BlueLinx Holdings Inc.
2024 Annual Report
Dear Shareholders,
In 2024, we delivered solid full year results despite operating in another year where rising interest rates, home affordability concerns
and macroeconomic uncertainty have adversely impacted demand in the housing and building products sector.
Our strategy continues to position us well to take advantage of the long-term potential of the housing and building products sector.
Specifically, we continue to execute our three-pronged growth strategy: growing specialty product sales, expanding our business
via greenfields, and pursuing opportunistic mergers and acquisitions. Key to this strategy will be our ongoing focus on expanding
product offerings and optimizing channel strategies to drive sustainable profitable sales growth.
Specialty products continued to have strong performance and solid volume growth, and structural products continued to perform
well. For 2024, we generated net sales of $3.0 billion with specialty products accounting for approximately 70% of net sales and
80% of our gross profit, and with specialty products also delivering gross margins of 19.4%. Structural products performed well
and continue to complement our core specialty product categories, while remaining a key component of our full product offering.
We successfully executed our local and national market share gain strategies, evidenced by multi-family growth, the expansion of
product lines with key national accounts, the introduction of branded product lines into new geographic markets, and the launches
of new product lines. Additionally, we announced our first greenfield branch in Portland, Oregon, in November 2024, and continue
to search for suitable real estate in attractive metropolitan statistical areas where we do not currently have a local market presence.
In 2024 we commenced our multi-year digital transformation journey to become the most technologically advanced two-step
distributor of building products in the United States, with phase one investments tied to the rearchitecting of our master data, the
implementation of a new transportation management system, and the launch of a pilot e-commerce solution.
Our financial position remains strong, ending the year with $506 million cash on hand, and total available liquidity of
$852 million. We also generated operating cash flow of $85 million in 2024. During 2024, we also continued to demonstrate our
commitment to returning capital to our shareholders by completing $45 million in share repurchases under our $100 million share
repurchase authorization.
I am proud of my BlueLinx teammates for their continued dedication to delivering what matters, their perseverance despite
market headwinds and their relentless efforts to meet the needs of our customers and suppliers. Our teams remain committed to
generating more profitable specialty and structural product sales, increasing our market share, producing solid returns on
working capital and positioning BlueLinx for long-term success. With strong liquidity and minimal net debt, we remain well
positioned to execute our long-term growth strategy and to return capital to you, our valued shareholders.
We look forward to a strong 2025 and appreciate your continued support of BlueLinx.
Shyam Reddy
President and CEO
BlueLinx Holdings Inc.
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
☑
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from___________to ___________
Commission file number: 001-32383
BlueLinx Holdings Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
77-0627356
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1950 Spectrum Circle, Suite 300
Marietta GA
30067
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 770-953-7000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act
Title of each class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share
BXC
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No ☑
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No ☑
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past
90 days. Yes ☑ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T
(§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☑ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth
company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
☑
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer
☐
Smaller reporting company
☐
Emerging growth company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised
financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial
reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☑
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the
registrant included in the fling reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the
registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §232.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☑
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 29, 2024, was $785,683,882, based on the closing price on
the New York Stock Exchange of $93.09 per share on June 28, 2024.
As of February 14, 2025, the registrant had 8,294,928 shares of common stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Specifically identified portions of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporate by reference to the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2025 annual
meeting of shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the close of the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024.
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
For the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
ITEM 1
Business
4
ITEM 1A
Risk Factors
9
ITEM 1B
Unresolved Staff Comments
21
ITEM 1C
Cybersecurity
21
ITEM 2
Properties
22
ITEM 3
Legal Proceedings
22
ITEM 4
Mine Safety Disclosures
23
PART II
ITEM 5
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
24
ITEM 6
[Reserved]
25
ITEM 7
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
26
ITEM 7A
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
36
ITEM 8
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
37
ITEM 9
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
75
ITEM 9A
Controls and Procedures
75
ITEM 9B
Other Information
77
ITEM 9C
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
77
PART III
ITEM 10
Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
78
ITEM 11
Executive Compensation
78
ITEM 12
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
78
ITEM 13
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
79
ITEM 14
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
79
PART IV
ITEM 15
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
80
ITEM 16
Form 10-K Summary
83
Signatures
84
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As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, “BlueLinx,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to BlueLinx
Holdings Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Reference to “fiscal 2024” refers to the 52-week period ending December 28,
2024. Reference to “fiscal 2023” refers to the 52-week period ended December 30, 2023. Reference to “fiscal 2022” refers to
the 52-week period ended December 31, 2022.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report” or “Form 10-K”) contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements include, without limitation, any statements that predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance,
liquidity levels or achievements, and may contain the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “could,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,”
“may,” “project,” “plan,” “should,” “will,” “will be,” “will likely continue,” “will likely result,” “would,” or words or phrases
of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by our management that,
although believed by us to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties
that may cause our business, strategy, or actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. These risks and
uncertainties include those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A, those discussed under the heading
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II, Item 7, and those
discussed elsewhere in this report and in future reports that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We operate
in a changing environment in which new risks can emerge from time to time. It is not possible for management to predict all of
these risks, nor can it assess the extent to which any factor, or a combination of factors, may cause our business, strategy, or
actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, we
caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are made only as of the
date hereof, and we expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General
BlueLinx is a leading wholesale distributor of residential and commercial building products in the United States. We are a
“two-step” distributor. Two-step distributors purchase products from manufacturers and distribute those products to dealers and
other suppliers in local markets, who then sell those products to end users. We carry a broad portfolio of both branded and
private-label stock keeping units (“SKUs”) across two principal product categories: specialty products and structural products.
Specialty products include items such as engineered wood, siding, millwork, outdoor living products, specialty lumber and
panels, and industrial products. Structural products include items such as lumber, plywood, oriented strand board, rebar, and
remesh. We also provide a wide range of value-added services and solutions aimed at relieving distribution and logistics
challenges for our customers and suppliers, while enhancing their marketing and inventory management capabilities.
We have a strong market position and a broad geographic coverage footprint servicing all 50 states. We operate our business
from 65 warehouse and storage facilities, allowing us to serve 75 percent of the highest growth metropolitan statistical areas as
it relates to forecasted housing starts and repair and remodel spend. We also have a corporate headquarters facility located near
Atlanta in Marietta, GA. With the strength of a locally focused sales force, we distribute a comprehensive range of products
from over 750 suppliers. Our suppliers include some of the leading manufacturers in the industry, such as Allura, Arauco,
Fiberon, Georgia-Pacific, Huber Engineered Woods, Louisiana-Pacific, Oldcastle APG, Ply Gem, Roseburg, Royal and
Weyerhaeuser. We supply products to a broad base of customers including national home centers, pro dealers, cooperatives,
specialty distributors, regional and local dealers and industrial manufacturers. Many of our customers serve residential and
commercial builders, contractors and remodelers in their respective geographic areas and local markets.
As a value-added partner in a complex and demanding building products supply chain, we play a critical role in enabling our
customers to offer a broad range of products and brands, as most of our customers do not have the capability to purchase
warehouse products directly from manufacturers for such a large set of SKUs or do not have enough space to store large bulky
building materials that we sell. The depth of our geographic footprint supports meaningful customer proximity across all the
markets in which we operate, enabling faster and more efficient service. Similarly, we provide value to our supplier partners by
enabling access to the large and fragmented network of lumber yards and dealers these suppliers could not adequately serve
directly. Our position in this distribution model for building products provides easy access to the marketplace for our suppliers
and a value proposition of rapid delivery on an as-needed basis to our customers from our network of warehouse facilities.
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Our Strategy
We remain committed to driving profitable sales growth within new and existing product lines and geographies, while
positioning our Company for long-term value creation. The following strategic initiatives represent key areas of our
management team’s focus:
1.
Growing our higher-margin specialty product categories. We continue to pursue a revenue mix weighted towards
higher-margin, specialty product categories such as engineered wood, siding, millwork, outdoor living products,
specialty lumber and panels, and industrial products. Additionally, we are expanding our value-added service offerings
designed to simplify complex customer sourcing requirements.
2.
Increase share gain in local and national markets. We continue to pursue multi-family project growth, expand our
product lines with key national accounts, expand branded product lines into new geographic markets, and launch new
product lines. With our expanded product categories, and our strategic vendor relationships, we seek to be an extension
of our customers’ business in a scalable way.
3.
Foster a performance-driven culture committed to business excellence and profitable growth to be the provider
of choice for both suppliers and customers. We seek to improve the customer experience through enhanced tools,
value-added services, and technology enablement, accelerating organic growth within specific product and solutions
offerings where we are uniquely advantaged; increase our performance by leveraging our scale and national footprint
together with pricing, operational and procurement capabilities, and deploy capital to drive sustained margin
expansion, grow cash flow and maintain continued profitable growth.
4.
Maintain a disciplined capital structure and pursue strategic investments that increase the value of our
Company. We continue to strategically target acquisition opportunities that grow our higher-margin specialty products
business, expand our geographic reach, or complement our existing capabilities. We also continue to evaluate and
identify additional markets that are potential opportunities for new market development. We further seek to maintain a
disciplined capital structure while at the same time investing in our business to modernize our distribution facilities, as
well as our tractor and trailer fleet, and to improve operational performance. During the 2024 fiscal year, we allocated
$85.1 million of capital towards the following transactions, both of which were funded with the Company’s cash and
cash equivalents:
•
We invested $40.1 million in capital for our business to improve operational performance and productivity.
•
We repurchased 428,630 shares of our common stock for $45.0 million under our share repurchase programs
at an average price of $104.90 per share, including broker commissions but excluding federal excise tax.
We distribute products in two principal categories: specialty products and structural products. Specialty products, which
represented approximately 69 percent, 70 percent, and 65 percent of our fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023, and fiscal 2022 net sales,
respectively, include primarily engineered wood, siding, millwork, outdoor living products, specialty lumber and panels, and
industrial products. In some cases, these products are branded by us. Structural products, which represented approximately 31
percent, 30 percent, and 35 percent of our fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023, and fiscal 2022 net sales, respectively, include lumber,
plywood, oriented strand board, rebar, and remesh and other wood products primarily used for structural support in construction
projects. Our structural products are commodity products.
We also provide a wide range of value-added services and solutions to our customers and suppliers including:
•
providing “less-than-truckload” delivery services;
•
job site delivery services;
•
pre-negotiated program pricing plans;
•
inventory stocking;
•
automated order processing through an electronic data interchange, or “EDI,” that provides a direct link between us
and our customers;
•
intermodal distribution services, including railcar unloading and cargo reloading onto customers’ trucks;
•
milling and fabrication services; and
•
backhaul services, when otherwise empty trucks are returning from customer deliveries.
Distribution Channels
We sell products through three main distribution channels, consisting of warehouse sales, reload sales, and direct sales.
Warehouse sales generate the majority of our sales, are delivered from our warehouses to our customers. Reload sales are
similar to warehouse sales but are shipped from non-warehouse locations, most of which are operated by third parties, where
5
we store owned products to enhance operating efficiencies. This channel is employed primarily to service strategic customers
that would be less economical to service from our warehouses, and to distribute large volumes of imported products from port
facilities. Together, warehouse and reload sales accounted for approximately 80 percent, 83 percent, and 82 percent of our fiscal
2024, fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 Net sales, respectively.
Direct sales are shipped from the manufacturer to the customer without our taking physical possession of the inventory and, as a
result, typically generate lower margins than our warehouse and reload distribution channels. This distribution channel,
however, requires the lowest amount of committed capital and fixed costs. Direct sales accounted for approximately 20 percent,
17 percent, and 18 percent of our fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023, and fiscal 2022 Net sales, respectively.
Human Capital
Our Associates
Our associates are the foundation of our business and are critical to the execution of our strategy. BlueLinx has a high-
performance culture where associates are expected to live every day by our core values of collaboration, respect, integrity, grit,
and being customer centric .
As of December 28, 2024, we employed approximately 2,000 associates and less than one percent of our associates is employed
on a part-time basis. Approximately 20% of our associates are represented by various local labor unions with terms and
conditions of employment governed by Collective Bargaining Agreements (“CBAs”). Six CBAs covering approximately six
percent of our associates are up for renewal in fiscal year 2025, of which one is currently in the renegotiation process. We
expect to renegotiate the remainder before their renewal dates.
We are committed to ensuring that our associates feel like they matter to BlueLinx, and we manage the business in a manner
that fosters this commitment. We strongly believe that our corporate culture depends on our associates’ engagement and
understanding of their contribution to the fulfillment of our purpose and the achievement of our strategic imperatives, vision,
and mission. Annually, we conduct a comprehensive employee survey that addresses our progress on these matters. In the most
section of our associates.
Our CEO, along with other executives, conducts periodic leadership town halls where associates are invited to engage with
senior leadership. Additionally, our leaders engage directly with associates through facility visits.
We also use our compensation review process, our compensation framework, and third-party compensation data in an effort to
compensate associates in the same job, level and location fairly regardless of gender, race and ethnicity. If we identify
discrepancies between actual compensation and our policies, we take action to make pay adjustments to close identified gaps. In
addition, we support several employee resource groups that facilitate social, development, and community interaction in our
workforce.
Safety
We are committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our associates. We have established uniform safety
and compliance procedures for our operations and implemented measures designed to prevent workplace injuries. Our proactive
safety programs focus on job hazard identification and prevention, coupled with extensive on-going job-specific training. For
example, material handlers and Department of Transportation (“DOT”) registered drivers follow a monthly individualized
training curriculum, including knowledge testing, for injury and accident prevention. In addition, depending on the nature and
requirements of their role, new hires and contract employees undergo safety training along with specific hands-on training
during their initial onboarding. We also administer post injury/accident corrective action supplemental training as needed and
dictated by our root cause investigations. Accidents and injuries are investigated with corrective actions implemented locally
and communicated to key operations personnel across the enterprise to help prevent future occurrences. In order to enhance the
safety of our material handling fleet, during fiscal 2024 and 2023 we made significant investments in refreshing our forklifts
across our network. These enhancements allow more efficient operations and include enhanced safety features such as clean
electric technology, automated collision detection systems, blue spotlights and multi-facing cameras. Our newest tractors are
equipped with collision avoidance systems, dashboard cameras, speed monitoring, blind spot detection and lane departure
warning technology. Our newest tractors and trailers are both equipped with disc-type brakes to improve stopping distance and
driver control. We plan to continue to make significant investments in upgrading our over-the-road and material handling fleet
into fiscal 2025 and beyond.
6
recent annual employee survey, nearly 75% of our associates elected to participate, and this population represented a wide cross
Seasonality
We are exposed to fluctuations in quarterly sales volumes and expenses due to seasonal factors common in the building
products distribution industry, such as weather conditions and other seasonal factors. The first and fourth quarters are typically
our lower volume quarters due to the impact of unfavorable weather on residential repair and remodel activity and the
residential new home construction market. Our second and third quarters are typically our higher volume quarters, reflecting an
increase in repair and remodel activity and residential new home construction due to more favorable weather conditions.
Sustainability
In addition to participating in the Forestry Stewardship Council, an organization promoting environmentally appropriate,
socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests, we invested in electric forklifts during fiscal
2024 and 2023 in certain locations and expect to purchase more in fiscal 2025. We continue to make progress on utilizing more
fuel-efficient tractors in our fleet. We are also replacing our warehouse lighting systems with more environmentally friendly
lighting solutions and reducing our landfill waste by prioritizing recycling options, where available.
Competition
The U.S. building products distribution market is a highly fragmented market, served by national and multi-regional
distributors, regionally focused distributors, and independent local distributors. Local and regional distributors tend to be
closely held and often specialize in a limited number of product segments, in which they may offer a broader selection of
products. Some of our national and multi-regional competitors are part of larger companies and, therefore, may have access to
greater financial and other resources than those to which we have access. We compete on the basis of breadth of product
offering, consistent availability of product, product price and quality, reputation, service, and distribution facility location.
Three of our largest competitors are Boise Cascade Company, Weyerhaeuser Company, and Specialty Building Products. Most
major markets in which we operate are served by the distribution arm of at least one of these companies.
Governmental Regulations
The Company is subject to various federal, state, provincial, and local laws, rules, and regulations. We are subject to the
requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”). In order to maintain
compliance with applicable OSHA requirements, we have established uniform safety and compliance procedures for our
operations, and implemented measures designed to prevent workplace injuries. Our safety programs focus on job hazard
identification and prevention, coupled with extensive on-going job-specific training. For example, material handlers and DOT-
registered drivers follow a monthly individualized training curriculum, with knowledge testing, for injury and accident
prevention. In addition, new hires and contract employees undergo safety training during their initial onboarding. We also
administer post injury/accident corrective action supplemental training as needed and dictated by our investigations. Accidents
and injuries are investigated with corrective actions implemented locally and communicated to key operations personnel across
the enterprise to help prevent future occurrences. As discussed above, in order to enhance the safety and capabilities of our
fleet, we made investments in upgrading our fleet in fiscal 2024 and 2023.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) regulates our operations in domestic interstate commerce. We are subject to
safety requirements governing interstate operations prescribed by DOT. We are also subject to the oversight of the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”). Additionally, vehicle dimensions and driver hours of service, among other
things, are subject to both federal and state regulation. Through a partnership with their local DOT enforcement agencies, our
branches continue to host DOT troopers to conduct training walk-around inspections of our equipment to supplement our
internal driver training efforts. The DOT troopers cover all dimensions of DOT compliance with specific focus on vehicle
maintenance and load securement safety requirements.
We also are subject to environmental laws, rules, and regulations that limit discharges into the environment, establish standards
for the handling, generation, emission, release, discharge, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, substances,
and wastes, and require cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater. These laws, ordinances, and regulations are complex,
can change frequently, and have become more stringent over time. Many of them provide for substantial fines and penalties,
orders (including orders to cease operations), and criminal sanctions for violations. They may also impose liability for property
damage and personal injury stemming from the presence of, or exposure to, hazardous substances. In addition, certain of our
operations require us to obtain, maintain compliance with, and periodically renew, environmental permits. We also continue to
proactively replace our diesel underground storage tanks based on their age to reduce the chance of fuel releases to the
environment.
Certain of these environmental laws, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(“CERCLA”), may require the investigation and cleanup of an entity’s or its predecessor’s current or former properties, even if
7
the associated contamination was caused by the operations of a third party. These laws also may require the investigation and
cleanup of third-party sites at which an entity or its predecessor sent hazardous waste for disposal, notwithstanding that the
original disposal activity accorded with applicable requirements. Liability under such laws may be imposed jointly and
severally, and regardless of fault.
We have incurred and will continue to incur costs to comply with the requirements of health and safety, transportation, and
environmental laws, ordinances, and regulations. These requirements could become more stringent in the future, and
compliance costs may become material.
Climate Change
Climate change presents potential risks and uncertainties for us. Weather-related events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes or
extreme temperature changes, can impact our operations and result in lost production, supply chain disruptions and increased
material costs. Some of our distribution centers are located in areas at greater risk of tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods. In
addition, the availability and price of the products we buy and sell may fluctuate during prolonged periods of heavy rain or
drought, fires or other unpredictable weather events. While unpredictable weather and other changes in climate can have a
negative impact on our business, changes in climate also could result in more accommodating weather patterns for longer
periods of time in certain areas. Extended periods of favorable weather can result in an increase in construction, and a
corresponding increase in the demand for our products. In addition, our operations could in the future be subject to regulations
related to climate change. To the extent that climate-related risks materialize, and if we are unprepared for them, we may incur
unexpected costs, which could have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. See Item
1A, Risk Factors for further discussion of the risks posed by climate change.
Securities Exchange Act Reports
The Company maintains a website at www.BlueLinxCo.com. The information on the Company’s website is not incorporated by
reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We make available on or through our website certain reports, and amendments
to those reports, that we file with or furnish to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in accordance with
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These include our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and proxy statements. Additionally, our code of conduct, the board committee
charter for each of our audit committee, human capital and compensation committee, and nominating and corporate governance
committee, and our corporate governance guidelines are available on our website. If we amend our code of conduct, or grant
any waiver, including any implicit waiver, for any board member, our chief executive officer, our chief financial officer, our
interim principal financial officer, or any other executive officer, we will disclose such amendment or waiver on our website.
We make information available on our website free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file the
information with, or furnish it to, the SEC. In addition, copies of this information will be made available, free of charge, on
written request, by writing to BlueLinx Holdings Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, 1950 Spectrum Circle, Suite 300, Marietta,
Georgia, 30067.
8
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information contained in this Form 10-K, including the information set forth in “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements and related notes, the
following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating our business. Our business, financial condition, or results of
operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we
currently deem immaterial may also impair our business and operations.
Industry Risks
Adverse housing market conditions may negatively impact our business, liquidity, and results of operations, and increase the
credit risk from our customers.
Our business depends on residential repair and remodel activity levels. Historically, residential repair and remodeling activity
has decreased in slow economic periods. General economic weakness, inflation, elevated unemployment levels, mortgage
delinquency and foreclosure rates, limitations in the availability of mortgage and home improvement financing, home equity
value declines and lower housing turnover all limit consumers’ spending, particularly on discretionary items, and affect their
confidence level leading to reduced spending on home improvement projects. Depressed activity levels in consumer spending
for home improvement construction would adversely affect our business, liquidity, results of operations, and financial position.
Furthermore, economic weakness causes unanticipated shifts in consumer preferences and purchasing practices and in the
business models and strategies of our customers. Such shifts may alter the nature and prices of products demanded by the end
consumer, and, in turn, our customers and could adversely affect our operating performance.
Our business is also dependent on the new residential construction market and, in particular, single family home construction.
Factors impacting the level of activity in the residential new construction markets include increases in interest rates, inflation,
unemployment rates, housing inventory, high foreclosure rates and unsold/foreclosure inventory, availability of financing and
mortgages, labor costs and availability, vacancy rates, local, state and federal government regulation (including mortgage
interest deductibility and other tax laws), weakening in the U.S. economy or of any regional or local economy in which we
operate, availability of supplies, consumer demand and preferences, and shifts in populations away from the markets that we
serve, all of which are beyond our control. Weakness in new residential construction due to any or all of these factors would
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results, and these factors may also result in
fluctuations in our operating results. As a result, our results for any historical period may not be indicative of results for any
future period.
In addition, we extend credit to numerous customers who are generally susceptible to the same economic business risks that we
are. Unfavorable housing market conditions could result in financial failures of one or more of our significant customers.
Furthermore, we may not be aware of deterioration in our customers’ financial position. If our larger customers’ financial
positions were to become impaired, our ability to fully collect receivables from such customers could be impaired and
negatively affect our operating results, cash flows, and liquidity.
Consolidation among competitors, suppliers, and customers could negatively impact our business.
Our competitors continue to consolidate. Among other things, this consolidation is being driven in part by customer needs and
supplier capabilities, which could cause markets to become more competitive as greater economies of scale are achieved by
distributors. Customers are increasingly aware of the total costs of fulfillment and of the need to have consistent sources of
supply at multiple locations. We believe these customer needs could result in fewer distributors as the remaining distributors
become larger and capable of being consistent sources of supply. There can be no assurance that we will be able to take
advantage effectively of this trend toward consolidation. The trend in our industry toward consolidation could make it more
difficult for us to gain or retain market share or maintain operating margins.
Our customers and suppliers also continue to consolidate, and this consolidation could result in the loss of existing customers
and suppliers to our competitors. Furthermore, continued consolidation among our suppliers may makes it more difficult for us
to negotiate favorable pricing, consignment arrangements, and discount programs with our suppliers, thereby resulting in
reduced margins and profits.
We are subject to disintermediation risk.
As customers continue to consolidate or otherwise increase their purchasing power, they are better able, and may choose, to
purchase products directly from the same suppliers that use us for distribution. In addition, our suppliers may elect to distribute
some or all of their products directly to end-customers in one or more markets. This process of disintermediation can put us at
9
risk of losing business from a customer, or of losing entire product lines or categories, or distribution territories, from suppliers.
Disintermediation also may also adversely impact our ability to obtain favorable pricing from suppliers and optimize margins
and revenue with respect to our customers. As a result, continued disintermediation could have a negative impact on our
financial condition and operating results.
Our dependence on international suppliers and manufacturers for certain products exposes us to risks of new or increased
tariffs and other risks that could affect our financial condition and expose us to certain additional risks.
Many of our suppliers and manufacturers are located outside of the United States. Thus, compliance with federal laws and
regulations regarding the importation of products, import taxes or costs, including new or increased tariffs, anti-dumping duties,
countervailing duties, or similar duties, some of which could be applied retroactively, and modification to or withdrawal from
free trade agreements or trade relationships, could increase the cost of the products that we distribute. For example, the U.S. has
recently signaled its intention to change U.S. trade policy, including potentially renegotiating or terminating existing trade
agreements and leveraging tariffs. In February 2025, the U.S. imposed additional tariffs on imports from China and announced
and subsequently paused implementation of tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. These additional tariffs, as well as a
government’s adoption of “buy national” policies or retaliation by another government against such tariffs or policies may have
introduced significant uncertainty into the market and may affect the prices of and supply of the products available to us. In
addition, quotas, embargoes, sanctions, safeguards, and customs restrictions, as well as foreign labor strikes, work stoppages, or
boycotts, could reduce the supply of the products available to us. Geopolitical events, including war and terrorism, could also
cause a reduction in the supply or increase the costs of the products available to us. If we become subject to a reduction in
available supply of imported products and we are unable to mitigate that reduction through alternative sources, or if the costs of
our imported products increase and we are not able to pass along those increased costs to our customers, then our business,
financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We may experience pricing and product cost variability.
Prices for our products are driven and influenced by many factors, including general economic conditions, demand for our
products and competitive and other conditions in the industries within which we compete. Prices that we pay and charge for
our products can be unpredictable and volatile. The factors that influence prices and costs also include, among others:
•
National and international economic conditions, including inflationary conditions;
•
Government regulations, trade policies, and market speculation;
•
Consolidation among customers, particularly dealers, and their customers (i.e., home builders), and resulting changes
in purchasing policies and payment practices;
•
The use of auction markets, which are based on participants’ perceptions of short-term supply and demand, to
determine prices and volumes for many commodities building products;
•
The use of published indices (including those published by Random Lengths), which may not accurately reflect
changes in market conditions, to set selling prices for products;
•
Labor and freight costs, curtailments, periodic delays in the delivery of products and inventory levels in various
distribution channels; and
•
The ability of large customers to influence prices of outside building materials suppliers and distributors in a highly
fragmented industry.
If supply exceeds demand, prices for our products could decline, and our results of operations, cash flows, and financial
condition could be adversely affected. These factors can cause short-term fluctuations in the price of our products, or costs
related to our products. We may be limited in our ability to pass on any increases to our customers.
In addition, economic conditions and market factors may make it difficult for us to raise our prices enough to keep up with the
rate of inflation, which could reduce our profit margins or reduce the number of customers who can purchase our products and
adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows.
A decline in the prices of the products we distribute could also adversely impact our operating results. When the prices of the
products we distribute decline, customer demand for lower prices could result in lower sales prices and, to the extent that our
inventory at the time was purchased at higher costs, lower margins. Alternatively, in a rising price environment, our suppliers
may increase prices or reduce discounts on the products we distribute, and we may be unable to pass on any cost increase to our
customers, thereby resulting in reduced margins and profits.
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Our earnings are highly dependent on sales volumes.
Our earnings are highly dependent on sales volumes, which are dependent on both the housing cycle, as well as our execution.
In addition, selling commoditized products that are subject to fluctuating prices makes it difficult to predict our financial results
with any degree of certainty. Commodity and specialty product price inflation or deflation can increase or decrease our gross
margins on relatively consistent year over year structural sales volumes, depending on the degree of commodity price change.
Any failure to maintain, or increase sales volumes, alone or combined with margin fluctuations due to price inflation or
deflation, which would impact the purchase and/or selling price of our products, could adversely affect our results of
operations, cash flows, and financial condition.
Our industry is highly fragmented and competitive. If we are unable to compete effectively, our net sales and operating
results may be reduced.
The building products distribution industry is highly fragmented and competitive, and the barriers to entry for local competitors
are relatively low. Competitive factors in our industry include pricing, availability of products, service, delivery capabilities,
customer relationships, geographic coverage, and breadth of product offerings. Also, financial stability is important to suppliers
and customers in choosing distributors for their products, and it affects the favorability of the terms on which we are able to
obtain our products from our suppliers and sell our products to our customers.
Some of our competitors may have less financial leverage or are part of larger companies, and may therefore have access to
greater financial and other resources than those to which we have access. Finally, we may not be able to maintain our costs at a
level sufficiently low enough for us to compete effectively. If we are unable to compete effectively, our net sales and net
income may be reduced.
Our industry is highly cyclical, and prolonged periods of weak demand or excess supply may reduce our net sales and/or
margins, which may cause us to incur losses or reduce our net income.
The building products distribution industry is subject to cyclical market pressures and market prices of building products
historically have been volatile and cyclical. Prices of building products are determined by overall supply and demand in the
market and we have limited ability to control the timing and amount of pricing changes. Demand for building products is driven
mainly by factors outside of our control, such as general economic and political conditions, interest rates, availability of
mortgage financing, inflation, the construction, repair and remodeling markets, industrial markets, housing supply, weather, and
population growth. The supply of building products fluctuates based on available manufacturing capacity, and excess capacity
in the industry can result in significant declines in market prices for those products. To the extent that prices and volumes
experience a sustained or sharp decline, our net sales and margins likely would decline as well. Because we have meaningful
fixed costs, a decrease in sales and margin generally may have a significant adverse impact on our financial condition, operating
results, and cash flows.
Loss of key products or key suppliers and manufacturers could affect our financial health.
Our ability to offer a wide variety of products to our customers, including our private label products, is dependent upon our
ability to obtain adequate product supply from manufacturers and other suppliers. Generally, our products are obtainable from
various sources and in sufficient quantities subject to then current market conditions. However, the loss of, or a substantial
decrease in the availability of, key products from our suppliers, or the loss of key supplier arrangements, could adversely impact
our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows. Although in many instances we have agreements with our suppliers,
these agreements are generally terminable by either party on limited notice. Failure by our suppliers to continue to supply us
with products on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition,
operating results, and cash flows.
11
Operating Risks
We are subject to information technology security risks and business interruption risks and may incur increasing costs in an
effort to minimize and/or respond to those risks.
Our business employs information technology systems to secure confidential information, such as employee personal data, but
with the rapidly evolving sophistication of cyberattacks, we may not be able to anticipate, prevent or mitigate our cybersecurity
risks. Any compromise of our security could result in a loss or misuse of our confidential information or confidential
information of our customers or suppliers, violation of applicable privacy and other laws, significant legal and financial
exposure, theft, damage to our reputation, interruption of our business operations, and a loss of confidence in our security
measures, any of which could harm our business. We may also be susceptible to phishing attacks, malware, ransomware, denial
of service, and other attacks that could adversely affect our information technology systems. Although we utilize various
procedures and controls to monitor and mitigate these threats, there can be no assurance that these procedures and controls will
be sufficient to prevent security threats from materializing. As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, we may incur
significant costs to strengthen our systems from outside intrusions, and/or obtain insurance coverage related to the threat of
such attacks.
Additionally, our business is reliant upon information technology systems to, among other things, manage and route our sales
calls, manage inventories and accounts receivable, make purchasing decisions, monitor our results of operations, place orders
with our vendors and process orders from our customers. These systems may be vulnerable to natural disasters,
telecommunications or equipment failures, power outages and similar events, employee errors or to intentional acts of
misconduct, such as security breaches or cyberattacks. The occurrence of any of these events or acts, or any other unanticipated
problems, could result in damage to or the unavailability of these systems. Such damage or unavailability could, despite any
existing disaster recovery and business continuity arrangements, interrupt the availability of one or more of our information
technology systems. We have from time to time experienced such disruptions, and while such disruptions did not materially
affect our business, they may occur in the future. Future disruptions in these systems could materially impact our ability to buy
and sell our products, as well as generally operate our business, which could reduce our revenue.
We may be unable to effectively manage our inventory relative to our sales volume or as the prices of the products we
distribute fluctuate, which could affect our business, financial condition, and operating results.
We purchase most of our products directly from manufacturers, which are then sold and distributed to customers. We must
maintain, and have adequate working capital to purchase, sufficient inventory to meet customer demand. Due to the lead times
required by our suppliers, we order products in advance of expected sales. As a result, we are required to forecast our sales and
purchases accordingly. In periods characterized by significant changes in the overall economy and activity in the residential and
commercial building and home repair and remodel industries, it can be especially difficult to forecast our sales accurately. We
must also manage our working capital to fund our inventory purchases. Such issues and risks can be magnified by the diversity
of product mix our distribution centers carry across multiple major product categories. Excessive increases in the market prices
of certain building products can put negative pressure on our operating cash flows by requiring us to invest more in inventory.
In the future, if we are unable to effectively manage our inventory, our cash flows may be negatively affected, which could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Our success depends on our ability to attract, train, and retain highly qualified associates and other key personnel while
controlling related labor costs.
In order to be successful, we must attract, train, and retain a large number of highly qualified associates while controlling
related labor costs. Our ability to control labor costs is subject to numerous external factors, including labor availability,
prevailing wage rates and health and other insurance costs.
In many of our markets, highly qualified associates are in high demand and we compete with other businesses for these
associates and invest resources in training and incentivizing them. In particular, there continues to be significant competition for
qualified drivers in the transportation industry and increasingly more stringent regulatory requirements relating to drivers. There
can be no assurance that we will be able to attract or retain highly qualified associates in the future, including those employed
by companies we may acquire.
As a result of labor shortages, particularly among our drivers and material handlers, we could be required to utilize temporary
or contract labor. Using temporary or contract labor typically requires higher cost, and temporary or contract labor may be less
productive than full-time associates. In addition, a shortage of qualified drivers could require us to increase driver
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compensation, let trucks sit idle, utilize third-party freight more so than normal, utilize less experienced drivers, or face
difficulty meeting customer demands, all of which could adversely affect our growth and profitability.
Furthermore, our success is highly dependent on the continued services of our management team. The loss of services of one or
more key members of our senior management team could have a material adverse effect on us.
Our strategy includes pursuing acquisitions. We may be unsuccessful in making and integrating mergers, acquisitions and
investments.
As part of our overall strategy, we may make acquisitions or investments in the future. Acquisitions and investments involve
significant risks and uncertainties, including uncertainties as to the future financial performance of the acquired business, the
achievement of expected synergies, or exposure to unforeseen liabilities of acquired companies.
In addition, the integration of acquisitions can involve significant anticipated and unanticipated operational challenges,
including integrating different computer, enterprise resource planning, and accounting systems, integrating physical facilities
and inventories, and integrating businesses and corporate cultures into our business. Addressing the risks and challenges
associated with acquisitions and investments requires the attention of management and the diversion of resources from existing
operations. Our failure to manage these risks and challenges effectively and at anticipated costs, or to manage other
consequences of an acquisition or investment, could result in a failure to achieve anticipated benefits and synergies from an
acquisition or investment, could cause disruptions in overall operating performance and deficiencies in customer service of the
combined business, and could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows. Disruptions and
deficiencies associated with integrating an acquired business could also lead to increased costs, order and delivery errors,
inventory and billing errors, the loss of employees, or the loss of customers, suppliers, or products either overall or in certain
markets, which could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
We may incur business disruptions resulting from a variety of possible causes.
While we maintain insurance covering our facilities and equipment, including business interruption insurance, the operations at
our distribution facilities may be interrupted or impaired by various operating risks, including, but not limited to, risks
associated with catastrophic events, such as war, fires, floods, earthquakes, explosions, natural disasters, severe weather,
including hurricanes, tornados and droughts, whether a result of climate change or otherwise, pandemics, or other similar
occurrences, interruptions in the delivery of products via railroad or other inbound transportation means, adverse government
regulations, civil unrest, condemnation, equipment breakdowns or failures, prolonged power failures, unscheduled maintenance
outages, information system disruptions or failures due to any number of causes, violations of our permit requirements or
revocation of permits, releases of pollutants and hazardous substances to air, soil, surface water or ground water; disruptions in
transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, railroad tracks and tunnels, shortages of equipment or spare parts, and
labor disputes and shortages. For example, one of our owned warehouse facilities located in Erwin, Tennessee was damaged by
Hurricane Helene in late September 2024. We could incur uninsured losses and liabilities arising from such events, including
damage to our reputation, and/or suffer material losses in operational capacity, which could have a material adverse impact on
our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, war, terrorism, geopolitical uncertainties, and public
health issues could cause damage or disruption to the global economy, and thus could have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition, operating results and cash flows, our suppliers and our customers.
We are exposed to product liability and other claims and legal proceedings related to our business and the products we
distribute, which may exceed the coverage of our insurance.
The building products industry has been subject to personal injury and property damage claims arising from alleged exposure to
raw materials contained in building products as well as claims for incidents of catastrophic loss, such as building fires. As a
distributor of building materials, we face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the use of the
products we have distributed in the past or may in the future distribute is alleged to have resulted in economic loss, personal
injury or property damage, or violated environmental, health or safety, or other laws. Such product liability claims may include
allegations of defects in manufacturing, defects in design, a failure to warn of dangers inherent in the product, negligence, strict
liability, or a breach of warranties. We rely on manufacturers and other suppliers, including manufacturers and suppliers located
outside of the United States, to provide us with the products we sell or distribute. Since we do not have direct control over the
quality of products that are manufactured or supplied to us by third parties, we are particularly vulnerable to risks relating to the
quality of such products.
We are also from time to time subject to casualty, contract, tort, and other claims relating to our business, the products we have
distributed in the past or may in the future distribute, and the services we have provided in the past or may in the future provide,
13
either directly or through third parties. In addition, operating hazards, such as delivering and unloading products, operating
large machinery and driving hazards, which are inherent in our business and some of which may be outside of our control, can
cause personal injury and loss of life, damage to or destruction of property and equipment and environmental damage.
We cannot predict or, in some cases, control the costs to defend or resolve such claims. We cannot assure our ability to maintain
suitable and adequate insurance on acceptable terms or that such insurance will provide adequate protection against potential
liabilities, and the cost of any product liability or other proceeding, even if resolved in our favor, could be substantial.
Additionally, we do not carry insurance for all categories of risk that our business may encounter. Any significant uninsured
liability may require us to pay substantial amounts. There can be no assurance that any current or future claims will not
adversely affect our financial position, cash flows, or results of operations.
Our business operations and financial results could suffer from the impacts of climate change.
Climate change, and its effects on weather patterns, the frequency and severity of weather-related events, and temperatures,
could adversely impact our business. Extreme weather and temperatures could affect the availability of raw materials for the
products that we distribute, the ability of our suppliers to deliver products to our distribution facilities and our ability to deliver
those products to our customers. They could also result in lost production, supply chain disruption and increased transportation
costs. Unpredictable weather and climate changes could also cause the price of the products we buy and sell to fluctuate
significantly, including during and as a result of prolonged periods of heavy rain or drought, fires or other unpredictable
weather events. Any or all of these effects could materially and adversely impact our business or results of operations.
Our operating results depend on the successful implementation of our strategy. We may not be able to implement our
strategic initiatives successfully, on a timely basis, or at all.
We regularly evaluate the performance of our business and, as a result of such evaluations, we have in the past undertaken and
may in the future undertake strategic initiatives within our businesses, including initiatives to migrate our sales mix toward
higher-margin specialty product categories, foster a performance-driven culture committed to business excellence and profitable
growth, and maintain a disciplined capital structure and pursue investments that increase the value of the Company. Strategic
initiatives that we may implement now or in the future may not result in improvements in future financial performance and
could result in additional unanticipated costs. If we are unable to realize the benefits of our strategic initiatives, our business,
financial condition, cash flows, or results of operations could be adversely affected.
A significant percentage of our employees are unionized. Wage increases or work stoppages by our unionized employees
may reduce our results of operations.
As of December 28, 2024, we employed approximately 2,000 associates and less than one percent of our associates are
employed on a part-time basis. Approximately 20 percent of our associates are represented by various local labor unions with
terms and conditions of employment governed by Collective Bargaining Agreements (“CBAs”). Six CBAs covering
approximately six percent of our associates are up for renewal in fiscal year 2025, of which one is currently in the renegotiation
process. We expect to renegotiate the remainder before their renewal dates.
Although we have generally had good relations with our unionized employees and expect to renew collective bargaining
agreements as they expire, no assurances can be provided that we will be able to reach a timely agreement as to the renewal of
the agreements, and their expiration or continued work under an expired agreement, as applicable, could result in a work
stoppage. In addition, we may become subject to material wage increases, or additional work rules imposed by agreements with
labor unions. The foregoing could increase our selling, general, and administrative expenses in absolute terms and/or as a
percentage of net sales. In addition, work stoppages or other labor disturbances may occur in the future, which could adversely
impact our net sales and/or selling, general, and administrative expenses. Wage increases could also be significant in an
inflationary environment even in our non-unionized locations. All or some of these factors could negatively impact our
operating results and cash flows.
Federal, state, local, and other regulations could impose substantial costs and restrictions on our operations that would
reduce our net income.
We are subject to various federal, state, local, and other laws and regulations, including, among other things, transportation
regulations promulgated by the Department of Transportation (“DOT”) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
(“FMCSA”), work safety regulations promulgated by Occupational Safety and Health Administration, employment regulations
promulgated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, regulations of the U.S. Department of Labor and
Federal Trade Commission, regulations issued by the SEC, accounting standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards
Board (“FASB”) or similar entities, and state and local zoning restrictions, building codes and contractors’ licensing
regulations. More burdensome regulatory requirements in these or other areas may increase our general and administrative costs
14
and adversely affect our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows. Moreover, failure to comply with the regulatory
requirements applicable to our business could expose us to litigation and substantial fines and penalties that could adversely
affect our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
Our transportation operations, upon which we depend to distribute products from our distribution centers, are subject to the
regulatory jurisdiction of the DOT and the FMCSA, which have broad administrative powers with respect to our transportation
operations. More restrictive regulatory limitations, including those on vehicle weight and size, trailer length and configuration,
or driver hours of service would increase our costs, which, if we are unable to pass these cost increases on to our customers,
may increase our selling, general and administrative expenses and adversely affect our financial condition, operating results,
and cash flows. If we fail to comply adequately with such regulations or such regulations become more stringent, we could
experience increased inspections, regulatory authorities could take remedial action, including imposing fines or shutting down
our operations, or we could be subject to increased audit and compliance costs. If any of these events were to occur, our
financial condition, operating results, and cash flows could be adversely affected.
In addition, the residential and commercial construction industries are subject to various local, state and federal statutes,
ordinances, codes, rules and regulations concerning zoning, building design and safety, construction, contractor licensing,
energy conservation, and similar matters, including regulations that impose restrictive zoning and density requirements on the
residential new construction industry or that limit the number of homes or other buildings that can be built within the
boundaries of a particular area. Regulatory restrictions may increase our operating expenses and limit the availability of suitable
building lots for our customers, any of which could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental protection laws and may have to incur significant costs to comply
with these laws and regulations in the future.
Environmental liabilities could arise on the land that we have owned, currently own or lease, including as a result of the use of
underground fuel storage tanks, and these liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and
performance. Federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including those
regulating the use and maintenance of underground storage tanks, may require a current or previous owner or operator of real
estate to investigate and remediate hazardous materials, substances and waste releases at or from the property. They may also
impose liability for property damage and personal injury stemming from the presence of, or exposure to, hazardous substances.
In addition, we could incur costs to comply with such environmental laws and regulations, the violation of which could lead to
substantial fines and penalties. In addition, although their impact is difficult to predict, it is also possible that legislation and
regulations enacted at the federal, state or local level relating to climate change, could result in changes to the way we conduct
business or store or deliver products, and could result in significantly increased costs of compliance, including for
transportation, environmental monitoring and reporting, capital expenditures, or insurance premiums and deductibles. For
example, a 2023 EPA rule imposed reporting and recordkeeping requirements on manufacturers and importers of per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and the EPA has proposed to designate two widely used PFAS as hazardous substances.
These potential changes or increased costs could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
The effect of epidemics, global pandemics or other widespread public health crises and governmental rules and regulations
could significantly disrupt our operations or those of our customers or suppliers.
If an epidemic, global pandemic, or other widespread public health crises disrupts the worldwide economy or if similar
widespread disease outbreaks occur in the future, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be negatively
affected to the extent such event harms the economy or regions in which we operate. In particular, any governmental imposition
of mandatory or voluntary closures in areas where our manufacturing facilities, suppliers or customers are located, in response
to any such disease outbreak, epidemic, pandemic or health crisis, could severely disrupt our operations. In addition to this
potential direct impact on our facilities and operations, any outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics could negatively impact our
industry and end markets as a whole or result in a longer-term economic recession. Any of these factors could negatively affect
our business, financial condition, cash flows, profitability, and results of operations.
Financial Risks
Our future operating results may fluctuate significantly, and our current operating results may not be a good indication of
our future performance. Fluctuations in our quarterly financial results could affect our stock price in the future.
Our revenues and operating results have historically varied from period-to-period and we expect that they will continue to do so
as a result of a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control. If our quarterly financial results or our predictions
of future financial results fail to meet the expectations of securities analysts and investors, our stock price could be negatively
affected. Any volatility in our quarterly financial results may make it more difficult for us to raise capital in the future or pursue
15
acquisitions that involve issuances of our stock. In addition, because of this variability, our operating results for prior periods
may not be effective predictors of future performance.
Factors associated with our industry, the operation of our business, and the markets for our products may cause our quarterly
financial results to fluctuate, including:
•
general economic conditions, including but not limited to housing starts, construction labor shortages, repair and
remodel activity and commercial construction, foreclosure rates, interest rates, unemployment rates, and mortgage
availability and pricing, as well as other consumer financing mechanisms, that ultimately affect demand for our
products;
•
supply chain disruptions, including those caused by the spread of contagious illness and geopolitical risks;
•
the highly competitive nature of our industry;
•
the commodity nature of many of our products and their price movements, which are driven largely by capacity
utilization rates and industry cycles that affect supply and demand;
•
the cessation or reduction of supplier incentive programs, such as supplier rebates and/or deviation programs, and/or
our inability to collect supplier incentives due to us;
•
disintermediation;
•
the impact of actuarial assumptions and regulatory activity on pension costs and pension funding requirements;
•
our creditworthiness in addition to the financial condition and creditworthiness of our customers;
•
our indebtedness, including the possibility that we may not generate sufficient cash flows from operations or that
future borrowings may not be available in amounts sufficient to fulfill our debt obligations and fund other liquidity
needs;
•
cost of compliance with government regulations;
•
adverse customs and tariff rulings including those relating to anti-dumping, countervailing duty, or circumvention
investigations;
•
protectionist trade policies and new or increased import tariffs;
•
labor disruptions, shortages of skilled and technical labor, or increased labor costs;
•
the impact of inflation, which may arise from changes in the economic environment;
•
increased healthcare costs;
•
the need to successfully implement succession plans for our senior managers and other associates;
•
our ability to successfully complete potential acquisitions, achieve expected synergies from acquisitions, or efficiently
integrate acquired operations;
•
disruption in our information technology systems;
•
federal laws and regulations regarding the importation of products may cause us to incur significant costs to comply
with such laws and regulations in the future;
•
significant maintenance issues or failures with respect to our tractors, trailers, forklifts, and other major equipment;
•
severe weather phenomena such as drought, hurricanes, tornadoes, and fire;
•
condemnations of all or part of our real property; and
•
fluctuations in the market for our equity.
Any one of the factors above or the cumulative effect of some of the factors referred to above may result in significant
fluctuations in our quarterly financial and other operating results, including fluctuations in our key metrics. The variability and
unpredictability could result in our failing to meet our internal operating plan or the expectations of securities analysts or
investors for any period. If we fail to meet or exceed such expectations for these or any other reasons, the market price of our
shares could fall substantially and we could face costly lawsuits, including securities class action suits.
Our level of indebtedness could limit our financial and operating activities and adversely affect our ability to incur
additional debt to fund future needs.
As of December 28, 2024, we had no outstanding debt under our revolving credit facility, and approximately $300.0 million of
debt outstanding under our senior secured notes. Additionally, as of December 28, 2024, outstanding commitments under our
finance leases were approximately $292.5 million. Our level of indebtedness could still have considerable consequences to our
financial condition and operating results. For example, our indebtedness could:
•
make us more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
•
limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, and other general
corporate requirements;
•
expose us to interest rate fluctuations because the interest rate on the debt under our revolving credit facility is
variable;
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•
require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows to payments on our debt, thereby reducing the availability
of our cash flows for operations and other purposes;
•
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business, and the industry in which we operate; and
•
place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that may have proportionately less debt, and therefore
may be in a better position to obtain more favorable credit terms.
If compliance with our debt obligations materially limits our financial or operating activities, or hinders our ability to adapt to
changing industry conditions, we may lose market share, our revenue may decline and our operating results may be negatively
affected.
The instruments governing our indebtedness contain various covenants limiting the discretion of our management in
operating our business, including requiring us to maintain a minimum level of excess liquidity.
Our revolving credit facility and senior secured notes contain various covenants and restrictions, including customary financial
covenants that limit management’s discretion in operating our business. In particular, these instruments limit our ability to,
among other things:
•
incur additional debt;
•
grant liens on assets;
•
make investments;
•
repurchase stock;
•
pay dividends and make distributions;
•
sell or acquire assets, including certain real estate assets, outside the ordinary course of business;
•
engage in transactions with affiliates; and
•
make fundamental business changes.
These covenants and restrictions could affect our ability to operate our business, and may limit our ability to react to market
conditions or take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise. Additionally, our ability to comply with these
covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, including general economic and credit conditions and industry
downturns.
If we fail to comply with these covenants and restrictions, a default may allow the creditors under the relevant instruments to
accelerate the related debts and to exercise their remedies under these agreements, which typically will include the right to
declare the principal amount of that debt, together with accrued and unpaid interest, and other related amounts, immediately due
and payable, to exercise any remedies the creditors may have to foreclose on assets that are subject to liens securing that debt,
and to terminate any commitments they had made to supply further funds. Refer to Note 8, Debt and Finance Lease
Obligations, in Item 8 of this Annual Report for further details.
Despite our current levels of debt, we may still incur more debt, which would increase the risks described in these risk
factors relating to indebtedness.
The agreements relating to our debt significantly limit, but do not prohibit, our ability to incur additional debt. In addition,
certain types of liabilities are not considered “Indebtedness” under the agreements relating to our debt. Accordingly, we could
incur additional debt or similar liabilities in the future. If new debt or similar liabilities are added to our current debt levels, the
related risks that we now face could increase.
We have sold and leased back certain of our distribution centers under long-term non-cancelable leases and may enter into
similar transactions in the future. All of these leases are (or will be) finance leases, and our debt and interest expense may
increase as a result.
As a result of real estate financing transactions through sale-leaseback arrangements, a substantial number of our distribution
centers are leased under non-cancelable leases. These leases typically have initial terms of approximately fifteen years, and
most provide options to renew for specified periods of time. We may enter into additional sale and lease-back transactions in
the future. The leases resulting from these transactions are generally recognized and accounted for as finance leases, which may
be counted as indebtedness, including for purposes of financial covenants in the agreements governing our debt, and may
significantly increase the stated interest expense that is recognized in our income statements.
Many of our distribution centers are leased, and if we close a leased distribution center before expiration of the lease, we
will still be obligated under the applicable lease. In addition, we may be unable to renew the leases at the end of their terms.
If we close a distribution center that is subject to a non-cancelable lease, we would remain committed to perform our
obligations under the applicable lease, which would include, among other things, payment of the base rent, insurance, taxes, and
17
other expenses on the leased property for the balance of the lease term. Management may explore offsets to remaining
obligations, such as subleasing opportunities or negotiated lease terminations, but there can be no assurance that we can offset
remaining obligations on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Our obligation to continue to perform our obligations with
respect to leases for closed distribution centers could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
In addition, at the end of a lease term and any renewal period for a leased distribution center, or for those locations where we
have no renewal options remaining, we may be unable to renew the lease without additional cost, if at all. If we are unable to
renew our distribution center leases, we may close or, if possible, relocate the distribution center, which could subject us to
additional costs and risks which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Additionally, the revenue and profit
generated at a relocated distribution center may not equal the revenue and profit generated at the previous location.
We may not have or be able to raise the funds necessary to finance a required repurchase of our senior secured notes.
Subject to certain exceptions, upon the occurrence of a change in control under the indenture governing our senior secured
notes, we are required to offer to repurchase all of the outstanding notes. It is possible that we would not have sufficient funds
at the time that we are required to make any such repurchase of our senior secured notes, and we cannot assure the holders of
the senior secured notes that we will have sufficient financial resources, or will be able to arrange financing, to pay the
repurchase price in cash with respect to any such notes upon a change in control. Our failure to repurchase the senior secured
notes when required would result in an event of default with respect to such notes which could, in turn, constitute a default
under the terms of our other indebtedness, if any.
Certain important corporate events, such as leveraged recapitalizations that would increase the level of our indebtedness, may
not constitute a change in control under the indenture governing our senior secured notes.
A lowering or withdrawal of the ratings assigned to our debt securities by rating agencies may increase our future
borrowing costs and reduce our access to capital.
Any rating assigned to our debt could be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency if, in that rating agency’s judgment,
future circumstances relating to the basis of the rating, such as adverse changes, so warrant. Any future lowering of our ratings
likely would make it more difficult or more expensive for us to obtain additional debt financing.
A change in our product mix could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our results may be affected by a change in our product mix. Our outlook, budgeting, and strategic planning assume a certain
mix of product sales. If actual results vary from this projected mix of product sales, our financial results could be negatively
impacted. Additionally, gross margins vary across our product lines. If the mix of products shifts from higher margin product
categories to lower margin product categories, our overall gross margins and profitability may be adversely affected.
Consequently, changes in our product mix could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and operating
results.
Relatedly, our product sales to a customer may be dependent on the supplier and the brands we distribute. If we are unable to
supply certain brands to our customers, then our ability to sell to existing customers and acquire new customers will be difficult
to accomplish. As a result, our revenue, operating performance, cash flows, and net income may be adversely affected.
If the costs of fuel, third-party freight or other energy prices increase or availability of third-party freight providers is
reduced, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
Petroleum and energy prices and availability of petroleum products are subject to political, geopolitical, economic, and market
factors that are outside our control. Political events in petroleum-producing regions as well as hurricanes and other weather-
related events or natural disasters may cause the price of fuel to increase or the availability of fuel to decrease. Within our
business units, we deliver products to our customers primarily via our fleet of trucks, which we fuel both onsite and through
street fuel programs. We also utilize third-party freight providers to deliver our products and the costs associated with them
could affect the expense incurred to deliver products to our customers. Our operating profit may be adversely affected if we are
unable to obtain the fuel we require or to fully offset the anticipated impact of higher fuel prices or third-party freight costs
through increased prices or fuel surcharges to our customers. Besides trying to pass fuel costs to customers, we have at times
entered into forward purchase contracts for fuel used at some of our facilities that protect against fuel price increases. If
shortages occur in the supply of necessary petroleum products and we are not able to pass along the full impact of increased
petroleum prices to our customers or otherwise protect ourselves by entering into forward purchase contracts, then our results of
operations would be adversely affected.
18
We establish insurance-related deductible/retention liabilities based on historical loss development factors, which could lead
to adjustments in the future based on actual development experience.
We retain a significant portion of the accident risk under our vehicle liability and workers’ compensation insurance programs;
and we are self-insured for health insurance, the exposure of which is limited by stop-loss coverage. Our self-insurance accruals
are based on actuarial estimated, undiscounted cost of claims, which includes claims incurred but not reported. While we
believe our estimation processes are well designed, every estimation process is inherently subject to limitations. Fluctuations in
the frequency or amount of claims make it difficult to precisely predict the ultimate cost of claims. The actual cost of claims can
be different than the historical selected loss development factors because of safety performance, payment patterns, and
settlement patterns.
The value of our deferred tax assets could become impaired, which could materially and adversely affect our operating
results.
As of December 28, 2024, we had $50.6 million in net deferred tax assets. These deferred tax assets include temporary
differences arising from such items as property and equipment, accrued compensation, and accounting reserves related to
inventory and other items in conjunction with net state operating loss carryovers that can be used to offset taxable income in
future periods and reduce income taxes payable in those future periods. Each quarter, we determine the probability of the
realization of deferred tax assets, using significant judgments and estimates with respect to, among other things, historical
operating results, expectations of future earnings, and tax planning strategies. For example, we were required to evaluate and
maintain reasonable valuation allowances against our remaining state net operating loss carryforwards against our U.S. deferred
tax assets as of December 28, 2024. These valuation allowances are calculated based on the probability that we will not realize
taxable income in the states in which we carry net operating loss carryforwards in a time suitable to take advantage of them. If
we determine in the future that there is not sufficient positive evidence to support the remaining valuation of our deferred tax
assets, either due to Part 1, Item 1A, Risk Factors described herein or other factors which may impact our net operating
carryforwards or other components of our deferred tax assets such as our temporary differences which may arise from tax
legislation which we cannot foresee, we may be required to further adjust the valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax
assets, in specific areas or in total. Such a reduction could result in material non-cash expenses in the period in which the
valuation allowance is adjusted and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our expected annual effective tax rate could be volatile and materially change as a result of changes in the mix of earnings
and other factors.
Our overall effective tax rate is equal to our total income tax expense, also referred to as provision for income taxes, as a
percentage of our income or loss before provision for income taxes. However, tax expenses and benefits are determined
separately for each tax paying entity or group of entities that is consolidated for tax purposes in each jurisdiction. Losses in
certain jurisdictions may provide no current financial statement tax benefit. As a result, changes in the mix of profits and losses
between jurisdictions, among other factors, could have a significant impact on our overall effective tax rate. New and
unforeseen changes in tax legislation may impact our effective tax rate in future periods, both on a federal and state level, which
may have an impact on our net income and result in material non-cash expenses in the relevant period.
Costs and liabilities related to our participation in multi-employer pension plans could increase.
We are involved in various multi-employer pension plans in the U.S. based on obligations arising under collective bargaining
agreements. Some of these plans are significantly underfunded and may require increased contributions in the future. The
amount of any increase or decrease in our required contributions to these multi-employer pension plans will depend upon the
outcome of collective bargaining, actions taken by trustees who manage the plan, governmental regulations, the actual return on
assets held in the plan, the continued viability and contributions of other employers which contribute to the plan, and the
potential payment of a withdrawal liability, among other factors.
Our cash flows and capital resources may be insufficient to make required payments on our indebtedness or future
indebtedness.
Our ability to make scheduled payments under our revolving credit facility and senior secured notes depends on our successful
financial and operating performance, cash flows, and capital resources, which in turn depend upon prevailing economic
conditions and certain financial, business, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include,
among others:
•
economic and demand factors affecting the building products distribution industry;
•
external factors affecting availability of credit;
•
pricing pressures;
19
•
increased operating costs;
•
competitive conditions; and
•
other operating difficulties.
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay
capital expenditures, sell material assets or operations, obtain additional capital, or restructure our debt. There is no assurance
that we could obtain additional capital or refinance our debt on terms acceptable to us, or at all. If we are required to dispose of
material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations, the value realized on the disposition of such assets
or operations will depend on market conditions and the availability of buyers. Accordingly, any such sale may not, among other
things, be for a sufficient dollar amount to repay our indebtedness. If we do not make scheduled payments on our debt, we will
be in default and the outstanding principal and interest on our debt could be declared to be due and payable, in which case we
could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation or required to substantially restructure or alter our business operations or debt
obligations.
Borrowings under our revolving credit facility bear interest at a variable rate, which subjects us to interest rate risk, which
could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly.
Borrowings under our revolving credit facility bear interest at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If
interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on this variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount
borrowed remained the same. Although we may elect in the future to take certain actions to reduce interest rate volatility in
connection with our variable rate borrowings, we cannot provide assurances that we will be able to do so or that those actions
will be effective.
Changes in, or interpretation of, accounting principles could result in unfavorable accounting changes.
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and
accompanying accounting pronouncements, implementation guidelines, and interpretations. These rules are subject to
interpretation by the SEC and various bodies formed to interpret and create appropriate accounting principles. Changes in these
rules or their interpretation could significantly change our reported results and may even retroactively affect previously reported
transactions. Changes resulting from the adoption of new or revised accounting principles may result in materially different
financial results and may require that we make changes to our systems, processes, and controls.
Risks Relating to Our Common Stock
Our stock price may fluctuate significantly.
The market price of our stock historically has experienced and may continue to experience significant price fluctuations similar
to those experienced by the broader stock market in recent years. In addition, the price of our stock may fluctuate significantly
in response to various factors, including:
• actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;
• announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, dispositions or expansion plans;
• market conditions in our industry;
• changes in market valuation or earnings of our Company or other companies in our industry:
• changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles;
• the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies;
• investor perception of our Company;
• results from material litigation or governmental investigation;
• changes in laws or regulations affecting our Company or significant products we sell; and
• general overall economic, political and market conditions.
Broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating
performance. In addition, share repurchases pursuant to our share repurchase program could affect our stock price and increase
its volatility. The existence of a share repurchase program could also cause our stock price to be higher than it would be in the
absence of such a program and could potentially reduce the market liquidity for our stock. There can be no assurance that any
share repurchases will enhance stockholder value because the market price of our common stock may decline below the levels
at which we repurchased shares of common stock. Although our share repurchase program is intended to enhance long-term
stockholder value, short-term stock price fluctuations could reduce the program’s effectiveness. Furthermore, the program does
not obligate the Company to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares of common stock, and may be suspended or
discontinued at any time and any suspension or discontinuation could cause the market price of our stock to decline.
20
We could be the subject of securities class action litigation due to stock price volatility, which could divert management’s
attention and adversely affect our results of operations.
The stock market in general, and market prices for the securities of companies like ours in particular, have from time-to-time
experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the operating performance of the underlying companies. These broad
market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating
performance. In certain situations, in which the market price of a stock has been volatile, holders of that stock have instituted
securities class action litigation against the Company that issued the stock. If any of our stockholders were to bring a similar
lawsuit against us, the defense and disposition of the lawsuit could be costly and divert the time and attention of our
management and harm our operating results.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish unfavorable research about our business, our stock price
and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock depends in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish
about our business or us. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrades our stock or publishes unfavorable research
about our business or our industry, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of our
Company or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price
and trading volume to decline.
The activities of activist stockholders could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.
While we seek to actively engage with stockholders and consider their views on business and strategy, we could be subject to
actions or proposals from stockholders or others that do not align with our business strategies or the interests of our other
stockholders. Responding to these stockholders could be costly and time-consuming, disrupt our business and operations, and
divert the attention of our Board of Directors and senior management. Uncertainties associated with such activities could
interfere with our ability to effectively execute our strategic plan, impact long-term growth, and limit our ability to hire and
retain personnel. In addition, the actions of these stockholders may cause periods of fluctuation in our stock price based on
temporary or speculative market perceptions or other factors that do not necessarily reflect the underlying fundamentals and
prospects of our business.
The terms of our revolving credit facility and senior secured notes place restrictions on our ability to pay dividends on our
common stock, so any returns to stockholders may be limited to the value of their stock.
We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock since 2007, and we are subject to certain conditions in
order to do so under the terms of our revolving credit facility and senior secured notes. As we have no current intention of
paying dividends, unless we decide to do so in the future, any return to stockholders may be limited to the appreciation in their
stock.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY
Risk Management
We recognize the importance of developing, implementing, and maintaining robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard our
information systems and protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our data.
Our risk management program includes focused efforts on identifying, assessing and managing cybersecurity risk, including the
following:
•
A robust information security training program that requires all company employees with access to our networks to
participate in regular and mandatory training on how to be aware of, and help defend against, cyber risks, combined
with periodic testing to measure the efficacy of our training efforts.
•
Alignment of our program with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework to
identify, protect, detect, respond and recover from cyberattacks.
•
Real-time and robust testing of our systems to assess our vulnerability to cyber risk, which includes targeted
penetration testing, tabletop incident response exercises, disaster recovery, periodic audits of our systems by outside
industry experts and continuous vulnerability scanning.
21
•
Engaging external cybersecurity experts in incident response development and management.
•
Business continuity plans and critical recovery backup systems.
•
Maturity assessment and roadmap to sustain/improve security posture based on risk profile.
The Company’s cyber risk management program is supervised by a dedicated Chief Information Officer whose team is
responsible for leading enterprise-wide information security strategy, policy, standards, architecture, and processes, as well as
managing the Company’s information security and risk management awareness program. We provide regular awareness
training to our employees, including periodic phishing tests, to help identify, avoid and mitigate cybersecurity threats. We also
periodically perform simulations and tabletop exercises at a management level and incorporate external resources and advisors
as needed.
Cybersecurity Incident Response Process
We maintain and actively update a cybersecurity incident response plan that outlines the steps we take to identify, investigate
and take action in response to any potentially material cyber incidents. Our incident response plan ensures that our Chief
Information Officer, members of our senior management team and select members of our legal staff, are timely informed of and
consulted with respect to any potentially material cyber incidents.
Board Oversight of Cyber Risk
Our Board is engaged in the oversight of cybersecurity threat risk management. As reflected in the Audit Committee’s charter,
the Board has specifically delegated responsibility for oversight of cybersecurity matters to the Audit Committee, which
provides advice and guidance on the adequacy of the Company’s initiatives on, among other things, cybersecurity risk
management. The Chief Information Officer presents regular updates to the Audit Committee and the full Board of Directors,
on, among other things, the Company’s cyber risks and threats, and the status of projects in the Company’s multi-year roadmap
to strengthen the Company’s information security systems to address the emerging threat landscape. The Company also
engages third parties to periodically evaluate and audit aspects of the Company’s information security programs, including by
conducting vulnerability assessments and penetration testing, and the results of those findings are reported to the Audit
Committee and used to help identify potentially material risks and prioritize certain security initiatives.
We face a number of cybersecurity risks in connection with our business. Based on the information we have as of the date of
this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we do not believe that any risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any
previous cybersecurity incidents, have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s business
strategy, results of operations or financial position. See Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further
discussion of cybersecurity risks.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We operate our business operations from approximately 65 warehouse and storage facilities, of which 12 are owned and the
remainder are leased under multi-year lease arrangements. These facilities are used to secure and store our products before
being sold and delivered to customers. We also store product in secured outdoor areas at many of our warehouse locations,
which increases warehouse distribution and storage capacity. We believe that, collectively, our facilities have sufficient
capacity to meet current and projected distribution needs. In addition, we lease a corporate headquarters facility near Atlanta in
Marietta, GA.
One of our owned warehouse facilities located in Erwin, Tennessee was damaged by Hurricane Helene in late September 2024.
Substantially all of these damages were covered by insurance policies, and cleanup and restoration work is currently underway.
We were able to rent nearby properties to mitigate the impact, as well as utilize some of our other facilities to serve customers.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are, and from time to time may be, a party to routine legal proceedings incidental to the operation of our business, including
liability claims, premises claims, environmental claims, and employment-related claims, among others. The outcome of any
pending or threatened proceedings is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, operating results,
or cash flows, based on our current understanding of the relevant facts. Legal expenses incurred related to these contingencies
generally are expensed as incurred. We record receivables from expected settlements and estimated liabilities for pending or
threatened proceedings when the receipts or costs associated with such proceedings become probable and can be reasonably
estimated.
22
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
23
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information, Holders, and Dividends
Our issued equity securities consist of one class of common stock, which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol “BXC”.
As of December 28, 2024, there were 10 share-owner accounts of record, and, as of that date, we estimate that there were
approximately 11,700 beneficial owners holding our common stock in nominee or “street” name.
We generally have not paid dividends on our common stock. Any future dividend payments would be subject to the discretion
of our Board of Directors and contractual restrictions under our revolving credit facility and the terms of the indenture for our
senior secured notes. The BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan does not permit the payment of dividends or
dividend equivalents on unvested grants that include underlying shares of our common stock.
Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities
On October 31, 2023, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for $100 million. Under this share
repurchase program, we may repurchase our common stock from time to time, without prior notice, subject to prevailing market
conditions and other considerations. Repurchases may be made through a variety of methods, which may include open market
purchases, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated share repurchase programs, tender offers or pursuant to a trading plan
that may be adopted in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b5-1. As of December 28, 2024, we
have repurchased a total of 530,146 shares for $53.5 million under our $100 million share repurchase program, at an average
price of $100.99 per share, including broker commissions but excluding excise tax. We have a remaining authorization amount
of $46.5 million. With the remaining availability under the share repurchase program, we may repurchase our common stock at
any time or from time to time, without prior notice, subject to prevailing market conditions and other considerations.
The share repurchase plan authorized on October 31, 2023, followed the Company’s previous $100 million share authorization
that was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors on August 23, 2021 and increased on May 3, 2022. Under that
$100 million share repurchase plan, all remaining repurchase authority was utilized during early fiscal October 2023.
Additionally, we typically withhold shares of common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations of employees upon the
vesting of employees’ restricted stock unit awards.
The following table summarizes the Company’s common stock repurchase activity for each fiscal month of the fiscal quarter
ended December 28, 2024:
Fiscal monthly period in the fiscal quarter
ended December 28, 2024
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
Average Price
Paid per
Share(2)
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
Maximum
Dollar Value of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
September 29 - November 2
56,867 $
106.83
56,636 $
55,405,160
November 3 - November 30
37,687 $
122.79
37,262 $
50,829,681
December 1 - December 28
37,021 $
118.36
36,781 $
46,474,962
Total
131,575
130,679
(1) Includes shares withheld by us in connection with tax withholding obligations of our employees upon vesting of employees’
restricted stock unit awards.
(2) Includes broker commissions associated with the repurchases. Excludes any excise taxes incurred under The Inflation
Reduction Act of 2022. For shares withheld by us in connection with tax withholding obligations of our employees upon
vesting of employees’ restricted stock unit awards, the price paid per share is the market price on vesting date.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Information concerning our equity compensation plans is set forth in Item 12 of Part III of this Form 10-K.
24
Stock Performance Graph
The graph below compares the cumulative five-year total return of holders of our common stock with the cumulative total
returns of the Russell 2000 Index and the S&P 600 Building Products Index. The comparison of the cumulative total returns for
each investment assumes that $100 was invested in our common stock and the respective indices on December 28, 2019,
including reinvestment of any dividends, of which BlueLinx paid none, and its relative performance is tracked through
December 28, 2024.
Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return
BlueLinx Holdings Inc.
Russell 2000
S&P 600 Building Products Index
Fiscal 2019
Fiscal 2020
Fiscal 2021
Fiscal 2022
Fiscal 2023
Fiscal 2024
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1,000
Fiscal 2019
Fiscal 2020
Fiscal 2021
Fiscal 2022
Fiscal 2023
Fiscal 2024
BlueLinx Holdings Inc.
$
100.00 $
115.61 $
378.35 $
280.96 $
447.69 $
409.80
Russell 2000
$
100.00 $
147.61 $
167.82 $
131.64 $
151.51 $
167.77
S&P 600 Building Products Index
$
100.00 $
177.44 $
264.04 $
185.77 $
294.56 $
323.45
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
25
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and other
financial information appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. In addition to historical information, the following discussion
and other parts of this Form 10-K contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. Our actual results
could differ materially from those anticipated by this forward-looking information due to the factors discussed under “Risk
Factors,” “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements,” and elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Factors That Affect Our Operating Results and Trends
Our results of operations and financial performance are influenced by a variety of factors, including: (i) general economic and
industry conditions affecting demand in the housing market; (ii) the commoditized nature of many of the products we
manufacture and distribute; and (iii) cost and availability of the products we distribute. These factors, and the related trends and
uncertainties, have historically produced cyclicality in our results of operations, and we expect this cyclicality to continue in
future periods.
General Economic Conditions Affecting Demand
Many of the factors that cause our operations to fluctuate are seasonal or cyclical in nature. Historically, our operating results
have also been correlated with the level of single-family residential housing starts in the U.S. The demand for new homes is
dependent on a variety of factors, including job growth, changes in population and demographics, the availability and cost of
mortgage financing, the supply of new and existing homes, and consumer confidence. Certain developments have led to a more
challenging macro-economic environment, such as broad-based inflation, the rapid rise in mortgage rates, home price
appreciation, and low existing home turnover. These developments have impacted the U.S. housing market, including the
residential repair and remodel and residential new construction markets, and have contributed to a slowdown in the U.S.
housing industry that continued through 2024 into 2025. In addition, looking ahead, we believe that the demand for our
products could face pressure from increases in tariffs and other inflationary pressures, the potential for trade disruption through
embargoes, sanctions and import and export controls, and labor shortages and workforce disruption in the home building and
remodeling industry due to immigration enforcement activities. However, we believe that several factors, including the current
high levels of home equity, the fundamental undersupply of housing in the U.S., repair and remodel activity, and demographic
shifts, among others, will support demand for our products. For additional information regarding the risk factors impacting our
business, refer to Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, in this Annual Report.
Industry Conditions Affecting Demand
Residential Repair and Remodel
We estimate that demand from the residential repair and remodel market (“R&R”) accounts for approximately 45 percent of our
annual sales. Historically, R&R demand conditions have tended to be less cyclical when compared to the residential new
construction market, particularly for exterior products that are exposed to the elements and where maintenance is less likely to
be deferred for long periods of time. We believe R&R demand is driven by a myriad of factors including, but not limited to:
home prices and affordability; macro-economic conditions and expectations around inflationary rate, unemployment rate,
interest rate, and economic output; raw materials prices; the pace of new household formations; savings rates; employment
conditions; and emerging trends, such as the increased popularity of home-based remote working environments. Residential
mortgage rates have risen in recent years and we believe many homeowners who secured mortgages with lower interest rates
will be inclined to stay longer in existing homes, which could benefit R&R demand over the near-to-medium term. On the other
hand, we are experiencing low existing home turnover, which we believe may be currently hindering any significant growth in
R&R activity.
According to the Joint Center For Housing Studies’ Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (“LIRA”) Index, spending for
R&R is expected to increase in 2025 over 2024, particularly later in the year. The total market size of the U.S. R&R market
remains significant, with total U.S. homeowner improvements and repairs spending expected to be approximately $509 billion
in 2025, compared to the $503 billion, $510 billion, and $515 billion in 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, but up significantly
from the $407 billion in 2021 and the $363 billion in 2020. As the median age of U.S. housing stock continues to increase over
time, we anticipate domestic R&R spending will also increase. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and Department of
Housing and Urban Development, the median age of an owner-occupied home in the U.S. increased from 23 years in 1985 to
40 years in 2022. Moreover, approximately 75 percent of the current owner-occupied housing stock was built prior to 1999. We
believe the increasing average age of the nation’s approximately 145 million existing homes will drive demand for R&R
projects.
26
Residential New Construction
We estimate that demand from the residential new construction market, including single-family and multi-family units,
accounts for approximately 40 percent of our annual sales. We believe our products are more likely to be used in single-family
construction than in multi-family units, and therefore we are actively pursuing multi-family business as part of our sales growth
strategy.
We believe demand for residential new construction is driven by a myriad of factors including, but not limited to: mortgage
rates, which recently reached multi-year highs; lending standards; home affordability; employment conditions; savings rates;
the rate of population growth and new household formation; builder activity levels; the level of existing home inventory on the
market; and consumer sentiment.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, for full year 2024
residential housing starts for single family units and multi-family units were up 7% and down 27%, respectively, compared to
full year 2023. We believe the overall increase for single family starts was driven by builders adding more supply to a market
with a significant housing shortage and by stabilizing economic conditions. We believe multi-family starts were down due to
the elevated interest rate environment and to recent overbuilding of multi-family units in many cities.
We believe our scale, national footprint, strategic supplier relationships, key national customer relationships, and breadth of
market leading products and brands position us to serve the residential new construction market and navigate the changes in the
macro-economic environment.
Commodity Nature of Our Products
Many of the building products we distribute including lumber and panels, such as oriented strand board (“OSB”) and plywood,
are commodities that are widely available from various suppliers with prices and volumes determined frequently in a market
that is based on participants' perceptions and expectations of short-term supply and demand factors. The selling price of our
commodity products is based on the current market purchase price to replace those products in our inventory, plus adders for
our shipping, handling, overhead costs, and our profit margin. At certain times, particularly in a dynamic inflationary
commodity market, the selling price for any one or more of the products we distribute, especially those of a commodity nature,
may well exceed our purchase price because our prices are based on current replacement cost. At certain other times, the selling
price may fall below our purchase price for the same reasons, requiring us to incur short-term losses on specific sales
transactions and/or recognize a loss provision for the lower-of-cost-or-net-realizable-value position on certain products in our
inventory that are of a commodity nature. Therefore, our profitability depends, in significant part, on the impact of commodity
prices along with inventory levels. In addition to prices, our profitability is also dependent on managing our cost structure,
particularly shipping and handling costs, which represent significant components of our operating costs. Composite lumber and
panel prices have been historically volatile.
The following table represents the percentage price changes on a year-over-year basis of the average monthly composite prices
for lumber and average monthly composite prices for panels as reflected in the industry publication, Random Lengths, for the
periods indicated below.
2024 versus 2023
2023 versus 2022
2022 versus 2021
Increase (decrease) in composite lumber prices
(2.5)%
(47)%
(10)%
Increase (decrease) in composite panel prices
1.2%
(32)%
(18)%
There is significant uncertainty regarding future trends in lumber and panel index prices. We continue to closely monitor these
pricing trends, and work to manage our business, inventory levels, and costs accordingly.
Cost and Availability of the Products We Distribute
Our gross profit is equal to our net sales less the cost of the products sold. Substantially all of the amount reported in Cost of
products sold is composed of cost to purchase inventory for resale to customers, including the cost of inbound freights, volume
incentives, and inventory adjustments. During fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, no one supplier represented more than 10% of our
consolidated Cost of products sold.
The specialty products we distribute are available from select domestic and international suppliers from which we have
established and cultivated relationships. The structural products we distribute are available from a variety of suppliers in both
the U.S. and Canada.
27
Pandemics and Public Health Crisis
The impact of disease outbreaks, epidemics, or pandemics and other public health crises can affect our operational and financial
performance to varying degrees, such as the COVID-19 global pandemic did. The extent of the effects of future public health
crises, including a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic, or related containment measures and government responses are
highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.
Results of Operations
Fiscal 2024 Compared to Fiscal 2023
The following table sets forth our results of operations for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, both of which were comprised of 52
weeks.
Fiscal 2024
% of
Net
Sales
Fiscal 2023
% of
Net
Sales
($ amounts in thousands)
Net sales
$
2,952,532
$
3,136,381
Gross profit
489,139
16.6%
527,017
16.8%
Selling, general, and administrative
365,532
12.4%
355,819
11.3%
Depreciation and amortization
38,488
1.3%
32,043
1.0%
Amortization of deferred gains on real estate
(3,934)
(0.1)%
(3,934)
(0.1)%
Gain from sale of properties, net
(272)
—%
—
—%
Other operating expenses
1,755
0.1%
4,640
0.1%
Operating income
87,570
3.0%
138,449
4.4%
Interest expense, net
19,364
0.7%
23,746
0.8%
Settlement of defined benefit pension plan
(2,481)
(0.1)%
30,440
1.0%
Other expense, net
—
—%
2,377
0.1%
Income before provision for income taxes
70,687
2.4%
81,886
2.6%
Provision for income taxes
17,571
0.6%
33,350
1.1%
Net income
$
53,116
1.8%
$
48,536
1.5%
The following table sets forth changes in net sales by product category.
Fiscal 2024
Fiscal 2023
($ amounts in thousands)
Net sales by product category
Specialty products
$
2,045,910
69.3 % $
2,184,240
69.6 %
Structural products
906,622
30.7 %
952,141
30.4 %
Total net sales
$
2,952,532
100.0 % $
3,136,381
100.0 %
28
The following table sets forth gross margin dollars and percentages by product category.
Fiscal 2024
Fiscal 2023
($ amounts in thousands)
Gross profit by product category:
Specialty products
$
397,625
$
420,794
Structural products
91,514
106,223
Total gross profit
$
489,139
$
527,017
Gross Margin %
16.6 %
16.8 %
Gross margin % by product category:
Specialty products
19.4 %
19.3 %
Structural products
10.1 %
11.2 %
Fiscal 2024 Compared to Fiscal 2023
For fiscal 2024, we generated net sales of $3.0 billion, a decrease of $184 million, or 5.9 percent, compared to fiscal 2023. The
Company’s gross margin percentage decreased from 16.8 percent to 16.6 percent year over year. The decrease in the
Company’s net sales was driven by both specialty products (down 6.3 percent) and structural products (down 4.8 percent) due
to price deflation for both specialty and structural products that was partially offset by volume increases for specialty products.
The decrease in the Company’s gross margin percentage was driven by structural products (decrease of 110 basis points)
partially offset by an increase of 10 basis points for specialty products. Company gross profit and Company gross margin
percentage for specialty products reflect the positive impact of a net benefit of $12.7 million for import duty items in the current
fiscal year. The import duty items were related to changes in retroactive rates for anti-dumping duties resulting in a credit to
cost of products sold of $20.7 million, partially offset by classification adjustments for certain goods imported by the Company
that resulted in a net increase in Cost of products sold of $8.0 million for the current year. Not including this net $12.7 million
benefit, the Company’s gross margin percentage would have been 16.1 percent in the current year.
Net sales of specialty products, which includes product types such as engineered wood, siding, millwork, outdoor living
products, specialty lumber and panels, and industrial products, decreased $138.3 million, or 6.3 percent, to $2.0 billion in fiscal
2024. The overall decrease in specialty products net sales was due to price deflation for all specialty product types, partially
offset by volume increases for all specialty product types except industrial. Specialty products gross profit decreased
$23.2 million to $397.6 million in the current year. Specialty products gross margin percentage increased to 19.4 percent for
fiscal 2024 compared to 19.3 percent for fiscal 2023. Gross profit and gross margin percentage for specialty products benefited
in the current year from the aforementioned net $12.7 million benefit related to import duty items. Excluding this net benefit,
gross margin percentage for specialty products was 18.8 percent for the current year.
Net sales of structural products, which includes product types such as lumber, plywood, oriented strand board, rebar, and
remesh, decreased overall by $45.5 million, or 4.8 percent, to $907 million in fiscal 2024. This overall decrease in net sales
was primarily due to market-based price deflation for all structural product types and lower volume for lumber, partially offset
by volume gains for panels. Gross profit for structural products decreased in the current year by $14.7 million, or 14 percent, to
$91.5 million from $106.2 million in the prior year period due to lower sales in the current year. Compared to fiscal year 2023,
average composite pricing for lumber in the U.S. decreased 2.5 percent while panel prices increased 1.2 percent. Structural
products gross margin percentage for fiscal 2024 was 10.1 percent, down from 11.2 percent in the prior fiscal year, which was
primarily attributable to the aforementioned price deflation.
Our selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased 2.7 percent overall, or $9.7 million, compared to fiscal
2023. In the current year, SG&A expenses were higher for payroll and payroll-related expenses driven by increased logistics
costs due to higher volumes, expenses associated with our digital transformation, legal expenses associated with duty-related
matters, and bad debt related to a customer bankruptcy. These SG&A increases were partially offset by lower commission
expense and lower share-based compensation expense. Depreciation and amortization expense increased 20.1 percent compared
to fiscal 2023 due to a higher base of amortizable and depreciable assets throughout fiscal 2024 when compared to the prior
fiscal year, resulting from our continued focus on capital investment. Other operating expenses decreased $2.9 million
compared to fiscal 2023 primarily due to lower restructuring related costs, including severance payments. Restructuring related
costs incurred in fiscal 2023 included costs related to our leadership transition.
29
Interest expense, net, decreased by 18.5 percent, or $4.4 million, compared to fiscal 2023. The decrease is primarily due to the
net interest income associated with the refunded antidumping duties described in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies, under the heading Inventory.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, we settled our frozen defined benefit pension plan by transferring future financial
responsibilities for the plan to a highly rated insurance company through the purchase of an annuity. The accounting for this
settlement resulted in the non-cash reclassification of $34.9 million, including net deferred income taxes of $4.5 million, from
accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings. The settlement also required the Company, as plan sponsor, to make a final
$6.9 million cash contribution to the plan trust in order for the plan trust to have sufficient assets to purchase the annuity from
the insurance company. During fiscal 2024, we received cash refunds of $2.5 million related to the settlement when the separate
pension trust entity was closed. The settlement of the frozen defined benefit pension plan did not result in any changes to the
multi-employer pension plans in which some of our union employees participate.
Our effective income tax rate was 24.9 percent and 40.7 percent for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, respectively. The higher
effective rate in fiscal 2023 was due primarily to the one-time accounting for the settlement of our frozen defined benefit
pension plan, as described above, which increased the effective income tax rate by 14.8 percent. The reclassification of $30.4
million to pre-tax earnings resulted in $12.2 million income tax expense (of which $4.5 million was reclassified from
accumulated other comprehensive loss) related to the one-time settlement of our frozen defined benefit pension plan, which did
not result in cash tax payments. Removing the income tax effects related to the one-time settlement of our frozen defined
benefit pension plan, our effective income tax rate for fiscal 2023 would have been approximately 25.9 percent. Our effective
income tax rates for both fiscal years were impacted by state taxes as well as the permanent addback of certain nondeductible
expenses, including meals and entertainment and executive compensation, offset by a benefit from vesting of share-based
compensation.
Our net income for fiscal 2024 was $53.1 million, or $6.19 per diluted share, versus $48.5 million, or $5.39 per diluted share, in
the prior fiscal year. Our net income for fiscal 2024 increased primarily due to the lack of the defined benefit pension plan
settlement cost incurred in fiscal 2023, the aforementioned net benefit of $12.7 million for import duty items, lower net interest
expense and lower income tax provision in the current year, partially offset by lower gross profit, higher SG&A expense, and
higher depreciation expense in the current year.
Results of Operations
Fiscal 2023 Compared to Fiscal 2022
For a comparison of the Company’s results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 to the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2022, refer to Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2023 filed with the SEC on
February 20, 2024.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We expect our material cash requirements for the foreseeable future, including the next 12 months will be for our:
•
Periodic estimated income tax payments, as required;
•
Periodic interest payments associated with our senior secured notes, as discussed in Note 8, Debt and Finance Lease
Obligations, in Item 8 of this Annual Report;
•
Lease agreements which have fixed lease payment obligations, as discussed in Note 13, Lease Commitments, in Item 8
of this Annual Report.
Our purchase orders are based on near-term needs and are typically fulfilled by our vendors within short time horizons. We do
not have significant agreements for the purchase of inventory specifying minimum quantities or set prices that exceed our
expected requirements or that cannot be canceled by us within 30 to 60 days.
We expect our primary sources of liquidity for the next 12 months to be cash/cash equivalents on hand, cash flows from sales
and operating activities in the normal course of our operations, and availability from our revolving credit facility, as needed,
and we expect that these sources will be sufficient to fund our ongoing cash requirements for the foreseeable future, including
at least the next 12 months. We expect to meet our long-term liquidity needs with cash/cash equivalents on hand, cash flows
from our operations, and financing arrangements. As of December 28, 2024, we had $505.6 million of cash and cash
equivalents plus $346.2 million of availability on our revolving credit facility.
30
Sources and Uses of Cash
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $85.2 million for fiscal 2024 compared to $306.3 million for fiscal 2023. The
decrease in cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2024 was primarily the result of changes in working capital,
particularly with respect to changes in inventory and other current assets within fiscal 2024 when compared to changes in
inventory and other current assets within fiscal 2023. Additionally, net income was lower in fiscal 2024 when the non-cash
reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss of $30.4 million in fiscal 2023 is considered in the net income
comparison between fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023.
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $306.3 million for fiscal 2023 compared to $400.3 million for fiscal 2022. The
decrease in cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2023 was primarily the result of a decrease in net income in fiscal
2023 compared to fiscal 2022, partially offset by higher cash generated from changes in working capital in fiscal 2023. For
working capital, the change in inventory increased $120.1 million for fiscal 2023 as a result of lower product cost and our
continuing efforts to better manage inventory on hand. The change in accounts payable increased $37.8 million for fiscal 2023
due to the timing of payments. These increases in cash from working capital changes were partially offset by a decrease in the
change for accounts receivable of $78.1 million for fiscal 2023 due to lower sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared
to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $400.3 million during fiscal 2022. This cash activity was primarily driven by
net income of $296.2 million combined with changes in our working capital components after adjusting for the impact of
working capital related to our acquisition of Vandermeer. See Note 2, Business Combination, in Item 8 of this Annual Report
for more information about this acquisition. The changes in working capital components resulted in an increase in cash due to a
decrease in accounts receivable of $101.3 million and a decrease in inventory of $20.8 million, partially offset by a decrease in
accounts payable of $31.8 million. During fiscal 2022, we completed the repurchase of properties previously contributed to the
BlueLinx Corporation Hourly Retirement Plan for $11.1 million. The cash outflow associated with the purchase of these
properties is included in pension contributions within the operating activities section of our consolidated statement of cash
flows for fiscal 2022.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $39.2 million during fiscal 2024, primarily for capital expenditures. Our investing
activities in fiscal 2024 reflected continuing improvements to our distribution facilities, upgrades to our fleet, and digital
transformation.
Net cash used in investing activities was $26.9 million during fiscal 2023, primarily for capital expenditures. Our investing
activities in fiscal 2023 reflected continuing improvements to our distribution facilities and upgrades to our fleet.
Net cash used in investing activities was $98.7 million during fiscal 2022, which was primarily driven by cash of $63.8 million
used for the acquisition of Vandermeer and capital expenditures of $35.9 million throughout fiscal 2022.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $62.1 million for fiscal 2024. Of this amount $45.3 million was used to repurchase
our common stock under authorized share repurchase programs and remit excise taxes due on fiscal 2023 share repurchases,
$3.4 million was used to repurchase shares to satisfy employee payroll and tax withholdings for vesting of share-based
compensation, and $13.4 million was used for payments on finance lease obligations.
Net cash used in financing activities was $56.6 million for fiscal 2023. Of this amount $42.1 million was used to repurchase our
common stock under authorized share repurchase programs, $5.3 million was used to repurchase shares to satisfy employee
payroll and tax withholdings for vesting of share-based compensation, and $9.2 million was used for payments on finance lease
obligations.
Net cash used in financing activities was $87.9 million for fiscal 2022, which was primarily driven by $66.4 million used to
repurchase our common stock under our share repurchase program, including the accelerated share repurchase agreement (the
“ASR Agreement”). Additionally, $10.5 million was used to repurchase shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings on the
vesting of restricted stock units, and $10.9 million was for payments on our finance lease obligations.
Share Repurchase Programs
As discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-K, during fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022 we used cash of $45.0 million, $42.1
31
million, and $66.4 million, respectively, to repurchase shares of our common stock under repurchase programs authorized by
our Board of Directors, excluding excise tax due on the 2024 and 2023 repurchases. As of December 28, 2024, we had $46.5
million of remaining repurchase authorization under the $100 million program approved by our Board of Directors on
October 31, 2023. Under this share repurchase program, we may repurchase our common stock from time to time, without
prior notice, subject to prevailing market conditions and other considerations. Repurchases may be made through a variety of
methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated share repurchase programs,
tender offers or pursuant to a trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission
Rule 10b5-1.
Net Working Capital
Net working capital is an important measurement we use to determine the efficiencies of our operations and our ability to
readily convert assets into cash. Net working capital is defined as the sum of accounts receivable and inventory, less accounts
payable. This metric differs from traditional working capital in that it excludes certain current assets and current liabilities that
are reported in our consolidated balance sheet. Our net working capital as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 is
presented in the following table:
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
(In thousands)
Current assets included in net working capital:
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
$
225,837 $
228,410
Inventories, net
355,909
343,638
581,746
572,048
Current liabilities included in net working capital:
Accounts payable
170,202
157,931
Net working capital
$
411,544 $
414,117
As of December 28, 2024, and December 30, 2023, debt and finance leases consisted of the following:
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
(In thousands)
Senior secured notes (1)
$
300,000 $
300,000
Revolving credit facility (2)
—
—
Finance lease obligations (3)
292,543
285,426
592,543
585,426
Unamortized debt issuance costs
(2,437)
(3,246)
Unamortized bond discount costs
(2,502)
(3,011)
587,604
579,169
Less: current portions of finance leases
12,541
11,178
Total debt and finance leases, net of current portions
$
575,063 $
567,991
(1) As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, our long-term debt was comprised of $300.0 million of senior secured
notes issued in October 2021. These notes are presented under the long-term debt caption of our balance sheet at
$295.1 million and $293.7 million as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. This presentation is net of
their discount of $2.5 million and $3.0 million and the combined carrying value of our debt issuance costs of $2.4 million and
$3.2 million as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. Our senior secured notes are presented in this
table at their face value.
(2) No borrowings were outstanding during fiscal 2024 or fiscal 2023. Available borrowing capacity under this revolving credit
facility was $346.2 million and $346.5 million on December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. Available
borrowing capacity is net of undrawn letters of credit commitments.
(3) Refer to Note 13, Lease Commitments, in Item 8 of this Annual Report for interest rates associated with finance lease
obligations.
32
Senior Secured Notes
In October 2021, we completed a private offering of $300.0 million of our six percent senior secured notes due 2029 (the “2029
Notes”). Interest is payable semi-annually. Our 2029 Notes mature on November 15, 2029, and no principal is due until that
time as long as we remain in compliance with the related covenants. As of December 28, 2024, we were in compliance with
these covenants.
Revolving Credit Facility
Our amended revolving credit facility matures on August 2, 2026 provided we remain in compliance with the related covenants.
As of December 28, 2024, we were in compliance with these covenants.
Any outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to (i) Adjusted Term
Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) (calculated as SOFR plus 0.1%) plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.75%,
with the margin determined based upon average excess availability for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter for loans based
on SOFR, or (ii) the agent’s base rate (as that term is defined in the revolving credit agreement) plus a margin ranging from
0.25% to 0.75%, with the margin based upon average excess availability for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter for loans
based on the base rate.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are subject to availability under the Borrowing Base (as that term is defined in
the revolving credit agreement). The Company is required to repay revolving loans thereunder to the extent that such revolving
loans exceed the Borrowing Base then in effect. The Revolving Credit Facility may be prepaid in whole or in part from time to
time without penalty or premium but including all breakage costs incurred by any lender thereunder.
Available borrowing capacity under our Revolving Credit Facility was $346.2 million on December 28, 2024.
Finance Lease Commitments
Our finance lease liabilities consist of leases related to equipment and vehicles, and to real estate, with the majority of those
finance lease commitments relating to the real estate financing transactions. Our total finance lease commitments totaled
$292.5 million and $285.4 million as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. Of the $292.5 million of
finance lease commitments as of December 28, 2024, $242.8 million related to real estate and $49.8 million related to
equipment. Of the $285.4 million of finance lease commitments as of December 30, 2023, $243.2 million related to real estate
and $42.3 million related to equipment. As of December 28, 2024, $12.5 million of our finance leases are classified as current
liabilities.
The real estate finance leases noted above include $125.1 million and $125.0 million as of December 28, 2024 and December
30, 2023, respectively, for sale-leasebacks of real estate in fiscal 2019 and 2020 that did not qualify for sale treatment for
accounting purposes.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements other than short-term
inventory commitments in the normal course of our business. Our purchase order commitments are based on near-term needs
and are typically fulfilled by vendors within short time horizons. We do not have significant agreements for the purchase of
inventory specifying minimum quantities or set prices that exceed expected requirements or that we cannot be cancel within 30
to 60 days.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.,
which require management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated
financial statements and accompanying notes. We believe that our most critical accounting policies and estimates relate to: (1)
revenue recognition; (2) income taxes; (3) business combinations; and (4) goodwill.
Accounting estimates and assumptions discussed in this section are those that we consider to be the most critical to an
understanding of our financial statements because they involve significant judgments and uncertainties. All of these estimates
reflect our best judgment about current and, for some estimates, future economic and market conditions and their potential
effects based on information available as of the date of these financial statements. If these conditions change from those
expected, it is reasonably possible that the judgments and estimates described below could change, which may result in our
recording additional expenses or additional liabilities, among other effects.
33
Management has discussed the development, selection, and disclosure of critical accounting policies and estimates with the
audit committee of the Company’s board of directors. While our estimates and assumptions are based on our knowledge of
current events and actions we may undertake in the future, actual results ultimately may differ from these estimates and
assumptions. For a discussion of the Company’s significant accounting policies, see Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies, in Item 8 of this Annual Report.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when the following criteria are met: (1) contract with the customer has been identified; (2) performance
obligations in the contract have been identified; (3) transaction price has been determined; (4) the transaction price has been
allocated to the performance obligations; and (5) when (or as) performance obligations are satisfied. For us, this generally
means that we recognize revenue when title to our products is transferred to our customers. Title usually transfers upon
shipment to, or receipt at, our customers’ locations, as determined by the specific sales terms of each transaction. Our customers
can earn certain incentives including, but not limited to, cash discounts and rebates. These incentives are deducted from revenue
recognized. In preparing the financial statements, management must make estimates related to the contractual terms, customer
performance, and sales volume to determine the total amounts recorded as deductions from revenue. Management also
considers past results in making such estimates. The actual amounts ultimately paid may be different from our estimates, and
recorded once they have been determined.
Income Taxes
Our annual income tax rate is based on our taxable income, statutory tax rates, and tax planning opportunities available to us in
the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Judgment is required in determining our annual income tax expense and in
evaluating our income tax positions. We establish allowances to remove some or all of the income tax benefit of any of our
income tax positions at the time we determine that the positions become uncertain based upon one of the following: (1) the tax
position is not “more likely than not” to be sustained; (2) the tax position is “more likely than not” to be sustained, but for a
lesser amount; or (3) the tax position is “more likely than not” to be sustained, but not in the financial period in which the
income tax position was originally taken. For purposes of evaluating whether or not an income tax position is uncertain, (1) we
presume the tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information,
(2) the technical merits of a tax position are derived from authorities such as legislation and statutes, legislative intent,
regulations, rulings, and case law and their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the income tax position, and (3) each
tax position is evaluated without considerations of the possibility of offset or aggregation with other income tax positions taken.
We adjust these reserves, including any impact on the related interest and penalties, in light of changing facts and
circumstances, such as the progress of an income tax audit. Refer to Note 7, Income Taxes, in Item 8 of this Annual Report.
A number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which we have established an allowance is audited and finally
resolved. The number of years with open income tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. The income tax benefit that
has been previously subject to an allowance because of a failure to meet the “more likely than not” recognition threshold would
be recognized in our income tax expense in the first interim period when the uncertainty disappears under any one of the
following conditions: (1) the tax position is “more likely than not” to be sustained; (2) the tax position, amount, and/or timing is
ultimately settled through negotiation or litigation; or (3) the statute of limitations for the tax position has expired. Settlement of
any particular issue would usually require the use of cash.
Income tax law requires items to be included in the income tax return at different times than when these items are reflected in
the consolidated financial statements. As a result, the annual income tax rate reflected in our consolidated financial statements
is different from that reported in our income tax return (our cash income tax rate). Some of these differences are permanent,
such as expenses that are not deductible in our income tax return, and some differences reverse over time, such as depreciation
expense. These timing differences create deferred income tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are
determined based on temporary differences between the financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. The
income tax rates used to determine deferred income tax assets or liabilities are the enacted income tax rates in effect for the year
and manner in which the differences are expected to reverse. Based on the evaluation of available information, we recognize
future income tax benefits, such as net operating loss carryforwards, to the extent that realizing these benefits is considered
more likely than not.
We evaluate our ability to realize the income tax benefits associated with deferred income tax assets by analyzing our
forecasted taxable income using both historical and projected future operating results, the reversal of existing taxable temporary
differences, taxable income in prior carryback years (if permitted), and the availability of income tax planning strategies. A
valuation allowance is required to be established unless management determines that it is more likely than not that we will
ultimately realize the income tax benefit associated with a deferred income tax asset. As of December 28, 2024, positive
evidence continued to outweigh negative evidence, as such no valuation allowance was deemed necessary except to the extent
34
of certain state net operating losses. The valuation allowance related to our net operating losses as of December 28, 2024 was
approximately $3.5 million. See Note 7, Income Taxes, in Item 8 of this Annual Report.
Business Combinations
We account for business combinations by recognizing the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date fair
value. In valuing certain acquired assets and liabilities, fair value estimates use Level 3 inputs, including future expected cash
flows and discount rates. Goodwill is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the fair values of the assets
acquired and the liabilities assumed. While we use our best estimates and assumptions to value assets acquired and liabilities
assumed at the acquisition date, our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the
measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired
and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any
subsequent adjustments arising from new facts and circumstances are recorded to the consolidated statements of operations. The
results of operations of acquisitions are reflected in our consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
Accounting for business combinations requires our management to make significant estimates and assumptions about intangible
assets, obligations assumed and pre-acquisition contingencies, including uncertain tax positions and tax-related valuation
allowances and reserves, where applicable. Critical inputs and assumptions in valuing certain of the intangible assets include,
but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from customer relationships and developed technologies; the acquired
Company’s brand and competitive position, as well as assumptions about the period of time the acquired brand will continue to
be used in the combined Company’s product portfolio; and discount rates.
Goodwill
Goodwill is an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that
are not individually identified and separately recognized. Estimates are used in the determination of the fair values of
identifiable asset acquired, including intangible assets, and liabilities assumed in a business combination, but the initial carrying
value assigned to goodwill is of a residual nature. Goodwill is not subject to amortization, but must be tested for impairment at
least annually using either a qualitative method or a quantitative method. Goodwill may also need to be assessed for impairment
between the annual assessments if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying value of goodwill
may be impaired. Such interim events and circumstances can include significant declines in the industries in which our products
are used, significant changes in capital market conditions, and significant changes in our market capitalization.
Goodwill is assessed for impairment at the reporting unit level and the assessment must determine if the fair value of the
reporting unit, including the goodwill, is less than its carrying value. For entities like us that consist of a single reporting unit,
goodwill is assessed at the enterprise level. In performing a qualitative assessment, potential impairment indicators must be
evaluated to determine if it is “more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.”
Such evaluations involve estimates of the significance and materiality of any identified impairment indicators. For a
quantitative assessment, we utilize a combination of the present value of expected cash flows and the guideline public
companies method to determine the estimated fair value of our enterprise. This present value model requires management to
estimate future gross profit, cash flows, the timing of the future cash flows, and a discount rate (based on a weighted-average
cost of capital), which represents the time value of money and the inherent risk and uncertainty of the future cash flows. These
estimates can have material influences on a goodwill assessment.
We perform our annual goodwill assessment as of the first day of our fiscal fourth quarter. Based on the results of our most
recent annual assessment, which was quantitative, our goodwill was not impaired. As of December 28, 2024, the carrying value
of our goodwill was $55.4 million, which represented 3.5% of our consolidated assets.
Between our annual impairment assessment for fiscal 2024 and 2023, we noted no interim events or circumstances to indicate
that the carrying value of our goodwill was impaired. Therefore, we relied on our annual assessments.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
For a summary of recent accounting pronouncements applicable to our consolidated financial statements, see Note 1, Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies, in Item 8 of this Annual Report.
35
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to certain market risks as part of our on-going business operations. Our exposure includes commodity price risk
and interest rate risk.
Commodity Price Risk
Although we have no material financial instruments as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 that are directly exposed
to commodity price risk, many of the building products that we inventory and distribute, including oriented strand board
(“OSB”), plywood, lumber, and rebar, are commodities whose price is determined by the market’s supply and demand for such
products. Prices of commodity products can also change as a result of national and international economic conditions, labor and
freight costs, competition, market speculation, government regulation, and trade policies, as well as from periodic delays in the
delivery of products. Short-term increases in the cost of these materials, some of which are subject to significant fluctuations,
are sometimes passed on to our customers, but our pricing quotation periods and pricing pressure from our competitors may
limit our ability to pass on such price changes. We may also be limited in our ability to pass on increases in freight costs on our
products. We may enter into derivative financial instruments to mitigate the potential impact of commodity price fluctuations
on our results of operations or cash flows. As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, we had no such derivative
financial instruments in place. For further discussion of commodity price risk, refer to Item 1A, Risk Factors, and to the section
under the heading “Commodity Nature of Our Products” within “Factors That Affect Our Operating Results and Trends” in
Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Interest Rate Risk
We may be exposed to changes in interest rates for our outstanding debt. Changes in market interest rates could affect our
interest expense. We are exposed to interest rate risk arising from fluctuations in variable-rate SOFR, or other applicable
benchmark rate, when we have amounts outstanding on our revolving credit facility. As of December 28, 2024 and December
30, 2023, we had no outstanding borrowings on our revolving credit facility. Our senior secured notes bear interest at a fixed
rate, therefore, our interest expense related to these notes would not be affected by an increase in market interest rates if we
remain in compliance with the related debt covenants, but interest rate changes could impact the terms and pricing of any future
refinancings of our term debt. We may enter into derivative financial instruments to mitigate the potential impact of interest rate
risk on our results of operations or cash flows. As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, we had no such derivative
financial instruments in place. For further discussion of our indebtedness and related interest rate risk, refer to Note 8, Debt and
Finance Lease Obligations in Item 8 and to Item 1A, Risk Factors of this Annual Report.
36
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Index
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 42)
38
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
40
Consolidated Balance Sheets
41
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
42
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
43
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
44
Business Combination
51
Revenue Recognition
52
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
53
Segment Reporting
55
Property and Equipment
56
Income Taxes
56
Debt and Finance Leases Obligations
59
Fair Value
61
Employee Retirement Plans
62
Share-Based Compensation
66
Stockholders’ Equity, Earnings Per Share and Share Repurchases
68
Lease Commitments
69
Commitments and Contingencies
72
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
74
37
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of BlueLinx Holdings Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. (the Company) as of December 28,
2024 and December 30, 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, stockholders’
equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 28, 2024, and the related notes (collectively
referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 28, 2024 in conformity with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2024, based on criteria established in
Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
(2013 framework), and our report dated February 18, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are
required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to
error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial
statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included
examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included
evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that
was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that
are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The
communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken
as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit
matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Valuation of Goodwill
Description of the
Matter
As of December 28, 2024, the Company's goodwill balance was $55.4 million. As discussed in Note 4
to the consolidated financial statements, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually at the
reporting unit level on the first day of the fiscal fourth quarter or more frequently if events or change
in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not to be impaired. This requires management to
estimate the fair value of the reporting unit based on a combination of the discounted cash flow
method and guideline public company method.
Auditing management's annual goodwill impairment test involved especially subjective judgments
due to the significant estimation required in determining the fair value of the reporting unit. In
particular, the estimates of the fair value for the reporting unit are sensitive to assumptions, such as
the weighted average cost of capital and gross profit, which are affected by expectations about future
market or economic conditions.
38
How We Addressed the
Matter in Our Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of
controls over the Company’s goodwill impairment review process. For example, we tested controls
over the estimation of the fair value of the reporting unit, including the Company’s controls over the
valuation model, the mathematical accuracy of the valuation model, the development of underlying
assumptions used to estimate such fair values of the reporting unit. We also tested management’s
review of the reconciliation of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to the market
capitalization of the Company.
To test the estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting unit we performed audit procedures that
included, among others, assessing methodologies and testing the significant assumptions and the
underlying data used by the Company in its analysis. We compared the significant assumptions used
by management to current industry and economic trends and evaluated whether changes to these
factors would affect the significant assumptions. We assessed the historical accuracy of
management’s estimates and performed sensitivity analyses of significant assumptions to evaluate
the changes in the fair value of the reporting units that would result from changes in the assumptions.
We involved valuation specialists to assist in our evaluation of the valuation methodology and the
significant assumptions, including the weighted average cost of capital used in determining the fair
value of the reporting unit.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2021.
Atlanta, Georgia
February 18, 2025
39
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Net sales
$
2,952,532
$
3,136,381
$
4,450,214
Cost of products sold
2,463,393
2,609,364
3,617,230
Gross profit
489,139
527,017
832,984
Operating expenses (income):
Selling, general, and administrative
365,532
355,819
366,305
Depreciation and amortization
38,488
32,043
27,613
Amortization of deferred gains on real estate
(3,934)
(3,934)
(3,934)
Gain from sale of properties, net
(272)
—
(144)
Other operating expenses
1,755
4,640
4,057
Total operating expenses
401,569
388,568
393,897
Operating income
87,570
138,449
439,087
Non-operating expenses (income):
Interest expense, net
19,364
23,746
42,272
Settlement of defined benefit pension plan
(2,481)
30,440
—
Other expense, net
—
2,377
2,054
Income before provision for income taxes
70,687
81,886
394,761
Provision for income taxes
17,571
33,350
98,585
Net income
$
53,116
$
48,536
$
296,176
Basic earnings per share
$
6.22
$
5.40
$
31.75
Diluted earnings per share
$
6.19
$
5.39
$
31.51
Comprehensive income:
Net income
$
53,116
$
48,536
$
296,176
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Actuarial loss on defined benefit plan, net of tax of $1,090 and $1,016,
respectively
—
(3,119)
(3,057)
Amortization of unrecognized pension gain, net of tax of $(325) and $(208),
respectively
—
882
627
Settlement of frozen defined benefit pension plan, including tax of $4,472
—
34,912
—
Other
—
(1,263)
378
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
—
31,412
(2,052)
Comprehensive income
$
53,116
$
79,948
$
294,124
See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
40
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
(In thousands, except share data)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
505,622
$
521,743
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $4,344 and $3,398, respectively
225,837
228,410
Inventories, net
355,909
343,638
Other current assets
46,620
26,608
Total current assets
1,133,988
1,120,399
Property and equipment, net
249,556
225,987
Operating lease right-of-use assets
47,221
37,227
Goodwill
55,372
55,372
Intangible assets, net
26,881
30,792
Deferred income tax asset, net
50,578
53,256
Other non-current assets
14,121
14,568
Total assets
$
1,577,717
$
1,537,601
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$
170,202
$
157,931
Accrued compensation
16,706
14,273
Finance lease liabilities - current
12,541
11,178
Operating lease liabilities - current
8,478
6,284
Real estate deferred gains - current
3,935
3,935
Other current liabilities
21,862
24,961
Total current liabilities
233,724
218,562
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt
295,061
293,743
Finance lease liabilities - less current portion
280,002
274,248
Operating lease liabilities - less current portion
40,114
32,519
Real estate deferred gains - less current portion
63,296
66,599
Other non-current liabilities
19,079
17,644
Total liabilities
931,276
903,315
Commitments and contingencies
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding
—
—
Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized,
8,294,798 and 8,650,046 outstanding, respectively
83
87
Additional paid-in capital
124,103
165,060
Retained earnings
522,255
469,139
Total stockholders’ equity
646,441
634,286
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,577,717
$
1,537,601
See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
41
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Retained
Earnings
Total Stockholders’
Equity
Shares
Amount
(In thousands)
Balance as of the beginning of fiscal 2022
9,726
$
97
$
268,085
$
(29,360) $
124,427
$
363,249
Net income
—
—
—
—
296,176
296,176
Other comprehensive loss
—
—
—
(2,052)
—
(2,052)
Vesting of restricted stock units
337
3
(3)
—
—
—
Compensation related to share-based grants
—
—
9,617
—
—
9,617
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax
withholdings
(132)
(1)
(10,533)
—
—
(10,534)
Common stock repurchases and retirements
(882)
(9)
(66,418)
—
—
(66,427)
Balance as of end of fiscal 2022
9,049
90
200,748
(31,412)
420,603
590,029
Net income
—
—
—
—
48,536
48,536
Other comprehensive income
—
—
—
31,412
—
31,412
Vesting of restricted stock units
170
2
(2)
—
—
—
Compensation related to share-based grants
—
—
12,055
—
—
12,055
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax
withholdings
(63)
—
(5,279)
—
—
(5,279)
Common stock repurchases and retirements
(506)
(5)
(42,462)
—
—
(42,467)
Balance as of end of fiscal 2023
8,650
87
165,060
—
469,139
634,286
Net income
—
—
—
53,116
53,116
Vesting of restricted stock units
105
1
(1)
—
—
—
Compensation related to share-based grants
—
—
7,749
—
—
7,749
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax
withholdings
(32)
—
(3,365)
—
—
(3,365)
Common stock repurchases and retirements
(428)
(5)
(45,340)
—
—
(45,345)
Balance as of end of fiscal 2024
8,295
$
83
$
124,103
$
—
$
522,255
$
646,441
There has been no activity for Preferred Stock.
See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
42
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 2024
Fiscal Year Ended
December 30, 2023
Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 2022
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
53,116
$
48,536
$
296,176
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization
38,488
32,043
27,613
Settlement of frozen defined benefit pension plan
—
30,440
—
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs
1,318
1,319
1,153
Gains from sales of property
(272)
—
(144)
Provision for deferred income taxes
2,678
7,756
5,289
Share-based compensation
7,749
12,055
9,617
Amortization of deferred gains from real estate
(3,934)
(3,934)
(3,934)
Other income statement items
—
(909)
—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business acquisition:
Accounts receivable
2,573
23,145
101,266
Inventories, net
(12,271)
140,875
20,759
Accounts payable
13,002
5,973
(31,808)
Employer contributions due to the single-employer defined benefit pension plan
—
(6,900)
(11,876)
Other current assets
(20,012)
15,513
(11,635)
Other assets and liabilities
2,743
373
(2,179)
Net cash provided by operating activities
85,178
306,285
400,297
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
—
300
(63,767)
Proceeds from sales of assets and properties
899
357
964
Property and equipment investments
(40,109)
(27,520)
(35,886)
Net cash used in investing activities
(39,210)
(26,863)
(98,689)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Common stock repurchases
(45,297)
(42,135)
(66,427)
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings
(3,365)
(5,279)
(10,534)
Principal payments on finance lease liabilities
(13,427)
(9,208)
(10,907)
Net cash used in financing activities
(62,089)
(56,622)
(87,868)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(16,121)
222,800
213,740
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning fiscal year
521,743
298,943
85,203
Cash and cash equivalents at end of fiscal year
$
505,622
$
521,743
$
298,943
Supplemental cash flow information:
Net income tax payments
$
30,408
$
19,239
$
111,197
Interest paid
$
44,988
$
43,438
$
44,054
See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
43
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
BlueLinx Holdings Inc., including subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), is a leading wholesale distributor of residential
and commercial building products in the United States. The Company is a “two-step” distributor. Two-step distributors
purchase products from manufacturers and distribute those products to dealers and other suppliers in local markets, who then
sell those products to end users. The Company carries a broad portfolio of both branded and private-label stock keeping units
(“SKUs”) across two principal product categories: specialty products and structural products. Specialty products include items
such as engineered wood, siding, millwork, outdoor living products, specialty lumber and panels, and industrial products.
Structural products include items such as lumber, plywood, oriented strand board, rebar, and remesh. The Company also
provides a wide range of value-added services and solutions aimed at relieving distribution and logistics challenges for its
customers and suppliers, while enhancing customers’ sales and inventory management capabilities.
The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and its wholly owned
subsidiaries. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States (“U.S. GAAP” or “GAAP”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
The Company operates on a 5-4-4 fiscal calendar. Its fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to December 31 of each year and
may comprise 53 weeks in certain years. The Company’s 2024 fiscal year contained 52 weeks and ended on December 28,
2024 (“fiscal 2024”). Fiscal 2023 contained 52 weeks and ended on December 30, 2023 (“fiscal 2023”). Fiscal 2022 contained
52 weeks and ended on December 31, 2022 (“fiscal 2022”).
Reclassification of Prior Period Presentation
The Company reclassified income taxes payable into Other current liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet as of December
30, 2023. The Company also reclassified income taxes payable into Other assets and liabilities on its consolidated statements of
cash flows for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022. These reclassifications were made to align prior-period disclosures with current
presentation.
Use of Estimates
The Company’s financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make
estimates based on assumptions about current, and for some estimates, future economic and market conditions, which affect
reported amounts and related disclosures in its financial statements. Although these current estimates contemplate current and
expected future conditions, as applicable, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could differ from expectations, which
could materially affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The Company has made a
number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses in preparing these financial statements in conformity with GAAP.
The impacts of national and global events may also affect the Company’s accounting estimates, which may materially change
from period to period due to such events. The Company’s management regularly evaluates these significant factors and makes
adjustments where facts and circumstances dictate.
Revenue Recognition and Cost of Products Sold
The Company recognizes revenue when the following criteria are met: (1) contract with the customer has been identified; (2)
performance obligations in the contract have been identified; (3) transaction price has been determined; (4) the transaction price
has been allocated to the performance obligations; and (5) when (or as) performance obligations are satisfied.
More specifically, revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the Company’s
customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company is entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or
services. The timing of revenue recognition largely is dependent on shipping terms. Revenue is recorded at the time of shipment
for terms designated free on board (“FOB”) shipping point, which is a point in time. For sales transactions designated FOB
destination, revenue is recorded when the product is delivered to the customer’s delivery site.
All revenues recognized are net of trade allowances, cash discounts, and sales returns. Cash discounts and sales returns are
estimated using historical experience. Trade allowances are based on the estimated obligations and historical experience.
Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to estimates on discounts and returns have not been material in any of the
reported periods. Certain customers may receive cash-based incentives or credits, which are accounted for as variable
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
44
consideration. The Company estimates these amounts based on the expected amount to be provided to customers and then
reduces the amount of revenue recognized. The Company believes that there will not be significant changes to its estimates of
variable consideration. Sales and usage-based taxes are excluded from revenues.
Contracts with customers are generally in the form of standard terms and conditions of sale. From time to time, the Company
may enter into specific contracts, which may affect delivery terms. Performance obligations in contracts with customers
generally consist solely of delivery of goods. For all sales channel types, consisting of warehouse, direct, and reload sales, the
Company typically satisfies its performance obligations upon shipment.
Customer payment terms are typical for the Company’s industry, and may vary by the type and location of customers and by
the products or services offered. The time period between invoicing and when payment is due is not deemed to be significant.
For certain sales channels and/or products, standard payment terms may be as early as ten days and in limited situations we may
require a customer to pay at time of delivery.
Costs to obtain customer contracts are generally expensed as incurred. The Company generally expenses sales commissions
when incurred because the amortization period would typically be one year or less. These costs are recorded within selling,
general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expense.
The Company has made an accounting policy election to treat outbound shipping and handling activities as an SG&A expense.
Shipping and handling costs include amounts related to the administration of the Company’s logistical infrastructure, handling
of material in its warehouses, and amounts pertaining to the delivery of products to customers, such as fuel and maintenance
costs for its mobile fleet, wages for its drivers, and third-party freight charges.
Substantially all of the amount reported in Cost of products sold on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations is
composed of cost to purchase inventory for resale to customers, including the cost of inbound freight, volume incentives, and
inventory adjustments. During fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, no one supplier represented more than 10% of the Company’s
consolidated Cost of products sold.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, the majority of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents were comprised of
short-term funds that the Company can liquidate on demand. These funds invest in instruments that have a weighted-average
maturity of three months or less, including cash, U.S. Treasury bills, notes and other obligations issued or guaranteed as to
principal and interest by the U.S. Government or its agencies, and repurchase agreements secured by such obligations or cash.
The Company’s policy is to classify such short-term highly liquid investments as cash equivalents. Also, the Company has cash
deposits with financial institutions that are typically in excess of federally insured limits. Though the Company has not
experienced any losses on its cash deposits to date and does not currently anticipate incurring any such losses, there can be no
assurance that the Company will not experience losses in the future.
Based on the legal form and nature of any restrictions that may be placed by third parties on certain amounts of cash transferred
by the Company to external entities, the Company’s accounting policy is to classify such unexpended amounts as either
restricted cash, other current assets, or other non-current assets in its consolidated balance sheets. As of December 28, 2024 and
December 30, 2023, the Company had $11.5 million and $10.5 million, respectively, reported within Other non-current assets
on its consolidated balance sheets for amounts transferred to a third party related to certain of the Company’s self-insured risks
for events that have occurred but have not been settled by, or are not yet known to, the Company. See the subsequent section of
this note under the heading, Self Insurance. The Company had no amounts reported as restricted cash on its consolidated
balance sheets as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance
Accounts receivable are stated at net realizable value, do not bear interest, and consist of amounts owed for orders shipped to
customers. The Company has established an overall credit policy for sales to customers.
Under the provisions of ASC No. 323, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, that apply to the Company’s trade accounts
receivable, a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model is required. The CECL impairment model requires an estimate of
expected credit losses, measured over the contractual life of a trade receivable, that considers forecasts of future economic
conditions in addition to information about past events and current conditions. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts
is determined based on a number of factors including specific customer account reviews, historical loss experience, current
economic trends, and the creditworthiness of significant customers based on ongoing credit evaluations. The Company believes
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
45
that its accounts receivable are homogenous and concluded that they can be grouped into one pool when applying the CECL
model. The Company determined that historical loss information is a reasonable basis on which to determine expected credit
losses for accounts receivable because the composition of the receivables at the most recent reporting date is consistent with
that used in developing the historical credit-loss percentages. During fiscal years 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded
provisions for doubtful accounts of $1.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, and recorded charge offs net of recoveries of
$0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, against the allowance for accounts receivable.
Inventory
The Company’s inventories consist almost entirely of finished goods inventory, with a very limited amount of work-in-process
inventory. The cost of all inventories is determined by the moving average cost method. The Company includes all material
charges directly incurred in bringing inventory to its existing condition and location, including the cost of inbound freight,
volume incentives, inventory adjustments, tariffs, duties and other import fees. The Company evaluates its inventory value at
the end of each quarter to ensure that inventory, when viewed by category, is carried at the lower-of-cost-or-net-realizable-value
(“LCNRV”), which also considers items that may be considered damaged, excess, and obsolete inventory. As of December 28,
2024 and December 30, 2023, the carrying values of the Company’s inventory reported on its consolidated balance sheets did
not reflect any adjustments for LCNRV matters.
Substantially all of the amount reported in Cost of products sold on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations is
composed of costs incurred to purchase inventory that is subsequently resold to customers, including costs related to import
duties and tariffs. Import duties and tariffs are not typically passed through to customers as separately billed charges. Certain
import duties are classified by the U.S. Department of Commerce (the “Commerce Department”) as “antidumping or
countervailing duties,” and these duties may be subject to periodic review and adjustments by the Commerce Department
through a process known as a trade remedy administrative review, which can result in both retroactive and prospective
adjustments to duty rates. At the time of importation, the Company tenders antidumping duty and countervailing duty cash
deposits (as use of that term has been defined by the Commerce Department) to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“U.S.
Customs”) and accounts for duties and tariffs based on the then-current rates in effect, and records any retroactive adjustments
in the period in which U.S. Customs determines final duty rates at the time entries subject to antidumping and countervailing
duties liquidate (as use of that term has been defined by the Commerce Department), typically through the resolution of a trade
remedy administrative review proceeding.
During fiscal 2024, the Company recognized refunds of $20.7 million plus interest of $2.7 million related to retroactive
adjustments associated with certain antidumping duties for imported wood moulding and millwork products. The antidumping
duty cash deposits were originally paid and accounted for by the Company in prior reporting periods at the then-current rates.
Impacted inventories have since been sold. These adjustment amounts are reflected in Cost of products sold and Interest
expense, net, respectively, on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024.
See Note 14, Commitments and Contingencies, for disclosure concerning other matters related to import duties.
Consideration Received from Vendors and Paid to Customers
Each fiscal year, the Company enters into agreements with certain vendors to provide inventory purchase rebates, generally
based on achievement of specified volume purchasing levels. The Company also receives rebates related to price protection and
various marketing allowances that are common industry practice. The Company accrues for the receipt of vendor rebates based
on purchases, and also reduces the carrying value of the related inventory to reflect the net acquisition cost (purchase price less
expected purchase rebates).
In addition, the Company enters into agreements with many of its customers to offer customer rebates, generally based on
achievement of specified sales levels and various marketing allowances that are common industry practice. The Company
accrues for the payment of customer rebates based on sales to the customer, and also reduces its sales to report net sales (sales
price less expected customer rebates). Since these arrangements are typically on a calendar or fiscal year basis, adjustments to
earnings resulting from revisions to rebate estimates have historically not been material.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Lease obligations for which the Company assumes or retains substantially all the
property rights and risks of ownership are capitalized. Amortization of assets recorded under finance leases is included in
Depreciation and amortization in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. Replacements of major units of property
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
46
are capitalized and the replaced properties are retired. Replacements of minor components of property and repair and
maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from
seven years to 15 years for land improvements, 15 years to 33 years for buildings, and three years to seven years for machinery
and equipment. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of 15 years or the remaining life of the expected lease
term. Upon retirement or disposition of assets, cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the related accounts and
any gain or loss is included in earnings.
The Company assesses long-lived assets other than goodwill for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. If it is determined that the carrying amount of an asset is not recoverable, the
Company compares the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value as estimated using discounted expected future cash flows,
market values or replacement values for similar assets. The amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the
asset, if any, is recognized as an impairment loss.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Goodwill is not subject to amortization but must be assessed for impairment at least annually. Since the Company operates
within one single reporting unit, goodwill is assessed at the enterprise level. The Company performs its annual assessment of
goodwill as of the first day of its fourth fiscal quarter, which was September 29, 2024 for fiscal 2024. Since the Company
operates within a single reporting unit, goodwill is evaluated at the enterprise level.
The annual assessments for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 utilized a quantitative approach and was performed by the Company
with the assistance of independent third-party experts. An assessment under the quantitative approach requires the Company to
estimate the enterprise’s fair value and then compare that fair value to the carrying value of the enterprise, including goodwill,
in order to determine if goodwill is impaired. The estimate of the fair value for the enterprise is sensitive to assumptions such as
the weighted average cost of capital and gross profit, which are affected by expectations about future market or economic
conditions. Based on the assessments for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, the estimated fair value of the enterprise exceeded its
carrying value, including goodwill. Therefore, the Company concluded that goodwill was not impaired.
In addition, the Company will evaluate the carrying value of goodwill for impairment between annual impairment assessments
if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Such events and
indicators may include significant declines in the industries in which our products are used, significant changes in capital
market conditions, or significant changes in our market capitalization. No such material indicators were noted during fiscal
2024 and fiscal 2023 between the annual impairment assessments.
Other Intangible Assets
For all reporting periods presented, the Company’s other intangible assets have estimated finite lives and are therefore subject
to amortization. These assets are subject to impairment testing if events or circumstances occur that indicate the carrying
amounts may be impaired. No such indicators were noted in fiscal 2024 or fiscal 2023, and therefore no impairments were
recorded.
Self-Insurance
The Company is self-insured for its non-union and certain unionized employee health benefits. The Company purchases stop-
loss insurance in order to establish certain limits to its exposure on a per claim basis, both individually and in the aggregate.
Health benefits for some unionized employees for fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022 were paid directly to a union trust, depending
upon the union-negotiated benefit arrangement.
The Company is also self-insured, up to certain limits, for workers’ compensation losses, general liability, and automotive
liability losses, all subject to varying “per occurrence” retentions or deductible limits. It is the Company’s policy to self-insure,
up to certain limits, traditional risks including workers’ compensation, comprehensive general liability, and auto liability. The
Company’s self-insured deductible for each claim involving workers’ compensation, comprehensive general liability (including
product liability claims), and auto liability is limited to $0.8 million, $0.8 million, and $2.0 million, respectively. The Company
is also self-insured up to certain limits for the majority of its medical benefit plans ($0.3 million per occurrence). A provision
for claims under this self-insured program, based on our estimate of the aggregate liability for claims incurred, is revised and
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
47
recorded annually. The estimate is derived from both internal and external sources including but not limited to actuarial
estimates. The actuarial estimates are subject to uncertainty from various sources, including, among others, changes in claim
reporting patterns, claim settlement patterns, judicial decisions, legislation, and economic conditions. Although the Company
believes that the actuarial estimates are reasonable, significant differences related to the items noted above could materially
affect the Company’s self-insurance obligations, future expense and cash flow. As of December 28, 2024 and December 30,
2023, the self-insurance liabilities totaled $11.8 million and $13.8 million, respectively.
The Company provides for estimated costs to settle both known claims and claims incurred but not yet reported by making
periodic prepayments, considering our retention and stop loss limits. Liabilities of the Company associated with these claims
are estimated, in part, by considering the frequency and severity of historical claims, both specific to the Company, as well as
industry-wide loss experience and other actuarial assumptions. The Company determines its insurance obligations with the
assistance of actuarial firms. Since there are many estimates and assumptions involved in recording insurance liabilities, and in
the case of workers’ compensation, a significant period of time elapses before the ultimate resolution of claims, differences
between actual future events, and prior estimates and assumptions could result in adjustments to these liabilities. The Company
has deposits on hand with certain third-party insurance administrators and insurance carriers to cover its obligation for future
payment of claims. These deposits are recorded in other current and non-current assets in the Company’s consolidated balance
sheets.
Leases
The Company is the lessee in a lease contract when it obtains the right to control an asset associated with a particular lease. For
operating leases, the Company records a right-of-use ("ROU") asset that represents its right to use an underlying asset for the
lease term, and a corresponding lease liability that represents the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from
the lease, both of which are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at
the commencement date. Financing ROU assets associated with finance leases are included in property and equipment. Leases
with a lease term of 12 months or less at inception are not recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and are
expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.
The Company determines the lease term by assuming the exercise of renewal options that are reasonably certain to occur. As
most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate, based on the
information available at the commencement date, is used in determining the present value of future lease payments. When
contracts contain lease and non-lease components, both components are accounted for as a single lease component.
See Note 13, Lease Commitments, for additional information.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for deferred income taxes using the liability method. Accordingly, deferred income tax assets and
liabilities are recognized based on the income tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement and income
tax bases of assets and liabilities, as measured by current enacted income tax rates. All deferred income tax assets and liabilities
are classified as noncurrent in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. A valuation allowance is recognized if, based on the
weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not (likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion or all the deferred
income tax asset will not be realized. For additional information, see Note 7, Income Taxes.
Pension Plans
Prior to December 5, 2023, the Company sponsored a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (the “DB Pension Plan”).
Most of the participants in the DB Pension Plan were inactive, with all remaining active participants no longer accruing
benefits. The DB Pension Plan was closed to new entrants. The funding policy for the DB Pension Plan was based on actuarial
calculations and the applicable requirements of federal law. Benefits under the plan primarily were related to years of service.
The Company’s accounting policy election was to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of December 31, which is the
month-end that is closest to the Company’s fiscal year-end. As further disclosed in Note 10, Employee Retirement Plans, the
Company, as sponsor, settled the frozen DB Pension Plan in December 2023.
The Company is involved in various multiemployer pension plans (“MEPPs”) that provide retirement benefits to certain union
employees in accordance with certain collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”). As one of many participating employers in
these MEPPs, the Company is generally responsible with the other participating employers for any plan underfunding. The
Company’s contributions to a particular MEPP are established by the applicable CBAs; however, the Company’s required
contributions may increase based on the funded status of an MEPP and legal requirements such as those of the Pension Act,
which requires substantially underfunded MEPPs to implement a funding improvement plan (“FIP”) or a rehabilitation plan
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
48
(“RP”) to improve their funded status. The settlement of the DB Pension Plan did not result in any changes to the multi-
employer pension plans in which some of the Company’s union employees participate.
Fair Value
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date. Authoritative guidance for fair value measurements establishes a three-
level hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation models based upon the degree to which they are observable. The three
levels of the fair value measurement hierarchy are as follows:
•
Level 1 - Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting
entity can access at the measurement date
•
Level 2 - Inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or
liability, either directly or indirectly
•
Level 3 - Inputs are unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to
develop its own assumptions
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed by the Company through a business combination are initially recorded at their
acquisition-date fair values.
The Company has no assets or liabilities for which their carrying values are remeasured to fair value at the end of each
reporting period. However, the Company is required to disclose the fair values for certain assets and liabilities. See Note 9, Fair
Value, for additional information.
Business Combinations
The Company accounts for business combinations by recognizing the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition-
date fair value. In valuing certain acquired assets and liabilities, fair value estimates use Level 3 inputs, including future
expected cash flows and discount rates. Goodwill is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the fair values of
the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. While the Company, sometimes with the assistance of third-party experts, uses
its best estimates and assumptions to value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, such estimates are
inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which can last up to one year from
the acquisition date, the Company may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding
offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments arising from new facts and
circumstances are recorded to the consolidated statements of operations. The results of operations of acquisitions are reflected
in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
Share-Based Compensation Expense
The Company recognizes compensation expense equal to the grant-date fair value, which is generally based on the fair market
value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, for all share-based payment awards that are expected to vest. For
service-based grants, expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the entire award. For
performance-based awards, the Company recognizes compensation expense over each separate vesting tranche to the extent the
achievement of the performance goal is deemed to be probable at the end of each reporting period. Forfeitures are accounted for
as they actually occur, and compensation expense is adjusted accordingly so that it reflects cumulative expense only for the
number of grants that actually vested prior to the forfeiture event. Compensation expense related to share-based payment
awards is generally recorded in SG&A expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Repurchases of Common Stock
On October 31, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for $100 million. Under this
share purchase program, the Company may make authorized repurchases of its common stock from time to time, without prior
notice, subject to prevailing market conditions and other considerations. Repurchases may be made through a variety of
methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated share repurchase programs,
tender offers, or pursuant to a trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission
Rule 10b5-1. Repurchased shares of the Company’s common stock are retired by the Company and are not reported as treasury
stock. The portion of the cost to repurchase common stock that is in excess of par value is charged to additional paid-in capital
within stockholders’ equity.
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
49
Direct costs incurred by the Company to repurchase its common stock, such as broker commissions and excise taxes, are
considered part of the cost to repurchase the common stock. Effective January 1, 2023, if the cost of net share repurchases made
by publicly traded U.S. company exceeds $1 million annually, the cost of the repurchased shares is subject to a 1% excise tax as
a result of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. For any reporting period, the costs of repurchased shares reported on the
Company’s consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity may differ from the amount reported on the Company’s consolidated
statement of cash flows due to the timing of remittances for excise taxes which are made in accordance with applicable law.
Advertising Cost
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $1.8 million, $2.1 million, and $2.6 million for the fiscal years 2024,
2023 and 2022, respectively.
Recent Accounting Standards - Adopted
Adopted in Fiscal 2024
Segment Reporting Improvements. On November 27, 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued
Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment
Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”). The FASB issued this new guidance primarily to provide financial statement users with more
disaggregated expense information about a public business entity’s (“PBE”) reportable segment(s). This ASU requires PBEs to
provide incremental disclosures related to the entity’s reportable segment(s), including disclosures for expenses that are both 1)
significant to each reportable segment and are provided regularly to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) or easily
computed from information regularly provided to the CODM and 2) included in the reported measure of segment profit or loss
used by the CODM to assess performance and allocate resources. Under the provisions of this ASU, all of the disclosures
required in the segment guidance, including disclosing a measure of segment profit or loss used by the CODM and reporting
significant segment expenses, applies to all PBEs, including those with a single operating or reportable segment. However, this
ASU did not change the definition of a segment, the method for determining segments, or any criteria for aggregating operating
segments into reportable segments. The Company adopted ASU 2023-07 at the beginning of fiscal 2024, however it became
effective for the Company’s fiscal 2024 annual reporting period and for interim financial reporting periods at the beginning of
fiscal 2025. As required, the Company’s annual disclosures for ASU 2023-07 are retrospectively presented for all annual
comparative periods beginning in the notes to these annual consolidated financial statements. See Note 5, Segment Reporting.
Since this ASU addresses only disclosures, the adoption did not have any effects on the Company’s financial condition, results
of operations or cash flows.
Adopted in Fiscal 2022
Credit Impairment Losses. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic
326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). This ASU sets forth a current expected credit
loss (“CECL”) model which requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial instruments or other assets
(e.g., trade receivables), held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable supportable
forecasts. This model replaces the former incurred loss model applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets
measured at amortized cost, and applies to some off-balance sheet credit exposures. The standard also requires enhanced
disclosures to help financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit
losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an entity's portfolio. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 on
a modified retrospective basis in the first quarter of 2022 and the implementation did not have a material impact to the
Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Reference Rate Reform. In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation
of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”). This ASU provides temporary guidance to
ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform primarily resulting from the discontinuation of the publication
of certain tenors of the London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) on December 31, 2021, with complete elimination of the
publication of LIBOR by June 30, 2023. The amendments in this ASU are elective and apply to all entities that have contracts
referencing LIBOR. The Company’s revolving credit agreement, as further discussed in Note 8, Long-Term Debt, to these
consolidated financial statements, was amended on June 27, 2023, to replace references to LIBOR with Secured Overnight
Financing Rate (“SOFR”) for determining interest payable on current and future borrowings. The guidance in this ASU
provides a practical expedient which simplifies accounting analyses under current U.S. GAAP for contract modifications if the
change is directly related to a change from LIBOR to a new interest rate index. The Company adopted ASU 2020-04
prospectively in the first quarter of 2022. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
50
statements or to any key terms of our revolving credit agreement other than the discontinuation of LIBOR.
Recent Accounting Standards - Adoption Pending
Income Tax Disclosure Improvement. On December 14, 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740):
Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”), which establishes new income tax disclosure requirements in
addition to modifying and eliminating certain existing requirements. Under the new guidance, entities must consistently
categorize and provide greater disaggregation of information in the income tax rate reconciliation. They must also further
disaggregate income taxes paid. The ASU’s disclosure requirements apply to all entities subject to Accounting Standards
Codification Topic 740. The overall objective of these disclosure requirements is for an entity, particularly an entity operating
in multiple jurisdictions, to disclose sufficient information to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature and
magnitude of factors contributing to the difference between the effective income tax rate and the statutory income tax rate. ASU
2023-09 will be effective for the Company for the fiscal 2025 annual reporting period. Since this new ASU addresses only
disclosures, the Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have any material effects on its financial condition,
results of operations or cash flows. The Company is currently evaluating any new disclosures that may be required upon
adoption of ASU 2023-09.
Costs and Expenses Disclosures. On November 4, 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting
Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement
Expenses (“ASU 2024-03”), which establishes new disaggregation disclosure requirements for certain costs and expenses in the
notes to the consolidated financial statements. Under the new guidance, entities must provide details of the components of its
expense captions from continuing operations presented on the face of the statement of operations as well as a qualitative
description of the amounts remaining that are not separately disaggregated quantitatively. Relevant disclosure categories
include purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation and intangible asset amortization. An entity must also
disclose the total amount of selling expenses, and in annual reports, its definition thereof. The disclosure of these costs and
expenses will be required in addition to and irrespective of their inclusion in other disclosures. An entity is not precluded from
providing additional voluntary disclosures that may provide investors with additional decision-useful information. ASU
2024-03 will be effective for the Company for the fiscal 2027 annual reporting period and for interim periods beginning in
fiscal 2028. Since this new ASU addresses only disclosures, the Company does not expect its adoption to have any material
effects on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Company is currently evaluating the new disclosures
that will be required upon adoption of ASU 2024-03.
2. Business Combination
As previously disclosed, on October 3, 2022 the Company acquired all the outstanding stock of Vandermeer Forest Products
(“Vandermeer”), a wholesale distributor of building products, for preliminary consideration of $69.3 million, which included
$5.5 million of cash acquired. The purchase price also included $3.6 million for a distribution facility and real estate located in
Spokane, Washington, which were acquired in this transaction. During the first quarter of fiscal 2023, $0.3 million was received
by the Company for adjustments to Vandermeer’s working capital balances, reducing total consideration from $69.3 million to
$69.0 million. The measurement period is closed.
The acquisition of Vandermeer provides the Company with direct access to customers in the states of Oregon and Washington.
With the acquisition of Vandermeer, the Company now serves all 50 states. Vandermeer’s results of operations are included in
the Company’s results of operations beginning on the October 3, 2022 acquisition date. Vandermeer contributed revenues of
$25.5 million from the October 3, 2022 acquisition date through the end of fiscal 2022.
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
51
The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method. The assets acquired and liabilities
assumed were recognized at their acquisition date fair values. The following table summarizes the components of the
consideration, as adjusted in the first quarter of fiscal 2023 for the working capital adjustment:
(In thousands)
Estimated fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Cash
$
5,506
Accounts receivable
13,180
Inventory
16,738
Property and equipment
3,955
Operating lease right-of-use assets
714
Prepaid expenses and other assets
101
Intangible assets:
Customer relationships
23,000
Trade names
1,000
Non-compete agreements
700
Accounts payable
(1,738)
Accrued compensation
(994)
Operating lease liability
(714)
Other current liabilities
(75)
Total identifiable net assets
61,373
Goodwill
7,600
Total consideration
$
68,973
The excess of total purchase price, which includes the aggregate cash consideration paid in excess of the fair value of the
tangible and intangible assets acquired, was recorded as goodwill. The goodwill recognized is attributable to the expected
operating synergies and growth potential that we expect to realize from the acquisition. Goodwill also includes certain other
intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, such as an assembled workforce. The Company made a 338(h)(10)
tax election to allow for the deductibility of goodwill recognized from the acquisition.
The estimated useful life for the customer relationships, trade names, and non-compete agreements is 12 years, 3 years, and 5
years, respectively.
3. Revenue Recognition
The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by revenue source. Sales and usage-based taxes are
excluded from revenues. No single customer of the Company generated 10% or more of the Company’s total net sales during
fiscal years 2024, 2023 or 2022.
Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
(In thousands)
Specialty products
$
2,045,910 $
2,184,240 $
2,871,628
Structural products
906,622
952,141
1,578,586
Total net sales
$
2,952,532 $
3,136,381 $
4,450,214
The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by sales channel. Warehouse sales are delivered from the
Company’s warehouses. Reload sales are similar to warehouse sales but are shipped from non-warehouse locations, most of
which are operated by third parties, where the Company stores owned products to enhance operating efficiencies. The reload
channel is employed primarily to service strategic customers that are less economical to service from Company warehouses,
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
52
and to distribute large volumes of imported products from port facilities. Direct sales are shipped from the manufacturer to the
customer and therefore the Company does not take physical possession of the inventory and, as a result, typically generate
lower margins than the warehouse and reload distribution channels. The direct distribution channel requires the lowest amount
of committed capital and fixed costs.
Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
(In thousands)
Warehouse and reload
$
2,432,820 $
2,663,107 $
3,714,898
Direct
581,517
535,163
815,864
Cash discounts and rebates
(61,805)
(61,889)
(80,548)
Total net sales
$
2,952,532 $
3,136,381 $
4,450,214
The Company generally expenses sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would typically be one
year or less. These costs are recorded within SG&A expense.
The Company has made an accounting policy election to treat outbound shipping and handling activities as an SG&A expense.
Shipping and handling costs include amounts related to the administration of the Company’s logistical infrastructure, handling
of material in its warehouses, and amounts pertaining to the delivery of products to customers, such as fuel and maintenance
costs for mobile fleet, wages for drivers, and third party freight charges. These expenses were $154.3 million, $152.3 million,
and $160.3 million for fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023, and fiscal 2022, respectively.
4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, our intangible assets consist of goodwill and other intangible assets
including customer relationships, noncompete agreements, and trade names.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the fair value of tangible and intangible assets (including customer
relationships, noncompete agreements, and trade names) acquired and liabilities assumed under the acquisition method
accounting for business combinations. The Company’s goodwill as of December 28, 2024 originated as follows: $47.8 million
from the 2018 acquisition of Cedar Creek and $7.6 million from the 2022 acquisition of Vandermeer.
Public business entities are not permitted to amortize goodwill but must instead assess goodwill for impairment at least annually
at the reporting unit level using a quantitative method or the optional qualitative method. Since the Company operates within a
single reporting unit, goodwill is assessed at the enterprise level. The Company assesses goodwill for impairment as of the first
day of fiscal fourth quarter, which was September 29, 2024 for fiscal 2024. The annual assessments for fiscal 2024 and fiscal
2023 utilized quantitative methods and were performed by the Company with the assistance of an independent third-party
expert. Based on the assessments, the Company concluded that its goodwill was not impaired and therefore no impairment
charge was needed.
In addition, the Company must evaluate the carrying value of goodwill for impairment between annual impairment tests if an
event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may be impaired. Such events
and indicators may include significant declines in the industries in which the Company’s products are used, significant changes
in capital market conditions, and significant changes in the Company’s market capitalization. No such indicators were identified
during fiscal 2024 or fiscal 2023.
The carrying amounts of the Company’s goodwill were as follows:
Total Carrying
Amount
(In thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2022
$
55,372
Balance as of December 30, 2023
55,372
Balance as of December 28, 2024
55,372
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
53
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
The gross carrying amounts, accumulated amortization, and net carrying amounts of our definite-lived intangible assets as of
December 28, 2024 were as follows:
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Useful Lives
Gross Carrying
Amounts
Accumulated
Amortization (1)
Net Carrying
Amounts
($ amounts in thousands)
Customer relationships
8
$
48,500 $
(22,254) $
26,246
Non-compete agreements
3
700
(315)
385
Trade names
1
1,000
(750)
250
Total
$
50,200 $
(23,319) $
26,881
(1) Intangible assets except customer relationships are amortized on straight-line basis. Certain of our customer relationships are
amortized on a double declining balance method and certain others are amortized on a straight-line basis.
The gross carrying amounts, accumulated amortization, and net carrying amounts of our definite-lived intangible assets as of
December 30, 2023 were as follows:
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Useful Lives
Gross Carrying
Amounts
Accumulated
Amortization (1)
Net Carrying
Amounts
($ amounts in thousands)
Customer relationships
9
$
48,500 $
(18,816) $
29,684
Non-compete agreements
4
8,954
(8,429)
525
Trade names
2
7,826
(7,243)
583
Total
$
65,280 $
(34,488) $
30,792
(1) Intangible assets except customer relationships are amortized on straight-line basis. Customer relationships are amortized
on a double declining balance method.
Definite-lived intangible assets are subject to impairment testing if events or circumstances occur that indicate the carrying
amounts may be impaired. No such indicators were noted during fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023.
Amortization Expense
Amortization expense for the definite-lived intangible assets was $3.9 million, $4.2 million, and $3.4 million for the years
ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Estimated annual amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets over the next five fiscal years is as follows:
Fiscal Year
Estimated
Amortization
(In thousands)
2025
$
3,730
2026
3,480
2027
3,445
2028
3,340
2029
3,340
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
54
5. Segment Reporting
The Company has one reportable segment: building products. The segment sells building products that are grouped into two
primary categories: specialty products and structural products. The Company’s CODM is its chief executive officer (CEO). The
Company derives substantially all of its revenues from the United States and all of the Company’s assets are located in the
United States. No single customer of the Company generated 10% or more of the Company’s total net sales during fiscal years
2024, 2023 and 2022. The measure of segment assets is reported on the Company’s balance sheet as total consolidated assets.
The segment’s accounting policies are the same as the accounting policies for the Company, as described in Note 1, Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies.
The CODM’s method under GAAP that is used to assess performance and allocate resources is based on Net income as
reported on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The following table presents information about Net income
and significant expenses that are regularly reviewed by the Company’s CODM:
Fiscal 2024
Fiscal 2023
Fiscal 2022
(In thousands)
Net sales
$
2,952,532
$
3,136,381
$
4,450,214
Expenses:
Cost of specialty products sold
1,648,285
1,763,446
2,231,258
Cost of structural products sold
815,108
845,918
1,385,972
SG&A - delivery and logistics
154,293
152,313
160,270
SG&A - sales
68,620
67,274
76,471
SG&A - all other
142,619
136,232
129,564
Depreciation of property and equipment
34,576
27,846
24,239
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets
3,912
4,197
3,374
Accretion of deferred gains on real estate
(3,934)
(3,934)
(3,934)
Interest expense
47,169
44,654
45,500
Interest income
(27,805)
(20,908)
(3,228)
Settlement of frozen defined benefit pension plan
(2,481)
30,440
—
Other, net
1,483
7,017
5,967
Provision for income taxes
17,571
33,350
98,585
Total segment expenses
2,899,416
3,087,845
4,154,038
Segment net income
53,116
48,536
296,176
Reconciliation of profit or loss:
Adjustments and reconciling items
—
—
—
Consolidated net income
$
53,116
$
48,536
$
296,176
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
55
6. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, consisted of the following:
As of
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
(In thousands)
Land and land improvements
$
31,834 $
29,071
Buildings
210,875
201,799
Machinery and equipment
175,981
156,849
Construction in progress
24,938
8,602
443,628
396,321
Accumulated depreciation
(194,072)
(170,334)
Property and equipment, net
$
249,556 $
225,987
Depreciation expense for property and equipment was $34.6 million, $27.8 million, and $24.2 million for the years ended
December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively. See Note 13, Lease Commitments, for
disclosure about the Company’s property and equipment that is held under finance lease obligations.
7. Income Taxes
For fiscal 2024, the Company’s statutory income tax rate was 25.1 percent and it was comprised of the federal statutory income
tax rate of 21.0 percent and the blended state statutory income tax rate of 4.1 percent. In fiscal 2023, the Company’s statutory
income tax rate was 25.3 percent and it was comprised of the federal statutory income tax rate of 21.0 percent and the blended
state statutory income tax rate of 4.3 percent. In fiscal 2022, the Company’s statutory income tax rate was 25.4 percent and it
was comprised of the federal statutory income tax rate of 21.0 percent and the blended state statutory income rate of 4.4
percent. The Company’s blended state income tax rate is impacted by the mix of income earned in various states and by the
Company’s federal taxable income, both of which may differ from year to year. The Company’s effective income tax rate is
impacted by the effects of permanent differences occurring throughout the fiscal year.
For fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023, and fiscal 2022, the Company’s effective income tax rates were as follows:
Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 2024
Fiscal Year Ended
December 30, 2023
Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 2022
(In thousands)
Income before provision for income taxes
$
70,687
$
81,886
$
394,761
Federal income taxes:
Current
$
11,255
$
20,221
$
75,617
Deferred
1,490
7,993
3,184
State income taxes:
Current
3,638
5,373
17,679
Deferred
1,188
(237)
2,105
Provision for income taxes
$
17,571
$
33,350
$
98,585
Effective income tax rate
24.9 %
40.7 %
25.0 %
The accounting for the one-time settlement for the single-employer defined benefit pension plan increased the effective income
tax rate for fiscal 2023 by 14.8%.
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
56
The Company’s provisions for income taxes are reconciled to the federal statutory amounts as follows:
Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 2024
Fiscal Year Ended
December 30, 2023
Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 2022
(In thousands)
Federal income taxes computed at the federal
statutory tax rate
$
14,844 $
17,196 $
82,898
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
4,188
4,609
16,171
Valuation allowance change arising from state net
operating losses
49
(621)
(193)
Pension plan settlement (1)
—
12,150
—
Uncertain tax positions
(1,371)
(356)
(333)
Permanent differences arising from compensation
(95)
746
(71)
Other
(44)
(374)
113
Provision for income taxes
$
17,571 $
33,350 $
98,585
(1) $4.5 million was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in fiscal 2023
The Company’s consolidated financial statements contain certain deferred income tax assets which primarily result from other
temporary differences related to certain reserves, accrued liabilities, pension obligations, differences between book and tax
depreciation and amortization, and state net operating losses. The Company records a valuation allowance against deferred
income tax assets when it is determined, based on the weight of available evidence, that it is more likely than not that some or
all of the Company’s deferred income tax assets will not be realized in the future. For fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, components
of the Company’s deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are as follows:
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
(In thousands)
Deferred income tax assets:
Inventory reserves
$
4,179 $
3,965
Compensation-related accruals
6,339
7,794
Accounts receivable
793
708
Property and equipment
41,481
41,308
Operating lease liability
12,203
10,086
Pension plans
2,701
2,832
Benefit from net operating loss carryovers
3,809
4,317
Other
40
220
Total gross deferred income tax assets
71,545
71,230
Less: valuation allowances
(3,505)
(3,456)
Total net deferred income tax assets
$
68,040 $
67,774
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Intangible assets
$
(4,279) $
(4,335)
Operating lease asset
(11,823)
(9,227)
Other
(1,360)
(956)
Total deferred income tax liabilities
(17,462)
(14,518)
Deferred income tax asset, net
$
50,578 $
53,256
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
57
Activity in the Company’s deferred income tax asset valuation allowance for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 was as follows:
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
(In thousands)
Balance as of beginning of the fiscal year
$
3,456 $
4,076
Valuation allowance increases (decreases) related to:
State net operating loss carryforwards
49
(620)
Balance as of end of the fiscal year
$
3,505 $
3,456
The Company has recorded income tax and related interest liabilities where it believes certain income tax positions are not more
likely than not to be sustained if challenged. These balances are included in Other noncurrent liabilities in the Company’s
consolidated balance sheets.
The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized income tax benefits:
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of the fiscal year
$
3,281 $
1,872
Additions for tax positions of current fiscal year
—
1,765
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations
(2,685)
(356)
Balance at end of the fiscal year
$
596 $
3,281
Included in the unrecognized income tax benefits as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, were approximately
$0.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively of income tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce the Company’s annual
effective income tax rate for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023. Penalties accrued for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 were not material.
The Company has accrued interest associated with its unrecognized income tax benefits which it releases as those benefits are
realized due to the lapse of applicable statute of limitations. Interest expense associated with the Company’s unrecognized
income tax benefits is reported as Interest expense, net in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and
comprehensive income. Such interest expense has not been material in any reporting period presented herein.
Net Operating Losses
At the end of fiscal 2024, the Company’s gross state net operating loss carryovers were $73.1 million and its tax-effected state
net operating loss carryovers were $3.7 million, of which $3.5 million was subject to a valuation allowance arising from
expiration dates when considered in conjunction with state limitations related to Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 382.
At the end of fiscal 2023, the Company’s gross state net operating loss carryovers were $81.0 million and tax-effected state net
operating loss carryovers were $4.3 million, of which $3.5 million was subject to a valuation allowance arising from expiration
dates when considered in conjunction with state limitation related to IRC Section 382. Certain of the Company’s state net
operating loss carryovers will expire in 5 to 20 years, while others are expected to carry forward indefinitely.
Federal and State Tax Filings
The Company files U.S. federal and state income tax returns in jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations and may be
subject to audit based on periods that are not limited by applicable statutes. The Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for
tax years 2021, 2022 and 2023 remain subject to audit under the federal statute of limitations. The Company’s auditable state
income tax returns vary depending on the jurisdiction and its applicable statute of limitations.
Assessing Deferred Tax Assets
Quarterly, the Company assesses the carrying value of its deferred income tax assets for impairment by evaluating the weight of
available evidence at the end of each fiscal quarter. In the evaluation of the weight of available evidence at the end of fiscal
2024, the Company considered the recent reported income in the current year, as well as the reported income for 2023 and
2022, which resulted in a three-year cumulative income situation as positive evidence which carried substantial weight. While
this was substantial, it was not the only evidence evaluated. The Company also considered evidence related to the four sources
of taxable income, to determine whether such positive evidence outweighed the negative evidence. The evidence considered
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
58
included:
•
future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences;
•
future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards;
•
taxable income in prior carryback years, if carryback is permitted under the tax law; and
•
income tax planning strategies.
In addition to the positive evidence discussed above, the Company considered as positive evidence forecasted future taxable
income, the future timing of the reversal of its deferred income tax assets and liabilities, and the evidence from business and tax
planning strategies. At the end of fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, in the Company’s evaluation of the weight of available evidence,
the Company concluded that its deferred income tax assets were not impaired other than $3.5 million of the state net operating
losses.
Although the Company believes its estimates are reasonable in the carrying value of its valuation allowances against its
deferred income tax items, the ultimate determination of the appropriate amounts of valuation allowance involves significant
judgement.
8. Debt and Finance Lease Obligations
As of December 28, 2024, and December 30, 2023, outstanding debt and finance leases consisted of the following:
As of
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
(In thousands)
Senior secured notes (1)
$
300,000 $
300,000
Revolving credit facility (2)
—
—
Unamortized debt issuance costs (1)(4)
(2,437)
(3,246)
Unamortized bond discount costs (1)(4)
(2,502)
(3,011)
295,061
293,743
Finance lease obligations (3)
292,543
285,426
Less: current portions of finance leases
12,541
11,178
Total debt and finance leases, net of current portions
$
575,063 $
567,991
(1) As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, long-term debt was comprised of $300.0 million of senior secured notes
issued in October 2021. These notes are presented under the Long-term debt caption of the Company’s consolidated balance
sheets at $295.1 million and $293.7 million as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. This presentation
is net of discount of $2.5 million and $3.0 million and the combined carrying value of debt issuance costs of $2.4 million and
$3.2 million as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. The senior secured notes are presented in the
above table at face value and have an annual interest rate of 6.0% through maturity.
(2) No borrowings were outstanding during fiscal 2024 or fiscal 2023. Available borrowing capacity under this revolving credit
facility was $346.2 million and $346.5 million on December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. Available
borrowing capacity is net of undrawn letters of credit commitments.
(3) Refer to Note 13, Lease Commitments, for interest rates associated with finance lease obligations.
(4) Interest expense, net on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023, and fiscal 2022
reflects amortization of debt issuance costs and discount costs of $1.3 million, $1.3 million, and $1.2 million, respectively.
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
59
Interest expense, net on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations consisted of the following components:
Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
(in thousands)
Interest expense (1)
$
47,169 $
44,654 $
45,500
Less: interest income
27,805
20,908
3,228
Interest expense, net
$
19,364 $
23,746 $
42,272
(1) Includes amortization of debt issuance costs and bond discount
Senior Secured Notes
In October 2021, the Company and certain subsidiaries completed a private offering of $300.0 million of 6.0% percent senior
secured notes due November 2029 (the “2029 Notes”), and in connection therewith entered into an indenture (the “Indenture”)
with the subsidiary guarantors and Truist Bank, as trustee and collateral agent. The 2029 Notes were issued to investors at
98.625 percent of their principal amount. The 2029 Notes are secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of
the Company’s assets, other than accounts receivables, inventory, deposit accounts, securities accounts, business interruption
insurance and other related assets. The majority of net proceeds from the offering of the 2029 Notes were used to repay
borrowings under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility, as described below. The 2029 Notes will mature on November 15,
2029, however at the sole discretion of the Company, the notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, prior to scheduled
maturity. Early redemptions made by the Company prior to November 15, 2026 would require the Company to pay a
redemption premium, as defined in the Indenture. Interest expense for the 2029 Notes totaled $18.0 million for fiscal 2024,
fiscal 2023, and fiscal 2022.
Revolving Credit Facility
In April 2018, the Company and certain subsidiaries entered into the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement for a revolving
credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (“the Agent”), and certain other financial
institutions. In August 2021, the Company entered into a second amendment to this revolving credit facility to, among other
things, extend the maturity date of the facility to August 2, 2026, and reduce the interest rate on borrowings under the facility,
and in June 2023, the Company entered into a third amendment to this revolving credit facility to, among other things, replace
the interest rate based on the London interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”) thereunder with an interest rate based on the secured
overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) and a customary spread adjustment (as amended, the “Revolving Credit Facility”). In
October 2021, in conjunction with the offering of the 2029 Notes, the Company reduced the credit limit of the Revolving Credit
Facility from $600.0 million to $350.0 million. The Revolving Credit Facility provides for a senior secured asset-based
revolving loan and letter of credit facility of up to $350.0 million, as amended. The obligations under the Revolving Credit
Facility are secured by a security interest in substantially all of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ assets (other than real
property), including inventories, accounts receivable, and proceeds from those items, under the Amended and Restated
Guaranty and Security Agreement.
From and after June 30, 2023, borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to (i)
Adjusted Term SOFR (calculated as SOFR plus 0.1%) plus a margin ranging from 1.25 percent to 1.75 percent, with the margin
determined based upon average excess availability for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter for loans based on SOFR, or (ii)
the Agent’s base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25 percent to 0.75 percent, with the margin based upon average excess
availability for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter for loans based on the base rate.
Prior to June 30, 2023, borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bore interest at a rate per annum equal to (i) LIBOR plus
a margin ranging from 1.25 percent to 1.75 percent, with the margin determined based upon average excess availability for the
immediately preceding fiscal quarter for loans based on LIBOR, or (ii) the Agent’s base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25
percent to 0.75 percent, with the margin based upon average excess availability for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter for
loans based on the base rate.
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
60
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are subject to availability under the borrowing base (as that term is defined in
the revolving credit agreement). The Company would be required to repay the Revolving Credit Facility to the extent that such
revolving borrowings exceed the borrowing base then in effect. The Revolving Credit Facility may be prepaid in whole or in
part from time to time without penalty or premium but including all breakage costs incurred by any lender thereunder.
As of December 28, 2024, we had zero outstanding borrowings and excess availability, including cash in qualified accounts, of
$851.8 million under our Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 30, 2023, we had zero outstanding borrowings and excess
availability, including cash in qualified accounts, of $868.2 million under our Revolving Credit Facility. Available borrowing
capacity under our Revolving Credit Facility was $346.2 million and $346.5 million on December 28, 2024 and December 30,
2023, respectively.
During fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023, and fiscal 2022, the Company incurred no interest expense for the Revolving Credit Facility
since no borrowings were outstanding during those fiscal years. During fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023, and fiscal 2022, the Company
incurred $1.0 million, $1.0 million, and $1.0 million respectively, of fees associated with the Revolving Credit Facility,
primarily unused line fees. These expenses are included in Interest expense, net on the Company‘s consolidated statement of
operations.
Debt Covenants
The Revolving Credit Facility and the 2029 Notes contain various covenants and restrictions, including customary financial
covenants. The Company’s right to make draws on the Revolving Credit Facility may be conditioned upon, among other things,
compliance with these covenants. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of December 28, 2024. These
covenants also limit the Company’s ability to, among other things incur additional debt, grant liens on assets, make
investments, repurchase stock, pay dividends and make distributions, sell or acquire assets, including certain real estate assets,
outside the ordinary course of business, engage in transactions with affiliates, and make fundamental business changes.
Finance Lease Obligations
The Company’s finance lease liabilities consist of leases related to equipment and vehicles, and real estate, with the majority of
those finance leases related to real estate. For more information on our finance lease obligations, refer to Note 13, Lease
Commitments.
9. Fair Value
As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, the Company has no assets or liabilities for which the carrying value is
remeasured to fair value at the end of each reporting period. The Company has not elected the fair value reporting option for
any of its financial instruments.
Fair Value Disclosures
The fair value of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, to the extent the
underlying liability will be settled in cash, approximates the carrying values because of the short-term nature of these
instruments.
Debt
The estimated fair value of the Company’s 2029 Notes was determined based on Level 2 input using observable market prices
in less active markets, as presented below:
As of
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
Carrying Value(1)
Fair Value
Carrying Value(1)
Fair Value
(In thousands)
2029 Notes
$
295,061 $
293,597 $
293,743 $
273,182
(1) The $300 million obligation for the 2029 Notes is presented on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets net of unamortized debt
issuance costs and discount. See Note 8, Debt and Finance Lease Obligations.
There were no borrowings outstanding under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility during fiscal 2024 or fiscal 2023.
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
61
However, the fair value of any outstanding borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility would approximate the carrying
value of the outstanding borrowings since the interest rate is variable and reflective of market interest rates.
10. Employee Retirement Plans
Multiemployer Pension Plans
The Company is involved in various multiemployer pension plans (“MEPPs”) that provide retirement and certain disability
benefits to certain union employees in accordance with certain collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”). As one of many
participating employers in these MEPPs, the Company is generally responsible with the other participating employers for any
plan underfunding. The Company’s contributions to a particular MEPP are established by the applicable CBAs, however
required contributions may increase based on the funded status of an MEPP and legal requirements such as those of the Pension
Act, which requires substantially underfunded MEPPs to implement a funding improvement plan (“FIP”) or a rehabilitation
plan (“RP”) to improve their funded status. Factors that could impact funded status of an MEPP include, without limitation,
investment performance, changes in the participant demographics, decline in the number of contributing employers, changes in
actuarial assumptions, and the utilization of extended amortization provisions. A FIP or RP requires a particular MEPP to adopt
measures to correct its underfunded status. These measures may include, but are not limited to, an increase in the Company’s
contribution rate to the applicable CBA, a reallocation of the contributions already being made by participating employers for
various benefits to individuals participating in the MEPP, and/or a reduction in the benefits to be paid to future and/or current
retirees.
The Company could also be obligated to make future payments to MEPPs if it either ceases to have an obligation to contribute
to the MEPP or significantly reduces its contributions to the MEPP because the Company reduced its number of employees
who are covered by the relevant MEPP for various reasons, including, but not limited to, layoffs or closures, assuming the
MEPP has unfunded vested benefits. The amount of such payments (known as a complete or partial withdrawal liability)
generally would equal the Company’s proportionate share of the plan’s unfunded vested benefits.
Only one of the MEPP plans is currently deemed to be significant to the Company, and the following table provides the
required disclosures for this plan. “Contributions” represent the amounts contributed by the Company during the fiscal years
presented:
Contributions (In millions)
Pension Fund:
EIN/
Pension
Plan
Number
Pension Act
Zone Status
FIP/RP
Status (1)
Surcharge
2024
2023
2022
Central States, Southeast and
Southwest Areas Pension
Fund (“Central States Plan”)
366044243
Critical
(December 31,
2024)
RP
No
$
0.4 $
0.3 $
0.4
Total
$
0.4 $
0.3 $
0.4
(1) Funding Improvement Plan or Rehabilitation Plan, as defined by the Pension Protection Act of 2006
The Company’s contributions to the Central States Plan are approximately 0.1% of total contributions, which is less than the
required disclosure threshold of five percent of total plan contributions. However, this plan is deemed significant for disclosure
as it is severely underfunded, as defined. The current CBA that requires contributions to the plan expires on December 31,
2025. In May 2020, the Company received a demand letter for payment resulting from its partial withdrawal in 2018 from the
Central States Plan and started making payments in June 2020. These payments are payable monthly for a period of 20 years.
The Company’s liability for the remainder of these payments was $6.5 million as of December 28, 2024. The Company may, in
the future, record an additional liability if required by an event of our complete withdrawal from the plan or a mass withdrawal.
The Company’s most recent contingent withdrawal liability was estimated at approximately $35.2 million for a complete
withdrawal occurring in 2025. In the case of a complete withdrawal or a mass withdrawal, the Central States Plan could demand
yearly payments of approximately $1.1 million, which do not include payments for the partial withdrawal of approximately
$0.6 million annually. In a complete withdrawal, the payments would not amortize the liability fully; however, payments for a
complete withdrawal are limited to a 20-year period. In the case of a mass withdrawal, the liability would not amortize fully
under current government regulations, and payments would continue indefinitely.
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
62
Defined Contribution Plans
Eligible Company employees can participate in one of two defined contribution plans: the BlueLinx Corporation Hourly
Savings Plan covering hourly employees or the BlueLinx Corporation Salaried Savings Plan covering salaried employees.
Discretionary contributions to the plans are based on employee contributions and compensation, and, in certain cases,
participants in the hourly savings plan also receive employer contributions based on union negotiated match amounts.
Employer contributions to the hourly savings plan for fiscal year 2024 were approximately $1.1 million, of which less than $0.1
million was for fiscal 2023. Employer contributions for fiscal 2023 were approximately $0.9 million and were
approximately$0.8 million for fiscal 2022.
Employer contributions to the salaried savings plan for fiscal 2024 were approximately $2.5 million, of which $0.1 million was
for fiscal 2023. Employer contributions to the salaried savings plan for fiscal 2023 were approximately $2.5 million. Employer
contributions to the salaried savings plan for fiscal 2022 were approximately $4.0 million, of which $2.1 million was for fiscal
2021.
Single-Employer Defined Benefit Pension Plan
As previously disclosed, in October 2022, the Company, as sponsor, notified participants in its noncontributory defined benefit
pension plan (the “DB Plan”) that the Company intended to transfer financial responsibility for the management and delivery of
continuing benefits associated with the DB Plan to a highly rated insurance company with pension settlement experience. Most
of the participants in the DB Plan were inactive, with all remaining active participants no longer accruing benefits, and the DB
Plan had been previously closed to new entrants. The DB Plan’s accumulated benefit obligation and its projected benefit
obligation were the same amount (a “frozen” plan), and the Company has not incurred service cost under the plan since fiscal
year 2019. Benefits under the plan were primarily related to years of service. The DB Plan’s assets were maintained in a
separate trust entity prior to settlement, and then used to fund the settlement transaction as described below.
Effective December 5, 2023, the Company settled the frozen DB Plan by purchasing an irrevocable nonparticipating annuity
contract with an insurance company (the “buy-out contract”). The buyout contract met the requirements for a settlement, as that
term is defined in ASC No. 715, Compensation-Retirement Benefits, and the DB Plan and Company, as sponsor, have been
relieved of primary responsibility for the benefits obligations. Participants of the DB Plan who had a vested benefit of less than
$5,000 were paid a one-time and final lump sum distribution, including the option to roll over their vested balance to an
individual retirement account at a financial institution.
Immediately before the settlement, benefit obligations and plan assets of the DB Plan were $78.7 million and $78.7 million,
respectively. The plan assets included a final cash contribution of $6.9 million made by the Company, as sponsor, at the time
the buy-out contract was purchased. Other than the aforementioned $6.9 million, the Company was not required to and did not
make any contributions in fiscal 2023 or fiscal 2022 to the DB Plan. During fiscal 2024, the Company received a net refund of
$2.5 million related to an adjustment to the settlement cost.
Substantially all of the plan assets were used to purchase the buyout contract from the insurance company on December 5,
2023. Just prior to settlement, the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive loss included unrecognized pension cost of
$30.4 million plus unrecognized deferred taxes of $4.5 million, for a total of $34.9 million and these amounts were reclassified
into earnings at settlement in fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.
As previously disclosed, during fiscal 2013 the Company contributed two properties to the DB Plan in lieu of a cash
contribution, and then entered into a lease for each of these properties and continued to use the properties in the Company’s
distribution operations. The DB Plan engaged an independent fiduciary to manage the properties on behalf of the DB Plan.
During fiscal 2022 and in anticipation of the settlement of the DB Plan, the Company repurchased these two real estate
properties from the DB Plan for $11.1 million and terminated the associated leases. The repurchase in 2022 included certain
land and buildings, located in Charleston, S.C. and Buffalo, N.Y., valued at approximately $11.1 million by independent
appraisals. The repurchase amount is included in pension contributions within the operating activities section of the Company’s
consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022.
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
63
Prior to settlement, actuarial assumptions for the plan during fiscal 2023 included considerations for settlement of the DB Plan.
The following tables set forth the change in projected benefit obligation and the change in plan assets for the DB Plan:
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
(In thousands)
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period
$
2,181 $
82,752
Interest cost
—
4,419
Actuarial gain
—
(240)
Benefits paid
(496)
(6,018)
Settlement
(1,685)
(78,732)
Projected benefit obligation at end of period (1)
$
— $
2,181
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of period
$
2,181 $
81,231
Actual return on plan assets
—
(1,200)
Employer contributions
—
6,900
Benefits paid
(496)
(6,018)
Settlement
(1,685)
(78,732)
Fair value of assets at end of period (1)
—
2,181
Net funded status of plan (1)
$
— $
—
(1) As disclosed above, the DB Plan was settled during fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. The remaining residual balances in projected
benefit obligations and fair value of assets as of December 30, 2023 were used to fund final expenses and wrap-up activities of the
separate trust entity trust, which was closed and terminated during December 2024.
The net adjustment to other comprehensive income (loss) for fiscal 2023 was a $32.7 million pre-tax loss. The amount for fiscal
2023 included a $30.4 million settlement loss. The remainder of the amount for fiscal 2023 was primarily due to a combination
of actuarial adjustments at year end in addition to the amortization of unrealized gain and/or losses throughout the fiscal year.
The net periodic pension cost (benefit) for the plan included the following:
Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 2024
Fiscal Year Ended
December 30, 2023
(In thousands)
Service cost
$
— $
—
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
—
4,419
Expected return on plan assets
—
(3,249)
Amortization of unrecognized loss
—
1,207
Before settlement (1)
—
2,377
Settlement (gain) loss (2)
(2,481)
30,440
Net periodic pension (benefit) cost for the pension plan
$
(2,481) $
32,817
(1) On the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, reported within Other expenses (income), net
(2) The DB Pension Plan was frozen and no service cost has been incurred for the plan since fiscal 2019. The settlement loss in fiscal 2023
and adjustment in fiscal 2024 are reported as a non-operating expense on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
64
The following assumptions were used to determine the projected benefit obligation at the measurement date and the net periodic
pension cost (credit):
December 30, 2023
Projected benefit obligation:
Discount rate
— %
Average rate of increase in future compensation levels
N/A
Net periodic pension cost or benefit:
Discount rate
5.34 %
Average rate of increase in future compensation levels
N/A
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
4.00 %
As disclosed above, the DB Plan was settled effective December 5, 2023. The assumptions in the table above for the fiscal year
ended December 30, 2023 were used to determine net periodic pension cost in fiscal 2023 prior to the settlement. The annuity
purchase price was used to measure the projected benefit obligation on settlement date.
Prior to settlement, estimates of the amount and timing of the Company’s future funding obligations for the DB Plan were
based upon various assumptions specified above. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the discount rate, projected
return on plan assets, and mortality rates. The rate of increase in future compensation levels had no effect on both the projected
benefit obligation and net periodic pension cost, as almost all the participants in the plan were inactive, the remaining active
participants were no longer accruing benefits, and the plan was closed to new entrants.
Assumptions for plan settlement liability estimate. As previously disclosed, plan liabilities were settled through a lump sum
offer to certain participants followed by an annuity buyout for remaining participants. The cost of this settlement was developed
relative to the plan-based accounting obligations, segmented by participant status and other demographic subgroups where
appropriate. The primary drivers of cost were lump sum election rates, the cost of lump sums relative to accounting obligations,
and the cost to purchase annuities for participants not electing lump sums.
Projected return on plan assets. Prior to settlement, pension plan assets were managed under a balanced portfolio allocation
policy comprised of two major components: a return-seeking portion and a liability-matching portion. The expected role of
return-seeking investments was designed to achieve a reasonable long-term growth of pension assets with a prudent level of
risk, while the role of liability-matching investments was designed to provide a partial hedge against liability performance
associated with changes in interest rates. The objective within return-seeking investments was to achieve asset diversity in order
to balance return and volatility. A designated fiduciary is engaged to manage the day-to-day investment responsibilities for
pension plan assets and relationships with certain agents, advisors, and other fiduciaries.
The discount rate. Prior to settlement, a full yield curve approach was utilized in the estimation of components by applying the
specific spot rates along the yield curve of high-quality corporate bonds used in determination of the benefit obligation to the
relevant projected cash flows.
Mortality rates. For fiscal year 2023 and 2022, in conjunction with the decision to settle the DB Plan, the valuations and
assumptions reflected adoption of the Society of Actuaries RP-2018 mortality tables with generational mortality improvement
and adjustments to reflect the characteristics of the plan in conjunction with actuarial assumptions customary in the insurance
industry.
Plan Assets and Long-Term Rate of Return
Fiscal 2023
Prior to settlement, asset return assumptions were based on current and expected asset allocations, as well as historical and
expected returns on the plan asset categories. The allocation of the DB Plan’s assets impacted expected return on plan assets.
The expected return on plan assets was based on a targeted allocation consisting of return-seeking securities (including public
equity, real assets, and diversified credit investment strategies), liability-matching securities (fixed income), and cash and cash
equivalents. Net benefit cost increased as the expected return on plan assets decreased. Actual long-term asset allocations on
average were designed to approximate targeted allocation. Targeted allocation was driven by investment strategy to earn a
reasonable rate of return while maintaining risk at acceptable levels through the diversification of investments across and within
various asset categories. For fiscal 2023, an expected rate of return on plan assets of 4.00% was used.
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
65
Prior to settlement, the investment policy for the DB Pension Plan, in general, was to achieve a reasonable long-term rate of
return on plan assets with an acceptable level of risk in order to maintain adequate funding levels. The plan’s investment
committee established risk mitigation policies and regularly monitored investment performance and investment allocation
policies, with a third-party investment advisor executing on these strategies. A designated fiduciary was utilized to manage the
day-to-day investment responsibilities for plan assets and relationships with certain agents, advisors, and other fiduciaries.
11. Share-Based Compensation
On May 20, 2021 at its annual meeting of stockholders, the Company’s stockholders approved the BlueLinx Holdings, Inc.
2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”), which had already been approved by the Company’s board of directors. The
2021 Plan permits the grant of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock,
restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance shares, performance units, cash-based awards, and other share-based awards to
eligible employees and board members who are selected by the Company’s board of directors or a committee of the board of
directors. The Company has reserved 750,000 shares of its common stock for issuance under the 2021 Plan.
At any time, the number of remaining shares available for future grants against the 750,000 share authorization is determined
by: subtracting the number of shares associated with grants that have been issued under the 750,000 share authorization,
whether vested or unvested; adding the number of shares associated with those grants that have been either subsequently
forfeited or cancelled; and adding the number of shares that were repurchased by the Company at vesting to satisfy employee
payroll withholding taxes for grants, other than any grants of SARs or stock options, that were issued against the 750,000 share
authorization. Additionally, shares available for issuance under the 2021 Plan include certain shares associated with grants
made under the Company’s prior equity compensation plans, as follows: forfeitures and cancellations of grants that occur after
May 20, 2021, and shares repurchased by the Company to satisfy employee payroll withholding taxes for grants, other than any
grants of SARS or stock options, that vest after May 20, 2021. As of December 28, 2024, there were 508,060 shares of
common stock available for issuance pursuant to future equity-based compensation awards under the 2021 Plan.
The Company typically issues new shares of its common stock to participants upon the exercise or vesting of vested grants out
of the total amount of common shares available for issuance under the aforementioned plan. The 2021 Plan does not permit the
payment of dividends or dividend equivalents on unvested grants that include underlying shares of the Company’s common
stock.
During fiscal years 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company issued service-based and performance-based RSU grants to eligible
employees and members of the Company’s board of directors. Each RSU represents a contingent right to receive one share of
our common stock at a future date.
Service-Based Restricted Stock Units
Service-based RSUs are issued to eligible employees and members of the Company’s board of directors. Service-based RSUs
issued to members of the Company’s board of directors typically vest over a one-year service vesting period, although a pro-
rated portion of the award may vest and settle prior to the one-year period with the remainder forfeited if the director is not
standing for re-election or upon retirement from the Company’s board of directors. Service-based RSUs issued to employees of
the Company typically vest ratably over a three-year service vesting period.
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
66
The following table summarizes activity for service-based RSUs for fiscal years 2024 and 2023:
Number of
Awards
Weighted Average
Grant-Date Fair
Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 2022
264,360 $
55.07
Granted
158,276
90.49
Vested
(170,066)
50.30
Forfeited
(50,264)
75.67
Outstanding as of December 30, 2023
202,306
82.25
Granted
153,429
103.69
Vested
(105,216)
79.45
Forfeited
(40,236)
94.21
Outstanding as of December 28, 2024
210,283
97.08
The total fair value of service-based RSUs that vested in fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023, and fiscal 2022 was $11.0 million, $14.3
million and $26.8 million, respectively.
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
Performance-based RSUs are issued to eligible employees and typically vest over a three-year period based on the achievement
of performance goals based on three-year cumulative adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization) of the Company and three-year average return on working capital (“ROWC”) for the Company. The grant
recipient must also typically complete a three-year service vesting period. As of December 28, 2024, the three-year vesting
period and metrics have not been achieved for the performance-based RSUs granted in fiscal 2024, 2023 or 2022.
Expense for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 includes a credit of $4.3 million related to cumulative adjustments for
certain unvested restricted stock unit grants that were granted in June 2022 and at various times in 2023 that are subject to
vesting based, in part, on performance criteria that are not expected, as of December 28, 2024, to be fully achieved before the
end of the applicable vesting periods that end on either June 28, 2025 or July 4, 2026.
The following table summarizes activity for performance-based RSUs for fiscal years 2024 and 2023. The number outstanding
as of December 31, 2022, December 30, 2023, and December 28, 2024 include all then-outstanding performance-based RSUs,
including those for which the performance criteria were not expected to be achieved at or before the applicable vesting periods.
Number of
Awards
Weighted Average
Grant-Date Fair
Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 2022
61,049 $
66.81
Granted
77,785
92.44
Forfeited
(23,436)
75.11
Outstanding as of December 30, 2023
115,398
82.40
Granted
44,828
98.07
Forfeited
(24,779)
88.84
Outstanding as of December 28, 2024
135,447
86.29
Compensation Expense
During fiscal years 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $7.7 million, $12.1
million, and $9.6 million, respectively. The Company recognized related income tax benefits in fiscal years 2024, 2023 and
2022 of $2.8 million, $2.6 million, and $3.8 million, respectively.
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
67
As of December 28, 2024, there was approximately $16.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to service-
based RSUs and performance-based RSUs. The unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a
weighted average term of approximately 2.0 years.
12. Stockholders' Equity, Earnings Per Share and Share Repurchases
Stockholders’ Equity - Common Stock and Preferred Stock
The Company has authorized 20 million shares of common stock with a par value of $0.01 per share. The Company has only
one class of common stock authorized and issued. Holders of the Company’s common stock are entitled to one vote for each
share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders and there are no cumulative voting rights. The
Company’s common stock has no preemptive, redemption, conversion or subscription rights. The Company has generally not
paid cash dividends on its common stock. Any future dividend payments would be subject to the discretion of the Company’s
board of directors and contractual restrictions under the Company’s revolving credit facility and senior secured notes. The
BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan does not permit the payment of dividends or dividend equivalents on
unvested grants that include underlying shares of the Company’s common stock.
The Company has authorized 30 million shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.01 per share. The Company has never
issued any shares of preferred stock. The Company’s board of directors is authorized to issue, at any time and from time to
time, shares of preferred stock in one or more series. The shares of preferred stock in any series can have preferences with
respect to the Company’s common stock and other series of preferred stock, and such other rights, restrictions or limitations
with respect to voting, dividends, conversion, exchange, redemption and any other matters, as may be set forth by the
Company’s board of directors.
Earnings Per Share
The Company calculates basic earnings per share by dividing net income for the period by the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding for the period. For rounding purposes when calculating earnings per share, the Company’s policy is
to round down to the whole cent.
Diluted earnings per share are calculated using the treasury stock method whereby net income for the period is divided by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period plus the dilutive effect, if any, of shares of stock
associated with unvested share-based grants. However, for performance-based share-based grants, the dilutive effect is included
only for grants where the performance goals have been achieved.
The reconciliations of basic net income and diluted earnings per common share for fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023, and fiscal 2022
were as follows:
Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
(amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net income
$
53,116 $
48,536 $
296,176
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic
8,531
8,987
9,328
Dilutive effect of share-based awards
41
7
70
Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted
8,572
8,994
9,398
Basic earnings per share
$
6.22 $
5.40 $
31.75
Diluted earnings per share
$
6.19 $
5.39 $
31.51
For fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, weighted-average unvested time-based restricted stock units totaling 376, 107,498, and
69,070, respectively, and weighted-average unvested performance-based restricted stock units totaling 118,938, 82,042, and
30,860, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the respective
periods. The unvested time-based restricted stock units were excluded because they were antidilutive based on their unearned
compensation amounts and on the Company’s average stock price during the periods. The unvested performance-based
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
68
restricted stock units were excluded because their performance metrics had not been achieved as of the end of the respective
reporting period.
Share Repurchases
2021/2022 Authorization
On August 23, 2021, the Company’s board of directors approved a stock repurchase program that authorized the Company to
repurchase up to $25.0 million of its common stock. During the first quarter of fiscal 2022, the Company repurchased 81,331
shares of its common stock under this program at an average price of $79.03 per share. On May 3, 2022, the Company’s board
of directors increased the share repurchase authorization to $100 million and the Company entered into an accelerated share
repurchase agreement (the “ASR Agreement”) to repurchase $60 million of its common stock. Under the ASR Agreement, the
Company received delivery of 801,015 shares of its common stock in fiscal 2022 at an average price of $74.90 per share.
During fiscal 2023, the Company exhausted the remaining available capacity under its stock repurchase program by completing
the repurchases of 404,796 shares at an average price of $82.91 through October 2023.
2023 Authorization
On October 31, 2023, the Company’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program for $100 million. Under this
share repurchase program, the Company may repurchase its common stock from time to time, without prior notice, subject to
prevailing market conditions and other considerations. Repurchases may be made through a variety of methods, which may
include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated share repurchase programs, tender offers or
pursuant to a trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b5-1.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company repurchased 101,516 shares of its common stock at an average price of
$84.45, including broker commissions but excluding excise taxes. During fiscal 2024, the Company repurchased 428,630 shares
of its common stock at an average price of $104.90, including broker commissions but excluding excise taxes. As of December
28, 2024, a total of 530,146 shares of the Company’s commons stock have been repurchased under the 2023 authorization at an
average price of $100.99, including broker commissions but excluding excise taxes. As of December 28, 2024, there remains
$46.5 million repurchase capacity under this authorization.
Common stock repurchases of $45.3 million and $42.5 million for fiscal years 2024 and 2023, respectively, as indicated on the
Company’s consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity include accrued excise taxes of $0.4 million and $0.3 million,
respectively, that are deemed to be a cost of the share repurchases. Excise taxes levied against a current year’s share
repurchases are typically paid in the following year per applicable law. On the Company’s consolidated statements of cash
flow, these excise taxes are reflected in the fiscal period of payment.
13. Lease Commitments
The Company has operating and finance leases for certain of its distribution facilities, office space, land, mobile fleet, and
equipment. Many of these leases are non-cancelable and typically have a defined initial lease term, and some provide options to
renew at the Company’s election for specified periods of time. The majority of these leases have remaining lease terms of one
to 15 years, some of which include one or more options to extend the leases for five years. These leases generally provide for
fixed annual rentals. Certain leases include provisions for escalating rent based on, among other things, contractually defined
increases and/or changes in the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”). The known changes to lease payments are included in the lease
liability at lease commencement. Unknown changes related to CPI are treated as variable lease payments and recognized in the
period in which the obligation for those payments was incurred. In addition, a subset of vehicle lease cost is considered
variable. Some leases require the Company to pay taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses associated with the leased assets.
The lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception and assesses lease classification as either operating or finance
at lease inception or modification. Operating lease right-of use (“ROU”) assets and liabilities are presented separately on the
consolidated balance sheets. Finance lease ROU assets are included in property and equipment and the finance lease obligations
are presented separately in the consolidated balance sheets. When a lease does not provide an implicit interest rate, the
Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the
present value of future payments. The Company has also made an accounting policy election to not separate lease components
from non-lease components related to its mobile fleet asset class.
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
69
The Company’s finance lease liabilities consist of leases related to real estate, equipment and vehicles. A majority of the
Company’s finance leases relate to real estate. During fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2018, the Company entered into real estate
financing transactions on certain of its warehouse facilities. These transactions were completed pursuant to sale-leaseback
arrangements, and upon their completion, the Company entered into long-term leases on the properties having renewal options.
The Company accounted for these transactions in accordance with the ASC 840, Leases, which was the lease accounting
standard in effect for the Company at the inception of these arrangements. The Company recorded these transactions as finance
lease liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet. Gains on these sale-leaseback transactions were deferred and are being
recognized in earnings. As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, the remaining unrecognized deferred gains related to
these transactions were $67.2 million and $70.5 million, respectively, and these deferred gains are being recognized in earnings
on a straight-line basis. During fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized $3.9 million, $3.9 million, $3.9 million,
respectively, of these deferred gains.
The following table presents the assets and liabilities related to the Company’s finance and operating leases as of December 28,
2024 and December 30, 2023:
Lease assets and liabilities
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
(In thousands)
Assets
Classification
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Operating lease right-of-use assets
$
47,221 $
37,227
Finance lease right-of-use assets (1) (2) Property and equipment, net
134,319
138,357
Total lease right-of-use assets
$
181,540 $
175,584
Liabilities
Current portion
Operating lease liabilities
Operating lease liabilities - short term $
8,478 $
6,284
Finance lease liabilities
Finance lease liabilities - short term
12,541
11,178
Non-current portion
Operating lease liabilities
Operating lease liabilities - long term
40,114
32,519
Finance lease liabilities
Finance lease liabilities - long term
280,002
274,248
Total lease liabilities
$
341,135 $
324,229
(1) Finance lease right-of-use assets are presented net of accumulated amortization of $112.3 million and $102.9 million as of
December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively.
(2) During fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company added fleet assets under finance leases of $19.4 million, $19.9 million and
$9.1 million, respectively. These additions did not involve cash outlays and therefore are not included in “Property and
equipment investments” within cash flows from investing activities on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.
The components of lease expense were as follows:
Components of lease expense
Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 2024
Fiscal Year Ended
December 30, 2023
Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 2022
(In thousands)
Operating lease cost:
Operating lease cost
$
10,898 $
11,485 $
11,963
Sublease income
(3,582)
(3,334)
(2,704)
Total operating lease costs
$
7,316 $
8,151 $
9,259
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets
$
18,692 $
16,493 $
16,350
Interest on lease liabilities
25,653
24,380
24,469
Total finance lease costs
$
44,345 $
40,873 $
40,819
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
70
Cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
Cash flow information
Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 2024
Fiscal Year Ended
December 30, 2023
Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 2022
(In thousands)
Cash paid for amounts included in the
measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from operating leases
$
11,064 $
11,671 $
11,614
Operating cash flows from finance leases
25,653
24,380
24,469
Financing cash flows from finance leases
$
13,427 $
9,208 $
10,907
Non-cash supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
Non-cash information
Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 2024
Fiscal Year Ended
December 30, 2023
Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 2022
(In thousands)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease
obligations
Operating leases (1)
$
18,097 $
1,883 $
7,968
Finance leases
19,373
19,861
9,092
(1) Includes operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in acquisition for fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. See Note 2,
Business Combination, for further information.
Supplemental balance sheet information for right-of-use assets related to leases was as follows:
Balance sheet information
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
($ amounts in thousands)
Finance leases
Property and equipment
$
246,635
$
241,276
Accumulated depreciation
(112,316)
(102,919)
Property and equipment, net
$
134,319
$
138,357
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (in years)
Operating leases
8.34
8.88
Finance leases
17.68
19.94
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases
8.15 %
8.74 %
Finance leases
8.88 %
8.84 %
The major categories of the Company’s finance lease liabilities as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 are as
follows:
Category
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
(In thousands)
Equipment and vehicles
$
49,785 $
42,252
Real estate (1)
242,758
243,174
Total finance leases
$
292,543 $
285,426
(1) Amounts include $125.1 million and $125.0 million as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively, for sale-
leasebacks of real estate in fiscal 2019 and 2020 that did not qualify for sale treatment for accounting purposes.
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
71
Under the short-term lease exception provided within ASC 842, the Company does not record a lease liability or right-of-use
asset for any lease that has a lease term of 12 months or less at commencement. Below is a summary of undiscounted finance
and operating lease liabilities that have initial terms in excess of one year as of December 28, 2024. The table also includes a
reconciliation of the future undiscounted cash flows to the present value of the finance and operating lease liabilities included in
the consolidated balance sheets, including options to extend lease terms that are reasonably certain of being exercised.
Operating leases
Finance leases
(In thousands)
2025
$
11,375 $
38,006
2026
8,709
40,903
2027
7,781
35,315
2028
7,493
35,530
2029
6,522
32,280
Thereafter
26,764
472,341
Total lease payments
$
68,644 $
654,375
Less: imputed interest
(20,052)
(361,832)
Total
$
48,592 $
292,543
14. Commitments and Contingencies
Regulatory Matters
Government and regulatory agencies may have the ability to conduct routine audits and periodic examinations of, and
administrative proceedings regarding, the Company’s business operations.
As previously disclosed, U.S. Customs gathered initial information from the Company under routine audit procedures, and the
information indicated that the Company potentially underpaid duties in prior periods arising from certain classification
discrepancies for products imported into the United States as separately entered shipments. In working with U.S. Customs, the
Company has exercised reasonable care to address this matter in an equitable and expeditious manner through the filing of a
prior disclosure submission with U.S. Customs. U.S. Customs is expected to review the Company’s prior disclosure submission
in the first quarter of 2025. However, as of December 28, 2024, the Company estimates that it will be required to pay
approximately $8.0 million, excluding any interest. This amount is reflected in Other current liabilities on the Company’s
consolidated balance sheet as of December 28, 2024. On the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, expense of
$8.0 million, excluding interest, was recognized during fiscal 2024 within Cost of products sold.
The Company has received notice that U.S. Customs is confirming the origin of certain imported hardwood plywood products
sold by the Company. The Company has provided substantiating documentation to U.S. Customs and is continuing to work
with U.S. Customs in response to the request. At this time, the Company is unable to reasonably predict the possible outcome of
this matter or provide a range of potential losses, if any, as a result of the request.
See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, under the heading Inventory, for disclosure concerning another matter
related to import duties.
Environmental Matters
From time to time, the Company may be involved in proceedings involving various environmental and pollution control laws
and regulations in the jurisdictions in which it operates. When the Company believes it has material financial exposure to these
matters, it estimates and recognizes adequate liabilities and, if applicable, also timely records any expected recoveries from
insurance coverages or subrogation in accordance with GAAP. Such liabilities, when recorded, may or may not be discounted,
as required or permitted by GAAP. Based on presently available information, the Company has no material obligations for
environmental matters as of December 28, 2024.
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
72
Collective Bargaining Agreements
As of December 28, 2024, the Company employed approximately 2,000 associates and less than one percent of these associates
are employed on a part-time basis. Approximately 20 percent of these associates are represented by various local labor unions
with terms and conditions of employment governed by Collective Bargaining Agreements (“CBAs”). Six CBAs covering
approximately 6% of our associates are up for renewal in fiscal year 2025, of which one is currently in the renegotiation
process. We expect to renegotiate the remainder before their renewal dates.
Commitments to Purchase Inventory
The Company’s purchase orders are based on near-term needs and are typically fulfilled by vendors within short time horizons.
The Company does not have significant agreements for the purchase of inventory specifying minimum quantities or set prices
that exceed expected requirements or that cannot be canceled by the Company within 30 to 60 days.
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
73
15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is a measure of income which includes both net income (loss) and other comprehensive income
(loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) results from items deferred from recognition in the Company’s consolidated
statements of operations. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is separately presented on the consolidated balance
sheet as part of total stockholders’ equity.
The changes in accumulated balances for each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022
were as follows:
Impact of defined
benefit pension plan,
net of tax
Other, net of tax
Total
(In thousands)
Balance as of end of fiscal 2021, net of tax
$
(30,245) $
885 $
(29,360)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (1)
(2,430)
378
(2,052)
Balance as of end of fiscal 2022, net of tax
$
(32,675) $
1,263 $
(31,412)
Other comprehensive income (loss), including tax (2)
32,675
(1,263)
31,412
Balance as of end of fiscal 2023 (3)
$
— $
— $
—
(1) For fiscal 2022, included $2.4 million of net other comprehensive loss, net of deferred tax benefit of $0.8 million, related to
the defined benefit pension plan for actuarial adjustments and amortization of unrecognized amounts from prior years.
(2) For fiscal 2023, included $32.7 million related to the single-employer defined benefit pension plan, as follows: $(3.1) million
net of tax of $1.1 million for actuarial adjustments; $0.9 million net of tax of $(0.3) million for amortization of unrecognized
amounts from prior years; and $30.4 million plus tax of $4.5 million for the settlement of the plan and reclassification of
these amounts to earnings.
(3) As of the end of fiscal 2023, the Company no longer has any items recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss).
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
74
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Interim
Principal Financial Officer, we performed an evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this report, of our disclosure
controls and procedures, which have been designed to permit us to record, process, summarize, and report, within time periods
specified by the SEC’s rules and forms, information required to be disclosed. Our management, including our Chief Executive
Officer and Interim Principal Financial Officer, concluded that the controls and procedures were effective as of December 28,
2024, to ensure that material information was accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief
Executive Officer and Interim Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control
During the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, we did not make any changes in our internal control over financial reporting
that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is
defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over financial
reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies may deteriorate.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 28,
2024, using the criteria issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in the
2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on that evaluation, management believes that our internal control over
financial reporting was effective as of December 28, 2024.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2024, has been audited by Ernst & Young
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, which also audited our consolidated financial statements for the year
ended December 28, 2024.
Ernst & Young LLP’s report on our internal control over financial reporting is set forth below.
75
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of BlueLinx Holdings Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited BlueLinx Holdings Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2024, based on criteria
established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, BlueLinx Holdings Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all
material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2024, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, the related
consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 28, 2024, and the related notes and our report dated February 18, 2025 expressed an
unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual
Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are
required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all
material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material
weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and
performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 18, 2025
76
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None of our directors or executive officers adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or a non-Rule 10b5-1
trading arrangement (as defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K) during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
77
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the applicable disclosures under the captions
entitled “Proposal 1: Election of Directors,” “More Information about the Board of Directors,” “Communications with the
Board of Directors,” “Director Compensation for 2024,” “Audit Committee Report,” “Corporate Governance Guidelines and
Code of Conduct,” “Prohibitions on Hedging and Pledging” and “Insider Trading Policy” in our Proxy Statement for our 2025
Annual Meeting of Stockholders of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. to be filed within 120 days after the end of our 2024 fiscal year.
Our Code of Ethics is available on our website, BlueLinxCo.com.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the applicable disclosures under the captions
entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Human Capital and Compensation Committee Report,” and “Compensation
of Executive Officers” in our Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days after the end of our 2024 fiscal year.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information about the shares of our common stock that may be issued upon the vesting of
restricted stock units made under our existing equity compensation plan as of December 28, 2024. Our stockholder-approved
equity compensation plan now consists of the BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which was approved by
our shareholders effective May 20, 2021 and authorizes up to 750,000 shares of our common stock to be issued for grants of our
common stock and for options to purchase our common stock. At any time, the number of remaining shares available for future
grants against the 750,000 share authorization is determined by: subtracting the number of shares associated with grants that
have been issued under the 750,000 share authorization, whether vested or unvested; adding the number of shares associated
with those grants that have been either subsequently forfeited or cancelled; and adding the number of shares that were
repurchased by the Company at vesting to satisfy employee payroll withholding taxes for grants, other than any grants of SARs
or stock options, that were issued against the 750,000 share authorization. Additionally, shares available for issuance under the
BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan include certain shares associated with grants made under the
Company’s prior equity compensation plans, as follows: forfeitures and cancellations of grants that occur after May 20, 2021;
and shares repurchased by the Company to satisfy employee payroll withholding taxes for grants, other than any grants of
SARS or stock options, that vest after May 20, 2021. As of December 28, 2024, we have no outstanding stock options or
warrants.
(a)
(b)
(c)
Plan Category
Number of
Securities
to be Issued
Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants and
Rights (1)
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants
and Rights (2)
Number of Securities
Remaining
Available for Future
Issuance Under
Equity Compensation
Plans
(Excluding Securities
Reflected in
Column (a))
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
345,730
$
—
508,060
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (3)
n/a
n/a
n/a
Total
345,730
$
—
508,060
(1) Includes 210,283 service-based restricted stock units and 135,447 performance-based restricted stock units, assuming the applicable
performance targets are met. Upon vesting, each restricted stock unit results in the issuance of one share of the Company’s common stock.
The performance-based restricted stock units vest upon the achievement of specified performance goals. An additional 135,447 shares
would be issuable under these performance-based awards if the maximum performance goals are met, for a total of 270,894
shares. However, based on performance through December 28, 2024, the Company expects that 45,000 of the outstanding
performance-based restricted stock units will vest upon completion of the applicable performance periods.
(2) The weighted-average exercise price does not take into account outstanding restricted stock units, which have no exercise price.
(3) We do not have any non-stockholder approved equity compensation plans.
78
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the applicable disclosure under the captions entitled
“Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “More Information About the Board of Directors” in our Proxy
Statement to be filed within 120 days after the end of our 2024 fiscal year.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the applicable disclosure under the caption entitled
“Proposal 2 - Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in our Proxy Statement to be filed within 120
days after the end of our 2024 fiscal year.
79
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Financial Statements, Schedules, and Exhibits
1. Financial Statements. The Financial Statements of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries and the Report of Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm are presented under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
2. Financial Statement Schedules. Omitted because the information is not required or because the information required is
included in the financial statements or notes thereto in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
3. Exhibits.
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 9, 2018, by and among BlueLinx Corporation, Panther
Merger Sub, Inc., Cedar Creek Holdings, Inc. and Charlesbank Equity Fund VII, Limited Partnership
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 12, 2018)
3.1
Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of BlueLinx, as amended (incorporated by
reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 20, 2015)
3.2
Certificate of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of BlueLinx
Holdings Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on June 13, 2016)
3.3
Third Amended and Restated ByLaws of BlueLinx (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2023)
4.1
Description of Registrant’s Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 10-
K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2024)
4.2
Indenture, dated as of October 25, 2021, by and among BlueLinx Holdings Inc., the guarantors party thereto
and Truist Bank, as trustee and collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s
Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 25, 2021)
10.1
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 12, 2004, by and among Georgia-Pacific Corporation,
Georgia-Pacific Building Materials Sales, Ltd. and BlueLinx Corporation (A)
10.2
First Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2004, by and among Georgia-Pacific
Corporation, Georgia-Pacific Building Materials Sales, Ltd. and BlueLinx Corporation (A)
10.3
Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 13, 2011) ±
10.4
BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2016 Amended and Restated Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan Restricted Stock
Unit Award Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the
Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 2, 2017) ±
10.5
Environmental Indemnity Agreement, dated as of June 9, 2006, by BlueLinx Holdings Inc. in favor of
German American Capital Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 8-
K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 15, 2006)
10.6
Employment Agreement between BlueLinx Corporation and Shyam K. Reddy, dated May 3, 2017
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on August 10, 2017) ±
10.7
Transition Agreement between BlueLinx Corporation and Tricia A. Kinney, dated November 6, 2024
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on November 8, 2024) ±
10.8
BlueLinx Holdings Inc, Amended and Restated Short-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Appendix A to the Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 18, 2017) ±
10.9
BlueLinx Holdings Inc. Executive Severance Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 27, 2015) ±
10.10
Form of Executive Restrictive Covenant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 27, 2015) ±
Exhibit Number
Item
80
10.11
Revised Form of Executive Restrictive Covenant Agreement ± (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13
to the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2024)
10.12
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated April 13, 2018, by and among BlueLinx Holdings Inc.,
certain subsidiaries of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. as borrowers or guarantors thereunder, Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association, as administrative agent, and certain other financial institutions party thereto
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 16, 2018)
10.13
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated January 31, 2020, by and among
BlueLinx Holdings Inc., certain subsidiaries of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. as borrowers or guarantors
thereunder, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and certain other financial
institutions party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 6, 2020)
10.14
Amended and Restated Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated April 13, 2018, by and among BlueLinx
Holdings Inc., certain subsidiaries of BlueLinx Holdings Inc., and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 16, 2018)
10.15
BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the
Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 20,
2021) ±
10.16
Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated August 2, 2021, by and among
BlueLinx Holdings Inc., certain subsidiaries of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. as borrowers or guarantors
thereunder, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and certain other financial
institutions party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 3, 2021)
10.17
Form of 2021 Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2021
Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the
Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 3, 2021) ±
10.18
BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2021 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Non-
Employee Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on August 3, 2021) ±
10.19
Form of 2022 Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2021
Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 2, 2022) ±
10.20
Form of 2022 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the BlueLinx Holdings
Inc. 2021 Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 2, 2022) ±
10.21
Transition Agreement between BlueLinx Corporation and Shyam K. Reddy, dated September 29, 2022
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on September 30, 2022) ±
10.22
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated October 3, 2022, by and among BlueLinx Corporation, Vandermeer
Forest Products, Inc. and David. J. Staudacher (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s
Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 3, 2022)
10.23
Amended Transition Agreement between BlueLinx Corporation and Shyam K. Reddy, dated December 23,
2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on December 23, 2022) ±
10.24
Employment Agreement, dated March 21, 2023, between the Company, BlueLinx Corporation and Shyam
Reddy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 21, 2023 ±.
10.25
Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated June 27, 2023, by and among
BlueLinx Holdings Inc., certain subsidiaries of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. as borrowers or guarantors
thereunder, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and certain other financial
institutions party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 1, 2023).
10.26
Employment Agreement, dated July 6, 2023, between BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and Andrew Warner
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on October 31, 2023) ±.
10.27
Form of 2023 Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2021
Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan ± (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the
Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2024)
Exhibit Number
Item
81
10.28
Form of 2023 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the BlueLinx Holdings
Inc. 2021 Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan ± (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to
the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2024)
10.29
Form of 2023 Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2021
Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan ± (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the
Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2024)
10.30
Form of 2024 Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2021
Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan ± (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 30, 2024)
10.31
Form of 2024 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the BlueLinx Holdings
Inc. 2021 Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan ± (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 30, 2024)
10.32
Form of 2024 Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2021
Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan ± (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the
Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 30, 2024)
19.1
Insider Trading Policy*
21.1
List of subsidiaries of the Company*
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP*
31.1
Certification of Shyam Reddy, Principal Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002*
31.2
Certification of Kimberly DeBrock, Interim Principal Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
32.1
Certification of Shyam Reddy, Principal Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002**
32.2
Certification of Kimberly DeBrock, Interim Principal Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002**
97.1
BlueLinx Holdings Inc. Policy on Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation,
effective as of November 15, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 97.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2024)
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its
XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document *
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Schema Document*
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document*
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document*
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) *
Exhibit Number
Item
*
Filed herewith.
**
Exhibit is being furnished and shall not deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subjected to liability under that Section. This exhibit
shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document pursuant to the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference.
±
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(A)
Previously filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (Reg. No. 333-118750) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 1, 2004.
82
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
83
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
BlueLinx Holdings Inc.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Shyam K. Reddy
Shyam K. Reddy
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: February 18, 2025
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Capacity
Date
Name
/s/ Shyam K. Reddy
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Director (Principal Executive Officer)
February 18, 2025
Shyam K. Reddy
/s/ Kimberly DeBrock
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, and
Interim Principal Financial Officer (Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
February 18, 2025
Kimberly DeBrock
/s/ Kim S. Fennebresque
Chairman
February 18, 2025
Kim S. Fennebresque
/s/ Anuj Dhanda
Director
February 18, 2025
Anuj Dhanda
/s/ Dominic DiNapoli
Director
February 18, 2025
Dominic DiNapoli
/s/ Keith A. Haas
Director
February 18, 2025
Keith A. Haas
/s/ Mitchell B. Lewis
Director
February 18, 2025
Mitchell B. Lewis
/s/ J. David Smith
Director
February 18, 2025
J. David Smith
/s/ Carol B. Yancey
Director
February 18, 2025
Carol B. Yancey
/s/ Marietta Edmunds Zakas
Director
February 18, 2025
Marietta Edmunds Zakas
84
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Stockholder Information
BlueLinx Holdings Inc. Headquarters:
1950 Spectrum Circle, Suite 300
Marietta, Georgia 30067
770-953-7000
Board of Directors:
Kim S. Fennebresque
Chairman
Executive Officers:
Shyam K. Reddy
President and CEO
Annual Meeting:
The Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders will be held at 11:00 a.m.,
EDT, on Thursday, May 15, at the
Company’s headquarters at
1950 Spectrum Circle, Suite 300,
Marietta, Georgia 30067
Shyam K. Reddy
President, CEO, and
Director
Anuj Dhanda
Director
Michael Wilson
Chief Commercial Officer
Kimberly DeBrock
Interim Principal
Financial Officer
Common Stock:
The common stock of BlueLinx Holdings
Inc. is traded on the New York Stock
Exchange. The trading symbol is “BXC.”
Dominic DiNapoli
Director
Keith A. Haas
Director
Inquiries:
Inquiries from stockholders, securities
analysts, interested investors, and the news
media regarding Company information, or
requests for exhibits to our Form 10-K,
should be directed to Investor Relations,
BlueLinx Holdings Inc.,
Investor@BlueLinxCo.com or by phone
(866) 671-5138. Additional information
can be found on the Company’s website:
www.BlueLinxCo.com.
Mitchell B. Lewis
Director
J. David Smith
Director
Carol B. Yancey
Director
Marietta Edmunds Zakas
Director
Registrar and Transfer Agent:
Stockholder inquiries regarding change of
address, transfer of stock certificates, and
lost certificates should be directed to:
Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions
P.O. Box 1342
Brentwood, NY 11717
Overnight deliveries:
ATTN: IWS
1155 Long Island Avenue
Edgewood, NY 11717
Call center 1-866-321-8022
Website: https://shareholder.broadridge.com
Independent Auditors:
Ernst & Young LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
www.bluelinxco.com