ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes and the other information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this report, particularly those under “Risk Factors.” Dollars in tabular format are presented in thousands, except per share data, or otherwise indicated.
OVERVIEW
GrowGeneration Corp. (together with all of its direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, collectively "GrowGeneration" or the "Company") was incorporated in Colorado in 2014. Since then, GrowGeneration has grown from a small chain of specialty retail hydroponic and organic garden centers to a multifaceted business with diverse assets. Today, GrowGeneration operates two major lines of business: our Cultivation and Gardening segment, composed of our hydroponic and organic gardening business; and our Storage Solutions segment, composed of our benching, racking, and storage solutions business.
MARKETS AND BUSINESS SEGMENTS
We have two operating segments, each its own reportable segment, based on our major lines of business: the Cultivation and Gardening segment and the Storage Solutions segment. We recognize specifically identifiable operating costs such as cost of sales, distribution expenses, and store operations and other operational expenses within each segment. Selling, general, and administrative expenses, such as administrative and management expenses, salaries, and benefits, share-based compensation, director fees, legal expenses, accounting and consulting expenses, and technology costs, are not allocated to specific segments and are reflected in the enterprise results.
Cultivation and Gardening Segment
We are a leading developer, marketer, retailer, and distributor of products for both indoor and outdoor hydroponic and organic gardening. Our main business strategy within the hydroponic and organic gardening sector has been to consolidate assets within the fragmented hydroponics industry to leverage efficiencies of a centralized organization.
We sell a variety of hydroponic and organic gardening related products, including nutrients, additives, growing media, lighting, environmental control systems, and other products for indoor and outdoor cultivation. Our products include proprietary brands such as Charcoir, Drip Hydro, Power Si, Ion lights, The Harvest Company, and more, the development and expansion of which are a key component of the Company's growth strategy. Our target customers include commercial and craft growers, as well as home growers, in the plant-based medicine market, and commercial and home gardeners who grow organic herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, through our wholesale division, we distribute many of our proprietary products to customers that are wholesalers, resellers, and retailers in the specialty retail hydroponic and organic gardening industry.
We make our products available to growers through a variety of channels, including our hydroponic retail locations, a commercial sales division that provides white glove service to commercial cultivators, a wholesale division that markets to resellers in both the hydroponic and traditional gardening markets, and an online platform at growgeneration.com, which includes a B2B customer portal for commercial and wholesale customers. Management believes that the Company has the largest chain of specialty retail hydroponic and organic garden centers in the U.S., with 31 retail locations across 12 states as of December 31, 2024.
Storage Solutions Segment
Our Storage Solutions business, branded as "Mobile Media" or "MMI," provides customized storage solutions designed to enhance profitability, productivity, and efficiency for our customers by allowing them to save space and increase storage capacity. We cater to diverse markets with our products and services, including agriculture, retail, warehousing, office and administrative, food service, hospitality, golf and country clubs, and more. Our products include high-density mobile storage systems, static shelving, and other accessories such as desks, lockers, safes, and secured storage, offering a solution for every storage need. MMI also offers a wide variety of services, including site surveys, floor plan designs, capacity analysis, seismic calculations, permitting, and installation, in order to provide a comprehensive, turnkey solution for
21
Table of Contents
customers. Based in the Hudson Valley, New York, the MMI team has decades of experience successfully completing projects throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Our target customers generally include small, mid-size, and large businesses seeking vertical space-saving solutions that are custom tailored to their space and brand in an effort to maximize storage capacity or gain space in their real estate footprint. Many of our customers are involved in the construction and design industries and include retailers, general contractors, and architects involved in new constructions and remodels for retail stores and fulfillment centers. Our customer base also includes the golf industry, specifically country clubs needing to store more club bags and optimize their existing space, as well as controlled environment agriculture (CEA) operators that cultivate indoors with vertical or rolling benching and racking.
Strategic Restructuring Plan
In July 2024, we announced a strategic restructuring plan focused on long-term profitability and advancing growth initiatives in key areas of our Cultivation and Gardening segment such as our proprietary brands, commercial sales, and e-commerce business. These restructuring plans have primarily included product development costs, digital transformation initiatives, reductions in cost structure by closing and consolidating 12 redundant or underperforming retail locations, in addition to the 7 retail locations closed in the first half of 2024, workforce reductions, and other operational improvements in inventory management, sales and marketing, and administrative activities.
Our restructuring and restructuring related charges consists of inventory disposal costs, retail location closure costs including related contract termination costs and fixed asset disposals, employee termination benefits, asset impairments including the impairment of operating lease right-of-use assets, and other associated costs.
Since the restructuring activities were announced in July 2024, we have incurred aggregate restructuring and restructuring-related costs of $2.4 million, presented on the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the year ended December 31, 2024 as follows (in thousands):
Restructuring
Cultivation and Gardening segment:
Store operations and other operational expenses (2) 842
Segment operating loss (1,890)
Corporate expenses:
Selling, general, and administrative (3) 205
Impairment loss (4) 220
Other expense (5) 50
Total restructuring and restructuring related charges $ (2,365)
(1) Includes inventory disposal costs
(3) Includes employee termination benefits and other associated costs
(4) Consists of asset impairments for operating lease right-of-use assets
(5) Includes non-operating losses related to retail location closures
In addition to the effect on cost of sales shown above related to inventory disposal costs, we estimate we incurred a $0.9 million loss in gross profit due to inventory discounts offered in conjunction with exiting the 12 retail locations. Also in conjunction with our restructuring activities to support operational and administrative improvements, we reassessed and shortened the estimated useful life of certain capitalized software assets, which resulted in an $5.3 million increase to depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment in the year ended December 31, 2024.
As of December 31, 2024, the outstanding restructuring liability was $0.1 million primarily pertaining to contract terminations costs related to retail location closures, which we expect to pay before the end of the first quarter of 2025. However, certain facilities costs related to closed retail locations for which we are pursuing sublease arrangements will be paid over the remaining terms which extend through 2032 at the latest.
22
Table of Contents
Overall, we expect to incur a total of $2.7 million in restructuring and restructuring-related costs, including the $2.4 million previously incurred. The remainder of the expected charges primarily relate to corporate operational and administrative contract terminations and other associated costs. We expect that these restructuring activities will be substantially completed by the end of the first quarter of 2025 and will improve gross profit margin and profitability while generating annualized cost savings of approximately $12.0 million.
Refer to Note 17, Restructuring, of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K ("Consolidated Financial Statements") for additional information regarding restructuring activities.
GROWTH STRATEGIES
Our main growth strategy has been to consolidate assets within the fragmented hydroponics industry to leverage efficiencies of a centralized organization. As a result, we have built a business that is driven by a wide selection of products, a strong portfolio of proprietary brands, a solutions-driven staff located in strategic markets around the country, and pick, pack, ship distribution and fulfillment capabilities.
Since our founding in 2014, we have acquired or opened numerous specialty hydroponic and organic gardening center locations. Management believes that GrowGeneration has the largest chain of specialty retail hydroponic and organic garden centers in the U.S., with 31 retail locations across 12 states as of December 31, 2024. We have also acquired several other types of businesses within or complimentary to the hydroponic industry, such as online retailers, proprietary products, our wholesale distribution business, and our benching, racking, and storage solutions business, MMI. We regularly seek and evaluates accretive acquisition opportunities with similar or complimentary businesses to those businesses it already operates.
Our main growth strategies for the Storage Solutions segment include expanding the types of customers and industries to which we sell our Storage Solutions products, including greater penetration in controlled environment agriculture, industrial and country club verticals.
For further detail on all acquisitions please see Note 13, Acquisitions, of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
COMPONENTS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Sales
We primarily generate net sales from the selling and distribution of proprietary and non-proprietary brand hydroponic and organic gardening products. In addition to our hydroponic and organic gardening product sales, we sell and install commercial fixtures through our benching, racking, and storage solutions business. Net sales reflect the amount of consideration that we expect to receive, which is derived from a list price reduced by variable consideration, including applicable sales discounts and estimated expected sales returns.
These sales vary by the type of product: consumables, such as nutrients, additives, growing media, and supplies that are subject to regular replenishment, and durables, such as lighting, environmental control systems, and storage solutions. Generally, in new markets where legalization of plant-based medicines is recent and licensors are starting new grow operations, there is an initial increase of durable product purchases for facility build-outs, which decrease over time as growers establish their operations. Thereafter, we tend to observe cultivators focus their purchasing patterns to consumables as the primary source of product need. In more mature markets, the sales patterns tend to favor higher percentages of consumable purchasing in comparison to emerging markets.
We assess the organic growth of our Cultivation and Gardening segment net sales on a same-store basis. We believe that our assessment on a same-store basis represents an important indicator of comparative financial results and provides relevant information to assess our performance. New and acquired stores become eligible for inclusion in the comparable store base if the store has been under our ownership for the entire period in the same-store base periods for which we are including the store. Closed stores become ineligible for inclusion in the comparable store base in the month in which operations cease.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales includes cost of goods and shipping costs. Cost of goods consists of cost of merchandise, inbound freight, and other inventory-related costs, such as shrinkage costs and lower of cost or market adjustments. Occupancy expenses of our retail locations and distribution centers, which consist of payroll, rent, and other lease required costs, including common
23
Table of Contents
area maintenance and utilities, are included as a component of operating expenses within Store operations and other operational expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Gross Profit
We calculate gross profit as net sales less cost of sales. Gross profit excludes depreciation and amortization, which are presented separately as a component of operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Our gross profit as a percentage of net sales, or gross profit margin, varies with our product mix, in particular the percentage of sales of proprietary brand products compared to non-proprietary brand products and of consumable products compared to durable products. Proprietary products typically have higher gross margins compared to non-proprietary products, and consumable products typically have higher gross margins compared to durable products.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses are comprised of the following components: store operations and other operational expenses; selling, general, and administrative; estimated credit losses; depreciation and amortization; and impairment losses. Store operations and other operational expenses consist primarily of payroll, rent and utilities, and allocated corporate overhead costs. Selling, general, and administrative expenses consist of corporate salaries, stock-based compensation, advertising and promotions, travel and entertainment, professional fees, insurance, and other corporate administrative costs. Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales typically does not increase commensurate with an increase in net sales. Our largest expenses are generally related to employee compensation and leases, which are primarily fixed and not variable. Our advertising and marketing expenses are largely controllable and variable depending on the particular market.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
A discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 is presented below. A discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 can be found under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 13, 2024.
Condensed Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
The following table presents, for the periods indicated, selected information from our consolidated financial results, including information presented as a percentage of net sales:
For the Years Ended December 31,
Net Sales
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $188.9 million, a decrease of $37.0 million, or 16.4% as compared to net sales of $225.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
The decrease in net sales was primarily related to our Cultivation and Gardening segment, which had net sales of $163.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and $194.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This decrease in net sales was primarily due to the closure of 19 retail locations during 2024, which include the 12 redundant or underperforming retail locations consolidated in conjunction with the restructuring plan. In addition to continued industry
24
Table of Contents
pricing compression on distributed products, we estimate that inventory sales discounts related to exiting the 12 restructuring retail locations contributed to reduced net sales of $0.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2024. Same-store sales increased approximately 0.9%, primarily attributable to commercial sales growth and customer retention in markets where there were retail location closures. Proprietary brand sales as a percentage of Cultivation and Gardening net sales increased to 24.2% for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 18.8% for the year ended December 31, 2023, largely driven by our strategic initiatives to increase sales volume with our expanded portfolio of proprietary brands and various product launches. The percentage of Cultivation and Gardening net sales related to consumable products for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 72.2%, an increase from 71.7% for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was mainly driven by increased brand adoption of proprietary growing media and nutrient products.
Additionally, net sales of commercial fixtures within our Storage Solutions segment decreased to $25.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $31.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to a similar volume of projects with a decrease in average project size.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $145.1 million, a decrease of $19.5 million or 11.8%, compared to $164.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The corresponding reduction in cost of sales as compared to the 16.4% decrease in sales as previously discussed, was largely offset by the additional $1.0 million of inventory disposal costs incurred as part of the restructuring plan as well as costs related to the strategic rationalization of our product offerings, reduced inventory discounts from vendors, and other non-recurring costs associated with store consolidations in the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.
Gross Profit
Gross profit was $43.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $61.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $17.5 million or 28.6%. The decrease in gross profit was primarily related to the Cultivation and Gardening segment, which decreased $15.2 million or 32.1% for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, largely as a result of the decrease in sales volume due to store consolidations and the effects of the strategic restructuring plan, including the estimated $0.9 million in inventory sales discounts, the additional $1.0 million of inventory disposal costs, and the strategic rationalization of our product offerings in the year ended December 31, 2024. Additionally, gross profit from our Storage Solutions segment decreased $2.3 million, or 16.6%, in the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily driven by the decrease in revenue.
Gross profit margin was 23.1% for the year ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of 400 basis points from a gross profit margin of 27.1% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in gross profit margin was largely driven by the Cultivation and Gardening segment, which had a gross profit margin of 19.7% for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 24.4%, due to the effects of the strategic restructuring plan, including the inventory disposal costs, sales discounts, and product offering rationalization, reduced inventory discounts from vendors, and continued industry pricing compression on distributed products. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in the Storage Solutions segment gross profit margin to 45.6% in the year ended December 31, 2024 from 44.1% in the year ended December 31, 2023.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses are comprised of store operations and other operational expenses, selling, general, and administrative, estimated credit losses, depreciation and amortization, and impairment loss. Operating expenses were $95.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and $111.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $15.4 million or 13.9%.
Store operating costs and other operational expenses, which consisted primarily of payroll, rent and utilities, and allocated corporate overhead costs, were $40.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $48.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $7.9 million or 16.4%. The decrease in store operating costs was primarily due to the 19 retail locations closed during 2024, including the 12 redundant or underperforming retail locations consolidated in conjunction with the restructuring plan. This decrease was partially offset by the additional $0.8 million of restructuring costs incurred in the year ended December 31, 2024 related to exiting those retail locations and the related employee termination benefits.
Total corporate overhead, which is comprised of selling, general, and administrative, estimated credit losses, and depreciation and amortization, was $48.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to $47.4 million for
25
Table of Contents
the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $1.3 million or 2.7%. The increase in corporate overhead was primarily due to the $2.8 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense, which was largely attributed to the $5.3 million increase related to the accelerated depreciation and amortization for certain capitalized software assets reassessed as part of our restructuring activities and was partially offset by a $2.1 million decrease in amortization expense related to intangible assets as a result of intangible asset impairments in the year ended December 31, 2023. This increase was further offset by a $1.0 million decrease in estimated credit losses in the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to a $0.3 million settlement received in bankruptcy proceedings related to a note receivable in the year ended December 31, 2024 which had been reserved for in the prior year. Additionally, selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased $0.6 million as a result of decreased professional fees and corporate expenses and decreased share-based compensation.
Impairment loss was $6.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $15.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2023. For each of the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the impairment losses predominately related to our goodwill and intangible assets. Refer to the discussion within Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section as well as Note 6, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our impairment losses. Additionally, in conjunction with our strategic restructuring activities in 2024, we assessed the right-of-use assets of certain closed retail locations for impairment when we anticipated the total remaining lease cost for the term to be greater than the anticipated sublease income, which resulted in an impairment loss of $0.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2024
Other Income
Other income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $2.6 million, a decrease of $0.8 million as compared to other income of $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This decrease was primarily attributable to the $0.9 million gain recognized in the year ended December 31, 2023 related to a prior acquisition indemnity holdback.
26
Table of Contents
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
The following non-GAAP financial measures of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not in accordance with, or an alternative for, generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures, when used in conjunction with their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, net income (loss), provide meaningful supplemental information to both management and investors, facilitating the evaluation of performance across reporting periods, identify trends affecting our business, and project future performance. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures for internal planning and reporting purposes, and we believe that these non-GAAP financial measures may be useful to investors in their assessment of our operating performance, our ability to generate cash, and valuation. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures address questions routinely received from analysts and investors and, in order to ensure that all investors have access to the same data, we have determined that it is appropriate to make this data available to all investors. These non-GAAP financial measures may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures commonly used in our industry and should not be construed in isolation as substitutions to net income (loss) as indicators of operating performance or as alternatives to cash flow provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity (each as determined in accordance with GAAP). GrowGeneration defines EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest income, interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, and Adjusted EBITDA as further adjusted to exclude certain items such as stock-based compensation, impairment losses, restructuring and corporate rationalization costs, and other non-core or non-recurring expenses and to include income from our marketable securities as these investments are part of our operational business strategy and increase the cash available to us.
Set forth below is a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net loss (in thousands):
Year ended December 31,
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 158 32 (2,885)
Restructuring plan (2) 3,009 — —
27
Table of Contents
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of December 31, 2024, we had working capital of $88.9 million, compared to working capital of $116.5 million as of December 31, 2023, a decrease of $27.6 million. The decrease in working capital from December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024 was due primarily to reductions in inventory and cash and cash equivalents used to repurchase common stock.
As of December 31, 2024, we had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $56.5 million. Currently, we are not aware of any extraordinary demands, commitments, or uncertainties that would materially reduce our current working capital. Our material future cash requirements from contractual and other obligations relate primarily to our operating leases. Refer to Note 8, Leases, of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding leases.
We may need additional financing through equity offerings and/or debt financings in the future to continue to expand our business consistent with our growth strategies. However, management believes that the Company is adequately funded to support current and future operations in the next twelve months. To date we have financed our operations through the issuance of common stock, convertible notes, and warrants, as well as cash generated from operations.
Share Repurchase Program
On March 20, 2024, the Board of Directors of GrowGeneration authorized a share repurchase program, whereby we could repurchase up to $6.0 million worth of our common stock in open market transactions pursuant to Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act and a 10b5-1 trading plan. The program began on April 1, 2024. This share repurchase program was intended to enhance long-term shareholder value. The program did not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares or to acquire any shares over any specific period of time. The timing and amount of any repurchases was dependent upon factors such as the stock price, trading volumes, market conditions, and regulatory requirements. The stock repurchase program could be amended, suspended, or discontinued at any time by GrowGeneration. Except for the our generally applicable insider trading policies, we do not maintain any policies or procedures relating to purchases and sales of our securities by our officers and directors during a repurchase program.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we repurchased 2.5 million shares of common stock for $6.0 million, an average price of $2.38 per share. As of December 31, 2024, we had completed all purchases available under the stock repurchase program. We retired all 2.5 million shares of common stock repurchased under the program in the year ended December 31, 2024.
Cash Flows
The following discussion sets forth the major sources and uses of cash for the year ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. A discussion regarding the major sources and uses of cash for the year ended December 31, 2022 can be found under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 13, 2024.
Operating Activities
Net cash and cash equivalents used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $1.8 million, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The changes in operating cash were primarily driven by the changes in gross profit and operating expenses, excluding non-cash changes such as depreciation and amortization and impairment loss, as previously discussed in the Results of Operations section as well as changes in working capital, primarily inventory.
Investing Activities
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by investing activities was $5.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to net cash used in investing activities of $11.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 were primarily related to investment of excess cash into marketable securities of $52.6 million, offset by maturity of marketable securities of $60.2 million. We also had purchases of property and equipment of $2.0 million. Investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 were primarily related to investment of excess cash into marketable securities of $98.7 million, acquisitions of $3.1 million, and the purchase of property and equipment primarily related to the design of a new enterprise resource planning software system of $6.7 million, partially offset by maturities of marketable securities of $96.8 million.
28
Table of Contents
Financing Activities
Net cash and cash equivalents used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $6.2 million, primarily attributable to common stock repurchased under our share repurchase program. Net cash and cash equivalents used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $0.3 million, related primarily to common stock withheld for employee payroll taxes.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and judgments regarding matters that are uncertain and susceptible to change that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expense. Critical accounting policies are defined as those policies that are reflective of significant judgments, estimates and uncertainties, which could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. Management regularly reviews the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the financial statements for reasonableness and adequacy based on historical experience and various other market-specific and other relevant assumptions.
Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with this discussion. However, the following discussion pertains to accounting policies we believe reflect the more significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Other companies in similar businesses may use different estimation policies and methodologies, which may affect the comparability of our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows to those of other companies.
Goodwill Impairment
Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with acquisitions in accordance to ASC 805, Business Combinations. Goodwill is not amortized but instead is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. Effective the fourth quarter of 2023 and prospectively, we perform our goodwill impairment assessment for each of our four reporting units that have goodwill on December 1 of each fiscal year, rather than on December 31 which was our previous practice.
We assess goodwill using either a qualitative or quantitative approach to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The qualitative assessment evaluates factors including macro-economic conditions, industry-specific and company-specific considerations, legal and regulatory environments, and historical performance. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a quantitative assessment is performed. Otherwise, no further assessment is required. Additionally, an election can be made to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing a quantitative goodwill impairment assessment for a reporting unit.
The quantitative approach compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, to its carrying amount. We perform a quantitative impairment assessment for its reporting units using a fair value method based on management's judgements and assumptions or third-party valuations. The fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We determined fair value using the income approach, where estimated future cash flows are discounted to present value at an appropriate rate of return. Multiples of earnings based on the average of historical, published multiples of earnings of comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics are also used in developing estimated fair values. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement.
These calculations contain uncertainties as they require management to make assumptions about market comparables, future cash flows, and appropriate discount rates to reflect the risk inherent in the future cash flows and to derive a reasonable enterprise value and related premium. The estimated future cash flows reflect management's latest assumptions of the financial projections based on current and anticipated competitive landscape, including estimates of revenue based on production volumes over the foreseeable future and long-term growth rates, and operating margins based on historical trends and future cost containment activities. A change in any of these estimates and assumptions could produce a different fair value, which could have a material impact on the results of the goodwill impairment assessment and the our results of operations.
29
Table of Contents
The estimated fair value is then compared with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including recorded goodwill. The Company is subject to financial statement risk to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value.
For the goodwill impairment test performed on December 1, 2024, we elected different approaches based on the circumstances surrounding each reporting unit. Of our four reporting units, only three had remaining goodwill balances. We elected to qualitatively review one reporting unit for events and circumstances which would indicate whether it was more than likely than not reporting unit fair values were below carrying values. The qualitative assessment did not identify any indicators of impairment, and accordingly, no further impairment assessments were necessary. For the remaining two reporting units, we elected to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to a quantitative assessment. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit was compared to each respective carrying amount, and, as a result of changes to the business and future projections, we recorded a goodwill impairment loss of $5.9 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we completed a quantitative goodwill impairment assessment for each reporting unit. As a result of changes to the business and future projections, we recorded a goodwill impairment loss of $9.3 million. Refer to Note 6, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets
We review the recoverability of our long-lived assets, including property and equipment, operating leases right-of-use assets, and intangible assets, when events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. The assessment of possible impairment is based on the ability to recover the carrying value of the asset from the expected future pretax cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) of the related operations. If these cash flows are less than the carrying value of such asset, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between estimated fair value and carrying value.
The measurement of impairment requires management to make estimates of these cash flows related to long-lived assets, as well as other fair value determinations. The estimated fair values of the assets are measured using an income approach, which utilizes forecasted discounted cash flows. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, and primarily consist of expected future operating margins and cash flows, weighted average cost of capital rates, estimated salable values and third-party appraisal techniques such as market comparables. To the extent that profitability declines as compared to forecasted profitability or if adverse changes occur to key assumptions or other fair value measurement inputs, further impairment of long-lived assets could occur in the future.
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we quantitatively evaluated the recoverability of our long-lived assets for impairment in conjunction with our annual goodwill impairment assessment. As a result, we identified a $0.7 million and $6.2 million impairment loss related to our finite-lived intangible assets in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we also identified a $0.2 million impairment loss related to operating lease right-of-use assets of certain closed retail locations in conjunction with our strategic restructuring plan. Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2023 we identified a $0.1 million impairment loss related to our operating lease right-of-use assets.
RECENTLY ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Refer to Note 3, Recent Accounting Pronouncements, of the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding recently issued accounting standards.
30
Table of Contents
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market risk is the risk of economic losses due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates.
Interest Rate Risk
We currently have no material exposure to interest rate risk from investments. We currently invest a portion of our excess cash primarily in money market funds and fixed-income securities with short-term maturities, including debt instruments of the U.S. government and its agencies, high quality corporate bonds, and commercial paper. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, we do not believe that there will be material exposure to interest rate risk arising from our investments.
Impact of Inflation
Our results of operations and financial condition are presented based on historical costs. Inflation affects our cost of sales and operating expenses. We maintain strategies to mitigate the impact of higher raw material, energy, and commodity costs, which include cost reduction, sourcing, passing along certain cost increases to customers, and other actions, which may offset only a portion of the adverse impact.
31
Table of Contents
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms (PCAOB ID 248) F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-9
F-1
Table of Contents
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Stockholders
GrowGeneration Corp.
Opinion on the financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidatedbalance sheets of GrowGeneration Corp. (a Colorado corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Companyas of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of itsoperations and itscash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated March 13, 2025 expressed an adverse opinion.
Basis for opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidatedfinancial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical audit matter
The critical audit mattercommunicated below is a matterarising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relatesto accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matterbelow, providing aseparate opinionon the critical audit matteror on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
During a portion of the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company’s previously reported material weaknesses related to the control environment, information and communication, and control activities (“the material weaknesses”) continued to exist. The prevention, detection, and correction of material misstatements of the consolidated financial statements, is dependent, in part, on management (i) designing and maintaining an effective control environment, including maintaining sufficient resources within the accounting and financial reporting department to review complex financial reporting transactions; and updating and distributing accounting policies and procedures across the organization (ii) designing and implementing effective information and communication processes to identify and assess the source of and controls necessary to ensure the reliability of information used in financial reporting and that communicates relevant information about roles and responsibilities for internal control over financial reporting and (iii) designing and implementing effective process-level control activities and general information technology controls related to financial reporting processes. We identified the impact on our audit of the material weaknesses as a critical audit matter.
The principal consideration for our determination that the impact of the material weaknesses on our audit is a critical audit matter is that especially challenging auditor judgment was required in designing audit procedures and evaluating audit
F-2
Table of Contents
evidence due to the ineffective system of internal control over financial reporting that existed during portions of the year, which affects substantially all consolidated financial statement account balances and disclosures.
Our audit procedures related to the material weaknesses included the following, among others:
•We determined the nature and extent of audit procedures that are responsive to the risk of material misstatement as a result of the material weaknesses and evaluated the evidence obtained from the procedures performed.
•We lowered the threshold used for investigating differences noted for recorded amounts.
•We selected larger sample sizes for tests of details.
•We substantively tested the accuracy and completeness of system-generated reports used in the audit and more extensively tested these reports.
•We increased the extent of supervision over the execution of audit procedures.
/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2022.
Denver, Colorado
March 13, 2025
F-3
Table of Contents
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Stockholders
GrowGeneration Corp.
Opinion on internal control over financial reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of GrowGeneration Corp. (a Colorado corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, because of the effect of the material weakness described in the following paragraphs on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, the Company has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weakness has been identified and included in management’s assessment.
The Company identified a material weakness resulting from control deficiencies in information technology general controls related to a certain enterprise resource planning system for the operations within the Storage Solutions segment.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024. The material weakness identified above was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2024 consolidated financial statements, and this report does not affect our report dated March 13, 2025 which expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and limitations of internal control over financial reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
Denver, Colorado
March 13, 2025
F-4
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except shares)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Prepaid and other current assets 7,896 7,973
Operating leases right-of-use assets, net 34,453 39,933
Notes receivable, long-term — 106
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Payroll and payroll tax liabilities 2,655 2,169
Current maturities of operating lease liabilities 7,398 8,021
Operating lease liabilities, net of current maturities 29,633 34,448
Other long-term liabilities 352 317
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
Stockholders’ Equity:
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 174,352 $ 239,090
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-5
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share)
For the Years Ended December 31,
Operating expenses:
Estimated credit (recoveries) losses (58) 955 1,737
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (70) (97) (21)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes (158) (32) 2,885
Net loss per share, basic $ (0.82) $ (0.76) $ (2.69)
Net loss per share, diluted $ (0.82) $ (0.76) $ (2.69)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-6
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)
Shares Amount Shares Amount
Adjustment for prior period acquisition — — — — 39 — 39
Common stock issued for share-based compensation 339 — — — — — —
Share-based compensation — — — — 4,514 — 4,514
Common stock withheld for employee payroll taxes — — — — (1,618) — (1,618)
Common stock issued upon exercise of options 8 — — — 33 — 33
Common stock issued upon cashless exercise of options 20 — — — — — —
Common stock issued upon cashless exercise of warrants 14 — — — — — —
Common stock issued in connection with asset acquisition 50 — — — 173 — 173
Common stock issued for share-based compensation 439 — — — — — —
Common stock withheld for employee payroll taxes — — — — (263) — (263)
Share-based compensation — — — — 2,985 — 2,985
Non-cash repurchase of liability awards — — — — 653 — 653
Liability redemption associated with business acquisition 35 — — — 120 — 120
Common stock issued for share-based compensation 436 1 — — — — 1
Common stock withheld for employee payroll taxes — — — — (177) — (177)
Share-based compensation — — — — 2,421 — 2,421
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-7
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
Cash flows from operating activities:
Estimated credit (recoveries) losses (58) 955 1,737
Impairment loss related to goodwill and intangible assets 6,655 15,526 127,831
Impairment loss on operating lease right-of-use assets 220 133 —
Provision for deferred income taxes — — (2,359)
Change in value of marketable securities (1,326) (1,438) —
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of the effect of acquisitions):
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (3,712) (3,035) (3,359)
Other 35 — —
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired — (3,050) (7,230)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on long-term debt — (50) (108)
Common stock withheld for employee payroll taxes (176) (263) (1,618)
Common stock repurchased (6,037) — —
Net cash and cash equivalents used in financing activities (6,213) (313) (1,693)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (2,286) (10,297) (1,318)
Supplemental Information:
Cash paid for interest $ 70 $ 98 $ 21
Cash paid for income taxes $ 125 $ 93 $ —
Non-cash repurchase of liability awards $ — $ 653 $ —
Non-cash issuance of a note receivable $ — $ 299 $ —
Liability redemption associated with business acquisition $ — $ 120 $ —
Indemnity holdback from business acquisition $ — $ — $ 875
Common stock issued for business combinations $ — $ — $ 5,710
Common stock issued for intangible assets $ — $ — $ 173
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-8
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS
GrowGeneration Corp. (together with its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, collectively "GrowGeneration" or the "Company") was incorporated in Colorado in 2014. Since then, GrowGeneration has grown from a small chain of specialty retail hydroponic and organic garden centers to a multifaceted business with diverse assets. Today, GrowGeneration operates two major lines of business: its Cultivation and Gardening segment, composed of the Company's hydroponic and organic gardening business; and its Storage Solutions segment, composed of the Company's benching, racking, and storage solutions business.
As of December 31, 2024, GrowGeneration has 31 retail locations across 12 states in the U.S. The Company also operates an online superstore at growgeneration.com, as well as a wholesale distribution business for resellers, and a benching, racking, and storage solutions business, Mobile Media or MMI.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared under the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 105-10, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("GAAP").
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of GrowGeneration Corp. and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
All amounts included in the accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, except per share data, are in thousands (000).
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could vary from the estimates that were used.
Revenue Recognition
The Company's revenue is primarily generated from sales of its hydroponic and organic gardening proprietary brand products and non-proprietary brand products through its retail locations, e-commerce platforms, wholesale distribution, and commercial sales organization. In addition to its hydroponic and organic gardening product sales, the Company sells and installs commercial fixtures through its benching, racking, and storage solutions business.
The Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with its customer are satisfied. Revenue is recognized at the point in time when the Company has satisfied its performance obligation and the customer has obtained control of the products or when services have been completed. In evaluating the timing of the transfer of control of products to customers, the Company considers several control indicators, including significant risks and rewards of products, the Company's right to payment, and the legal title of the products. Based on the assessment of control indicators, product sales are typically recognized when product is delivered to or picked up by the customer. Promises related to product installation are considered a separate performance obligation from the product sale because the products can be used without customization or modification and the installation is not complex and can be performed by other vendors. Installation revenue is recognized upon completion of the installation services.
Revenues are measured as the amount of consideration that the Company expects to receive, which is derived from a list price, reduced by variable consideration including applicable sales discounts and estimated expected sales returns. The majority of the Company's returns come from retail sales. Estimating future returns requires judgment based on current and historical trends, and actual returns may vary from management's estimates. Sales and other taxes collected concurrent with revenue producing activities are also excluded from revenue.
F-9
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company provides standard assurance type warranties that its products and installation services will comply with all agreed-upon specifications. No services beyond an assurance type warranty are provided to customers.
Payment for goods and services sold by the Company is typically due upon satisfaction of the performance obligations. Under certain circumstances, the Company does provide goods and services to customers on a credit basis (see Accounts Receivable, Notes Receivable and Concentration of Credit Risk below). When the Company receives payment from customers before the customer obtains control of the merchandise or the service has been performed, the amount received is recorded as a customer deposit in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets until the sale or service is complete.
In accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, the Company has elected the practical expedient to exclude the value of remaining performance obligations for contracts with an original term of one year or less and the practical expedient for shipping and handling costs. Shipping and handling costs incurred to deliver products to customers are accounted for as fulfillment activities, rather than a promised service, and as such are included in Cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales includes cost of goods and shipping costs. Cost of goods consists of cost of merchandise, inbound freight, and other inventory-related costs, such as shrinkage costs and lower of cost or net realizable value adjustments. Occupancy expenses of the Company's retail locations and distribution centers, which consist of payroll, rent, and other lease required costs, including common area maintenance and utilities, are included as a component of Store operations and other operational expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company does not consider these occupancy expenses to be part of the costs to bring its products to the finished condition and therefore records such costs as Store operations and other operational expenses rather than Cost of sales.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company's cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds.
Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable, which are generally not collateralized. The Company's policy is to place its cash and cash equivalents with high-quality financial institutions in order to limit the amount of credit exposure. Accounts at each institution are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") up to $250,000. Additionally, certain cash equivalents maintained with investment institutions are insured by a combination of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation ("SIPC") up to $500,000, which includes a $250,000 limit for cash, and additional private insurance, which mitigates the Company's exposure. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $25.9 million in excess of the FDIC, SIPC, and other insurance limits.
Marketable Securities
Marketable securities investments primarily consist of fixed-income securities with short-term maturities, which are not actively traded by the Company. The marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices. Changes in fair value of marketable securities, principally derived from accretion of discounts, were $1.3 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and were immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2022. Changes in fair value of marketable securities are included in Interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable consist primarily of trade receivables stated at the amount of consideration that the Company expects to collect from balances outstanding at period-end, net of allowances for credit losses. The Company estimates its allowance for credit losses and the related expected credit loss based upon the Company's historical credit loss experience and the age of the account adjusted for asset-specific risk characteristics, current economic conditions, relationship with the customer, and reasonable forecasts. Accounts receivable are written off or fully reserved when collection of amounts due is deemed improbable. Indicators of improbable collection include client bankruptcy, client litigation, client cash flow difficulties, and ongoing service or billing disputes. Credit is generally extended on a short-term basis, thus current receivables do not bear interest. Interest on past due balances are subject to an interest charge of 1.5% per month.
F-10
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Notes Receivable
From time-to-time, the Company has executed notes receivables to third parties secured by collateral. Notes receivable generally have terms of 12 months to 18 months and bear interest from 12 to 14% per annum. Generally, the underlying collateral is product or equipment financed by the note receivable.
Notes receivable are stated at the amount the Company expects to collect from balances outstanding at period-end, net of allowances for credit losses. The Company estimates its allowance for credit losses and the related expected credit loss based upon the Company's historical credit loss experience and the age of the account adjusted for asset-specific risk characteristics, current economic conditions, relationship with the customer, and reasonable forecasts. A reserve for uncollectible notes receivable is established when collection of amounts due is deemed improbable. Indicators of improbable collection include client bankruptcy, client litigation, client cash flow difficulties, and ongoing service or billing disputes.
When management determines, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that an allowance for credit losses is necessary for a note receivable or collection of interest on the note is improbable, the accrual of interest on the instrument ceases. Any payment received on such non-accrual note receivable is recorded as interest income when the payment is received. Once payments of principal and interest are current, the Company resumes accruing interest on the note receivable.
The Company periodically reviews the value of the underlying collateral for the note receivable and evaluates whether the value of the collateral continues to provide adequate security for the note. Should the value of the underlying collateral become less than the outstanding principal and interest, the Company will determine whether an allowance or impairment of the note receivable and related accrued interest is necessary. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company believes the value of the underlying collateral to be sufficient and in excess of the respective outstanding principal and accrued interest, net of recognized allowance for credit losses.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company is exposed to credit risk in the normal course of business, primarily related to accounts receivable and notes receivable. The Company is affected by general economic conditions in the U.S. To limit credit risk, management periodically reviews and evaluates the financial condition of customers and maintains an allowance for credit losses. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company does not believe that it has significant credit risk.
Inventory
Inventory consists predominantly of gardening supplies and materials, fixtures, and equipment, and is recorded at the lower of cost (weighted average cost method) or net realizable value. The inventory balance includes raw materials of $2.4 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, with the remainder consisting of finished goods. The Company periodically reviews the value of items in inventory and provides write-downs or write-offs of inventory based on its assessment of market conditions. Write-downs and write-offs are charged to cost of sales. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, the Company recorded $6.5 million, $4.8 million, and $7.8 million, respectively, to inventory write-downs due to shrink and obsolescence.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost, or at the allocated fair value for assets acquired in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the remaining term of the lease or the useful life of the improvement. Renewals and betterment that materially extend the life of the asset are capitalized. With respect to constructed assets, all materials, direct labor, and contract services, as well as certain indirect costs, are capitalized. Costs for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
Computer software development costs and website development costs are expensed as incurred, except for internal-use software or website development costs that qualify for capitalization in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, and include certain employee related expenses, including salaries, bonuses, benefits, and share-based compensation expenses; costs of computer hardware and software; and costs incurred in developing features and functionality. The Company expenses costs incurred in the preliminary project and post-implementation stages of software
F-11
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
development and capitalizes costs incurred in the application development stage and costs associated with significant enhancements to existing internal use software applications. Costs incurred related to less significant modifications and enhancements as well as maintenance are expensed as incurred. These capitalized software costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life commencing when the software project is ready for its intended use.
The general range of estimated useful lives for property and equipment are as follows:
Estimated Lives
Vehicles 5 years
Buildings 20 - 30 years
Furniture and fixtures 3 -7 years
Computers and equipment 3 - 5 years
Capitalized software 3 - 8 years
Leasehold improvements 3 - 10 years, not to exceed lease term
The Company reviews for impairment indicators and recoverability of long-lived assets, including property and equipment, when circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. Refer to the Recoverability of long-lived assets significant accounting policy.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets primarily include trade names, customer relationships, non-compete agreements, and intellectual property with finite lives identified in connection with acquisitions in accordance to ASC 805, Business Combinations. For each acquisition, the Company allocates the purchase price to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including intangible assets, based on estimated fair values. The Company determines the appropriate useful life of intangible assets by performing an analysis of cash flows based on historical experience of the acquired businesses. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis, which approximates the pattern in which the economic benefits associated with the asset are expected to be consumed. The estimated useful lives for trade names, customer relationships, non-compete agreements, and intellectual property are generally five to six years.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with acquisitions in accordance to ASC 805, Business Combinations. Goodwill is not amortized but instead is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. Effective the fourth quarter of 2023 and prospectively, the Company performs its required annual goodwill impairment test as of December 1 rather than on December 31, which was the Company's previous practice.
Goodwill is assessed using either a qualitative or quantitative approach to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The qualitative assessment evaluates factors including macro-economic conditions, industry-specific and company-specific considerations, legal and regulatory environments, and historical performance. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a quantitative assessment is performed. Otherwise, no further assessment is required. Companies also have the unconditional option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative goodwill impairment test for a reporting unit.
The quantitative approach compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, to its carrying amount. Impairment is indicated if the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, and an impairment loss is recognized for the differential. The Company performs a quantitative impairment assessment for a reporting unit using a fair value method based on management's judgements and assumptions or third-party valuations. The fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company determines fair value using the income approach, where estimated future cash flows are discounted to present value at an appropriate rate of return. Multiples of earnings based on the average of historical, published multiples of earnings of comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics are also used in developing estimated fair values. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement.
F-12
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Impairment losses related to goodwill are included in Impairment loss on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refer to Note 6, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, for additional information regarding the Company's impairment assessments.
Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews the recoverability of long-lived assets, including property and equipment, operating leases right-of-use assets, and intangible assets, when events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. The assessment of possible impairment is based on the ability to recover the carrying value of the asset from the expected future pretax cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) of the related operations. If these cash flows are less than the carrying value of such asset, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between estimated fair value and carrying value.
The measurement of impairment requires management to make estimates of these cash flows related to long-lived assets, as well as other fair value determinations. The estimated fair values of the assets are measured using an income approach, which utilizes forecasted discounted cash flows. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, and primarily consist of expected future operating margins and cash flows, weighted average cost of capital rates, estimated salable values and third-party appraisal techniques such as market comparables.
Impairment losses related to long-lived assets are included in Impairment loss on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refer to Note 6, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, and Note 8, Leases, for additional information regarding the Company's long-lived asset impairment assessments.
Leases
Leases are accounted for in accordance with ASC 842, Leases. Contracts are evaluated to determine whether the arrangement contains a lease at inception. Leases are classified as either finance leases or operating leases based on criteria in ASC 842, Leases. The Company's operating leases primarily consist of real estate leases for its retail stores, distribution centers, warehouses, and offices. The Company does not have finance leases. Additionally, the Company subleases certain of its operating leases related to closed retail locations.
Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term. The lease liabilities represent the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. The right-of-use assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset and are based upon the lease liabilities adjusted for prepayments or accrued lease payments, initial direct costs, lease incentives, and impairment of right-of-use assets.
The majority of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate; therefore, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of future payments for those leases. The Company's incremental borrowing rate for a lease is the rate of interest it would pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term to the lease in a similar economic environment.
The lease term includes the non-cancelable period of the lease and may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company's sole discretion.
The Company has elected not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term operating leases that have a lease term of one year or less and that do not include an option to purchase the underlying asset that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. Short-term lease costs include expenses related to leases with terms greater than one month but less than 12 months, and the expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company has elected the practical expedient to account for lease and non-lease components as a single component for all leases.
The Company monitors for triggering events or conditions that require a reassessment of its leases. When the reassessment requires a re-measurement of the lease liability, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset. Additionally, the Company reviews for impairment indicators of its right-of-use assets and other long-lived assets as described in the Recoverability of long-lived assets significant accounting policy.
F-13
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Lease expense is recorded within the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations based upon the nature of the operating lease right-of-use assets. Where assets are used to directly serve customers, such as retail locations and distribution centers, lease costs are recorded in Store operations and other operational expenses. Facilities and assets which serve management and support functions are expensed through Selling, general, and administrative. Variable lease payments are expensed as incurred and include certain non-lease components, such as maintenance and other services provided by the lessor, and other charges included in the lease, as applicable.
The Company's subleases generally do not relieve it of its primary obligations under the corresponding head lease. As a result, the Company accounts for the head lease based on the original assessment at inception. Additionally, the Company determines if the sublease arrangement is either a sales-type, direct financing, or operating lease at inception. The Company recognizes sublease income within Store operations and other operational expenses.
If the total remaining lease cost on the head lease for the term of the sublease is greater than the anticipated sublease income, the right-of-use asset is assessed for impairment. If these cash flows are less than the carrying value of such asset, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between estimated fair value and carrying value.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are to be classified and disclosed in one of the following three levels of the fair value hierarchy, of which the first two are considered observable and the last is considered unobservable:
•Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
•Level 2—Observable inputs (other than Level 1 quoted prices), such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets or liabilities, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
•Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to determining the fair value of the assets or liabilities, including pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, and similar techniques.
To the extent that the valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and all other current liabilities approximate fair values due to their short-term nature. The fair value of notes receivable approximates the outstanding balance net of reserves for expected credit losses. The marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices.
Business Combinations
The Company accounts for acquisitions in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized at their estimated fair values in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, as of the acquisition date. For all acquisitions, the preliminary allocation of the purchase price was based upon a preliminary valuation, and the Company's estimates and assumptions are subject to change as valuations are finalized within the measurement period, which cannot extend beyond one year from the acquisition date. Measurement period adjustments are recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustments were determined and calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The process for estimating fair values requires the use of significant estimates,
F-14
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
assumptions and judgments, including determining the timing and estimates of future cash flows and developing appropriate discount rates. Any changes to these estimates may have a material impact on the Company's operating results or financial position. All acquisition costs are expensed as incurred and recorded in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refer to Note 13, Acquisitions, for additional information regarding the Company's business combinations.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized. To the extent that a determination was made to establish or adjust a valuation allowance, the expense or benefit is recorded in the period in which the determination is made.
From time to time, the Company engages in transactions in which the tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. Significant judgment is required in assessing and estimating the tax consequences of these transactions. The Company prepares and files tax returns based on its interpretation of tax laws and regulations. In the normal course of business, the tax returns are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. Such examinations may result in future tax, interest and penalty assessments by these taxing authorities. In determining the Company's income tax provision for financial reporting purposes, the Company establishes a reserve for uncertain income tax positions unless such positions are determined to be more likely than not of being sustained upon examination, based on their technical merits. The Company only recognizes tax benefits taken on the tax return that the Company believes are more likely than not of being sustained upon examination. There is considerable judgment involved in determining whether a position taken on the tax return is more likely than not of being sustained.
The Company adjusts its tax reserve estimates periodically because of ongoing examinations by, and settlements with, the various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations and interpretations. The consolidated income tax provision of any given year includes adjustments to prior year income tax accruals that are considered appropriate and any related estimated interest and penalties. The Company's policy is to recognize, when applicable, interest and penalties on uncertain income tax positions as part of its income tax provision.
Advertising
The Company expenses advertising and promotional costs when incurred. Advertising and promotional expenses for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 amounted to $2.0 million, $1.8 million, and $4.0 million, respectively.
Earnings Per Share
The Company computes net earnings per share under ASC 260-10, Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings or loss per share ("EPS") is computed by dividing net income or loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income or loss by the weighted average of all potentially dilutive shares of common stock that were outstanding during the periods presented.
The treasury stock method is used in calculating diluted EPS for potentially dilutive stock options, restricted stock units, and common stock warrants, which assumes that any proceeds received from the exercise of in-the-money stock options, restricted stock units, and common stock warrants, would be used to purchase common shares at the average market price for the period.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company uses share-based compensation, including stock options, restricted stock units, and common stock warrants, to provide long-term performance incentives for its employees, non-employee members of its Board of Directors, and consultants.
F-15
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company records share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options and common stock warrants on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Restricted stock units are valued using the market value on the grant date. The fair value of all share-based payment awards is recognized as an expense over the requisite service period using the straight-line single-option method and is included in Selling, general, and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur.
The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires subjective assumptions, including future stock price volatility and expected time to exercise, which affect the calculated values. The expected term of options granted is derived from historical data on employee exercises and post-vesting employment termination behavior. The risk-free rate used in the option pricing model is based on the U.S. Treasury rate that corresponds to the expected life of the grant effective as of the date of the grant. The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock price. These factors could change in the future, affecting the determination of share-based compensation expense in future periods.
Periodically, the Company has issued certain stock awards classified as liabilities based on the guidance set forth at ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, and ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. These awards generally entitle the employees to receive a specified dollar value of common stock on future dates and vest over time subject to the employee's continued employment. The Company recognizes compensation expense for these awards over the requisite service period.
Refer to Note 9, Share-Based Payments, for additional information regarding the Company's share-based compensation and share-based payment awards.
Treasury Stock
The Company recognizes common stock repurchased as treasury stock at the amount paid to repurchase its shares, including incremental direct costs to repurchase the common stock, as a reduction to stockholders' equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
In accordance with ASC 505, Equity, the retirement of treasury stock is recognized as a deduction from common stock for the shares' par value and any excess cost over par value is recognized as a deduction from retained earnings. Treasury stock is retired on a first in, first out basis.
Segment Reporting
The Company continually monitors and reviews its segment reporting structure in accordance with authoritative guidance for changes in management's approach or changes in other facts and circumstances that might result in different segment reporting. Consistent with the prior year, the Company has two operating segments, each its own reportable segment, based on its major lines of business: the Cultivation and Gardening segment, composed of the Company's hydroponic and organic gardening business; and the Storage Solutions segment, composed of the Company's benching, racking, and storage solutions business. Refer to Note 15, Segments, for additional information regarding the Company's reportable segments.
Restructuring Activities
The Company's restructuring and restructuring related charges consists of inventory disposal costs, retail location closure costs including related contract termination costs and fixed asset disposals, employee termination benefits, asset impairments including the impairment of operating lease right-of-use assets, and other associated costs. Certain of the Company's restructuring activities include the recognition of exit or disposal costs, which are recognized in accordance with ASC 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations. Exit or disposal costs include, but are not limited to, the costs of termination benefits, such as one-time involuntary severance or retention bonuses, one-time contract termination costs (excluding leases), and other costs associated with non-termination type costs related to restructuring initiatives. Liabilities from exit and disposal costs are recorded for estimated costs to be incurred. Refer to Note 17, Restructuring, for additional information related to restructuring activities.
3. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
From time to time, the FASB or other standard setting bodies issue new accounting pronouncements. Updates to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification are communicated through the issuance of an Accounting Standards Update ("ASU").
F-16
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that may impact its financial statements. In addition to the accounting pronouncements discussed below, no other new accounting pronouncement issued or effective during the fiscal year had or is expected to have a material effect on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosures.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting—Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (Topic 280) ("ASU 2023-07"), which expanded disclosure requirements for reportable segments on an annual and interim basis primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses and the composition of other segment items for each segment's reported profit or loss. The Company adopted this standard retrospectively as of December 31, 2024. Refer to Note 15, Segments for segment disclosures.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Improvements to income tax disclosures ("ASU 2023-09"), expanding the disclosures requirement for income taxes primarily by requiring more detailed disclosure for income taxes paid and the effective tax rate reconciliation. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted, and adoption of ASU 2023-09 can be applied prospectively or retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40) ("ASU 2024-03"), which requires disclosure on an annual and interim basis of disaggregated information about certain income statement expense line items in the notes to the financial statements. ASU 2024-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted, and adoption of ASU 2024-03 can be applied prospectively or retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard.
4. REVENUE RECOGNITION
Disaggregation of Revenues
Net sales are disaggregated by the Company's segments, which represent its principal lines of business, as well as by major product line, including proprietary brands, non-proprietary brands, and commercial fixtures, and by product type, including consumable and durable products. Refer to Note 15, Segments, for disaggregated revenue disclosures.
Contract Assets and Liabilities
Depending on the timing of when title of product transfers to a customer and when a customer makes payments for such product, the Company recognizes an accounts receivable (contract asset) or a customer deposit (contract liability). The opening and closing balances of the Company's accounts receivables and customer deposits are as follows:
Accounts Receivable, Net Customer Deposits
Of the total amount of customer deposits as of January 1, 2024, $4.8 million was reported as revenue during the year ended December 31, 2024. Of the total amount of customer deposits as of January 1, 2023, $3.4 million was reported as revenue during the year ended December 31, 2023.
F-17
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company also has notes receivable under longer term financing arrangements at interest rates typically ranging from 12% to 14% with repayment terms typically ranging for 12 to 18 months.
Notes receivable at December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
December 31,
Allowance for credit losses — (1,732)
The following table summarizes changes in notes receivable balances that have been deemed impaired.
December 31,
Notes receivable $ — $ 1,732
Allowance for credit losses — (1,732)
Notes receivable, net $ — $ —
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company received a $0.3 million settlement related to a $1.5 million note receivable, which had been fully reserved as of December 31, 2023. Refer to Note 16, Commitment and Contingencies, for additional information regarding the settlement.
5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment at December 31, 2024 and 2023 consists of the following:
December 31,
Construction-in-progress 49 —
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (30,813) (19,996)
Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $12.8 million, $7.9 million, and $7.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. In conjunction with the Company's restructuring activities as discussed in Note 17, Restructuring, the Company reassessed and shortened the estimated useful life of certain capitalized software assets, which resulted in a $5.3 million increase to depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2024. Refer to Note 17, Restructuring, for additional information on the restructuring activities.
6. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The Company performs goodwill impairment testing annually on December 1, or more frequently if events or circumstances were to occur that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of reporting units below the carrying amount. The Company would recognize an impairment loss for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill. The adjusted carrying amount of goodwill shall be its new accounting basis.
F-18
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the goodwill impairment test performed on December 1, 2024, the Company elected different approaches based on the circumstances surrounding each reporting unit. Of the Company's four reporting units, only three had remaining goodwill balances. The Company elected to qualitatively review one reporting unit for events and circumstances which would indicate whether it was more than likely than not reporting unit fair values were below carrying values. The qualitative assessment did not identify any indicators of impairment, and accordingly, no further impairment assessments were necessary. For the remaining two reporting units, the Company elected to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to a quantitative assessment. The fair value of each reporting unit was primarily determined using the income approach, which discounts estimated future cash flows to present value using an appropriate rate of return. Multiples of earnings based on the average of historical, published multiples of earnings of comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics are also used in developing estimated fair values. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit was compared to each respective carrying amount, and, as a result of changes to the business and future projections, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment loss of $5.9 million.
In conjunction with the quantitative impairment assessment on December 1, 2024, the Company performed a recoverability test on the following finite-lived intangible assets: customer relationships and trade names. The Company determined the fair value of these finite-lived intangible assets using the income approach. The estimated fair values of the finite-lived intangible assets were compared to the respective carrying values, and as a result, the Company identified a $0.7 million impairment loss, for the year ended December 31, 2024.
For the goodwill impairment test performed on December 1, 2023, the Company completed a quantitative goodwill impairment assessment for each of its four reporting units. The fair value of each reporting unit was determined using the income approach, which discounts estimated future cash flows to present value using an appropriate rate of return. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit was compared to its carrying amount, and, as a result of changes to the business and future projections, the Company identified a $9.3 million impairment loss related to its goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2023.
In conjunction with its annual goodwill impairment assessment on December 1, 2023, the Company quantitatively evaluated the recoverability of its long-lived assets, including its finite-lived intangible assets, for impairment. The recoverability assessment compared the carrying value of long-lived asset groups to their expected future pretax cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges). If the undiscounted cash flows were less than the carrying values, an impairment loss was recognized for the difference between the estimated fair values using an income approach and the related carrying values. As a result, the Company identified a $6.2 million impairment loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 related to its finite-lived intangible assets, including trade names, patents, customer relationships, non-competes, and intellectual property.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded a total impairment loss of $127.8 million related to goodwill and intangible assets. During the second quarter of 2022, the Company's market capitalization fell below total net assets. In addition, financial performance continued to weaken during the quarter, which was contrary to prior experience. Management reassessed business performance expectations following persistent adverse developments in equity markets, deterioration in the environment in which the Company operates, inflation, lower than expected sales, and an increase in operating expenses. These indicators, in the aggregate, required impairment testing for finite-lived intangible assets at the asset group level and goodwill at the reporting unit level as of June 30, 2022.
As a result, the Company performed a recoverability test on the following finite-lived intangible assets: customer relationships, trade names, and non-competes. For goodwill impairment testing purposes, the Company determined three of its four reporting units required quantitative assessment as it was more likely than not that the fair value of those reporting units were less than their carrying values. The Company determined the fair value of its reporting units and finite-lived intangible assets using the income approach. The Company recognized impairment losses of $11.2 million related to its finite-lived intangibles and $116.7 million related to goodwill on June 30, 2022.
F-19
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The changes in goodwill, including the impairments discussed above, by segment for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
Cultivation and Gardening Storage Solutions Total
Acquisitions and measurement period adjustments 830 — 830
Accumulated impairment for goodwill was $131.9 million, $125.9 million, and $116.7 million as of December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
The changes in intangible assets, including the impairments discussed above, by segment for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
Cultivation and Gardening Storage Solutions Total
Acquisitions and measurement period adjustments 440 — 440
Intangible assets on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following:
F-20
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 was $6.7 million, $8.7 million, and $9.9 million respectively. Future amortization expense as of December 31, 2024 is as follows:
7. INCOME TAXES
The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 consisted of the following:
Year Ended December 31,
Current tax expense (benefit):
Deferred tax (benefit):
Provision (benefit) for income taxes $ 158 $ 32 $ (2,885)
The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
December 31,
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating losses and attributes carryovers $ 24,897 $ 15,097
Deferred right-of-use lease liabilities 9,750 10,874
Accumulated depreciation and amortization 31,804 30,101
Capitalized research costs 397 —
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred right-of-use lease assets (9,071) (10,224)
Total deferred tax liabilities (9,071) (10,224)
Net deferred tax asset after valuation allowance $ — $ —
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had cumulative federal net operating losses of $98.9 million, which have an indefinite carryforward period. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had cumulative state net operating loss carryforwards of $81.6 million and $53.3 million, respectively. State net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in calendar year 2035.
F-21
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Net operating loss carryforwards may become subject to an annual limitation in the event of certain cumulative changes in the ownership interest of significant shareholders over a three-year period in excess of 50%, as defined under Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code, respectively, as well as similar state provisions. This could limit the amount of tax attributes that can be utilized annually to offset future taxable income or tax liabilities. The amount of the annual limitation is determined based on the value of the Company immediately prior to the ownership change. The Company has completed an analysis of any limitations on its tax attributes and has assigned a full valuation allowance against them as of December 31, 2024.
A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to the Company's effective income tax rate is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and 2022:
Years Ended December 31,
Federal statutory income tax rate 21 % 21 % 21 %
State and local income taxes (net of federal tax benefit) 3 % 4 % 5 %
Share-based compensation — % (1) % (1) %
Valuation allowance (22) % (24) % (23) %
Other (2) % — % — %
Effective income tax rate — % — % 2 %
Uncertain Tax Benefits
The Company has not identified any uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2024. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to uncertain tax benefits in the income tax provision. There were no interest and penalties included in other long-term liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets for years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. The Company does not expect any significant changes in its unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months of the reporting date. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. No tax years for the Company are currently under examination by the IRS or state and local tax authorities for income tax purposes. Generally, the Company's 2021 through 2023 fiscal years remain open for examination and assessment. For various states, the examination and assessment remain open for 2020 through 2023. Years prior to 2020 remain open solely for purpose of examination of the Company's loss and credit carryforwards.
8. LEASES
The right-of-use assets and corresponding liabilities related to the Company's operating leases were as follows:
December 31,
Operating leases right-of-use assets, net $ 34,453 $ 39,933
Current maturities of operating lease liability 7,398 8,021
Operating lease liability, net of current maturities 29,633 34,448
The weighted-average remaining lease terms and weighted-average discount rates for operating leases were as follows:
December 31,
Weighted average remaining lease term 5.5 years 6.0 years
Weighted average discount rate 6.2 % 6.1 %
F-22
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The components of lease costs were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
In conjunction with the Company's restructuring activities as discussed in Note 17, Restructuring, the Company assessed and impaired the right-of-use assets of certain closed retail locations, which resulted in an impairment loss of $0.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2024. Refer to Note 17, Restructuring, for additional information on the restructuring activities. The Company also identified a $0.1 million impairment related to its operating lease right-of-use assets for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is included in Impairment loss on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Future maturities of the Company's operating lease liabilities and receipts from subleases as of December 31, 2024 were as follows:
Lease Payments Sublease Receipts
Total lease payments (receipts) 43,700 (7,762)
Less: imputed interest (6,669)
Operating lease liability as of December 31, 2024 $ 37,031
Supplemental and other information related to leases was as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
9. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
Equity Incentive Plans Overview
The Company maintains a long-term incentive plan, the Second Amended and Restated 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, for employees, non-employee members of its Board of Directors (the "Board"), and consultants. The plan allows the Company to grant equity-based compensation awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance share units, restricted stock units, restricted stock awards, common stock warrants, or a combination of awards (collectively, "share-based awards").
On January 7, 2018, the Board adopted the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2018 Plan"), and on April 20, 2018, the shareholders approved the 2018 Plan. On February 7, 2020, the Board approved the amendment and restatement of the 2018 Plan to increase the number of shares issuable thereunder from 2,500,000 to 5,000,000, which amendment was approved by the shareholders on May 11, 2020 (the "First Restated 2018 Plan"). On April 22, 2024, the Board approved another amendment of the First Restated 2018 Plan to increase the number of shares issuable thereunder from 5,000,000 to
F-23
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6,500,000, which amendment was approved by shareholders on June 20, 2024 (the "Second Restated 2018 Plan"). As of December 31, 2024, there were 1.4 million shares available for issuance under the 2018 Plan.
The 2018 Plan is administered by the Board. The Board may grant options to purchase shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, restricted or unrestricted shares of common stock, performance shares, performance units, other cash-based awards and other share-based awards. The Board also has broad authority to determine the terms and conditions of each option or other kind of equity award, adopt, amend and rescind rules and regulations for the administration of the 2018 Plan and amend or modify outstanding options, grants and awards.
No options, stock purchase rights or awards may be made under the 2018 Plan on or after the ten-year anniversary of the adoption of the 2018 Plan by the Board, but the 2018 Plan will continue thereafter while previously granted options, stock appreciation rights or awards remain subject to the 2018 Plan. Options granted under the 2018 Plan may be either "incentive stock options" that are intended to meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") or "non-statutory stock options" that do not meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Code. The Board will determine the exercise price of options granted under the 2018 Plan. The exercise price of stock options may not be less than the fair market value, on the date of grant, per share of the Company's common stock issuable upon exercise of the option (or 110% of fair market value in the case of incentive options granted to a 10% stockholder). No option may be exercisable for more than ten years (five years in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a 10% stockholder) from the date of grant.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for share-based payments through the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for share-based awards made to employees, non-employee members of the Board, and consultants of the Company, including stock options, restricted stock units, and common stock warrants. The following table presents share-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022.
December 31,
Stock options — — 59
Common stock warrants — — 1,019
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $2.9 million of unamortized share-based compensation for share-based awards, which are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.7 years.
Restricted Stock Units
The Company issues shares of restricted stock units to eligible employees, which are subject to forfeiture until the end of an applicable vesting period. The awards generally vest on the first, second, third, or fourth anniversary of the date of grant, subject to the employee's continuing employment as of that date. Restricted stock units are valued using market value on the grant date.
Restricted stock unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2024 is presented in the following table:
Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
F-24
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted stock units granted during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $2.14, $3.73, and $8.85, respectively.
Stock Options
The table below summarizes all option activity under all plans during the year ended December 31, 2024:
Granted — $ — $ —
Exercised — $ — $ —
The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options is calculated as the amount by which the fair value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the stock options. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding, vested, and exercisable was less than $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Liability Awards
In August 2022, the Company issued certain stock awards classified as liabilities based on the guidance set forth at ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, and ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. These awards entitled the employees to receive an equity award with a specified dollar value of common stock on future dates ranging from June 15, 2023, through June 15, 2025. The awards generally vested over three years subject to the employee's continued employment.
On June 15, 2023, the three employees subject to these awards entered into new employment agreements which superseded the prior agreements and removed the liability awards from their compensation package. In accordance with ASC 718-20-35-2A through 718-20-35-9, these awards were evaluated and accounted for as modified awards. The liability of $0.7 million was relieved to additional paid-in capital, and the incremental expense of $0.1 million will be recognized over the remaining term of the modified awards.
The expense related to liability-classified stock awards for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $0.2 million, and $0.5 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company no longer had any outstanding liability-classified stock awards.
10. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the composition of the weighted average shares (denominator) used in the basic and dilutive loss per share computation for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022.
Year Ended December 31,
Effect of dilutive outstanding warrants and stock options — — —
Basic loss per share $ (0.82) $ (0.76) $ (2.69)
Diluted loss per share $ (0.82) $ (0.76) $ (2.69)
F-25
Table of Contents
GROWGENERATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Diluted loss per share calculations for the year ended December 31, 2024 excluded 0.5 million shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options and 0.9 million non-vested restricted stock units that would have been anti-dilutive. Diluted loss per share calculations for the year ended December 31, 2023 excluded 0.6 million shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options and 1.0 million non-vested restricted stock units. For the year ended December 31, 2022, there were 0.6 million shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options, 0.6 million non-vested restricted stock units, and 33 thousand shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the stock purchase warrants that would have been anti-dilutive.
11. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
On March 20, 2024, the Board authorized a share repurchase program, whereby the Company could repurchase up to $6.0 million worth of its common stock in open market transactions pursuant to Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act and a 10b5-1 trading plan. The program began on April 1, 2024. This share repurchase program was intended to enhance long-term shareholder value. The program did not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares or to acquire any shares over any specific period of time. The timing and amount of any repurchases was dependent upon factors such as the stock price, trading volumes, market conditions, and regulatory requirements. The stock repurchase program could be amended, suspended, or discontinued at any time by the Company.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company repurchased 2.5 million shares of common stock at an average price of $2.38 per share exclusive of incremental direct costs. As of December 31, 2024, the Company completed all purchases available under the stock repurchase program. The Company retired all 2.5 million shares of treasury stock acquired under the share repurchase program during the year ended December 31, 2024. The shares were returned to the status of authorized but unissued shares.
12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
The Company has a 401(k) Savings Retirement Plan that covers substantially all full-time employees who meet the plan's eligibility requirements and provides for an employee elective contribution. The Company made immaterial matching contributions to the plan in the year ended December 31, 2024, and matching contributions of $0.6 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
13. ACQUISITIONS
The Company's acquisition strategy has been primarily to acquire (i) well-established, profitable hydroponic garden centers in markets where the Company does not have a market presence or in markets where it is increasing its market presence; and (ii) proprietary brands.
The Company accounts for acquisitions in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized at their estimated fair values in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, as of the acquisition date. For all acquisitions, the preliminary allocation of the purchase price was based upon a preliminary valuation, and the Company's estimates and assumptions are subject to change as valuations are finalized within the measurement period, which cannot extend beyond one year from the acquisition date. Measurement period adjustments are recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustments were determined and calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The process for estimating fair values requires the use of significant estimates, assumptions and judgments, including determining the timing and estimates of future cash flows and developing appropriate discount rates. Any changes to these estimates may have a material impact on the Company's operating results or financial position.