Chewy, Inc. (CHWY)
SIC breadcrumb: Retail Trade > Miscellaneous Retail > SIC 5961 Retail-Catalog & Mail-Order Houses
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1766502. Latest filing source: 0001766502-26-000034.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read CHWY's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read CHWY's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 12,601,500,000 | USD | 2026 | 2026-03-25 |
| Net income | 222,800,000 | USD | 2026 | 2026-03-25 |
| Assets | 3,366,400,000 | USD | 2026 | 2026-03-25 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-03-25. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001766502.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 2,104,287,000 | 3,532,837,000 | 4,846,743,000 | 7,146,264,000 | 8,967,407,000 | 10,119,000,000 | 11,147,700,000 | 11,861,300,000 | 12,601,500,000 | |
| Net income | -338,057,000 | -267,890,000 | -252,370,000 | -92,486,000 | -75,207,000 | 49,899,000 | 39,600,000 | 392,700,000 | 222,800,000 | |
| Operating income | -337,851,000 | -267,766,000 | -252,726,000 | -90,464,000 | -73,566,000 | 56,421,000 | -23,600,000 | 112,600,000 | 254,300,000 | |
| Gross profit | 367,550,000 | 714,805,000 | 1,144,060,000 | 1,820,807,000 | 2,385,471,000 | 2,834,495,000 | 3,161,500,000 | 3,467,700,000 | 3,753,900,000 | |
| Diluted EPS | -0.63 | -0.23 | -0.18 | 0.12 | 0.09 | 0.91 | 0.52 | |||
| Operating cash flow | -79,747,000 | -13,415,000 | 46,581,000 | 132,755,000 | 191,743,000 | 349,777,000 | 486,200,000 | 596,300,000 | 691,600,000 | |
| Capital expenditures | 40,282,000 | 44,160,000 | 48,636,000 | 130,743,000 | 183,186,000 | 230,310,000 | 143,300,000 | 143,800,000 | 129,200,000 | |
| Share buybacks | 0.00 | 0.00 | 942,800,000 | 262,500,000 | ||||||
| Assets | 541,622,000 | 932,321,000 | 1,740,910,000 | 2,086,281,000 | 2,519,818,000 | 3,186,851,000 | 3,014,500,000 | 3,366,400,000 | ||
| Liabilities | 877,564,000 | 1,336,295,000 | 1,742,914,000 | 2,071,545,000 | 2,359,550,000 | 2,676,607,000 | 2,753,000,000 | 2,868,500,000 | ||
| Stockholders' equity | -634,024,000 | -83,703,000 | -335,942,000 | -403,974,000 | -54,970,000 | -39,620,000 | 160,300,000 | 510,300,000 | 261,500,000 | 497,900,000 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 88,331,000 | 212,088,000 | 563,345,000 | 603,079,000 | 331,641,000 | 602,232,000 | 595,800,000 | 860,100,000 | ||
| Free cash flow | -120,029,000 | -57,575,000 | -2,055,000 | 2,012,000 | 8,557,000 | 119,467,000 | 342,900,000 | 452,500,000 | 562,400,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | -16.07% | -7.58% | -5.21% | -1.29% | -0.84% | 0.49% | 0.36% | 3.31% | 1.77% | |
| Operating margin | -16.06% | -7.58% | -5.21% | -1.27% | -0.82% | 0.56% | -0.21% | 0.95% | 2.02% | |
| Return on equity | 31.13% | 7.76% | 150.17% | 44.75% | ||||||
| Return on assets | -49.46% | -27.07% | -5.31% | -3.60% | 1.98% | 1.24% | 13.03% | 6.62% | ||
| Liabilities / equity | 14.72 | 5.25 | 10.53 | 5.76 | ||||||
| Current ratio | 0.55 | 0.57 | 0.89 | 0.80 | 0.83 | 1.00 | 0.75 | 0.88 |
Industry Peer Context
Net margin peer context
Operating margin peer context
ROE peer context
ROA peer context
Financial Bridges
Income statement bridge from reported figures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2026. Revenue: accession 0001766502-26-000034; concept RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax; source concepts us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax | Gross profit: accession 0001766502-26-000034; concept GrossProfit; source concepts us-gaap:GrossProfit | Operating income: accession 0001766502-26-000034; concept OperatingIncomeLoss; source concepts us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss | Net income: accession 0001766502-26-000034; concept NetIncomeLoss; source concepts us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2026. Operating cash flow: accession 0001766502-26-000034; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001766502-26-000034; concept PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets | Free cash flow: accession 0001766502-26-000034; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-02-01; accession 0001766502-26-000034; filed 2026-03-25. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-02-01; accession 0001766502-26-000034; filed 2026-03-25. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-02-01; accession 0001766502-26-000034; filed 2026-03-25. Concept: OperatingIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-02-01; accession 0001766502-26-000034; filed 2026-03-25. Concept: GrossProfit. Source concepts: us-gaap:GrossProfit.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-02-01; accession 0001766502-26-000034; filed 2026-03-25. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-02-01; accession 0001766502-26-000034; filed 2026-03-25. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-02-01; accession 0001766502-26-000034; filed 2026-03-25. Concept: PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-02-01; accession 0001766502-26-000034; filed 2026-03-25. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-02-01; accession 0001766502-26-000034; filed 2026-03-25. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-02-01; accession 0001766502-26-000034; filed 2026-03-25. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-02-01; accession 0001766502-26-000034; filed 2026-03-25. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-02-01; accession 0001766502-26-000034; filed 2026-03-25. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-02-01; accession 0001766502-26-000034; filed 2026-03-25. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-06-10. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001766502.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-Q2 | 2022-07-31 | 0.05 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-10-30 | 0.01 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2023-04-30 | 0.05 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-07-30 | 2,777,769,000 | 18,946,000 | 0.04 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-10-29 | 2,738,611,000 | -35,810,000 | -0.08 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q4 | 2024-01-28 | 2,846,665,000 | 34,263,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-04-28 | 2,877,725,000 | 66,897,000 | 0.15 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-07-28 | 2,858,589,000 | 299,117,000 | 0.68 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-10-27 | 2,877,635,000 | 3,932,000 | 0.01 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q4 | 2025-02-02 | 3,247,386,000 | 22,792,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-05-04 | 3,116,000,000 | 62,400,000 | 0.15 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-08-03 | 3,104,200,000 | 62,000,000 | 0.14 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-11-02 | 3,116,600,000 | 59,200,000 | 0.14 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q4 | 2026-02-01 | 3,264,700,000 | 39,200,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-05-03 | 3,357,200,000 | 94,800,000 | 0.23 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-03; accession 0001628280-26-042060; filed 2026-06-10. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-03; accession 0001628280-26-042060; filed 2026-06-10. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-03; accession 0001628280-26-042060; filed 2026-06-10. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0001628280-26-042060.
Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended May 3, 2026 (“10-Q Report”) and our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2026 (“10-K Report”). This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, such as those set forth under the “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” sections herein and in our 10-K Report, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this 10-Q Report to “Chewy,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to Chewy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Investors and others should note that we may announce material information to our investors using our investor relations website (https://investor.chewy.com/), filings with the SEC, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media, to communicate with our investors and the public about our company, our business and other issues. It is possible that the information that we post on these channels could be deemed to be material information. We therefore encourage investors to visit these websites from time to time. The information contained on such websites and social media posts is not incorporated by reference into this filing. Further, our references to website URLs in this filing are intended to be inactive textual references only.
Overview
We are the largest pet e-tailer in the United States, offering virtually every product a pet needs. We launched Chewy in 2011 to bring the best of the neighborhood pet store shopping experience to a larger audience, enhanced by the depth and wide selection of products and services, as well as the around-the-clock convenience, that only e-commerce can offer. We believe that we are the preeminent destination for pet parents as a result of our broad selection of high-quality products and expanded menu of service offerings, which we offer at great prices and deliver with an exceptional level of care and a personal touch. We are the trusted source for pet parents and partners and continually develop innovative ways for our customers to engage with us. We partner with approximately 4,000 of the best and most trusted brands in the pet industry, and we create and offer our own outstanding private brands. Through our websites and mobile applications, we offer our customers approximately 190,000 products, compelling merchandising, an easy and enjoyable shopping experience, and exceptional customer service.
Macroeconomic Considerations
Macroeconomic conditions, including inflationary pressures, elevated interest rates, and broader economic uncertainty, have influenced consumer spending patterns and may continue to affect demand across our categories. We monitor these conditions closely and adjust elements of our logistics, transportation, supply chain, and merchandising strategies as appropriate. Changes in consumer behavior may impact product mix, purchasing frequency, and promotional intensity, and we manage our operations with a focus on maintaining value, service levels, and operational discipline in varying economic environments.
We are unable to predict the duration and ultimate impact of evolving macroeconomic conditions on the broader economy or our operations and liquidity. As such, macroeconomic risks and uncertainties remain. Refer to the section titled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this 10-Q Report and the section titled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our 10-K Report for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2026.
Fiscal Year End
We have a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending each year on the Sunday that is closest to January 31 of that year. Our 2026 fiscal year ends on January 31, 2027 and is a 52-week year. Our 2025 fiscal year ended February 1, 2026 and was a 52-week year.
Key Operating Metrics
Active Customers
As of the last date of each reporting period, we determine our number of active customers by counting the total number of individual customers who have ordered a product or service, and for whom a product has shipped or for whom a service has been provided, at least once during the preceding 364-day period. The change in active customers in a reporting period captures both the inflow of new customers and the outflow of customers who have not made a purchase in the last 364 days. We view the
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number of active customers as a key indicator of our growth, ability to acquire and retain customers as a result of our marketing efforts, and the value we provide to our customers. The number of active customers has grown over time as we acquired new customers and retained previously acquired customers.
Net Sales Per Active Customer
We define net sales per active customer as the aggregate net sales for the preceding four fiscal quarters, divided by the total number of active customers at the end of that period. We view net sales per active customer as a key indicator of our customers’ purchasing patterns, including their initial and repeat purchase behavior.
Autoship and Autoship Customer Sales
We define Autoship customers as customers in a given fiscal quarter that had an order shipped through our Autoship subscription program during the preceding 364-day period. We define Autoship as our subscription program, which provides automatic ordering, payment, and delivery of products to our customers. We view our Autoship subscription program as a key driver of recurring net sales and customer retention. For a given fiscal quarter, Autoship customer sales consist of sales and shipping revenues from all Autoship subscription program purchases and purchases outside of the Autoship subscription program by Autoship customers, excluding taxes collected from customers, excluding any refunds, and net of any promotional offers (such as percentage discounts off current purchases and other similar offers) for that quarter. For a given fiscal year, Autoship customer sales equal the sum of the Autoship customer sales for each of the fiscal quarters in that fiscal year.
Autoship Customer Sales as a Percentage of Net Sales
We define Autoship customer sales as a percentage of net sales as the Autoship customer sales in a given reporting period divided by the net sales from all orders in that period. We view Autoship customer sales as a percentage of net sales as a key indicator of our recurring sales and customer retention.
Components of Results of Consolidated Operations
Net Sales
We derive net sales primarily from sales of both third-party brand and private brand pet food, pet products, pet health and specialty products, and related shipping fees. Consumable products include retail pet food and veterinary diet products. Hard goods products include non-perishable pet supplies. Pet health and specialty products include prescription medications, non-prescription pet health care products and certain specialty animal products for categories such as equine, birds, fish, and other non-traditional pets. Other net sales include private brand sales and certain pet-related services including telehealth services, pet insurance-related offerings, loyalty program memberships, and veterinary clinic services. Revenues from these service-based offerings are not a significant component of net sales and are managed as part of the Company’s integrated platform rather than as standalone service offerings.
Sales of third-party brand and private brand pet food, pet products, pet health and specialty products, and shipping revenues are recorded when products are shipped, net of promotional discounts and refunds and allowances. Taxes collected from customers are excluded from net sales. Net sales is primarily driven by growth of new customers and active customers, and the frequency with which customers purchase and subscribe to our Autoship subscription program.
We also periodically provide promotional offers, including discount offers, such as percentage discounts off current purchases and other similar offers. These offers are treated as a reduction to the purchase price of the related transaction and are reflected as a net amount in net sales.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold consists of the cost of third-party brand and private brand products sold to customers, inventory freight, shipping supply costs, inventory shrinkage costs, and inventory valuation adjustments, offset by reductions for promotions and percentage or volume rebates offered by our vendors, which may depend on reaching minimum purchase thresholds. Generally, amounts received from vendors are considered a reduction of the carrying value of inventory and are ultimately reflected as a reduction of cost of goods sold.
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Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of fulfillment costs incurred in operating and staffing fulfillment centers, customer service centers, and veterinary clinics; payroll and related expenses for employees involved in general corporate functions, including accounting, finance, tax, legal and human resources; costs associated with the use of facilities and equipment, such as depreciation expense and rent; share-based compensation, professional fees and other general corporate costs.
Fulfillment costs include costs attributable to buying, receiving, inspecting and warehousing inventories, picking, packaging and preparing customer orders for shipment, payment processing, providing pet health services, and responding to inquiries from customers. Included within fulfillment costs are merchant processing fees charged by third parties that provide merchant processing services for credit cards.
Advertising and Marketing
Advertising and marketing expenses consist of advertising and payroll related expenses for personnel engaged in marketing, business development and selling activities.
Interest and Other Income (Expense), net
We generate interest income from our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. We incur interest expense in relation to our borrowing facilities, finance leases, and unrecognized tax benefits.
Our other income (expense), net consists of changes in the fair value of equity warrants, equity investments, tax indemnification receivables, foreign currency transaction gains and losses, and allowances for credit losses on marketable securities.
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)
Income tax provision (benefit) consists of an estimate of federal and state income taxes based on enacted federal and state tax rates, as adjusted for allowable credits, deductions, and the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, as applicable.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement our GAAP results, we present certain non-GAAP financial measures that management uses to evaluate operating performance, assess liquidity, and inform capital allocation decisions. These measures include Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted net income and Adjusted earnings per share, and Free cash flow.
Adjusted EBITDA excludes depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation and related taxes, income tax provision (benefit), interest income (expense), transaction-related costs, changes in the fair value of equity warrants, severance and exit costs, and other items not considered indicative of our core operations. Adjusted EBITDA margin represents Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales.
Adjusted net income a
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Latest 10-K MD&A
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2025 (“10-K Report”). This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, such as those set forth under the “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” sections herein, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this 10-K Report to “Chewy,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to Chewy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Investors and others should note that we may announce material information to our investors using our investor relations website (https://investor.chewy.com/), filings with the SEC, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media, to communicate with our investors and the public about our company, our business and other issues. It is possible that the information that we post on these channels could be deemed to be material information. We therefore encourage investors to visit these websites from time to time. The information contained on such websites and social media posts is not incorporated by reference into this filing. Further, our references to website URLs in this filing are intended to be inactive textual references only.
Overview
We are the largest pet e-tailer in the United States, offering virtually every product a pet needs. We launched Chewy in 2011 to bring the best of the neighborhood pet store shopping experience to a larger audience, enhanced by the depth and wide selection of products and services, as well as the around-the-clock convenience, that only e-commerce can offer. We believe that we are the preeminent destination for pet parents as a result of our broad selection of high-quality products and expanded menu of service offerings, which we offer at great prices and deliver with an exceptional level of care and a personal touch. We are the trusted source for pet parents and partners and continually develop innovative ways for our customers to engage with us. We partner with approximately 4,000 of the best and most trusted brands in the pet industry, and we create and offer our own outstanding private brands. Through our websites and mobile applications, we offer our customers approximately 190,000 products, compelling merchandising, an easy and enjoyable shopping experience, and exceptional customer service.
Macroeconomic Considerations
Macroeconomic conditions, including inflationary pressures, elevated interest rates, and broader economic uncertainty, have influenced consumer spending patterns and may continue to affect demand across our categories. We monitor these conditions closely and adjust elements of our logistics, transportation, supply chain, and merchandising strategies as appropriate. Changes in consumer behavior may impact product mix, purchasing frequency, and promotional intensity, and we manage our operations with a focus on maintaining value, service levels, and operational discipline in varying economic environments.
We are unable to predict the duration and ultimate impact of evolving macroeconomic conditions on the broader economy or our operations and liquidity. As such, macroeconomic risks and uncertainties remain. Please refer to the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and the section titled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this 10-K Report.
Fiscal Year End
We have a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending each year on the Sunday that is closest to January 31 of that year. Our 2025 fiscal year ended February 1, 2026 and included 52 weeks (“Fiscal Year 2025”). Our 2024 fiscal year ended February 2, 2025 and included 53 weeks (“Fiscal Year 2024”). Our 2023 fiscal year ended January 28, 2024 and included 52 weeks (“Fiscal Year 2023”).
We have provided restated financial and operating data for the historical comparative periods in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this 10-K Report. For additional information related to this restatement, see section titled Basis of Presentation in Note 2 – Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
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Key Operating Metrics
Active Customers
As of the last date of each reporting period, we determine our number of active customers by counting the total number of individual customers who have ordered a product or service, and for whom a product has shipped or for whom a service has been provided, at least once during the preceding 364-day period. The change in active customers in a reporting period captures both the inflow of new customers and the outflow of customers who have not made a purchase in the last 364 days. We view the number of active customers as a key indicator of our growth—acquisition and retention of customers—as a result of our marketing efforts and the value we provide to our customers. The number of active customers has grown over time as we acquired new customers and retained previously acquired customers.
Net Sales Per Active Customer
We define net sales per active customer as the aggregate net sales for the preceding four fiscal quarters, divided by the total number of active customers at the end of that period. We view net sales per active customer as a key indicator of our customers’ purchasing patterns, including their initial and repeat purchase behavior.
Autoship and Autoship Customer Sales
We define Autoship customers as customers in a given fiscal quarter that had an order shipped through our Autoship subscription program during the preceding 364-day period. We define Autoship as our subscription program, which provides automatic ordering, payment, and delivery of products to our customers. We view our Autoship subscription program as a key driver of recurring net sales and customer retention. For a given fiscal quarter, Autoship customer sales consist of sales and shipping revenues from all Autoship subscription program purchases and purchases outside of the Autoship subscription program by Autoship customers, excluding taxes collected from customers, excluding any refunds, and net of any promotional offers (such as percentage discounts off current purchases and other similar offers) for that quarter. For a given fiscal year, Autoship customer sales equal the sum of the Autoship customer sales for each of the fiscal quarters in that fiscal year.
Autoship Customer Sales as a Percentage of Net Sales
We define Autoship customer sales as a percentage of net sales as the Autoship customer sales in a given reporting period divided by the net sales from all orders in that period. We view Autoship customer sales as a percentage of net sales as a key indicator of our recurring sales and customer retention.
Components of Results of Consolidated Operations
Net Sales
We derive net sales primarily from sales of both third-party brand and private brand pet food, pet products, pet health and specialty products, and related shipping fees. Consumable products include retail pet food and veterinary diet products. Hard goods products include non-perishable pet supplies. Pet health and specialty products include prescription medications, non-prescription pet health care products and certain specialty animal products for categories such as equine, birds, fish, and other non-traditional pets. Other net sales include private brand sales and certain pet-related services including telehealth services, pet insurance-related offerings, loyalty program memberships, and veterinary clinic services. Revenues from these service-based offerings are not a significant component of net sales and are managed as part of the Company’s integrated platform rather than as standalone service offerings.
Sales of third-party brand and private brand pet food, pet products, pet health and specialty products, and shipping revenues are recorded when products are shipped, net of promotional discounts and refunds and allowances. Taxes collected from customers are excluded from net sales. Net sales is primarily driven by growth of new customers and active customers, and the frequency with which customers purchase and subscribe to our Autoship subscription program.
We also periodically provide promotional offers, including discount offers, such as percentage discounts off current purchases and other similar offers. These offers are treated as a reduction to the purchase price of the related transaction and are reflected as a net amount in net sales.
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Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold consists of the cost of third-party brand and private brand products sold to customers, inventory freight, shipping supply costs, inventory shrinkage costs, and inventory valuation adjustments, offset by reductions for promotions and percentage or volume rebates offered by our vendors, which may depend on reaching minimum purchase thresholds. Generally, amounts received from vendors are considered a reduction of the carrying value of inventory and are ultimately reflected as a reduction of cost of goods sold.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of fulfillment costs incurred in operating and staffing fulfillment centers, customer service centers, and veterinary clinics; payroll and related expenses for employees involved in general corporate functions, including accounting, finance, tax, legal and human resources; costs associated with the use of facilities and equipment, such as depreciation expense and rent; share-based compensation, professional fees and other general corporate costs.
Fulfillment costs include costs attributable to buying, receiving, inspecting and warehousing inventories, picking, packaging and preparing customer orders for shipment, payment processing, providing pet health services, and responding to inquiries from customers. Included within fulfillment costs are merchant processing fees charged by third parties that provide merchant processing services for credit cards.
Advertising and Marketing
Advertising and marketing expenses consist of advertising and payroll related expenses for personnel engaged in marketing, business development and selling activities.
Interest and Other Income (Expense), net
We generate interest income from our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. We incur interest expense in relation to our borrowing facilities, finance leases, and unrecognized tax benefits.
Our other income (expense), net consists of changes in the fair value of equity warrants, equity investments, tax indemnification receivables, foreign currency transaction gains and losses, and allowances for credit losses on marketable securities.
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)
Income tax provision (benefit) consists of an estimate of federal and state income taxes based on enacted federal and state tax rates, as adjusted for allowable credits, deductions, and the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, as applicable.
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Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement our GAAP results, we present certain non-GAAP financial measures that management uses to evaluate operating performance, assess liquidity, and inform capital allocation decisions. These measures include Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted net income and Adjusted earnings per share, and Free cash flow.
Adjusted EBITDA excludes depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation and related taxes, income tax provision (benefit), interest income (expense), transaction-related costs, changes in the fair value of equity warrants, severance and exit costs, and other items not considered indicative of our core operations. Adjusted EBITDA margin represents Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales.
Adjusted net income and Adjusted earnings per share exclude certain non-cash and non-recurring items, including share-based compensation and related taxes, releases of valuation allowances associated with deferred tax assets, changes in the fair value of equity warrants, and severance and exit costs.
Free cash flow represents net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures.
We believe these measures provide additional insight into the underlying trends in our business and facilitate comparisons across reporting periods. Reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are provided below.
These non-GAAP measures have limitations and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP results. For example, Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect capital expenditures, working capital requirements, interest income (expense), income taxes, or share-based compensation, which remains a recurring component of our compensation structure. In addition, other companies may calculate non-GAAP measures differently, which may limit their comparability. Accordingly, these measures should be considered together with our GAAP financial statements and related disclosures.
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Key Financial and Operating Data
We measure our business using both financial and operating data and use the following metrics and measures to assess the near-term and long-term performance of our overall business, including identifying trends, formulating financial projections, making strategic decisions, assessing operational efficiencies, and monitoring our business.
| Fiscal Year | % change | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions, except net sales per active customer, per share data, and percentages) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2025 vs. 2024 | 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Financial and Operating Data | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 12,601.5 | $ | 11,861.3 | $ | 11,147.7 | 6.2 | % | 6.4 | % | |||||||
| Net income (1) | $ | 222.8 | $ | 392.7 | $ | 39.6 | (43.3) | % | n/m | ||||||||
| Net margin (1) | 1.8 | % | 3.3 | % | 0.4 | % | |||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA (2) | $ | 719.2 | $ | 570.5 | $ | 368.1 | 26.1 | % | 55.0 | % | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin (2) | 5.7 | % | 4.8 | % | 3.3 | % | |||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (2) | $ | 540.5 | $ | 446.8 | $ | 296.2 | 21.0 | % | 50.8 | % | |||||||
| Earnings per share, basic (1) | $ | 0.54 | $ | 0.93 | $ | 0.09 | (41.9) | % | n/m | ||||||||
| Earnings per share, diluted (1) | $ | 0.52 | $ | 0.91 | $ | 0.09 | (42.9) | % | n/m | ||||||||
| Adjusted earnings per share, basic (2) | $ | 1.31 | $ | 1.06 | $ | 0.69 | 23.6 | % | 53.6 | % | |||||||
| Adjusted earnings per share, diluted (2) | $ | 1.27 | $ | 1.04 | $ | 0.69 | 22.1 | % | 50.7 | % | |||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 691.6 | $ | 596.3 | $ | 486.2 | 16.0 | % | 22.6 | % | |||||||
| Free cash flow (2) | $ | 562.4 | $ | 452.5 | $ | 342.9 | 24.3 | % | 32.0 | % | |||||||
| Active customers | 21.327 | 20.514 | 20.083 | 4.0 | % | 2.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Net sales per active customer | $ | 591 | $ | 578 | $ | 555 | 2.2 | % | 4.1 | % | |||||||
| Autoship customer sales | $ | 10,497.1 | $ | 9,393.3 | $ | 8,493.2 | 11.8 | % | 10.6 | % | |||||||
| Autoship customer sales as a percentage of net sales | 83.3 | % | 79.2 | % | 76.2 | % | |||||||||||
| n/m - not meaningful | |||||||||||||||||
| (1) Includes share-based compensation expense, including related taxes, of $311.2 million, $332.1 million, and $248.5 million, for Fiscal Year 2025, Fiscal Year 2024, and Fiscal Year 2023, respectively. | |||||||||||||||||
| (2) Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted net income, adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share, and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” above. |
We define net margin as net income divided by net sales and adjusted EBITDA margin as adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales.
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Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA, as well as the calculation of net margin and adjusted EBITDA margin, for each of the periods indicated:
| (in millions, except percentages) | Fiscal Year | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Net income | $ | 222.8 | $ | 392.7 | $ | 39.6 | ||||
| Add (deduct): | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 129.3 | 114.6 | 109.7 | |||||||
| Share-based compensation expense and related taxes | 311.2 | 332.1 | 248.5 | |||||||
| Interest income, net | (15.2) | (35.1) | (58.5) | |||||||
| Change in fair value of equity warrants | 2.6 | (2.3) | (13.1) | |||||||
| Income tax provision (benefit) | 40.5 | (241.0) | 8.7 | |||||||
| Severance costs | 6.3 | — | 14.4 | |||||||
| Exit costs | — | — | 6.8 | |||||||
| Transaction related costs | 13.2 | 1.6 | 7.8 | |||||||
| Other | 8.5 | 7.9 | 4.2 | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 719.2 | $ | 570.5 | $ | 368.1 | ||||
| Net sales | $ | 12,601.5 | $ | 11,861.3 | $ | 11,147.7 | ||||
| Net margin | 1.8 | % | 3.3 | % | 0.4 | % | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 5.7 | % | 4.8 | % | 3.3 | % |
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Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income to adjusted net income, as well as the calculation of adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share, for each of the periods indicated:
| (in millions, except per share data) | Fiscal Year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Net income | $ | 222.8 | $ | 392.7 | $ | 39.6 | ||
| Add (deduct): | ||||||||
| Share-based compensation expense and related taxes | 311.2 | 332.1 | 248.5 | |||||
| Change in fair value of equity warrants | 2.6 | (2.3) | (13.1) | |||||
| Deferred tax asset valuation allowance release | (2.4) | (275.7) | — | |||||
| Severance costs | 6.3 | — | 14.4 | |||||
| Exit costs | — | — | 6.8 | |||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 540.5 | $ | 446.8 | $ | 296.2 | ||
| Weighted-average common shares used in computing adjusted earnings per share: | ||||||||
| Basic | 414.1 | 421.4 | 429.4 | |||||
| Effect of dilutive share-based awards | 11.7 | 9.6 | 2.6 | |||||
| Diluted | 425.8 | 431.0 | 432.0 | |||||
| Earnings per share attributable to common Class A and Class B stockholders | ||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.54 | $ | 0.93 | $ | 0.09 | ||
| Diluted | $ | 0.52 | $ | 0.91 | $ | 0.09 | ||
| Adjusted basic | $ | 1.31 | $ | 1.06 | $ | 0.69 | ||
| Adjusted diluted | $ | 1.27 | $ | 1.04 | $ | 0.69 |
Free Cash Flow
The following table presents a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow for each of the periods indicated:
| (in millions) | Fiscal Year | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 691.6 | $ | 596.3 | $ | 486.2 | ||||
| Deduct: | ||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | (129.2) | (143.8) | (143.3) | |||||||
| Free Cash Flow | $ | 562.4 | $ | 452.5 | $ | 342.9 |
Free cash flow may vary period to period based on the timing and level of capital expenditures, including investments in fulfillment capacity, pharmacy facilities, veterinary clinics, technology infrastructure, and other operational initiatives. Free cash flow may also be affected by changes in working capital, including fluctuations in inventory levels, vendor payment terms, and other components of the cash conversion cycle.
Presentation of Results of Consolidated Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following discussion and analysis of our Results of Consolidated Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources includes a comparison of Fiscal Year 2025 to Fiscal Year 2024. A similar discussion and analysis which compares Fiscal Year 2024 to Fiscal Year 2023 may be found in the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our annual report filed with the SEC on March 26, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.
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Results of Consolidated Operations
The following tables set forth our results of operations for the fiscal years presented and express the relationship of certain line items as a percentage of net sales for those periods. The period-to-period comparison of financial results is not necessarily indicative of future results.
| Fiscal Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % change | % of net sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except percentages) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2025 vs. 2024 | 2024 vs. 2023 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 12,601.5 | $ | 11,861.3 | $ | 11,147.7 | 6.2 | % | 6.4 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 8,847.6 | 8,393.6 | 7,986.2 | 5.4 | % | 5.1 | % | 70.2 | % | 70.8 | % | 71.6 | % | |||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 3,753.9 | 3,467.7 | 3,161.5 | 8.3 | % | 9.7 | % | 29.8 | % | 29.2 | % | 28.4 | % | |||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 2,674.7 | 2,551.0 | 2,442.7 | 4.8 | % | 4.4 | % | 21.2 | % | 21.5 | % | 21.9 | % | |||||||||||||
| Advertising and marketing | 824.9 | 804.1 | 742.4 | 2.6 | % | 8.3 | % | 6.5 | % | 6.8 | % | 6.7 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 3,499.6 | 3,355.1 | 3,185.1 | 4.3 | % | 5.3 | % | 27.8 | % | 28.3 | % | 28.5 | % | |||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from operations | 254.3 | 112.6 | (23.6) | 125.8 | % | n/m | 2.0 | % | 0.9 | % | (0.2) | % | ||||||||||||||
| Interest and other income, net | 9.0 | 39.1 | 71.9 | (77.0) | % | (45.6) | % | 0.1 | % | 0.3 | % | 0.6 | % | |||||||||||||
| Income before income tax provision (benefit) | 263.3 | 151.7 | 48.3 | 73.6 | % | 214.1 | % | 2.1 | % | 1.3 | % | 0.4 | % | |||||||||||||
| Income tax provision (benefit) | 40.5 | (241.0) | 8.7 | 116.8 | % | n/m | 0.3 | % | (2.0) | % | 0.1 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 222.8 | $ | 392.7 | $ | 39.6 | (43.3) | % | n/m | 1.8 | % | 3.3 | % | 0.4 | % | |||||||||||
| n/m - not meaningful |
Net Sales
| Fiscal Year | 2025 vs. 2024 | 2024 vs. 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions, except percentages) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | $ Change | % Change | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||
| Consumables | $ | 8,777.9 | $ | 8,396.1 | $ | 8,014.6 | $ | 381.8 | 4.5 | % | $ | 381.5 | 4.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Hardgoods | 1,436.3 | 1,267.1 | 1,209.2 | 169.2 | 13.4 | % | 57.9 | 4.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Pet health and specialty products | 1,980.5 | 1,771.2 | 1,454.5 | 209.3 | 11.8 | % | 316.7 | 21.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other | 406.8 | 426.9 | 469.4 | (20.1) | (4.7) | % | (42.5) | (9.1) | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 12,601.5 | $ | 11,861.3 | $ | 11,147.7 | $ | 740.2 | 6.2 | % | $ | 713.6 | 6.4 | % |
Net sales for Fiscal Year 2025 increased by $740.2 million, or 6.2%, to $12.6 billion compared to $11.9 billion for Fiscal Year 2024. Excluding net sales of $226.6 million in the 53rd week for Fiscal Year 2024, net sales for Fiscal Year 2025 increased by $966.8 million, or 8.3%, to $12.6 billion compared to $11.6 billion for Fiscal Year 2024. This increase was primarily driven by growth in autoship customer sales, which increased by 11.8% to $10.5 billion, higher net sales per active customer, which increased $13 or 2.2% to $591, and growth in active customers, which improved by 4.0% to 21.3 million in Fiscal Year 2025, compared to Fiscal Year 2024. This increase was attributable to growth across our consumables, pet health and specialty products, and hardgoods businesses.
Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Profit
Cost of goods sold for Fiscal Year 2025 increased by $454.0 million, or 5.4%, to $8.8 billion compared to $8.4 billion in Fiscal Year 2024. This increase was primarily due to higher sales coupled with increased outbound freight and shipping supply costs.
Gross profit for Fiscal Year 2025 increased by $286.2 million, or 8.3%, to $3.8 billion compared to $3.5 billion in Fiscal Year 2024. This increase was primarily due to the year-over-year increase in net sales as described above. Gross margin for Fiscal Year 2025 was 29.8%, an increase of 60 basis points compared to 29.2% in Fiscal Year 2024, and is driven by growth in sponsored ads and margin growth across our consumables business.
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Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 30 basis points to 21.2% for Fiscal Year 2025 compared to 21.5% in Fiscal Year 2024. Selling, general and administrative expenses for Fiscal Year 2025 increased by $123.7 million, or 4.8%, to $2.7 billion compared to $2.6 billion in Fiscal Year 2024. The majority of the increase is associated with network-wide fulfillment costs, including modest increases in depreciation and amortization, which were collectively incurred to support the overall growth of the business, our pharmacy fulfillment network, and veterinary clinics. This also included modest increases in other selling, general, and administrative expenses primarily associated with expanded hosting and software infrastructure requirements.
We commenced a project in Fiscal Year 2024 to modernize our finance information technology architecture. At the conclusion of this project, we aim to have, among other things, (i) the ability to produce financial information across different segments of the Company, which supports scalability for future growth, (ii) expanded visibility and analytical capabilities with respect to our data, and (iii) an infrastructure that enables the use of artificial intelligence and other system advancements that will create further efficiencies for our team members. While we have made progress on this project, we also identified additional system automations that expanded our original scope. As a result, we expect that this project will go live towards the end of Fiscal Year 2026. The project will not require meaningful capital investment.
Advertising and Marketing
Advertising and marketing expenses for Fiscal Year 2025 increased by $20.8 million, or 2.6%, to $824.9 million compared to $804.1 million in Fiscal Year 2024. Our marketing expenses increased due to additional investment in our lower and upper funnel marketing channels to new customer acquisition and improved customer retention.
Interest and Other Income (Expense), net
Interest income, net for Fiscal Year 2025 decreased by $19.9 million, to $15.2 million compared to interest income of $35.1 million in Fiscal Year 2024. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in interest income generated from cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, primarily due to maturities of marketable securities during Fiscal Year 2024.
Other expense for Fiscal Year 2025 increased by $10.2 million, to $6.2 million compared to other income of $4.0 million in Fiscal Year 2024. This increase was primarily due to the termination of equity warrants and decreases in the fair value of equity investments partially offset by a decrease in foreign currency losses.
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)
Our effective tax rate for Fiscal Year 2025 was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate, primarily due to federal and state research and development credits and tax benefits from share-based compensation, partially offset by state income taxes.
Income tax provision for Fiscal Year 2025 increased by $281.5 million, to $40.5 million compared to income tax benefit of $241.0 million in Fiscal Year 2024. The increase was primarily due to the release of the valuation allowance on the Company’s U.S. federal and certain state deferred tax assets during Fiscal Year 2024.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We finance our operations and capital expenditures primarily through cash flows generated by operations. Our principal sources of liquidity are expected to be our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and our revolving credit facility. Cash and cash equivalents consisted primarily of cash on deposit with banks. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $860.1 million as of February 1, 2026, an increase of $264.3 million from February 2, 2025. Marketable securities consisted primarily of corporate bonds and equity investments and totaled $18.7 million as of February 1, 2026, an increase of $17.8 million from February 2, 2025 due to purchases that occurred during Fiscal Year 2025.
We believe that our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and availability under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund our working capital, capital expenditure requirements, and contractual obligations for at least the next twelve months. In addition, we may choose to raise additional funds at any time through equity or debt financing arrangements, which may or may not be needed for additional working capital, capital expenditures, share repurchases, or other strategic investments. Our opinions concerning liquidity are based on currently available information. To the extent this information proves to be inaccurate, or if circumstances change, future availability of trade credit or other sources of financing may be reduced and our liquidity could be adversely affected. Our future capital requirements and the adequacy of available funds will depend on many factors, including those described in the section titled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this 10-K Report.
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Depending on the severity and direct impact of these factors on us, we may be unable to secure additional financing to meet our operating requirements on terms favorable to us, or at all.
We have contractual obligations and other commitments that will need to be funded in the future, in addition to our working capital, capital expenditures and other strategic initiatives. Material contractual obligations generally relate to operating and real estate lease obligations.
Operating and real estate lease obligations relate to fulfillment and customer service centers, veterinary clinics, corporate offices and certain equipment under non-cancelable operating leases, which expire at various dates through 2038. Real estate obligations include legally binding minimum lease payments for operating lease arrangements which have not yet commenced. As of February 1, 2026, operating and real estate lease obligations included legally binding minimum lease payments of $857.4 million. For additional information related to real estate and operating leases, see Note 8 – Leases, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
Cash Flows
| Fiscal Year | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 691.6 | $ | 596.3 | $ | 486.2 | ||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | $ | (151.8) | $ | 394.6 | $ | (287.4) | ||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | $ | (276.0) | $ | (996.7) | $ | 71.6 |
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $691.6 million for Fiscal Year 2025, which primarily consisted of i) $222.8 million of net income, ii) non-cash adjustments of $503.9 million, including share-based compensation expense of $297.9 million, and depreciation and amortization expense of $129.3 million, as well as iii) a decrease of $4.2 million from working capital changes. This decrease was primarily driven by an increase in receivables, inventories, and other current assets, partially offset by an increase in other current liabilities and payables.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $596.3 million for Fiscal Year 2024, which primarily consisted of i) $392.7 million of net income, ii) non-cash adjustments of $197.1 million including share-based compensation expense of $306.4 million and depreciation and amortization expense of $114.6 million, partially offset by a deferred income tax benefit of $257.5 million, as well as iii) an increase of $33.9 million from working capital changes. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in other current liabilities and payables, partially offset by an increase in inventories, receivables, and other current assets.
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Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $151.8 million for Fiscal Year 2025, primarily consisting of $17.4 million for the purchase of marketable securities, net of maturities and sales and $129.2 million for capital expenditures related to expanding operations at our Houston, Texas fulfillment center, veterinary clinics, future pharmacy facility capabilities, and investments in our fresh and frozen infrastructure.
Net cash provided by investing activities was $394.6 million for Fiscal Year 2024, primarily consisting of $538.4 million for the maturities and sales of marketable securities, partially offset by $143.8 million for capital expenditures related to the launch of new and future pharmacy facilities, veterinary clinics, and fulfillment centers as well as additional investments in IT hardware and software.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $276.0 million for Fiscal Year 2025, primarily consisting of $262.5 million for repurchases of common stock, $9.2 million for income taxes paid for, net of proceeds from, the parent reorganization transaction, as well as payments for secondary offering costs, and principal repayments of finance lease obligations.
Net cash used in financing activities was $996.7 million for Fiscal Year 2024, and consisted of $942.8 million for repurchases of common stock, $51.9 million for income taxes paid for, net of proceeds from, the parent reorganization transaction, as well as payments for secondary offering costs, and principal repayments of finance lease obligations.
ABL Credit Facility
We have a senior secured asset-based credit facility (the “ABL Credit Facility”) which matures on April 1, 2030 following an amendment entered into on April 1, 2025, and provides for non-amortizing revolving loans in the aggregate principal amount of up to $800 million, subject to a borrowing base comprised of, among other things, inventory and sales receivables (subject to certain reserves). The ABL Credit Facility provides the right to request incremental commitments and add incremental asset-based revolving loan facilities of (i) $250 million, (ii) the amount of permanent reductions of commitments thereunder and (iii) if greater than zero, the amount by which the borrowing base as of the date of incurrence exceeds the commitments thereunder, subject to customary conditions. Borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to either a base rate or a term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) (with no credit spread adjustment) at the Company’s option, plus a margin determined based on the Company's average excess availability, which is either (i) 0.25%, 0.50%, or 0.75% for borrowings at the base rate, or (ii) 1.25%, 1.50%, or 1.75% for SOFR borrowings. We are required to pay a 0.25% per annum commitment fee with respect to the undrawn portion of the commitments, which is generally based on average daily usage of the facility. Based on our borrowing base as of February 1, 2026, which is reduced by standby letters of credit, we had $783.1 million of borrowing capacity under the ABL Credit Facility. As of February 1, 2026, we did not have any outstanding borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility.
For additional information with respect to our ABL Credit Facility, see Note 7 – Debt, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
Share Repurchase Activity
On May 24, 2024, our Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $500 million of its Class A common stock and/or Class B common stock, pursuant to a share repurchase program (the “Repurchase Program”). The actual timing and amount of any share repurchases remains subject to a variety of factors, including stock price, trading volume, market conditions, compliance with applicable legal requirements, and other general business considerations. We are not required to repurchase any specific dollar amount or to acquire any specific number of shares of common stock. The Repurchase Program has no expiration date and may be modified, suspended, or terminated at any time.
On June 26, 2024, the Company entered into an agreement (the “Stock Repurchase Agreement”) with Buddy Chester Sub LLC, an entity affiliated with the Sponsors (the “Seller”), to repurchase an aggregate of 17,550,000 shares of Class A common stock from the Seller at a price per share of $28.49, resulting in an aggregate repurchase price of $500 million (the “Stock Repurchase”).
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On September 18, 2024, the Company entered into an agreement (the “September 2024 Concurrent Stock Repurchase Agreement”) with the Seller to repurchase $300 million of shares of Class A common stock from the Seller at a price per share of $29.40, resulting in the repurchase of an aggregate of 10,204,081 shares of Class A common stock (the “September 2024 Concurrent Stock Repurchase”).
On December 9, 2024, the Company entered into an agreement (the “December 2024 Concurrent Stock Repurchase Agreement”) with the Seller, to repurchase $50 million of shares of Class A common stock from the Seller at a price per share of $31.32, resulting in the repurchase of an aggregate of 1,596,424 shares of Class A common stock (the “December 2024 Concurrent Stock Repurchase”).
On June 20, 2025, the Company entered into an agreement (the “June 2025 Concurrent Stock Repurchase Agreement”) with the Seller, to repurchase $100 million of shares of Class A common stock from the Seller at a price per share of $41.75, resulting in the repurchase of an aggregate of 2,395,210 shares of Class A common stock (the “June 2025 Concurrent Stock Repurchase”).
During Fiscal Year 2025, 4,453,622 and 2,395,210 shares of Class A common stock were repurchased and subsequently cancelled and retired pursuant to the Repurchase Program and June 2025 Concurrent Stock Repurchase for a total cost of $156.8 million and $100.0 million, respectively, excluding the cost of commissions and excise taxes. The authorized value of shares available to be repurchased under the Repurchase Program excludes the cost of commissions and excise taxes and as of February 1, 2026, the remaining value of shares of common stock that were authorized to be repurchased under the Repurchase Program was $249.9 million.
As of February 2, 2025, the total unpaid cost of share repurchases was $5.6 million, which included $5.1 million for excise taxes. During Fiscal Year 2025, the Company paid $5.7 million for excise taxes, accrued repurchases, and commissions.
Future Acquisitions
On February 2, 2026, the Company completed the acquisition of SmartPak Equine, LLC (“SmartPak”), a leading provider of equine health and nutrition products. The purchase price was $175 million for a 100% membership interest in SmartPak, and was purchased using cash on hand.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures requires us to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net sales, costs and expenses and related disclosures. We believe that the estimates, assumptions and judgments involved in the accounting policies described below involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have the greatest potential impact on our financial condition and results of operations and, therefore, we consider these to be our critical accounting policies. Accordingly, we evaluate our estimates, assumptions, and judgments on an ongoing basis. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions, judgments, and conditions. See Note 2 – Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report for a description of our significant accounting policies as well as a description of recently adopted accounting pronouncements and recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted as of the date of this 10-K Report.
Income Taxes
Estimates of deferred income taxes reflect management’s assessment of actual future taxes to be paid on items reflected in the consolidated financial statements, giving consideration to both timing and the probability of realization. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law, state income tax apportionment or the outcome of any review of our tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service, as well as actual operating results that may vary significantly from anticipated results. For additional information on deferred tax assets and liabilities, see Note 12 – Income Taxes, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Information regarding recent accounting pronouncements is included in Note 2 – Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
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MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2025 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001766502-25-000014.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2024 (“10-K Report”). This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, such as those set forth under the “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” sections herein, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this 10-K Report to “Chewy,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to Chewy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Investors and others should note that we may announce material information to our investors using our investor relations website (https://investor.chewy.com/), filings with the SEC, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media, to communicate with our investors and the public about our company, our business and other issues. It is possible that the information that we post on these channels could be deemed to be material information. We therefore encourage investors to visit these websites from time to time. The information contained on such websites and social media posts is not incorporated by reference into this filing. Further, our references to website URLs in this filing are intended to be inactive textual references only.
Overview
We are the largest pet e-tailer in the United States, offering virtually every product a pet needs. We launched Chewy in 2011 to bring the best of the neighborhood pet store shopping experience to a larger audience, enhanced by the depth and wide selection of products and services, as well as the around-the-clock convenience, that only e-commerce can offer. We believe that we are the preeminent destination for pet parents as a result of our broad selection of high-quality products and expanded menu of service offerings, which we offer at great prices and deliver with an exceptional level of care and a personal touch. We are the trusted source for pet parents and partners and continually develop innovative ways for our customers to engage with us. We partner with approximately 3,200 of the best and most trusted brands in the pet industry, and we create and offer our own outstanding private brands. Through our websites and mobile applications, we offer our customers approximately 130,000 products, compelling merchandising, an easy and enjoyable shopping experience, and exceptional customer service.
Macroeconomic Considerations
Evolving macroeconomic conditions, including current inflation levels and high interest rates, have affected, and continue to affect, our business and consumer shopping behavior. We continue to monitor conditions closely and adapt aspects of our logistics, transportation, supply chain, and purchasing processes accordingly to meet the needs of our growing community of pets, pet parents and partners. As our customers react to these economic conditions, we will adapt our business accordingly to meet their evolving needs.
We are unable to predict the duration and ultimate impact of evolving macroeconomic conditions on the broader economy or our operations and liquidity. As such, macroeconomic risks and uncertainties remain. Please refer to the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and the section titled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this 10-K Report.
Fiscal Year End
We have a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending each year on the Sunday that is closest to January 31 of that year. Our 2024 fiscal year ended February 2, 2025 and included 53 weeks (“Fiscal Year 2024”). Our 2023 fiscal year ended January 28, 2024 and included 52 weeks (“Fiscal Year 2023”). Our 2022 fiscal year ended January 29, 2023 and included 52 weeks (“Fiscal Year 2022”).
We have provided restated financial and operating data for the historical comparative periods in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this 10-K Report. For additional information related to this restatement, see section titled Basis of Presentation in Note 2 – Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
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Key Financial and Operating Data
We measure our business using both financial and operating data and use the following metrics and measures to assess the near-term and long-term performance of our overall business, including identifying trends, formulating financial projections, making strategic decisions, assessing operational efficiencies, and monitoring our business.
| Fiscal Year | % change | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands, except net sales per active customer, per share data, and percentages) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2024 vs. 2023 | 2023 vs. 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Financial and Operating Data | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 11,861,335 | $ | 11,147,720 | $ | 10,119,000 | 6.4 | % | 10.2 | % | |||||||
| Net income (1) | $ | 392,738 | $ | 39,580 | $ | 49,899 | n/m | (20.7) | % | ||||||||
| Net margin (1) | 3.3 | % | 0.4 | % | 0.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA (2) | $ | 570,537 | $ | 368,068 | $ | 306,739 | 55.0 | % | 20.0 | % | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin (2) | 4.8 | % | 3.3 | % | 3.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (2) | $ | 446,785 | $ | 296,231 | $ | 226,450 | 50.8 | % | 30.8 | % | |||||||
| Earnings per share, basic (1) | $ | 0.93 | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.12 | n/m | (25.0) | % | ||||||||
| Earnings per share, diluted (1) | $ | 0.91 | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.12 | n/m | (25.0) | % | ||||||||
| Adjusted earnings per share, basic (2) | $ | 1.06 | $ | 0.69 | $ | 0.54 | 53.6 | % | 27.8 | % | |||||||
| Adjusted earnings per share, diluted (2) | $ | 1.04 | $ | 0.69 | $ | 0.53 | 50.7 | % | 30.2 | % | |||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 596,325 | $ | 486,211 | $ | 349,777 | 22.6 | % | 39.0 | % | |||||||
| Free cash flow (2) | $ | 452,494 | $ | 342,929 | $ | 119,467 | 31.9 | % | 187.0 | % | |||||||
| Active customers | 20,514 | 20,083 | 20,405 | 2.1 | % | (1.6) | % | ||||||||||
| Net sales per active customer | $ | 578 | $ | 555 | $ | 496 | 4.1 | % | 11.9 | % | |||||||
| Autoship customer sales | $ | 9,393,326 | $ | 8,493,199 | $ | 7,407,930 | 10.6 | % | 14.7 | % | |||||||
| Autoship customer sales as a percentage of net sales | 79.2 | % | 76.2 | % | 73.2 | % | |||||||||||
| n/m - not meaningful | |||||||||||||||||
| (1) Includes share-based compensation expense, including related taxes, of $332.1 million, $248.5 million, and $163.2 million, for Fiscal Year 2024, Fiscal Year 2023, and Fiscal Year 2022, respectively. | |||||||||||||||||
| (2) Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted net income, adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share, and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below. |
We define net margin as net income divided by net sales and adjusted EBITDA margin as adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin
To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, we have disclosed here and elsewhere in this 10-K Report adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure that we calculate as net income excluding depreciation and amortization; share-based compensation expense and related taxes; income tax provision (benefit); interest income (expense), net; transaction related costs; changes in the fair value of equity warrants; severance and exit costs; and litigation matters and other items that we do not consider representative of our underlying operations. We have provided a reconciliation below of adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
We have included adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin in this 10-K Report because each is a key measure used by our management and board of directors to evaluate our operating performance, generate future operating plans and make strategic decisions regarding the allocation of capital. In particular, the exclusion of certain expenses in calculating adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin facilitates operating performance comparability across reporting periods by removing the effect of non-cash expenses and certain variable charges. Accordingly, we believe that adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors.
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We believe it is useful to exclude non-cash charges, such as depreciation and amortization and share-based compensation expense from our adjusted EBITDA because the amount of such expenses in any specific period may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations. We believe it is useful to exclude income tax provision (benefit); interest income (expense), net; transaction related costs; changes in the fair value of equity warrants; and litigation matters and other items which are not components of our core business operations. We believe it is useful to exclude severance and exit costs because these expenses represent temporary initiatives to realign resources and enhance operational efficiency, which are not components of our core business operations. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as a financial measure and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:
•although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future and adjusted EBITDA does not reflect capital expenditure requirements for such replacements or for new capital expenditures;
•adjusted EBITDA does not reflect share-based compensation and related taxes. Share-based compensation has been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, a recurring expense in our business and an important part of our compensation strategy;
•adjusted EBITDA does not reflect interest income (expense), net; or changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital;
•adjusted EBITDA does not reflect transaction related costs and other items which are either not representative of our underlying operations or are incremental costs that result from an actual or planned transaction or initiative and include changes in the fair value of equity warrants, severance and exit costs, litigation matters, integration consulting fees, internal salaries and wages (to the extent the individuals are assigned full-time to integration and transformation activities) and certain costs related to integrating and converging IT systems; and
•other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate adjusted EBITDA differently, which reduces its usefulness as a comparative measure.
Because of these limitations, you should consider adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin alongside other financial performance measures, including various cash flow metrics, net income, net margin, and our other GAAP results.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA, as well as the calculation of net margin and adjusted EBITDA margin, for each of the periods indicated:
| (in thousands, except percentages) | Fiscal Year | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Net income | $ | 392,738 | $ | 39,580 | $ | 49,899 | ||||
| Add (deduct): | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 114,557 | 109,693 | 83,440 | |||||||
| Share-based compensation expense and related taxes | 332,085 | 248,543 | 163,211 | |||||||
| Interest income, net | (35,068) | (58,501) | (9,290) | |||||||
| Change in fair value of unvested equity warrants | (2,369) | (13,079) | 13,340 | |||||||
| Income tax (benefit) provision | (241,045) | 8,650 | 2,646 | |||||||
| Severance costs | — | 14,348 | — | |||||||
| Exit costs | — | 6,839 | — | |||||||
| Transaction related costs | 1,607 | 7,827 | 3,953 | |||||||
| Other | 8,032 | 4,168 | (460) | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 570,537 | $ | 368,068 | $ | 306,739 | ||||
| Net sales | $ | 11,861,335 | $ | 11,147,720 | $ | 10,119,000 | ||||
| Net margin | 3.3 | % | 0.4 | % | 0.5 | % | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 4.8 | % | 3.3 | % | 3.0 | % |
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Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share
To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, we have disclosed here and elsewhere in this 10-K Report adjusted net income and adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share, which represent non-GAAP financial measures. We calculate adjusted net income as net income excluding share-based compensation expense and related taxes, releases of valuation allowances associated with deferred tax assets, changes in the fair value of equity warrants, and severance and exit costs. We calculate adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share by dividing adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average shares outstanding during the period. We have provided a reconciliation below of adjusted net income to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
We have included adjusted net income and adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share in this 10-K Report because each is a key measure used by our management and board of directors to evaluate our operating performance, generate future operating plans and make strategic decisions regarding the allocation of capital. In particular, the exclusion of certain expenses in calculating adjusted net income and adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share facilitates operating performance comparability across reporting periods by removing the effect of non-cash expenses and certain variable gains and losses that do not represent a component of our core business operations. We believe it is useful to exclude non-cash share-based compensation expense because the amount of such expenses in any specific period may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations. We believe it is useful to exclude releases of valuation allowances associated with deferred tax assets as this is not a component of our core business operations. We believe it is useful to exclude changes in the fair value of equity warrants because the variability of equity warrant gains and losses is not representative of our underlying operations. We believe it is useful to exclude severance and exit costs because these expenses represent temporary initiatives to realign resources and enhance operational efficiency, which are not components of our core business operations. Accordingly, we believe that these measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors.
Adjusted net income and adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share have limitations as financial measures and you should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Other companies may calculate adjusted net income and adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share differently, which reduces their usefulness as comparative measures. Because of these limitations, you should consider adjusted net income and adjusted basic and diluted earnings alongside other financial performance measures, including various cash flow metrics, net income, basic and diluted earnings per share, and our other GAAP results.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income to adjusted net income, as well as the calculation of adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share, for each of the periods indicated:
| (in thousands, except per share data) | Fiscal Year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Net income | $ | 392,738 | $ | 39,580 | $ | 49,899 | ||
| Add (deduct): | ||||||||
| Share-based compensation expense and related taxes | 332,085 | 248,543 | 163,211 | |||||
| Change in fair value of unvested equity warrants | (2,369) | (13,079) | 13,340 | |||||
| Deferred tax asset valuation allowance release | (275,669) | — | — | |||||
| Severance costs | — | 14,348 | — | |||||
| Exit costs | — | 6,839 | — | |||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 446,785 | $ | 296,231 | $ | 226,450 | ||
| Weighted-average common shares used in computing adjusted earnings per share: | ||||||||
| Basic | 421,351 | 429,457 | 422,331 | |||||
| Effect of dilutive share-based awards | 9,639 | 2,583 | 5,439 | |||||
| Diluted | 430,990 | 432,040 | 427,770 | |||||
| Earnings per share attributable to common Class A and Class B stockholders | ||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.93 | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.12 | ||
| Diluted | $ | 0.91 | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.12 | ||
| Adjusted basic | $ | 1.06 | $ | 0.69 | $ | 0.54 | ||
| Adjusted diluted | $ | 1.04 | $ | 0.69 | $ | 0.53 |
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Free Cash Flow
To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, we have also disclosed here and elsewhere in this 10-K Report free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure that we calculate as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures (which consist of purchases of property and equipment, capitalization of labor related to our websites, mobile applications, software development, and leasehold improvements). We have provided a reconciliation below of free cash flow to net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
We have included free cash flow in this 10-K Report because it is used by our management and board of directors as an important indicator of our liquidity as it measures the amount of cash we generate. Accordingly, we believe that free cash flow provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors.
Free cash flow has limitations as a financial measure and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. There are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures, including that other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate free cash flow differently. Because of these limitations, you should consider free cash flow alongside other financial performance measures, including net cash provided by operating activities, capital expenditures and our other GAAP results.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow for each of the periods indicated:
| (in thousands) | Fiscal Year | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 596,325 | $ | 486,211 | $ | 349,777 | ||||
| Deduct: | ||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | (143,831) | (143,282) | (230,310) | |||||||
| Free Cash Flow | $ | 452,494 | $ | 342,929 | $ | 119,467 |
Free cash flow may be affected in the near to medium term by the timing of capital investments (such as the launch of new fulfillment centers, pharmacy facilities, veterinary clinics, customer service infrastructure, and corporate offices and purchases of IT and other equipment), fluctuations in our growth and the effect of such fluctuations on working capital, and changes in our cash conversion cycle due to increases or decreases of vendor payment terms as well as inventory turnover.
Key Operating Metrics
Active Customers
As of the last date of each reporting period, we determine our number of active customers by counting the total number of individual customers who have ordered a product or service, and for whom a product has shipped or for whom a service has been provided, at least once during the preceding 364-day period. The change in active customers in a reporting period captures both the inflow of new customers and the outflow of customers who have not made a purchase in the last 364 days. We view the number of active customers as a key indicator of our growth—acquisition and retention of customers—as a result of our marketing efforts and the value we provide to our customers. The number of active customers has grown over time as we acquired new customers and retained previously acquired customers.
Net Sales Per Active Customer
We define net sales per active customer as the aggregate net sales for the preceding four fiscal quarters, divided by the total number of active customers at the end of that period. We view net sales per active customer as a key indicator of our customers’ purchasing patterns, including their initial and repeat purchase behavior.
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Autoship and Autoship Customer Sales
We define Autoship customers as customers in a given fiscal quarter that had an order shipped through our Autoship subscription program during the preceding 364-day period. We define Autoship as our subscription program, which provides automatic ordering, payment, and delivery of products to our customers. We view our Autoship subscription program as a key driver of recurring net sales and customer retention. For a given fiscal quarter, Autoship customer sales consist of sales and shipping revenues from all Autoship subscription program purchases and purchases outside of the Autoship subscription program by Autoship customers, excluding taxes collected from customers, excluding any refunds, and net of any promotional offers (such as percentage discounts off current purchases and other similar offers) for that quarter. For a given fiscal year, Autoship customer sales equal the sum of the Autoship customer sales for each of the fiscal quarters in that fiscal year.
Autoship Customer Sales as a Percentage of Net Sales
We define Autoship customer sales as a percentage of net sales as the Autoship customer sales in a given reporting period divided by the net sales from all orders in that period. We view Autoship customer sales as a percentage of net sales as a key indicator of our recurring sales and customer retention.
Components of Results of Consolidated Operations
Net Sales
We derive net sales primarily from sales of both third-party brand and private brand pet food, pet products, pet medications and other pet health products, and related shipping fees. Sales of third-party brand and private brand pet food, pet products and shipping revenues are recorded when products are shipped, net of promotional discounts and refunds and allowances. Taxes collected from customers are excluded from net sales. Net sales is primarily driven by growth of new customers and active customers, and the frequency with which customers purchase and subscribe to our Autoship subscription program.
We also periodically provide promotional offers, including discount offers, such as percentage discounts off current purchases and other similar offers. These offers are treated as a reduction to the purchase price of the related transaction and are reflected as a net amount in net sales.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold consists of the cost of third-party brand and private brand products sold to customers, inventory freight, shipping supply costs, inventory shrinkage costs, and inventory valuation adjustments, offset by reductions for promotions and percentage or volume rebates offered by our vendors, which may depend on reaching minimum purchase thresholds. Generally, amounts received from vendors are considered a reduction of the carrying value of inventory and are ultimately reflected as a reduction of cost of goods sold.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of fulfillment costs incurred in operating and staffing fulfillment centers, customer service centers, and veterinary clinics; payroll and related expenses for employees involved in general corporate functions, including accounting, finance, tax, legal and human resources; costs associated with the use of facilities and equipment, such as depreciation expense and rent; share-based compensation, professional fees and other general corporate costs.
Fulfillment costs include costs attributable to buying, receiving, inspecting and warehousing inventories, picking, packaging and preparing customer orders for shipment, payment processing, providing pet health services, and responding to inquiries from customers. Included within fulfillment costs are merchant processing fees charged by third parties that provide merchant processing services for credit cards.
Advertising and Marketing
Advertising and marketing expenses consist of advertising and payroll related expenses for personnel engaged in marketing, business development and selling activities.
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Interest Income (Expense), net
We generate interest income from our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. We incur interest expense in relation to our borrowing facilities, finance leases, and uncertain tax positions.
Other Income (Expense), net
Our other income (expense), net consists of changes in the fair value of equity warrants, equity investments, tax indemnification receivables, foreign currency transaction gains and losses, and allowances for credit losses.
Presentation of Results of Consolidated Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following discussion and analysis of our Results of Consolidated Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources includes a comparison of Fiscal Year 2024 to Fiscal Year 2023. A similar discussion and analysis which compares Fiscal Year 2023 to Fiscal Year 2022 may be found in the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our annual report filed with the SEC on March 20, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Results of Consolidated Operations
The following tables set forth our results of operations for the fiscal years presented and express the relationship of certain line items as a percentage of net sales for those periods. The period-to-period comparison of financial results is not necessarily indicative of future results.
| Fiscal Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % change | % of net sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except percentages) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2024 vs. 2023 | 2023 vs. 2022 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 11,861,335 | $ | 11,147,720 | $ | 10,119,000 | 6.4 | % | 10.2 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 8,393,631 | 7,986,202 | 7,284,505 | 5.1 | % | 9.6 | % | 70.8 | % | 71.6 | % | 72.0 | % | |||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 3,467,704 | 3,161,518 | 2,834,495 | 9.7 | % | 11.5 | % | 29.2 | % | 28.4 | % | 28.0 | % | |||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 2,551,004 | 2,442,683 | 2,128,688 | 4.4 | % | 14.8 | % | 21.5 | % | 21.9 | % | 21.0 | % | |||||||||||||
| Advertising and marketing | 804,113 | 742,460 | 649,386 | 8.3 | % | 14.3 | % | 6.8 | % | 6.7 | % | 6.4 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 3,355,117 | 3,185,143 | 2,778,074 | 5.3 | % | 14.7 | % | 28.3 | % | 28.6 | % | 27.4 | % | |||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from operations | 112,587 | (23,625) | 56,421 | n/m | (141.9) | % | 0.9 | % | (0.2) | % | 0.6 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Interest income, net | 35,068 | 58,501 | 9,290 | (40.1) | % | n/m | 0.3 | % | 0.5 | % | 0.1 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | 4,038 | 13,354 | (13,166) | (69.8) | % | 201.4 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.1 | % | (0.1) | % | |||||||||||||
| Income before income tax (benefit) provision | 151,693 | 48,230 | 52,545 | 214.5 | % | (8.2) | % | 1.3 | % | 0.4 | % | 0.5 | % | |||||||||||||
| Income tax (benefit) provision | (241,045) | 8,650 | 2,646 | n/m | 226.9 | % | (2.0) | % | 0.1 | % | 0.0 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 392,738 | $ | 39,580 | $ | 49,899 | n/m | (20.7) | % | 3.3 | % | 0.4 | % | 0.5 | % | |||||||||||
| n/m - not meaningful |
Net Sales
| Fiscal Year | 2024 vs. 2023 | 2023 vs. 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands, except percentages) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | $ Change | % Change | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||
| Consumables | $ | 8,396,144 | $ | 8,014,645 | $ | 7,145,414 | $ | 381,499 | 4.8 | % | $ | 869,231 | 12.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Hardgoods | 1,267,053 | 1,209,161 | 1,215,689 | 57,892 | 4.8 | % | (6,528) | (0.5) | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other | 2,198,138 | 1,923,914 | 1,757,897 | 274,224 | 14.3 | % | 166,017 | 9.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 11,861,335 | $ | 11,147,720 | $ | 10,119,000 | $ | 713,615 | 6.4 | % | $ | 1,028,720 | 10.2 | % |
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Net sales for Fiscal Year 2024 increased by $713.6 million, or 6.4%, to $11.9 billion compared to $11.1 billion for Fiscal Year 2023. Excluding net sales of $226.6 million in the 53rd week, net sales for Fiscal Year 2024 increased by $487.0 million, or 4.4%, to $11.6 billion compared to $11.1 billion for Fiscal Year 2023. This increase was primarily driven by growth in customer spending from new and existing customers, and the frequency with which customers purchase and subscribe to our Autoship subscription program. Net sales per active customer increased $23, or 4.1%, to $578 in Fiscal Year 2024 compared to Fiscal Year 2023, driven by growth across our healthcare and specialty businesses.
Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Profit
Cost of goods sold for Fiscal Year 2024 increased by $407.4 million, or 5.1%, to $8.4 billion compared to $8.0 billion in Fiscal Year 2023. This increase was primarily due to an increase in associated product, outbound freight, and shipping supply costs. The increase in cost of goods sold was lower than the increase in net sales on a percentage basis, reflecting supply chain efficiency gains across our fulfillment network.
Gross profit for Fiscal Year 2024 increased by $306.2 million, or 9.7%, to $3.5 billion compared to $3.2 billion in Fiscal Year 2023. This increase was primarily due to the year-over-year increase in net sales as described above. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for Fiscal Year 2024 increased by approximately 80 basis points compared to Fiscal Year 2023, primarily due to supply chain efficiency gains across our network as well as margin expansion across our consumables and healthcare businesses.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses for Fiscal Year 2024 increased by $108.3 million, or 4.4%, to $2.6 billion compared to $2.4 billion in Fiscal Year 2023. This was primarily due to an increase of $83.5 million in non-cash share-based compensation expense and related taxes and an increase of $23.2 million in fulfillment costs attributable to the continued expansion of our pharmacy fulfillment network and launch of veterinary clinics.
We have recently undertaken a project that will modernize our finance information technology architecture. At the conclusion of this project, which we believe will occur towards the end of our 2025 fiscal year, we aim to have, among other things, (i) the ability to produce financial information across different segments of the Company, which supports scalability for future growth, (ii) expanded visibility and analytical capabilities with respect to our data, and (iii) an infrastructure that enables the use of artificial intelligence and other system advancements that will create further efficiencies for our team members. The project will not require meaningful capital investment.
Advertising and Marketing
Advertising and marketing expenses for Fiscal Year 2024 increased by $61.6 million, or 8.3%, to $804.1 million compared to $742.5 million in Fiscal Year 2023. Our marketing expenses increased due to additional investment in our lower and upper funnel marketing channels as well as expansion into Canada, contributing to new customer acquisition, customer retention, and an increase in wallet share from our large and stable customer base.
Interest Income (Expense), net
Interest income for Fiscal Year 2024 decreased by $23.4 million, to $35.1 million compared to interest income of $58.5 million in Fiscal Year 2023. While interest income generated by cash and cash equivalents, and marketable securities exceeded interest expenses incurred in Fiscal Year 2024, this decrease was due in large part to additional interest income generated by investment of proceeds from the parent reorganization transaction in Fiscal Year 2023.
Other Income (Expense), net
Other income for Fiscal Year 2024 decreased by $9.4 million, to $4.0 million compared to other income of $13.4 million. This decrease was primarily due to smaller increases in the fair value of equity warrants as well as foreign currency transaction losses, partially offset by increases in the fair value of tax indemnification receivables and equity investments.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
We finance our operations and capital expenditures primarily through cash flows generated by operations. Our principal sources of liquidity are expected to be our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and our revolving credit facility. Cash and cash equivalents consisted primarily of cash on deposit with banks. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $595.8 million as of February 2, 2025, a decrease of $6.5 million from January 28, 2024. Marketable securities consisted primarily of equity investments and U.S. Treasury securities and totaled $0.9 million as of February 2, 2025, a decrease of $530.9 million from January 28, 2024 due to the maturities and sales that occurred during Fiscal Year 2024.
We believe that our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and availability under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund our working capital, capital expenditure requirements, and contractual obligations for at least the next twelve months. In addition, we may choose to raise additional funds at any time through equity or debt financing arrangements, which may or may not be needed for additional working capital, capital expenditures, share repurchases, or other strategic investments. Our opinions concerning liquidity are based on currently available information. To the extent this information proves to be inaccurate, or if circumstances change, future availability of trade credit or other sources of financing may be reduced and our liquidity could be adversely affected. Our future capital requirements and the adequacy of available funds will depend on many factors, including those described in the section titled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this 10-K Report. Depending on the severity and direct impact of these factors on us, we may be unable to secure additional financing to meet our operating requirements on terms favorable to us, or at all.
We have contractual obligations and other commitments that will need to be funded in the future, in addition to our working capital, capital expenditures and other strategic initiatives. Material contractual obligations generally relate to operating and real estate lease obligations.
Operating and real estate lease obligations relate to fulfillment and customer service centers, veterinary clinics, corporate offices and certain equipment under non-cancelable operating leases, which expire at various dates through 2038. Real estate obligations include legally binding minimum lease payments for operating lease arrangements which have not yet commenced. As of February 2, 2025, operating and real estate lease obligations included legally binding minimum lease payments of $850.8 million. For additional information related to real estate and operating leases, see Note 9 – Leases, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
Cash Flows
| Fiscal Year | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 596,325 | $ | 486,211 | $ | 349,777 | ||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | $ | 394,571 | $ | (287,363) | $ | (615,504) | ||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | $ | (996,742) | $ | 71,598 | $ | (6,734) |
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $596.3 million for Fiscal Year 2024, which primarily consisted of i) $392.7 million of net income, ii) non-cash adjustments of $197.2 million, including share-based compensation expense of $306.4 million, and depreciation and amortization expense of $114.6 million, partially offset by a deferred income tax benefit of $257.5 million, as well as iii) an increase of $33.8 million from working capital changes. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in other current liabilities and payables, partially offset by an increase in inventories, receivables, and other current assets.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $486.2 million for Fiscal Year 2023, which primarily consisted of i) $39.6 million of net income, ii) non-cash adjustments of $377.1 million including share-based compensation expense of $239.1 million and depreciation and amortization expense of $109.7 million, as well as iii) an increase of $105.7 million from working capital changes. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in other current liabilities and payables, partially offset by an increase in other current assets, inventories, and receivables.
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Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities was $394.6 million for Fiscal Year 2024, primarily consisting of $538.4 million for the maturities and sales of marketable securities, partially offset by $143.8 million for capital expenditures related to the launch of new and future pharmacy facilities, veterinary clinics, and fulfillment centers as well as additional investments in IT hardware and software.
Net cash used in investing activities was $287.4 million for Fiscal Year 2023, primarily consisting of $143.7 million for the purchase of marketable securities, net of maturities and $143.3 million for capital expenditures related to the launch of new and future fulfillment centers and additional investments in IT hardware and software.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $996.7 million for Fiscal Year 2024, primarily consisting of $942.8 million for repurchases of common stock, $51.9 million for income taxes paid for, net of proceeds from, the parent reorganization transaction, payments for secondary offering costs, and principal repayments of finance lease obligations.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $71.6 million for Fiscal Year 2023, and consisted of $60.6 million of proceeds from the parent reorganization transaction and $22.0 million of capital contributions from the parent reorganization transaction, partially offset by $10.3 million of payments made pursuant to the tax sharing agreement with related parties, principal repayments of finance lease obligations, and payment of debt modification costs.
ABL Credit Facility
We have a senior secured asset-based credit facility (the “ABL Credit Facility”) which matures on August 27, 2026 and provides for non-amortizing revolving loans in the aggregate principal amount of up to $800 million, subject to a borrowing base comprised of, among other things, inventory and sales receivables (subject to certain reserves). The ABL Credit Facility provides the right to request incremental commitments and add incremental asset-based revolving loan facilities up to $250 million, subject to customary conditions. We are required to pay a 0.25% per annum commitment fee with respect to the undrawn portion of the commitments, which is generally based on average daily usage of the facility. Based on our borrowing base as of February 2, 2025, which is reduced by standby letters of credit, we had $782.6 million of borrowing capacity under the ABL Credit Facility. As of February 2, 2025, we had no outstanding borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility.
For additional information with respect to our ABL Credit Facility, see Note 8 – Debt, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
Share Repurchase Activity
On May 24, 2024, our Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $500 million of its Class A common stock and/or Class B common stock, pursuant to a share repurchase program (the “Repurchase Program”). The actual timing and amount of any share repurchases remains subject to a variety of factors, including stock price, trading volume, market conditions, compliance with applicable legal requirements, and other general business considerations. We are not required to repurchase any specific dollar amount or to acquire any specific number of shares of common stock. The Repurchase Program has no expiration date and may be modified, suspended, or terminated at any time.
On June 26, 2024, the Company entered into an agreement (the “Stock Repurchase Agreement”) with Buddy Chester Sub LLC, an entity affiliated with the Sponsors (the “Seller”), to repurchase an aggregate of 17,550,000 shares of Class A common stock from the Seller at a price per share of $28.49, resulting in an aggregate repurchase price of $500 million (the “Stock Repurchase”).
On September 18, 2024, the Company entered into an agreement (the “September 2024 Concurrent Stock Repurchase Agreement”) with the Seller to repurchase $300 million of shares of Class A common stock from the Seller at a price per share of $29.40, resulting in the repurchase of an aggregate of 10,204,081 shares of Class A common stock (the “September 2024 Concurrent Stock Repurchase”).
On December 9, 2024, the Company entered into an agreement (the “December 2024 Concurrent Stock Repurchase Agreement”) with the Seller, to repurchase $50 million of shares of Class A common stock from the Seller at a price per share of $31.32, resulting in the repurchase of an aggregate of 1,596,424 shares of Class A common stock (the “December 2024 Concurrent Stock Repurchase”).
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During Fiscal Year 2024, 3,439,858, 17,550,000, 10,204,081, and 1,596,424 shares of Class A common stock were repurchased and subsequently cancelled and retired pursuant to the Repurchase Program, the Stock Repurchase Agreement, the September 2024 Concurrent Stock Repurchase, and the December 2024 Concurrent Stock Repurchase for a total cost of $93.3 million, $500.0 million, $300.0 million, and $50.0 million, respectively, excluding the cost of commissions and excise taxes. The authorized value of shares available to be repurchased under the Repurchase Program excludes the cost of commissions and excise taxes and as of February 2, 2025, the remaining value of shares of common stock that were authorized to be repurchased under the Repurchase Program was $406.7 million. As of February 2, 2025, the total unpaid cost of share repurchases was $5.6 million, which included $5.1 million for excise taxes.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures requires us to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net sales, costs and expenses and related disclosures. We believe that the estimates, assumptions and judgments involved in the accounting policies described below involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have the greatest potential impact on our financial condition and results of operations and, therefore, we consider these to be our critical accounting policies. Accordingly, we evaluate our estimates, assumptions, and judgments on an ongoing basis. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions, judgments, and conditions. See Note 2 – Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report for a description of our significant accounting policies as well as a description of recently adopted accounting pronouncements and recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted as of the date of this 10-K Report.
Income Taxes
Estimates of deferred income taxes reflect management’s assessment of actual future taxes to be paid on items reflected in the consolidated financial statements, giving consideration to both timing and the probability of realization. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law, state income tax apportionment or the outcome of any review of our tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service, as well as actual operating results that may vary significantly from anticipated results. For additional information on deferred tax assets and liabilities, see Note 13 – Income Taxes, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Information regarding recent accounting pronouncements is included in Note 2 – Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001766502-24-000014.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2023 (“10-K Report”). This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, such as those set forth under the “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” sections herein, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this 10-K Report to “Chewy,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to Chewy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Investors and others should note that we may announce material information to our investors using our investor relations website (https://investor.chewy.com/), filings with the SEC, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media, to communicate with our investors and the public about our company, our business and other issues. It is possible that the information that we post on these channels could be deemed to be material information. We therefore encourage investors to visit these websites from time to time. The information contained on such websites and social media posts is not incorporated by reference into this filing. Further, our references to website URLs in this filing are intended to be inactive textual references only.
Overview
We are the largest pure-play pet e-tailer in the United States, offering virtually every product a pet needs. We launched Chewy in 2011 to bring the best of the neighborhood pet store shopping experience to a larger audience, enhanced by the depth and wide selection of products and services, as well as the around-the-clock convenience, that only e-commerce can offer. We believe that we are the preeminent destination for pet parents as a result of our broad selection of high-quality products and expanded menu of service offerings, which we offer at great prices and deliver with an exceptional level of care and a personal touch. We are the trusted source for pet parents and partners and continually develop innovative ways for our customers to engage with us. We partner with approximately 3,500 of the best and most trusted brands in the pet industry, and we create and offer our own outstanding private brands. Through our websites and mobile applications, we offer our customers approximately 115,000 products, compelling merchandising, an easy and enjoyable shopping experience, and exceptional customer service.
Macroeconomic Considerations
Evolving macroeconomic conditions, including rising inflation and interest rates, have affected, and continue to affect, our business and consumer shopping behavior. We continue to monitor conditions closely and adapt aspects of our logistics, transportation, supply chain, and purchasing processes accordingly to meet the needs of our growing community of pets, pet parents and partners. As our customers react to these economic conditions, we will adapt our business accordingly to meet their evolving needs.
We are unable to predict the duration and ultimate impact of evolving macroeconomic conditions on the broader economy or our operations and liquidity. As such, macroeconomic risks and uncertainties remain. Please refer to the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and the section titled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this 10-K Report.
Fiscal Year End
We have a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending each year on the Sunday that is closest to January 31 of that year. Our 2023 fiscal year ended January 28, 2024 and included 52 weeks (“Fiscal Year 2023”). Our 2022 fiscal year ended January 29, 2023 and included 52 weeks (“Fiscal Year 2022”). Our 2021 fiscal year ended January 30, 2022 and included 52 weeks (“Fiscal Year 2021”).
We have provided restated financial and operating data for the historical comparative periods in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this 10-K Report. For additional information related to this restatement, see section titled Basis of Presentation in Note 2 – Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
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Key Financial and Operating Data
We measure our business using both financial and operating data and use the following metrics and measures to assess the near-term and long-term performance of our overall business, including identifying trends, formulating financial projections, making strategic decisions, assessing operational efficiencies, and monitoring our business.
| Fiscal Year | % change | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands, except net sales per active customer, per share data, and percentages) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023 vs. 2022 | 2022 vs. 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Financial and Operating Data | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 11,147,720 | $ | 10,119,000 | $ | 8,967,407 | 10.2 | % | 12.8 | % | |||||||
| Net income (loss) (1) | $ | 39,580 | $ | 49,899 | $ | (75,207) | (20.7) | % | 166.3 | % | |||||||
| Net margin (1) | 0.4 | % | 0.5 | % | (0.8) | % | |||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA (2) | $ | 368,068 | $ | 306,739 | $ | 77,474 | 20.0 | % | 295.9 | % | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin (2) | 3.3 | % | 3.0 | % | 0.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (2) | $ | 296,231 | $ | 226,450 | $ | 10,101 | 30.8 | % | n/m | ||||||||
| Earnings (loss) per share, basic (1) | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.12 | $ | (0.18) | (25.0) | % | 166.7 | % | |||||||
| Earnings (loss) per share, diluted (1) | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.12 | $ | (0.18) | (25.0) | % | 166.7 | % | |||||||
| Adjusted earnings per share, basic (2) | $ | 0.69 | $ | 0.54 | $ | 0.02 | 27.8 | % | n/m | ||||||||
| Adjusted earnings per share, diluted (2) | $ | 0.69 | $ | 0.53 | $ | 0.02 | 30.2 | % | n/m | ||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 486,211 | $ | 349,777 | $ | 191,743 | 39.0 | % | 82.4 | % | |||||||
| Free cash flow (2) | $ | 342,929 | $ | 119,467 | $ | 8,557 | 187.0 | % | n/m | ||||||||
| Active customers | 20,083 | 20,405 | 20,663 | (1.6) | % | (1.2) | % | ||||||||||
| Net sales per active customer | $ | 555 | $ | 496 | $ | 434 | 11.9 | % | 14.3 | % | |||||||
| Autoship customer sales | $ | 8,493,199 | $ | 7,407,930 | $ | 6,324,145 | 14.7 | % | 17.1 | % | |||||||
| Autoship customer sales as a percentage of net sales | 76.2 | % | 73.2 | % | 70.5 | % | |||||||||||
| n/m - not meaningful | |||||||||||||||||
| (1) Includes share-based compensation expense, including related taxes, of $248.5 million, $163.2 million, and $85.3 million, for Fiscal Year 2023, Fiscal Year 2022, and Fiscal Year 2021, respectively. | |||||||||||||||||
| (2) Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted net income, adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share, and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below. |
We define net margin as net income (loss) divided by net sales and adjusted EBITDA margin as adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin
To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, we have disclosed here and elsewhere in this 10-K Report adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure that we calculate as net income (loss) excluding depreciation and amortization; share-based compensation expense and related taxes; income tax provision; interest income (expense), net; transaction related costs; changes in the fair value of equity warrants; severance and exit costs; and litigation matters and other items that we do not consider representative of our underlying operations. We have provided a reconciliation below of adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
We have included adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin in this 10-K Report because each is a key measure used by our management and board of directors to evaluate our operating performance, generate future operating plans and make strategic decisions regarding the allocation of capital. In particular, the exclusion of certain expenses in calculating adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin facilitates operating performance comparability across reporting periods by removing the effect of non-cash expenses and certain variable charges. Accordingly, we believe that adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors.
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We believe it is useful to exclude non-cash charges, such as depreciation and amortization and share-based compensation expense from our adjusted EBITDA because the amount of such expenses in any specific period may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations. We believe it is useful to exclude income tax provision; interest income (expense), net; transaction related costs; changes in the fair value of equity warrants; and litigation matters and other items which are not components of our core business operations. We believe it is useful to exclude severance and exit costs because these expenses represent temporary initiatives to realign resources and enhance operational efficiency, which are not components of our core business operations. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as a financial measure and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:
•although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future and adjusted EBITDA does not reflect capital expenditure requirements for such replacements or for new capital expenditures;
•adjusted EBITDA does not reflect share-based compensation and related taxes. Share-based compensation has been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, a recurring expense in our business and an important part of our compensation strategy;
•adjusted EBITDA does not reflect interest income (expense), net; or changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital;
•adjusted EBITDA does not reflect transaction related costs and other items which are either not representative of our underlying operations or are incremental costs that result from an actual or planned transaction or initiative and include changes in the fair value of equity warrants, severance and exit costs, litigation matters, integration consulting fees, internal salaries and wages (to the extent the individuals are assigned full-time to integration and transformation activities) and certain costs related to integrating and converging IT systems; and
•other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate adjusted EBITDA differently, which reduces its usefulness as a comparative measure.
Because of these limitations, you should consider adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin alongside other financial performance measures, including various cash flow metrics, net income (loss), net margin, and our other GAAP results.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA, as well as the calculation of net margin and adjusted EBITDA margin, for each of the periods indicated.
| (in thousands, except percentages) | Fiscal Year | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 39,580 | $ | 49,899 | $ | (75,207) | ||||
| Add (deduct): | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 109,693 | 83,440 | 55,319 | |||||||
| Share-based compensation expense and related taxes | 248,543 | 163,211 | 85,308 | |||||||
| Interest (income) expense, net | (58,501) | (9,290) | 1,641 | |||||||
| Change in fair value of equity warrants | (13,079) | 13,340 | — | |||||||
| Income tax provision | 8,650 | 2,646 | — | |||||||
| Severance costs | 14,348 | — | — | |||||||
| Exit costs | 6,839 | — | — | |||||||
| Transaction related costs | 7,827 | 3,953 | 2,423 | |||||||
| Other | 4,168 | (460) | 7,990 | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 368,068 | $ | 306,739 | $ | 77,474 | ||||
| Net sales | $ | 11,147,720 | $ | 10,119,000 | $ | 8,967,407 | ||||
| Net margin | 0.4 | % | 0.5 | % | (0.8) | % | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 3.3 | % | 3.0 | % | 0.9 | % |
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Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share
To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, we have disclosed here and elsewhere in this 10-K Report adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share, which represent non-GAAP financial measures. We calculate adjusted net income (loss) as net income (loss) excluding share-based compensation expense and related taxes, changes in the fair value of equity warrants, and severance and exit costs. We calculate adjusted basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share by dividing adjusted net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average shares outstanding during the period. We have provided a reconciliation below of adjusted net income (loss) to net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
We have included adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share in this 10-K Report because each is a key measure used by our management and board of directors to evaluate our operating performance, generate future operating plans and make strategic decisions regarding the allocation of capital. In particular, the exclusion of certain expenses in calculating adjusted net income and adjusted basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share facilitates operating performance comparability across reporting periods by removing the effect of non-cash expenses and certain variable gains and losses that do not represent a component of our core business operations. We believe it is useful to exclude non-cash share-based compensation expense because the amount of such expenses in any specific period may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations. We believe it is useful to exclude changes in the fair value of equity warrants because the variability of equity warrant gains and losses is not representative of our underlying operations. We believe it is useful to exclude severance and exit costs because these expenses represent temporary initiatives to realign resources and enhance operational efficiency, which are not components of our core business operations. Accordingly, we believe that these measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors.
Adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share have limitations as financial measures and you should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Other companies may calculate adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share differently, which reduces their usefulness as comparative measures. Because of these limitations, you should consider adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted basic and diluted earnings (loss) alongside other financial performance measures, including various cash flow metrics, net income (loss), basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share, and our other GAAP results.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income, as well as the calculation of adjusted basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share, for each of the periods indicated.
| (in thousands, except per share data) | Fiscal Year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 39,580 | $ | 49,899 | $ | (75,207) | ||
| Add (deduct): | ||||||||
| Share-based compensation expense and related taxes | 248,543 | 163,211 | 85,308 | |||||
| Change in fair value of equity warrants | (13,079) | 13,340 | — | |||||
| Severance costs | 14,348 | — | — | |||||
| Exit costs | 6,839 | — | — | |||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 296,231 | $ | 226,450 | $ | 10,101 | ||
| Weighted-average common shares used in computing adjusted earnings (loss) per share: | ||||||||
| Basic | 429,457 | 422,331 | 417,218 | |||||
| Effect of dilutive share-based awards (1) | 2,583 | 5,439 | 10,068 | |||||
| Diluted (1) | 432,040 | 427,770 | 427,286 | |||||
| Earnings (loss) per share attributable to common Class A and Class B stockholders | ||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.12 | $ | (0.18) | ||
| Diluted (1) | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.12 | $ | (0.18) | ||
| Adjusted basic | $ | 0.69 | $ | 0.54 | $ | 0.02 | ||
| Adjusted diluted (1) | $ | 0.69 | $ | 0.53 | $ | 0.02 | ||
| (1) For Fiscal Year 2021, our calculation of adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to common Class A and Class B stockholders requires an adjustment to the weighted-average common shares used in the calculation to include the weighted-average dilutive effect of share-based awards. |
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Free Cash Flow
To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, we have also disclosed here and elsewhere in this 10-K Report free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure that we calculate as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures (which consist of purchases of property and equipment, capitalization of labor related to our websites, mobile applications, software development, and leasehold improvements). We have provided a reconciliation below of free cash flow to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
We have included free cash flow in this 10-K Report because it is used by our management and board of directors as an important indicator of our liquidity as it measures the amount of cash we generate. Accordingly, we believe that free cash flow provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors.
Free cash flow has limitations as a financial measure and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. There are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures, including that other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate free cash flow differently. Because of these limitations, you should consider free cash flow alongside other financial performance measures, including net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, capital expenditures and our other GAAP results.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow for each of the periods indicated.
| (in thousands) | Fiscal Year | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 486,211 | $ | 349,777 | $ | 191,743 | ||||
| Deduct: | ||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | (143,282) | (230,310) | (183,186) | |||||||
| Free Cash Flow | $ | 342,929 | $ | 119,467 | $ | 8,557 |
Free cash flow may be affected in the near to medium term by the timing of capital investments (such as the launch of new fulfillment centers, customer service centers, and corporate offices and purchases of IT and other equipment), fluctuations in our growth and the effect of such fluctuations on working capital, and changes in our cash conversion cycle due to increases or decreases of vendor payment terms as well as inventory turnover.
Key Operating Metrics
Active Customers
As of the last date of each reporting period, we determine our number of active customers by counting the total number of individual customers who have ordered a product or service, and for whom a product has shipped or for whom a service has been provided, at least once during the preceding 364-day period. The change in active customers in a reporting period captures both the inflow of new customers and the outflow of customers who have not made a purchase in the last 364 days. We view the number of active customers as a key indicator of our growth—acquisition and retention of customers—as a result of our marketing efforts and the value we provide to our customers. The number of active customers has grown over time as we acquired new customers and retained previously acquired customers.
Net Sales Per Active Customer
We define net sales per active customer as the aggregate net sales for the preceding four fiscal quarters, divided by the total number of active customers at the end of that period. We view net sales per active customer as a key indicator of our customers’ purchasing patterns, including their initial and repeat purchase behavior.
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Autoship and Autoship Customer Sales
We define Autoship customers as customers in a given fiscal quarter that had an order shipped through our Autoship subscription program during the preceding 364-day period. We define Autoship as our subscription program, which provides automatic ordering, payment, and delivery of products to our customers. We view our Autoship subscription program as a key driver of recurring net sales and customer retention. For a given fiscal quarter, Autoship customer sales consist of sales and shipping revenues from all Autoship subscription program purchases and purchases outside of the Autoship subscription program by Autoship customers, excluding taxes collected from customers, excluding any refund allowance, and net of any promotional offers (such as percentage discounts off current purchases and other similar offers) for that quarter. For a given fiscal year, Autoship customer sales equal the sum of the Autoship customer sales for each of the fiscal quarters in that fiscal year.
Autoship Customer Sales as a Percentage of Net Sales
We define Autoship customer sales as a percentage of net sales as the Autoship customer sales in a given reporting period divided by the net sales from all orders in that period. We view Autoship customer sales as a percentage of net sales as a key indicator of our recurring sales and customer retention.
Components of Results of Consolidated Operations
Net Sales
We derive net sales primarily from sales of both third-party brand and private brand pet food, pet products, pet medications and other pet health products, and related shipping fees. Sales of third-party brand and private brand pet food, pet products and shipping revenues are recorded when products are shipped, net of promotional discounts and refund allowances. Taxes collected from customers are excluded from net sales. Net sales is primarily driven by growth of new customers and active customers, and the frequency with which customers purchase and subscribe to our Autoship subscription program.
We also periodically provide promotional offers, including discount offers, such as percentage discounts off current purchases and other similar offers. These offers are treated as a reduction to the purchase price of the related transaction and are reflected as a net amount in net sales.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold consists of the cost of third-party brand and private brand products sold to customers, inventory freight, shipping supply costs, inventory shrinkage costs, and inventory valuation adjustments, offset by reductions for promotions and percentage or volume rebates offered by our vendors, which may depend on reaching minimum purchase thresholds. Generally, amounts received from vendors are considered a reduction of the carrying value of inventory and are ultimately reflected as a reduction of cost of goods sold.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of payroll and related expenses for employees involved in general corporate functions, including accounting, finance, tax, legal and human resources; costs associated with use by these functions, such as depreciation expense and rent relating to facilities and equipment; professional fees and other general corporate costs; share-based compensation; and fulfillment costs.
Fulfillment costs represent costs incurred in operating and staffing fulfillment and customer service centers, including costs attributable to buying, receiving, inspecting and warehousing inventories, picking, packaging and preparing customer orders for shipment, payment processing, and related transaction costs and responding to inquiries from customers. Included within fulfillment costs are merchant processing fees charged by third parties that provide merchant processing services for credit cards.
Advertising and Marketing
Advertising and marketing expenses consist of advertising and payroll related expenses for personnel engaged in marketing, business development and selling activities.
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Interest Income (Expense), net
We generate interest income from our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. We incur interest expense from our credit facilities and finance leases.
Other Income (Expense), net
Our other income (expense), net consists of changes in the fair value of equity warrants and investments, foreign currency transaction gains and losses, and allowances for credit losses.
Presentation of Results of Consolidated Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following discussion and analysis of our Results of Consolidated Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources includes a comparison of Fiscal Year 2023 to Fiscal Year 2022. A similar discussion and analysis which compares Fiscal Year 2022 to Fiscal Year 2021 may be found in the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our annual report filed with the SEC on March 22, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Results of Consolidated Operations
The following tables set forth our results of operations for the fiscal years presented and express the relationship of certain line items as a percentage of net sales for those periods. The period-to-period comparison of financial results is not necessarily indicative of future results.
| Fiscal Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % change | % of net sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except percentages) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023 vs. 2022 | 2022 vs. 2021 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 11,147,720 | $ | 10,119,000 | $ | 8,967,407 | 10.2 | % | 12.8 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 7,986,202 | 7,284,505 | 6,581,936 | 9.6 | % | 10.7 | % | 71.6 | % | 72.0 | % | 73.4 | % | |||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 3,161,518 | 2,834,495 | 2,385,471 | 11.5 | % | 18.8 | % | 28.4 | % | 28.0 | % | 26.6 | % | |||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 2,442,683 | 2,128,688 | 1,840,135 | 14.8 | % | 15.7 | % | 21.9 | % | 21.0 | % | 20.5 | % | |||||||||||||
| Advertising and marketing | 742,460 | 649,386 | 618,902 | 14.3 | % | 4.9 | % | 6.7 | % | 6.4 | % | 6.9 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 3,185,143 | 2,778,074 | 2,459,037 | 14.7 | % | 13.0 | % | 28.6 | % | 27.4 | % | 27.4 | % | |||||||||||||
| (Loss) income from operations | (23,625) | 56,421 | (73,566) | (141.9) | % | 176.7 | % | (0.2) | % | 0.6 | % | (0.8) | % | |||||||||||||
| Interest income (expense), net | 58,501 | 9,290 | (1,641) | n/m | n/m | 0.5 | % | 0.1 | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | 13,354 | (13,166) | — | 201.4 | % | n/m | 0.1 | % | (0.1) | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income tax provision | 48,230 | 52,545 | (75,207) | (8.2) | % | 169.9 | % | 0.4 | % | 0.5 | % | (0.8) | % | |||||||||||||
| Income tax provision | 8,650 | 2,646 | — | 226.9 | % | n/m | 0.1 | % | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 39,580 | $ | 49,899 | $ | (75,207) | (20.7) | % | 166.3 | % | 0.4 | % | 0.5 | % | (0.8) | % | ||||||||||
| n/m - not meaningful |
Net Sales
| Fiscal Year | 2023 vs. 2022 | 2022 vs. 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands, except percentages) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | $ Change | % Change | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||
| Consumables | $ | 8,014,645 | $ | 7,145,414 | $ | 6,102,367 | $ | 869,231 | 12.2 | % | $ | 1,043,047 | 17.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Hardgoods | 1,209,161 | 1,215,689 | 1,305,937 | (6,528) | (0.5) | % | (90,248) | (6.9) | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other | 1,923,914 | 1,757,897 | 1,559,103 | 166,017 | 9.4 | % | 198,794 | 12.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 11,147,720 | $ | 10,119,000 | $ | 8,967,407 | $ | 1,028,720 | 10.2 | % | $ | 1,151,593 | 12.8 | % |
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Net sales for Fiscal Year 2023 increased by $1.0 billion, or 10.2%, to $11.1 billion compared to $10.1 billion for Fiscal Year 2022. This increase was primarily driven by growth in customer spending from both new and existing customers, and the frequency with which customers purchase and subscribe to our Autoship subscription program. Net sales per active customer increased $59, or 11.9%, to $555 in Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Fiscal Year 2022, driven by growth across our consumables and healthcare businesses.
Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Profit
Cost of goods sold for Fiscal Year 2023 increased by $701.7 million, or 9.6%, to $8.0 billion compared to $7.3 billion in Fiscal Year 2022. This increase was primarily due to an increase in associated product, outbound freight, and shipping supply costs. The increase in cost of goods sold was lower than the increase in net sales on a percentage basis, reflecting supply chain efficiency gains across our fulfillment network.
Gross profit for Fiscal Year 2023 increased by $327.0 million, or 11.5%, to $3.2 billion compared to $2.8 billion in Fiscal Year 2022. This increase was primarily due to the year-over-year increase in net sales as described above. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for Fiscal Year 2023 increased by approximately 40 basis points compared to Fiscal Year 2022, primarily due to margin expansion across our healthcare, hardgoods, and private brands businesses.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses for Fiscal Year 2023 increased by $314.0 million, or 14.8%, to $2.4 billion compared to $2.1 billion in Fiscal Year 2022. This was primarily due to an increase of $151.7 million in facilities expenses and other general and administrative expenses, principally due to business growth and new initiatives as well as the expansion of operations at corporate offices in Plantation, Florida, and Seattle, Washington. This also included an increase of $77.0 million in fulfillment costs largely attributable to investments to support the overall growth of our business, including the costs associated with the launch of operations in Canada and the opening and operating of fulfillment centers in Reno, Nevada and Nashville, Tennessee, as well as an increase of $85.3 million in non-cash share-based compensation expense and related taxes.
Advertising and Marketing
Advertising and marketing expenses for Fiscal Year 2023 increased by $93.1 million, or 14.3%, to $742.5 million compared to $649.4 million in Fiscal Year 2022. Our marketing expenses increased due to additional investment in our upper funnel marketing channels as well as expansion into new channels, contributing to new customer acquisition and an increase in wallet share from our large and stable customer base during Fiscal Year 2023.
Interest Income (Expense), net
Interest income for Fiscal Year 2023 increased by $49.2 million, to $58.5 million compared to interest income of $9.3 million in Fiscal Year 2022. This increase was due in large part to interest income generated by investment of proceeds from the parent reorganization transaction, cash and cash equivalents, and marketable securities exceeding interest expenses incurred.
Other Income (Expense), net
Other income for Fiscal Year 2023 increased by $26.5 million, to $13.4 million compared to other expense of $13.2 million. This increase consisted of changes in the fair value of equity warrants and investments as well as foreign currency transaction gains.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We finance our operations and capital expenditures primarily through cash flows generated by operations. Our principal sources of liquidity are expected to be our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and our revolving credit facility. Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of cash on deposit with banks and investments in money market funds, U.S. Treasury securities, certificates of deposit, and commercial paper. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $602.2 million as of January 28, 2024, an increase of $270.6 million from January 29, 2023. Marketable securities consist primarily of U.S. treasury securities, certificates of deposit, and commercial paper and totaled $531.8 million as of January 28, 2024, an increase of $184.8 million from January 29, 2023.
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We believe that our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and availability under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund our working capital, capital expenditure requirements, and contractual obligations for at least the next twelve months. In addition, we may choose to raise additional funds at any time through equity or debt financing arrangements, which may or may not be needed for additional working capital, capital expenditures or other strategic investments. Our opinions concerning liquidity are based on currently available information. To the extent this information proves to be inaccurate, or if circumstances change, future availability of trade credit or other sources of financing may be reduced and our liquidity could be adversely affected. Our future capital requirements and the adequacy of available funds will depend on many factors, including those described in the section titled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this 10-K Report. Depending on the severity and direct impact of these factors on us, we may be unable to secure additional financing to meet our operating requirements on terms favorable to us, or at all.
We have contractual obligations and other commitments that will need to be funded in the future, in addition to our working capital, capital expenditures and other strategic initiatives. Material contractual obligations generally relate to operating and real estate lease obligations.
Operating and real estate lease obligations relate to fulfillment and customer service centers, corporate offices and certain equipment under non-cancelable operating leases, which expire at various dates through 2038. Real estate obligations include legally binding minimum lease payments for operating lease arrangements which have not yet commenced. As of January 28, 2024, operating and real estate lease obligations included legally binding minimum lease payments of $900.4 million. For additional information related to real estate and operating leases, see Note 9 – Leases, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
Cash Flows
| Fiscal Year | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 486,211 | $ | 349,777 | $ | 191,743 | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (287,363) | $ | (615,504) | $ | (193,272) | ||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | $ | 71,598 | $ | (6,734) | $ | 41,261 |
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $486.2 million for Fiscal Year 2023, which primarily consisted of $39.6 million of net income, non-cash adjustments such as depreciation and amortization expense of $109.7 million and share-based compensation expense of $239.1 million, and a cash increase of $105.7 million from the management of working capital. Cash increases from working capital were primarily driven by an increase in other current liabilities and payables, partially offset by an increase in other current assets, inventories, and receivables.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $349.8 million for Fiscal Year 2022, which primarily consisted of $49.9 million of net income, non-cash adjustments such as depreciation and amortization expense of $83.4 million and share-based compensation expense of $158.1 million, and a cash increase of $26.6 million from the management of working capital. Cash increases from working capital were primarily driven by an increase in payables, partially offset by an increase in inventories and other current assets.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $287.4 million for Fiscal Year 2023, primarily consisting of $143.7 million for the purchase of marketable securities, net of maturities and $143.3 million for capital expenditures related to the launch of new and future fulfillment centers and additional investments in technology hardware and software.
Net cash used in investing activities was $615.5 million for Fiscal Year 2022, which primarily consisted of $343.8 million for the purchase of marketable securities, net of proceeds from maturities, $230.3 million of capital expenditures, and $40.0 million for cash paid for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired. Capital expenditures were related to the launch of new fulfillment centers, the launch and expansion of corporate offices, and the capitalization of labor and license costs associated with software development for internal use.
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Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $71.6 million for Fiscal Year 2023, and consisted of $60.6 million of proceeds from the parent reorganization transaction and $22.0 million of capital contributions from the parent reorganization transaction, partially offset by $10.3 million of payments made pursuant to the tax sharing agreement with related parties, principal repayments of finance lease obligations, and payment of debt modification costs.
Net cash used in financing activities was $6.7 million for Fiscal Year 2022, which primarily consisted of $2.8 million of payments made pursuant to the tax sharing agreement with related parties, $2.5 million for payments of tax withholdings related to vesting of share-based compensation awards, payment of debt modification costs, and principal repayments of finance lease obligations.
ABL Credit Facility
We have a senior secured asset-based credit facility (the “ABL Credit Facility”) which matures on August 27, 2026 and provides for non-amortizing revolving loans in the aggregate principal amount of up to $800 million, subject to a borrowing base comprised of, among other things, inventory and sales receivables (subject to certain reserves). The ABL Credit Facility provides the right to request incremental commitments and add incremental asset-based revolving loan facilities up to $250 million, subject to customary conditions. We are required to pay a 0.25% per annum commitment fee with respect to the undrawn portion of the commitments, which is generally based on average daily usage of the facility. Based on our borrowing base as of January 28, 2024, which is reduced by standby letters of credit, we had $759.0 million of borrowing capacity under the ABL Credit Facility. As of January 28, 2024, we had no outstanding borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility.
For additional information with respect to our ABL Credit Facility, see Note 8 – Debt, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures requires us to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net sales, costs and expenses and related disclosures. We believe that the estimates, assumptions and judgments involved in the accounting policies described below involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have the greatest potential impact on our financial condition and results of operations and, therefore, we consider these to be our critical accounting policies. Accordingly, we evaluate our estimates, assumptions, and judgments on an ongoing basis. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions, judgments, and conditions. See Note 2 – Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report for a description of our significant accounting policies as well as a description of recently adopted accounting pronouncements and recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted as of the date of this 10-K Report.
Income Taxes
Estimates of deferred income taxes reflect management’s assessment of actual future taxes to be paid on items reflected in the consolidated financial statements, giving consideration to both timing and the probability of realization. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law, state income tax apportionment or the outcome of any review of our tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service, as well as actual operating results that may vary significantly from anticipated results. For additional information on deferred tax assets and liabilities, see Note 12 – Income Taxes, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
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Financial Instruments
We hold derivative asset financial instruments in the form of equity warrants in other companies. These warrants are valued based on observable and unobservable inputs reflecting our assumptions, which are consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants. We utilize certain valuation techniques such as the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the Monte Carlo simulation model to determine the fair value of equity warrants. The application of these models requires the use of a number of complex assumptions based on unobservable inputs, including the expected term, expected equity volatility, discounts for lack of marketability, cash flow projections, and probability with respect to vesting requirements.
For additional information on derivative financial instruments, see Note 4 – Financial Instruments, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Information regarding recent accounting pronouncements is included in Note 2 – Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001766502-23-000011.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2022 (“10-K Report”). This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, such as those set forth under the “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” sections herein, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this 10-K Report to “Chewy,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to Chewy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Investors and others should note that we may announce material information to our investors using our investor relations website (https://investor.chewy.com/), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media, to communicate with our investors and the public about our company, our business and other issues. It is possible that the information that we post on these channels could be deemed to be material information. We therefore encourage investors to visit these websites from time to time. The information contained on such websites and social media posts is not incorporated by reference into this filing. Further, our references to website URLs in this filing are intended to be inactive textual references only.
Overview
We are the largest pure-play pet e-tailer in the United States, offering virtually every product a pet needs. We launched Chewy in 2011 to bring the best of the neighborhood pet store shopping experience to a larger audience, enhanced by the depth and wide selection of products and services, as well as the around-the-clock convenience, that only e-commerce can offer. We believe that we are the preeminent destination for pet parents as a result of our broad selection of high-quality products and expanded menu of service offerings, which we offer at great prices and deliver with an exceptional level of care and a personal touch. We are the trusted source for pet parents and partners and continually develop innovative ways for our customers to engage with us. We partner with more than 3,500 of the best and most trusted brands in the pet industry, and we create and offer our own outstanding private brands. Through our website and mobile applications, we offer our customers more than 110,000 products, compelling merchandising, an easy and enjoyable shopping experience, and exceptional customer service.
COVID-19 and Macroeconomic Considerations
The COVID-19 pandemic and evolving macroeconomic conditions, including rising inflation and interest rates, have been disruptive economic and societal events that have affected, and continue to affect, our business and consumer shopping behavior. We continue to monitor conditions closely and adapt aspects of our logistics, transportation, supply chain, and purchasing processes accordingly to meet the needs of our rapidly growing community of pets, pet parents and partners. As our customers react to these economic conditions, we will adapt our business accordingly to meet their evolving needs.
We are unable to predict the duration and ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving macroeconomic conditions on the broader economy or our operations and liquidity. As such, risks and uncertainties regarding COVID-19 remain. Please refer to the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this 10-K Report and in the section titled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this 10-K Report.
Fiscal Year End
We have a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending each year on the Sunday that is closest to January 31 of that year. Our 2022 fiscal year ended January 29, 2023 and included 52 weeks (“Fiscal Year 2022”). Our 2021 fiscal year ended January 30, 2022 and included 52 weeks (“Fiscal Year 2021”). Our 2020 fiscal year ended January 31, 2021 and included 52 weeks (“Fiscal Year 2020”).
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Key Financial and Operating Data
We measure our business using both financial and operating data and use the following metrics and measures to assess the near-term and long-term performance of our overall business, including identifying trends, formulating financial projections, making strategic decisions, assessing operational efficiencies, and monitoring our business.
| Fiscal Year | % change | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands, except net sales per active customer, per share data, and percentages) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2022 vs. 2021 | 2021 vs. 2020 | ||||||||||||
| Financial and Operating Data | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 10,098,939 | $ | 8,890,773 | $ | 7,146,264 | 13.6 | % | 24.4 | % | |||||||
| Net income (loss) (1) | $ | 49,232 | $ | (73,817) | $ | (92,486) | 166.7 | % | 20.2 | % | |||||||
| Net margin (1) | 0.5 | % | (0.8) | % | (1.3) | % | |||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA (2) | $ | 305,938 | $ | 78,552 | $ | 85,157 | 289.5 | % | (7.8) | % | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin (2) | 3.0 | % | 0.9 | % | 1.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (2) | $ | 225,783 | $ | 11,491 | $ | 36,722 | n/m | (68.7) | % | ||||||||
| Earnings (loss) per share, basic and diluted (1) | $ | 0.12 | $ | (0.18) | $ | (0.23) | 166.7 | % | 21.7 | % | |||||||
| Adjusted earnings per share, basic and diluted (2) | $ | 0.53 | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.09 | n/m | (66.7) | % | ||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 349,572 | $ | 191,739 | $ | 132,755 | 82.3 | % | 44.4 | % | |||||||
| Free cash flow (2) | $ | 119,282 | $ | 8,553 | $ | 2,012 | n/m | n/m | |||||||||
| Active customers | 20,405 | 20,663 | 19,206 | (1.2) | % | 7.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Net sales per active customer | $ | 495 | $ | 430 | $ | 372 | 15.1 | % | 15.6 | % | |||||||
| Autoship customer sales | $ | 7,370,416 | $ | 6,245,011 | $ | 4,889,485 | 18.0 | % | 27.7 | % | |||||||
| Autoship customer sales as a percentage of net sales | 73.0 | % | 70.2 | % | 68.4 | % | |||||||||||
| n/m - not meaningful | |||||||||||||||||
| (1) Includes share-based compensation expense, including related taxes, of $163.2 million, $85.3 million, and $129.2 million, for Fiscal Year 2022, Fiscal Year 2021, and Fiscal Year 2020, respectively. | |||||||||||||||||
| (2) Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted net income, adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share, and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below. |
We define net margin as net income (loss) divided by net sales and adjusted EBITDA margin as adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin
To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, we have disclosed here and elsewhere in this 10-K Report adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure that we calculate as net income (loss) excluding depreciation and amortization; share-based compensation expense and related taxes; income tax provision; interest income (expense), net; management fee expense; transaction related costs; changes in the fair value of equity warrants; and litigation matters and other items that we do not consider representative of our underlying operations. We have provided a reconciliation below of adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
We have included adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin in this 10-K Report because each is a key measure used by our management and board of directors to evaluate our operating performance, generate future operating plans and make strategic decisions regarding the allocation of capital. In particular, the exclusion of certain expenses in calculating adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin facilitates operating performance comparability across reporting periods by removing the effect of non-cash expenses and certain variable charges. Accordingly, we believe that adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors.
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We believe it is useful to exclude non-cash charges, such as depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense and management fee expense from our adjusted EBITDA because the amount of such expenses in any specific period may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations. We believe it is useful to exclude income tax provision; interest income (expense), net; transaction related costs; changes in the fair value of equity warrants; and litigation matters and other items which are not components of our core business operations. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as a financial measure and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:
•although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future and adjusted EBITDA does not reflect capital expenditure requirements for such replacements or for new capital expenditures;
•adjusted EBITDA does not reflect share-based compensation and related taxes. Share-based compensation has been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, a recurring expense in our business and an important part of our compensation strategy;
•adjusted EBITDA does not reflect interest income (expense), net; or changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital;
•adjusted EBITDA does not reflect transaction related costs and other items which are either not representative of our underlying operations or are incremental costs that result from an actual or planned transaction and include changes in the fair value of equity warrants, litigation matters, integration consulting fees, internal salaries and wages (to the extent the individuals are assigned full-time to integration and transformation activities) and certain costs related to integrating and converging IT systems; and
•other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate adjusted EBITDA differently, which reduces its usefulness as a comparative measure.
Because of these limitations, you should consider adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin alongside other financial performance measures, including various cash flow metrics, net income (loss), net margin, and our other GAAP results.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA, as well as the calculation of net margin and adjusted EBITDA margin, for each of the periods indicated.
| (in thousands, except percentages) | Fiscal Year | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 49,232 | $ | (73,817) | $ | (92,486) | ||||
| Add: | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 83,307 | 55,009 | 35,664 | |||||||
| Share-based compensation expense and related taxes | 163,211 | 85,308 | 129,208 | |||||||
| Interest (income) expense, net | (9,291) | 1,639 | 2,022 | |||||||
| Change in fair value of equity warrants | 13,340 | — | — | |||||||
| Income tax provision | 2,646 | — | — | |||||||
| Transaction related costs | 3,953 | 2,423 | 2,369 | |||||||
| Other | (460) | 7,990 | 7,080 | |||||||
| Management fee expense (1) | — | — | 1,300 | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 305,938 | $ | 78,552 | $ | 85,157 | ||||
| Net sales | $ | 10,098,939 | $ | 8,890,773 | $ | 7,146,264 | ||||
| Net margin | 0.5 | % | (0.8) | % | (1.3) | % | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 3.0 | % | 0.9 | % | 1.2 | % | ||||
| (1) Management fee expense allocated to us by PetSmart LLC (“PetSmart”) for organizational oversight and certain limited corporate functions provided by its sponsors. Although we are not a party to the agreement governing the management fee, this management fee is reflected as an expense in our consolidated financial statements during Fiscal Year 2020. |
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Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share
To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, we have disclosed here and elsewhere in this 10-K Report adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share, which represent non-GAAP financial measures. We calculate adjusted net income (loss) as net income (loss) excluding share-based compensation expense and related taxes as well as changes in the fair value of equity warrants. We calculate adjusted basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share by dividing adjusted net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average shares outstanding during the period. We have provided a reconciliation below of adjusted net income (loss) to net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
We have included adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share in this 10-K Report because each is a key measure used by our management and board of directors to evaluate our operating performance, generate future operating plans and make strategic decisions regarding the allocation of capital. In particular, the exclusion of certain expenses in calculating adjusted net income and adjusted basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share facilitates operating performance comparability across reporting periods by removing the effect of non-cash expenses and certain variable gains and losses that do not represent a component of our core business operations. We believe it is useful to exclude non-cash share-based compensation expense because the amount of such expenses in any specific period may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations. We believe it is useful to exclude changes in the fair value of equity warrants, because the associated variable gains and losses are not a component of our core business operations. Accordingly, we believe that these measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors.
Adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share have limitations as financial measures and you should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Other companies may calculate adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share differently, which reduces their usefulness as comparative measures. Because of these limitations, you should consider adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted basic and diluted earnings (loss) alongside other financial performance measures, including various cash flow metrics, net income (loss), basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share, and our other GAAP results.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss), as well as the calculation of adjusted basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share, for each of the periods indicated.
| (in thousands, except per share data) | Fiscal Year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 49,232 | $ | (73,817) | $ | (92,486) | ||
| Add: | ||||||||
| Share-based compensation expense and related taxes | 163,211 | 85,308 | 129,208 | |||||
| Change in fair value of equity warrants | 13,340 | — | — | |||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 225,783 | $ | 11,491 | $ | 36,722 | ||
| Weighted-average common shares used in computing adjusted earnings (loss) per share: | ||||||||
| Basic | 422,331 | 417,218 | 407,240 | |||||
| Effect of dilutive share-based awards (1) | 5,439 | 10,068 | 12,937 | |||||
| Diluted (1) | 427,770 | 427,286 | 420,177 | |||||
| Earnings (loss) per share attributable to common Class A and Class B stockholders | ||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.12 | $ | (0.18) | $ | (0.23) | ||
| Diluted (1) | $ | 0.12 | $ | (0.18) | $ | (0.23) | ||
| Adjusted basic | $ | 0.53 | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.09 | ||
| Adjusted diluted (1) | $ | 0.53 | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.09 | ||
| (1) For Fiscal Year 2021 and Fiscal Year 2020, our calculation of adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to common Class A and Class B stockholders requires an adjustment to the weighted-average common shares used in the calculation to include the weighted-average dilutive effect of share-based awards. |
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Free Cash Flow
To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, we have also disclosed here and elsewhere in this 10-K Report free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure that we calculate as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures (which consist of purchases of property and equipment, capitalization of labor related to our website, mobile applications, and software development, and leasehold improvements). We have provided a reconciliation below of free cash flow to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
We have included free cash flow in this 10-K Report because it is used by our management and board of directors as an important indicator of our liquidity as it measures the amount of cash we generate. Accordingly, we believe that free cash flow provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors.
Free cash flow has limitations as a financial measure and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. There are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures, including that other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate free cash flow differently. Because of these limitations, you should consider free cash flow alongside other financial performance measures, including net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, capital expenditures and our other GAAP results.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow for each of the periods indicated.
| (in thousands) | Fiscal Year | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 349,572 | $ | 191,739 | $ | 132,755 | ||||
| Deduct: | ||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | (230,290) | (183,186) | (130,743) | |||||||
| Free Cash Flow | $ | 119,282 | $ | 8,553 | $ | 2,012 |
Free cash flow may be affected in the near to medium term by the timing of capital investments (such as the launch of new fulfillment centers, customer service centers, and corporate offices and purchases of IT and other equipment), fluctuations in our growth and the effect of such fluctuations on working capital, and changes in our cash conversion cycle due to increases or decreases of vendor payment terms as well as inventory turnover.
Key Operating Metrics
Active Customers
As of the last date of each reporting period, we determine our number of active customers by counting the total number of individual customers who have ordered a product or service, and for whom a product has shipped or for whom a service has been provided, at least once during the preceding 364-day period. The change in active customers in a reporting period captures both the inflow of new customers as well as the outflow of customers who have not made a purchase in the last 364 days. We view the number of active customers as a key indicator of our growth—acquisition and retention of customers—as a result of our marketing efforts and the value we provide to our customers. The number of active customers has grown over time as we acquired new customers and retained previously acquired customers.
Net Sales Per Active Customer
We define net sales per active customer as the aggregate net sales for the preceding four fiscal quarters, divided by the total number of active customers at the end of that period. We view net sales per active customer as a key indicator of our customers’ purchasing patterns, including their initial and repeat purchase behavior.
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Autoship and Autoship Customer Sales
We define Autoship customers as customers in a given fiscal quarter that had an order shipped through our Autoship subscription program during the preceding 364-day period. We define Autoship as our subscription program, which provides automatic ordering, payment, and delivery of products to our customers. We view our Autoship subscription program as a key driver of recurring net sales and customer retention. For a given fiscal quarter, Autoship customer sales consist of sales and shipping revenues from all Autoship subscription program purchases and purchases outside of the Autoship subscription program by Autoship customers, excluding taxes collected from customers, excluding any refund allowance, and net of any promotional offers (such as percentage discounts off current purchases and other similar offers) for that quarter. For a given fiscal year, Autoship customer sales equal the sum of the Autoship customer sales for each of the fiscal quarters in that fiscal year.
Autoship Customer Sales as a Percentage of Net Sales
We define Autoship customer sales as a percentage of net sales as the Autoship customer sales in a given reporting period divided by the net sales from all orders in that period. We view Autoship customer sales as a percentage of net sales as a key indicator of our recurring sales and customer retention.
Components of Results of Consolidated Operations
Net Sales
We derive net sales primarily from sales of both third-party brand and private brand pet food, pet products, pet medications and other pet health products, and related shipping fees. Sales of third-party brand and private brand pet food, pet products and shipping revenues are recorded when products are shipped, net of promotional discounts and refund allowances. Taxes collected from customers are excluded from net sales. Net sales is primarily driven by growth of new customers and active customers, and the frequency with which customers purchase and subscribe to our Autoship subscription program.
We also periodically provide promotional offers, including discount offers, such as percentage discounts off current purchases and other similar offers. These offers are treated as a reduction to the purchase price of the related transaction and are reflected as a net amount in net sales.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold consists of the cost of third-party brand and private brand products sold to customers, inventory freight, shipping supply costs, inventory shrinkage costs, and inventory valuation adjustments, offset by reductions for promotions and percentage or volume rebates offered by our vendors, which may depend on reaching minimum purchase thresholds. Generally, amounts received from vendors are considered a reduction of the carrying value of inventory and are ultimately reflected as a reduction of cost of goods sold.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of payroll and related expenses for employees involved in general corporate functions, including accounting, finance, tax, legal and human resources; costs associated with use by these functions, such as depreciation expense and rent relating to facilities and equipment; professional fees and other general corporate costs; share-based compensation; and fulfillment costs.
Fulfillment costs represent costs incurred in operating and staffing fulfillment and customer service centers, including costs attributable to buying, receiving, inspecting and warehousing inventories, picking, packaging and preparing customer orders for shipment, payment processing, and related transaction costs and responding to inquiries from customers. Included within fulfillment costs are merchant processing fees charged by third parties that provide merchant processing services for credit cards.
Advertising and Marketing
Advertising and marketing expenses consist of advertising and payroll related expenses for personnel engaged in marketing, business development and selling activities.
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Interest Income (Expense), net
We generate interest income from our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. We incur interest expense from our credit facilities and finance leases.
Other Income (Expense), net
Our other income (expense), net consists of changes in the fair value of equity warrants and investments, foreign currency transaction gains and losses, and allowances for credit losses.
Presentation of Results of Consolidated Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following discussion and analysis of our Results of Consolidated Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources includes a comparison of Fiscal Year 2022 to Fiscal Year 2021. A similar discussion and analysis which compares Fiscal Year 2021 to Fiscal Year 2020 may be found in the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our annual report filed with the SEC on March 29, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Results of Consolidated Operations
The following tables set forth our results of operations for the fiscal years presented and express the relationship of certain line items as a percentage of net sales for those periods. The period-to-period comparison of financial results is not necessarily indicative of future results.
| Fiscal Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % change | % of net sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except percentages) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2022 vs. 2021 | 2021 vs. 2020 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 10,098,939 | $ | 8,890,773 | $ | 7,146,264 | 13.6 | % | 24.4 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 7,268,034 | 6,517,191 | 5,325,457 | 11.5 | % | 22.4 | % | 72.0 | % | 73.3 | % | 74.5 | % | |||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 2,830,905 | 2,373,582 | 1,820,807 | 19.3 | % | 30.4 | % | 28.0 | % | 26.7 | % | 25.5 | % | |||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 2,125,766 | 1,826,858 | 1,397,969 | 16.4 | % | 30.7 | % | 21.0 | % | 20.5 | % | 19.6 | % | |||||||||||||
| Advertising and marketing | 649,386 | 618,902 | 513,302 | 4.9 | % | 20.6 | % | 6.4 | % | 7.0 | % | 7.2 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 2,775,152 | 2,445,760 | 1,911,271 | 13.5 | % | 28.0 | % | 27.4 | % | 27.5 | % | 26.7 | % | |||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from operations | 55,753 | (72,178) | (90,464) | 177.2 | % | 20.2 | % | 0.6 | % | (0.8) | % | (1.3) | % | |||||||||||||
| Interest income (expense), net | 9,291 | (1,639) | (2,022) | n/m | 18.9 | % | 0.1 | % | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||
| Other expense, net | (13,166) | — | — | n/m | — | % | (0.1) | % | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income tax provision | 51,878 | (73,817) | (92,486) | 170.3 | % | 20.2 | % | 0.5 | % | (0.8) | % | (1.3) | % | |||||||||||||
| Income tax provision | 2,646 | — | — | n/m | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 49,232 | $ | (73,817) | $ | (92,486) | 166.7 | % | 20.2 | % | 0.5 | % | (0.8) | % | (1.3) | % | ||||||||||
| n/m - not meaningful |
Net Sales
| Fiscal Year | 2022 vs. 2021 | 2021 vs. 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands, except percentages) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | $ Change | % Change | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||
| Consumables | $ | 7,145,414 | $ | 6,102,367 | $ | 4,967,673 | $ | 1,043,047 | 17.1 | % | $ | 1,134,694 | 22.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Hardgoods | 1,215,689 | 1,305,937 | 1,153,639 | (90,248) | (6.9) | % | 152,298 | 13.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other | 1,737,836 | 1,482,469 | 1,024,952 | 255,367 | 17.2 | % | 457,517 | 44.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 10,098,939 | $ | 8,890,773 | $ | 7,146,264 | $ | 1,208,166 | 13.6 | % | $ | 1,744,509 | 24.4 | % |
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Net sales for Fiscal Year 2022 increased by $1.2 billion, or 13.6%, to $10.1 billion compared to $8.9 billion for Fiscal Year 2021. This increase was primarily due to increases in spending per customer from our large and stable customer base. Net sales per active customer increased $65, or 15.1%, to $495 in Fiscal Year 2022 compared to Fiscal Year 2021, driven by growth across our consumables and healthcare businesses, partially offset by a decline in sales in discretionary products, mainly hardgoods. Additionally, our active customer base decreased by 0.3 million, or 1.2%, year-over-year.
Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Profit
Cost of goods sold for Fiscal Year 2022 increased by $750.8 million, or 11.5%, to $7.3 billion compared to $6.5 billion in Fiscal Year 2021. This increase was primarily due to a 4.2% increase in orders shipped as well as an increase in associated product, outbound freight, and shipping supply costs. The increase in cost of goods sold was lower than the increase in net sales on a percentage basis and lower as a percentage of net sales compared to Fiscal Year 2021, reflecting pricing strength, favorable changes in our mix of sales, and supply chain efficiency gains across our fulfillment network.
Gross profit for Fiscal Year 2022 increased by $457.3 million, or 19.3%, to $2.8 billion compared to $2.4 billion in Fiscal Year 2021. This increase was primarily due to the year-over-year increase in net sales as described above. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for Fiscal Year 2022 increased by approximately 130 basis points compared to Fiscal Year 2021, primarily due to margin expansion across our consumables and hardgoods businesses.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses for Fiscal Year 2022 increased by $298.9 million, or 16.4%, to $2.1 billion compared to $1.8 billion in Fiscal Year 2021. This was primarily due to an increase of $165.7 million in facilities expenses and other general and administrative expenses, principally due to business growth and new initiatives as well as the opening and operating of new corporate offices in Plantation, Florida, and Seattle, Washington. This also included an increase of $77.9 million in non-cash share-based compensation expense and related taxes as well as an increase of $55.3 million in fulfillment costs largely attributable to investments to support the overall growth of our business, including the costs associated with the opening and operating of three fulfillment centers and two healthcare fulfillment centers.
Advertising and Marketing
Advertising and marketing expenses for Fiscal Year 2022 increased by $30.5 million, or 4.9%, to $649.4 million compared to $618.9 million in Fiscal Year 2021. Our marketing expenses increased due to additional investment in our upper funnel marketing channels as well as expansion into new channels, contributing to new customer acquisition and an increase in wallet share from our large and stable customer base during Fiscal Year 2022.
Interest Income (Expense), net
Interest income for Fiscal Year 2022 increased by $10.9 million, to $9.3 million compared to interest expense of $1.6 million in Fiscal Year 2021. This increase was due to interest income generated by cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities exceeding interest expenses incurred.
Other Income (Expense), net
Other expenses for Fiscal Year 2022 were $13.2 million and consisted of a change in the fair value of equity warrants, partially offset by foreign currency transaction gains.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We finance our operations and capital expenditures primarily through cash flows generated by operations and equity offerings. Our principal sources of liquidity are expected to be our cash and cash equivalents, marketable fixed income securities, and our revolving credit facility. Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of cash on deposit with banks and investments in money market funds, U.S. Treasury securities, certificates of deposit, and commercial paper. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $330.4 million as of January 29, 2023, a decrease of $272.6 million from January 30, 2022, primarily driven by our investment in marketable securities during Fiscal Year 2022. Marketable fixed income securities consist primarily of U.S. treasury securities, certificates of deposit, and commercial paper and totaled $346.9 million as of January 29, 2023.
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We believe that our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and availability under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund our working capital, capital expenditure requirements, and contractual obligations for at least the next twelve months. In addition, we may choose to raise additional funds at any time through equity or debt financing arrangements, which may or may not be needed for additional working capital, capital expenditures or other strategic investments. Our opinions concerning liquidity are based on currently available information. To the extent this information proves to be inaccurate, or if circumstances change, future availability of trade credit or other sources of financing may be reduced and our liquidity could be adversely affected. Our future capital requirements and the adequacy of available funds will depend on many factors, including those described in the section titled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this 10-K Report. Depending on the severity and direct impact of these factors on us, we may be unable to secure additional financing to meet our operating requirements on terms favorable to us, or at all.
We have contractual obligations and other commitments that will need to be funded in the future, in addition to our working capital, capital expenditures and other strategic initiatives. Material contractual obligations generally relate to operating and real estate lease obligations.
Operating and real estate lease obligations relate to fulfillment and customer service centers, corporate offices and certain equipment under non-cancelable operating leases, which expire at various dates through 2034. Real estate obligations include legally binding minimum lease payments for operating lease arrangements which have not yet commenced. As of January 29, 2023, operating and real estate lease obligations included legally binding minimum lease payments of $877.5 million. For additional information related to real estate and operating leases, see Note 9 – Leases, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
2020 Equity Offering
During Fiscal Year 2020, we issued and sold 5,865,000 shares of Class A common stock at a public offering price of $54.40 per share, raising $318.4 million in net proceeds after deducting offering costs of $0.6 million. For additional information, see Note 10 – Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit), in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
Cash Flows
| Fiscal Year | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 349,572 | $ | 191,739 | $ | 132,755 | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (615,484) | $ | (193,272) | $ | (123,695) | ||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | $ | (6,726) | $ | 41,267 | $ | 342,197 |
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $349.6 million for Fiscal Year 2022, which primarily consisted of $49.2 million of net income, non-cash adjustments such as depreciation and amortization expense of $83.3 million and share-based compensation expense of $158.1 million, and a cash increase of $27.2 million from the management of working capital. Cash increases from working capital were primarily driven by an increase in payables, partially offset by an increase in inventories and other current assets.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $191.7 million for Fiscal Year 2021, which primarily consisted of $73.8 million of net loss, non-cash adjustments such as depreciation and amortization expense of $55.0 million and share-based compensation expense of $77.8 million, and a cash increase of $141.7 million from the management of working capital. Cash increases from working capital were primarily driven by an increase in other current liabilities and payables, partially offset by an increase in inventories, receivables, and other current assets.
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Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $615.5 million for Fiscal Year 2022, which primarily consisted of $343.8 million for the purchase of marketable securities, net of proceeds from maturities, $230.3 million of capital expenditures, and $40.0 million for cash paid for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired. Capital expenditures were related to the launch of new fulfillment centers, the launch and expansion of corporate offices, and the capitalization of labor and license costs associated with software development for internal use.
Net cash used in investing activities was $193.3 million for Fiscal Year 2021, which primarily consisted of $183.2 million of capital expenditures and $10.1 million for the acquisition of rights to developed technology intangible assets. Capital expenditures were related to the launch of new fulfillment centers, the launch and expansion of corporate offices, and the capitalization of labor and license costs associated with software development for internal use.
Financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $6.7 million for Fiscal Year 2022, which primarily consisted of $2.8 million of payments made pursuant to the tax sharing agreement with related parties, $2.5 million for payments of tax withholdings related to vesting of share-based compensation awards, payment of debt modification costs, and principal repayments of finance lease obligations.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $41.3 million for Fiscal Year 2021, which primarily consisted of $43.7 million received pursuant to the tax sharing agreement with related parties, partially offset by the payment of debt modification costs and principal repayments of finance lease obligations.
ABL Credit Facility
On January 26, 2023, we amended our senior secured asset-based credit facility (the “ABL Credit Facility”) which matures on August 27, 2026 and now provides for non-amortizing revolving loans in the aggregate principal amount of up to $800 million, subject to a borrowing base comprised of, among other things, inventory and sales receivables (subject to certain reserves). The ABL Credit Facility provides the right to request incremental commitments and add incremental asset-based revolving loan facilities up to $250 million, subject to customary conditions. We are required to pay a 0.25% per annum commitment fee with respect to the undrawn portion of the commitments, which is generally based on average daily usage of the facility. Based on our borrowing base as of January 29, 2023, which is reduced by standby letters of credit, we had $749.9 million of borrowing capacity under the ABL Credit Facility. As of January 29, 2023, we had no outstanding borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility.
For additional information with respect to our ABL Credit Facility, see Note 8 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures requires us to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net sales, costs and expenses and related disclosures. We believe that the estimates, assumptions and judgments involved in the accounting policies described below involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have the greatest potential impact on our financial condition and results of operations and, therefore, we consider these to be our critical accounting policies. Accordingly, we evaluate our estimates, assumptions, and judgments on an ongoing basis. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions, judgments, and conditions. See Note 2 – Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report for a description of our significant accounting policies as well as a description of recently adopted accounting pronouncements and recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted as of the date of this 10-K Report.
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Income Taxes
Estimates of deferred income taxes reflect management’s assessment of actual future taxes to be paid on items reflected in the consolidated financial statements, giving consideration to both timing and the probability of realization. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law, state income tax apportionment or the outcome of any review of our tax returns by the IRS, as well as actual operating results that may vary significantly from anticipated results. For additional information on deferred tax assets and liabilities, see Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”, Note 12 – Income Taxes.
Financial Instruments
We hold derivative asset financial instruments in the form of equity warrants in other companies. These warrants are valued based on observable and unobservable inputs reflecting our assumptions, which are consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants. We utilize certain valuation techniques such as the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the Monte Carlo simulation model to determine the fair value of equity warrants. The application of these models requires the use of a number of complex assumptions based on unobservable inputs, including the expected term, expected equity volatility, discounts for lack of marketability, cash flow projections, and probability with respect to vesting requirements.
For additional information on derivative financial instruments, see Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”, Note 4 – Financial Instruments.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Information regarding recent accounting pronouncements is included in Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”, Note 2 in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” of this 10-K Report.
FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001766502-22-000008.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2021 (“10-K Report”). This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, such as those set forth under the “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” sections herein, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this 10-K Report to “Chewy,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to Chewy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Investors and others should note that we may announce material information to our investors using our investor relations website (https://investor.chewy.com/), Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media, to communicate with our investors and the public about our company, our business and other issues. It is possible that the information that we post on these channels could be deemed to be material information. We therefore encourage investors to visit these websites from time to time. The information contained on such websites and social media posts is not incorporated by reference into this filing. Further, our references to website URLs in this filing are intended to be inactive textual references only.
Overview
We are the largest pure-play pet e-tailer in the United States, offering virtually every product a pet needs. We launched Chewy in 2011 to bring the best of the neighborhood pet store shopping experience to a larger audience, enhanced by the depth and wide selection of products and around-the-clock convenience that only e-commerce can offer. We believe that we are the preeminent destination for pet parents as a result of our broad selection of high-quality products, which we offer at great prices and deliver with an exceptional level of care and a personal touch. We are the trusted source for pet parents and continually develop innovative ways for our customers to engage with us. We partner with more than 3,000 of the best and most trusted brands in the pet industry, and we create and offer our own outstanding proprietary brands. Through our website and mobile applications, we offer our customers more than 100,000 products, compelling merchandising, an easy and enjoyable shopping experience, and exceptional customer service.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a disruptive economic and societal event that has affected our business and consumer shopping behavior. As this crisis unfolded, we monitored conditions closely and adapted aspects of our logistics, transportation, supply chain and purchasing processes accordingly to meet federal, state, and local standards and to ensure the safety and well-being of our team members, while continuing to meet the needs of our rapidly growing community of pets and pet parents. We continue to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and adapt our business accordingly. As reflected in the discussion below, we have seen customers shift more of their total shopping spend to online channels since the COVID-19 outbreak, which has led to increased sales and order activity for our business.
Labor markets, particularly as they pertain to our fulfillment centers, have been, and remain, challenging. We expect this labor supply and demand imbalance to continue over the foreseeable future, resulting in increased competition for personnel. In addition, global supply chain shortages and disruptions and inflation have emerged, which have impacted, and continue to impact, sales, margins and the pace of economic recovery.
While conditions do appear to be improving as vaccination levels rise and state and local economies have, for the most part, re-opened, the positive or negative impacts that the COVID-19 outbreak will ultimately have on our business remain difficult to predict, particularly as vaccine efforts face challenges and new variants of the virus continue to emerge. We are still unable to predict the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its ultimate impact on the broader economy or our operations and liquidity. As such, risks and uncertainties regarding COVID-19 remain. Please refer to the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this 10-K Report and in the section titled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this 10-K Report.
Fiscal Year End
We have a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending each year on the Sunday that is closest to January 31 of that year. Our 2021 fiscal year ended January 30, 2022 and included 52 weeks (“Fiscal Year 2021”). Our 2020 fiscal year ended January 31, 2021 and included 52 weeks (“Fiscal Year 2020”). Our 2019 fiscal year ended February 2, 2020 and included 52 weeks (“Fiscal Year 2019”).
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Key Financial and Operating Data
We measure our business using both financial and operating data and use the following metrics and measures to assess the near-term and long-term performance of our overall business, including identifying trends, formulating financial projections, making strategic decisions, assessing operational efficiencies, and monitoring our business.
| Fiscal Year | % change | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands, except net sales per active customer and percentages) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2021 vs. 2020 | 2020 vs. 2019 | ||||||||||||
| Financial and Operating Data | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 8,890,773 | $ | 7,146,264 | $ | 4,846,743 | 24.4 | % | 47.4 | % | |||||||
| Net loss (1) | $ | (73,817) | $ | (92,486) | $ | (252,370) | 20.2 | % | 63.4 | % | |||||||
| Net margin (1) | (0.8) | % | (1.3) | % | (5.2) | % | |||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA(2) | $ | 78,552 | $ | 85,157 | $ | (81,025) | (7.8) | % | 205.1 | % | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin(2) | 0.9 | % | 1.2 | % | (1.7) | % | |||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 191,739 | $ | 132,755 | $ | 46,581 | 44.4 | % | 185.0 | % | |||||||
| Free cash flow(2) | $ | 8,553 | $ | 2,012 | $ | (2,055) | n/m | 197.9 | % | ||||||||
| Active customers | 20,663 | 19,206 | 13,459 | 7.6 | % | 42.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Net sales per active customer | $ | 430 | $ | 372 | $ | 360 | 15.6 | % | 3.3 | % | |||||||
| Autoship customer sales | $ | 6,245,011 | $ | 4,889,485 | $ | 3,362,835 | 27.7 | % | 45.4 | % | |||||||
| Autoship customer sales as a percentage of net sales | 70.2 | % | 68.4 | % | 69.4 | % | |||||||||||
| n/m - not meaningful | |||||||||||||||||
| (1) Includes share-based compensation expense, including related taxes, of $85.3 million, $129.2 million, and $136.2 million, for Fiscal Year 2021, Fiscal Year 2020, and Fiscal Year 2019, respectively. | |||||||||||||||||
| (2) Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below. |
We define net margin as net loss divided by net sales and adjusted EBITDA margin as adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin
To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, we have disclosed here and elsewhere in this
10-K Report adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure that we calculate as net income (loss) excluding depreciation and amortization; share-based compensation expense and related taxes; income tax provision; interest income (expense), net; management fee expense; transaction related costs; and litigation matters and other items that we do not consider representative of our underlying operations. We have provided a reconciliation below of adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
We have included adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin in this 10-K Report because each is a key measure used by our management and board of directors to evaluate our operating performance, generate future operating plans and make strategic decisions regarding the allocation of capital. In particular, the exclusion of certain expenses in calculating adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin facilitates operating performance comparability across reporting periods by removing the effect of non-cash expenses and certain variable charges. Accordingly, we believe that adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors.
We believe it is useful to exclude non-cash charges, such as depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense and management fee expense from our adjusted EBITDA because the amount of such expenses in any specific period may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations. We believe it is useful to exclude income tax provision; interest income (expense), net; transaction related costs; and litigation matters and other items which are not components of our core business operations. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as a financial measure and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:
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•although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future and adjusted EBITDA does not reflect capital expenditure requirements for such replacements or for new capital expenditures;
•adjusted EBITDA does not reflect share-based compensation and related taxes. Share-based compensation has been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, a recurring expense in our business and an important part of our compensation strategy;
•adjusted EBITDA does not reflect interest income (expense), net; or changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital;
•adjusted EBITDA does not reflect transaction related costs and other items which are either not representative of our underlying operations or are incremental costs that result from an actual or planned transaction and include litigation matters, integration consulting fees, internal salaries and wages (to the extent the individuals are assigned full-time to integration and transformation activities) and certain costs related to integrating and converging IT systems; and
•other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate adjusted EBITDA differently, which reduces its usefulness as a comparative measure.
Because of these limitations, you should consider adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin alongside other financial performance measures, including various cash flow metrics, net loss, net margin, and our other GAAP results.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net loss to adjusted EBITDA, as well as the calculation of net margin and adjusted EBITDA margin, for each of the periods indicated.
| ($ in thousands, except percentages) | Fiscal Year | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| Net loss | $ | (73,817) | $ | (92,486) | $ | (252,370) | ||||
| Add (deduct): | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 55,009 | 35,664 | 30,645 | |||||||
| Share-based compensation expense and related taxes | 85,308 | 129,208 | 136,237 | |||||||
| Interest expense (income), net | 1,639 | 2,022 | (356) | |||||||
| Management fee expense(1) | — | 1,300 | 1,300 | |||||||
| Transaction related costs | 2,423 | 2,369 | 1,396 | |||||||
| Other | 7,990 | 7,080 | 2,123 | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 78,552 | $ | 85,157 | $ | (81,025) | ||||
| Net sales | $ | 8,890,773 | $ | 7,146,264 | $ | 4,846,743 | ||||
| Net Margin | (0.8) | % | (1.3) | % | (5.2) | % | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 0.9 | % | 1.2 | % | (1.7) | % | ||||
| (1) Management fee expense allocated to us by PetSmart LLC (“PetSmart”) for organizational oversight and certain limited corporate functions provided by its sponsors. Although we are not a party to the agreement governing the management fee, this management fee is reflected as an expense in our consolidated financial statements during Fiscal Year 2020 and Fiscal Year 2019, respectively. |
Free Cash Flow
To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, we have also disclosed here and elsewhere in this 10-K Report free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure that we calculate as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures (which consist of purchases of property and equipment, capitalization of labor related to our website, mobile applications, and software development, and leasehold improvements). We have provided a reconciliation below of free cash flow to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
We have included free cash flow in this 10-K Report because it is used by our management and board of directors as an important indicator of our liquidity as it measures the amount of cash we generate. Accordingly, we believe that free cash flow provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors.
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Free cash flow has limitations as a financial measure and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. There are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures, including that other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate free cash flow differently. Because of these limitations, you should consider free cash flow alongside other financial performance measures, including net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, capital expenditures and our other GAAP results.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow for each of the periods indicated.
| ($ in thousands) | Fiscal Year | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 191,739 | $ | 132,755 | $ | 46,581 | ||||
| Deduct: | ||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | (183,186) | (130,743) | (48,636) | |||||||
| Free Cash Flow | $ | 8,553 | $ | 2,012 | $ | (2,055) |
Free cash flow may be affected in the near to medium term by the timing of capital investments (such as the launch of new fulfillment centers, customer service centers, and corporate offices and purchases of IT and other equipment), fluctuations in our growth and the effect of such fluctuations on working capital, and changes in our cash conversion cycle due to increases or decreases of vendor payment terms as well as inventory turnover.
Key Operating Metrics
Active Customers
As of the last date of each reporting period, we determine our number of active customers by counting the total number of individual customers who have ordered a product or service, and for whom a product has shipped or for whom a service has been provided, at least once during the preceding 364-day period. The change in active customers in a reporting period captures both the inflow of new customers as well as the outflow of customers who have not made a purchase in the last 364 days. We view the number of active customers as a key indicator of our growth—acquisition and retention of customers—as a result of our marketing efforts and the value we provide to our customers. The number of active customers has grown over time as we acquired new customers and retained previously acquired customers.
Net Sales Per Active Customer
We define net sales per active customer as the aggregate net sales for the preceding four fiscal quarters, divided by the total number of active customers at the end of that period. We view net sales per active customer as a key indicator of our customers’ purchasing patterns, including their initial and repeat purchase behavior.
Autoship and Autoship Customer Sales
We define Autoship customers as customers in a given fiscal quarter that had an order shipped through our Autoship subscription program during the preceding 364-day period. We define Autoship as our subscription program, which provides automatic ordering, payment, and delivery of products to our customers. We view our Autoship subscription program as a key driver of recurring net sales and customer retention. For a given fiscal quarter, Autoship customer sales consist of sales and shipping revenues from all Autoship subscription program purchases and purchases outside of the Autoship subscription program by Autoship customers, excluding taxes collected from customers, excluding any refund allowance, and net of any promotional offers (such as percentage discounts off current purchases and other similar offers) for that quarter. For a given fiscal year, Autoship customer sales equal the sum of the Autoship customer sales for each of the fiscal quarters in that fiscal year.
Autoship Customer Sales as a Percentage of Net Sales
We define Autoship customer sales as a percentage of net sales as the Autoship customer sales in a given reporting period divided by the net sales from all orders in that period. We view Autoship customer sales as a percentage of net sales as a key indicator of our recurring sales and customer retention.
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Components of Results of Consolidated Operations
Net Sales
We derive net sales primarily from sales of both third-party brand and proprietary brand pet food, pet products, pet medications and other pet health products, and related shipping fees. Sales of third-party brand and proprietary brand pet food, pet products and shipping revenues are recorded when products are shipped, net of promotional discounts and refund allowances. Taxes collected from customers are excluded from net sales. Net sales is primarily driven by growth of new customers and active customers, and the frequency with which customers purchase and subscribe to our Autoship subscription program.
We also periodically provide promotional offers, including discount offers, such as percentage discounts off current purchases and other similar offers. These offers are treated as a reduction to the purchase price of the related transaction and are reflected as a net amount in net sales.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold consists of the cost of third-party brand and proprietary brand products sold to customers, inventory freight, shipping supply costs, inventory shrinkage costs, and inventory valuation adjustments, offset by reductions for promotions and percentage or volume rebates offered by our vendors, which may depend on reaching minimum purchase thresholds. Generally, amounts received from vendors are considered a reduction of the carrying value of inventory and are ultimately reflected as a reduction of cost of goods sold.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of payroll and related expenses for employees involved in general corporate functions, including accounting, finance, tax, legal and human resources; costs associated with use by these functions, such as depreciation expense and rent relating to facilities and equipment; professional fees and other general corporate costs; share-based compensation; and fulfillment costs.
Fulfillment costs represent costs incurred in operating and staffing fulfillment and customer service centers, including costs attributable to buying, receiving, inspecting and warehousing inventories; picking, packaging and preparing customer orders for shipment; payment processing; and responding to inquiries from customers. Included within fulfillment costs are merchant processing fees charged by third parties that provide merchant processing services for credit cards.
Advertising and Marketing
Advertising and marketing expenses consist of advertising and payroll related expenses for personnel engaged in marketing, business development and selling activities.
Presentation of Results of Consolidated Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following discussion and analysis of our Results of Consolidated Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources includes a comparison of Fiscal Year 2021 to Fiscal Year 2020. A similar discussion and analysis which compares Fiscal Year 2020 to Fiscal Year 2019 may be found in the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our annual report filed with the SEC on March 30, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.
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Results of Consolidated Operations
The following tables set forth our results of operations for the fiscal years presented and express the relationship of certain line items as a percentage of net sales for those periods. The period-to-period comparison of financial results is not necessarily indicative of future results.
| Fiscal Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % change | % of net sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2021 vs. 2020 | 2020 vs. 2019 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 8,890,773 | $ | 7,146,264 | $ | 4,846,743 | 24.4 | % | 47.4 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Costs of goods sold | 6,517,191 | 5,325,457 | 3,702,683 | 22.4 | % | 43.8 | % | 73.3 | % | 74.5 | % | 76.4 | % | |||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 2,373,582 | 1,820,807 | 1,144,060 | 30.4 | % | 59.2 | % | 26.7 | % | 25.5 | % | 23.6 | % | |||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 1,826,858 | 1,397,969 | 969,890 | 30.7 | % | 44.1 | % | 20.5 | % | 19.6 | % | 20.0 | % | |||||||||||||
| Advertising and marketing | 618,902 | 513,302 | 426,896 | 20.6 | % | 20.2 | % | 7.0 | % | 7.2 | % | 8.8 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 2,445,760 | 1,911,271 | 1,396,786 | 28.0 | % | 36.8 | % | 27.5 | % | 26.7 | % | 28.8 | % | |||||||||||||
| Loss from operations | (72,178) | (90,464) | (252,726) | 20.2 | % | 64.2 | % | (0.8) | % | (1.3) | % | (5.2) | % | |||||||||||||
| Interest (expense) income, net | (1,639) | (2,022) | 356 | 18.9 | % | n/m | — | % | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||
| Loss before income tax provision | (73,817) | (92,486) | (252,370) | 20.2 | % | 63.4 | % | (0.8) | % | (1.3) | % | (5.2) | % | |||||||||||||
| Income tax provision | — | — | — | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (73,817) | $ | (92,486) | $ | (252,370) | 20.2 | % | 63.4 | % | (0.8) | % | (1.3) | % | (5.2) | % | ||||||||||
| n/m - not meaningful |
Net Sales
| Fiscal Year | 2021 vs. 2020 | 2020 vs. 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | $ Change | % Change | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||
| Consumables | $ | 6,102,367 | $ | 4,967,673 | $ | 3,596,778 | $ | 1,134,694 | 22.8 | % | $ | 1,370,895 | 38.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Hardgoods | 1,305,937 | 1,153,639 | 705,087 | 152,298 | 13.2 | % | 448,552 | 63.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other | 1,482,469 | 1,024,952 | 544,878 | 457,517 | 44.6 | % | 480,074 | 88.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 8,890,773 | $ | 7,146,264 | $ | 4,846,743 | $ | 1,744,509 | 24.4 | % | $ | 2,299,521 | 47.4 | % |
Net sales for Fiscal Year 2021 increased by $1.7 billion, or 24.4%, to $8.9 billion compared to $7.1 billion for Fiscal Year 2020. This increase was primarily due to growth of our active customer base and increased spending per customer. Our active customer base increased by 1.5 million, or 7.6%, year-over-year. In addition, net sales per active customer increased $58, or 15.6%, to $430 in Fiscal Year 2021 compared to Fiscal Year 2020, driven by ongoing catalog expansion and growth led by our consumables and healthcare businesses.
Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Profit
Cost of goods sold for Fiscal Year 2021 increased by $1.2 billion, or 22.4%, to $6.5 billion compared to $5.3 billion in Fiscal Year 2020. This increase was primarily due to a 21.9% increase in orders shipped and associated product, outbound freight, and shipping supply costs. The increase in cost of goods sold was lower than the increase in net sales on a percentage basis, primarily as a result of a change in mix of sales and continued gains in supply chain efficiencies as we scale.
Gross profit for Fiscal Year 2021 increased by $552.8 million, or 30.4%, to $2.4 billion compared to $1.8 billion in Fiscal Year 2020. This increase was primarily due to the year-over-year increase in net sales as described above. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for Fiscal Year 2021 increased by approximately 120 basis points compared to Fiscal Year 2020, primarily due to margin expansion across our consumables, hardgoods, and healthcare businesses.
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Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses for Fiscal Year 2021 increased by $428.9 million, or 30.7%, to $1.8 billion compared to $1.4 billion in Fiscal Year 2020. This increase was primarily due to an increase of $280.1 million in fulfillment costs largely attributable to increased investments to support the overall growth of our business, including the costs associated with the opening and operating of new fulfillment centers in Archbald, Pennsylvania, Belton, Missouri, Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, and Salisbury, North Carolina, a customer service center in Dallas, Texas, growth of fulfillment and customer service headcount, as well as expanded investments in wages and benefits and higher recruiting costs for fulfillment and customer service team members. Facilities expenses and other general and administrative expenses increased by $192.3 million, primarily due to the opening of a new corporate office in Seattle, Washington, increased headcount as a result of business growth, and expenses related to ongoing IT initiatives to support our customers and team members, including the migration to cloud-based IT systems. These increases were partially offset by a $43.5 million reduction in non-cash share-based compensation expense.
Advertising and Marketing
Advertising and marketing expenses for Fiscal Year 2021 increased by $105.6 million, or 20.6%, to $618.9 million compared to $513.3 million in Fiscal Year 2020. The increase was primarily due to higher advertising and marketing spend in existing channels, due in part to an increase in advertising input costs since the pandemic-lows seen in the first half of Fiscal Year 2020, as well as expanding our advertising and marketing to new channels. Our marketing efforts and investments led to the addition of 1.5 million active customers during Fiscal Year 2021.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We finance our operations and capital expenditures primarily through cash flows generated by operations and equity offerings. Our principal sources of liquidity are expected to be our cash and cash equivalents and our revolving credit facility. Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of cash on deposit with banks and investments in money market funds, U.S. Treasury securities, certificates of deposit, and commercial paper. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $603.1 million as of January 30, 2022, an increase of $39.7 million from January 31, 2021.
We believe that our cash and cash equivalents and availability under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund our working capital, capital expenditure requirements, and contractual obligations for at least the next twelve months. In addition, we may choose to raise additional funds at any time through equity or debt financing arrangements, which may or may not be needed for additional working capital, capital expenditures or other strategic investments. Our opinions concerning liquidity are based on currently available information. To the extent this information proves to be inaccurate, or if circumstances change, future availability of trade credit or other sources of financing may be reduced and our liquidity could be adversely affected. Our future capital requirements and the adequacy of available funds will depend on many factors, including those described in the section titled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this 10-K Report. Depending on the severity and direct impact of these factors on us, we may be unable to secure additional financing to meet our operating requirements on terms favorable to us, or at all.
We have contractual obligations and other commitments that will need to be funded in the future, in addition to our working capital, capital expenditures and other strategic initiatives. Material contractual obligations generally relate to operating and real estate lease obligations.
Operating and real estate lease obligations relate to fulfillment and customer service centers, corporate offices and certain equipment under non-cancelable operating leases, which expire at various dates through 2034. Real estate obligations include legally binding minimum lease payments for operating lease arrangements which have not yet commenced. As of January 30, 2022, operating and real estate lease obligations included legally binding minimum lease payments of $943.3 million. For additional information related to real estate and operating leases, see Note 6 – Leases, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
Initial Public Offering
During Fiscal Year 2019, we closed our initial public offering (“IPO”), in which we issued and sold 5.6 million shares of our Class A common stock at a public offering price of $22.00 per share, raising $110.3 million in net proceeds after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and offering costs of $6.2 million. For additional information, see Note 7 – Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit), in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
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2020 Equity Offering
During Fiscal Year 2020, we issued and sold 5,865,000 shares of Class A common stock at a public offering price of $54.40 per share, raising $318.4 million in net proceeds after deducting offering costs of $0.6 million. For additional information, see Note 7 – Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit), in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
Cash Flows
| Fiscal Year | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 191,739 | $ | 132,755 | $ | 46,581 | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (193,272) | $ | (123,695) | $ | (49,861) | ||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | $ | 41,267 | $ | 342,197 | $ | 127,037 |
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $191.7 million for Fiscal Year 2021, which primarily consisted of $73.8 million of net loss, non-cash adjustments such as depreciation and amortization expense of $55.0 million and share-based compensation expense of $77.8 million, and a cash increase of $141.7 million from the management of working capital. Cash increases from working capital were primarily driven by an increase in other current liabilities and payables, partially offset by an increase in inventories, receivables, and other current assets.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $132.8 million for Fiscal Year 2020, which primarily consisted of $92.5 million of net loss, non-cash adjustments such as depreciation and amortization expense of $35.7 million and share-based compensation expense of $121.3 million, and a cash increase of $56.8 million from the management of working capital. Cash increases from working capital were primarily driven by an increase in fulfillment and payroll liabilities and payables, partially offset by an increase in inventories.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $193.3 million for Fiscal Year 2021, primarily consisting of $183.2 million of capital expenditures and $10.1 million for the acquisition of rights to developed technology intangible assets. Capital expenditures were related to the launch of new fulfillment centers, the launch and expansion of corporate offices, and the capitalization of labor and license costs associated with software development for internal use.
Net cash used in investing activities was $123.7 million for Fiscal Year 2020, primarily consisting of $130.7 million of capital expenditures partially offset by $9.0 million of cash reimbursements, net of advances from PetSmart. Capital expenditures were related to the launch of new fulfillment centers, the expansion of corporate and customer service offices, and additional investments in IT hardware and software.
Financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $41.3 million for Fiscal Year 2021 primarily consisting of $43.7 million received pursuant to the tax sharing agreement with related parties, partially offset by the payment of debt modification costs and principal repayments of finance lease obligations.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $342.2 million for Fiscal Year 2020, primarily consisting of $318.4 million of proceeds from our equity offering in September 2020, net of offering costs and $23.2 million received pursuant to the tax sharing agreement with related parties.
ABL Credit Facility
On June 18, 2019, we entered into a 5-year senior secured asset-backed credit facility (the “ABL Credit Facility”) which provides for non-amortizing revolving loans, subject to a borrowing base comprised of, among other things, inventory and sales receivables (subject to certain reserves). The ABL Credit Facility provides the right to request incremental commitments and add incremental asset-based revolving loan facilities subject to customary conditions.
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On August 27, 2021, we amended the ABL Credit Facility to increase the aggregate principal amount to be up to $500 million and increase the amount available for incremental asset-based revolving loan facilities to $300 million. In addition, the amendments resulted in a fixed 0.25% commitment fee with respect to the undrawn portion of the commitments. The ABL Credit Facility now matures in August 2026. Based on our borrowing base as of January 30, 2022, which is reduced by standby letters of credit, we had $462.9 million of borrowing capacity under the ABL Credit Facility. As of January 30, 2022, we had no outstanding borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility.
For additional information with respect to our ABL Credit Facility, see Note 5 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures requires us to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net sales, costs and expenses and related disclosures. We believe that the estimates, assumptions and judgments involved in the accounting policies described below involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have the greatest potential impact on our financial condition and results of operations and, therefore, we consider these to be our critical accounting policies. Accordingly, we evaluate our estimates, assumptions, and judgments on an ongoing basis. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions, judgments, and conditions. See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this 10-K Report for a description of our significant accounting policies as well as a description of recently adopted accounting pronouncements and recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted as of the date of this 10-K Report.
Share-Based Compensation
We measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for a grant of a share-based award using the grant-date fair value of the award. For grants of restricted stock units subject to service-based and company performance-based vesting conditions, the fair value is established based on the market price on the date of the grant. The fair value of restricted stock unit grants subject to market-based vesting conditions is determined on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo model to simulate total stockholder return for Chewy and peer companies. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.
The Monte Carlo simulation requires the use of several variables to estimate the grant-date fair value of our share-based compensation awards including our stock price and a number of assumptions, including volatility, performance period, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends. The risk-free interest rate utilized is based on a 5-year term-matched zero-coupon U.S. Treasury security yield at the time of grant. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the stock of our peer companies.
Income Taxes
Estimates of deferred income taxes reflect management’s assessment of actual future taxes to be paid on items reflected in the consolidated financial statements, giving consideration to both timing and the probability of realization. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law, state income tax apportionment or the outcome of any review of our tax returns by the IRS, as well as actual operating results that may vary significantly from anticipated results. For additional information on deferred tax assets and liabilities, see Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”, Note 9 – Income Taxes.
We also recognize liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on the two-step process prescribed by the accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes. We determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination. The tax benefit of any tax position that meets the more likely than not recognition threshold is calculated as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon resolution of the contingency. This measurement step is inherently difficult and requires subjective estimations of such amounts to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. We consider many factors when evaluating and estimating our tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments and may not accurately anticipate actual outcomes.
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Information regarding recent accounting pronouncements is included in Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”, Note 2 in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” of this 10-K Report.