Biggest changeStatement of Earnings Data Year Ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2023 2022 2021 2020 (1) 2019 Net sales $ 862,133 $ 1,047,215 $ 1,012,799 $ 748,252 $ 802,291 Gross profit 523,092 604,224 574,625 418,994 434,488 Percent of net sales 60.7 % 57.7 % 56.7 % 56.0 % 54.2 % Selling, general and administrative expenses (2) 455,812 486,298 456,267 377,288 407,456 Percent of net sales 52.9 % 46.4 % 45.1 % 50.4 % 50.8 % Income before income taxes (2)(3) 72,711 119,501 118,535 76,731 28,724 Percent of net sales 8.4 % 11.4 % 11.7 % 10.3 % 3.6 % Net income (2)(3) 56,319 89,358 90,803 59,148 21,865 Percent of net sales 6.5 % 8.5 % 9.0 % 7.9 % 2.7 % Share Data Diluted earnings per Common share (2)(3) $ 3.36 $ 5.24 $ 4.90 $ 3.12 $ 1.08 Cash dividends – per share: Common Stock (4) $ 2.18 $ 2.09 $ 2.97 $ 2.77 $ 0.76 Class A Common Stock (4) $ 2.05 $ 1.96 $ 2.79 $ 2.62 $ 0.72 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 16,774 17,038 18,543 18,932 20,261 Balance Sheet Data Total assets $ 654,133 $ 649,049 $ 686,290 $ 680,372 $ 560,072 Inventories 93,956 118,333 112,031 89,908 104,817 Net property and equipment (5) 171,588 137,475 126,099 108,366 156,534 Right-of-use lease assets 202,306 207,390 222,356 228,749 175,474 Lease liabilities 217,754 221,287 230,352 233,666 179,055 Customer deposits 35,837 47,969 98,897 86,183 30,121 Total debt (6) — — — — — Stockholders’ Equity 308,366 289,399 255,970 252,967 260,503 Statement of Cash Flows Data Net cash provided by operating activities $ 97,203 $ 51,015 $ 97,242 $ 130,191 $ 63,419 Depreciation and amortization (5) 18,603 16,926 16,304 18,207 20,596 Capital expenditures 53,115 28,411 34,090 10,927 16,841 Dividends paid 35,240 33,948 52,446 50,521 15,056 Share repurchases 6,895 29,998 41,809 19,708 29,757 Other Supplemental Data and Metrics Number of stores 124 122 121 120 121 Retail square footage at year-end 4,387 4,363 4,354 4,352 4,426 Sales per WAVG retail square foot $ 197 $ 241 $ 232 $ 173 $ 183 Average ticket (7) $ 3,278 $ 3,171 $ 2,865 $ 2,482 $ 2,323 Net sales (decrease) increase (%) (17.7 %) 3.4 % 35.4 % (6.7) % (1.9) % Comparable store sales (decrease) increase (%) (18.4 %) 3.4 % 17.9 % 5.0 % (1.4) % Employees 2,574 2,831 2,845 2,766 3,425 (1) Stores were closed and delivery operations were paused for approximately six weeks due to COVID-19.
Biggest changeStatement of Earnings Data Year Ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 (1) Net sales $ 722,899 $ 862,133 $ 1,047,215 $ 1,012,799 $ 748,252 Gross profit 439,078 523,092 604,225 574,625 418,994 Percent of net sales 60.7 % 60.7 % 57.7 % 56.7 % 56.0 % Selling, general and administrative expenses 419,221 455,812 486,298 456,267 377,288 Percent of net sales 58.0 % 52.9 % 46.4 % 45.1 % 50.4 % Income before income taxes (2) 26,153 72,711 119,501 118,535 76,731 Percent of net sales 3.6 % 8.4 % 11.4 % 11.7 % 10.3 % Net income (2) 19,956 56,319 89,358 90,803 59,148 Percent of net sales 2.8 % 6.5 % 8.5 % 9.0 % 7.9 % Share Data Diluted earnings per Common share (2) $ 1.19 $ 3.36 $ 5.24 $ 4.90 $ 3.12 Cash dividends – per share: Common Stock (3) $ 1.26 $ 2.18 $ 2.09 $ 2.97 $ 2.77 Class A Common Stock (3) $ 1.18 $ 2.05 $ 1.96 $ 2.79 $ 2.62 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 16,707 16,774 17,038 18,543 18,932 Balance Sheet Data Total assets $ 648,747 $ 654,133 $ 649,050 $ 686,290 $ 680,372 Inventories 83,419 93,956 118,333 112,031 89,908 Net property and equipment 182,622 171,588 137,475 126,099 108,366 Right-of-use lease assets 194,411 202,306 207,390 222,356 228,749 Lease liabilities 218,379 217,754 221,287 230,352 233,666 Customer deposits 40,733 35,837 47,969 98,897 86,183 Total debt (4) — — — — — Stockholders’ Equity 307,561 308,366 289,399 255,970 252,967 Statement of Cash Flows Data Net cash provided by operating activities $ 58,909 $ 97,203 $ 51,015 $ 97,242 $ 130,191 Depreciation and amortization 21,611 18,603 16,926 16,304 18,207 Capital expenditures 32,092 53,115 28,411 34,090 10,927 Dividends paid 20,468 35,240 33,948 52,446 50,521 Share repurchases 4,991 6,895 29,998 41,809 19,708 Other Supplemental Data and Metrics Number of stores 129 124 122 121 120 Retail square footage at year-end (in 000s) 4,539 4,387 4,363 4,354 4,352 Sales per WAVG retail square foot $ 164 $ 197 $ 241 $ 232 $ 173 Average ticket (5) $ 3,371 $ 3,278 $ 3,171 $ 2,865 $ 2,482 Net sales (decrease) increase (%) (16.1 %) (17.7 %) 3.4 % 35.4 % (6.7) % Comparable store sales (decrease) increase (%) (16.7 %) (18.4 %) 3.4 % 17.9 % 5.0 % Employees 2,334 2,574 2,831 2,845 2,766 (1) Stores were closed and delivery operations were paused for approximately six weeks due to COVID-19.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. Industry The retail residential furniture industry’s results are influenced by the overall strength of the economy, new and existing housing sales, consumer confidence, spending on large ticket items, interest rates, and availability of credit.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Industry The retail residential furniture industry’s results are influenced by the overall strength of the economy, new and existing housing sales, consumer confidence, spending on large ticket items, interest rates, and availability of credit.
The discussion in this Form 10-K generally focuses on the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. A discussion of our results of operations and changes in financial condition for the 2022 year compared to 2021 has been excluded from this report, but can be found in Part II, Item 7.
The discussion in this Form 10-K generally focuses on the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. A discussion of our results of operations and changes in financial condition for the 2023 year compared to 2022 has been excluded from this report, but can be found in Part II, Item 7.
Administrative expenses are comprised of compensation costs for store personnel exclusive of sales team members, information systems, executive, accounting, merchandising, advertising, supply chain, real estate and human resource departments. 21 Table of Contents We classify our SG&A expenses as either variable or fixed and discretionary.
Administrative expenses are comprised of compensation costs for store personnel exclusive of sales team members, information systems, executive, accounting, merchandising, advertising, supply chain, real estate and human resource departments. 23 Table of Contents We classify our SG&A expenses as either variable or fixed and discretionary.
WAVG square footage is a daily WAVG based on the ratio of the days open in a period to the total days in the period. 19 Table of Contents Results of Operations The table and discussion below should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report.
WAVG square footage is a daily WAVG based on the ratio of the days open in a period to the total days in the period. 21 Table of Contents Results of Operations The table and discussion below should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report.
See Note 5, “Credit Arrangement” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information about our Credit Agreement. 22 Table of Contents Leases We use operating leases to fund a portion of our real estate, including our stores, distribution centers, and store support space.
See Note 5, “Credit Arrangement” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information about our Credit Agreement. 24 Table of Contents Leases We use operating leases to fund a portion of our real estate, including our stores, distribution centers, and store support space.
Long-Term Debt We currently have a $80.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Credit Agreement") with a bank. As of December 31, 2023, we had no outstanding borrowings and $80.0 million of available borrowings under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement matures October 24, 2027.
Long-Term Debt We currently have a $80.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Credit Agreement") with a bank. As of December 31, 2024 , we had no outstanding borrowings and $80.0 million of available borrowings under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement matures October 24, 2027.
Our focus is to serve our customers better and distinguish ourselves in the marketplace. 18 Table of Contents Key Performance Indicators We evaluate our performance based on several key metrics which include net sales, comparable store sales and written comparable store sales; sales per weighted average square foot; gross profit, selling, general and administrative costs as a percentage of sales; operating income; cash flow; and earnings per share.
Our focus is to serve our customers better and distinguish ourselves in the marketplace. 20 Table of Contents Key Performance Indicators We evaluate our performance based on several key metrics which include store traffic, conversion rates, net sales, comparable store sales and written comparable store sales; sales per weighted average square foot; gross profit, selling, general and administrative costs as a percentage of sales; operating income; cash flow; and earnings per share.
Our products are selected to appeal to a middle to upper-middle income consumer across a variety of styles. Our commissioned sales team members receive a high level of product training and are provided a number of tools with which to serve our customers. We also have ove r 110 in‑home designers serving most of our stores.
Our products are selected to appeal to a middle to upper-middle income consumer across a variety of styles. Our commissioned sales team members receive a high level of product training and are provided a number of tools with which to serve our customers. We also have over 120 in‑home designers serving most of our stores.
(7) Average ticket is calculated by dividing total sales by the number of orders. 20 Table of Contents Net Sales The following outlines our sales and comp-store sales increases and decreases for the periods indicated.
(5) Average ticket is calculated by dividing total sales by the number of orders. 22 Table of Contents Net Sales The following outlines our sales and comp-store sales increases and decreases for the periods indicated.
We may also return excess cash to shareholders in the form of share repurchases or special cash dividends. We expect capital expenditures of approximately $32.0 million in 2024 to support our operations and strategic expansion, however these plans are subject to other potential opportunities, the economic environment, general business conditions and our financial performance.
We may also return excess cash to shareholders in the form of share repurchases or special cash dividends. We expect capital expenditures of approxima tely $27.1 million in 2025 to support our operations and strategic expansion, however these plans are subject to other potential opportunities, the economic environment, general business conditions and our financial performance.
At December 31, 2023 , we had aggregate lease obligations of $217.8 million, with $37.4 million payable within 12 months. See Note 8, “Leases” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of our operating leases.
At December 31, 2024 , we had aggregate lease obligations of $218.4 million, with $36.3 million payable within 12 months. See Note 8, “Leases” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of our operating leases.
We have reviewed our accounting estimates, and none were deemed to be considered critical for the accounting periods presented.
We have reviewed our accounting estimates, and none were deemed to be considered critical for the accounting periods presented. 26 Table of Contents
(Approximate in thousands) Proposed 2024 2023 2022 2021 Stores: New or replacement stores (1) $ 17,000 $ 9,300 $ 7,700 $ 7,000 Remodels/expansions 3,500 2,500 4,400 4,300 Other improvements 6,700 6,900 6,600 4,500 Total stores 27,200 18,700 18,700 15,800 Distribution (1) 2,300 32,400 6,900 15,300 Information technology 2,500 2,000 2,800 3,000 Total $ 32,000 $ 53,100 $ 28,400 $ 34,100 (1) In 2023 we purchased one distribution facility that was previously leased and in 2021 we purchased one retail location and one distribution facility that were previously leased.
(Approximate in thousands) Proposed 2025 2024 2023 2022 Stores: New or replacement stores $ 15,800 $ 18,000 $ 9,300 $ 7,700 Remodels/expansions 1,200 4,600 2,500 4,400 Other improvements 5,700 4,700 6,900 6,600 Total stores 22,700 27,300 18,700 18,700 Distribution (1) 1,800 2,900 32,400 6,900 Information technology 2,600 1,900 2,000 2,800 Total $ 27,100 $ 32,100 $ 53,100 $ 28,400 (1) In 2023 we purchased one distribution facility that was previously leased.
We made cash payments of $6.9 million for repurchases of approximately 227,000 shares of our Common Stock through open market purchases during 2023 and there is approximately $13.1 million at December 31, 2023 that may yet be purchased under the existing authorization. Cash Flows Summary Operating Activities. Cash flow generated from operations provides us with a significant source of liquidity.
We made cash payments of $5.0 million for repurchases of 214,500 shares of our Common Stock through open market purchases during 2024 and there is approximately $8.1 milli on at December 31, 2024 that may yet be purchased under the existing authorization. Cash Flows Summary Operating Activities. Cash flow generated from operations provides us with a significant source of liquidity.
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2023 was $97.2 million driven primarily by net income of $56.3 million and non-cash adjustments to net income of $26.7 million consisting primarily of depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation expense, and by working capital changes driven primarily by a $24.4 million decrease in inventories partly offset by a $12.1 million reduction in customer deposits.
The changes in working capital were driven primarily by a $10.5 million decrease in inventories, a $7.0 million decrease in other assets and liabilities, and a $4.9 million increase in customer deposits offset by a $11.4 million decrease in accrued liabilities and vendor repayments. 25 Table of Contents Net cash provided by operating activities in 2023 was $97.2 million driven primarily by net income of $56.3 million and non-cash adjustments to net income of $26.7 million consisting primarily of depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation expense, and by working capital changes driven primarily by a $24.4 million decrease in inventories partly offset by a $12.1 million reduction in customer deposits.
Liquidity and Capital Resources At December 31, 2023 , we had $120.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $7.1 million in restricted cash equivalents. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our restricted cash equivalents.
See Note 7, “Income Taxes” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about our income taxes. Liquidity and Capital Resources At December 31, 2024 , we had $120.0 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $6.3 million in restricted cash equivalents. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our restricted cash equivalents.
In addition, our growth strategy includes the expansion of our retail operations to increase our footprint within our distribution network. The Company’s strategies for profitability include gross margin focus, targeted marketing initiatives, productivity and process improvements, and efficiency and cost-saving measures.
In addition, our growth strategy includes the expansion of our retail operations to increase our footprint within our distribution network. The Company’s strategies for profitability include increasing sales volume, maintaining strong gross margins, implementing targeted marketing initiatives, improving productivity and processes, and adopting efficiency and cost-saving measures.
(4) Includes special dividends of $1.00 for Common Stock and $0.95 for Class A Common Stock paid in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 2022, and $2.00 for Common Stock and $1.90 for Class A Common Stock paid in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2020. (5) We adopted ASC 840 effective January 1, 2019.
(3) Includes special dividends of $1.00 for Common Stock and $0.95 for Class A Common Stock paid in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 2022, and $2.00 for Common Stock and $1.90 for Class A Common Stock paid in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2020. (4) We have no funded debt.
(Amounts and percentages may not always add to totals due to rounding.) December 31, 2023 2022 Net Sales Comp-Store Sales Net Sales Comp-Store Sales Period Ended Dollars in millions % Increase (decrease) over prior period % Increase (decrease) over prior period Dollars in millions % Increase (decrease) over prior period % Increase (decrease) over prior period Q1 $ 224.8 (5.9) % (6.7) % $ 238.9 1.0 % 0.2 % % Q2 206.3 (18.5) (19.1) 253.2 1.3 1.1 Q3 220.3 (19.7) (20.7) 274.5 5.4 6.3 Q4 210.7 (24.9) (25.5) 280.6 5.5 5.7 Year $ 862.1 (17.7) % (18.4) % $ 1,047.2 3.4 % 3.4 % % Sales in 2023 were below the record levels of the previous two years.
(Amounts and percentages may not always add to totals due to rounding.) December 31, 2024 2023 Net Sales Comp-Store Sales Net Sales Comp-Store Sales Period Ended Dollars in millions % Increase (decrease) over prior period % Increase (decrease) over prior period Dollars in millions % Increase (decrease) over prior period % Increase (decrease) over prior period Q1 $ 184.0 (18.1) % (18.5) % $ 224.8 (5.9) % (6.7) % Q2 178.6 (13.4) (13.6) 206.3 (18.5) (19.1) Q3 175.9 (20.2) (20.5) 220.3 (19.7) (20.7) Q4 184.4 (12.5) (13.7) 210.7 (24.9) (25.5) Year $ 722.9 (16.1) % (16.7) % $ 862.1 (17.7) % (18.4) % Net sales in 2024 decreased $139.2 million or 16.1% compared to 2023.
The following table outlines our SG&A expenses by classification: 2023 2022 (In thousands) % of Net Sales % of Net Sales Variable $ 170,472 19.8 % $ 193,675 18.5 % Fixed and discretionary 285,340 33.1 292,623 27.9 $ 455,812 52.9 % $ 486,298 46.4 % Our SG&A costs as a percent of sales for 2023 were 52.9% versus 46.4% in 2022.
The following table outlines our SG&A expenses by classification: 2024 2023 (In thousands) % of Net Sales % of Net Sales Variable $ 139,859 19.4 % $ 170,472 19.8 % Fixed and discretionary 279,362 38.6 285,340 33.1 $ 419,221 58.0 % $ 455,812 52.9 % Our SG&A costs as a percent of sales for 2024 were 58.0% versus 52.9% in 2023.
(2) Includes impairment loss of $2.4 million, or $1.8 million after tax, on a retail store in 2019 which impacted diluted earnings per share $0.09. (3) Includes gain of $31.6 million on a sale-leaseback transaction in 2020 which impacted diluted earnings per share $1.24.
(2) Includes gain of $31.6 million on a sale-leaseback transaction in 2020 which impacted diluted earnings per share $1.24.
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2022 was $51.0 million driven primarily by net income of $89.4 million and non-cash adjustments to net income of $25.8 million consisting primarily of depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation expense, and by working capital changes driven primarily by a $50.9 million reduction in customer deposits. 23 Table of Contents Investing Activities.
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2024 was $58.9 million driven primarily by net income of $20.0 million and non-cash adjustments to net income of $27.9 million consisting primarily of depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense and changes in working capital.
Design consultant engagement increased in 2023 and accounted for 28.5% of our 2023 sales, with an average written ticket of $6,486. Merchandise sales for most categories have returned to their historical pre-COVID percentages of total sales, with the exception of mattresses. (See Note 2, "Revenues and Segment Reporting" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
Design consultant engagement increased in 2024 and accounted for 33.6% of our 2024 total written sales, with an average written ticket of $7,222. (See Note 2, "Revenues and Segment Reporting" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
SG&A dollars decreased $30.5 million, or 6.3%, for 2023 compared to 2022. The change is driven by the reduction in sales and lower variable costs and less leveraging of fixed costs. Our selling expenses were $14.1 million lower, inclusive of an $0.8 million increase in third-party credit costs due to rate increases.
SG&A dollars decreased $36.6 million, or 8.0%, for 2024 compared t o 2023 . The change was driven by the reduction in sales, lower variable costs, and less leveraging of fixed costs. Our selling expenses decreased $18.5 million, largely due to lower commissioned-based compensation and third-party creditor costs.
Cash used in investing activities in 2023 consisted primarily of $53.1 million of capital expenditures. Cash used in investing activities in 2022 primarily reflected $28.4 million of capital expenditures. Financing Activities. Cash used in financing activities in 2023 consisted primarily of $19.1 million of quarterly cash dividends, $16.1 of special cash dividends, and $6.9 million of share repurchases.
Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities in 2024 consisted primarily of $32.1 million of capital expenditures. Cash used in investing activities in 2023 primarily reflected $53.1 million of capital expenditures. Financing Activities. Cash used in financing activities in 2024 consisted primaril y of $20.5 million of quarterly cash dividends and $5.0 million of share repurchases.
Warehouse costs include supplies, depreciation, and rental charges for equipment. Advertising expenses are primarily media production and space expenditures, direct mail costs, market research expenses and agency fees.
Occupancy costs include rents, depreciation charges, insurance and property taxes, repairs and maintenance expense and utility costs. Delivery costs include personnel, fuel costs, and depreciation and rental charges for rolling stock. Warehouse costs include personnel, supplies, depreciation, and rental charges for equipment. Advertising expenses are primarily TV and digital media production and space expenditures, market research expenses and agency fees.
Comp-store sales, total written sales and written comp-store sales are intended only as supplemental information and are not a substitute for net sales presented in accordance with US GAAP. Sales per weighted average (“WAVG”) square foot is calculated by dividing net sales by WAVG square footage.
As a retailer, comp‑store sales and written comp‑store sales are an indicator of relative customer spending and store performance. Comp-store sales, total written sales and written comp-store sales are intended only as supplemental information and are not a substitute for net sales presented in accordance with US GAAP.
Selling expenses are primarily comprised of compensation of sales team members and sales support staff, and fees paid to credit card and third-party finance companies. Occupancy costs include rents, depreciation charges, insurance and property taxes, repairs and maintenance expense and utility costs. Delivery costs include personnel, fuel costs, and depreciation and rental charges for rolling stock.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses SG&A expenses are comprised of five categories: selling, occupancy, delivery and certain warehousing costs, advertising, and administrative. Selling expenses are primarily comprised of compensation of sales team members and sales support staff, and fees paid to credit card and third-party finance companies.
Our total administrative expenses were basically unchanged for 2023 compared to 2022 as lower compensation costs were offset by higher professional service fees. Interest (Income) Expense, Net We earned $3.9 million more interest income, net of interest expense, in 2023 than in 2022 due to higher rates paid on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash equivalents.
Interest (Income) Expense, Net We earned $0.6 million more interest income, net of interest expense, in 2024 than in 2023 due to higher rates paid on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash equivalents. Provision for Income Taxes Our effective tax rate was 23.7% in 2024 compared to 22.5% in 2023.
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 60.7% in 2023 compared to 57.7% in 2022. The increase of 300 basis points was primarily due to reductions in freight and product costs.
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 60.7% in 2024 and 2023. The positive impact generated from the change in the LIFO reserve decreased by $8.6 million to $0.8 million in 2024. Excluding the impact of LIFO, our gross profit margins increased 100 basis points due to product selection and merchandising mix.
Consumers have returned to their historical shopping patterns of concentrating spending around traditional holiday events and our in-store traffic has declined, particularly outside these peak periods. Our sales associates and design consultants are providing excellent service to each customer, and average ticket value was up 3.4% over last year.
The housing recession, inflationary pressures, and cautious consumer spending due to economic uncertainty contributed to the sales decline. Our sales associates and design consultants are providing excellent service to each customer. The average ticket value in 2024 was $3,371, up 3.0% over last year.
Cash used in financing activities in 2022 primarily reflected $17.9 million of quarterly cash dividends, $16.1 of special cash dividends, and $30.0 million of share repurchases. Store Expansion and Capital Expenditures We have entered new markets and made continued improvements and relocations of our store base.
Cash used in financing activities in 2023 primarily reflected $19.1 million of quarterly cash dividends, $16.1 of special cash dividends, and $6.9 million of share repurchases. Our investing activities in stores and operations in 2024 , 2023 and 2022 and planned outlays for 2025 are categorized in the table below.