generated in 2017, includingsituation as positive evidence which carried substantial weight. While this was substantial, it was not the prior year income from Cedar Creek.only evidence we evaluated. We also considered evidence
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related to the four sources of taxable income to determine whether such positive evidence outweighed the negative evidence. The evidence considered included:

future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences;
future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards;
taxable income in prior carryback years, if carryback is permitted under the tax law; and
tax planning strategies.

At the end of the 2020 and 2019 fiscal third quarters, in our evaluation of the weight of available evidence, we concluded that the weight of the positive evidence outweighed the negative evidence. In addition to the positive evidence discussed above, we considered as positive evidence forecasted future taxable income, the detail scheduling of the timing of the reversal of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the evidence from business and tax planning strategies described below. Although we believestrategies. As of October 2, 2021, in our estimates are reasonable, the ultimate determinationevaluation of the appropriate amountweight of valuation allowance involves significant judgments.available evidence, we concluded that our net deferred tax assets were not impaired.

One of our long-standing deferred tax assets has been our net operating losses for federal income tax purposes. With our real estate sales discussed in Note 8 and our net income during the first nine months of 2020, we believe we will fully utilize all of our remaining federal net operating losses upon filing of our 2020 federal income tax return in 2021. In addition, we believe that the change in control under IRC Section 382 resulting from the completion of the secondary offering on October 23, 2017, will not cause any of our federal net operating losses to be limited as we have effectively implemented a real estate strategy involving the sale and leaseback of real estate. Those sale and leaseback transactions involved four warehouses in January 2018, two warehouses during 2019, and fifteen warehouses in 2020. Additionally, the acquisition of Cedar Creek did not generate any limitations under IRC Section 382 on Cedar Creek’s tax assets.
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12.

13. Income (Loss) per Share
We calculate basic income (loss) per share by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. We calculate diluted income (loss) per share using the treasury stock method, by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of outstanding share-based awards, including restricted stock units, and performance units. Due to the financial results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2019, 0.1 million and 0.0 million of incremental shares were excluded from the computation of diluted weighted averages outstanding, because their effect would be anti-dilutive.
The reconciliation of basic net income (loss) and diluted net income (loss) per common share for the three-three and nine-monthnine month periods ended October 2, 2021, and September 26, 2020, and September 28, 2019, were as follows:
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 26, 2020September 28, 2019September 26, 2020September 28, 2019
(In thousands, except per share data)(In thousands, except per share data)
Net income (loss)$55,116 $(7,043)$61,024 $(7,461)
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic9,461 9,366 9,408 9,351 
Dilutive effect of share-based awards170 11 
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted9,631 9,366 9,419 9,351 
Basic income (loss) per share$5.83 $(0.75)$6.49 $(0.80)
Diluted income (loss) per share$5.72 $(0.75)$6.48 $(0.80)
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
October 2, 2021September 26, 2020October 2, 2021September 26, 2020
(In thousands, except per share data)(In thousands, except per share data)
Net income$47,198 $55,116 $222,516 $61,024 
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic9,721 9,461 9,579 9,408 
Dilutive effect of share-based awards232 170 135 11 
Weighted average share outstanding - diluted9,953 9,631 9,714 9,419 
Basic income per share$4.85 $5.83 $23.23 $6.49 
Diluted income per share$4.74 $5.72 $22.91 $6.48 
14. Subsequent Event
Closing of Senior Secured Notes of $300M at 6.0% Due 2029

On October 25, 2021, we closed a private offering of $300 million at 6.0% senior secured notes to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers,” as defined in Rule 144A under The Securities Act of 1933, and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States under Regulation S under the Securities Act. The 2029 Notes were issued to investors at 98.625% of their principal amount and will mature on November 15, 2029. Our obligations under these senior secured notes are guaranteed by our domestic subsidiaries that are co-borrowers under or guarantee our Revolving Credit Facility. The senior secured notes and the related guarantees are secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of our guarantor’s existing and future assets (other than receivables, inventory, deposit accounts, securities accounts, business interruption insurance and other related assets), subject to certain exceptions and customary permitted liens. The senior secured notes and the related guarantees are also secured on a second-priority basis by a lien on our Revolving Credit Facility collateral. The majority of net proceeds from the offering of the senior secured notes were used to repay borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. In conjunction with the closing of the senior secured notes offering, we reduced the limit under our Revolving Credit Facility from $600 million to $350 million.


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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OverviewAbout Our Business
We are BlueLinx: a leading wholesale distributor of buildingresidential and industrialcommercial building products in the U.S withUnited States. We are a combination“two-step” distributor. Two-step distributors purchase products from manufacturers and distribute those products to dealers and other suppliers in local markets, who then sell those products to end users. We carry a broad portfolio of market positionboth branded and geographic coverage, the buying power of certain centralized procurement,private-label stock keeping units (“SKUs”) across two principal product categories: specialty products and the strength of a locally focused sales force. BlueLinx is able tostructural products. Specialty products include items such as engineered wood, industrial products, cedar, moulding, siding, metal products, and insulation. Structural products include items such as lumber, plywood, oriented strand board, rebar, and remesh. We also provide a wide range of value-added services and solutions aimed at relieving distribution and logistics challenges for our customers and suppliers, while enhancing their marketing and inventory management capabilities.

We sell products through three main distribution channels, consisting of warehouse sales, reload sales, and direct sales. Warehouse sales, which generate the majority of our sales, are delivered from our warehouses to our customers. Reload sales are similar to warehouse sales but are shipped from warehouses, most of which are operated by third-parties, where we store owned products to enhance operating efficiencies. This channel is employed primarily to service strategic customers that would be less economical to service from our warehouses, and to distribute large volumes of imported products from port facilities.

Direct sales are shipped from the manufacturer to the customer without our taking physical possession of the inventory and, as a result, typically generate lower margins than our warehouse and reload distribution channels. This distribution channel, however, requires the lowest amount of committed capital and fixed costs.

With a strong market position, broad geographic coverage footprint servicing 40 states, and the strength of a locally focused sales force, as a two-step wholesale distributor, we distribute our comprehensive range of products from over 750 suppliers, including some of the leading manufacturers in the industry, such as Ply Gem, Huber Engineered Woods, Georgia-Pacific, James Hardie, Fiberon, Oldcastle APG and Weyerhaeuser, and supply products to a broad base of over 15,000 national, regional, and local dealers, specialty distributors, national home centers, and manufactured housing customers. Many of our customers then serve residential and commercial builders and contractors in their respective geographic areas and local markets.

As a truly entrenched value-added partner in a complex and demanding building products supply chain, we play a critical role in enabling our customers to offer a broad range of products and brands, as most of our customers do not have the capability to purchase and warehouse products directly from manufacturers for such a large set of SKUs. The depth of our geographic footprint supports meaningful customer proximity across all markets in which we operate, enabling faster and more efficient service. Similarly, we provide value to our supplier partners by enabling access to the large and fragmented network of lumber yards and dealers that those suppliers could not adequately serve directly. Our position in this distribution model for building products provides easy access to the marketplace for our suppliers and the value proposition of rapid delivery on an as-needed basis to our customers and suppliers. We are headquartered in Marietta, Georgia, and we operatefrom our distribution business through a broad network of warehouse facilities.

Industry Overview

Our products are available across large and attractive end markets, including residential new construction and residential repair and remodel, which together account for approximately 85 percent of the end market mix for our addressable building material market served via two-step distribution centers.based on our estimates. We serve many major metropolitan areasalso estimate the remaining 15 percent is accounted for by commercial construction. We believe that there are favorable underlying fundamental factors that will drive long-term growth across the end markets in which we operate.

Residential New Construction

We estimate that residential new home construction (including single-family and multi-family homes) accounts for approximately 40 percent of the end market mix for our addressable building material market served via two-step distribution. The pace of housing starts, with which our business is correlated, is driven by demographic and population shifts, mortgage interest rates (which remain at historic lows), the ability of builders to obtain skilled labor, and builders’ economic outlook. U.S. single family housing starts peaked in 2005, before experiencing a downturn through 2011. Since 2011, we have experienced the continuing recovery of residential new construction, which has translated into increased demand for the products we sell. Our large footprint, strong customer relationships, and comprehensive offering of leading products and brands positions us to capitalize on continued growth in the new housing market.
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According to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2020 single family housing starts in the United States were approximately 1 million, an increase of 12 percent above 2019 housing starts. We believe there is significant pent-up demand for housing and the market will see continued growth. The monthly single family residential home supply continues to remain in line with the 20-year average and significantly below the peak levels observed in 2008 and 2009. For most of the last decade, housing production has lagged population growth and household formation and Freddie Mac estimates that the housing supply at the end of 2020 was 3.8 million units short of the level needed to match long-term demand. Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies estimates total annual housing construction through 2028 should be on the order of 1.5 million units, or about 120,000 higher than in 2020. Based on these data points, we believe there are fundamental factors driving significant opportunity in the residential new home construction end-market for building products of which we are well positioned to serve.

Residential Repair and Remodel

We estimate that residential repair and remodel spending accounts for approximately 45 percent of the end market mix for our addressable building material market served via two-step distribution. Repair and remodel sales tend to be less cyclical than new construction, particularly for exterior products that are exposed to the elements and where maintenance is less likely to be deferred. We expect that factors including the total installed base of U.S. homes, overall age of the U.S. housing stock, rising home prices supporting increased underlying home equity and availability of consumer capital will drive continued growth in repair and remodel spending. The Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) projects spending on home improvement projects to rise 9.2 percent year-over-year in 2021 and 12.3 percent year-over-year for the four quarters ending in the third quarter of fiscal 2022.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Housing and Urban Development, the median home age in the U.S. increased from 23 years in 1985 to 39 years in 2019 and deliver buildingapproximately 80 percent of the current housing stock was built prior to 1999. We believe the increasing average age of the nation’s 125 million existing homes will continue to drive demand for repair and industrialremodel projects. The annual U.S. homes installed base is projected to continue to increase through 2025, which is positive for both residential repair and remodel spending as well as for residential construction. We are positioned to capitalize on this projected growth, as repair and remodel spending drives a significant portion of our sales.

Increased home improvement spending has also benefited from the COVID-19 pandemic, as homeowners are spending more time at home and are investing more in their homes as a result. Outdoor and exterior projects make heavy use of outdoor living products to a variety of wholesalelike composite decking and retail customers. We distributefencing, and other aesthetically focused exterior products in two principal categories: specialty products and structural products. Specialty products include primarily engineered wood products, moulding,like siding and trim, cedar, metal products (excluding rebarwhich are key and remesh), and insulation. Specialty products represented between 55 percent and 65 percent of our net sales over the past twelve months. Structural products include primarily plywood, oriented strand board, rebar and remesh, lumber, spruce and other wood products primarily usedgrowing product categories for structural support in construction projects. Structural products represented between 35 percent and 45 percent of our net sales over the past twelve months.us.
On April 13, 2018, we completed the acquisition of Cedar Creek. Cedar Creek was established in 1977 as a wholesale building materials distribution company that distributed wood products across the United States. Its products included specialty lumber, oriented strand board, siding, cedar, spruce, engineered wood products, and other building products. This acquisition allowed us to expand our product offerings, while maintaining our existing geographical footprint.
Recent Developments - Update on Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Our Industry and Our Business
A novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) was first identified
Beginning in December 2019mid-March 2020, local, state, provincial and federal authorities began issuing stay-at-home orders in certain Far East and European countries. On March 11, 2020, the spread of COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization, with a high concentration of cases in the United States. In response to the pandemic, governmental authorities around the world implemented numerous measures to combat the virus, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, “shelter-in-place” orders, and business shutdowns. These measures have been successful to various degrees in containing and reducing the spread of the coronavirus disease, or COVID-19, virus in many locations,which quickly spread throughout the United States and many governmental authorities have eased restrictions and executed plans to re-open businesses. However, the rates of infection, hospitalization, and mortality associated with the virus continue to fluctuate, and the rates have increased or rebounded in many U.S. states and localities, causing governmental authorities to consider new or reinstated mitigation measures. The pandemic and these containment measures have had, and are expected to continueworldwide. As COVID-19 began to have an effect in North America, the resulting stay-at-home orders significantly impacted new home starts, as builders responded to a substantial negative impact on businesses aroundsharp drop in buyer traffic and contracts for new homes. Housing starts dropped in March and April of 2020, typically months of robust homebuilding activity as the world and on global, regional, and national economies.start of the construction season. Following a mid-2020 pause, new construction rebounded quickly.

We began preparationsLikewise, the National Association of Homebuilders’ Builder Confidence Index, recovered to pre-pandemic levels in 2020 and remains above the 20-year average. The COVID-19 pandemic has motivated many urban high-rise condominium and apartment dwellers to seek out single-family residences in suburban areas where they will have more space for working from home and outdoor spaces for leisure. This trend has generated additional demand for new single-family homes and spurred builders to increase the pace of new construction.

Like many other companies in the United States and globally, our results were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic during the early spring of 2020. However, throughout the pandemic, in late February, and in early March we implemented policies and procedures to protect our associates, serve our customers, and support our suppliers. We also moved quickly to develop and execute plans and take actions designed to give us financial and operating flexibility during the pandemic. To date, our business has beenwas designated as “essential” in all states in which we operate, and as the stay-at-home orders have eased and as residential construction has recovered, our performance has similarly improved. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have continuedfocused on protecting the health and safety of our team members while maintaining our operations and continuing to operatemeet the needs of our customers. We undertook a number of precautionary measures during 2020 in order to ensure we maintained a strong liquidity position, including reducing operating expenses and provide service tomanagement and board salaries, extending payment terms, furloughing a portion of our customerssalaried workforce initially and suppliers.ultimately eliminating several of those salaried employees by year end, and freezing most discretionary capital expenditures throughout the initial phases of the pandemic. In 2021, we benefited from a leaner cost structure, improved operational efficiency, lower working capital
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During the recently completed quarter, we continued to practice safety

requirements, pricing discipline and hygiene protocols consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and local guidance. We also continued our efforts to reduce operating costs and optimize liquidity and took actions designed to sustain manybetter inventory management. In addition, while some of our firstsuppliers and second quarter cost reduction actions long-term. Cost structure and liquidity will remain as areasother parts of acute focus for us as the pandemic continues.

While the pandemic continued to impact many aspects of our business and operations during the quarter, that impact was offsetsupply chain were disrupted by the recoverylockdown measures, lumber and panel prices have returned to more normalized levels following a period of record prices and high volatility in single-family residential housing starts and the rapid escalation in wood-based commodity pricing. Our net sales and gross margin increased, largely driven by the significant increase in wood-based commodity pricing over the course of the quarter. For the third quartersecond half of 2020 net sales increased $192.4 million and net income improved $62.2 million, compared to the third quarter of 2019. For the first nine months of 2020, net sales increased $208.1 million2021 due to heightened overall demand for construction and net income improved $68.5 million as we moved from a net loss forlabor pressures across the first nine months of 2019 to net income for the first nine months of 2020.supply chain.

However, as a result of the rise of the COVID-19 variants in certain parts of the United States, some governmental authorities may reconsider the re-institution of various restrictive measures. The extent of the impact of the pandemic on our business and sales for the remaining three months of 2020 and into fiscal 2021 will depend on future developments, including, among others, the durationextent and scope of the pandemic,rise of existing and additional COVID-19 variants, the success of vaccination efforts, the success of actions taken by governmental authorities to contain these variants, or future ones, and the pandemic and address itstheir impact, the overall duration of the pandemic, the success of local return to work and business reopening plans, and the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has on demand in the markets we service.serve. The trajectory of the pandemic continues to evolve rapidly, and we cannot predict the extent to which our financial condition, results of operations,
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or cash flows will ultimately be impacted. We are closely monitoring the development and spread of COVID-19 variants, the impact of the pandemic on industry conditions, the progress of local return to workoffice and reopening plans, and any pandemic-related restrictions that may have an impact onrestrictions. We are in the process of implementing return to work plans for our business.
Industry Conditions
Many of the factors that cause our operations to fluctuate have been seasonal or cyclical in naturecorporate headquarters and warehouse facilities, and we expect thatcontinue to continue.practice safety and hygiene protocols consistent with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and local guidance.

Our operating results are affected by commodity markets, primarily in the markets for wood-based commodities that we classify as structural products. After declining in the early part of April, lumber and panel commodity index prices significantly increased through the end of the third quarter, with the average prices for both more than doubling from the third quarter of 2019. These market trends resulted in substantially favorable revenue and gross margin comparisons in the third quarter of 2020 for our structural products and our business as a whole. Wood-based commodity index prices began to decline at the beginning of the fourth quarter as supply constraints show indications of abating. We anticipate that lumber and panel index prices will generally continue to trend downward from their peak levels at the end of the third quarter.Seasonality

Historically, our operating results have also been generally correlated with the level of single-family residential housing starts in the U.S. However, at any time, the demand for new homes is dependent on a variety of factors, including job growth, changes in population and demographics, the availability and cost of mortgage financing, the supply of new and existing homes, and consumer confidence. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant negative effect on single family housing starts during the first half of 2020. However, housing starts have rebounded during the third quarter of 2020. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that single family housing starts were up 17 percent for the third quarter of 2020 compared to the third quarter of 2019. During the quarter, housing starts grew 12 percent in July, 15 percent in August, and 24 percent in September, all compared to the same months in 2019. Additionally, October data from the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index shows a record positive outlook in builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes. Low interest rates, shortages in existing home inventory, and a potential growing trend toward relocating away from populated metropolitan areas to areas with single-family homes may help drive long-term improvement in single-family housing starts.

Factors That Affect Our Operating Results
Our results of operations and financial performance are influenced by a variety of factors, including the following: changes in the prices, supply and/or demand for products that we distribute; inventory management and commodities pricing; new housing starts; repair and remodeling activity; the COVID-19 pandemic and other contagious illness outbreaks and their potential effects on our industry, suppliers and supply chains, and customers, our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and future prospects; general economic and business conditions in the U.S.; disintermediation by our customers and suppliers; acceptance by our customers of our branded and privately branded products; financial condition and credit worthiness of our customers; supply from key vendors; reliability of the technologies we utilize; activities of competitors; changes in significant operating expenses; fuel costs; risk of losses associated with accidents; exposure to product liability claims and other legal proceedings; changes in the availability of capital and interest rates; adverse weather patterns or conditions; acts of cyber intrusion or other disruptions to our information technology systems; tariffs, anti-dumping and counter-vailing duties, anti-dumping charges, and similar import costs and restrictions; variations in the performance of the financial markets, including the credit markets.
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Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our results of operations for the third quarter of fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019:
Third Quarter of Fiscal 2020% of
Net
Sales
Third Quarter of Fiscal 2019% of
Net
Sales
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Net sales$871,063 100.0%$678,665 100.0%
Gross profit159,460 18.3%93,713 13.8%
Selling, general, and administrative78,992 9.1%76,095 11.2%
Depreciation and amortization7,087 0.8%7,577 1.1%
Gains from sales of property(8,684)(1.0)%(38)(0.0)%
Other operating expenses609 0.1%3,786 0.6%
Operating income81,456 9.4%6,293 0.9%
Interest expense, net10,776 1.2%13,409 2.0%
Other income, net(238)(0.0)%(317)(0.0)%
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes70,918 8.1%(6,799)(1.0)%
Provision for income taxes15,802 1.8%244 0.0%
Net income (loss)$55,116 6.3%$(7,043)(1.0)%

The following table sets forth our results of operations for the nine-month periods of fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019:
First Nine Months of Fiscal 2020% of
Net
Sales
First Nine Months of Fiscal 2019% of
Net
Sales
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Net sales$2,231,909 100.0%$2,023,814 100.0%
Gross profit353,489 15.8%273,925 13.5%
Selling, general, and administrative222,306 10.0%215,330 10.6%
Depreciation and amortization21,785 1.0%22,408 1.1%
Gains from sales of property(9,209)(0.4)%(9,798)(0.5)%
Other operating expenses6,736 0.3%13,062 0.6%
Operating income111,871 5.0%32,923 1.6%
Interest expense, net36,691 1.6%40,527 2.0%
Other income, net(58)(0.0)%(212)(0.0)%
Income (loss) before benefit from income taxes75,238 3.4%(7,392)(0.4)%
Provision for income taxes14,214 0.6%69 0.0%
Net income (loss)$61,024 2.7%$(7,461)(0.4)%

The following table sets forth net sales by product category for the three and nine-month periods ending September 26, 2020, and September 28, 2019:
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 26, 2020September 28, 2019September 26, 2020September 28, 2019
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Structural products$375,072 $225,689 $865,302 $646,646 
Specialty products495,991 452,976 1,366,607 1,377,168 
Net sales$871,063 $678,665 $2,231,909 $2,023,814 

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The following table sets forth gross profit and gross margin percentages by product category for the three and nine-month periods of fiscal 2020 and 2019:
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 26, 2020September 28, 2019September 26, 2020September 28, 2019
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Structural products$73,370 $20,229 $120,673 $56,284 
Specialty products86,090 73,484 232,816 217,641 
Gross profit$159,460 $93,713 $353,489 $273,925 
Gross margin percentage by category    
Structural products19.6 %9.0 %13.9 %8.7 %
Specialty products17.4 %16.2 %17.0 %15.8 %
Total18.3 %13.8 %15.8 %13.5 %

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2020 Compared to Third Quarter of Fiscal 2019

Net sales.  For the third quarter of fiscal 2020, net sales increased 28.3 percent, or $192.4 million, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2019. The sales increase was primarily a result of wood-based commodity price inflation, partially offset by a slight decline in sales volume attributable to supply outages in structural products occurring toward the second half of the quarter.
Gross profit and gross margin.  For the third quarter of fiscal 2020, gross profit increased by $65.7 million, or 70.2 percent, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2019, primarily due to improved gross margins on both our specialty and structural products businesses. Gross margin during the same period was 18.3 percent, an increase compared to 13.8 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2019.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses.  The increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses of 3.8 percent, or $2.9 million, for the third quarter of fiscal 2020, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2019, is primarily due to an increase in variable incentive compensation of approximately $6.6 million and higher sales commissions of approximately $2.9 million, offset by reductions in our fixed cost structure, combined with decreases in our operational expenses.
Depreciation and amortization expense. For the third quarter of fiscal 2020, depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $0.5 million to $7.1 million due to a lower base of depreciable assets.
Gains from sales of property. Gains from sales of property increased by $8.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2020, compared to the third fiscal quarter of 2019, as we completed the sale and leaseback of our Denver facility in August 2020 and we sold no property during the third quarter of 2019.
Other operating expenses. For the third quarter of fiscal 2020, other operating expenses decreased by $3.2 million, or 83.9 percent, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2019, primarily due to a decrease in spending related to the integration of the Cedar Creek acquisition.
Interest expense, net. Interest expense decreased by $2.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2020, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2019. The decrease was largely attributable to a decrease in the average bank debt balance, as well as a reduction in the variable LIBOR rate that is a component of the interest rate on the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility.
Provision for income taxes. Our effective tax rate was 22.3 percent and (3.6) percent for the third quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. Our effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2020 was impacted by the permanent addback of certain nondeductible expenses, including meals and entertainment and officer’s compensation, and the effect of the partial valuation allowance for separate company state income tax losses and previously nondeductible interest under 163(j) of the IRC. Our effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 was impacted by the permanent addback of certain nondeductible expenses, including meals and entertainment and executive compensation, and the effect of the partial valuation allowance for separate company state income tax losses and consolidated interest expense limitation, including $0.6 million in discrete tax expense related to prior periods. In addition, we recorded discrete tax expense of $0.2 million for a shortfall on vesting of our restricted stock units, which was offset by a $0.2 million discrete tax benefit for claiming state tax credits.
Net income (loss). Our net loss improved to net income from the prior year period due to increased gross margins resulting from wood-based commodity price inflation for our structural products and overall reduced costs.
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First Nine Months of Fiscal 2020 Compared to First Nine Months of Fiscal 2019
Net sales.  For the first nine months of fiscal 2020, net sales increased 10.3 percent, or $208.1 million, compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2019. The sales increase was driven by wood-based commodity price inflation and higher sales volume, partially offset by the loss of $50.5 million of sales related to a siding program that was discontinued in conjunction with our Cedar Creek integration activities in the prior year.
Gross profit and gross margin.  For the first nine months of fiscal 2020, gross profit increased by $79.6 million, or 29.0 percent, compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2019, primarily due to increased sales revenue and improved gross margins on both our specialty and structural products businesses from price inflation and higher sales volume. Gross margin during the same period was 15.8 percent, an increase compared to 13.5 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2019.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses.  The increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses of 3.2 percent, or $7.0 million, for the first nine months of fiscal 2020, compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2019, is primarily due to an increase in variable incentive compensation of approximately $10.0 million and higher sales commission of approximately $4.5 million, offset by reductions in our fixed cost structure, combined with decreases in our operational expenses.
Depreciation and amortization expense. For the first nine months of fiscal 2020, depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $0.6 million to $21.8 million compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2019, due to a lower base of depreciable assets.
Gains from sales of property. Gains from sales of property decreased by $0.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2020, compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2019, due to lower net proceeds from property sales in the current year period.
Other operating expenses. For the first nine months of fiscal 2020, other operating expenses decreased by $6.3 million, or 48.4 percent, compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2019, primarily due to a decrease in spending related to the integration of the Cedar Creek acquisition, partially offset by severance expense incurred in relation to headcount reductions that occurred throughout the period.
Interest expense. Interest expense decreased by $3.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2020, compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2019. The decrease was largely attributable to a decrease in the average bank debt balance, as well as a reduction in the variable LIBOR rate that is a component of the interest rate on the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility.
Provision for income taxes. Our effective tax rate was 18.9 percent and (0.9) percent for the first nine months of fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. Our effective tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2020 was impacted by (i) the discrete tax benefit of $3.9 million resulting from the release of the valuation allowance associated with the nondeductible interest expense under IRC Section 163(j) as a result of the CARES Act changing the allowable percentage from 30 percent of adjusted taxable income to 50 percent of adjusted taxable income, (ii) recording discrete tax expense of $0.4 million for a shortfall on vesting of our restricted stock units, (iii) the permanent addback of certain nondeductible expenses, including meals and entertainment and nondeductible compensation, and (iv) the effect of the partial valuation allowance for separate company state income tax losses and previously nondeductible interest expense under Section 163(j) of the IRC. Our effective tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 was impacted by the permanent addback of certain nondeductible expenses, including meals and entertainment and executive compensation, and the effect of the partial valuation allowance for separate company state income tax losses and consolidated interest expense limitations, including $0.6 million in discrete tax expense related to prior periods.. In addition, we recorded discrete tax expense of $0.2 million for a shortfall on vesting of our restricted stock units, which was offset by a $0.2 million discrete tax benefit for claiming state tax credits.
Net income (loss). Our net loss improved to net income from the prior year period due to higher sales, increased gross margins, and reduced costs associated with the acquisition of Cedar Creek. Acquisition related costs declined from $11.3 million in the first nine fiscal months of 2019 to $1.8 million in the same period in 2020.
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Seasonality
We are exposed to fluctuations in quarterly sales volumes and expenses due to seasonal factors common in the building products distribution industry. The first and fourth fiscal quarters are typically our lower volume quarters, due to the impact of less favorable weather on the construction market. Our second and third fiscal quarters are typically our higher volume quarters, reflecting an increase in construction, due to more favorable weather conditions. In past years, assuming no changeDepending on the nature and circumstances of our business in underlyingany given year, we may increase our inventory costs, our working capital has increased in the fiscal second and third quarters, reflecting general increasesfourth quarter in seasonal demand. Duringanticipation of higher demand in the fiscal second and third quartersfirst half of 2020,the coming year to meet expected customer demand for our products.

Commodity Markets

Our operating results are sensitive to fluctuations in commodity markets, specifically commodity markets for wood-based commodities that we classify as structural products. When prices fluctuate in the commodity markets which impact us, we may immediately adjust the end price of our products to compensate for the changes in market prices, which is common for businesses with inventories impacted by commodity price fluctuations. When we change our prices in response to market fluctuations, we will often see immediate impacts in our operating results. When market prices increase, this impact can be beneficial. Conversely, when market prices decrease, the impact can be negative because we are adjusting the selling prices for inventory often purchased at higher market prices. Fluctuations in the commodity markets during the last 18 months have had a significant impact on our operating results for the periods presented in this quarterly report, of which we discuss in more detail elsewhere in this report.

Supply Constraints

Our operating results are impacted by the availability of the products we sell in the markets in which we do business. When our inventory workingsupply is constrained, our operating results may be impacted by lower sales volumes. While supply constraints may negatively impact our sales volumes, they may also have a positive impact on our net sales and overall profitability. This is because supply constraints can cause prices to increase. Under these circumstances, we may sell less product by volume but at a higher price which could have a positive impact on our levels of sales and profitability. Conversely, rapid changes in supply levels, such as the sudden increase in availability of a product where the supply was previously constrained, may have a negative impact on our operating results especially in situations where the demand does not also increase proportionally with supply increases.

Our Culture and Management Focus

We remain committed to driving a culture of profitable growth within new and existing product lines and geographies, while positioning the company for long-term value creation. The following initiatives represent key areas of our management team’s focus:

1.Foster a performance-driven culture committed to profitable growth. We are currently focused on enhancing the customer experience; accelerating organic growth within specific product and solutions offerings where we are
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uniquely advantaged; and deploying capital to drive sustained margin expansion, grow free cash flow conversion and maintain continued profitable growth.

2.Migrate revenue mix toward higher-margin specialty product categories. We intend to pursue a revenue mix increasingly weighted toward higher-margin, in-demand specialty product categories. Management also intends to expand on value-added service offerings designed to simplify complex customer sourcing requirements, together with marketing, inventory and pricing services afforded by our national platform.

3.Maintain a disciplined capital structure and pursue high-return investments that support growth. On a trailing twelve-month basis, we have significantly transformed our balance decreased despite increasing commodity prices, reflecting enhancementssheet, underscored by a material reduction in net leverage and improved access to liquidity. Given this, we intend to accelerate capital investments designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of existing assets, including distribution centers and fleet assets. In the fourth quarter 2021, we intend to invest up to $10 million in our working capital management throughoutfleet and facilities to improve operational performance and productivity.

Factors That Affect Our Operating Results

Our results of operations and financial performance are influenced by a variety of factors, including the year. Due tofollowing: pricing and product cost variability; volumes of product sold; changes in the prices, supply, and/or demand for products that we distribute; the cyclical nature of the industry in which we operate; housing market conditions; the COVID-19 pandemic it remainsand other contagious illness outbreaks and their potential effects on our industry; effective inventory management relative to our sales volume or the prices of the products we produce; information technology security and business interruption risks; increases in petroleum prices; consolidation among competitors, suppliers, and customers; disintermediation risk; loss of products or key suppliers and manufacturers; our dependence on international suppliers and manufacturers for certain products; exposure to product liability and other claims and legal proceedings related to our business and the products we distribute; natural disasters, catastrophes, fire, or other unexpected events; successful implementation of our strategy; wage increases or work stoppages by our union employees; costs imposed by federal, state, local, and other regulations; compliance costs associated with federal, state, and local environmental protection laws; our level of indebtedness and our ability to incur additional debt to fund future needs; the risk that our cash flows and capital resources may be insufficient to service our existing or future indebtedness; the covenants of the instruments governing our indebtedness limiting the discretion of our management in operating our business; the fact that we lease many of our distribution centers, and we would still be obligated under these leases even if we close a leased distribution center; changes in our product mix; shareholder activism; potential acquisitions and the integration and completion of such acquisitions; the possibility that the value of our deferred tax assets could become impaired; changes in our expected annual effective tax rate could be volatile; the costs and liabilities related to our participation in multi-employer pension plans could increase; the possibility that we could experiencebe the subject of securities class action litigation due to stock price volatility; and changes in, or interpretation of, accounting principles.
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Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our results of operations for the third quarter of fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020:
Third Quarter of Fiscal 2021% of
Net
Sales
Third Quarter of Fiscal 2020% of
Net
Sales
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Net sales$970,842 100.0%$871,063 100.0%
Gross profit153,327 15.8%159,460 18.3%
Selling, general, and administrative76,176 7.8%79,976 9.2%
Depreciation and amortization6,884 0.7%7,087 0.8%
Amortization of deferred gains on real estate(984)(0.1)%(984)(0.1)%
Gains from sales of property— —%(8,684)(1.0)%
Other operating expenses212 0.0%609 0.1%
Operating income71,039 7.3%81,456 9.4%
Interest expense, net8,313 0.9%10,776 1.2%
Other income, net(704)(0.1)%(238)(0.0)%
Income before provision for income taxes63,430 6.5%70,918 8.1%
Provision for income taxes16,232 1.7%15,802 1.8%
Net income$47,198 4.9%$55,116 6.3%

The following table sets forth our results of operations for the first nine month periods of fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020:
First Nine Months of Fiscal 2021% of
Net
Sales
First Nine Months of Fiscal 2020% of
Net
Sales
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Net sales$3,304,224 100.0%$2,231,909 100.0%
Gross profit584,891 17.7%353,489 15.8%
Selling, general, and administrative238,746 7.2%225,258 10.1%
Depreciation and amortization21,429 0.6%21,785 1.0%
Amortization of deferred gains on real estate(2,951)(0.1)%(2,952)(0.1)%
Gains from sales of property(1,287)0.0%(9,209)(0.4)%
Other operating expenses1,197 0.0%6,736 0.3%
Operating income327,757 9.9%111,871 5.0%
Interest expense, net33,690 1.0%36,691 1.6%
Other income, net(1,335)0.0%(58)0.0%
Income before provision for income taxes295,402 8.9%75,238 3.4%
Provision for income taxes72,886 2.2%14,214 0.6%
Net income$222,516 6.7%$61,024 2.7%
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The following table sets forth net sales by product category for the three and nine month periods ending October 2, 2021, and September 26, 2020:
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
October 2, 2021September 26, 2020October 2, 2021September 26, 2020
Net sales by category($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Structural products$329,818 $375,072 $1,425,389 $865,302 
Specialty products641,024 495,991 1,878,835 1,366,607 
Net sales$970,842 $871,063 $3,304,224 $2,231,909 
Percentage of total net sales by category
Structural products34 %43 %43 %39 %
Specialty products66 %57 %57 %61 %
Total100 %100 %100 %100 %

The following table sets forth gross profit and gross margin percentages by product category for the three and nine month periods of fiscal 2021 and 2020:
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
October 2, 2021September 26, 2020October 2, 2021September 26, 2020
Gross profit $ by category($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Structural products$5,634 $73,370 $163,668 $120,673 
Specialty products147,693 86,090 421,223 232,816 
Gross profit$153,327 $159,460 $584,891 $353,489 
Gross margin percentage by category  
Structural products1.7 %19.6 %11.5 %13.9 %
Specialty products23.0 %17.4 %22.4 %17.0 %
Total gross margin %15.8 %18.3 %17.7 %15.8 %


Third Quarter of Fiscal 2021 Compared to Third Quarter of Fiscal 2020

For the third quarter of fiscal 2021, we generated net sales of $970.8 million, an increase of $99.8 million when compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2020 and overall gross margin percentage decreased from 18.3 percent to 15.8 percent year over year. Our third quarter net income was $47.2 million, or $4.74 per diluted share, versus $55.1 million, or $5.72 per diluted share, in the prior-year period. The significant decline in the market value of higher-cost commodity wood product inventory sold during the third quarter was the primary contributor to our typical seasonality trendsoverall gross profit and gross margin percentage decline and year-over-year decrease in profitability.

Net sales of specialty products, which includes engineered wood, industrial products, cedar, moulding, siding, metal products and insulation, increased $145.0 million to $641.0 million in the third quarter. Elevated demand for construction materials, along with continued supply constraints, contributed to multiple supplier-led price increases throughout the third quarter of fiscal 2021, resulting in improved revenue growth. Specialty sales volumes declined by lower-double digits percentages overall versus the prior-year period primarily attributable to widespread supply constraints, which impacted many product categories, including engineered wood and specialty lumber and panels. In contrast, we did see increases in sales volume among certain products within our specialty products category, such as in our moulding, siding, and industrial products.

Specialty products gross profit increased $61.6 million to $147.7 million, with a year-over-year improvement of approximately 560 basis points in specialty gross margin to 23.0 percent for the third quarter of fiscal 2021, compared to 17.4 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2020. The increase in specialty gross margin percentage of 5.6 percent over the prior year period is primarily attributable to substantial increases in pricing for our specialty products.

Net sales of structural products, which includes products such as lumber, plywood, oriented strand board, rebar, and remesh, declined $45.3 million to $329.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2021 due to price deflation for commodity wood products. Structural sales volumes declined overall versus the prior-year period as we implemented commodity risk mitigation actions in
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response to historic fluctuations in the commodity markets impacting our structural products. Commodity wood market pricing began to decline in May and continued to drop through August before beginning to stabilize in September to levels more consistent with five-year historical averages. Through centralized purchasing and consignment, we were able to reduce wood-based commodity price deflation risk. Our structural gross margin percentage for the third quarter of fiscal 2021 was 1.7%, down from 19.6% in the prior year period primarily driven by commodity price deflation during the restquarter, and was impacted by the release of 2020 and intoa lower of cost or net realizable reserve of $16.7 million which we accrued for in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 as commodity prices began a sustained decline. The inventory impacted by this reserve was sold to customers during the third quarter of fiscal 2021.

Our selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased 4.8 percent, or $3.8 million, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2020. The decrease in sales, general, and administrative expenses is due to decreases in our sales commissions and incentive programs of approximately $3.3 million related to a decrease in gross profit, decreases in our delivery and logistical costs of approximately $1.8 million, offset by an increase among remaining general and administrative costs categories, primarily insurance, of approximately $1.3 million. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased 2.9 percent, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2020. Our decrease in depreciation and amortization is due to a lower base of amortizable and depreciable assets throughout the third quarter of fiscal 2021 when compared the prior year period. The decrease in gains from sales of property in the amount of $8.7 million is due to the sale-leaseback of one of our properties located in Denver, Colorado during the third quarter fiscal 2020 compared to no sale of property during the third quarter fiscal 2021. Other operating expenses decreased 65.2 percent, or $0.4 million, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2020 primarily due to a decrease in integration and restructuring related costs reported in the third quarter of fiscal 2020.
Interest expense, net, decreased by 22.9 percent, or $2.5 million, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2020. The decrease is primarily due to the reduction of debt, including the repayment in full of our former Term Loan Facility at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2021, under which borrowings bore a higher interest rate than under our Revolving Credit Facility combined with lower interest costs resulting from the recent amendments to our Revolving Credit Facility. Other expense (income), net, decreased $0.5 million compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2020 due to a benefit of $0.4 million resulting from the re-negotiation of one of our multi-employer pension plan liabilities which resulted in a lower liability estimated over the life of our agreement with the pension plan.
Our effective tax rate was 25.6 percent and 22.3 percent for the third quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively. Our effective tax rate for both periods was impacted by the permanent addback of certain nondeductible expenses, including meals and entertainment and executive compensation, and the effect of the release of our partial valuation allowance for separate company state income tax losses. Our effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2020 was additionally impacted by a discrete tax benefit resulting from the effect of the partial release of our valuation allowance for previously nondeductible interest resulting from changes allowed under Section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act that was enacted on March 27, 2020 which raised the allowable percentage of deductible interest from 30 percent to 50 percent of adjusted taxable income.

For the third quarter of fiscal 2021,our net income decreased by $7.9 million from the prior year period due primarily to a decrease in gross profit driven by commodity price deflation earlier in the quarter, that had a direct impact on our structural product sales and gross profit, in conjunction with lower gains from sales of property and a higher income tax expense resulting from our higher effective tax rate. This decrease was offset by reductions in our selling, general, and administrative and interest expenses.
First Nine Months of Fiscal 2021 Compared to First Nine Months of Fiscal 2020
For the nine months ended October 2, 2021, we generated net sales of $3.3 billion, an increase of $1.1 billion when compared to the prior-year period. Our nine month 2021 net income was $222.5 million, or $22.91 per diluted share, versus $61.0 million, or $6.48 per diluted share, in the prior-year period. A rapid and significant increase in the market pricing for our commodity wood products in the first five months of fiscal 2021 drove dramatic improvement in gross profit margins for our structural products, when compared to the same prior year period. Substantial increases in our specialty products also drove increases in our profitability.

Net sales of specialty products, which includes engineered wood, industrial products, cedar, moulding, siding, metal products and insulation, increased $512.2 million to $1.9 billion in the first nine months of fiscal 2021. Elevated demand for construction materials, along with continued supply constraints, contributed to multiple supplier-led price increases throughout the first nine months of fiscal 2021, which we capitalized on, resulting in improved revenue growth and margin expansion among our specialty products. Specialty sales volumes were flat versus the prior-year period despite widespread supply constraints which impacted most products within our specialty category. Specialty products gross profit increased $188.4 million to $421.2
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million, with a year-over-year improvement of approximately 540 basis points in specialty gross margin to 22.4 percent. The increase in our specialty products gross margin percentages during the first nine months of fiscal 2021 was the result of substantial increase in pricing driven by increased demand paired with the supply constrained environment.

Net sales of structural products, which includes products such as lumber, plywood, oriented strand board, rebar, and remesh, increased $560.1 million to $1.4 billion in the first nine months of fiscal 2021 due to significant price increases for commodity wood products occurring during in the first five months of fiscal 2021. This price inflation impacted the market value of our existing commodity wood product inventory on-hand through May after which prices declined through August 2021. Structural volumes decreased during the nine month period as we implemented commodity risk mitigation actions in response to historic fluctuations in the commodity markets impacting our structural products. Structural gross profit margins for the first nine months of fiscal 2021 were 11.5 percent compared to 13.9 percent in the prior year period, a decline of approximately 240 basis points, due to wood-based commodity market volatility.

For the first nine months of fiscal 2021, selling, general, and administrative expenses increased 6.0 percent, or $13.5 million, compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2020. The increase in sales, general, and administrative expenses is due to increases in our sales commissions and incentives of approximately $7.8 million, payroll and other related cost of $1.7 million, and general and administrative costs of approximately $4.0 million, which includes increases in cost categories such as insurance. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased 1.6 percent, or $0.4 million, compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2020. The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense is due to a lower base of amortizable and depreciable assets throughout the first nine months of fiscal 2021 when compared to the prior year period.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2020, we completed the sale leaseback of one of our Denver facilities which resulted in a gain from the sale of property of $8.7 million during the period. During the first quarter of fiscal 2021, we completed the sale of our Birmingham dark property which resulted in a gain from the sale of property of $1.3 million. We completed no additional property sales during the remainder of the first nine months of fiscal 2021 which is resulting in a decrease in gains from sales of property of $7.9 million when compared to the prior year period. Other operating expenses decreased 82.2 percent, or $5.5 million, compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2020 primarily due to a decrease in spending related to integration and restructuring related costs reported during the first nine months of fiscal 2020.

Our interest expense, net, for the first nine months of fiscal 2021, decreased by 8.2 percent, or $3.0 million, compared to the prior year period. The decrease is primarily due to reduction of interest expense of $8.8 million resulting from lower debt, including the repayment in full of our former Term Loan Facility at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2021, under which borrowings bore a higher interest rate than under our Revolving Credit Facility. Interest savings resulting from the repayment of our term loan facility at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2021 combined with lower interest costs resulting from the renegotiation of our revolving credit facility in the third quarter of fiscal 2021. This was offset by the $5.8 million in debt issuance costs expensed during the first quarter of fiscal 2021 related to the extinguishment of our former Term Loan Facility. Our other expense (income), net, also decreased by $1.3 million compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2020. The decrease in other expense (income), net is resulting from a benefit of $0.4M resulting from the re-negotiation of one of our multi-employer pension plan liabilities which resulted in a lower estimated liability over the life of our agreement with the pension plan combined with the reduction of other immaterial expenses incurred in the prior year period.

Our effective tax rate was 24.7 percent and 18.9 percent for the first nine months of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively. Our effective tax rate for both periods was impacted by the permanent addback of certain nondeductible expenses, including meals and entertainment and executive compensation, and the effect of our partial release of our valuation allowance for separate company state income tax losses. Our effective tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2020 was additionally impacted by a discrete tax benefit resulting from the effect of the partial release of our valuation allowance for previously nondeductible interest resulting from changes allowed under Section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act that was enacted on March 27, 2020 which raised the allowable percentage of deductible interest from 30 percent to 50 percent of adjusted taxable income.

Our net income for the first nine months of fiscal 2021 increased $161.5 million from the prior year period primarily due to the increase in gross profit resulting from substantial price increases impacting our specialty products combined with benefits from commodity price inflation during the nine month period when compared to prior year. Increases in gross profit were offset by gains from the sales of property during the nine month period. Additionally, net income benefited from slightly lower interest expense offset by higher income tax expense, resulting from our higher effective tax rate.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
We expect our primary sources of liquidity to be cash flows from sales in the normal course of our operations and borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility.Facility, among other sources. We expect that these sources will fund our ongoing cash requirements for the foreseeable future. On October 25, 2021, we consummated a $300 million private offering of Senior Secured Notes. We believeused the majority of net proceeds from the offering to repay borrowings under our ABL credit facility.

Closing of Senior Secured Notes of $300M at 6.0% Due 2029

On October 25, 2021, we closed a private offering of $300 million at 6.0% senior secured notes to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers,” as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“The Securities Act”), and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States under Regulation S under the Securities Act. The 2029 Notes were issued to investors at 98.625% of their principal amount and will mature on November 15, 2029. Our obligations under these senior secured notes will be guaranteed by our domestic subsidiaries that assuming thatare co-borrowers under or guarantee our operations are not significantly impactedrevolving credit facility. The senior secured notes and the related guarantees will be secured by the COVID-19 pandemic for a prolonged period, our salesfirst-priority security interest in the normal coursesubstantially all of our operations,guarantor’s existing and amounts currently available from our Revolving Credit Facilityfuture assets (other than receivables, inventory, deposit accounts, securities accounts, business interruption insurance and other sources,related assets, subject to certain exceptions and customary permitted liens). The senior secured notes and the related guarantees will also be sufficientsecured on a second-priority basis by a lien on our revolving credit facility collateral. The majority of net proceeds from the offering of the senior secured notes were used to fundrepay borrowings under our routine operations, including working capital requirements, for at least the next twelve months.revolving credit facility.
Revolving Credit Facility
In April 2018, we amended and restated our Revolving Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and in August 2021, we amended the facility to, provideamong other things, extend the maturity date of the facility and reduce the interest rate on borrowing under the facility (as amended, the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The Revolving Credit Facility provides for a senior secured revolving loan and letter of credit facility of up to $600$600.0 million and an uncommitted accordion feature that permits us to increase the facility by an aggregate additional principal amount of up to $150$150.0 million. If we obtain the full amount of the additional increases in commitments, the Revolving Credit Facility will allow borrowings of up to $750$750.0 million. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are subject to availability under the Borrowing Base (as that term is defined in the Revolving Credit Facility). Letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $30$30.0 million are also available under the Revolving Credit Facility, which would reduce the amount of the revolving loans available thereunder. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to (i) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.751.25 percent to 2.251.75 percent, with the margin determined based upon average excess availability for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter for loans based on LIBOR, or (ii) the administrative agent’s base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.750.25 percent to 1.250.75 percent, with the margin based upon average excess availability for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter for loans based on the base rate.
If excess availability falls below the greater of (i) $50$50.0 million and (ii) 10 percent of the lesser of (a) the borrowing base and (b) the maximum permitted credit at such time, the Revolving Credit Facility requires maintenance of a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0 to 1.0 until excess availability has been at least the greater of (i) $50$50.0 million and (ii) 10 percent of the lesser of (a) the borrowing base and (b) the maximum permitted credit at such time for a period of 30 consecutive days.

We amended the Revolving Credit Facility on January 31, 2020, to provide that (i) the “Seasonal Period” will run from November 15, 2019, through July 15, 2020, for the calendar year 2019, and from December 15 of each calendar year through April 15 of each immediately succeeding calendar year for the calendar year 2020 and thereafter, and (ii) the measurement period in the definition of “Cash Dominion Event” will be five consecutive business days instead of three consecutive business days.
As of September 26, 2020,October 2, 2021, we had outstanding borrowings of $263.0$223.1 million and excess availability of $202.1$351.9 million and a weighted average interest rate of 2.5 percent under theour Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 28, 2019, our principal balance was $326.5January 2, 2021, we had outstanding borrowings of $288.2 million and excess availability was $80.0of $184.3 million and our weightedunder out Revolving Credit Facility. Our average effective interest rate was 3.92.0 percent and 2.8 percent for the quarters ended October 2, 2021 and January 2, 2021, respectively. For the quarter ended September 26, 2020, our average effective interest rate was 2.7 percent.
We were in compliance with all covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility as of September 26, 2020.October 2, 2021.
Term Loan Facility
On October 25, 2021, we closed a private offering of $300 million at 6.0% senior secured notes to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers,” as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“The Securities Act”), and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States under Regulation S under the Securities Act. The 2029 Notes were issued to investors at 98.625% of their principal amount and will mature on November 15, 2029. The majority of the net proceeds from the offering of the senior secured notes will be used to repay borrowings under our revolving credit facility. In April 2018,conjunction with this offering, we entered into our Term Loan Facility with HPS Investment Partners, LLC, and other financial institutions as party thereto, which provides for a term loan of $180 million secured by substantially allhave reduced the limit of our assets. Borrowings underrevolving credit facility from $600 million to $350 million. All other terms of our revolving credit facility remain the Term Loan Facility may be madesame as Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Rate Loans. The Base Rate Loans will bear interest at the rate per annum equal to (i) the greatest of the (a) U.S. prime lending rate published in The Wall Street Journal, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50 percent, and (c) the sum of the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate of one month plus 1.00 percent,our Second Amendment entered on August 2, 2021.
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provided thatTerm Loan Facility
As of January 2, 2021, we had outstanding borrowings of $43.2 million under our Term Loan Facility. On April 2, 2021, we repaid the Base Rate shall at no time be less than 2.00 percent per annum; plus (ii) the Applicable Margin, as described below. Eurodollar Rate Loans will bear interest at the rate per annum equal to (i) the ICE Benchmark Administration LIBOR Rate, provided that the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate shall at no time be less than 1.00 percent per annum; plus (ii) the Applicable Margin. The Applicable Margin will be 6.00 percent with respect to Base Rate Loans and 7.00 percent with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans.
We amendedremaining outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan Facility on December 31, 2019, to extendand extinguished the period for satisfying the designated principal balance level required to maintain the modified total net leverage ratio covenant levels for the 2019 fourth and subsequent quarters thereunder, which was satisfied on January 31, 2020, through repayments from proceeds from the real estate financing transactions described in Note 8. On February 28, 2020,debt. As a result, as of October 2, 2021, we further amended the Term Loan Facility to provide that we would not be subject to the facility’s total net leverage ratio covenant from and after the time, and then for so long as, the principal balance level under the facility is less than $45 million. On April 1, 2020, we amended the Term Loan Facility by, among other things, modifying the total net leverage ratio covenant levels for the 2020 second and third quarters. All other total net leverage ratio covenant levels for prior and future quarters were unchanged.

The Term Loan Facility permits us to enter into real estate sale leaseback transactions with the net proceeds therefrom to be used for repayment of indebtedness under the facility, subject to payment of an applicable prepayment premium. In addition, proceeds from the sale of “Specified Properties” will be used for the repayment of indebtednesshad no outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan Facility, subject to payment of an applicable prepayment premium, or, under certain circumstances,which has been extinguished. In connection with our repayment of indebtedness underthe outstanding principal balance in full on April 2, 2021, we expensed $5.8 million debt issuance costs during the first quarter of fiscal 2021 that we had been amortizing in connection with our Revolving Creditformer Term Loan Facility. PrepaymentThese costs are included within interest expense, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and reported separately as an adjustment to net income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
There were no prepayment premiums associated with the repayment of indebtedness for the three month period ended October 2, 2021 and for the three month period ended September 26, 2020, prepayment premiums were $0.3 million. Prepayment premiums were $0.9 million and $2.6 million for the three and nine-monthnine month periods ended October 2, 2021 and September 26, 2020, respectively. For the nine-month period ended September 28, 2019, prepayment premiums were $0.5 million. No prepayment premiums were paid during the three-month period ending September 28, 2019.

The Term Loan Facility required maintenance of a total net leverage ratio of 8.75 to 1.00 for the quarter ending September 26, 2020. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Term Loan Facility as of September 26, 2020.
As of September 26, 2020, we had outstanding borrowings of $57.8 million under our Term Loan Facility and an interest rate of 8.0 percent per annum. As of December 28, 2019, our principal balance was $146.7 million with an interest rate of 8.7 percent per annum. The decrease in the outstanding borrowings was due to required quarterly principal payments and net proceeds of the real estate financing transactions described in Note 8 being applied to the Term Loan Facility.
On October 2, 2020, we reduced the principal balance of the Term Loan Facility to $44.4 million, and as a result we are no longer subject to the Facility’s total net leverage ratio covenant beginning with our 2020 fourth quarter.
Finance Lease Commitments
Our finance lease liabilities consist of leases related to equipment and vehicles, and to real estate, with the majority of those finance lease commitments relating to the real estate financing transactions that we have completed in recent years. During fiscal 2017 and 2018, we completed real estate financing transactions on six warehouse facilities; during fiscal 2019, we completed real estate financing transactions on two warehouse facilities; and, to date induring fiscal 2020, we completed real estate financing transactions on fourteen warehouse facilities. We recognized finance lease assets and obligations as a result of each of these transactions. In addition, during the second quarter of fiscal 2021, we recorded finance leases of $0.3 million related to new tractors put into service as part of our mobile fleet. Our total finance lease commitments, including the properties associated with thesethe aforementioned transactions, totaled $273.2$276.9 million as of September 26, 2020.October 2, 2021. Of the $276.9 million of finance lease commitments as of October 2, 2021, $243.2 million related to real estate and $33.7 million related to equipment.
LIBOR Interest Rates
Our Revolving Credit Facility and our Term Loan Facility includeincludes available interest rate options based on the London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). It is widely expected thatCertain LIBOR rates will be discontinued after 2021, and thewhile other rates will be discontinued in 2023. The U.S. and other countries are currently working to replace LIBOR with alternative reference rates. The consequences of these developments with respect to LIBOR cannot be entirely predicted; however, we do not believe that the discontinuation of LIBOR as a reference rate in our loan agreementsagreement will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or materially affect our interest expense.







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Sources and Uses of Cash
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities for the first nine months of fiscal 20202021 was $74.4$126.9 million, compared to net cash used inprovided by operating activities of $37.6$74.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2019.2020. The increase in cash provided by operating activities during the first nine months of fiscal 20202021 was primarily a result of increasedthe increase in net income forand our accounts payable balance compared to the currentprior year period, combined with improvementspartially offset by increases in our working capitalaccounts receivable and inventory balances compared to the prior year period. The first nine months of fiscal 2021 also included approximately $82.6 million in cash income tax obligations payments when compared to the prior year period, which benefited from our remaining federal net operating loss carry-forward of $80.6 million which were used in fiscal 2020.
Investing Activities
Net cash provided byused in investing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 20202021 was $8.8$2.8 million compared to net cash provided byused in investing activities of $16.4$8.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2019.2020. The decrease in net cash providedused by investing activities was primarily due to $6.0 million that was returned from escrow after the Cedar Creek acquisition was finalized in the prior year and declinesan increase in proceeds received from the salessale of several assets as well as cash investmentsduring the second quarter of fiscal 2021, combined with the sale of our non-operating facility in property and equipment. For further details on ourBirmingham, Alabama during the first quarter of fiscal 2021, both of
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which were partially offset by $3.5 million increase in investments in property and equipment, refer to the “Investmentsspecifically investments in Capital Assets” section below.both our fleet and facilities.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities totaled $124.0 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2021, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $84.7 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2020, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $25.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2019.2020. The decreaseincrease in net cash provided byused in financing activities is primarily due to an increase of $314.3 million in repayments on our Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility, including the repayment of $171.3 million,the remaining outstanding balance on our Term Loan Facility, partially offset by an increase in borrowings onof $358.3 million from our Revolving Credit Facility, of $29.3and $78.3 million and an increase in proceeds from real estate financing transactions completed in the first nine months of $33.5 million.fiscal 2020, with no such transactions completed in the first nine months of fiscal 2021.
Operating Working Capital (1)
Selected financial information
September 26, 2020December 28, 2019September 28, 2019
(In thousands)
Current assets:  
Cash$10,154 $11,643 $12,847 
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts308,584 192,872 243,905 
Inventories, net306,030 345,806 362,389 
$624,768 $550,321 $619,141 
Current liabilities:  
Accounts payable (2)
$178,948 $132,348 $179,376 
$178,948 $132,348 $179,376 
Operating working capital$445,820 $417,973 $439,765 
Stock Repurchase Program

(1) Operating working capital is defined asOn August 23, 2021, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program pursuant to which we may repurchase up to $25.0 million of our common stock. Under the sumstock repurchase program approved by our Board of cash, receivables,Directors, we may repurchase our common stock at any time or from time to time, without prior notice, subject to prevailing market conditions and inventory less accounts payable.
(2) Accounts payable includes outstanding paymentsother considerations. Our repurchases, if any, may be made through a variety of $17.8 million, $16.1 million,methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to a trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with the Securities and $39.8 million as of September 26, 2020, December 28, 2019, and September 28, 2019, respectively. Outstanding payments represent outstanding checks and electronic payments that have not been presented for payment asExchange Commission Rule 10b5-1. As of the enddate of the period; these amounts are typically funded within 24 hours.this filing, we have made no repurchases of our common stock under this program.
Operating Working Capital
Operating working capital is an important measurement we use to determine the efficiencies of our operations and our ability to readily convert assets into cash. Operating working capital is defined as the sum of cash, receivables, and inventory, less accounts payable. Management of working capital helps us monitor our progress in meeting our goals to enhance working capital assets.
Selected financial information
October 2, 2021January 2, 2021September 26, 2020
(In thousands)
Current assets:  
Cash$186 $82 $10,154 
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts344,974 293,643 308,584 
Inventories, net436,438 342,108 306,030 
$781,598 $635,833 $624,768 
Current liabilities:  
Accounts payable$210,386 $165,163 $178,948 
$210,386 $165,163 $178,948 
Operating working capital$571,212 $470,670 $445,820 

Operating working capital of $445.8 million on September 26, 2020, compared to $418.0$571.2 million as of December 28, 2019,October 2, 2021, compared to $470.7 million as of January 2, 2021, increased on a net basis by approximately $27.8$100.5 million. The increase in operating working capital iswas primarily driven by increases in accounts receivable offset by decreases inand specialty products inventory, both of which were higher due to tighter management.the inflationary environment impacting both our net sales and product costs. Accounts payable, also increased due to the inflation of product costs.
Operating working capital of $571.2 million as of October 2, 2021, compared to $445.8 million as of September 26, 2020, increased by $125.4 million. The net increase in current assetsoperating working capital was primarily driven by increases in accounts receivable and inventory, offset by an increase in accounts payable, all largely due to recent inventory purchases during the month of September.

inflationary environment impacting our net sales and product costs.
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Operating working capital of $445.8 million on September 26, 2020, compared to $439.8 million as of September 28, 2019, increased by $6.0 million, driven by an increase in accounts receivable, offset by a decrease in inventory due to tighter management of inventory levels.

Investments in Capital AssetsProperty and Equipment

Our investments in capital assets consist of cash paid for owned assets and the inception of financing lease arrangements for long-lived assets to support our distribution infrastructure. The gross value of these assets are included in “Property and equipment, at cost” on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. ForDuring the third quarter ended September 26, 2020,of fiscal 2021, we invested $0.2$2.5 million in cash related toin investments in long-lived assets and entered into finance leases totaling $3.1 million, for a total investment of $3.3 million.assets. For the first nine months of 2020,fiscal 2021, we invested $1.9$5.4 million in cash and entered into finance leases totaling $3.1$10.5 million, for a total investment of $5.0$15.9 million. In the fourth quarter 2021, we intend to invest up to $10 million in our fleet and facilities to improve operational performance and productivity.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires our management to make judgments and estimates that affect the amounts reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies from the information provided in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019.January 2, 2021.

Forward-Looking Statements

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Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that predicts, forecasts, indicates or implies future results, performance, liquidity levels or achievements, and may contain the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project,” “plan,” “will be,” “will likely continue,” “will likely result” or words or phrases of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause our business, strategy, or actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this report include statements about the COVID-19 pandemic, its duration and effects, and its potential effects on our business and results of operations; anticipated effects of adopting certain accounting standards; estimated future annual amortization expense; potential changes to estimates made in connection with revenue recognition; the expected outcome of legal proceedings; industry conditions; seasonality; commodity markets; supple constraints and liquidity and capital resources.
Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by our management that, although believed by us to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause our business, strategy, or actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2019,January 2, 2021, and those discussed elsewhere in this report (including Item 1A of Part II of this report) and in future reports that we file with the SEC. We operate in a changing environment in which new risks can emerge from time to time. It is not possible for management to predict all of these risks, nor can it assess the extent to which any factor, or a combination of factors, may cause our business, strategy, or actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause these differences include, among other things: fluctuations in commodity prices; inventory management; changes in prices, supply and/or demand for products
the risk that we distribute;may experience pricing and product cost variability;
the fact that our earnings are highly dependent on volumes;
the fact that our industry is highly fragmented and competitive and, that if we are unable to compete effectively, our net sales and operating results may be reduced;
the fact that our industry is highly cyclical, and prolonged periods of weak demand or excess supply may reduce our net sales and/or margins, which may cause us to incur losses or reduce out net income;
the risk that adverse housing market conditions; levelsconditions may negatively impact our business, liquidity, and results of new residential housing startsoperations, and residential repair and remodeling activity;increase the credit risk from our customers;
the full effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and other contagious illness outbreaks and their potential effects on our industry, suppliersbusiness is unknown, and supply chain, and customers, andit may adversely affect our business and results from operations;
our ability to effectively manage our inventory relative to our sales volume or as the prices of operations, cash flows,the products we distribute fluctuate, which could affect our business, financial condition, and future prospects;operating results;
information technology security risks and business interruption risks, which may cause us to incur increasing costs in an effort to minimize and/or respond to those risks;
the risk of increases in petroleum prices, which could adversely affect our ability to integrateresults of operations;
consolidation among competitors, suppliers, and realize anticipated synergies from acquisitions;customers could negatively impact our business;
the risk of disintermediation;
the risk of loss of material customers, suppliers,key products or product lines in connection with acquisitions; operational disruption in connection with the integration of acquisitions; our indebtedness and its related limitations; sufficiency of cash flows and capital resources; our ability to monetize real estate assets; disintermediation by customers and suppliers; competitive industry pressures; industry consolidation; product shortages; loss of and dependence on key suppliers and manufacturers; import taxesmanufacturers could affect our financial health;
our dependence on international suppliers and costs, including new or increased tariffs, anti-dumping duties, countervailing duties or similar duties;manufacturers for certain products exposes us to risks that could affect our ability to successfully implement our strategic initiatives; fluctuations in operating results; sale-leaseback transactions and their effects; real estate leases; changes in interest rates;financial condition;
business disruptions;
the risk of exposure to product liability claims; our ability to complete offerings under our shelf registration statement on favorable terms, or at all; changes in our product mix; petroleum prices; information technology security and business interruption risks; litigationother claims and legal proceedings; natural disasters and unexpected events; activities of activist stockholders; labor and union matters; limits on net operating loss carryovers; pension plan assumptions and liabilities; risksproceedings related to our internal controls; retentionbusiness and the products we distribute, which may exceed the coverage of associatesour insurance;
the risk that our business operations could suffer significant losses from natural disasters, catastrophes, fire, or other unexpected events;
that fact that a significant percentage of our employees are unionized, and key personnel;wage increases or work stoppages by our unionized employees may reduce our results of operations;
the risk that federal, state, local, and other regulations includingcould impose substantial costs and restrictions on our operations that would reduce our net income;
the fact that we are subject to federal, state, and local environmental protection laws and regulations;may have to incur significant costs to comply with these laws and regulations in the future;
our level of indebtedness could limit our financial and operating activities and adversely affect our ability to incur additional debt to fund future needs;
our cash flows and capital resources may be insufficient to make required payments on our indebtedness or future indebtedness;
the instruments, including the notes, governing our indebtedness contain various covenants limiting the discretion of our management in operating our business, including requiring us to maintain a minimum level of excess liquidity;
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borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a variable rate, which subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly;
we may still incur more debt, which could increase the risks relating to indebtedness;
the fact that we have sold and leased back certain of our distribution centers under long-term non-cancelable leases, and may enter into similar transactions in the future;
the fact that many of our distribution centers are leased, and if we close a leased distribution center, we will still be obligated under the applicable lease;
changes in our product mix could adversely affect our results of operations;
the risk of adjustments in the future based on actual development experience because we establish insurance-related deductible/retention reserves based on historical loss development factors;
our strategy includes pursuing acquisitions, which we may be unsuccessful in making and integrating mergers, acquisitions, and investments, and completing divestitures;
the risk that the activities of activist stockholders could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations;
the risk that the value of our deferred tax assets could become impaired, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results;
the risk that our expected annual effective tax rate could be volatile and materially change as a result of changes in mix of earnings and other factors;
the risk that changes in actuarial assumptions for our pension plan could impact our financial results, and funding requirements are mandated by the federal government;
the risk that costs and liabilities related to our participation in multi-employer pension plans could increase;
the risk that we could be the subject of securities class action litigation due to stock price volatility, which could divert management’s attention and adversely affect our results of operations; and
the risk that changes in, or interpretation of, accounting principles. principles could result in unfavorable accounting changes.
the notes will be structurally subordinated to all indebtedness of the issuer’s existing and future subsidiaries that are not and do not become guarantors of the notes;
subsidiary guarantees of indebtedness under our secured Revolving Credit Facility may be released in a variety of circumstances, which will cause those guarantors to be released from their guarantees of the notes;
the issuer may not be able to purchase the notes upon a Change of Control Triggering Event;
investors may not be able to determine when a change of control has occurred following a sale of “substantially all” of our assets;
there are significant restrictions on your ability to transfer or resell your notes;
your ability to transfer the notes may be limited by the absence of an active trading market, and an active trading market may not develop for the notes;
U.S. federal and state laws permit courts to void guarantees under certain circumstances;
we are not providing all of the information that would be required if this offering were being registered with the SEC;
redemption may adversely affect your return on the notes;
the credit ratings assigned to the notes may not reflect all risks of an investment in the notes;
changes in our credit ratings could adversely affect the market prices or liquidity of the notes; and
other secured indebtedness, including indebtedness under our Revolving Credit Facility with respect to the Priority RCF Collateral, are senior to the notes to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness on a first-priority basis;
the value of the collateral securing the notes may not be sufficient to satisfy our obligations under the notes;
sales of assets by the Company and guarantors could reduce the pool of assets that will secure the notes and the guarantees; and
rights of holders of notes in the collateral may be adversely affected by bankruptcy proceedings.
Given these risks and uncertainties, we caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.


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THIRD-PARTY INFORMATION

This report contains references to industry data and information from third parties including U.S. government sources and publicly available market research. While we believe the information is reliable, we have not independently verified it and cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our management performed an evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-Q, under the supervision of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to our management including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

During the period covered by this report, other than described below, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.






































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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
During the third quarter of fiscal 2020,2021, there were no material changes to our legal proceedings as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2019.January 2, 2021. Additionally, we are, and from time to time may be, a party to routine legal proceedings incidental to the operation of our business. The outcome of any pending or threatened proceedings is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, operating results, or cash flows, based on our current understanding of the relevant facts. Legal expenses incurred related to these contingencies are generally expensed as incurred.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
In additionThere have been no material changes to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider therisk factors discusseddisclosed in Part I, "Item 1A.Risk Factors" in ourthe Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2019, as updated and supplemented below, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results.January 2, 2021.

Our business, results of operations, and financial condition may be materially adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) was first identified in December 2019 in certain Far East and European countries. On March 11, 2020, the spread of COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization, with a high concentration of cases in the United States. On March 13, 2020, the United States declared a national emergency concerning the pandemic, and many U.S. states and municipalities declared public health emergencies. In response, U.S. federal, state, and local governments and agencies have enacted wide-ranging actions to combat the pandemic, including “shelter-in-place” orders and quarantines, social distancing mandates, and face covering and hygiene protocols. In addition, some U.S. states and municipalities placed significant limits on non-essential construction projects. These actions substantially restricted daily activities for individuals and businesses, and have caused many businesses to curtail or cease normal operations.

While certain market conditions for our business, such as single-family housing starts, have rebounded quickly or otherwise been more resilient than we expected, the widespread health crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions taken to combat it have had significant adverse effects on the economies and financial markets of the U.S. and many other countries. These effects include increased unemployment, decreases in disposable income, declines in consumer confidence, general economic slowdowns, bankruptcies, and significant volatility in financial markets. These effects may reduce demand for our products, which could materially reduce our sales and profitability. In addition, any bankruptcy or financial distress of our customers or suppliers due to these adverse economic conditions could result in other significant negative impacts to our business including reduced sales, decreased collectability of accounts receivable, impaired credit, an ineffective supply chain, loss of credit from our suppliers, and a reduction in certain key product brands. Deteriorating economic conditions and reduced sales and profitability could also limit the availability of credit, or increase our borrowing costs, including by requiring additional collateral. We also may be required to record impairment charges with respect to assets whose fair values may be negatively affected by the effects of the pandemic on our operations.

In addition, although our operations and those of most of our direct customers and suppliers are considered “essential” and are therefore exempt from remaining state and local business closure orders, these exemptions may not mitigate the impact to our markets caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and they may be curtailed or revoked in the future. As the pandemic continues, business closure orders also may be implemented or reinstated in states or localities that experience a rebound or surge in COVID-19 cases, and those orders may not include the same exemptions. If these exemptions are curtailed or revoked, or if business closures orders are implemented or reinstated without exemptions, it could require us, or our customers or suppliers, to further limit our operations or suspend them altogether, which would adversely impact our business, operating results, and financial condition. The pandemic has also caused, and may continue to cause, disruption to the global supply chain. While this disruption contributed to rapid increases in certain wood-based commodity prices in the second and third quarters of 2020, which benefited our business, those increases are expected to reverse in the near-term, which could result in reduced revenues and margins, and potentially in substantial declines in profitability and possible net losses. The disruption also could negatively impact our ability to source products from our suppliers, many of whom are located outside of the United States, including China.

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In response to the pandemic, we instituted, and continue to follow, a number of actions to protect our workforce, including restricting business travel, imposing mandatory quarantine periods for employees who have traveled to areas impacted by the pandemic, modifying office functions to allow employees to work remotely, and modifying our warehouse and delivery operations to enforce enhanced safety protocols around social distancing, hygiene, and health screening. While all of these steps are necessary and appropriate in light of the pandemic, they, coupled with state and local business closure orders and regulations, do impact our ability to operate our business in its ordinary and traditional course, and they have and may continue to cause us to experience reductions in productivity and disruptions to our business routines while they remain in place.
While many states have lifted or are in various stages of lifting or curtailing shelter-in-place, business closure, and related orders, the rates of infection, hospitalization, and mortality associated with the COVID-19 virus continue to fluctuate, and remain high or are increasing in many localities. As a result, some localities are contemplating the reinstatement of certain prior restrictions, or the adoption of new restrictions, on businesses and individuals. The potential magnitude or duration of the business and economic impacts from this pandemic continue to remain uncertain, and many of the associated negative trends may continue through fiscal 2020 and into fiscal 2021. While the impact on our business from the COVID-19 pandemic has not been as significant as we initially expected, it could still become more severe. Any of the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including those described above, alone or in combination with others, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. In addition, any of these negative impacts, alone or in combination with others, could exacerbate many of the risks described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors”, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2019, and the other risks described in this report. The full extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will negatively affect our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.

We have been notified that we are not in compliance with certain listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), and we may be unable to regain compliance.

On April 22, 2020, we were notified by the NYSE that we were not in compliance with the continued listing standards set forth in Section 802.01B of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual because our average global market capitalization over a consecutive 30 trading-day period as of April 20, 2020, was less than $50 million, and, at the same time, our stockholders’ equity was less than $50 million.

On April 28, 2020, we submitted, and on May 14, 2020, the NYSE accepted, our plan to regain conformity with this NYSE listing standard by January 1, 2022, in accordance with NYSE rules. Our common stock will continue to be listed and traded on the NYSE during the cure period, subject to our compliance with other continued listing standards, and we will be subject to quarterly monitoring by the NYSE for compliance with the plan. The NYSE will deem us to have regained compliance if, during the cure period, we comply with the relevant continued listing standards, or qualify under an original listing standard, for a period of two consecutive quarters. Until the NYSE determines that we have regained compliance, our common stock trading symbol of “BXC” will have an added designation of “.BC” to indicate that the status of the common stock is “below compliance” with the NYSE continued listing standards. If we fail to comply with the plan, do not meet continued listing standards at the end of the allowed cure period, or in the event that our common stock trades at levels viewed to be abnormally low by the NYSE, our common stock will be subject to the prompt initiation of NYSE suspension and delisting procedures. There can be no assurance that our plans to regain compliance will be successful.

We believe that the erosion of our average market capitalization was a direct result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the stock market, and as of the end of our 2020 second and third quarters, our average market capitalization exceeded the $50 million required by the listing standard. Our 30 trading-day average global market capitalization was $69.8 million and $184.1 million at June 27, 2020, and September 26, 2020, respectively. However, a delisting would have an adverse effect on the liquidity of our common stock and, as a result, the market price for our common stock might decline if our common stock is delisted. Delisting could also make it more difficult for us to raise additional capital.


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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table summarizes the Company’s common stock repurchase activity for each month of the quarter ended September 26, 2020:
    Total Number    
of SharesAverage Price
Period
Purchased(1)
  Paid Per Share  
June 28 - August 1   $— 
August 2 - August 2971   $18.76 
August 30 - September 26—   $— 
Total71   
(1)The Company did not repurchase any of its equity securities during the period covered by this report pursuant to any publicly announced plan or program, and no such plan or program is presently in effect. All purchases reflected in the table above pertain to purchases of common stock by the Company in connection with tax withholding obligations of the Company’s employees upon the vesting of such employees’ restricted stock awards.
October 2, 2021:

Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
Average Price Paid Per Share
July 4 - August 7, 2021— $— 
August 8 - September 4, 202159 $58.27 
September 5 - October 2, 2021— $— 
Total59 

(1) The Company did not repurchase any of its equity securities during the period covered by this report pursuant to any publicly announced plan or program. All purchases reflected in the table above pertain to purchases of common stock by the Company in connection with tax withholding obligations of the Company’s employees upon the vesting of such employees’ restricted stock unit awards.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
On October 26, 2020, the Company recognized the extraordinary contributions of management in 2020 (including leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic, timely cost reductions and/or temporary voluntary salary reductions) by entering into amendments to certain of the outstanding performance-based restricted stock unit awards that were granted on June 8, 2018, under the Company’s Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the "RSUs"). The amendments modify only the performance target of the RSUs, which was reduced by 10% from $150 million to $135 million of trailing twelve month Adjusted EBITDA as of the end of any fiscal quarter during the three-year performance period. In approving the amendments, the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors also acknowledged that the performance target was originally established prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the global economic environment and the Company's ability to achieve the performance target. The amendments were entered into with all current employees who were recipients of the June 8, 2018, awards, including Mitchell B. Lewis, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Alexander S. Averitt, Chief Operating Officer.

The foregoing description of the material terms of the amendments is qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of amendment, which will be filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.None.


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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
Description
10.1*
10.2*
31.1*
31.2*
32.1**
32.2**
101.DefDefinition Linkbase Document.
101.PrePresentation Linkbase Document.
101.LabLabels Linkbase Document.
101.CalCalculation Linkbase Document.
101.SchSchema Document.
101.InsInstance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
104The cover page from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2020,October 2, 2021, formatted in Inline XBRL.
*Filed herewith.
**Exhibit is being furnished and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
±Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement




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SIGNATURE
 
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 hereunto duly authorized.
    
  BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 
  (Registrant) 
    
Date: October 28, 2020November 2, 2021By:/s/ Kelly C. Janzen 
 Kelly C. Janzen 
 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 

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